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; Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.); 40 CFR Part 131.

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, and other policies related to water quality. The amendments were published in final form on December 19, 2022, in Volume 39, Issue 9 of the Virginia Register (39:9 VA.R. 1224-1269 December 19, 2022) to be effective upon filing notice of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval with the Registrar of Regulations. The State Water Control Board has received a letter from Leslie Gillespie-Marthaler, EPA Region III Regional Administrator, dated April 14, 2023, approving all of the amendments except the specific numerical water quality criteria for acute and chronic aluminum for protection of aquatic life in freshwater established in 9VAC25-260-140 B.

The effective date for the approved amendments is April 18, 2023. Copies are available by calling toll free at 1-800-592-5482 ext. 4121 or local at (804) 698-4121; by written request to David Whitehurst, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218; or by email request to david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov

Effective Date: April 18, 2023.

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