NEW VIRGINIA STORMWATER REGULATIONS UPDATE

On May 24, 2011 the final draft of the new Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Stormwater Regulations were adopted. The new regulations bring significant changes to the stormwater community.  Below is a bullet list of some significant changes that we can expect:

 

  • Under the new regulations very few sites will be exempt from providing some type of water quality control.
  • Technical Based Criteria for determining water quality compliance will no longer be sufficient. The runoff reduction spreadsheet (or equivalent Performance based method) will be used to document water quality compliance.
  • All regulated land-disturbing activities (LDA’s) will be required to have a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).The requirements of the SWPPP have been enhanced in the new regulations.
  • New water quantity and quality requirements are based on both peak flow rate and volume reductions.
  • The Energy Balance Equation presented in the VSMP Regulations will be used to determine downstream channel adequacy (peak flow rate and volume of run-off), this will satisfy the requirements of MS 19 in the E&S Regulations.
  • A new limit on Phosphorous runoff will be in effect for all new development in VA (0.41 lbs/ac/yr).
  • There will be a BMP Clearinghouse Websitewith an updated list of water quality BMPs approved for use in Virginia.
  • The Virginia SWM Handbook is being revised. A draft copy may be found on DCR’s website: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/lr2i.shtml
  • VSMP coverage is no longer required for LDA’s in the Chesapeake Bay area with land disturbance between 2,500 s.f. and 1 Acre. The designs still must meet the strict requirements set forth in the new regulations.
  • There will be a period of Grandfathering available to projects that meet certain requirements.
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A complete list of changes on the new DCR stormwater regulations, as well as the regulations themselves, can be found at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/lr2d.shtml.

 

For more information or to schedule an educational seminar please contact EEE Consulting at 804-442-3330.

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