FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2025

Washington County Announces Town Hall on Stormwater Program Transition

Abingdon, VA — Washington County invites the public to attend a Town Hall meeting focused on the transition of its stormwater management program back to the oversight of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM, in the Board’s Auditorium at the County Government Center.

This Town Hall meeting is an informational session, not a Public Hearing. The formal Public Hearing regarding updates to the stormwater ordinance will take place during the Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting on September 9, 2025.

This Town Hall follows the Board’s adoption of Resolution 2025-19 on August 12, 2025, which officially begins the process of transferring stormwater program administration back to DEQ. The meeting will provide residents, developers, and other stakeholders with an overview of the transition, its expected impact, and the timeline moving forward.

“This move allows us to streamline our responsibilities while ensuring continued compliance with state environmental standards,” said Pennington.

The decision to transition was influenced by several factors, including increasing administrative costs, staffing limitations, and feedback from the development community regarding regulatory challenges.

County personnel will present information per the agenda listed below.

Meeting Agenda

A. Brief History of Stormwater Administration by the County

B. Legal Requirements of Stormwater Management and Impacts of Local Oversight

C. State Code Requirements for Erosion and Sediment Control Administration

D. Remarks from Board Leadership

E. Open Listening Session

All interested parties are encouraged to attend.