PURPOSE OF NOTICE:  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Aviation (DOAV) in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks public comments on the economic, social and environmental effects of the proposed extension of Runway 15 and associated improvements at Richmond Executive - Chesterfield County Airport located within the County of Chesterfield, Virginia.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:  November 16, 2014 to January 7, 2015

TYPE OF RESPONSE:  Chesterfield County has submitted a License Modification Application to DOAV. DEQ is reviewing the FAA’s Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed runway extension as part of DOAv’s license modification process. DEQ is also reviewing the federal consistency certification (FCC) submitted pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act and implementing federal consistency regulations.

NAME OF AGENCY PROPOSING THE PROJECT:  Chesterfield County

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  The Draft EA has been prepared to address the range of potential environmental impacts that could result from the implementation of the proposed extension of Runway 15 with a parallel taxiway and associated improvements.  The EA describes potential impacts associated with the development actions of the 2012 Airport Layout Plan, which includes an 800-foot runway extension and associated property interest acquisition, relocation of navigational aids and fueling facilities, and removal of tree obstructions.

HOW A DECISION IS MADE:  DOAV must consider the environmental review conducted by DEQ prior to approving the airport’s License Modification Application. DOAv must approve the License Modification Application and the FAA must make a final decision on the Draft EA before the project can start. DEQ coordinates the Commonwealth's response to the Draft EA. DEQ has distributed the EA to appropriate state agencies, planning district and locality for their review and comment. Upon consideration of all comments, DEQ prepares a single state response and submits it to DOAv and FAA. DEQ also coordinates the Commonwealth’s review of the FCC to ensure that federal activities that can affect Virginia’s coastal resources and uses are conducted in ways which are consistent with the enforceable policies of Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management Program (VCP). The FAA cannot approve the proposal unless DEQ concurs that it is consistent with the VCP.

HOW TO COMMENT:  DEQ accepts comments from the public by e-mail, fax, or U.S. Mail (see below).  All comments must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DEQ within the comment period.  The public may review the project documents at DOAV (below), DEQ’s Central Office in Richmond (below) and at the following locations:

• Richmond Executive Airport-Chesterfield County, Airport Management Offices, 7427 Airfield Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23237
• Chesterfield Public Library, 9501 Lori Road, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
• Virginia Department of Aviation, 5702 Gulfstream Road, Richmond, Virginia 23250
• Federal Aviation Administration, Washington Airports District Office, 23723 Air Freight Lane, Suite 210, Dulles, Virginia 20166
• DEQ Central Office, 629 East Main Street, Room 646, Richmond, VA 23219

A Joint Public Hearing on the Draft EA and the FCC will be hosted by DEQ and DOAV in conjunction with the FAA for the purposes of compliance with the NEPA, the Coastal Zone Management Act and state licensing requirements (Section 5.1 of the Code of Virginia).  Anyone desiring to be heard in support of, or in opposition to, this proposed action may attend and have their comments considered by DEQ and DOAV.

Date:               December 10, 2014

Time:              Informational Workshop between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM

                       Public Hearing beginning at 7:00 PM

Location:        Community Development Building, Conference Rooms A-B, 9800 Government Center Parkway; Chesterfield, Virginia 23832