Action:
Triennial Review Rulemaking to Adopt New, Update or Cancel Existing Water Quality Standards (2020)
General Information
| Action Summary |
The subject matter of the rulemaking will include updated numerical and narrative criteria, use designations and other policies contained in the Water Quality Standards Regulation (9 VAC 25-260).
The intent of this rulemaking is to protect designated and beneficial uses of state waters by adopting regulations that are technically correct, necessary and reasonable. These standards will be used in setting Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit limits and for evaluating the waters of the Commonwealth for inclusion in the Clean Water Act 305(b) report and on the 303(d) list. Waters not meeting standards will require development of a Total Maximum Daily Load, effluent limitations, or further analysis of use removal under the Clean Water Act at 303(e) and Code of Virginia § 62.1-44.19:7.
This rulemaking is needed because the last triennial review was completed in July 2017 and new scientific information is available to update the water quality standards. Changes to the regulation are also needed to improve permitting, monitoring and assessment programs. In addition, the State Water Control Board (Board) must fulfill the legal mandates for a three-year review under the Code of Virginia, per §62.1-44.15(3a), and federal regulations at 40 CFR 131.
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| Chapters Affected |
Only affects this chapter.
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| Exempt from APA |
No, this action is subject to Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act.
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| RIS Project |
Yes [006555] |
| New Periodic Review |
This action will be used to conduct a new periodic review.
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Stages
Stages associated with this regulatory action.
| Stage ID |
Stage Type |
Status |
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9117
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NOIRA
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Stage complete. Comment period ended 03/31/2021. |
Contact Information
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Name / Title:
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David Whitehurst
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Address:
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1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400
P.O. Box 1105
Richmond, VA 23218
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Email Address:
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david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov
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Phone:
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(804)698-4121
FAX: ()-
TDD: ()-
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This person is the primary contact for this chapter.
Agencies | Governor
