Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Water Control Board intends to consider amending 9VAC25-192, Virginia Pollution Abatement (VPA) General Permit Regulations for Animal Feeding Operations. The purpose of the proposed action is to reissue and amend, as necessary, the existing Virginia Pollution Abatement (VPA) General Permit Regulation for Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). The current VPA general permit expires on November 15, 2014. The VPA General Permit Regulation for AFOs governs the pollutant management activities of animal wastes at AFOs not covered by a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit and having 300 or more animal units utilizing a liquid manure collection and storage system. These AFOs may operate and maintain treatment works for waste storage, treatment, or recycle and may perform land application of manure, wastewater, compost, or sludges. The amendments to the VPA permit regulation (9VAC25-32, provisions) related to AFOs will be covered by a concurrent NOIRA.

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

Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 15, 2012.

Agency Contact: Betsy Bowles, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4059, FAX (804) 698-4116, or email betsy.bowles@deq.virginia.gov.