Stormwater

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As land develops, an increase in impervious cover and compacted soils is often the result. This also results in an increase of volume and velocity of runoff with in the watershed. Surfaces such as parking lots, roadways, buildings, and other impervious surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate or be absorbed creates flows of stormwater that are conveyed to the storm sewer systems and ultimately to the downstream waterways. Increases in volumes associated with development accumulate downstream and present the potential for localized flooding and stream degradation. In addition, these impervious areas collect pollutants and funnel them directly into our natural waterways.

To address adverse affects downstream, the Town of Blacksburg enforces a comprehensive stormwater management ordinance (pdf) through the development review process. The ordinance addresses potential flooding impacts and channel erosion associated with new development.

Stormwater Utility

The Town of Blacksburg is taking a proactive approach for addressing issues related to stormwater management so as to protect the public health, properties, and downstream waterways from adverse affects that can result from stormwater runoff. In 2008 a stormwater task force examined a number of stormwater management issues such as regional stormwater management and low impact development. This task force recommended a stormwater stakeholders advisory group be assembled to evaluate a stormwater utility fee structure and possible implementation. Town Council has approved a stormwater utility ordinance (pdf) that establishes a new fee system that will go into effect in January 2015. For more information on the stormwater utility visit the stormwater utility webpage.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System

The town also maintains a small municipal separate storm systems, (MS4), permit that involves implementation of a Program Plan (pdf) that includes number of programs and activities to reduce point and non-point source pollution into the local storm sewer systems. The town also participates as a member of the Roanoke River and Stroubles Creek Total Maximum Daily Load, (TMDL), Steering Committee to develop and implement strategies that limit pollutant loadings to our creeks.

For information, please contact 540-443-1354 or email Kafi Howard, Stormwater Engineer, at khoward@blacksburg.gov.

Comments on our MS4 program plan?

You can submit comments and suggestions regarding the MS4 program plan using this form.

Stormwater Related Issues?

For land disturbance and construction site issues:
Please call the Engineering Department at (540) 443-1300, Mon - Fri, from 8am - 5pm.

To report potential illicit discharges, improper disposal, spills to the storm sewer system or other potential stormwater pollution concerns:
Please call the Engineering Department at (540) 443-1300, Mon - Fri, from 8am - 5pm.
You can also report illicit discharges or spills on this form. Please note that form submissions are reviewed during regular business hours only.

National Flood Insurance Program

The Town of Blacksburg is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program which enables residents to purchase flood insurance as a financial protection against flood losses. FEMA provides communities with Flood Insurance Rate Maps, (FIRM), that are used to identify flood hazards and assess flood risks. High risk flood zones, (A and AE), also called special flood hazard areas, are subject to development restrictions based on the National Flood Insurance Program and the Town of Blacksburg's Floodplain Overlay District.