Watershed Consulting evaluated 20 sites across Hanover County for Best Management Practice (BMP) opportunities which reduce sediment and nutrients for TMDL compliance. BMPs included bioretention basins, enhanced stream riparian buffers, existing stormwater basin retrofits, and stream restoration. Projects were prioritized for implementation by total nutrient reductions, feasibility, and cost per pound of pollutant removed. Hanover County utilizes this TMDL analysis to obtain Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) grants from VA DEQ.
A key part of this project included a BANCS evaluation which estimated annual sediment and nutrient contributions to the Chesapeake Bay from stream channels. This evaluation helped to quantity sediment and nutrient reductions provided by potential stream restoration BMPs. Additional stream health evaluations included Rapid Assessment of Channel Habitat, Rapid Assessment of Channel Stability, Channel Evolution Model, and BEHI.