STATE BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Public Comment Opportunity for Proposed Variances to the Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services from Providers Licensed, Funded, or Operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Notice of action: The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), in accordance with Part VI, Variances (12VAC35-115-220), of the Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services from Providers Licensed, Funded, or Operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (12VAC35-115) (Human Rights Regulations), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on an application for proposed variances to the Human Rights Regulations submitted to the State Human Rights Committee (SHRC). The purpose of the regulations is to ensure and protect the legal and human rights of individuals receiving services in facilities or programs operated, licensed, or funded by DBHDS.
Each variance application references the specific part of the regulation to which a variance is needed, the proposed wording of the substitute rule or procedure, and the justification for a variance. Such application also describes time limits and other conditions for duration and the circumstances that will end the applicability of the variance. After considering all available information, including comments, the SHRC intends to submit a written decision deferring, disapproving, modifying, or approving each variance application. All variances shall be approved for a specific time period. The decision and reasons for variance will be published in a later issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations.
Purpose of notice: The SHRC is seeking comment on the application for a proposed variance to the Human Rights Regulations for Youth for Tomorrow New Life Center Inc. for a variance to Procedures to Ensure Dignity:
12VAC35-115-50 C 7 and C 8.
Explanation: In order to maintain the safety and security of individuals (youth), the program may restrict communication via telephone and in-person visitation to only those names placed on a list generated by the parent or legal guardian and the individual.
The variance will allow Youth for Tomorrow New Life Center Inc., to utilize an approved contact list for telephone calls and an approved contact list for visitation for each individual. The lists shall be developed by the individual's parent or legal guardian in order to protect the best interests of the individual. The individual shall be present and given the opportunity to participate with the parent or legal guardian in creating the telephone and visitation lists.
How to comment: The SHRC accepts written comments by online public comment forum, email, fax, and postal mail. In order to be considered, comments must be received by January 15, 2025. All information received is part of the public record.
To review a proposal: Variance applications and any supporting documentation may be obtained by contacting the DBHDS representative listed in this notice. Contact Information: Taneika Goldman, Director, Office of Human Rights, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, Fourth Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-0064, FAX (833) 734-1241, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email taneika.goldman@dbhds.virginia.gov.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Proposed Enforcement Action for New Market Poultry LLC
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing an enforcement action for New Market Poultry LLC for violations of State Water Control Law and regulations in Shenandoah County, Virginia. The proposed order is available from the DEQ contact or at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits/public-notices/enforcement-actions. The DEQ contact will accept written comments by email or postal mail from December 16, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
Contact Information: Francesca Wright, Senior Enforcement Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, Valley Regional Office, P.O. Box 3000, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or email francesca.wright@deq.virginia.gov.
Proposed Enforcement Action for FiberLight of Virginia LLC, Brungardt Honomichl & Company P.A. Incorporated, and REEL Broadband LLC
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing an enforcement action for FiberLight of Virginia LLC, Brungardt Honomichl & Company P.A. Incorporated, and REEL Broadband LLC for violations of State Water Control Law and regulations and applicable permit at the Leesburg to Ashburn fiber-optic conduit installation in Loudoun County, Virginia. The proposed order is available from the DEQ contact or at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits/public-notices. The DEQ contact will accept written comments by email or postal mail from December 16, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
Contact Information: Katherine Mann, Enforcement Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, Northern Regional Office, 13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193, telephone (571) 866-6095, or email katherine.mann@deq.virginia.gov.
Collier Solar LLC Notice of Intent for a Small Renewable Energy Project (Solar) – Wise County
Collier Solar LLC has provided the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a notice of intent to submit the necessary documentation for a permit by rule for a small renewable energy project (solar) in Wise County, Virginia, pursuant to 9VAC15-60. The developer is Holocene Energy. The DEQ project number is RE0000335.
The project is located on approximately 160 acres at the end of Choctaw Road and on the north side of the road across from 7364 South Fork Road, Pound, VA 24279 with a geographic information system (GIS) centroid of Latitude 37.095760, Longitude -82.634524. The project will have a maximum capacity of 7.50 megawatts alternating current and will utilize approximately 17,725 solar modules mounted to a single-axis tracking system and interconnected to the local distribution network. The maximum equipment height will be 10 feet, excluding typical utility poles that connect the site to the power grid.
Contact Information: Matthew Snow, Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule Program Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 698-4238, or email matthew.a.snow@deq.virginia.gov.
Cropp Solar LLC Notice of Intent for a Small Renewable Energy Project (Solar) – Stafford County
Cropp Solar LLC has provided the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a notice of intent to submit the necessary documentation for a permit by rule for a small renewable energy project (solar) in Stafford County, Virginia, pursuant to 9VAC15-60. The developer is Holocene Energy. The DEQ project number is RE0000336.
The project is located on approximately 55 acres at 220 Skyline Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 with a geographic information system (GIS) centroid of Latitude 38.481681, Longitude -77.594115. The project will have a maximum capacity of 6.75 megawatts alternating current and will utilize approximately 16,000 solar modules mounted to a single-axis tracking system and interconnected to the local distribution network. The maximum equipment height will be 10 feet, excluding typical utility poles that connect the site to the power grid.
Contact Information: Matthew Snow, Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule Program Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 698-4238, or email matthew.a.snow@deq.virginia.gov.
Maddens Tavern Solar LLC Notice of Intent for a Small Renewable Energy
Project (Solar) – Culpeper County
Maddens Tavern Solar LLC has provided the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a notice of intent to submit the necessary documentation for a permit by rule for a small renewable energy project (solar) in Culpeper County, Virginia, pursuant to 9VAC15-60. The developer is Holocene Energy. The DEQ project number is RE0000337.
The project is located on approximately 78 acres just north of 19224 Youngs Lane, Elkwood, VA 22718 with a geographic information system (GIS) centroid of Latitude 38.443514, Longitude -77.822796. The project will have a maximum capacity of 9.50 megawatts alternating current and will utilize approximately 22,460 solar modules mounted to a single-axis tracking system and interconnected to the local distribution network. The maximum equipment height will be 10 feet, excluding typical utility poles that connect the site to the power grid.
Contact Information: Matthew Snow, Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule Program Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 698-4238, or email matthew.a.snow@deq.virginia.gov.
Mountain Run Solar LLC Notice of Intent for a Small Renewable Energy
Project (Solar) – Culpeper County
Mountain Run Solar LLC has provided the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a notice of intent to submit the necessary documentation for a permit by rule for a small renewable energy project (solar) in Culpeper County, Virginia, pursuant to 9VAC15-60. The developer is Holocene Energy. The DEQ project number is RE0000338.
The project is located on approximately 74 acres off of Swamp Poodle Lane, Brandy Station, VA 22714 with a geographic information system (GIS) centroid of Latitude 38.479637, Longitude -77.880628. The project will have a maximum capacity of 7.50 megawatts alternating current and will utilize approximately 17,730 solar modules mounted to a single-axis tracking system and interconnected to the local distribution network. The maximum equipment height will be 10 feet, excluding typical utility poles that connect the site to the power grid.
Contact Information: Matthew Snow, Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule Program Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 698-4238, or email matthew.a.snow@deq.virginia.gov.
Availability of the 2023 Fish Tissue Monitoring Data
Purpose of Notice: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is announcing the release of the 2023 fish tissue and sediment contaminant monitoring data.
Background: DEQ conducts routine studies of fish tissue and bottom sediments in state waters to assess the human health risks for individuals who may consume fish, to identify impaired aquatic ecosystems, and to plan and track the progress of cleanup efforts. Results are made available to the public each year on the agency’s website. The agency selects sampling stations for routine fish tissue monitoring based on input from the public and from partner agencies such as the Department of Wildlife Resources and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission on popular fishing locations. Sites from each of Virginia’s major river basins are sampled on a rotating basis such that each basin is sampled every three years, as resources allow.
In 2023, DEQ collected fish tissue samples primarily from sites in the watersheds of the middle James River, Rappahannock River, Roanoke River, Chowan River and Albemarle Sound, and Big Sandy River. Samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a suite of 17 metals, including mercury, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). DEQ also collected bottom sediment samples from the watersheds of the Rappahannock River, Roanoke River, Chowan River and Albemarle Sound, and Big Sandy River, which were analyzed for PCBs.
2023 monitoring results for PCBs and Mercury are available on the agency's website at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/water-quality/monitoring/fish-tissue-monitoring.
2023 monitoring results for PFAS are available on the agency's PFAS Dashboard at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8f8b1ad32de44d4ebcfbb98669296877/.
Additional Information: The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) uses the data generated by DEQ's fish tissue monitoring program to determine the need for fish consumption advisories. More information on VDH fish consumption advisories is available at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/fish-consumption-advisory/.
Contacts for More Information: Questions regarding DEQ's fish tissue monitoring program can be directed to the DEQ contact listed or to Gabriel Darkwah at email: gabriel.darkwah@deq.virginia.gov or Andrew Kirk at email: andrew.kirk@deq.virginia.gov. Additional information is also available on the DEQ Water Quality Monitoring website at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/monitoring.
Contact Information: Richard Browder, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 212-9734, or email richard.browder@deq.virginia.gov.
VIRGINIA CODE COMMISSION
Notice to State Agencies
Contact Information: Mailing Address: Virginia Code Commission, General Assembly Building, 201 North Ninth Street, Fourth Floor, Richmond, VA 23219; Telephone: (804) 698-1810; Email: varegs@dls.virginia.gov.
Meeting Notices: Section 2.2-3707 C of the Code of Virginia requires state agencies to post meeting notices on their websites and on the Commonwealth Calendar at https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov.
Cumulative Table of Virginia Administrative Code Sections Adopted, Amended, or Repealed: A table listing regulation sections that have been amended, added, or repealed in the Virginia Register of Regulations since the regulations were originally published or last supplemented in the print version of the Virginia Administrative Code is available at http://register.dls.virginia.gov/documents/cumultab.pdf.
Filing Material for Publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations: Agencies use the Regulation Information System (RIS) to file regulations and related items for publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations. The Registrar's office works closely with the Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) to coordinate the system with the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. RIS and Town Hall complement and enhance one another by sharing pertinent regulatory information.