DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
Public Comment - Community Flood Preparedness Fund Draft Guidelines
Purpose of notice: The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting public comment to establish guidelines for implementation of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund as required by the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act, which Governor Northam signed on July 1, 2020.
After reviewing public comment and making any necessary and appropriate amendments to the draft, DCR will finalize the guidelines no later than March 1, 2021. The finalized guidelines will inform the development of annual requests for proposals, a grant manual, and scoring criteria for grant and loan applications.
Public comment period: The public comment period for this forum will begin December 7, 2020, and close on January 31, 2021. In accordance with statutory requirements, a separate 30-day guidance document public forum is also available on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall until January 6, 2020.
Document for public comment: The document may be accessed at: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/document/Community-Flood-Preparedness-Fund-Draft-Guidelines.pdf.
Contact Information: Lisa McGee, Policy and Planning Director, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 East Main Street, 24th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-4378, FAX (804) 786-6141.
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
All Provider Manuals Chapter 1 Draft
The draft Chapter 1 of all Provider Manuals is now available on the Department of Medical Assistance Services website at https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/manualdraft for public comment until January 7, 2021.
Contact Information: Emily McClellan, Regulatory Manager, Division of Policy and Research, Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 East Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-4300, FAX (804) 786-1680.
SAFETY AND HEALTH CODES BOARD
Department of Labor and Industry Announces Revisions to Proposed Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220
On July 15, 2020, in accordance with Executive Order 63, Order of Public Health Emergency Five, Requirement to Wear Face Covering While Inside Buildings, the Safety and Health Codes Board adopted an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220.
The board adopted the ETS under § 40.1-22(6a) of the Code of Virginia. The ETS became effective, July 27, 2020, when the ETS was published in full in the Richmond Times Dispatch. The publication of the ETS in the Richmond Times Dispatch also constituted notice the board intended to adopt a permanent standard within six months of July 27, 2020.
On July 27, 2020, the Department of Labor and Industry published a proposed permanent standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220 on its website and opened up a 60-day comment forum on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall for members of the public to register its comments on the proposed standard.
In addition, as required by § 40.1-22(6a) of the Code of Virginia, the board held a public hearing on the adoption of a permanent standard on September 30, 2020, to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed standard.
Based upon the comments received during the 60-day comment period as well as those received by the board during the September 30, 2020, public hearing, the department has revised the proposed permanent standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220.
The department would now like to invite the public to register its comments on the Revised Proposed Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220 prior to the board meeting to consider the proposed standard's adoption as a final standard.
Please visit the department's website to view the revised proposed permanent standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Proposed-Standard-for-COVID-19-12.10.2020.pdf
To register a public comment about the proposed permanent standard, please use the comment forum. The forum will be open for comments from December 10, 2020, to January 9, 2021.
Contact Information: Jay Withrow, Director, Legal Support, VPP, ORA, OPP, and OWP, Department of Labor and Industry, Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite 207, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-9873, FAX (804) 786-8418.
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Public Comment Period and Public Meeting - Water Quality Study (TMDL) for the James River, Maury River and Jackson River
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractor, Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering, are initiating the development of a water quality study to address Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the James River, Maury River, and Jackson River watersheds. This water quality study is known as a total maximum daily load (TMDL), or simply a watershed clean-up plan. To begin this process, this notice provides information on the first public meeting and the first Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting. A 30-day public comment period will follow the public meeting, during which time DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the TAC to submit their request. A TAC typically consists of representatives from local governments, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permittees, watershed residents, anglers, recreational and conservation groups, and other stakeholders interested in providing input on the technical aspects of the TMDL development process.
Description of study: DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in fish tissue are elevated in portions of the James, Maury, and Jackson Rivers and present a risk to individuals who consume the fish (for more information on PCBs watch this DEQ video). As a result, sections of these rivers are listed as impaired for PCBs on the § 303(d) TMDL priority list. Additionally, Fishing Creek in Lynchburg and Reedy Creek in Richmond are also listed as impaired on the § 303(d) TMDL priority list because DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in the water above the state water quality criteria. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and § 62.1-44.19:7 C of the Code of Virginia require DEQ to develop TMDLs for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia's § 303(d) TMDL priority list and report. TMDLs are developed to identify the total amount of a pollutant (i.e., PCBs) that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, pollutant levels must be reduced to the TMDL. TMDLs will be developed for the entire Jackson River and Maury River watersheds and all of the James River watershed draining from the headwaters to Richmond. The affected counties include Albemarle, Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Chesterfield, Craig, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Giles, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Powhatan, and Roanoke, and the affected cities include Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Covington, Lexington, Lynchburg, and Richmond.
Public meeting: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will virtually host the first public meeting for the James River, Maury River, and Jackson River PCB TMDL Project on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 6 p.m. To register for the meeting and receive access information, use the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7942773453649560335. Please register ahead of the meeting. Given the current State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held entirely virtually. A computer or telephone are necessary to participate virtually. Although using a telephone for audio only participation is an option, all participants are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer so that they can view the meeting presentation. This meeting will be recorded. If there are technical issues registering for this meeting or difficulty during the meeting, please contact Lucy Smith at telephone (540) 562-6718. For more information on the meeting in general, please contact Will Isenberg at email william.isenberg@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (804) 698-4228. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome. A 30-day public comment period will follow this meeting, from January 13, 2021, through February 11, 2021. The goal of this meeting is to introduce interested stakeholders to the water quality improvement process in Virginia (i.e., the TMDL process), provide information on PCB monitoring efforts, and invite stakeholder participation and input. During this meeting participants will be invited to serve on the TAC. In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at the Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949-A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
How to comment and participate: The meetings of the TMDL process are open to the public. Anyone who is interested is welcome. Written comments will be accepted from January 13, 2021, through February 11, 2021. These comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. It is important to have public input throughout the TMDL development process. Among many possible benefits, this input helps to ensure that the final pollution reductions are reasonable, realistic, and reflect local insight. DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the TAC to submit their request during this public comment period. For more information or to submit comments, please contact or comments to the DEQ staff person listed.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will virtually host the first meeting of the TAC on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 3 p.m. Although this meeting is intended for TAC members, it is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary for this meeting. Instead, attendees can access the meeting at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/997151765. Meeting attendees can use their computer audio and computer microphone to participate, or can dial 786-535-321 and enter the access code 997-151-765. Although using a phone for audio only participation is an option, all participants are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer so that they can view the meeting presentation. This meeting will be recorded. If there are technical issues accessing this meeting or difficulty during the meeting please contact Lucy Smith at telephone (540) 562-6718. For more information on the meeting in general, please contact Will Isenberg at email william.isenberg@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (804) 698-4228. In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at the Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949-A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Contact Information: Will Isenberg, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4228, or email william.isenberg@deq.virginia.gov.
Public Comment Period and Public Meeting - Water Quality Study (TMDL) for the Tidal James River and Elizabeth River
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractor, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, are continuing the development of a water quality study to address Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the tidal James River, Elizabeth River, and tidal portions of some tributaries. This water quality study is known as a total maximum daily load (TMDL), or simply a watershed clean-up plan. To continue this process, DEQ will hold separate meetings for the Richmond-based Piedmont Regional Office and the Virginia Beach-based Tidewater Regional Office due to the large area and number of stakeholders involved in this project. This notice provides information on the Piedmont public meeting. A 30-day public comment period will follow the public meeting, during which time DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to submit their request. A TAC typically consists of representatives from local governments, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permittees, watershed residents, anglers, recreational and conservation groups, and other stakeholders interested in providing input on the technical aspects of the TMDL development process.
Description of study: DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in fish tissue are elevated in the tidal James River, Elizabeth River, and tidal portions of some tributaries and present a risk to individuals who consume the fish (for more information on PCBs watch this DEQ video). As a result, sections of the rivers are listed as impaired for PCBs on the § 303(d) TMDL priority list. Additionally, several James River mainstem segments and tributaries within the tidal watershed are listed as impaired because DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in the water above the state water quality criteria. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and § 62.1-44.19:7 C of the Code of Virginia require DEQ to develop TMDLs for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia's § 303(d) TMDL priority list and report. TMDLs are developed to identify the total amount of a pollutant (i.e., PCBs) that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, pollutant levels must be reduced to the TMDL. TMDLs will be developed for the all of the tidal James River watershed draining from Richmond to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay and the Elizabeth River. The affected counties in the Piedmont region include Amelia, Appomattox, Buckingham, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights City, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, New Kent, Nottoway, Petersburg City, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Richmond City, and Surry. The affected counties in the Tidewater region include Chesapeake City, Hampton City, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News City, Norfolk City, Portsmouth City, Suffolk City, Virginia Beach City, Williamsburg City, and York.
Public meeting: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will virtually host the Piedmont region public meeting for the Tidal James River and Elizabeth River PCB TMDL Project on Thursday, January 28, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register for the meeting and receive access information at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/515028150207134477. Please register ahead of the meeting. Given the current State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held entirely virtually. A computer or telephone are necessary to participate virtually. Although using a telephone for audio only participation is an option, all participants are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer so that they can view the meeting presentation. This meeting will be recorded. If there are technical issues registering for this meeting or difficulty during the meeting, please contact Kelley West at kelley.west@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (804) 527-5029.
For more information on the meeting in general, please contact the DEQ staff person listed. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome. A 30-day public comment period will follow this meeting, from January 29, 2021, through March 1, 2021. The goal of this meeting is to reintroduce interested stakeholders to the water quality improvement process in Virginia (i.e., the TMDL process), provide information on PCB monitoring efforts, and invite stakeholder participation and input. During this meeting, participants will be invited to serve on the TAC. In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at: Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949-A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
How to comment and participate: The meetings of the TMDL process are open to the public. Anyone who is interested is welcome. Written comments will be accepted from January 29, 2021, through March 1, 2021. These comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. It is important to have public input throughout the TMDL development process. Among many possible benefits, this input helps to ensure that the final pollution reductions are reasonable, realistic, and reflect local insight. DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the TAC to submit their request during this public comment period. For more information or to submit comments, please contact the staff person listed.
Contact Information: Jen Rogers, Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, telephone (804) 527-5174, or email jennifer.rogers@deq.virginia.gov.
Public Comment Period and Public Meeting - Water Quality Study (TMDL) for the Tidal James River and Elizabeth River
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractor, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, are continuing the development of a water quality study to address Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the Elizabeth River, the tidal James River, and tidal portions of some tributaries. This water quality study is known as a total maximum daily load (TMDL), or simply a watershed clean-up plan. To continue this process, DEQ will hold separate meetings for the Richmond-based Piedmont Regional Office and the Virginia Beach-based Tidewater Regional Office due to the large area and number of stakeholders involved in this project. This notice provides information for the Tidewater public meeting. A 30-day public comment period will follow the public meeting, during which time DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to submit their request. A TAC typically consists of representatives from local governments, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permittees, watershed residents, anglers, recreational and conservation groups, and other stakeholders interested in providing input on the technical aspects of the TMDL development process.
Description of study: DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in fish tissue are elevated in the Elizabeth River, tidal James River, and tidal portions of some tributaries and present a risk to individuals who consume the fish (for more information on PCBs watch this DEQ video). As a result, sections of the rivers are listed as impaired for PCBs on the § 303(d) TMDL priority list. Additionally, several James River mainstem segments and tributaries within the tidal watershed are listed as impaired because DEQ monitoring data indicates levels of PCBs in the water above the state water quality criteria. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and § 62.1-44.19:7 C of the Code of Virginia require DEQ to develop TMDLs for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia's § 303(d) TMDL priority list and report. TMDLs are developed to identify the total amount of a pollutant (i.e., PCBs) that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, pollutant levels must be reduced to the TMDL. TMDLs will be developed for the all of the tidal James River watershed draining from the Richmond to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay, and the Elizabeth River. The affected counties in the Tidewater region include Chesapeake City, Hampton City, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News City, Norfolk City, Portsmouth City, Suffolk City, Virginia Beach City, Williamsburg City, and York. The affected counties in the Piedmont region include Amelia, Appomattox, Buckingham, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights City, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, New Kent, Nottoway, Petersburg City, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Richmond City, and Surry.
Public meeting: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will virtually host the Tidewater region public meeting for the Tidal James River and Elizabeth River PCB TMDL Project on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register for the meeting and receive access information at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9198601550875530254. Please register ahead of the meeting. Given the current State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held entirely virtually. A computer or telephone are necessary to participate virtually. Although using a telephone for audio only participation is an option, all participants are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer so that they can view the meeting presentation. This meeting will be recorded. If there are technical issues registering for this meeting or difficulty during the meeting, please contact Kristie Britt at kristie.britt@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (757) 518-2153. For more information on the meeting in general, please contact Mark Richards at email mark.richards@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (804) 698-4392.
This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome. A 30-day public comment period will follow this meeting, from January 26, 2021, through March 1, 2021. The goal of this meeting is to introduce interested stakeholders to the water quality improvement process in Virginia (i.e., the TMDL process), provide information on PCB monitoring efforts, and invite stakeholder participation and input. During this meeting participants will be invited to serve on the TAC.
In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at the Department of Environmental Quality, Tidewater Regional Office, 5636 Southern Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
How to comment and participate: The meetings of the TMDL process are open to the public. Anyone who is interested is welcome. Written comments will be accepted from January 26, 2021, through March 1, 2021. These comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. It is important to have public input throughout the TMDL development process. Among many possible benefits, this input helps to ensure that the final pollution reductions are reasonable, realistic, and reflect local insight. DEQ invites stakeholders interested in serving on the TAC to submit their request during this public comment period. For more information or to submit comments, please contact the DEQ staff person listed.
Contact Information: Mark Richards, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond , VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4228, or email mark.richards@deq.virginia.gov.
Public Comment Period and Public Meeting - Watershed Cleanup Plan (TMDL and Implementation Plan) for Select Tributaries of the James River
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractors, 3E Consulting and James Madison University, are developing a Watershed Cleanup Plan, which consists of two parts, a total maximum daily load (TMDL) and an Implementation Plan (IP), to address benthic impairments in select tributaries of the James River. These tributaries are listed on the § 303(d) TMDL Priority List and Report as impaired due to violations of Virginia's water quality standards for aquatic life use. This is an opportunity for local residents to learn about the condition of the tributaries, share information about the area, and become involved in the process of local water quality improvement.
Meeting description: DEQ will hold a virtual public meeting on January 26, 2021, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register for this virtual meeting and receive access information at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3098877176945529101. This public meeting will introduce the project, provide information on biological monitoring efforts and sources, accept volunteers to be part of a technical advisory committee, and review the next planning steps. Participation and input is strongly encouraged. A 30-day public comment period will follow the public meeting.
Given the existing State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held entirely virtually. A computer or a telephone are necessary to participate virtually. All meeting attendees are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer to view the meeting visuals. Attendees may also use a telephone for audio and a computer for visual to avoid possible interruptions in computer audio. Although the use of a telephone for audio only participation is possible, since the meeting will rely on visuals, audio only participation is discouraged. The URL to register for the virtual meeting is provided in this notice. Once registered for the meeting, registrants will receive an email with the URL and telephone information to participate in the meeting. If meeting attendees experience any interruption in the meeting broadcast, they should call the technical support line that is provided in this notice.
Description of study: Segments of Bailey Creek, Nuttree Branch, Oldtown Creek, Proctors Creek, Rohoic Creek, and Swift Creek in Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George Counties, and the Cities of Petersburg and Hopewell have been listed as impaired for failing to support the standards for aquatic life use due to an altered benthic community. This standard is intended to protect the aquatic life designated use, which states that all of the Commonwealth's waterways will support a diverse and abundant population of aquatic life. This watershed cleanup plan will include a benthic stressor analysis to determine the most likely pollutant and sources responsible for the impairments. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and § 62.1-44.19:7 C of the Code of Virginia require DEQ to develop TMDLs for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia's 303(d) TMDL priority list and report. TMDLs are developed to identify the total amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, pollutant levels must be reduced to the TMDL amount. In tandem, an IP will be developed that will describe measurable goals, necessary corrective actions, associated costs and benefits, and the environmental impact of addressing the impairments as well as set a timeline for water quality restoration. The IP addresses the nonpoint source portion of the TMDL reductions needed. Through this watershed cleanup plan process, DEQ will collaborate with a technical advisory committee (TAC) made up of local stakeholders. All are welcome to participate in this committee, and TAC meetings are open to the public.
How to comment and participate: This and future meetings are open to the public and all interested parties are welcome. Register for this virtual meeting and to receive access information at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3098877176945529101. If there are technical issues registering or difficulty signing on to the meeting, please contact Jennifer Palmore at telephone (804) 527-5058 or email jennifer.palmore@deq.virginia.gov.
In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at the Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Written comments will be accepted from January 27, 2021, through February 26, 2021. These comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. It is important to have public input throughout the TMDL development process. Among many possible benefits, this input helps to ensure that the final pollution reductions are reasonable, realistic, and reflect local insight. For more information or to submit written comments, please contact the DEQ staff person listed.
Contact Information: Jen Rogers, Department of Environmental Quality, Piedmont Regional Office, 4949A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, telephone (804) 527-5174, or email jennifer.rogers@deq.virginia.gov.
Public Comment Period and Public Meeting to Present the Stakeholder Developed Salt Management Strategy Toolkit, which Proactively Addresses Salt Pollution in the Northern Virginia Region
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractor, the Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), will present the stakeholder developed Salt Management Strategy (SaMS) Toolkit. This toolkit was developed by a broad and diverse Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) to provide resources and recommendations necessary to strike a balance between the benefits and harmful impacts of winter salt use. The SaMS Toolkit was developed for the Northern Virginia region, which includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Manassas, Manassas Park, Falls Church, and Fairfax. This meeting and the associated public comment period are an opportunity for local residents and interested stakeholders to learn about this valuable resource, the SaMS initiative in general, and provide comment on the SaMS Toolkit.
Description of study: In May 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study for the Accotink Creek watershed that identified chloride (salt) from snow and ice management as a contributing cause of a water quality impairment. Additionally, review of water quality data throughout the Northern Virginia region suggest that the patterns observed in the Accotink Creek watershed are not isolated, but instead occur region-wide. In order to assist in the implementation of the Accotink Creek chloride TMDL and proactively address salt pollution throughout the Northern Virginia region, DEQ convened the SaMS SAC to develop a strategy capable of balancing the benefits of winter salt use with the negative impacts. Through this effort, the SaMS SAC developed the SaMS Toolkit, which is a comprehensive resource comprised of winter maintenance best practices, an education and outreach toolbox, tools and plans for tracking salt use, best practice implementation, and water quality improvement, in addition to other informational resources. This public meeting marks the end of the SaMS Toolkit development phase and the beginning of the long-term, adaptive implementation phase.
Public meeting: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will virtually host a public meeting to present the SaMS Toolkit on Thursday, January 21, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Register for the meeting and receive access information at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2180983979203362831. Please register ahead of the meeting. Given the current State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held entirely virtually. A computer or telephone are necessary to participate virtually. Although using a telephone for audio only participation is an option, all participants are encouraged to access the meeting using a computer so that they can view the meeting presentation. This meeting will be recorded. If there are technical issues registering for this meeting or difficulty during the meeting, please contact Cathy Nicely at telephone (703) 583-3906. For more information on the meeting in general, please contact Dave Evans at email david.evans@deq.virginia.gov or telephone (703) 583-3835.
In the event that the Governor's State of Emergency is lifted, the meeting will be held on the same date and time at the Department of Environmental Quality, Northern Regional Office, 13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193.
How to Comment and Participate: The public meeting is open to the public and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend, during which oral comments will be received. Written comments will be accepted from January 22, 2021, through February 22, 2021. These comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. For more information or to submit comments, please contact the staff person listed.
Contact Information: David Evans, Department of Environmental Quality, Northern Regional Office, 13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193, telephone (703) 583-3835, or email david.evans@deq.virginia.gov.
Proposed Enforcement Action for Shield Contracting LLC
An enforcement action has been proposed for Shield Contracting LLC for violations at the CVS Pharmacy and Flat Rock Development in Powhatan County, Virginia. The State Water Control Board proposes to issue a special order by consent to Shield Contracting LLC to address noncompliance with the State Water Control Law and regulations. A description of the proposed action is available at the DEQ office listed or online at www.deq.virginia.gov. The staff contact person listed will accept comments by email, fax (please include recipient's name), or postal mail from January 4, 2021, to February 3, 2021.
Contact Information: Carla Pool, Department of Environmental Quality, Central Office, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email carla.pool@deq.virginia.gov.
Release of the Final 2020 § 305(b)/303(d) Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will release the Final 2020 § 305(b)/303(d) Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report on January 4, 2021.
The integrated report combines both the 305(b) Water Quality Assessment and the 303(d) Report on Impaired Waters. The draft report was available for public comment June 8, 2020, through July 9, 2020. Comments were received from the public and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA approved the final report on December 9, 2020.
The final report, public comment-response document, and map images are available for download at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/water-quality-assessments/most-recent-year-305b-303d-integrated-report/-fsiteid-1.
Questions regarding the report can be directed to the staff person listed.
Contact Information: Sandra Mueller, Office of Water Monitoring and Assessment, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4324, or email sandra.mueller@deq.virginia.gov.