The County’s engineering office is responsible for overseeing the subdivision of land, managing the Stormwater Management (VSMP), Erosion and Sediment (VESCP) and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Programs as well as other engineering related tasks. This includes reviewing submittals for subdivisions, commercial site plans and other regulated land disturbing activities for compliance with the County Ordinance. Engineering is also responsible for drainage improvement projects and ongoing maintenance of County owned stormwater facilities. Other departments within the County can be supported by the engineering office on an as needed basis.

Major Subdivision Submittals

When major subdivisions are proposed and the property is zoned accordingly, the applicant will commonly submit a Preliminary Plat followed by construction plans and a final plat. Preliminary plats are optional when proposing 50 or fewer lots. The Engineering Office will review these submittals to ensure compliance with stormwater, erosion and sediment and various other ordinances.

Commercial Site Plan Review

Site plans are routed from the Zoning Office to Engineering for review. From there, the plans are routed to various other departments, both within and outside of the County such as VDOT and the Augusta County Service Authority. Engineering reviews site plans specifically to determine if they are in compliance with stormwater as well as erosion and sediment control ordinances.

SWPPP Requirements

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be developed and maintained onsite through the duration of construction. The content of this plan must contain information pertaining to the design, installation, implementation, and maintenance of pollution control measures.

Single Family Dwellings

Engineering  reviews "Agreement-in-Lieu-of-a-Plan" applications for single family dwellings before approving building permits. Single family dwellings are inspected for compliance on a complaint basis. Applicants who have SWPPP coverage through their own common plan of development are not required to obtain a separate Agreement-in-Lieu-of-a-plan.

Land Disturbing Activities/Erosion and Sediment Control Program

Land disturbances in excess of 10,000 square feet require a  Land Disturbing Permit. In addition to obtaining the permit, all requirements of the Stormwater/Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinances must be met. A more detailed description of the permit application process can be found here.

Once plans are approved, fees are paid and performance bond received, the Land Disturbing Permit will be issued and construction may begin. These requirements must be met for both the major subdivisions and individual site plans. Once the Land Disturbing Permits are issued, periodic inspections of the site are conducted by County personnel to insure all erosion and sediment control measures are installed properly and maintained.

Stormwater Maintenance Program

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors approves funding for the maintenance of County owned drainage easements. These projects include minor erosion repair, channel re-construction, over-seeding, general cleanup and mowing.

Dams

The Engineering Office oversees maintenance and bi-annual inspections of Mills Creek Dam located in the George Washington National Forest. County personnel also works with nearby localities as well as state and federal agencies to re-habilitate flood control dams located within Augusta County.