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Stormwater Directory

Virginia

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

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Quick Summary

For most Virginia projects disturbing 1 acre or more, you need a state VPDES permit and a SWPPP. A state-certified Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) — transitioning to a Qualified Professional (QP) credential — must be designated on site, and local VSMP programs add a second layer of review.

State-DelegatedVerified 2026-03

Construction Permit

Permit Document ↗
Permit Name
General VPDES Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities (VAR10)
Threshold
≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb ≥ 1 acre)
NOI Lead Time
NOI must be submitted and permit coverage obtained at least 7 days before land disturbance begins; operator must wait for permit coverage confirmation from VDEQ before commencing disturbance
Application Method
Online via VDEQ's ePermitting portal (VDEQ Online Services); paper NOI also accepted
Fee
$750 base registration statement fee for projects < 1 acre (common plan); $750 for 1–5 acres; $1,000 for 5–10 acres; $2,000 for 10–50 acres; $3,000 for ≥ 50 acres (fees established under 9VAC25-870)
Permit Expires
June 30, 2026Reissuance imminent
Apply for Permit ↗

SWPPP Requirements

Permit Document ↗
SWPPP Required
Yes
PE Cert Required
No
Template Available
Yes
Virginia calls the SWPPP a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). It must be prepared before land disturbance begins and kept on site. VDEQ provides a sample SWPPP template. The plan must be prepared by or under the supervision of a Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) or a Certified Plan Reviewer. No PE stamp is required by state regulation for the SWPPP itself, though some local programs may require it. The SWPPP must be updated whenever site conditions change.

Inspection Requirements

Permit Document ↗
Frequency
At least once every 14 calendar days and within 48 hours following any runoff-producing storm event; inspections must be conducted during normal business hours unless a rainfall event occurs outside those hours
Rain Trigger
Within 48 hours of any runoff-producing storm event (no fixed inch threshold — discharge-based trigger; 48-hour window differs from most states)
Inspector Qualification
Inspections must be conducted by or under the oversight of a Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) — a state-issued certification from VDEQ. RLD certification requires completion of a VDEQ-approved training course and passing an exam. The RLD is also responsible for SWPPP implementation.
Accepted Certifications
Qualified Personnel (QP) Certificate from DEQ REQUIRED as of July 1, 2025; Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) is a prerequisite; licensed PE or DEQ Dual Inspector cert also qualifies

Discharge Standards

Permit Document ↗
Turbidity Limit
No specific numeric NTU limit in the construction general permit; discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of Virginia Water Quality Standards (9VAC25-260)
Virginia water quality standards include narrative criteria for turbidity and other parameters. Discharges to waters classified as Exceptional State Waters or waters with a TMDL for sediment/turbidity may be subject to enhanced requirements. Visual monitoring is required during inspections. The permit requires best management practices (BMPs) to minimize pollutant discharges.

Post-Construction

VDEQ ↗
Required
Yes
Virginia's Stormwater Management Act (9VAC25-870, the VSMP Regulation) requires post-construction stormwater management for projects disturbing ≥ 2,500 sq ft in MS4 jurisdictions or ≥ 1 acre elsewhere. Requirements include channel protection, flood protection, water quality (phosphorus load reduction), and quantity controls. Local Stormwater Management Programs (VSMPs) administer post-construction requirements. Projects must achieve a 20% phosphorus load reduction relative to pre-development conditions unless meeting a waiver or grandfathering provision.

Impaired Waterbody / TMDL Requirements

Elevated Risk

Virginia's VPDES General Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities (VAR10) includes specific conditions for projects in watersheds with applicable TMDLs. Projects must implement all conditions necessary to meet applicable TMDL wasteload allocations and must not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards. The Chesapeake Bay TMDL imposes heightened nutrient and sediment load allocations that affect construction projects throughout the Virginia portion of the Bay watershed — which covers much of the state.

Program Contact

Contact Page ↗
Contact
April Rhodes — Manager, Office of Stormwater Management
Phone
(571) 866-6091
Email
ConstructionGP@deq.virginia.gov

State-Specific Notes

Virginia operates its own state permit program (VPDES) with authority delegated from EPA. The state has a unique dual-layer system: VDEQ issues the statewide general permit (VAR10), but localities with approved Virginia Stormwater Management Programs (VSMPs) — including most cities and counties — administer erosion and sediment control and post-construction requirements locally. Operators must register with both VDEQ (for VAR10 coverage) and the local VSMP authority. The Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) certification is a notable state-specific requirement. Virginia also has a stringent Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) program under 9VAC25-840 that runs parallel to VPDES requirements.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory requirements. Always consult the VDEQ website and applicable regulations before beginning any construction activity.