The State Air Pollution Control Board is considering the adoption of regulations to reduce emissions of mercury in the Commonwealth. A regulation is a general rule governing people's rights or conduct that is upheld by a state agency. The regulations of the board affected by this regulatory action are as follows: Part V (Virginia Mercury Control Program) of 9 VAC 5-140 and Part VII (Virginia Mercury Compliance Program for Nonattainment Areas) of 9 VAC 5-140.
The board is seeking comments through the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on (i) the proposals, (ii) the costs and benefits of the proposals, and (iii) impacts of the proposals on small businesses as defined in § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia. The public comment period begins
The regulatory proposals were developed in response to the requirements that address mercury emissions from electric generating units as set forth in the 2006 Acts of Assembly (Chapters 867 and 920). The 2006 legislation contains specific mandates and requirements as to the substance of regulations the Board must adopt for the purpose of controlling emissions of mercury (Hg). The new proposals will consist of adding two new parts for the control of Hg emissions from coal fired electric steam generating units (EGUs) to 9 VAC 5 Chapter 140 as follows:
The purpose of the proposal is to establish provisions that will serve as a means of preventing emissions that may be detrimental to the public health and/or welfare and
With regard to the state-specific rule, there is no locality which will bear any identified disproportionate material air quality impact due to the proposal which would not be experienced by other localities. With regard to the state nonattainment area rule, the localities which will bear an identified disproportionate material air quality impact due to the proposal which would not be experienced by other localities are the localities identified in 9 VAC 5-20-204 as nonattainment for any pollutant.
The DEQ accepts written comments by e-mail, facsimile transmission and postal mail. In order to be considered, written comments must include the full name, address and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DEQ by
After comments have been considered, the board will make the final decision. Citizens that submit statements during the comment period may address the board members during the board meeting at which a final decision is made on the proposal.
The proposed state rules (Parts V and VII to 9 VAC 5-140) and the 2006 legislation are available on the DEQ Air Public Notices for Regulations web site (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/air/permitting/regnotes.htm). The documents may also be obtained by contacting the DEQ representative named below. The public may review the documents between
Name / Title: | Robert A. Mann / Director, Office of Air Regulatory Development |
Address: |
629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, 23218 |
Email Address: | ramann@deq.virginia.gov |
Telephone: | (804)698-4419 FAX: (804)698-4510 |