I am submitting this comment in strong opposition to Guidance Document DEQ-8407. The proposed changes would reduce oversight in areas directly tied to pollutant exposure, hazardous waste management, and diesel-related emissions. 

As a parent of three children with asthma, I am especially concerned about any policy that increases community exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies DPM as a likely human carcinogen and a major contributor to respiratory illness, particularly in children. Simple searches on the subject confirm that even short-term elevations in diesel exhaust increase airway inflammation, reduce lung function, and trigger acute asthma exacerbations. The World Health Organization also identifies diesel emissions as a significant driver of pediatric asthma symptoms due to children’s higher ventilation rates and developing lungs.

Additionally, this document raises serious concerns about potential risks to our water quality, public health, and the long-term environmental stewardship. The proposal appears to weaken protections that the Clean Water Act and state laws have long upheld. Rolling back established protections, especially around hazardous waste, waste management and storm water/runoff threatens the safe and clean water that our communities and wildlife depend on. Nothing noted in the document provides a clear benefit for public health, our safety or environmental protections.

Because of these concerns, I urge DEQ to withdraw DEQ-8407 from consideration.
We need you to reaffirm your commitment to safeguard our environment in Virginia.
We must prioritize the health and well-being of our community over the desires of big tech.