Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-260. Water Quality Standards (amending 9VAC25-260-140, 9VAC25-260-155, 9VAC25-260-170).

Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.); 40 CFR Part 131.

The State Water Control Board noticed a public comment period and public hearing on proposed amendments to 9VAC25-260, Water Quality Standards, in the Virginia Register of Regulations (34:2 VA.R. 193-236 September 18, 2017). The proposed amendments update the ammonia criteria for the protection of freshwater aquatic life as well as implementation issues and impacts to regulated dischargers, revise the bacteria criteria for human health protection in recreation waters, revise the cadmium criteria for the protection of freshwater and saltwater aquatic life, and update 94 human health criteria parameters.

The board has scheduled an additional public hearing and extended the public comment period. The public hearing will be held on November 28, 2017, at 4 p.m. at the Department of Environmental Quality Blue Ridge Regional Office, 3019 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Virginia.

The public comment period has been extended through December 8, 2017.

Agency Contact: David Whitehurst, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4121, FAX (804) 698-4032, or email david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov.