Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 3, September 23, 2024
B.
A complete application for VWP general permit coverage, at a minimum, consists
of the following information, if applicable to the project:
1. The applicant's legal name, mailing
address, telephone number, and if applicable, electronic mail address and fax
number.
2. If different from the
applicant, legal name, mailing address, telephone number, and if applicable,
electronic mail address and fax number of property owner.
3. If applicable, the authorized agent's
name, mailing address, telephone number, and if applicable, fax number and
electronic mail address.
4. The
existing VWP general permit tracking number, if applicable.
5. Project name and proposed project
schedule.
6. The following
information for the project site location and any related permittee-responsible
compensatory mitigation site:
a. The physical
street address, nearest street, or nearest route number; city or county; zip
code; and if applicable, parcel number of the site or sites.
b. Name of the impacted water body or water
bodies, or receiving waters, as applicable, at the site or sites.
c. The latitude and longitude to the nearest
second at the center of the site or sites.
d. The fourth order subbasin, as defined by
the hydrologic unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, for
the site or sites.
e. A detailed
map depicting the location of the site or sites, including the project boundary
and all existing preservation areas on the site or sites. The map (e.g., a U.S.
Geologic Survey topographic quadrangle map) should be of sufficient detail to
easily locate the site or sites for inspection.
7. A narrative description of the project,
including project purpose and need.
8. Plan-view drawing or drawings of the
project site sufficient to assess the project, including at a minimum the
following:
a. North arrow, graphic scale, and
existing and proposed topographic or bathymetric contours.
b. Limits of proposed impacts to surface
waters.
c. Location of all existing
and proposed structures.
d. All
delineated wetlands and all jurisdictional surface waters on the site,
including the Cowardin classification (i.e., emergent, scrub-shrub, or
forested) for those surface waters and waterway name, if designated; ebb and
flood or direction of flow; and ordinary high water mark in nontidal
areas.
e. The limits of Chesapeake
Bay Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) as field-verified by the applicant, and if
available, the limits as approved by the locality in which the project site is
located, unless the proposed use is exempt from the Chesapeake Bay reservation
Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830).
f. The limits of any areas that are under a
deed restriction, conservation easement, restrictive covenant, or other land
use protective instrument (i.e., protected areas).
9. Cross-sectional and profile drawing or
drawings. Cross-sectional drawing or drawings of each proposed impact area
shall include at a minimum a graphic scale, existing structures, existing and
proposed elevations, limits of surface water areas, ebb and flood or direction
of flow (if applicable), ordinary high water mark in nontidal areas, impact
limits, and location of all existing and proposed structures. Profile drawing
or drawings with this information may be required on a case-by-case basis to
demonstrate minimization of impacts. Any application that proposes piping or
culverting stream flows shall provide a longitudinal profile of the pipe or
culvert position and stream bed thalweg, or shall provide spot elevations of
the stream thalweg at the beginning and end of the pipe or culvert, extending
to a minimum of 10 feet beyond the limits of proposed impact.
10. A narrative description of all impacts
proposed to surface waters, including the type of activity to be conducted in
surface waters and any physical alteration to surface waters. Surface water
impacts shall be identified as follows:
a.
Wetland impacts identified according to their Cowardin classification (i.e.,
emergent, scrub-shrub, or forested); and for each classification, the
individual impacts quantified in square feet to the nearest whole number,
cumulatively summed in square feet, and then the sum converted to acres and
rounded to two decimal places using commonly accepted arithmetic principles of
rounding.
b. Individual stream
impacts (i) quantified by length in linear feet to the nearest whole number and
by average width in feet to the nearest whole number; (ii) quantified in square
feet to the nearest whole number; and (iii) when compensatory mitigation is
required, the impacts identified according to the assessed type using the
Unified Stream Methodology.
c. Open
water impacts identified according to their Cowardin classification, and for
each type, the individual impacts quantified in square feet to the nearest
whole number, cumulatively summed in square feet, and then the sum converted to
acres and rounded to two decimal places using commonly accepted arithmetic
principles of rounding.
d. A copy
of the approved jurisdictional determination, when available, or when
unavailable, (i) the preliminary jurisdictional determination from the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or DEQ or (ii) other correspondence from
the USACE, NRCS, or DEQ indicating approval of the boundary of applicable
jurisdictional surface waters, including wetlands data sheets if
applicable.
e. A delineation map
that (i) depicts the geographic area or areas of all surface water boundaries
delineated in accordance with
9VAC25-210-45
and confirmed in accordance with the jurisdictional determination process; (ii)
identifies such areas in accordance with subdivisions 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c of
this subsection; and (iii) quantifies and identifies any other surface waters
according to their Cowardin classification (i.e., emergent, scrub-shrub, or
forested) or similar terminology.
11. An alternatives analysis for the proposed
project detailing the specific on-site measures taken during project design and
development to first avoid and then minimize impacts to surface waters to the
maximum extent practicable in accordance with the Guidelines for Specification
of Disposal Sites for Dredged or Fill Material, 40 CFR Part 230 . Avoidance and
minimization includes, but is not limited to, the specific on-site measures
taken to reduce the size, scope, configuration, or density of the proposed
project, including review of alternative sites where required for the project,
which would avoid or result in less adverse impact to surface waters, and
documentation demonstrating the reason the applicant determined less damaging
alternatives are not practicable. The analysis shall demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the department that avoidance and minimization opportunities
have been identified and measures have been applied to the proposed activity
such that the proposed activity in terms of impacts to state waters and fish
and wildlife resources is the least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative.
12. A compensatory
mitigation plan to achieve no net loss of wetland acreage and functions or
stream functions and water quality benefits.
a. If permittee-responsible compensation is
proposed for wetland impacts, a conceptual wetland compensatory mitigation plan
must be submitted in order for an application to be deemed complete and shall
include at a minimum (i) the goals and objectives in terms of replacement of
wetland acreage and functions; (ii) a detailed location map including latitude
and longitude to the nearest second and the fourth order subbasin, as defined
by the hydrologic unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset,
at the center of the site; (iii) a description of the surrounding land use;
(iv) a hydrologic analysis including a draft water budget for nontidal areas
based on expected monthly inputs and outputs that will project water level
elevations for a typical year, a dry year, and a wet year; (v) groundwater
elevation data, if available, or the proposed location of groundwater
monitoring wells to collect these data; (vi) wetland delineation confirmation,
data sheets, and maps for existing surface water areas on the proposed site or
sites; (vii) a conceptual grading plan; (viii) a conceptual planting scheme
including suggested plant species and zonation of each vegetation type
proposed; (ix) a description of existing soils including general information on
both topsoil and subsoil conditions, permeability, and the need for soil
amendments; (x) a draft design of any water control structures; (xi) inclusion
of buffer areas; (xii) a description of any structures and features necessary
for the success of the site; (xiii) the schedule for compensatory mitigation
site construction; and (xiv) measures for the control of undesirable
species.
b. If
permittee-responsible compensation is proposed for stream impacts, a conceptual
stream compensatory mitigation plan must be submitted in order for an
application to be deemed complete and shall include at a minimum (i) the goals
and objectives in terms of water quality benefits and replacement of stream
functions; (ii) a detailed location map including the latitude and longitude to
the nearest second and the fourth order subbasin, as defined by the hydrologic
unit boundaries of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, at the center of
the site; (iii) a description of the surrounding land use; (iv) the proposed
stream segment restoration locations including plan view and cross-sectional
drawings; (v) the stream deficiencies that need to be addressed; (vi) data
obtained from a DEQ-approved, stream impact assessment methodology such as the
Unified Stream Methodology; (vii) the proposed restoration measures to be
employed including channel measurements, proposed design flows, types of
instream structures, and conceptual planting scheme; (viii) reference stream
data, if available; (ix) inclusion of buffer areas; (x) schedule for
restoration activities; and (xi) measures for the control of undesirable
species.
c. For any
permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation, the conceptual compensatory
mitigation plan shall also include a draft of the intended protective mechanism
or mechanisms, in accordance with
9VAC25-210-116 B2,
such as, but not limited to, a conservation easement held by a third party in
accordance with the Virginia Conservation Easement Act (§ 10.1-1009 et
seq. of the Code of Virginia) or the Virginia Open-Space Land Act (§
10.1-1700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), a duly recorded declaration of
restrictive covenants, or other protective instrument. The draft intended
protective mechanism shall contain the information in subdivisions c (1), c
(2), and c (3) of this subdivision 12 or in lieu thereof shall describe the
intended protective mechanism or mechanisms that contains the information
required below:
(1) A provision for access to
the site;
(2) The following minimum
restrictions: no ditching, land clearing, or discharge of dredge or fill
material, and no activity in the area designated as compensatory mitigation
area with the exception of maintenance; corrective action measures; or
DEQ-approved activities described in the approved final compensatory mitigation
plan or long-term management plan; and
(3) A long-term management plan that
identifies a long-term steward and adequate financial assurances for long-term
management in accordance with the current standard for mitigation banks and
in-lieu fee program sites, except that financial assurances will not be
necessary for permittee-responsible compensation provided by government
agencies on government property. If approved by DEQ, permittee-responsible
compensation on government property and long-term protection may be provided
through federal facility management plans, integrated natural resources
management plans, or other alternate management plans submitted by a government
agency or public authority.
d. Any compensatory mitigation plan proposing
the purchase of mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits shall include
the number and type of credits proposed to be purchased, documentation from the
approved mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program sponsor of the availability of
credits at the time of application, and all information required by §
62.1-44.15:23 of the Code of Virginia.
13. Permit application fee. The applicant
will be notified by the department as to the appropriate fee for the project in
accordance with 9VAC25-20.
14. A
written description and a graphical depiction identifying all upland areas
including buffers, wetlands, open water, other surface waters, and compensatory
mitigation areas located within the proposed project boundary or
permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation areas that are under a deed
restriction, conservation easement, restrictive covenant, or other land use
protective instrument (i.e., protected areas). Such description and a graphical
depiction shall include the nature of the prohibited activities within the
protected areas and the limits of Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas
(RPAs) as field-verified by the applicant, and if available, the limits as
approved by the locality in which the project site is located, unless the
proposed use is exempt from the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation
and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830), as additional state or local
requirements may apply if the project is located within an RPA.
15. Signature page that has been signed,
dated, and certified by the applicant in accordance with
9VAC25-210-100.
If the applicant is a business or other organization, the signature must be
made by an individual with the authority to bind the business or organization,
and the title of the signatory must be provided. The application signature
page, either on the copy submitted to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission
or to DEQ, must have an original signature. Electronic submittals containing
the original signature page, such as that contained in a scanned document file,
are acceptable.
C. An
analysis of the functions of wetlands proposed to be impacted may be required
by DEQ. When required, the method selected for the analysis shall assess water
quality or habitat metrics and shall be coordinated with DEQ in advance of
conducting the analysis.
1. No analysis shall
be required when:
a. Wetland impacts per each
single and complete project total 1.00 acre or less; or
b. The proposed compensatory mitigation
consists of purchasing mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits at
standard mitigation ratios of 2:1 for forest, 1.5:1 for scrub-shrub, and 1:1
for emergent, or higher.
2. Analysis shall be required when wetland
impacts per each single and complete project total 1.01 acres or more and when
any of the following applies:
a. The proposed
compensatory mitigation consists of permittee-responsible compensation,
including water quality enhancements as replacement for wetlands; or
b. The proposed compensatory mitigation
consists of purchasing mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits at less
than the standard mitigation ratios of 2:1 for forest, 1.5:1 for scrub-shrub,
and 1:1 for emergent.
D. Upon receipt of an application by the
appropriate DEQ office, the department has 15 days to review the application
and either determine the information requested in subsection B of this section
is complete or inform the applicant that additional information is required to
make the application complete. Coverage under the VWP general permit shall be
approved or approved with conditions, or the application shall be denied,
within 45 days of receipt of a complete application. If the department fails to
act within 45 days on a complete application, coverage under the VWP general
permit shall be deemed granted.
1. In
evaluating the application, the department shall make an assessment of the
impacts associated with the project in combination with other existing or
proposed impacts. Application for coverage under the VWP general permit shall
be denied if the cumulative impacts will cause or contribute to a significant
impairment of surface waters or fish and wildlife resources.
2. The department may place additional
requirements on a project in order to grant coverage under this VWP general
permit. However, the requirements must be consistent with this
chapter.
E. Incomplete
application.
1. Where an application for
general permit coverage is not accepted as complete by the department within 15
days of receipt, the department shall require the submission of additional
information from the applicant and may suspend processing of any application
until such time as the applicant has supplied the requested information and the
application is complete. Where the applicant becomes aware that he omitted one
or more relevant facts from an application, or submitted incorrect information
in an application or any report to the department, the applicant shall
immediately submit such facts or the correct information. A revised application
with new information shall be deemed a new application for the purposes of
review but shall not require an additional permit application fee.
2. An incomplete application for general
permit coverage may be administratively withdrawn from processing by the
department for failure to provide the required information after 60 days from
the date of the latest written information request made by the department. The
department shall provide (i) notice to the applicant and (ii) an opportunity
for an informal fact-finding proceeding when administratively withdrawing an
incomplete application. Resubmittal of an application for the same or similar
project, after such time that the original permit application was
administratively withdrawn, shall require submittal of an additional permit
application fee.
3. An applicant
may request a suspension of application review by the department, but
requesting a suspension shall not preclude the department from administratively
withdrawing an incomplete application.
Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of
Virginia; § 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC §
1251 et
seq.).