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, Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to consider amendments to reauthorize and amend Part XIV, the General Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities (4VAC50-60-1100 et seq.) and other necessary related sections. VSMP permits are effective for a fixed term not to exceed five years. The existing five-year general permit became effective on July 1, 2009, thus necessitating the promulgation of a new general permit before the June 30, 2014, expiration date.

Changes may include, but are not limited to, incorporating water quality requirements for impaired waters and total maximum daily loads including monitoring requirements, consistency requirements with other regulations such as Erosion and Sediment Control, chemical application and handling requirements, and minimum prescriptive measures regarding public notification and reporting. Additionally, the permit will implement the federal Effluent Limitation Guidelines as found at 40 CFR Part 450. This permit will also coordinate implementation of the new stormwater management technical criteria for post development (including compliance with water quality and quantity standards set out in Part II of these regulations) authorized under state statute and regulations, as well as compliance with Part III local program technical criteria of these regulations.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 10.1-107 and 10.1-603.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: June 20, 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.