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Environmental Management

5 West Main St., Suite 202, Fincastle, VA 24090
located on the 2nd floor of the Old District Court Building
(540) 473-8139

The Engineering Division of Botetourt County's Public Works Department ensures compliance with regulations concerning Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management, handles Land Disturbance permitting, and educates the public about land and water conservation issues.

For general commercial permitting information including forms, fees, procedures, and to schedule a pre-permitting advisory meeting, see the Permitting page.

• Erosion and Sediment Control and Land Disturbing Permit
• Stormwater Management
• Environmental Education
• Recycling
• Related Links

Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC)

ESC regulations prevent soil on development sites from washing into waterways and onto adjoining properties. These apply to any "blade in the ground" projects where land is disturbed. To report an ESC violation or to register a drainage complaint, email stormwater@botetourt.org.

A Land Disturbing Permit (LDP) is required for all commercial and subdivision projects, as well as any project whose area is greater than 10,000 square feet. However, an impact risk assessment can necessitate an LDP for any land disturbing project.

Application for an LDP requires submission of a design checklist that demonstrates compliance with the State's minimum standards as well as a complete set of project plans that include a stormwater management plan. It is also required that the project be bonded. These forms can be downloaded; they are also contained in a commercial permitting packet available from the Deputy County Administrator's Office on the 2nd floor of the Old District Courthouse.

• Land Disturbing Permit Policies and Procedures rev. May 2006

The Land Disturbing Permit Fee is $100 + $50 per acre or portion thereof.

LDP Forms

Forms on this page are in PDF format. In order to view PDF files, get the free Acrobat Reader software:

• Agreement in Lieu of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
• Design Checklist for E&S Plans
• Erosion and Sediment Control Cash Escrow Performance Bond
• General Erosion and Sediment Control Notes
• Land Disturbing Permit Application rev. 7/1/05
• Sample Erosion and Sediment Control Bond
• Sample Erosion and Sediment Control Letter of Credit
• Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Agreement rev. 7/7/06

References & Resources

• Botetourt County Municipal Code
  Chapter 10 - Erosion and Sediment Control

•  Miss Utility is the call center for excavators, contractors, property owners, and those planning any kind of excavation or digging. Call 1-800-552-7001 before you dig. It’s the only way to avoid costly mistakes, fines and even personal injury. Besides, it’s the law!

•  Virginia's Erosion and Sediment Control Program
  Virginia ESC Regulations: Minimum Standards pamphlet

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Stormwater Management

STORMWATER is any type of precipitation that runs over the ground and drains into a gutter, ditch, storm drain, river, pond or lake. When stormwater runs across the ground it picks up pollutions such as grass clippings, fertilizer, litter, cigarette butts, motor oil from leaking cars, and brake dust. Polluted stormwater negatively affects our water quality and can lead to both economic and health problems because it is released into our waterways without being treated.

In fulfillment of the Clean Water Act and state stormwater regulations, Botetourt County is working to increase public knowledge of stormwater pollution and its effect on water quality. This is implemented through public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site control, post-construction management and development and pollution prevention/good housekeeping.

• Make your home the solution to stormwater pollution by following these "Eight Simple Steps to Clean Water"

• For more information on the County's Stormwater Management Program, see
  2004 Stormwater Management Program Report (permit year 1)
  2005 Stormwater Management Program Report (permit year 2)

• To report an E&S violation or to register a drainage complaint, email stormwater@botetourt.org

Environmental Education

Botetourt County has made education and outreach a major component of the Stormwater and Erosion & Sedimentation Control Programs. County staff have conducted numerous field trips, workshops, forums, and meetings to educate and inform citizens. The staff also partners with cooperating agencies to educate children in the County’s public schools.

For future and on-going education & outreach opportunities, please check the County web site “News and Events” or contact the Botetourt County Public Works office: (540) 473-8316 to schedule a presentation.

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References & Resources

• Botetourt County Environmental Stewardship brochure
• Botetourt County Landfill (includes recycling information)
• Botetourt County Municipal Code
  Chapter 8.5 - Drainage and Flood Control
  Chapter 20 - Solid Waste
  Chapter 21 - Subdivisions
  Chapter 24 - Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal

• Construction Site Stormwater Pollution Prevention Bulletin: Site Litter and Debris
• Eight Simple Steps to Clean Water
• Overview for Automotive Businesses
• Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Agreement rev. 7/7/06

Links to Related Information

Acrobat Reader is needed to view PDF files the free Acrobat Reader software is available by clicking this button:

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