Which document provides the legally binding requirements for erosion and sediment control in Virginia and is administered by the DEQ?

Which document provides the legally binding requirements for erosion and sediment control in Virginia and is administered by the DEQ?

• A. The Erosion and Sediment Control Act/regulations and the approved control plan (ESC plan) under state law.
• B. The Federal Clean Water Act.
• C. The Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook.
• D. Local ordinances only.

Answer: (A)

The binding rules for erosion and sediment control in Virginia are established at the state level through the Erosion and Sediment Control Act and its implementing regulations, together with the approved erosion and sediment control plan required under state law. These documents are administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and set the mandatory standards, design criteria, and approval processes that sites must follow. The Federal Clean Water Act provides the overarching federal framework but does not specify Virginia’s specific, DEQ-administered requirements. The Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook offers guidance and technical details, not the enforceable rules, and local ordinances may add requirements but do not replace the DEQ-administered act and plan as the legally binding source.

The binding rules for erosion and sediment control in Virginia are established at the state level through the Erosion and Sediment Control Act and its implementing regulations, together with the approved erosion and sediment control plan required under state law. These documents are administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and set the mandatory standards, design criteria, and approval processes that sites must follow. The Federal Clean Water Act provides the overarching federal framework but does not specify Virginia’s specific, DEQ-administered requirements. The Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook offers guidance and technical details, not the enforceable rules, and local ordinances may add requirements but do not replace the DEQ-administered act and plan as the legally binding source.