For the first time in a year, Virginia is drought-free! Due to recent precipitation across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has lifted drought advisories for 12 counties in Virginia. As a result, no counties remain under a drought watch or warning advisory. The last time the Commonwealth was not under any drought advisory was June 20, 2024.

As part of the agency’s efforts to continue to deliver improved customer service, DEQ is excited to announce the completion of its Grants and Loans Key – a decision guide to help applicants determine what potential funding sources exist for their respective projects. 

Expanded Polystyrene, or EPS foam, is often used in food packaging and takeout containers. It is very lightweight, does not biodegrade, and is frequently seen as litter. In the water, animals can mistake toxic foam pieces for food. As a result of these issues, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation to phase out EPS foam use in food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, and cafeterias. By July 1, 2025, food establishments with 20 or more locations in the Commonwealth must stop using EPS containers, and by July 1, 2026, all remaining food establishments must comply.

On July 1, 2025, amendments to the  Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act will make the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, Version 1.1, and Virginia Runoff Reduction Method (VRRM), Version 4.1 the sources for determining compliance with the revised threshold for the total phosphorus load of new development projects and specifications for best management practices (BMPs).

Building on the foundational handbook launch training, this interactive class dives deeper into the online platform. Attendees will get hands-on experience navigating the interface, discovering new and updated SWM & ESC BMPs, and learning practical ways to apply this evolving resource in their work.

DEQ proudly announces significant clean water financing achievements, following an initial program modernization effort and overcoming recent challenges, to advance water quality improvements for all Virginians.

Join DEQ for a free workshop about developing and strengthening a successful Environmental Management System (EMS) and pollution prevention program. On July 15, businesses from around Central Virginia will gather for a day of learning and networking. Attendees will hear about creating programs that encourage employee buy-in, re-energizing their EMS, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and how to find pollution prevention opportunities. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together facilities that want to develop or improve their EMS and pollution prevention programs.

DEQ is currently developing a statewide Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and wants your input! We’re seeking public feedback from Virginia residents on potential ways to reduce climate pollution across the state. Find out what this means for you and your community, and share your thoughts through DEQ’s Community Survey before responses close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 8.

On May 22, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) updated the Guidance for Cyanobacteria Bloom Recreational Advisory Management. Under the revised guidance, harmful algal bloom advisory decisions in fresh waters will now be based solely on the concentration of blue-green algae toxins found in the water. In the past, advisories in fresh waters were issued based on blue-green algae concentrations (known as cell counts) as well as related toxin concentrations. Issuing advisories based on toxin concentrations will increase certainty. Now, when an advisory is issued by VDH, it will mean that there is a substantial public health risk from harmful algal bloom toxins.

DEQ has made significant progress in improving its permitting process, thanks to revolutionary platforms such as the Permitting Enhancement and Evaluation Platform. However, there is always room for improvement, particularly the submittal of complete and accurate permit applications.

On May 27, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) expanded the areas regulated for imported fire ants (or "the imported fire ant") in the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine for Enforcement of the Virginia Pest Law (Quarantine) to include the counties of Chesterfield, Lee, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, and Surry and the independent cities of Colonial Heights, Danville, Hopewell, and Petersburg.