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City of Newport News
Back River and Warwick River Bacteria TMDL Action Plan
2024-2029 Permit Cycle
connect up to 13 properties to a new force main along the 10800 block of Warwick Blvd. The
Septic Local Partner Program grant was awarded for the Septic to Sewer Connection Program to
disconnect 25+ residences across the City from septic tanks and connect those residences to
public sewer. Both projects are currently in the design and planning stages, with construction to
begin during the 2024-2029 permit cycle.
3.4 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program
The City of Newport News maintains a comprehensive Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
(IDDE) program that combines reactive and proactive approaches. Reactive monitoring involves
responding to citizen reports via the 311 Contact Center and investigating discharges of sanitary
sewage, septic effluent, oil, chemical spills, laundry wastewater, and trash. Proactive monitoring
consists of regular dry‑weather screening for indicators of wastewater contamination (ammonia,
chlorine, detergents, etc.) at stormwater outfalls and observation points. In addition, City staff
actively look for illicit discharges and illegal dumping during routine inspections and activities.
During the 2024-2029 permit cycle, City Engineering staff will expand the dry weather screening
program. The MS4 Permit mandates 50 dry weather screening events per reporting year;
Engineering staff will conduct at least 75 dry weather screening events annually with a focus on
sites in watersheds impaired for bacteria. Engineering staff will also review the previously
identified High Risk Bacteria Facilities to determine if the list of facilities and locations should be
updated. As part of this program, Engineering staff will evaluate known septic tank locations and
other identified sources of bacteria within the Back River and Warwick River watersheds to
determine if targeted visual and dry weather screening should be performed downstream.
Water samples collected during IDDE investigations that present a bacteria concern will be
analyzed for relevant bacterial indicators, such as E. coli, Enterococci, or fecal coliforms, in
addition to routine chemical parameters, when warranted.
3.5 Pet Waste Management
Through the regional askHRgreen.org campaign and with other Hampton Roads Planning District
Commission (HRPDC) member localities, the City has provided over 120 free pet waste stations
since 2013 to private entities, prioritizing installation in impaired watersheds. Outreach includes
distribution of bag dispensers, hand sanitizers, brochures, and rack cards. City ordinance
mandates immediate removal of pet waste from public properties (enforceable as a Class 4
misdemeanor) and requires poultry and animal yards to remain sanitary. Parks staff maintains
nine stations in the Warwick River and Deep Creek watersheds and assesses additional needs
annually, while digital and TV messaging reinforce proper disposal behavior.
During the 2024-2029 permit cycle, Engineering staff will conduct at least one visual inspection
of all privately-maintained pet stations that were provided as part of the askHRgreen.org
program to ensure proper maintenance is occurring. Engineering staff will also respond to anyJump to an indexed page (17 of 17)