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 9VAC25-110, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit for Domestic Sewage Discharges of Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons Per Day. The purpose of the proposed action is to amend and reissue the existing general permit, which expires on August 1, 2021. This general permit regulation establishes limitations, monitoring requirements, and other special conditions for point source discharges of treated domestic sewage from treatment works with a design discharge flow of less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day to surface waters to maintain surface water quality. Some issues that may need to be addressed as part of the review process include enhancing coordination with the Virginia Department of Health, ensuring that the applicability threshold for this permit is clearly conveyed, confirming that maintenance and monitoring requirements are well explained, and examining opportunities to reduce burden on regulants. Amendments may be identified following the submittal of public comments on this Notice of Intended Regulatory Action and by the technical advisory committee during deliberations of this general permit regulation.

In addition, pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended, July 16, 2018) and § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, the State Water Control Board is conducting a periodic review and small business impact review of this regulation 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; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses 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; § 402 of the Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124.

Public Comment Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Agency Contact: Peter Sherman, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4044, FAX (804) 698-4032, or email peter.sherman@deq.virginia.gov.