Part II. Vwp Permit Application and Development
9VAC25-210-75. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016.
9VAC25-210-80. Application for a VWP permit.
A. Application for a VWP Permit. Any person who is required to obtain a VWP permit, except those persons applying for an emergency VWP permit for a public water supply emergency, shall submit a complete VWP permit application to the Department of Environmental Quality through the most current Joint Permit Application procedures established within each type of Joint Permit Application. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) may use its Interagency Coordination Meeting (IACM) process for submitting JPAs. There shall be no commencement of any activity subject to this chapter prior to the issuance of a VWP permit or granting VWP general permit coverage.
B. Informational requirements for all VWP individual permit applications are identified in this subsection with the exception of applications for emergency VWP permits to address a public water supply emergency, for which the information required in 9VAC25-210-340 C shall be submitted. In addition to the information in this subsection, applications involving a surface water withdrawal or a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license or relicense associated with a surface water withdrawal shall also submit the information required in 9VAC25-210-340 B.
1. A complete application for a VWP individual permit, at a minimum, consists of the following information, if applicable to the project:
a. The applicant's legal name, mailing address, telephone number, and if applicable, electronic mail address and fax number.
b. If different from applicant, legal name, mailing address, telephone number, and if applicable, electronic mail address and fax number of property owner.
c. If applicable, the authorized agent's name, mailing address, telephone number, and if applicable, fax number and electronic mail address.
d. Project name and proposed project schedule. This schedule will be used to determine the VWP permit term.
e. The following information for the project site location, and any related permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation site:
(1) The physical street address, nearest street, or nearest route number; city or county; zip code; and if applicable, parcel number of the site or sites.
(2) Name of the impacted water body or water bodies, or receiving waters, as applicable, at the site or sites.
(3) The latitude and longitude to the nearest second at the center of the site or sites.
(4) The fourth order subbasin, as defined by the hydrologic unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, for the site or sites.
(5) A detailed map depicting the location of the site or sites, including the project boundary and existing preservation areas on the site or sites. The map (e.g., a U.S. Geologic Survey topographic quadrangle map) should be of sufficient detail to easily locate the site or sites for inspection.
f. A narrative description of the project, including project purpose and need.
g. An alternatives analysis for the proposed project detailing the specific on-site and off-site measures taken during project design and development to first avoid and then minimize impacts to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the Guidelines for Specification of Disposal Sites for Dredged or Fill Material, 40 CFR Part 230. Avoidance and minimization includes, but is not limited to, the specific on-site and off-site measures taken to reduce the size, scope, configuration, or density of the proposed project, including review of alternative sites where required for the project, which would avoid or result in less adverse impact to surface waters, and documentation demonstrating the reason the applicant determined less damaging alternatives are not practicable. The analysis shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that avoidance and minimization opportunities have been identified and measures have been applied to the proposed activity such that the proposed activity in terms of impacts to state waters and fish and wildlife resources is the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative.
h. A narrative description of all impacts proposed to surface waters, including the type of activity to be conducted in surface waters and any physical alteration to surface waters. Surface water impacts shall be identified as follows:
(1) Wetland impacts identified according to their Cowardin classification (i.e., emergent, scrub-shrub, or forested); and for each classification, the individual impacts quantified in square feet to the nearest whole number, cumulatively summed in square feet, and then the sum converted to acres and rounded to two decimal places using commonly accepted arithmetic principles of rounding.
(2) Individual stream impacts (i) quantified by length in linear feet to the nearest whole number and by average width in feet to the nearest whole number; (ii) quantified in square feet to the nearest whole number; and (iii) when compensatory mitigation is required, the impacts identified according to the assessed type using the Unified Stream Methodology.
(3) Open water impacts identified according to type; and for each type, the individual impacts quantified in square feet to the nearest whole number, cumulatively summed in square feet, and then the sum converted to acres and rounded to two decimal places using commonly accepted arithmetic principles of rounding.
(4) A copy of the approved jurisdictional determination when available, or when unavailable, (i) the preliminary jurisdictional determination from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or DEQ or (ii) other correspondence from the USACE, NRCS, or DEQ indicating approval of the boundary of applicable jurisdictional surface waters, including wetlands data sheets if applicable.
(5) A delineation map that (i) depicts the geographic area or areas of all surface water boundaries delineated in accordance with 9VAC25-210-45 and confirmed in accordance with the jurisdictional determination process; (ii) identifies such areas in accordance with subdivisions 1 h (1), 1 h (2), and 1 h (3) of this subsection; and (iii) quantifies and identifies any other surface waters according to their Cowardin classification (i.e., emergent, scrub-shrub, or forested) or similar terminology.
i. Plan view drawing or drawings of the project site sufficient to assess the project, including at a minimum the following:
(1) North arrow, graphic scale, and existing and proposed topographic or bathymetric contours.
(2) Limits of proposed impacts to surface waters.
(3) Location of all existing and proposed structures.
(4) All delineated wetlands and all jurisdictional surface waters on the site, including the Cowardin classification (i.e., emergent, scrub-shrub, or forested) for those surface waters and waterway name, if designated; ebb and flood or direction of flow; ordinary high water mark in nontidal areas; tidal wetlands boundary; and mean low water and mean high water lines in tidal areas.
(5) The limits of Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) as field-verified by the applicant, and if available, the limits as approved by the locality in which the project site is located, unless the proposed use is exempt from the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830).
(6) The limits of any areas that are under a deed restriction, conservation easement, restrictive covenant, or other land use protective instrument (i.e., protected areas).
j. Cross-sectional and profile drawing or drawings. Cross-sectional drawing or drawings of each proposed impact area includes at a minimum a graphic scale, existing structures, existing and proposed elevations, limits of surface water areas, ebb and flood or direction of flow (if applicable), ordinary high water mark in nontidal areas, tidal wetland boundary, mean low water and mean high water lines in tidal areas, impact limits, and location of all existing and proposed structures. Profile drawing or drawings with this information may be required on a case-by-case basis to demonstrate minimization of impacts. Any application that proposes piping or culverting stream flows shall provide a longitudinal profile of the pipe or culvert position and stream bed thalweg, or shall provide spot elevations of the stream thalweg at the beginning and end of the pipe or culvert, extending to a minimum of 10 feet beyond the limits of the proposed impact.
k. Materials assessment. Upon request by the department, the applicant shall provide evidence or certification that the material is free from toxic contaminants prior to disposal or that the dredging activity will not cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards during dredging. The applicant may be required to conduct grain size and composition analyses, tests for specific parameters or chemical constituents, or elutriate tests on the dredge material.
l. An assessment of potential impacts to federal and state listed threatened or endangered species, including any correspondence or documentation from federal or state resource agencies addressing potential impacts to listed species.
m. A compensatory mitigation plan to achieve no net loss of wetland acreage and functions or stream functions and water quality benefits.
(1) If permittee-responsible compensation is proposed for wetland impacts, a conceptual wetland compensatory mitigation plan shall be submitted in order for an application to be deemed complete and shall include at a minimum (i) the goals and objectives in terms of replacement of wetland acreage and functions; (ii) a detailed location map including latitude and longitude to the nearest second and the fourth order subbasin, as defined by the hydrologic unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, at the center of the site; (iii) a description of the surrounding land use; (iv) a hydrologic analysis including a draft water budget for nontidal areas based on expected monthly inputs and outputs that will project water level elevations for a typical year, a dry year, and a wet year; (v) groundwater elevation data, if available, or the proposed location of groundwater monitoring wells to collect these data; (vi) wetland delineation confirmation, data sheets, and maps for existing surface water areas on the proposed site or sites; (vii) a conceptual grading plan; (viii) a conceptual planting scheme including suggested plant species and zonation of each vegetation type proposed; (ix) a description of existing soils including general information on both topsoil and subsoil conditions, permeability, and the need for soil amendments; (x) a draft design of water control structures; (xi) inclusion of buffer areas; (xii) a description of any structures and features necessary for the success of the site; (xiii) the schedule for compensatory mitigation site construction; and (xiv) measures for the control of undesirable species.
(2) If permittee-responsible compensation is proposed for stream impacts, a conceptual stream compensatory mitigation plan shall be submitted in order for an application to be deemed complete and shall include at a minimum (i) the goals and objectives in terms of water quality benefits and replacement of stream functions; (ii) a detailed location map including the latitude and longitude to the nearest second and the fourth order subbasin, as defined by the hydrologic unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, at the center of the site; (iii) a description of the surrounding land use; (iv) the proposed stream segment restoration locations including plan view and cross-section drawings; (v) the stream deficiencies that need to be addressed; (vi) data obtained from a DEQ-approved, stream impact assessment methodology such as the Unified Stream Methodology; (vii) the proposed restoration measures to be employed including channel measurements, proposed design flows, types of instream structures, and conceptual planting scheme; (viii) reference stream data, if available; (ix) inclusion of buffer areas; (x) schedule for restoration activities; and (xi) measures for the control of undesirable species.
(3) For any permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation, the conceptual compensatory mitigation plan shall also include a draft of the intended protective mechanism or mechanisms, in accordance with 9VAC25-210-116 B 2, such as, but not limited to, a conservation easement held by a third party in accordance with the Virginia Conservation Easement Act (§ 10.1-1009 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) or the Virginia Open-Space Land Act (§ 10.1-1700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), a duly recorded declaration of restrictive covenants, or other protective instrument. The draft intended protective mechanism shall contain the information in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of this subdivision B 1 m (3) or in lieu thereof shall describe the intended protective mechanism or mechanisms that contain or contains the information required as follows:
(a) A provision for access to the site;
(b) The following minimum restrictions: no ditching, land clearing, or discharge of dredge or fill material, and no activity in the area designated as compensatory mitigation area with the exception of maintenance; corrective action measures; or DEQ-approved activities described in the approved final compensatory mitigation plan or long-term management plan; and
(c) A long-term management plan that identifies a long-term steward and adequate financial assurances for long-term management in accordance with the current standard for mitigation banks and in-lieu fee program sites, except that financial assurances will not be necessary for permittee-responsible compensation provided by government agencies on government property. If approved by DEQ, permittee-responsible compensation on government property and long-term protection may be provided through federal facility management plans, integrated natural resources management plans, or other alternate management plans submitted by a government agency or public authority.
(4) Any compensatory mitigation plan proposing the purchase of mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits shall include the number and type of credits proposed to be purchased, documentation from the approved bank or in-lieu fee program sponsor of the availability of credits at the time of application, and all information required by § 62.2-44.15:23 of the Code of Virginia.
n. A written description and a graphical depiction identifying all upland areas including buffers, wetlands, open water, other surface waters, and compensatory mitigation areas located within the proposed project boundary or permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation areas, that are under a deed restriction, conservation easement, restrictive covenant, or other land use protective instrument (i.e., protected areas). Such description and a graphical depiction shall include the nature of the prohibited activities within the protected areas and the limits of Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) as field-verified by the applicant, and if available, the limits as approved by the locality in which the project site is located, unless the proposed use is exempt from the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830), as additional state or local requirements may apply if the project is located within an RPA.
o. Signature page that has been signed, dated, and certified by the applicant in accordance with 9VAC25-210-100. If the applicant is a business or other organization, the signature must be made by an individual with the authority to bind the business or organization, and the title of the signatory must be provided. The application signature page, either on the copy submitted to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission or to DEQ, must have an original signature. Electronic submittals containing the original signature page, such as that contained in a scanned document file, are acceptable.
p. Permit application fee. The applicant will be notified by the department as to the appropriate fee for the project in accordance with 9VAC25-20. The department will continue to process the application, but the fee must be received prior to release of a draft VWP permit.
2. Reserved.
C. An analysis of the functions of wetlands proposed to be impacted may be required by DEQ. When required, the method selected for the analysis shall assess water quality or habitat metrics and shall be coordinated with DEQ in advance of conducting the analysis.
1. No analysis shall be required when:
a. Wetland impacts per each single and complete project total 1.00 acre or less; or
b. The proposed compensatory mitigation consists of purchasing mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits at standard mitigation ratios of 2:1 for forest, 1.5:1 for scrub-shrub, and 1:1 for emergent, or higher.
2. Analysis shall be required when wetland impacts per each single and complete project total 1.01 acres or more, and when any of the following applies:
a. The proposed compensatory mitigation consists of permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation, including water quality enhancements as replacement for wetlands; or
b. The proposed compensatory mitigation consists of purchasing mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits at less than the standard mitigation ratios of 2:1 for forest, 1.5:1 for scrub-shrub, and 1:1 for emergent.
D. Incomplete application.
1. Where an application for an individual permit or general permit coverage is not accepted as complete by the department within 15 days of receipt, the department shall require the submission of additional information from the applicant and may suspend processing of any application until such time as the applicant has supplied the requested information and the department considers the application complete. Where the applicant becomes aware that he omitted one or more relevant facts from a VWP permit application or submitted incorrect information in a VWP permit application or in any report to the department, the applicant shall immediately submit such facts or the correct information. A revised application with new information shall be deemed a new application for purpose of review but shall not require an additional notice or an additional permit application fee.
2. An incomplete application for an individual permit or general permit coverage may be administratively withdrawn from processing by the department for failure to provide the required information after 60 days from the date of the latest written information request made by the department. The department shall provide (i) notice to the applicant and (ii) an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding when administratively withdrawing an incomplete application. Resubmittal of an application for the same or similar project, after such time that the original permit application was administratively withdrawn, shall require submittal of an additional permit application fee and may be subject to additional noticing requirements.
3. An applicant may request a suspension of application review by the department. A submission by the applicant making such a request shall not preclude the department from administratively withdrawing an incomplete application.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.1, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 37, Issue 5, eff. November 25, 2020; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. September 29, 2021; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022.
9VAC25-210-90. Conditions applicable to all VWP permits.
A. Duty to comply. The permittee shall comply with all conditions and limitations of the VWP permit. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to relieve the permittee of the duty to comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, toxic standards, and prohibitions. Any VWP permit violation or noncompliance is a violation of the Clean Water Act and State Water Control Law and is grounds for enforcement action, VWP permit termination, VWP permit revocation, VWP permit modification, or denial of an application for a VWP permit extension or reissuance.
B. Duty to cease or confine activity. It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the activity for which a VWP permit has been granted in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of the VWP permit.
C. Duty to mitigate. The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any impacts in violation of the VWP permit that may have a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment.
D. Inspection and entry. Upon presentation of credentials, the permittee shall allow the department or any duly authorized agent of the department, at reasonable times and under reasonable circumstances, to conduct the actions listed in this section. For the purpose of this section, the time for inspection shall be deemed reasonable during regular business hours. Nothing contained herein shall make an inspection time unreasonable during an emergency.
1. Enter upon permittee's property, public or private, and have access to, inspect and copy any records that must be kept as part of the VWP permit conditions;
2. Inspect any facilities, operations or practices (including monitoring and control equipment) regulated or required under the VWP permit; and
3. Sample or monitor any substance, parameter, or activity for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the conditions of the VWP permit or as otherwise authorized by law.
E. Duty to provide information. Plans, maps, conceptual reports, and other relevant information shall be submitted as required by the department prior to commencing construction.
F. Monitoring and records requirements.
1. Monitoring of parameters, other than pollutants, shall be conducted according to approved analytical methods as specified in the VWP permit. Analysis of pollutants will be conducted according to 40 CFR Part 136 as published in the 40 CFR July 1, 2023, update.
2. Samples and measurements taken for the purpose of monitoring shall be representative of the monitored activity.
3. The permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original strip chart or electronic recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by the VWP permit, and records of all data used to complete the application for the VWP permit, for a period of at least three years from the date of permit expiration. This period may be extended by request of the department at any time.
4. Records of monitoring information shall include as appropriate:
a. The date, exact place and time of sampling or measurements;
b. The name of the individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;
c. The date and time the analyses were performed;
d. The name of the individuals who performed the analyses;
e. The analytical techniques or methods supporting the information such as observations, readings, calculations, and bench data used;
f. The results of such analyses; and
g. Chain of custody documentation.
G. Duty to reapply. Any permittee desiring to continue a previously permitted activity after the expiration date of the VWP permit shall apply for and obtain a new permit or, if applicable, shall request an extension in accordance with 9VAC25-210-180.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.2, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 19, eff. June 13, 2018; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022; Volume 40, Issue 14, eff. March 27, 2024.
9VAC25-210-100. Signatory requirements.
A. Application. Any application for a VWP permit under this chapter shall bear the applicant's signature or the signature of a person acting in the applicant's behalf, with the authority to bind the applicant. Electronic submittals containing the original signature page, such as that contained in a scanned document file, are acceptable.
B. Reports. All reports required by VWP permits and other information requested by the department shall be signed by:
1. One of the persons described in subsection A of this section; or
2. A duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if:
a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in subsection A of this section; and
b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, superintendent, or position of equivalent responsibility. A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position.
c. If an authorization is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization must be submitted to the department prior to or together with any separate information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative.
C. Certification of application and reports. Any person signing a document under subsection A or B of this section shall make the following certification: "I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.3, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022.
9VAC25-210-110. Establishing applicable standards, limitations, or other VWP permit conditions.
A. In addition to the conditions established in 9VAC25-210-90 and 9VAC25-210-100, and for surface water withdrawals in 9VAC25-210-370, each VWP permit shall include conditions meeting the requirements established in this section where applicable.
B. Water quality standards and state requirements. The VWP permit shall include requirements to comply with all appropriate provisions of state laws and regulations.
C. Toxic pollutants.
1. Where the department finds that appropriate limitations may not ensure compliance with the law or state water quality standards the department shall require the permittee to follow a program of biological or chemical toxics monitoring. The requirement may include a VWP permit reopener to allow the imposition of toxicity reduction or elimination measures determined to be necessary as a result of the department's evaluation of the results of the toxic monitoring and other available information. Based upon this determination, appropriate limitations will be included in the VWP permit to ensure the reduction or elimination of toxic pollutants and allow the department to ensure that the proposed project will comply with water quality standards and other appropriate requirements of the law.
2. Limitations will be included in the VWP permit to control all toxic pollutants which the department determines (based on information reported in a VWP permit application or a notification or on other information) are or may be discharged at a level which would adversely affect the beneficial use of the receiving waters.
D. Monitoring requirements as conditions of VWP permits may include but are not limited to:
1. Requirements concerning the proper use, maintenance and installation, when appropriate, of monitoring equipment or methods (including biological monitoring methods when appropriate) when required as a condition of the VWP permit;
2. Required monitoring including type, intervals, and frequency sufficient to yield data which are representative of the monitored activity and including, when appropriate, continuous monitoring and composite samples;
3. Applicable reporting requirements based upon the impact of the regulated activity on water quality; and
4. Requirements to report monitoring results with a frequency dependent on the nature and effect of the regulated activity.
E. Best management practices (BMPs). The VWP permit may require the use of BMPs to control or abate the discharge of pollutants.
F. Reissued VWP permits. When a VWP permit is renewed or reissued, limitations, standards, or conditions must be in conformance with current limitations, standards, or conditions.
G. Reopening VWP permits. Each VWP permit shall have a condition allowing the reopening of the VWP permit for the purpose of modifying the conditions of the VWP permit to meet new regulatory standards duly adopted by the board. Cause for reopening VWP permits includes, but is not limited to when the circumstances on which the previous VWP permit was based have materially and substantially changed, or special studies conducted by the department or the permittee show material and substantial change, since the time the VWP permit was issued and thereby constitute cause for VWP permit modification or revocation and reissuance.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.4, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 25, eff. September 27, 2000; Errata, 17:3 VA.R. 433 October 23, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022.
9VAC25-210-115. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016.
9VAC25-210-116. Compensation.
A. No net loss. Compensatory mitigation for project impacts shall be sufficient to achieve no net loss of existing wetland acreage and no net loss of functions in all surface waters. Compensatory mitigation ratios appropriate for the type of aquatic resource impacted and the type of compensation provided shall be applied to permitted impacts to help meet this requirement. Credit may be given for preservation of upland buffers already protected under other ordinances to the extent that additional protection and water quality and fish and wildlife resource benefits are provided.
B. Practicable and ecologically and environmentally preferable compensation alternatives.
1. An analysis shall be required to justify that permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation is ecologically and environmentally preferable to the purchase of mitigation bank credits or in-lieu fee program credits with a primary service area that covers the impact site if such credits are available in sufficient quantity for the project at the projected time of need. The analysis shall address the ability of the permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation sites to replace lost wetland acreage and functions or lost stream functions and water quality benefits. The analysis comparing the impacted and compensation sites may use a method that assesses water quality or habitat metrics, such as that required by 9VAC25-210-80 C, or a method that assesses such criteria as water quality benefits, distance from impacts, hydrologic source and regime, watershed, vegetation type, soils, constructability, timing of compensation versus impact, property acquisition, and cost.
2. The applicant shall demonstrate that permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation can be protected in perpetuity through a protective mechanism approved by the Department of Environmental Quality, such as, but not limited to, a conservation easement held by a third party in accordance with the Virginia Conservation Easement Act (§ 10.1-1009 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) or the Virginia Open-Space Act (§ 10.1-1700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), a duly recorded declaration of restrictive covenants, or other protective instrument.
C. Compensatory mitigation proposals shall be evaluated as follows:
1. The purchase of mitigation bank credits and in-lieu fee program credits with a primary service area that covers the impact site when available shall in most cases be deemed the ecologically and environmentally preferable form of compensation for project impacts. However, permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation may be considered when the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates that permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation is ecologically and environmentally preferable in accordance with subdivision B 1 of this section.
2. Compensatory mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts may be met through the following options, which are preferred in the following sequence: mitigation banking, in-lieu fee program, and permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation. However, the department shall evaluate the appropriate compensatory mitigation option on a case-by-case basis with consideration for which option is practicable and ecologically and environmentally preferable, including, in terms of replacement of acreage and functions, which option offers the greatest likelihood of success and avoidance of temporal loss of acreage and function. This evaluation shall be consistent with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources as provided in 33 CFR Part 332. When considering options for providing the required compensatory mitigation, DEQ shall consider the type and location options in the following order:
a. Mitigation bank credits;
b. In-lieu fee program credits;
c. Permittee-responsible mitigation under a watershed approach;
d. Permittee-responsible mitigation through on-site and in-kind mitigation;
e. Permittee-responsible mitigation through off-site or out-of-kind mitigation;
f. Restoration, enhancement, or preservation of upland buffers adjacent to wetlands when utilized in conjunction with subdivision 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, or 2 e of this subsection and when consistent with subsection A of this section; and
g. Preservation of wetlands when utilized in conjunction with subdivision 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, or 2 e of this subsection and when consistent with subsection A of this section.
3. Compensatory mitigation for unavoidable stream impacts may be met through the following options, which are preferred in the following sequence: mitigation banking, in-lieu fee program, and permittee-responsible mitigation. However, the department shall evaluate the appropriate compensatory mitigation option on a case-by-case basis with consideration for which option is practicable and ecologically and environmentally preferable, including, in terms of replacement of acreage and functions, which option offers the greatest likelihood of success and avoidance of temporal loss of acreage and function. This evaluation shall be consistent with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources as provided in 33 CFR Part 332. One factor in determining the required compensation shall be an analysis of stream impacts utilizing a stream impact assessment methodology approved by the department. When considering options for providing the required compensatory mitigation, DEQ shall consider the type and location options in the following order:
a. Mitigation bank stream credits;
b. In-lieu fee program credits;
c. Permittee-responsible mitigation under a watershed approach;
d. Permittee-responsible mitigation through on-site and in-kind mitigation;
e. Permittee-responsible mitigation through off-site or out-of-kind mitigation;
f. Restoration, enhancement, or preservation of upland buffers adjacent to streams when utilized in conjunction with subdivision 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, or 3 e of this subsection and when consistent with subsection A of this section; and
g. Preservation of stream channels and adjacent riparian buffers when utilized in conjunction with subdivision 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, or 3 e of this subsection and when consistent with subsection A of this section.
4. Compensatory mitigation for open water impacts may be required to protect state waters and fish and wildlife resources from significant impairment, as appropriate. Compensation shall not be required for permanent or temporary impacts to open waters that are identified as palustrine by the Cowardin classification method, but compensation may be required when such open waters are located in areas of karst topography in Virginia and are formed by the natural solution of limestone.
D. In-lieu fee program approval.
1. The department may approve the use of a program by issuing a VWP permit for a specific project or by taking an enforcement action and following applicable public notice and comment requirements, or by granting approval of a program after publishing a notice of its intent in the Virginia Register of Regulations and accepting public comments on its approval for a minimum of 30 days.
2. Where a program is mandated by the Code of Virginia to be implemented and such program is approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the program may be used as deemed appropriate for any VWP permit or enforcement action.
3. An approved program must meet the following criteria:
a. Demonstration of a no net loss policy in terms of wetland acreage and functions or stream functions and water quality benefits by adoption of operational goals or objectives for restoration, creation, enhancement, or preservation;
b. DEQ approval of each site for inclusion in the program;
c. A commitment to provide annual reports to the department detailing contributions received and acreage and type of wetlands or streams preserved, created, or restored in each watershed with those contributions, as well as the compensatory mitigation credits contributed for each watershed of project impact;
d. A mechanism to establish fee amounts that will ensure each contribution will be adequate to compensate for the wetland acreage and functions or stream functions and water quality benefits lost in the impacted watershed; and
e. Such terms and conditions as the department deems necessary to ensure a no net loss of wetland acreage and functions or stream functions and water quality benefits from permitted projects providing compensatory mitigation.
4. Approval may be granted for up to 10 years and may be renewed by the department upon a demonstration that the program has met the criteria in subdivision 3 of this subsection.
E. Use of mitigation banks. The use of mitigation banks for compensating project impacts shall be deemed appropriate if the following criteria are met:
1. The bank meets the criteria and conditions found in § 62.1-44.15:23 of the Code of Virginia;
2. The bank is ecologically and environmentally preferable to practicable on-site and off-site individual compensatory mitigation options;
3. The banking instrument, if approved after July 1, 1996, has been approved by a process that involved public review and comment in accordance with federal guidelines; and
4. The applicant provides verification to DEQ of purchase of the required amount of credits.
F. For permittee-responsible mitigation, the final compensatory mitigation plan shall include complete information on all components of the conceptual compensatory mitigation plan detailed in 9VAC25-210-80 B 1 m and:
1. For wetlands, the final compensation plan for review and approval by DEQ shall also include a summary of the type and acreage of existing wetland impacts anticipated during the construction of the compensation site and the proposed compensation for these impacts; a site access plan; a monitoring plan, including proposed success criteria, monitoring goals, and the location of photo-monitoring stations, monitoring wells, vegetation sampling points, and reference wetlands or streams if available; an abatement and control plan for undesirable plant species; an erosion and sedimentation control plan; a construction schedule; and the final protective mechanism for the compensation site or sites, including all surface waters and buffer areas within its boundaries. The approved protective mechanism shall be recorded in the chain of title to the property, or an equivalent instrument for government-owned lands, and proof of recordation shall be submitted to DEQ prior to commencing impacts in surface waters.
2. For streams, the final compensation plan for review and approval by DEQ shall also include a site access plan; an erosion and sedimentation control plan, if appropriate; an abatement and control plan for undesirable plant species; a monitoring plan, including a monitoring and reporting schedule, monitoring design, and methodologies for success; proposed success criteria; location of photo-monitoring stations, vegetation sampling points, survey points, bank pins, scour chains, and reference streams; a plan view drawing depicting the pattern and all compensation measures being employed; a profile drawing; cross-sectional drawing or drawings of the proposed compensation stream; and the final protective mechanism for the compensation site or sites, including all surface waters and buffer areas within its boundaries. The approved protective mechanism shall be recorded in the chain of title to the property, or an equivalent instrument for government-owned lands, and proof of recordation shall be submitted to DEQ prior to commencing impacts in surface waters.
G. Notwithstanding any provision of this section restricting the location of the source of credits, the department may, for tidal wetland impacts, authorize the use of, including without the application of § 62.1-44.15:23 C of the Code of Virginia, a tidal wetland mitigation bank located in an adjacent river watershed when such bank contains the same plant community type and salinity regime as the impacted wetlands, which shall be the preferred form of compensation. This subsection shall apply only (i) to tidal wetland mitigation banks with a polyhaline salinity regime located in subbasins 02080102, 02080107, 02080108, and 02080208 and (ii) when a tidal wetland mitigation bank with the same plant community type and salinity regime as the impacted wetlands is not available in the same river watershed as the impacted wetland.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 9, eff. February 6, 2008; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 35, Issue 25, eff. September 4, 2019; Errata, 36:1 VA.R. 81 September 2, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. September 29, 2021; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022; Volume 40, Issue 4, eff. November 8, 2023.
9VAC25-210-120. Draft VWP permit formulation.
A. After evaluation of a complete application, the department shall make a decision to tentatively issue or deny the VWP permit pursuant to this section.
B. If the tentative decision is to issue the VWP permit then a draft VWP permit shall be prepared in advance of public notice. The following tentative determinations shall be incorporated into a draft VWP permit:
1. Conditions, discharge limitations, standards and other requirements applicable to the VWP permit;
2. Monitoring requirements; and
3. Requirements for mitigation of adverse environmental impacts.
C. If the tentative decision is to deny the application, the department shall do so in accordance with 9VAC25-210-230.
D. Should a decision be made to waive the requirement for a VWP permit, the department shall do so in accordance with 9VAC25-210-220.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.5, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022.
9VAC25-210-130. VWP general permits.
A. The board may issue VWP general permits by regulation for certain specified categories of activities as it deems appropriate, except as limited by subdivision D 2 of § 62.1-44.15:21 of the State Water Control Law.
B. When the department determines on a case-by-case basis that concerns for water quality and the aquatic environment so indicate, the department may require individual applications and VWP individual permits rather than approving coverage under a VWP general permit regulation. Cases where an individual VWP permit may be required include the following:
1. Where the activity may be a significant contributor to pollution;
2. Where the applicant or permittee is not in compliance with the conditions of the VWP general permit regulation or coverage;
3. When an applicant or permittee no longer qualifies for coverage under the VWP general permit; and
4. When a permittee operating under VWP general permit coverage requests to be excluded from coverage by applying for a VWP individual permit.
C. When a VWP individual permit is issued to a permittee, the applicability of the VWP general permit coverage to the individual permittee is automatically terminated on the effective date of the VWP individual permit.
D. When a VWP general permit regulation is issued, which applies to a permittee that is already covered by a VWP individual permit, such person may request exclusion from the provisions of the VWP general permit regulation and subsequent coverage under a VWP individual permit.
E. VWP general permit coverage may be revoked from an individual permittee for any of the reasons set forth in 9VAC25-210-180 subject to appropriate opportunity for a hearing.
F. The permittee shall be required to submit a written notice of project completion and request a permit termination by consent within 30 days following the completion of all activities in all permitted impact areas in accordance with subsection 90 A of the applicable VWP general permit regulation.
G. Activities authorized under a VWP general permit and general permit regulation shall be authorized for the fixed term stated in the applicable VWP general permit and VWP general permit regulation.
H. Unless prohibited from coverage under a VWP general permit, the department may certify or certify with conditions a general, regional, or nationwide permit proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in accordance with § 401 of the federal Clean Water Act as meeting the requirements of this chapter and a VWP general permit, provided that the nationwide or regional permit and the certification conditions:
1. Require that wetland or stream impacts be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable;
2. Prohibit impacts that cause or contribute to a significant impairment of state waters or fish and wildlife resources;
3. Require compensatory mitigation sufficient to achieve no net loss of existing wetland acreage and functions or stream functions and water quality benefits;
4. Require that compensatory mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts be provided in accordance with § 62.1-44.15:23 of the Code of Virginia and 9VAC25-210-116; and
5. Require that compensatory mitigation for unavoidable stream impacts be provided in accordance with § 62.1-44.15:23 of the Code of Virginia and 9VAC25-210-116, including an analysis of stream impacts utilizing a stream impact assessment methodology approved by the department.
I. The certifications allowed by subsection H of this section may be provided only after the department has advertised and accepted public comment on its intent to provide certification for at least 30 days.
J. Coverage under a general, regional, or nationwide permit promulgated by the USACE and certified by the department in accordance with this section shall be deemed coverage under a VWP general permit regulation upon submission of proof of coverage under the general, regional, or nationwide permit and any other information required by the department through the certification process. Notwithstanding the provisions of 9VAC25-20, no fee shall be required from applicants seeking coverage under this subsection.
Statutory Authority
§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.).
Historical Notes
Derived from VR680-15-02 § 2.6, eff. May 20, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2001; Volume 23, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2007; Volume 24, Issue 9, eff. February 6, 2008; Volume 25, Issue 5, eff. December 10, 2008; Errata, 25:9 VA.R. 1826 January 5, 2009; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. August 2, 2016; Volume 35, Issue 4, eff. November 14, 2018; Volume 38, Issue 1, eff. September 29, 2021; Volume 39, Issue 4, eff. November 9, 2022.