Virginia Contractor General Practice Test

Disturbed land areas of less than how many square feet may not require sediment and erosion control?

1. 5,000 sq ft

2. 10,000 sq ft

3. 15,000 sq ft

4. 20,000 sq ft

The correct answer is: 10,000 sq ft

In Virginia, disturbed land areas that encompass less than 10,000 square feet typically do not require the implementation of sediment and erosion control measures. This regulation is in place to balance environmental protection with practical considerations for smaller projects, recognizing that limited disturbances may have a negligible impact on erosion and sedimentation. The threshold of 10,000 square feet is established based on studies that consider the minimum area where significant soil disturbance can lead to erosion or sediment runoff that would adversely affect waterways or land quality. For projects exceeding this area, erosion and sediment control measures become essential to protect local ecosystems and water quality, ensuring that soil does not wash away or pollute nearby water bodies. Understanding this threshold is crucial for contractors and land developers in Virginia to ensure compliance with state regulations, facilitating responsible land management while minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens on smaller projects.