TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Chapter 260
Notice of Effective Date
Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-260. Water Quality Standards (amending 9VAC25-260-140 B).
Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.); 40 CFR Part 131.
Effective Date: June 26, 2024.
On August 25, 2022, the State Water Control Board adopted revisions to the Water Quality Standards in 9VAC25-260-50, 9VAC25-260-140, 9VAC25-260-185, 9VAC25-260-187, 9VAC25-260-310, 9VAC25-260-390, 9VAC25-260-400, 9VAC25-260-410, 9VAC25-260-420, 9VAC25-260-440, 9VAC25-260-470, and 9VAC25-260 -500. These revisions relate to water quality criteria, use designations, antidegradation and other policies related to water quality. The amendments were published in final form on December 19, 2022, Volume 39, Issue 9 of the Virginia Register to be effective upon filing notice of U.S. EPA approval with the Registrar of Regulations. The State Water Control Board has previously received a letter from Catherine A. Libertz, EPA Region III Water Division Director, dated April 14, 2023, approving all of the amendments except for an amendment to 9VAC25-260-140.B for freshwater aluminum criteria for the protection of aquatic life. These specific amendments, excluding the amendments relating to freshwater aluminum criteria, became effective on 4/18/2023.
By letter dated June 24, 2024, EPA has notified the State Water Control Board that it has completed its obligations under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. §1536, with respect to the freshwater aluminum criteria. EPA has approved the amendment in 9VAC25-260-140 B for freshwater aluminum. Notification of EPA's approval has been provided to the Registrar of Regulations and the effective date for the amendments to 9VAC25-260-140 B for freshwater aluminum is June 26, 2024. This effective date will be published in the Virginia Register on July 15, 2024 (Volume 40, Issue 24).
