Stormwater Management

CITY STORMWATER PROJECTS

STREAM RESTORATION 

Stream restoration has been recognized as an effective method to address erosion of stream bed and banks.  The University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science hosts a Science for Citizens Webinar Series.  A recent April 2021 Webinar titled Stream Restoration: Is it Helping Our Streams and the Chesapeake Bay? provided a current perspective from researcher Solange Filos.  The informative webinar can be viewed by clicking here.  

The City has assessed multiple streams within the City's boundaries.  In 2018 several eroded and degraded stream segments were assessed as candidates for future restoration consideration. 

In 2020 the City refined the restoration candidates and completed a feasibility review of four stream segments.  This effort was largely supported by The Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and their 2019 award of a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.  

Following the feasibility evaluation a comprehensive review of the resulting streams on-going erosion was performed.  The resulting review identified erosion rates and potential pollution reductions from restoration.

Spring 2021 the City initiated outreach to residents and decision makers to describe the stream situation.  Wetland and stream specialists provided slides with renderings of restored stream segments to use for instructional and informational purposes.  [The upper left corner of each slide has a 'notes' icon that performs as a brief narrative for each slide.]

Introduction to City MS4 Permit

This Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) operated by the City of Fredericksburg was approved for coverage under the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) on December 9, 2002 (General Permit Number VAR040058). This Permit requires The City of Fredericksburg to develop and implement a Stormwater Management (SWM) Program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP), to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law.

DEQ MS4 General Permit Notice of Coverage

VPDES MS4 General Permit
MS4 Program Plan (24 MBs)

To obtain additional information or comments regarding:

  • The City’s MS4 Program and MS4 Program Plan;

  • The City’s stormwater public education and outreach program; or

  • Submitting a complaint regarding land disturbing activities

Please contact the Planning Services Division HERE.

Additional comments regarding the City’s MS4 permit may be directed to the Public Works Department- (540) 372-1023.


To report a suspected Environmental Crime or suspected Illicit Discharge into the storm sewer system, contact the Fire Department 540.372.1059 (or 540.373.3122 for after hours emergencies).

MS4 REPORTS

Best Management Practices

Fredericksburg’s Stormwater Management is in the form of six minimum control measures known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) as required by the VPDES general permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.

The current BMPs are as follows: 

Public Education & Outreach

The City of Fredericksburg has implemented a Public Outreach program through partnerships and distributing media materials such as brochures and flyers. The City’s partnership with Friends of the Rappahannock has resulted in long- and short-term projects to educate the community on resource conservation, watershed protection and river stewardship. The coordination between The City of Fredericksburg and Virginia Outdoors Foundation has protected 4,200 acres of land along the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers.

Public Participation & Involvement

The City of Fredericksburg addresses water quality issues at periodic Wetland Board meetings. These meetings are open to the public for input on local resource issues and future development. The City of Fredericksburg in partnership with the Friends of the Rappahannock are actively hosting events such as "Fintastically Fredericksburg" and the Spring and Fall River Clean Ups. These events promote public participation in watershed conservation, protection, and management. The City is developing a set of trails and routes to facilitate public awareness on safety, environmental education, waterway awareness, and trail etiquette. The City’s recycling program provides detailed guidance to its residents and local businesses on recycling.

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

The City of Fredericksburg developed Illicit Discharge Ordinances and Actions addressing potential environmental violations associated with stormwater management (Chapter 59, Article IV Illicit Discharges). Investigation methods are based on Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) guidelines.

The following provides a brief synopsis of The City’s actions currently underway:

  • Currently training City shop employees to recognize spill, illicit discharge, and dumping.
  • Developing a storm sewer network map to identify receiving waterways and outfalls.

Fund Raising Car Wash Guidelines


Construction Site Runoff Control

Specific ordinances have been developed by the City of Fredericksburg to guide the public and local businesses through proper construction procedures to ensure minimal erosion and sedimentation of local waterways.

Post-Construction Site Runoff Control

The City of Fredericksburg has developed a specific ordinance related to post-construction development.

Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The City of Fredericksburg has a set of management processes and procedures known as Environmental Management System (EMS) allowing the City to analyze, control and reduce environmental impacts of its activities. These activities include: Household Hazardous Waste Disposal in cooperation with Stafford County, bulk item pickup, and weekly street sweeping within the City’s limits.