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 9VAC25-630, Virginia Pollution Abatement Regulation and General Permit for Poultry Waste Management. The purpose of the proposed action is to reissue, and amend if necessary, the existing regulation and general permit in order to continue the general permit coverage of nearly 1,000 confined poultry feeding operations. The current Virginia pollution abatement (VPA) general permit expires on November 30, 2020. The VPA Regulation and General Permit for Poultry Waste Management governs the management of poultry feeding operations that confine 200 or more animal units (20,000 chickens or 11,000 turkeys) and establishes the utilization, storage, tracking, and accounting requirements related to poultry waste.

In addition, this regulation will undergo a periodic review pursuant to Executive Order 14 (2018) and a small business impact review pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia 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 economical performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.17:1.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: October 31, 2018.

Agency Contact: Betsy Bowles, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4059, FAX (804) 698-4032, or email betsy.bowles@deq.virginia.gov.