§ 124-2-3. Annual Standards and Specifications for State Agencies, Federal Entities, and Other Specified Entities.

A.

State entities, including the Department of Transportation, and for linear projects set out in subsection B, electric, natural gas, and telephone utility companies, interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline companies shall, and federal entities and authorities created pursuant to § 15.2-5102 of the Virginia Code may, annually submit a single set of standards and specifications for Department of Environmental Quality approval that describes how land-disturbing activities shall be conducted. Such standards and specifications shall be consistent with the requirements of the Act and associated regulations, including regulations governing the General Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities (9VAC25-880 et seq.), and the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15.51 et seq.)) and associated regulations. Each project constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Act, its attendant regulations, and where required standards and specifications shall obtain coverage issued under the state general permit prior to land disturbance.

B.

Linear projects subject to annual standards and specifications include:

1.

Construction, installation, or maintenance of electric transmission, natural gas, and telephone utility lines and pipelines, and water and sewer lines; and

2.

Construction of the tracks, rights-of-way, bridges, communication facilities, and other related structures and facilities of a railroad company.

Linear projects not included in subdivisions 1 and 2 shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter. (08-14-124.)