Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board intends to consider amending 4VAC50-60, Stormwater Management Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to consider amendments to the applicable portions of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board’s Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations in order to reauthorize and amend the general permit for stormwater discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems (small MS4s). The existing five-year general permit became effective on July 9, 2008; thus, a new general permit must be adopted before the July 8, 2013, expiration date.

The changes may include, but are not limited to, (i) incorporation of water quality requirements for impaired waters and total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) including monitoring requirements, consistency requirements with other regulations such as erosion and sediment control, chemical application, and handling requirements; and (ii) minimum prescriptive measures regarding public notification and reporting. The permit will also consider implementation of new stormwater management technical criteria for post development (including compliance with water quality and quantity standards set out in Part II (4VAC50-60-40 et seq.) and compliance with Part III (4VAC50-60-100 et seq.)) and permit requirements for compliance with the Chesapeake Bay TMDL.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 10.1-603.2:1 and 10.1-603.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: April 25, 2012.

Agency Contact: David C. Dowling, Policy and Planning Director, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-2291, FAX (804) 786-6141, or email david.dowling@dcr.virginia.gov.