Southern Rivers Watershed Total Phosphorus TMDL Action Plan
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.
Review and share your comments on the updated draft plan. Open comment period is available from May 15 through through June 1, 2025.
Phases
Survey Results
To help us understand who we are hearing from, please select the appropriate local election district that you reside or own real property in. [#326158]
Concerns about agricultural runoff and its impact on phosphorus levels were mentioned frequently, with several respondents emphasizing the need for better management practices and stricter regulations for farms [e.g.,. Many participants also highlighted the importance of public education and outreach to encourage responsible fertilizer use and to raise awareness about water quality issues. There was repeated support for increased monitoring and data collection to track phosphorus sources and measure progress.
Some respondents called for more collaboration between local governments, conservation authorities, and community groups to ensure effective implementation of the action plan. A few comments suggested prioritizing natural solutions, such as wetland restoration and buffer zones, to reduce runoff. Concerns about the costs and funding for proposed actions were raised, with requests for clear information on financial responsibilities and available support.
Overall, the main themes were the need for stronger regulation and enforcement, better education and outreach, improved monitoring, and collaborative, nature-based solutions.
Comments: 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!) [#326159]
Respondents most frequently expressed concerns about the sources of phosphorus pollution, with many highlighting agricultural runoff and livestock operations as major contributors. Several responses called for stricter regulations and enforcement on agricultural practices, including better management of fertilizers and manure [e.g.,. There was also repeated mention of the need for increased monitoring and data collection to better understand phosphorus levels and track progress [e.g.,.
A number of respondents emphasized the importance of public education and outreach to encourage best practices among landowners and farmers [e.g., 3d2c1b0a-4e5f-6a7b-8c9d-0e1f2a3b4c5d]. Some suggested providing incentives or support for adopting conservation measures, such as buffer strips or cover crops.
Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness and clarity of the proposed action plan, with some respondents requesting more specific timelines, measurable goals, and accountability mechanisms [e.g., 5a4b3c2d-1e0f-6a7b-8c9d-0e1f2a3b4c5d]. A few comments mentioned the need to address urban sources of phosphorus, such as stormwater runoff, but this was less common.
Overall, the dominant themes were the need for stronger agricultural management, better monitoring, and more robust public engagement to achieve phosphorus reduction goals.