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) works to improve water quality and watershed health as part of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Program (WIP). Through locally driven partnerships and targeted funding, we implement practical, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution and build environmental resilience.
Septic Pump-Out Program
To support regional water quality, NSVRC is launching a new Septic Pump-Out Program serving Shenandoah, Clarke, and Frederick counties. This program promotes proper septic system maintenance to reduce nutrient and bacteria runoff into local waterways.
To implement the program, NSVRC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Friday, June 20, 2025, to select qualified pump-out service providers. The RFP will remain open until Friday, July 25, 2025.
Pump-outs will begin later this summer following provider selection.
Watershed Heroes Program
NSVRC has partnered with Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River to apply for full implementation funding of the Watershed Heroes Program—a community-based initiative that engages residents in local conservation, education, and stewardship activities.
This effort builds on a successful pilot in Shenandoah County supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). A final report on the pilot will be completed by December 31, 2025, and we look forward to expanding this impactful program in the coming year.
Visit the dedicated program page to learn more:
shenandoahcountyva.gov/hero
BMP Mapping Tool
An important component of our WIP work is the development of a digital mapping tool that tracks Best Management Practices (BMPs) across the region. This interactive resource provides a visual overview of conservation projects and helps guide future planning. The map continues to grow as new BMPs are implemented and documented, offering a valuable reference for local governments, partners, and the public.
Tree Planting Grants
NSVRC also supports localities in securing Virginia Department of Forestry tree planting grants, helping expand urban tree cover and improve stormwater retention.
For questions about any of these programs, please contact us at info@nsvregion.org.
