Erosion & Sediment Control
Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permits
Larger construction sites, such as the South Lawn Project, require a VSMP Permit.
When is a VSMP Permit Required?
VSMP Permits are required for all land disturbing activities that are one acre or larger. The permit is administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and applies to the quality of runoff from construction sites.
Who applies for the permit?
At UVa, the contactor is responsible for submitting the registration statement and paying the associated fee, which ranges from $200-$500 depending on the size of the project. Upon completion of the project, the contractor is required to terminate the permit with the DCR. Termination must be completed within 30 days of the completion of the project.
What does a VSMP Permit entail?
The VSMP permit requires that the contractor develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for the site. The SWPPP details how the contractor will comply with VSMP permit requirements, including management of chemicals on site and a development of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. The SWPPP must be maintained on site at all times and must include an inspection log of the E&SC inspections conducted by the contractor.
Who Ensures VSMP Permit Compliance?
The DCR is responsible for insuring compliance with the VSMP permit and will conduct periodic compliance inspections and audits of the SWPPP without advance notice. It is important that the contractors keep up with inspection requirements and maintains the appropriate paperwork on site at all times. Contractor inspections are required to be conducted weekly or every two weeks and within 48 hours of a runoff producing storm event. These inspections must be conducted by the contractor in addition to the E&SC inspections conducted by UVa personnel.
When does a project need to apply for the permit?
Permit applications relating to the discharge of stormwater from construction activities, including VSMP permits, are required to be submitted at least 90 days before the date upon which construction is scheduled to start. DCR has 15 business days from receipt of the application to process the registration. Do not wait until the last minute to apply for a VSMP permit. The VSMP must be approved BEFORE a project can break ground.
Who should I contact with questions regarding the VSMP permit process at UVa?
Kristin Carter (kma4z@virginia.edu, 2-5034) – Facilities Management
Documents & Links
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation VSMP Website
Registration Statement for VSMP Permit Coverage (pdf)
Fee Form for VSMP Permit Coverage (pdf)
VAR10 General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities (pdf)
Permit Termination Form (pdf)
UVa E&SC Program personnel
- Certified E&SC Program Administrator:
- Kristin Carter (kma4z@virginia.edu, 2-5034) – Facilities Management
- Certified E&SC Inspectors:
- Barbara Schroeder (bls@virginia.edu, 2-4911) – Environmental Health & Safety
- Jeff Sitler (js2zf@virginia.edu, 2-4911) – Environmental Health & Safety
- Jess Wenger (jsw6d@virginia.edu, 2-4911) - Environmental Health & Safety
Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding
Erosion & Sediment Control at the University of Virginia.
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