TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT

STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD Notice of Effective Date

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-260. Water Quality Standards (amending 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, 9VAC25-260 -500).

Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; 33 USC § 1251 et seq. of the federal Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Part 131.

Effective Date: 4/18/2023

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 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. EPA is completing its obligations under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. §1536, with respect to those criteria and will notify Virginia of its evaluation when completed. All other amendments to 9VAC25-260 et al. are effective as regulation with the exception of the EPA deferred amendment in 9VAC25-260-140.B for freshwater aluminum.

The effective date of the approved amendments is 4/18/2023 . Copies are available online at http://www.deq.state.va.us/wqs; by calling toll free at 1-800-592-5482 or local at 804-774-9180; by written request to David Whitehurst, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218; or by email request to david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov.

Agency Contact: David C. Whitehurst, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1105, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 774-9180, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov