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In This Edition

• Henrico Fire Marshal's Office Sends Environmental Criminal to Prison
• New Annual Water Quality Report
• Drought Monitoring Dashboard
• Apply for Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction Grants
• Expanded Polystyrene Ban Begins
• Financial Penalties Increasing
• Public Town Hall on Environmental Justice in Permitting
• Stormwater Updates: Stop Work Orders and Streamlined Review
• DEQ Welcomes New Summer Interns
• EPA Announces $10.1 Million in Revitalization Funding for Virginia
• New Septage Hauling Resources

Henrico Fire Marshal's Office Sends Environmental Criminal to Prison

The road to justice has taken three long years after barrels of hazardous waste were dumped in at least 15 locations in Henrico and Richmond. Thanks to the efforts of the Henrico Fire Marshal's office, the ringleader was sent to prison.  With the conclusion of this long case, DEQ presented Justin Finan and James Mullin with an official commendation for their hard work and dedication.

New Annual Water Quality Report

DEQ's new Integrated Report shows improvements in water quality across the Commonwealth.  DEQ is holding a webinar summarizing the Integrated Report on July 7.

Drought Monitoring Dashboard

DEQ's new Drought Monitoring Dashboard allows you to interact with the data that informs drought advisories in the Commonwealth.

Apply for Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction Grants

DEQ is now accepting applications for for projects that address water quality issues caused by nonpoint source pollution. Up to $3.5 million is available in possible funding.    Nonpoint source pollution comes from a widespread origin and cannot be specifically traced back to a single point. A common example of nonpoint source pollution is runoff cause by rain or snowmelt.

Expanded Polystyrene Ban Begins

As of July 1, establishments that provide prepared food in Virginia will no longer be able to use expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly referred to as the brand Styrofoam, for takeout containers.

Financial Penalties Increasing

After over 30 years of no changes to the caps on financial penalties for violators, DEQ is receiving a considerable boost in an important financial tool to enforce compliance in the Commonwealth.

Apply for Volunteer Water Monitoring Grants

DEQ's Citizen Water Monitoring Grant program provides guidance and support for volunteer collection of water quality data and community-based education. Apply for funding now until Aug. 31.

Public Town Hall on Environmental Justice in Permitting

DEQ is developing an updated draft of its Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance and is hosting a town hall in Richmond on July 22.  This town hall and permitting guidance will help ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of every person, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, faith, or disability, regarding the development, implementation, or enforcement of any environmental law, regulation, or policy.

Stormwater Updates: Stop Work Orders and Streamlined Review

Efficiency, transparency, and quality remain cornerstones of DEQ’s mission. Two new stormwater initiatives are strengthening that mission.

DEQ Welcomes New Summer Interns

DEQ's summer internship program is bringing students a close-up view of environmental work in action. Their first week featured six unique site visits in the Richmond area.

Boosting Efficiency with Mobile Inspections

Introduced earlier in 2026, mobile capabilities in stormwater inspection have already shown great returns in just three months time. Empowered by the use of mobile technology, DEQ stormwater inspectors are on track to increase the rate of inspections by 70%.

EPA Announces $10.1 Million in Revitalization Funding for Virginia

On June 24, the Environmental Protection Agency announced over $10.1 million in Brownfields grants for organizations and localities in Virginia, including $2 million for DEQ. 

Brownfields grants create positive economic growth by revitalizing vacant and dilapidated properties that may have been exposed to previous contamination.

New Septage Hauling Resources

In response to concerns submitted to DEQ regarding limited access to facilities that accept and treat septage, DEQ has developed a webpage to communicate information regarding septage acceptance, which includes a new interactive map. 

Public Participation Opportunities

Visit the DEQ website for comment opportunities on pending enforcement orders and permit actions. The following regulatory actions are available for public comment:

• Fast-track-  General Definitions (9VAC5-10) Definition of Volatile Organic Compound (Rev. C25) - submit comments by July 15
• Notice of Intended Regulatory Action- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit for Non-Contact Cooling Water Discharges of 50,000 Gallons Per Day or Less (9VAC25-196) - CH 196 - Amend and Reissue the Existing General Permit Regulation- submit comments by July 15
• Notice of Intended Regulatory Action- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Potable Water Treatment Plants (9VAC25-860) -CH 860 – Amend and Reissue the Existing General Permit Regulation-  submit comments by July 15
  
  
  

Employment Opportunities

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

• Stormwater Plan Reviewer (Abdingdon, closes July 14)