What must a locality VSMP be at least as stringent as?

A locality's Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) must be at least as stringent as the Construction General Permit (CGP). The CGP is a federal permit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides guidelines for stormwater management on construction sites. These guidelines are specifically designed to protect water quality and manage runoff during construction activities.

By requiring that the locality's VSMP aligns with or is stricter than the CGP, it ensures that all local regulations will provide adequate protections and controls to prevent the degradation of water quality from stormwater runoff, especially during construction phases. This consistency is important in maintaining federal standards while allowing localities to address specific environmental concerns pertinent to their areas, thus promoting responsible land use and development practices that align with environmental protection goals.

In contrast, while local zoning regulations, environmental review processes, and federal water quality standards are important frameworks, they serve different purposes and may not necessarily impose the same level of stringent requirements specifically for stormwater management during construction activities as the CGP does.