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, 2021. 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 or total phosphorus. The permit must be reissued to continue making the permit available after December 31, 2021.

In addition, this regulation will undergo a periodic review pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended July 16, 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business impact review pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether this regulation should be repealed, amended, or retained in its current form.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 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 4, 2020.

Agency Contact: Emilee Adamson, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698‑4355, FAX (804) 698‑4032, or email emilee.adamson@deq.virginia.gov.