Any person who disturbs land in the Town of Blacksburg is responsible for limiting erosion and sedimentation from the disturbed area. The town inspects construction projects for compliance with erosion and sediment control regulations.  Erosion and sedimentation degrades water quality in town streams and waterways and can damage properties. 

The information provided herein is provided to assist landowners and others in obtaining the appropriate permits and following appropriate practices to minimize erosion and sedimentation. The town's Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance is a chapter of the town code.

Oversight of Land Development and Erosion and Sediment Control

Plans and Security

All development plans for projects within the town are required to be submitted for review and approval. This plans are must include erosion and sediment control plans, plans detailing any extension of public water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage, (if required), stormwater management plans and calculations, and plans detailing any work within public rights of way, (street extensions or new streets), trail systems, side walks or easements. These documents must be prepared and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the state of Virginia.

Any land disturbance over 5,000 square feet in area requires that a plan be submitted to the town for review and approval. A letter of credit, bond, or cash security shall be provided by the owner/developer that covers the cost of installation of the erosion and sediment control measures and stabilization of the area once all grading is complete.

Any public improvement that includes work within the right of way, street extensions, side walk and trail construction, new streets, and/or extension of public water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain system requires that a letter of credit, bond or cash security be provided by the owner/developer that covers the cost of installation of the public improvement.

Construction Oversight

The town inspects all private development site construction to assure that construction activities are in compliance with the approved plans for those activities. Fees are paid to the town by the applicant to support the cost of these inspections. The town inspector works with the responsible party on each site to assure that any deviation from the plans or noncompliance with town codes and erosion and sediment control regulations is corrected. Please contact the construction inspector or town engineer at 540-443-1353 for questions concerning inspection of development projects.