Document Location: The Document can be found on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation webpage at the following link NPS Chapter of the Virginia Water Quality Assessment (305b) Report (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Portals/0/DEQ/Water/Nonpoint%20Source/CH5-NPS-14_draft.pdf).

Purpose of notice: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is presenting what will become Chapter 5 of the Virginia Water Quality Assessment Report for a public comment opportunity.  This chapter is also known as Virginia’s Nonpoint Source Assessment and is required by the Code of Virginia, § 10.1-2127. Nonpoint source pollution water quality assessment. Public comment periods are an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and have a say in the development of Virginia’s water cleanup policies.

Description of Project: There are three major components to the 2014 NPS Assessment and Prioritization study - potential pollutant loadings, measures of biological health, and NPS reduction activities. The main focus of the Nonpoint Source Assessment provided in Chapter 5 is the determination of potential loadings of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment (hereafter referred to as NPS pollutants) by hydrologic unit by general land use classes. The evaluation of hydrologic units by aquatic species health represents water quality measures not necessarily related to the potential NPS pollutant loads. In order to prioritize clean-up and protection activities, hydrologic units of prime importance for the protection of public surface water supplies were also determined.

How a decision is made: After public comments have been considered and addressed, DEQ will finalize the NPS Chapter.

How to comment:  DEQ accepts written comments by e-mail, fax or postal mail. Written comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person commenting and be submitted to the contact person listed below during the comment period, September 17, 2014 to October 17, 2014.