In Virginia, erosion and sediment control measures are regulated by the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law and Regulations. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implements and enforces these regulations.
The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations require that all land-disturbing activities over one acre in size, or that are part of a larger common plan of development, must have an approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan before any land disturbance begins. A certified plan reviewer must prepare the plan and include specific erosion and sediment control measures tailored to the site’s conditions and proposed land uses.
The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations also require that certain best management practices (BMPs) be implemented during construction to prevent erosion and sedimentation. These BMPs may include sediment basins, sediment ponds, silt fences, vegetative stabilization, and other measures as appropriate for the site.
Maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures is also required under Virginia law. The regulations specify that all erosion and sediment control measures must be properly installed and maintained until the site is fully stabilized. Maintenance may be required for up to two years after stabilization has been achieved.