Learn about Nonpoint Source Pollution Assessment and Prioritization | Virginia Nonpoint Source Program 2006 Annual Report (PDF) | Other documents (PDFs)
The Clean Water Act of 1987, Section 319, required states to assess their state waters and identify those adversely affected by nonpoint sources of pollution. In addition, state management programs to control nonpoint source pollution were required.
DCR completed Virginia's first nonpoint source pollution (NPS) assessment in 1988, with subsequent updates and refinements in 1993 and 1997. The assessment ranks the state's 494 watersheds, based on land use, livestock population, forest harvesting, disturbed acreage, best management practices (BMPs) implementation and erosion rates, for potential nonpoint source pollution. The rankings are used to help direct implementation of Virginia's nonpoint source pollution control programs, as well as cost-share and Section 319 funding, to watersheds with the greatest pollution potential.
To help develop Virginia's nonpoint source pollution control management program, DCR coordinates the Nonpoint Source Advisory Committee (NPSAC). It comprises representatives from all state and federal agencies having responsibility for NPS pollution control. Working with the committee, DCR developed the first NPS Management Program in 1989. Goals and milestones for controlling various sources of nonpoint source pollution were updated in 1992 and 1994.
As specified in federal guidance issued by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Virginia completed a major update and revision to the Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program in 1999. EPA approved Virginia's updated program in December 1999. Virginia's updated program guides federal, state and local actions, as well as funding and citizen participation. A major program update was necessary to incorporate changes in federal and state regulations and programs and to ensure that Virginia remains eligible for federal program funding under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The program update also provided an opportunity to better coordinate nonpoint source pollution control programs.
A workgroup process was used to develop this program update. Workgroups were formed for the following NPS pollution categories and subject areas:
A workgroup was also used to develop and incorporate a Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program element in the program.
The workgroups were comprised of participants representing state and local agencies and various public and private interests. DCR staff facilitated the workgroups, which identified goals and established objectives and strategies for each source category. Please click here to obtain the updated Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program document.
Through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, Virginia is awarded grant funds to implement the nonpoint source programs. DCR administers the money, in coordination with the advisory committee, to fund watershed projects, demonstration and educational programs, nonpoint source pollution control program development, and technical and program staff. DCR reports annually to the EPA on the progress made in nonpoint source pollution prevention and control. DCR also administers EPA grant funds provided through the Chesapeake Bay Program for the implementation of nonpoint source programs within the Chesapeake Bay Drainage Basin.
As the lead agency in Virginia for nonpoint source pollution control programs, DCR also coordinates other nonpoint source initiatives, such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Coastal NPS Pollution Control Program.
