The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is rolling out an updated version of the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook (VSMH) that will be effective July 1, 2026.While this is not a complete overhaul of the VSMH, Version 1.2 provides more consistency around the design and inspections of best management practices (BMPs). We expect tighter alignment with permit requirements, more information on BMP design and documentation, and clearer guidance concerning BMP inspections, maintenance, and compliance.
Why?
The updates align VSMH v1.2 with recent amendments to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management (VESM) Regulation, the latest Construction General Permit (CGP) (VAR10, July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2029), and agency guidance documents that have become effective since August 1, 2024 (click here for our June 2024 Field Notes article).
What Is Changing?
From a design perspective, key updates include:
- Revisions and corrections to hydraulic calculations, units, and sizing criteria
- Updates to BMP design tables and expanded erosion control measures
- The addition of a new BMP, Permanent Waterbars
- Clearer differentiation between similar BMPs (i.e., traps vs. basins)
- Additional guidance for challenging conditions such as karst terrain
- Updated material specifications to reflect current industry standards
From a BMP inspection standpoint, the biggest shift is consistency with the Construction General Permit, VAR10:
- Inspection frequencies are now clearly tied to CGP requirements across most BMPs
- More defined inspection criteria for each BMP
- Clearer separation between inspection responsibilities and maintenance responsibilities
- Added requirements/notes around coordination with the VESMP authority before BMP removal or modification
These are changes to the state-level policies and guidance. It is extremely important to check with local jurisdictions on how they plan to implement the transition.
Implications for Project Schedules
Any plans, reports, and applications fully submitted and deemed complete by the authority before June 30, 2026 will be reviewed and approved under VSMH v1.1.
Starting July 1, 2026, any new submissions and any packages resubmitted or previously deemed incomplete must comply with Version 1.2 requirements.
Who is Impacted?
These changes apply to all projects and programs where DEQ is the VSMP or VESMP Authority. It is important to note that these state-level changes apply specifically to projects where DEQ is the approving authority. Because many local governments manage their own independent stormwater and land disturbance permit programs, it is strongly recommended that developers consult with local officials to determine which specific standards and permit types apply to their site location.
Next Steps
If you have questions about implications for your current or upcoming projects, please contact your WSSI project manager or the staff listed below.
Resources
- DEQ Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook version 1.2
- DEQ Virginia’s webpage, “Stormwater Handbooks”
- Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.2 – Summary of Revisions
- Construction Stormwater Changes in Virginia (Field Notes, June 26 and July 3, 2024)