Projects disturbing 10,000 square feet or more, or part of a common plan of development will require an E&SC plan, narrative, and supporting documentation for review and approval.

Projects disturbing an acre or more, or part of a larger common plan of development will require coverage under the Construction General Permit (CGP), an E&SC and SWM plan, narrative, and supporting documentation for review and approvals.

Shape of the land disturbance does not matter, so whether it is a land disturbance of 100' by 100', a utility project that is 10' wide and a length of 1,000', or any other configuration of 10,000 square feet or more, an approved plan will be required.

SWM Plans are also required if the land disturbing activity proposes use of credits from a regional stormwater management facility or voluntary installation of a stormwater best management practice (BMP).

When a project involves constructing linear utilities (e.g., waterlines, sewer lines, electric lines, etc.) DEQ may waive the requirement, for the preparation and implementation of a stormwater management plan in accordance with DEQ guidance. Please contact the Stormwater Coordinator if the project is considering a Linear Utility Waiver for submittal requirements.

Please contact the Stormwater Coordinator at (540) 568-3174 with questions on JMU’s E&SC/SWM Plan submission or permitting process. Land disturbance may not begin without an approved E&SC and SWM Plan and prequsities listed in JMU's Land Disturbing Policy and approved Standards and Specfiications. Please refer to these linked documents below.

For those submitting an E&SC or SWM Plan for a proposed project on campus, a copy of the most up to date Plan Preparer/Reviewer Checklist may be obtained by contacting the Stormwater Coordinator.

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 reviewed 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.

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)

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:

1. Approved erosion and sediment control plan
2. Approved stormwater management plan
3. Pollution prevention plan
4. 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:

• DEQ - General Construction Permit guidance and information.
• EPA - SWPPP Guidance

Following is a SWPPP template provided by JMU. 

JMU Construction SWPPP Template

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