The Virginia Runoff Reduction Method (VRRM) is a tool and methodology that allows persons engaged in land-disturbing activity to demonstrate their compliance with water quality requirements. It calculates compliance with the total phosphorous load of new development projects, which is included in the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Regulation.

Consistent with requirements in the Stormwater Management Act to periodically modify minimum design criteria for measures to control nonpoint source pollution so they reflect current engineering methods, and the VSMP Regulation to review the water quality design criteria standards upon completion of the 2017 Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan , the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) proposes to update the VRRM and total phosphorus load of new development projects.

DEQ is providing materials for public review and informal comment that explain and demonstrate the proposed updates to the VRRM and total phosphorus load. DEQ will use the comments it receives to inform future efforts to incorporate the revised VRRM and total phosphorus load into the regulation that will combine the erosion and sediment control and stormwater management programs as required by the 2016 Consolidation Bill. 

All materials for public review and comment are available on the DEQ website at:

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/stormwater.

Informal Public Comment Period

June 22, 2023, to August 21, 2023.

How to Comment

Anyone wishing to submit comments on the proposed updates to the VRRM or total phosphorus load may do so by email to DEQ at SWMguidance@deq.virginia.gov.  All comments must be received by August 21, 2023 and include your name, organization represented (if any), mailing address and/or email address.