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DEQ NEWS
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Nov. 14, 2024
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Vol.3, No.11
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DEQ’s six-part Wetlands Permitting Training was such a hit that we are excited to announce our “holiday special” episode on Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit compliance and enforcement. This special episode is designed for applicants, permittees, consultants, construction inspectors, and those interested in broadening their knowledge of the VWP compliance program. The webinar will be on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. Register for this session here.
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The Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit Program Manual Supplemental Guidance memorandum is now available for public comment until Dec. 18. This memo serves to replace Guidance Memorandum GM19-2003, saving approximately 172 pages of text and supporting the Commonwealth’s government transparency efforts.
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Did you know that there are alternative ways to submit a complete Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit application? If you meet certain requirements, applicants can submit a Preliminary Screening Form instead of an Approved Jurisdictional Determination. Read on to learn more about these requirements, and if your application could qualify.
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Don’t get stuck in stormwater plan review limbo – DEQ has recently identified several instances where applicants have submitted erosion and/or stormwater management plans to an incorrect email address and DEQ never received them. By directly contacting the plan review team at PlanReview@deq.virginia.gov, DEQ staff can confirm if the plans were actually received, and if not, can walk through proper submission.
DEQ is currently developing Virginia's 2025 Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and wants to hear from you! Share your input on reducing climate pollution in Virginia through DEQ's Community Survey. Want to learn more about what this plan could mean for you and your community? DEQ has also established a stakeholder group to informally discuss the development of this statewide plan. The second stakeholder group meeting will be held on Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Reynolds Community College (1651 E. Parham Road, Henrico) and is open to the public. For more information on this plan and how to get involved, visit the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) webpage or email the DEQ CPRG team at CPRG@DEQ.Virginia.Gov.
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DEQ, in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has expanded the drought watch advisory to now include 38 counties. A drought watch advisory is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought. The past thirty days have seen below-normal precipitation levels and above-average temperatures over the entirety of the Commonwealth. Read our press release for more information.
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards. Applications are due by Dec. 12. The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize successful and innovative efforts that improve Virginia’s environment. The awards program is run annually by DEQ in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Winners will be announced at the 35th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium in April 2025.
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Visit the DEQ website for comment opportunities on pending enforcement orders and permit actions. The following regulatory action is available for public comment:
- Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) for Solid Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-81); comment by Nov. 20
- NOIRA for Virginia Water Protection General Permit for Impacts Less Than One-Half Acre (9VAC25-660); comment by Nov. 20
- NOIRA for Virginia Water Protection General Permit for Facilities and Activities of Utility and Public Service Companies Regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the State Corporation Commission and Other Utility Line Activities (9VAC25-670); comment by Nov. 20
- NOIRA for Virginia Water Protection General Permit for Linear Transportation Projects (9VAC25-680);comment by Nov. 20
- NOIRA for Virginia Water Protection General Permit for Impacts from Development and Certain Mining Activities (9VAC25-690); comment by Nov. 20
In addition, there are numerous DEQ meetings and general comment periods where you can stay up to date on topics of interest:
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Public Meeting for Cleanup Plan for Cedar Run, Mine Run, Mountain Run, and the Lower Rapidan River Basin in Orange County, Culpeper County, and Spotsylvania County; Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at George Washington Carver Agricultural Research Center, 9432 N. James Madison Highway, Rapidan
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Public hearing on amendments to the Small Solar Renewable Energy Projects Permit Regulation (9VAC15-60) to comport with requirements of Chapter 688 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly; Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at DEQ Central Office 3rd Floor Conference Room, 1111 East Main St., Richmond
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Waterbar and Utility Access Road Advisory Committee Meeting #3; Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. at DEQ Piedmont Regional Office Lower-level Conference Room, 4949-A Cox Rd., Glen Allen
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Informational Public Meeting - Application to reissue an existing permit that authorizes the land application of biosolids and water treatment plant residuals in Nottoway County - Nutri-Blend, Inc.; Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at Crewe Library Community Room, 400 Tyler St., Crewe
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State Air Pollution Control Board Meeting; Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. at General Assembly Building 3rd Floor Senate Room C, 201 North 9th St., Richmond
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Are you committed to protecting human health and the environment?
Apply for a job at DEQ. Current openings include:
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Air Permit Writer (Salem; closes Nov. 18)
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Enforcement and Construction Stormwater Program Manager (Henrico; closes Nov. 20)
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Permit Writer/Inspector - VWP (Henrico; closes Nov. 21)
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Groundwater Characterization Geologist (Henrico; closes Nov. 22)
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POTW & Industrial Wastewater Treatment Compliance Coordinator (Richmond; closes Nov. 22)
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Pollution Response & Emergency Preparedness Program State On-Scene Coordinator (Richmond; closes Nov. 22)
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Tanks Business Support Specialist (Richmond; closes Nov. 26)
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