Virginia SWPPP inspection requirements
- Rain trigger
- 0.25″ storm event
- Post-rain deadline
- Within 24 hours of a measurable storm; storms landing on weekends/holidays roll to the next business day
- Routine inspections
- Every 5 business days, or every 10 business days + storm-triggered (impaired/exceptional waters: every 4, or every 5 + storm)
- Permit
- VAR10 General VPDES Construction Permit (2024)
- Agency
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ)
How Virginia handles construction stormwater
Construction sites in Virginia disturbing one acre or more need coverage under the VAR10 General VPDES Construction Permit (2024), administered by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. VAR10 (effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2029) defines a measurable storm as 0.25″ of rain in 24 hours (or snowmelt from 3.25″ of snow). The whole inspection framework runs on business days.
Inspector qualifications
Inspections by qualified personnel named in the SWPPP. Separately, a certified Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) must be in charge of the land-disturbing activity.
Official sources
Common questions
What triggers a SWPPP inspection in Virginia?
Under the VAR10 General VPDES Construction Permit (2024), a storm event of 0.25 inches or more triggers a post-storm inspection, within 24 hours of a measurable storm; storms landing on weekends/holidays roll to the next business day. Routine inspections: every 5 business days, or every 10 business days + storm-triggered (impaired/exceptional waters: every 4, or every 5 + storm).
Who can perform SWPPP inspections in Virginia?
Inspections by qualified personnel named in the SWPPP. Separately, a certified Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) must be in charge of the land-disturbing activity.
Who administers the construction stormwater program in Virginia?
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ) administers the NPDES construction stormwater program in Virginia under the VAR10 General VPDES Construction Permit (2024).
What are the penalties for SWPPP violations in Virginia?
Federal Clean Water Act civil penalties can reach $68,445 per day per violation, and VA DEQ can issue administrative orders and state penalties on top. Missing rain-triggered inspections is among the most commonly cited violations in stormwater audits.
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