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HB 1350

Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program; assessment for violations, etc., civil penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hillary Pugh Kent

Virginia bill establishes civil penalty procedures for erosion and sediment control violations to improve water quality compliance and enforcement.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0467)
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Bill Summary · HB 1350

Legislative bill overview

HB 1350 modifies Virginia's Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Program by establishing new assessment procedures for violations and implementing civil penalty mechanisms. The bill restructures how the state identifies, evaluates, and penalizes non-compliance with erosion and sediment control requirements on construction sites and other projects.

Why is this important

Erosion and sediment control directly affects water quality in Virginia's waterways, particularly the Chesapeake Bay, which is a critical environmental and economic resource. The bill's penalty framework could incentivize compliance with environmental standards, though the effectiveness depends on penalty levels and enforcement capacity. This is relevant to construction companies, developers, property owners, and anyone concerned with water quality protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty burden on small contractors: Small construction firms may face disproportionate financial hardship from civil penalties compared to larger companies with compliance budgets
  • Assessment standards clarity: The specificity of how violations are assessed and measured could create disputes between regulators and regulated parties if standards aren't clearly defined
  • Enforcement resource requirements: Implementation requires adequate state funding and personnel for inspections and assessments, or penalties become unevenly applied based on agency capacity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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