DEQ has developed a new voluntary certification program, the Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD) certification, for the public to submit state surface waters delineations in accordance with 9VAC25-210-10 and 9VAC25-210-45. 

DEQ will prioritize SSWD reviews by a certified individual ahead of other SSWD requests. This prioritization acknowledges professional expertise of the VSWD and allows DEQ to rely on the accuracy and completeness of an SSWD to increase the efficiency of VWP permit issuances

To obtain a VSWD certification, complete DEQ training (click on Wetlands Stream ID training tab below), Wetlands Stream Identification curriculum and obtain Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) certification. Complete in either order.

During this stream identification training course, participants will develop an understanding of the science behind stream indicators and how those indicators can be used to define important criteria used to determine the upper limits of waters of the U.S. in stream channels (e.g., Ordinary High Water Mark). Afternoon field exercises will undergird and support stream identification concepts on multiple sites and in several different field scenarios. After participants attend this course and the roster is completed, the Stream Identification exam will become available through the curriculum player. Please email: certification@deq.virginia.gov if you have any questions.

Date: April 2, 2025

DEQ Northern Regional Office, Woodbridge VA

Instructor: Doug DeBerry

Cost = $220

Register in ELMS

Date: August 20, 2025

DEQ Piedmont Regional Office, Glen Allen VA

Instructor: Doug DeBerry

Cost = $220

Register in ELMS

Additional Information 

VSWD Training Instructions

VSWD Program Overview & Requirements

DPOR Professional Wetland Delineators (PWD) Certification

State Surface Water Delineations (SSWD)

For more information see the Surface Water Delineations tab on the Wetlands and Streams page.

The State Water Control board ensures wetlands inventory maps are available to the public, which is done primarily through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetland Inventory maps and Virginia's Wetland Condition Assessment.

DEQ hosted a series of educational webinars on Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permitting for consultants, NGOs, staff, and those interested in broadening their knowledge of the VWP Permitting program. This training is designed to improve understanding of the wetland permit application requirements. The goals of this series goals are to reduce incomplete application submittals, assist those interested in learning the nuances of the permit application development and submittal process and subsequently, to speed up permit processing times

The recordings for each session are provided below.

VWP Permitting Series (1/6): Introducing the Permit & Compliance Manual 

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

This webinar was provided on January 29, 2023 and explored the Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Manual. Participants gained valuable insights into the practical utilization of the VWP Manual, specifically its vital role in the review and issuance process of VWP permit applications. See the webinar recording to discover compelling reasons behind adhering to the VWP Manual, emphasizing efficiency gains such as time savings and cost reduction, ultimately expediting the DEQ review process.

VWP Permitting Series (2/6): Fundamental Concepts 

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

This webinar was provided on February 21, 2024 and explored fundamental principles of managing and administering the VWP program. Core concepts such as 401, 404, JPA, GP, IP, Exclusions were discussed and how to learn more by knowing where to look in the VWP manual and other DEQ resources.

VWP Permitting Series (3/6): Types of Permits 

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

This webinar was conducted on March 26, 2024 and provided a clear understanding of the criteria and considerations for selecting between VWP general permits (GP) or individual permits (IP) in wetland management and gained insights into the factors that influence the choice between these permit types.

VWP Permitting Series (4/6): Joint Permit Application (JPA) & Thoughtful Design 

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

Justin Curtis from Aqualaw provided a webinar on April 18, 2024 that provided an understanding of the the requirements and submission of the JPA process and how to address essential considerations in a VWP permit application such as addressing purpose and need, alternatives analysis and using thoughtful design to improve speed of issuance.

VWP Permitting Series (5/6): Specific Conditions 

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

Justin Curtis (Aqualaw) provided a webinar on April 30, 2024 to learn how to tailor VWP permit applications to address specific issues, such as alternatives analyses and market studies.

VWP Permitting Series (6/6): Compensatory Mitigation

(Webinar Recording) (Webinar Slides - PDF)

This webinar was conducted on May 21, 2024 and discussed compensation for VWP Permits, including calculating your compensation requirement, the types of compensation available in the Commonwealth, the preference for each type of compensation mandated by state regulations, and when preservation may be applicable and appropriate. The webinar explores the definitions of in-kind, primary and secondary service areas, and ecologically and environmentally preferable and practicable compensation options, and how they affect the compensation options available to an applicant or permittee.

Compliance & Enforcement in the Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit Program

This holiday-themed webinar, held on December 11, 2024, explored how compliance and enforcement work within the VWP permit program. Topics covered include proactive steps to identify and prevent permit violations, understanding regulatory responses to incidents, available resources for developing effective corrective action plans, the enforcement process for noncompliance, and a review of the financial implications of noncompliance. Review of this webinar is not required to complete the Wetlands Permitting Specialist Exam, but serves as an opportunity to expand your personal knowledge on these topics. 

Recording link: https://covaconf.webex.com/covaconf/ldr.php?RCID=95f109e9d0cafa6a0950a5faedca13f4

Recording Password: Wetlands1

This exam is provided as a mechanism for professionals to document and display their professional competence in Wetlands Permitting; after passing you will receive a certificate of completion on your transcript. The online exam consists of 40 questions and requires 80% pass-rate. It is available in DEQ's Environmental Learning Management System (ELMS). Register an account or login and search for Wetlands Permitting Exam. To prepare for this exam, please watch the VWP Permitting Webinar Series - recorded and available in the above section.