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 9VAC25-820, General Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Watershed Permit Regulation for Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Discharges and Nutrient Trading in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Virginia. The purpose of the proposed action is to amend and reissue the existing general permit that expires on December 31, 2016. The general permit governs facilities holding individual VPDES permits that discharge or propose to discharge total nitrogen or total phosphorus to the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries. The facilities are authorized to discharge to surface waters and exchange credits for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, or both.

The agency is seeking comments on this regulatory action, including but not limited to (i) ideas to be considered in the development of this proposal, (ii) the costs and benefits of the alternatives stated in the agency background document or other alternatives, (iii) potential impacts of the regulation, and (iv) impacts of the regulation on farm and forest land preservation. The agency is also seeking information on impacts on small businesses as defined in § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia. Information may include projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative costs, the probable effect of the regulation on affected small businesses, and the description of less intrusive or costly alternatives for achieving the purpose of the regulation.

In addition, pursuant to Executive Order 17 (2014) and § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, the agency is conducting a periodic review and small business impact review of this regulation to determine whether this regulation should be terminated, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or for the economic performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; (iii) designed to achieve its intended objective in the most efficient, cost-effective manner; (iv) is clearly written and easily understandable; (v) overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with federal or state law or regulation; and (vi) technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the regulation since the last review.

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: March 25, 2015.

Agency Contact: Allan Brockenbrough, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4147, FAX (804) 698-4032, or email allan.brockenbrough@deq.virginia.gov.