Environmental

Chesapeake Bay Act

The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act ("The Bay Act") was enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 as a critical element of Virginia's non-point source management program. The Bay Act program is designed to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and other waters of the State by requiring the use of effective land management and land use planning.

Erosion & Sediment

In accordance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law, Regulations, and Certification Regulations, DEQ implements the state Erosion and Sediment Control program (effective July 1, 2013) to help prevent destruction of property and natural resources caused by soil erosion, sedimentation and nonagricultural runoff from regulated "land-disturbing activities."

Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP)

Effective July 1, 2013, DEQ is the lead agency for developing and implementing statewide nonpoint source pollution control programs to protect the Commonwealth's water quality and quantity. Nonpoint source pollution is water pollution caused by stormwater runoff that is not confined to a single source, such as a wastewater treatment plant or industrial discharge pipe.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Program

Discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) are regulated under the Virginia Stormwater Management Act, the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit regulations, and the Clean Water Act as point source discharges.

National Flood Insurance Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. The City of Fredericksburg participates in the NFIP.

Wetlands

Wetlands are part of the foundation of our nation's water resources and are vital to the health of waterways and communities that are downstream. Wetlands feed downstream waters, trap floodwaters, recharge groundwater supplies, remove pollution, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. Wetlands are also economic drivers because of their key role in fishing, hunting, agriculture and recreation.

To report a suspected Environmental Crime or suspected Illicit Discharge into the storm sewer system, contact 540-372-1023 (or 540-373-3122 for after hours emergencies)