DEQ News Vol. 5, No. 4

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality sent this bulletin at 05/28/2026 12:50 PM EDT

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DEQ NEWS

May 28, 2026

Vol. 5, No. 4

In This Edition

New Requirement for Reporting Data Center Water Use
Drought Advisory Update
DEQ Assists in Redeveloping Community Space in Tazewell
DEQ to Stop Processing Incomplete Permit Applications
Soil Management on Utility Scale Solar
Supplemental Environmental Project Webinars
Electronic Invoice Delivery
Harmful Algal Blooms
DEQ Announces Solicitation Periods for Clean Water Finance Funding
Increased Transparency for Records Requests
Virginia Seeking EPA Approval for Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

New Requirement for Reporting Data Center Water Use

New legislation effective July 1 will require data center water usage to be reported to DEQ.

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Drought Advisory Update

Virginia is facing its worst drought in more than 20 years. Unless weather conditions improve, Virginia will be facing a drought emergency this summer. As the drought continues and despite recent rainfall, DEQ is encouraging Virginians to conserve water.

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DEQ Assists in Redeveloping Community Space in Tazewell

DEQ played an important role in turning a dilapidated structure in Tazewell into a valuable community space for the town.

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DEQ to Stop Processing Incomplete Permit Applications

Despite the growing volume and complexity of permit applications, DEQ is processing applications faster than ever before. As part of DEQ’s commitment to the efficient use of resources, DEQ will no longer process incomplete or technically deficient permit applications.

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Soil Management on Utility Scale Solar

Although solar energy is renewable and much cleaner than its fossil fuel counterparts, it does not come without its own challenges in stormwater management.

Virginia Tech released a white paper on the challenges of utility scale solar construction and the best management practices to maintain soil and water quality.

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Supplemental Environmental Project Webinars

Join a DEQ webinar this summer on June 29 or July 15 to learn more about Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) and discover how you or your organization can submit project ideas. SEPs provide direct environmental benefit to communities and can be funded as a part of DEQ enforcement settlements.

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Electronic Invoice Delivery

In an effort to increase efficiency and clear communication with the regulatory community, DEQ is now sending invoices to customers electronically.

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Harmful Algal Blooms

What’s behind the conditions that could lead to potential harmful algal blooms (HABs) at Smith Mountain Lake, and what can be done to prevent them? In 2024, the General Assembly tasked DEQ with partnering with Virginia Tech and the Smith Mountain Lake Association to find out.

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DEQ Announces Solicitation Periods for Clean Water Finance Funding

DEQ is pleased to announce the opening of the fiscal year 2027 solicitation period for the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF). The VCWRLF is a self-perpetuating financial program that provides low-interest loans to local governments and public authorities for water quality and environmental improvement projects.

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Increased Transparency for Records Requests

DEQ is announcing a new enhancement to Freedom of Information Act requests, which will provide a new layer of public transparency and efficiency.

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Virginia Seeking EPA Approval for Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

DEQ is seeking approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Virginia’s Coal Combustion Residuals program.

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Employment Opportunities

Are you committed to protecting human health and the environment?
Apply for a job at DEQ. Current openings include:

Senior Architecture and Cloud Infrastructure Lead (Richmond, closes June 1)
Stormwater Plan Reviewer (Richmond, closes May 28)
Training Specialist (Richmond, closes May 29)
Waste Inspector (Abingdon, closes May 28)

See All Opportunities

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DEQ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and, DEQ does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Title VI Coordinator Melanie Davenport is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws). If you have any questions about this notice or any of DEQ's non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Title VI Coordinator - Melanie Davenport; Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; P.O. Box 1105; Richmond, VA 23218; (804) 698-4000 (phone); (800) 592-5482 (toll-free); Melanie.Davenport@deq.virginia.gov.