The City of Portsmouth is seeking public input on its updated Local Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Action Plan for the Elizabeth River and Hoffler Creek watersheds. This plan aligns with the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, established in 2010 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions, which aims to limit pollutants in waterways to meet water quality standards.
The local TMDL requires Portsmouth to achieve specific nutrient reductions through stormwater management programs. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, effective from January 22, 2024, to January 21, 2029. This permit mandates Portsmouth to reach reduction targets:
– An allocated load count per day of less than 4.42E+12 in the eastern and southern branches for a 95% overall reduction.
– An allocated load count per day of less than 9.77E+12 in the western branch for a 95% overall reduction.
– An allocated load count per day of less than 4.79E+11 in Paradise Creek for a 95% overall reduction.
The city’s strategy includes continuing local programs such as public pet waste stations, education initiatives, signage, and interdepartmental communication to reduce bacteria pollutants.
Public comments on the Updated Local TMDL Action Plan are invited starting Friday, May 30th, 2025. Comments can be submitted via email or delivered to the Stormwater Compliance office at Portsmouth’s Engineering Department until June 21st, though submissions will be accepted throughout June. After review by VDEQ, the finalized plan will be available on the City’s Stormwater Webpage.
