Chesapeake Bay; wastewater treatment; Enhanced Nutrient Removal Certainty Program

Requires the State Water Control Board to adopt regulations establishing a Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan Enhanced Nutrient Removal Certainty Program (ENRC Program), consisting of a number of total nitrogen and total phosphorous waste load allocation reductions assigned to particular water treatment facilities with schedules for compliance. The bill provides that the ENRC Program shall operate in lieu of certain Chesapeake Bay waste load regulations. The bill provides that the ENRC Program shall be deemed to implement through January 1, 2026, the Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. The bill provides that if, after July 1, 2026, Virginia has not achieved its nitrogen pollution reduction commitments in the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan, the Secretary of Natural Resources may develop an additional watershed implementation plan.

9 vac 25 - 720 : Water Quality Management Planning Regulation