On July 1, 2024, The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.0, replacing previous editions, including the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (1992) and Virginia’s Stormwater Management Handbook (1999).
The purpose of the VSMH is to provide guidance on erosion and stormwater control measures necessary to comply with the following laws and regulations:
- Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act, §§ 62.1-44.15:24 through 62.1-44.15:50 of the Code of Virginia;
- Erosion and Sediment Control Law for Localities Not Administering a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program, §§ 62.1-44.15:51 through 62.1-44.15:66 of the Code of Virginia;
- Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulation, 9VAC25-875-10 et seq;
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, §§ 62.1-44.15:67 through 62.1-44.15:79 of the Code of Virginia; and
- Other associated state or federal regulations impacting erosion and sediment control and stormwater management.
JMU implemented an erosion and sediment control (ESC) program in 2009, and starting July 1, 2014 JMU also began administrating a stormwater management (SWM) program. The University continues to manage both an ESC and SWM program, ensuring that these programs are in compliance with the most recent updates and changes to applicable laws and regulations. These programs require site plan review for projects meeting the criteria as described in the above laws and regulations. The following are useful documents for site plan submissions along with applicable policies for construction projects and any other land disturbing activity that occurs on campus.
JMU Standards and Specifications (S&S)
DEQ Approved JMU Standards & Specifications for ESC & SWM
S&S Approval Letter from DEQ dated April 1, 2025
S&S entities will have their S&S administratively every five years or if a significant update is needed by the DEQ. JMU's S&S was reviewed and approved by the DEQ on April 1, 2025.
JMU Stormwater Related Policies
Within JMU’s Facilities Management (FM) Policies, there are three policies (IV 10, IV 11, IV 12) written to address stormwater management and pollution prevention. They can be viewed at the FM Policies and Guidelines page or via the links below.
IV 10 Stormwater Management Facilities
IV 11 Land Disturbing Activities
IV 12 Daily Operational Procedures for Stormwater Control Best Management Practices
There is one university wide policy that applies to the entire campus community - Policy 4310 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) and is accessed via the main JMU Policies page or as linked below.
Policy 4310 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Guidance
The SWPPP is the cornerstone of the Construction General Permit and the Virginia Stormwater Management Program. The plan includes prevention measures for both during construction and after construction. All SWPPP's must contain the following:
- Approved erosion and sediment control plan
- Approved stormwater management plan
- Pollution prevention plan
- Plan specifying any additional control measures to meet the requirements of a TMDL
Additional information on developing a SWPPP can be found at the following locations:
Following is a SWPPP template provided by JMU.
JMU Construction SWPPP Template
For any questions related to SWPPPs, site plan development, E&S and SWM plans and review, or stormwater related policies, please contact the stormwater team at stormwater@jmu.edu.Construction General Permit Coverage
When submitting for permit coverage, be sure to submit the following documents which can be found on DEQ's web site.
- Registration Statement
- Permit Fee Form and Fee Schedule
- Standards and Specifications (S&S) Entity Information Form
