The Southern Rivers Watershed is one of the primary watersheds of the City of Virginia Beach. Development and other human activities in the Southern Rivers Watershed resulted in increased phosphorus loading into the local waterways, which contributes to impaired water quality. 

Impaired water quality negatively impacts us all, including recreation, fish and wildlife. Also, many businesses depend on the resources of the local waterways.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) established a requirement, or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), for all localities in Virginia, including Virginia Beach, to reduce the amount of polluting nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, that enter the local waterways.

This updated draft of the Total Phosphorus TMDL Action Plan spells out activities the City plans to take over the next five years to meet the DEQ’s requirements and reduce pollution to the local waterways, such as Ashville Bridge Creek, North Landing River, Northwest River and Pocaty River.

Residents and community members have the opportunity to review the plan and share their thoughts. The feedback will help guide the City in finalizing the plan and implement the projects and programs.

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Please provide your input on the updated Southern Rivers Watershed Total Phosphorus TMDL Action Plan below. (Don't forget to select "Comment" to record your input!)