VWP General Permit transitions

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VWP General Permit Transition - 2026

VWP General Permits Expire August 1, 2026

Virginia’s current Virginia Water Protection (VWP) General Permits expire at 11:59 PM on August 1, 2026.

New VWP General Permits become effective at 12:00 AM on August 2, 2026.

For projects that will not be completed by August 1, 2026, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has outlined a process that may allow eligible projects to transition to new 2026 VWP General Permit coverage without a gap in authorization, if eligibility criteria are met and submittals are timely.

This page summarizes what permittees should be thinking about now and where to find current DEQ guidance.

Request a Permit Transition Review

Important dates to remember

Virginia DEQ has offed the following dates to assist permittees in planning:

  • February 16, 2026 : DEQ begins accepting Notifications of Need for Project Continuation

  • May 1, 2026 : Last recommended date to submit notification materials

  • June 18, 2026 : Final deadline to submit notifications

  • August 1, 2026 : Current VWP General Permits expire

  • August 2, 2026 : New VWP General Permits become effective

What permittees should evaluate now

Depending on project status, permittees typically need to make plans for one or more of the following options:

  • Ensure all authorized impacts and compensation work is completed before August 1, 2026

  • Determine if the project qualifies for DEQ’s

    ‘Notification of Need for Project Continuation’

  • Determine if new VWP General Permit coverage under the 2026 permits will be required

  • Determine if project changes since original issuance or the last approved Notice of Planned Change may trigger additional permitting requirements

Early review helps reduce schedule risk and avoids last-minute permitting complications.

Important note for SPGP permittees

Stacked black binders filled with papers on a desk in an office setting

Many projects authorized under a VWP General Permit are also verified under a State Programmatic General Permit (SPGP).

Projects that rely on SPGP verification must maintain valid VWP authorization to continue previously approved activities. SPGP permittees must obtain new 2026 VWP coverage to continue work beyond August 1, 2026 and may also need to coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding SPGP verification.

DEQ guidance and resources

DEQ has published guidance describing the transition process, eligibility considerations, required documentation, and points of contact. Permittees should check DEQ’s VWP program page periodically, as information may be updated.

DEQ Guidance Website

W3 Environmental Solutions

Here to help

W3 Environmental Solutions provides practical, science-based permitting support to help permittees plan for the 2026 VWP transition.

Our services include:

  • Confirming which permits and verifications apply to your project

  • Evaluating eligibility for DEQ’s transition process

  • Reviewing project changes against DEQ thresholds and requirements

  • Preparing complete and timely notification submittals

  • Coordinating VWP and SPGP permitting pathways

  • Supporting communication with DEQ regional staff and project teams

  • Our role is to help you understand your options and move forward with a clear, defensible permitting strategy.

Talk with W3 About Your Project

W3 is here to help with permit transitions

If you would like help reviewing your project status or planning next steps for the 2026 permit transitions, we are happy to connect. Reach out for a no-obligation project review.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If all authorized activities and compensation work are complete, permittees should submit a permit coverage termination if they have not already done so.

  • It is a DEQ process that allows eligible projects to request new VWP General Permit coverage effective August 2, 2026, provided project conditions have not significantly changed and required materials are submitted on time. If a project qualifies, this process provides a pathway to ensure there is no lapse in coverage during the 2026 VWP General Permit transition.

  • No. DEQ issues new VWP General Permit coverage effective August 2, 2026 for eligible projects. Work may continue under the existing permit through August 1, 2026 and under the new coverage beginning August 2, 2026 without a gap, if approved. This ensures there is no lapse in permit coverage and project can continue without interruption.

  • Projects with significant changes may need to apply for new general permit coverage or an individual VWP permit. For this reason, each project should be evaluated independently and early to ensure no gap in coverage occurs.

  • Each permit and project must be reviewed separately. Permittees with multiple authorizations should evaluate each project’s status and eligibility.

  • DEQ regional VWP Program Managers are a primary resource: DEQ Contact List. W3 can also assist with project-specific evaluation and coordination. Contact us!