Hazard Mitigation
NSVRC maintains the region’s Hazard Mitigation Plan on behalf of all localities. This plan allows access to FEMA and VDEM funding for pre-disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery efforts. It is developed in partnership with local emergency management officials, FEMA, and VDEM every 5 years. The most recent Hazard mitigation Plan update can be found in the document library.
RTOP Program
The Regional Tire Operations Program (RTOP) provides critical tire disposal and recycling services for local jurisdictions in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. In partnership with the Frederick County Landfill, RTOP operates a specialized grinder for efficient tire processing, keeping our communities clean and supporting sustainable waste management.
Exciting upgrades are on the way, made possible by a $4 million grant from the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. With this funding, RTOP will soon expand its capabilities to process commercial tires, separate steel wire, and refine rubber into smaller particles for reuse in construction, energy recovery, and other sustainable applications. To ensure we select the best equipment, NSVRC and the Solid Waste Management Technical Committee (SWMTC) have visited top tire machinery manufacturers, learning about advanced technologies that will allow RTOP to process larger volumes and a broader range of tire materials.
To support these advancements, NSVRC is partnering with SCS Engineers to develop a business plan that will detail current operations and outline how these upgrades will enhance the program’s long-term sustainability. These efforts will help RTOP continue to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling across our communities, building a cleaner, more circular economy for the region.
Solid Waste and Recycling Management
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC), in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management Technical Committee, leads the development, submission, and maintenance of the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). This plan provides the roadmap for sustainable waste practices across our communities, ensuring compliance with state regulations while advancing waste reduction, recycling, and resource efficiency. In 2023, the region achieved a 52.9% recycling rate—well above the state-mandated minimum—highlighting our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
With the support of a recent $4 million EPA grant, NSVRC is undertaking substantial upgrades to regional recycling infrastructure. These initiatives include expanding the Regional Tire Operations Program (RTOP) to process commercial tires and other materials, rolling out curbside recycling services in local towns, and acquiring new recycling containers for improved waste handling at landfill sites. We have completed necessary quality management plans, gained EPA approval, and are preparing to procure equipment to support these expansions.
Looking forward to early 2025, NSVRC will collaborate with town leaders to launch curbside recycling services across the region. These improvements are designed to build a more sustainable, resilient waste management system for the Northern Shenandoah Valley, driving our communities toward a cleaner, greener future.
Watershed Implementation Program
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) is committed to protecting and enhancing water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed through participation in DEQ’ Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Program (WIP). Each year, NSVRC collaborates with regional partners to carry out specific, locally tailored tasks that contribute to the overall health and sustainability of our watershed.
In 2024, we are piloting a septic pump-out program in Frederick and Clarke counties to reduce nutrient loading by promoting proper septic maintenance. To ensure high-quality service, NSVRC will issue an RFP in the coming months to identify and contract with local pump-out providers. We’re thrilled to announce that additional funding secured for 2025 will allow us to expand this program to Shenandoah County, strengthening our regional approach to watershed health.
Our community-focused Watershed Heroes Program has recently concluded in partnership with Shenandoah County and Friends of the North Fork, with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This program engaged local residents in conservation efforts, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship. As we prepare a final report by December 31, we are also planning to apply for full implementation funding in the next NFWF cycle to expand and enhance this impactful program. A dedicated webpage for the Watershed Heroes Program remains available for community access at shenandoahcountyva.gov/hero, offering resources and information about ongoing watershed conservation.
Another important element of our WIP is the Best Management Practices (BMP) digital mapping tool, which highlights implemented BMPs across the region. This interactive map, available at NSVRC BMP Map, provides an evolving visual resource for tracking conservation progress and planning future initiatives. The map will continue to grow as new BMPs are documented, offering stakeholders a comprehensive look at efforts throughout the watershed.
NSVRC is also assisting localities in applying for Department of Forestry tree planting grants, furthering our commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Through these projects and partnerships, we’re dedicated to preserving and enhancing our natural resources for future generations. For more information on our watershed initiatives, please contact us at info@nsvregion.org.
