Who approves the ESC Plan necessary for land-disturbing activities?

The approval of the Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan is specifically designated to the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (VESCP) authority. This authority is responsible for reviewing and ensuring that the ESC Plan meets the state’s regulations and standards for land-disturbing activities. The primary role of the VESCP authority is to enforce compliance with local and state erosion and sediment control laws, which are vital for minimizing the environmental impact of such activities. The authority ensures that necessary measures are in place to control soil erosion and sediment runoff, which can adversely affect waterways and ecosystems.

The other options focus on different roles in the process. The local government plays a role in the overall land-use planning and can set additional requirements, but it is not the sole approving authority for the ESC plan. The applicant, while responsible for submitting the ESC plan, cannot approve it as their interests may be more aligned with the success of their project rather than adherence to best practices for erosion control. The DEQ board oversees broader regulatory functions but does not directly approve individual ESC plans. Therefore, the VESCP authority is the correct entity that validates and approves the plans to ensure compliance with environmental standards.