DEQ is the lead agency for developing and implementing the Commonwealth’s statewide program to protect water quality and quantity from stormwater runoff. The agency issues permits, certifies land disturbances and offers compliance assistance. 

Stormwater occurs after precipitation and consists of runoff from streets, lawns, parking lots, construction sites, industrial facilities and other impervious surfaces. Stormwater may enter surface waters directly or through natural and constructed channel systems. Pollution, such as automobile oil, grease, metals, sediment, bacteria from animal waste, fertilizers and pesticides, even deposits from airborne pollutants can contaminate the runoff.

Unmanaged stormwater can cause erosion and flooding. It can also carry excess nutrients, sediment and other contaminants into rivers and streams. Properly managed stormwater can recharge groundwater and protect land and streams from erosion, flooding and pollutants.
 
DEQ regulates stormwater as a “point source” of pollution, which means its source can be located. This includes stormwater discharges from:

• Municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s)
• Construction activities
• Industrial discharges

MS4s are publicly owned systems, such as storm drains, pipes, ditches or swales that collect or move water to surface waters. They must obtain permit coverage and develop a stormwater management program.
 
Permits may be required to discharge stormwater from construction activities under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). In addition, local governments may manage their own stormwater management permit programs, which are separate from the state permit program and from local land disturbance permits. 
 
Approval for activity may also require a separate permit for erosion and sediment control. These land disturbance permits are issued by localities as part of their erosion and sediment control programs, which DEQ periodically reviews. The agency offers training for both erosion control and stormwater plan reviewers and land disturbers.  

Local governments are key partners in the VSMP program, administrating erosion and sediment control programs as well as the stormwater program.
 
Stormwater discharges from industrial activities are covered under industrial stormwater permits and require management practices and monitoring to protect the quality of the waters receiving the stormwater discharges.
 
Stormwater runoff that is not confined to a single point source is considered nonpoint source pollution, which is mainly controlled through erosion and sediment control.