Plans Target Water Pollution in Newport News' Rivers and Creeks
City seeks input on action plans to reduce harmful bacteria and nutrient levels in impaired waterways
The City of Newport News is accepting public comments on its Draft 2024–2029 Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Action Plan through July 17, 2025. The document outlines how the city plans to reduce bacteria levels in local waterways to comply with environmental regulations under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Community members are invited to review the plan and provide feedback via email.
The bacteria reduction plan focuses on two key watersheds identified by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as impaired: the Back River and the Warwick River. Specific segments of these watersheds contain elevated levels of E. coli, fecal coliform, and enterococci. To address this, the city must reduce bacteria discharges by 17.5% for the Back River and by 85%, 92%, and 53% for the Warwick River, Skiffes Creek, and Deep Creek, respectively.
The city’s proposed actions include a combination of infrastructure upgrades, public education efforts, and policy enforcement. These strategies involve expanding septic-to-sewer connection programs, improving stormwater management systems, enhancing pet waste disposal resources, and increasing monitoring for illicit discharges. The city also collaborates with USDA Wildlife Services to help manage nuisance wildlife that can contribute to bacterial contamination.
In addition to the bacteria plan, the city has developed a separate Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plan as part of the same MS4 permit cycle (2024–2029). This plan addresses reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in stormwater runoff, in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay TMDL established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under this plan, Newport News is required to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads from existing development by 40.75% by June 30, 2026, and by 100% by June 30, 2028.
To meet these goals, the city is implementing a mix of stormwater management projects, septic system disconnections, and the purchase of nutrient credits through the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s SWIFT (Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow) Program. One key project—Governor Drive Stream Restoration and Constructed Wetland—is expected to be completed by June 2025 and will contribute to nutrient reduction efforts.
Both the bacteria and nutrient action plans are required under MS4 Permit VA0088641 and are designed to help Newport News meet its obligations under the federal Clean Water Act. The effectiveness of these efforts will be measured through water quality monitoring and reported to DEQ.
The public can access the draft Bacteria TMDL Action Plan online and submit comments via email to NewportNewsTMDL@nnva.gov through July 17. For additional information, residents may contact the City of Newport News Department of Engineering at (757) 933-2311, email 311@nnva.gov, or visit the city’s stormwater management webpage. The city’s main office is located at 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post using AI and these sources:
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or "pollution diet"
DRAFT 2024-2029 Back River and Warwick River Bacteria TMDL Action Plan
DRAFT Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plan 2024 – 2029 MS4 Permit