Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Air Pollution Control Board intends to consider amending 9VAC5-130, Regulation for Open Burning (Rev. E-12). The purpose of the proposed action is to (i) protect public health and welfare with the least possible cost and intrusiveness to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth; (ii) reduce VOC emissions in Virginia's ozone nonattainment areas to facilitate the attainment and maintenance of the air quality standards; (iii) require that open burning be conducted in a manner as to prevent the release of air pollutants; and (iv) revise the regulation as needed to efficiently and effectively meet its goals while avoiding unreasonable hardships on the regulated community, the department, and the general public.

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

Statutory Authority: § 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; federal Clean Air Act (§§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172, and 182); 40 CFR Parts 51 and 60.

Public Comment Deadline: August 1, 2012.

Agency Contact: Mary E. Major, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4423, or email memajor@deq.virginia.gov.