On January 24, 2018, the City of Alexandria released a memo that changes the types of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used on any project in the City in order to meet the Chesapeake Bay TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) pollutant removal requirements.
What has changed?
For all new development and redevelopment going forward, 65% of pollutant removal required by the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) must be achieved by using nonproprietary surface BMPs approved by the Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse.
Examples of nonproprietary surface BMPs include:
- green roofs
- bioretention
- wet ponds; and
- permeable pavement
A maximum of 35% of pollutant removal required by the VSMP may be achieved using Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs), commercially fabricated products used to treat stormwater runoff, and/or sand filters approved by the Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse. However, MTDs may not be used at all on single-family detached residential projects.
Lastly, any approved BMP may be used to meet the balance of the Alexandria Water Quality Volume Default (WQVD).
Site plans that submit a concept plan on or after April 1, 2018, must comply with this policy. Grading plans that submit a final 1 plan on or after April 1, 2018, must comply with this policy.
Read the full memo – Use of Manufactured/Proprietary Stormwater BMPs.
Call christopher first
christopher fully understands the new regulations, and we’re very familiar with designing nonproprietary surface BMPs. Please reach out to Kevin Washington, Senior Associate, at kevinwashington@ccl-eng.com or Eli Goldman, PE, Project Manager, at eligoldman@ccl-eng.com or 703-273-6820 with any questions or to determine if your project will be affected.
View our City of Alexandria experience.
