| Action Summary | The subject matter of the rulemaking will include updated numerical and narrative criteria, use designations and other policies contained in the Water Quality Standards. The intent of this rulemaking is to protect designated and beneficial uses of state waters by adopting regulations that are technically correct, necessary and reasonable. These standards will be used in setting Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit limits and for evaluating the waters of the Commonwealth for inclusion in the Clean Water Act 305(b) report and on the 303(d) list. This rulemaking is needed because the last triennial review was completed in February 2010 and new scientific information is available to update the water quality standards. Changes to the regulation are also needed to improve permitting, monitoring and assessment programs. In addition, the Department of Environmental Quality (Department) must fulfill the legal mandates for a three-year review under the Code of Virginia ยง62.1-44.15(3a) and federal regulations 40 CFR 131. |
| Chapters Affected | Only affects this chapter. |
| Executive Branch Review | This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process. |
| RIS Project | Yes [003788] |
| New Periodic Review | This action will be used to conduct a new periodic review. |
| Name / Title: | David Whitehurst |
| Address: |
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400 P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, VA 23218 |
| Email Address: | david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov |
| Phone: | (804)774-9180 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |