Water Quality Laws

It is important for logging operators to understand the laws related to water quality protection including the requirement for timber harvest notification to ensure protection of Virginia’s water quality.

Laws Related to Timber Harvesting

Virginia Silvicultural Water Quality Law

  • Requires sediment to be kept from streams during forestry operations.
  • Applies to all landowners, timber owners, and logging operators.
  • Requires notification of timber harvest by logging operators.

Virginia Debris in Stream Law

  • Requires logging operators to keep logging debris from blocking stream channels.
  • Criminal law enforced by VDOF and DWR.

Erosion and Sediment Control Laws

  • Locality-based laws requiring protection of soil and water quality.
  • Forestry operations are exempt as long as forestry best management practices (BMPs) are utilized.

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Areas

  • Applies to tidal counties of Virginia.
  • Exemption for forestry operations incorporating BMPs.

Notification of Timber Harvests

Logging operators are required by law to notify VDOF prior to the commencement of their timber harvesting operation but no later than three (3) days after the start of the operation. This can be done in a number of ways:

  1. Online: https://www.ifris.dof-dev.sitevision.com/harvestnotification/
  2. Calling: 1-800-LOGS (5647)
  3. Contacting a local VDOF office or staff

Failure to notify can result in a monetary penalty.

Your local VDOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local VDOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement.

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Your local VDOF forest technician can advise about incorporating proper BMPs to protect water quality during the implementation of a forestry practice on your property. Your local VDOF water quality staff can also assist with water quality law enforcement. Contact your local VDOF staff.

Your local water quality staff can assist with law enforcement questions. Contact your local VDOF water quality staff.