Erosion/Sediment Control and Stormwater Management
Anytime the land is disturbed the potential for soil erosion increases. Eroded soil particles carried by water often move into streams where sedimentation and suspended solids can lead to a number of problems. Sedimentation alters the ecology of waterways by degrading the natural habitat. It also clogs streams, reduces the useful storage volume of reservoirs, and increases filtration costs for municipal water supplies. Stream impacts can be reduced by preventing soil erosion and thereby preventing soil from leaving the site.
General Information
Land disturbance TOP
Land disturbance occurs whenever the natural land is changed, something usually caused by construction. This includes tree cutting, removing stumps, stripping away soil, filling with soil, or changing existing grades.
Land disturbance permits TOP
You will need a Land Disturbance permit if your project disturbs 10,000 square feet or more of land (approximately 1/4 acre).
| Individual Permit for Residential Construction |
$10 |
| Commercial Development |
$350 (review fee) plus $50 per disturbed acre |
| Subdivisions |
$350 (review fee) plus $10 per disturbed acre |
A permit is valid for one (1) year with no activity. As long as the project remains active and in compliance with the regulations, the permit will remain active. If your permit expires you will have to apply for a new permit.
| Individual Permit |
Required when building a single family dwelling, a detached garage, or for general land clearing. |
| Commercial Permit |
A general construction type permit required for projects disturbing more than one acre for residential subdivisions, commercial development, and roads. |
If the scope of work consists of cutting trees for the purpose of general forestry, no permit is required. If trees are cut for construction or development, a permit is required. Removal of stumps is considered a land disturbing activity.
Yes, usually. Construction of a single family home will consist of land disturbing activities for the house, driveway, septic/drain field systems, and yard areas. These need to be factored in the total amount of land to be disturbed. Most residential subdivisions require a permit for the construction of a single family dwelling. Subdivisions requiring a land disturbance permit:
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Carriage Grove (all sections)
Concord Estates
Hickory Hills
Leesville Rd Estates (all sections)
Russell Meadows
Russell Springs |
- Spring Meadows
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Spring Oaks
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Troublesome Creek
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Walnut Hills
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Winston Ridge |
A Commercial Permit may also require additional permits from the County, the Commonwealth, and/or the federal government. If your project involves crossing any type of natural water conveyance channel or wet “swampy” areas, you may want to contact the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as well as the United States Army Corp of Engineers to see if these agencies require permits for your project.
If your project disturbs greater than one (1) acre the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) requires a Virginia Stormwater Management Program ( VSMP) permit. This is issued and enforced directly by DCR and may require more stringent measures for stormwater management.
Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) - What is it? TOP
A Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) is an individual who has obtained certification from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and is aware of the erosion and sediment control rules and regulations. RLD program information.
Is identifying an RLD required to obtain a permit? TOP
Yes.
Stumps - When clearning land can I bury the stumps?
TOP
No, the burying of stumps is illegal. You may leave the stumps on the property, they may be burned, or may be transported off-site to an approved waste receiving facility.
Financial guarantee - When one is required TOP
Erosion and Sediment Control Requirements
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Whether you need an individual or commercial permit, you will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all erosion and sediment controls necessary to protect our natural resources and downstream properties. These measures could range from soil stabilization (planting grass), silt fences, and other sediment trapping controls. A complete list of E/S controls and details are located at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website.
Stormwater Management Requirements
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Campbell County does not have a stormwater management program, so the Statewide Stormwater Runoff Standard applies. The Erosion and Sediment Control Regulation, Minimum Standard 19 (MS#19) requires properties and waterways downstream from new development be protected from erosion due to increases in volume, velocity, and peak flow rates of stormwater runoff.
Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations (see page 26).
If your project contains permanent stormwater management facilities and or has incorporated any Best Management Practices (BMPs), a Stormwater Management Agreement is required. This is a legal, binding agreement requiring the land owner to maintain these practices to ensure the longevity and operational performances remain within state standards. Please note, if your project requires Stormwater Management or BMPs, this agreement will need to be completed and submitted as part of your permit application.