SB 726 (Edwards) relates to erosion and sediment requirements for utility projects involving land disturbances exceeding 50 acres within a locality. Under Virginia’s Erosion and Sediment Control Law, natural gas and telephone utility companies undertaking construction projects are currently required to annually file general erosion and sediment control standards and specifications for approval with the Department of Environmental Quality.
As introduced, SB 726 provides that such requirements “shall not apply to any land-disturbing activities that disturb 50 acres or more in any one locality,” but that the utility company will be required to submit an erosion and sediment control plan. However, the language in the bill is not clear as to whether the E&S plan is to be submitted to a state agency or to the locality where the land disturbance takes place.
SB 726 was referred to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.
VACo Contact: Larry Land, CAE