The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had outdated and uncoordinated materials to communicate design practices for stormwater management at land-disturbing sites. The Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook, Stormwater Management Handbook, and Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Manual are each over or approaching thirty years of continued use. In addition, DEQ last updated its specifications for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in 2011. Over the years, stormwater management has progressed greatly, and manufacturers have developed new products to reduce erosion, control sediment, and reduce runoff that impairs water quality. New BMPs are also designed to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Likewise, the Code of Virginia and Administrative Code have changed significantly. Further, DEQ has updated its materials related to construction stormwater with memoranda and guidance documents.

This presentation provides an overview of the 2016 legislation and subsequent amendments to the Code of Virginia, and the new Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulation, as the basis for DEQ’s efforts to consolidate and update the above-mentioned stormwater management and erosion and sediment control materials.  One significant result is the new Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.0 (Handbook) – which will be a living document that is continually updated as regulations, science and engineering practices evolve. This presentation also describes the process used to engage stakeholders and develop content for the new Handbook. In addition, this presentation will provide an overview of the Handbook content and provide information about the process and required to make it effective for use by planners, designers, engineers, and others as guidance. As a national leader in its surface water protection efforts, DEQ aspires to produce the “best-in-class” stormwater handbook among US states.