The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) plays a pivotal role in stormwater management across the region, working in tandem with local governments, state agencies, and federal bodies to address and mitigate stormwater issues. This collaborative approach aims to reduce flooding risks while improving the water quality of rivers and streams in the region, ensuring environmental sustainability and public safety.
Key to RVARC’s stormwater management efforts is its involvement with the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). This program encompasses both erosion and sediment control as well as comprehensive stormwater management, overseen by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The VSMP is integral in managing stormwater runoff, especially in construction sites, and adopts a regional or watershed approach to ensure water quality and quantity are maintained in line with state and federal standards.