In July 2001, Virginia implemented the Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) Certificate of Competence Program. This program requires that before an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan can be approved in Virginia, the project must have an RLD that is certified through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Who is Considered an RLD?
- An individual holding a certificate issued by DEQ who is responsible for carrying out a land-disturbing activity in accordance with an approved erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan. The RLD must be designated on the ESC plan or permit as a prerequisite for engaging in land disturbance.
- The RLD may be the owner, applicant, permittee, designer, superintendent, project manager, contractor, or any other project or development team member
- An individual who holds a valid certificate of competence issued by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for ESC Inspector, Plan Reviewer, Program Administrator, or Combined Administrator can be considered as the RLD without further training, certification, or fees
- Any person who holds a license as a Virginia Professional Engineer, Land Surveyor, Landscape Architect, or Architect
How Do I Become an RLD?
Go to the RLD course in DEQ’s Certification Accreditation Tracking System (CATS). The course will take about 40 minutes to complete and the fee is $120.
If you have questions email [email protected]
What are the Responsibilities of the RLD for a Project in Henrico County?
- Attend the Pre-Construction meeting and sign the approved plans
- Inspect the erosion and sediment control measures periodically—coordinate with the Henrico Environmental Compliance Specialist to identify and correct failing erosion and sediment control measures
- Ensure corrections to previously identified failing erosion and sediment controls are made
