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 9VAC25-260, Water Quality Standards. The purpose of the proposed action is to update the regulation to reflect new scientific information and clarify the regulation. Proposed amendments include updating numerical and narrative criteria, use designations, classifications, site specific or special standards, and other standards and requirements and (ii) improving permitting, monitoring, and assessment programs.

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business impact review pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether this regulation should be repealed, amended, or retained in its current form.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.

This notice serves as the notice of the triennial review pursuant to subdivision (3a) of § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia, the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1251 et seq.), and 40 CFR 131.

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; 33 USC § 1251 et seq.; 40 CFR 131.

Public Comment Deadline: March 31, 2021.

Agency Contact: David Whitehurst, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4121, or email david.whitehurst@deq.virginia.gov.