Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
Board
Department of Environmental Quality
Meeting:
Public meeting - Implementation Plan (IP) - Yeocomico River Watershed in Westmoreland and Northumberland Counties.

 
Meeting Details
Date / Time 8/30/2022  5:00 pm
Type Physical Location Only 
Location Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville, VA 22473 
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
The purpose of this final public meeting is to seek feedback from watershed stakeholders on the proposed draft plan to restore water quality in the Yeocomico River Watershed. During the meeting, we will discuss and review the draft Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Water Quality Improvement Plan (also known as the Implementation Plan (IP)) and explain the pollutant reductions needed to meet the targets contained in the TMDL reports prepared for the watershed. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comments from interested persons on the development of a cleanup plan, also known as an Implementation Plan (IP), for the Yeocomico River Watershed in Westmoreland and Northumberland Counties. 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 for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia’s 303(d) Priority List and Report. These streams are listed as impaired since monitoring data does not meet the State’s water quality standards of bacteria for the production of edible and marketable seafood or for recreational use. Typically, once a cleanup study(s) (Total Maximum Daily Load report, TMDL) is developed, a clean-up plan then follows suit. Section §62.1-44.19:7 through 19:8 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the Water Quality Monitoring, Information and Restoration Act, outlines the requirements needed in a plan to address the nonpoint source load allocations contained in the study. The cleanup plan addresses the following stream segments: Gardner, Jackson, and Bonum Creeks in Westmoreland County, Mill Creek in Northumberland County, and portions of the Yeocomico River. The above mentioned stream segments do not support Virginia’s bacteria standard for the production of edible and marketable seafood or recreation usage. The Implementation Plan (IP) provides measurable goals and the date of expected achievement of water quality objectives. The IP also recommends a specific set of voluntary best management practices (BMPs) for agricultural lands, residential septic systems, and pet waste to reduce bacteria entering area streams and their associated cost, benefits, and environmental impacts. To obtain a copy of the draft IP, contact Ashley Wendt, DEQ Central Office at ashley.wendt@deq.virginia.gov or (804) 774-1814. A comment period will on the draft IP will be held from August 31st, 2022 to October 1st, 2022. DEQ accepts written comments by e-mail or postal mail. All comments must be received by DEQ during the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester.
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: Ashley Wendt 
Address: 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400
P.O. Box 1105
Richmond, 23218
Email Address: ashley.wendt@deq.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)774-1814    FAX: (804)698-4178    TDD: ()-