Roanoke County seeks public input on stormwater management plans aimed at reducing pollution

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County’s Stormwater Management division is calling on residents to share their thoughts regarding newly updated Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Action Plans that address three pollutants of concern. These updates are part of the county’s ongoing effort to protect and restore the health of local waterways and fulfill state regulatory obligations.

Focus on Water Quality and Environmental Stewardship

The updated plans specifically address Bacteria (E. coli), Sediment, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)—pollutants that pose ongoing environmental challenges. These contaminants are monitored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which has identified a total of 28 impairments across 16 stream segments in Roanoke County, including within the Roanoke River.

As part of the County’s responsibilities under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, the Stormwater Management team must routinely review and revise its strategies to meet the state’s water quality standards. DEQ studies impaired waters to determine how much pollution each stream can handle while still meeting those standards—this threshold is known as the TMDL.

Residents Encouraged to Share Feedback

To involve the community in this environmental effort, Roanoke County will be accepting public comments on the updated TMDL Action Plans from April 1 through April 15, 2025. By inviting feedback from residents, the County aims to enhance transparency and ensure that its environmental strategies align with public values and concerns.

Community participation is seen as a key part of improving local water quality. Those interested in reviewing and commenting on the plans can reach out to Roanoke County’s Stormwater Management division during the comment period.