Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
Board
Department of Environmental Quality
Meeting:
Public meeting and Public Comment- Cleanup Plan - South Fork Holston River watershed in Washington and Smyth Counties

 
Meeting Details
Date / Time 11/10/2022  6:00 pm
Type Physical Location Only 
Location Damascus Public Library, 310 Water Street, Damascus, VA 24236 
Board Website http://www.deq.virginia.gov 
Agenda document agency has not posted
Minutes document minutes not taken
Disability Friendly? Yes       Deaf interpreter available upon request? Yes
Purpose of the meeting
PURPOSE OF NOTICE: The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public comment on the development of a cleanup plan for impaired waters, also known as an Implementation Plan (IP), in the South Fork Holston River watershed in Washington and Smyth Counties. These streams are listed as impaired since monitoring data does not meet Virginia’s water quality standards for bacteria (E. coli). Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and §62.1-44.19:7.C of the State Water Control Law requires DEQ to develop cleanup studies to address pollutants responsible for causing waters to be on Virginia’s 303(d) list of impaired waters. Once a cleanup study is developed, Section §62.1-44.19:7 of the State Water Control Law outlines the requirements needed in a cleanup plan to address the pollutants contained in the study. DEQ is developing a cleanup plan to identify the actions necessary to address the water quality impairment in the South Fork Holston River, Slemp Creek, Bishop Branch, Grosses Creek and Beaverdam Creek. The plan will explain the pollutant reductions needed to meet the targets contained in the 2016 TMDL report prepared for the watershed and recommend a specific set of voluntary best management practices (BMPs) for agricultural lands, residential septic systems, and developed lands to reduce bacteria entering area streams. It will also include associated costs and a timeline of expected achievement of water quality objectives. DEQ will introduce the community to the process used to develop the plan and invite the public to contribute to the plan by participating in Working Group Meetings. Persons interested in participating should notify the DEQ contact person and provide their name, address, phone number, email address and the organization they represent (if any). Meeting participants will learn how they can contribute to the plan development and support restoration of the impaired waters within the watershed. CLEANUP PLAN LOCATION: The cleanup plan addresses the following impaired stream segments: Bishop Branch from the Parker Branch tributary downstream to the South Fork Holston River confluence (0.41 stream miles); Grosses Creek from its headwaters downstream to its confluence with the South Fork Holston River (3.99 stream miles); The South Fork Holston River from its confluence with Barton Creek South Lake Holston Reservoir backwaters (42.01 miles); Slemp Creek from its headwaters downstream to its confluence with the South Fork Holston River (3.99 stream miles); and Beaverdam Creek mainstem from the Tennessee state line, upstream to its confluence with South Fork Holston River in Damascus. PUBLIC MEETING: The first public meeting will be held on November 10, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Damascus Public Library, 310 Water Street, Damascus, VA 24236. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: November 10, 2022 to December 12, 2022 HOW TO COMMENT: DEQ accepts comments orally, by e-mail, fax or postal mail. All comments must be received by DEQ during the comment period. Submittals must include the name, organization they represent (if any), mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the commenter/requester. CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Stephanie Kreps, Department of Environmental Quality Southwest Regional Office, 355A Deadmore Street, Abingdon, VA, 24210; Phone: (276) 608-8811; E-mail: stephanie.kreps@deq.virginia.gov; Fax: 804-698-4178
Meeting Scope
 
Public hearing to receive comment on a proposed stage
X
General business of the board
 
Discuss particular regulations / chapters

Contact Information
Name / Title: Stephanie Kreps 
Address: 355A Deadmore Street
Abingdon, 24210
Email Address: Stephanie.Kreps@deq.virginia.gov
Telephone: (276)608-8811    FAX: (804)698-4178    TDD: ()-