Title of Regulation: 4VAC10-30. Virginia State Forests Regulations (amending 4VAC10-30-40, 4VAC10-30-120, 4VAC10-30-200, 4VAC10-30-210).

Statutory Authority: §§ 10.1-1101 and 10.1-1152 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Dates: September 18, 2012, through September 17, 2013.

Agency Contact: Ronald S. Jenkins, Administrative Officer, Department of Forestry, 900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800, Charlottesville, VA 22903, telephone (434) 977-6555, FAX (434) 293-2768, or email ron.jenkins@dof.virginia.gov.

Preamble:

Chapter 484 of the 2012 Acts of Assembly amended and reenacted § 10.1-1152 of the Code of Virginia relating to state forest special use permits, mandating that the Department of Forestry promulgate emergency regulations to implement the provision of the act that establishes a fee for the special use permit to hunt, trap, fish, ride bikes, and ride horses in a state forest. The act requires the agency to promulgate regulations within 280 days of the enactment of the act. This regulation is not exempt under the provisions of subdivision A 4 of § 2.2-4006 of the Code of Virginia. The changes to the existing regulation provide that any person who hunts, fishes, traps, rides a bike, or rides a horse in a state forest is required to purchase an annual special use permit for a fee of $15.

4VAC10-30-40. Permits.

A permit to do any act shall authorize the same only insofar as it may be performed in strict accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. Any violation by its holder or his agents or employees of any term or condition thereof shall constitute grounds for its revocation by the department, or by its authorized representative. In case of revocation of any permit, all moneys paid for or on account thereof shall, at the option of the department, be forfeited to and be retained by it; and the holder of such permit, together with his agents and employees who violated such terms and conditions, shall be jointly and severally liable to the department for all damages and loss suffered by it in excess of money so forfeited and retained; but neither such forfeiture and retention by the department of the whole or any part of such moneys nor the recovery or collection thereby of such damages, or both, shall in any manner relieve such person or persons from liability to punishment for any violation of any provision of any Virginia State Forests Regulation. A state forest hunting special use permit will be required to hunt or, trap, fish, ride bikes, or ride horses on any state forest or portion thereof on which hunting and, trapping, fishing, riding bikes, or riding horses is permitted.

4VAC10-30-120. Charges.

No person 16 years of age or older shall make, use, or gain admittance to, or attempt to use or gain admittance to the facilities in any forest for the use of which a charge special use permit is made required by the department unless he shall pay the charge or price fixed by the department obtain a special use permit and pay an annual fee of $15. Any person 16 years of age may hunt, trap, fish, ride bikes, or ride horses on any state forest and is not required to obtain a special use permit or pay an annual fee.

4VAC10-30-200. Hunting and fishing.

No person within the confines of any forest, shall hunt, trap, shoot, injure, kill or molest in any way any bird or animal, nor shall any person have in his possession any bird or animal, dead or alive, within the forest except any bird or animal designated as a game bird or animal by the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the trapping of, hunting of, shooting at, or possession of any such bird or animal is prohibited except during the lawful hunting season set for the forest or portion thereof by the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries and only in those forests or portion thereof designated by the Forest Superintendent as lawful hunting areas. A state forest hunting special use permit will be required. All provisions of the Virginia Code concerning hunting must be complied with.

4VAC10-30-210. Fishing.

Fishing is permitted in designated areas in each forest, the only stipulation being that persons fishing must have a state fishing license, have a special use permit, and comply with the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries rules and regulations.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-260. Pertaining to Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas (amending 4VAC20-260-20 through 4VAC20-260-60).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: October 1, 2012.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email betty.warren@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments clarify the coordinates and locations of oyster seed areas and clean cull areas, and clarify the penalties for inspection violations.

4VAC20-260-20. Designation of seed areas and clean cull areas.

A. Seed areas. The following natural public oyster beds, rocks, or shoals are designated for the harvest of seed oysters:

1. James River. All of the public oyster grounds in the James River and its tributaries above a line drawn from Cooper's Creek in Isle of Wight County on the south side of the James River to a line in a northeasterly direction across the James River to the Newport News municipal water tank located on Warwick Boulevard between 59th and 60th Street in the City of Newport News.

2. Deep Water Shoal State Repletion Seed Area in the James River (574.66 acres). Beginning at a point approximately 530 feet west of Deep Water Shoal Light, said point being Corner 1 as located by Virginia State Plane Coordinates, South Zone, NAD 1927, North 302,280.00, East 2,542,360.00; thence North Azimuth 30°49'59", 4,506.99 feet to Corner 2, North 306,150.00, East 2,544,670.00; thence North Azimuth 135°08'57", 5,430.60 feet to Corner 3, North 302,300.00, East 2,548,500.00; thence North Azimuth 212°13'54", 3,487.42 feet to Corner 4, North 299,350.00, East 2,546,640.00; thence North Azimuth 269°10'16", 2,765.29 feet to Corner 5, North 299,310.00, East 2,543,875.00; thence North Azimuth 332°58'26", 3,334.09 feet to Corner 1, being the point of beginning. (Map 1) Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area (DWS). That area in the James River near Mulberry Island, beginning at a point approximately 530 feet west of Deep Water Shoal Light, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 08.9433287' N., Longitude 76° 38.3213007' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 09.5734380' N., Longitude 76° 37.8300582' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 08.9265524' N., Longitude 76° 37.0574269' W.; thence westerly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 08.4466039' N., Longitude 76° 37.4523346' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 08.4491489' N., Longitude 76° 38.0215553' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

B. Clean cull areas. All natural public oyster beds, rocks, or shoals in the tidal waters of Virginia, except those designated by the Marine Resources Commission as seed areas shall be considered clean cull areas.

EDITOR'S NOTICE: The map designating Deep Water Shoal Repletion Seed Area (Map 1) is not printed and is deleted by this regulatory action.

4VAC20-260-30. Minimum cull size.

In order to encourage a continued supply of marketable oysters, minimum size limits are hereby established. Undersized oysters or shells shall be returned immediately to their natural beds, rocks, or shoals where taken. When small oysters are adhering so closely to the shell of the marketable oyster as to render removal impossible without destroying the young oyster, then it shall not be necessary to remove it. Allowances for undersized oysters and shells incidentally retained during culling are found in 4VAC20-260-40.

1. Oysters taken from clean cull areas shall not have shells less than three inches in length, except as described in subdivision 5 of this section.

2. In the James River seed areas, there shall be no size limit on oysters harvested for replanting as seed oysters and seed oysters shall not be marketed for direct consumption.

3. In the James River seed areas, the shells of oysters harvested for direct consumption shall not be less than three inches in length.

4. On the seaside of the Eastern Shore seed area, the shells of oysters marketed for direct consumption shall not be less than three inches in length. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to oysters raised in aquaculture cages by licensed aquaculture facilities.

5. In the Rappahannock River, the shells of oysters harvested for direct consumption from the areas known as Russ' Rock and Carter's Rock shall not be less than 2-1/2 inches in length.

4VAC20-260-40. Culling tolerances or standards.

A. In the clean cull areas, if more than one a four-quart measure of any combination of undersized (less than three inches) oysters or shells is of any size are found per bushel inspected, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter, except as described in subdivision 5 of 4VAC20-260-30.

B. In the James River seed areas, if more than one a six-quart measure of shells is found per bushel of seed oysters inspected, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter.

C. In the James River seed areas, if more than one a four-quart measure of any combination of undersized (less than three inches) oysters or shells is of any size are found per bushel of clean cull oysters inspected, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter.

D. On the seaside of Eastern Shore seed areas, if more than one a four-quart measure of any combination of undersized (less than three inches) oysters and shells is of any size are found per bushel of clean cull oysters to be marketed for direct consumption inspected, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter.

4VAC20-260-50. Culling and inspection procedures.

A. All oysters taken from natural public beds, rocks, or shoals shall be placed on the culling board and culled by hand to the inside open part of the boat in a loose pile; however, when oysters are taken by hand and held in baskets or other containers they shall be culled as taken and transferred from the container to the inside open part of the boat in a loose pile and subject to inspection by any Marine Resources Commission law-enforcement officer.

B. If oysters from leased grounds and oysters from public grounds are mixed in the same cargo on a boat or motor vehicle, the entire cargo shall be subject to inspection under this chapter.

C. It shall be unlawful for any harvester to store oysters taken from public grounds on any boat in any type of container, except as described for the James River in 4VAC20-1230-30 M. All oysters taken from said areas public grounds shall be sold or purchased in the regular oyster one-half bushel or one bushel measure as described in § 28.2-526 of the Code of Virginia, or the alternate container described in subsection D of this section; except that on the seaside of the Eastern Shore oysters may be sold without being measured if both the buyer and the seller agree to the number of bushels of oysters in the transaction.

D. An alternate container produced by North Machine Shop in Mathews, Virginia, may be used for measuring oysters to be sold or purchased. The dimensions of this metallic cylindrical container shall be 18.5 inches inside diameter and 11 inches inside height.

E. In the inspection of oysters the law-enforcement officer shall, with a shovel, take at least one bushel of oysters at random, provided that the entire bushel shall be taken at one place in the open pile of oysters.

4VAC20-260-60. Penalty.

A. As set forth in §§ 28.2-510 and 28.2-511 of the Code of Virginia, any person, firm, or corporation violating any provision of this chapter except 4VAC20-260-50 C shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. As set forth in § 28.2-526 of the Code of Virginia, any person violating any provision of 4VAC20-260-50 C of the chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. In addition to the penalty prescribed by law, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall destroy, in the presence of a marine police officer, all shellfish in his possession, or, at the direction of the marine police officer, shall place the shellfish overboard on the nearest oyster sanctuary or closed shellfish area, and shall cease harvesting on that day. All harvesting apparatus may be subject to seizure, and, pursuant to § 28.2-232 of the Code of Virginia, all licenses and permits may be subject to revocation following a hearing before the Marine Resources Commission.

C. In addition to the penalty prescribed by law, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall place the entire load of shellfish overboard on the nearest oyster sanctuary or closed shellfish area, at the direction of the marine police officer, and shall cease harvesting on that day. In cases where shellfish associated with a violation, by any person, cannot be returned overboard, that person shall destroy, in the presence of a marine police officer, all shellfish in his possession. All harvesting apparatus may be subject to seizure and, pursuant to § 28.2-232 of the Code of Virginia, all licenses and permits may be subject to revocation following a hearing before the Marine Resources Commission.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-720. Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest (amending 4VAC20-720-10 through 4VAC20-720-91, 4VAC20-720-100; repealing 4VAC20-720-95).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: October 1, 2012.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email betty.warren@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments clarify the coordinates and locations of oyster grounds and establish the open oyster harvest seasons, areas, and bushel limits.

4VAC20-720-10. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect and conserve Virginia's oyster resource resources, and promote the preservation of especially oyster broodstock, which has been depleted by disease, harvesting, and natural disasters.

4VAC20-720-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Aid to navigation" means any public or private day beacon, lighted channel marker, channel buoy, lighted channel buoy, or lighthouse that may be at, or adjacent to, any latitude and longitude used in area descriptions.

"Coan River Area" means that area of the Coan River inside of Public Grounds 77 and 78 of Northumberland County.

"Deep Rock Patent Tong Area (Lower Chesapeake Bay)" means the area described as follows: starting at Cherry Point, Gwynns Island, thence northeast to G"1P" along the south side of the channel to Piankatank River; thence east-southeast to G"1R"; thence southwest to Sandy Point, Gwynns Island, North of Hole-in the-Wall.

"Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area (DWS)" in the James River (574.66 Acres) means the areas beginning at a point approximately 530 feet west of Deep Water Shoal Light, said point being Corner 1 as located by Virginia State Plane Coordinates, South Zone, NAD 1927, north 302,280.00, east 2,542,360.00; thence north azimuth 30°49'59", 4,506.99 feet to Corner 2, north 306,150.00, east 2,544,670.00; thence north azimuth 135°08'57", 5,430.60 feet to Corner 3, north 302,300.00, east 2,548,500.00; thence north azimuth 212°13'54", 3,487.42 feet to Corner 4, north 299,350.00, east 2,546,640.00; thence north azimuth 269°10'16", 2,765.29 feet to Corner 5, north 299,310.00, east 2,543,875.00; thence north azimuth 332°58'26", 3,334.09 feet to Corner 1, being the point of beginning.

"Great Wicomico River Hand Scrape Area" means that area east of a line drawn from Sandy Point to Cockrell Point.

Public Ground 77 of Northumberland County is located near the mouth of the Coan River, beginning at a point approximately 2,300 feet northeast of Honest Point and 1,300 feet southwest of Travis Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 59.5257207' N., Longitude 76° 27.8810639' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 59.3710259' N., Longitude 76° 27.9962148' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 59.2953830' N., Longitude 76° 28.0468953' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 59.3350863' N., Longitude 76° 28.0968837' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 59.3965161' N., Longitude 76° 28.0287342' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 6, Latitude 37° 59.4758507' N., Longitude 76° 28.1112280' W.; thence north-northwesterly to Corner 7, Latitude 37° 59.5079401' N., Longitude 76° 28.1230058' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 8, Latitude 37° 59.5579153' N., Longitude 76° 27.9889429' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 78 of Northumberland County is located near the mouth of the Coan River, beginning at a point approximately 3,420 feet southeast of Travis Point and 3,260 feet northwest of Great Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 59.4822275' N., Longitude 76° 27.1878637' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 59.3824046' N., Longitude 76° 27.1088650' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37°59.2283287' N., Longitude 76° 27.8632901' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 59.4368502' N., Longitude 76° 27.6868001' W.; thence continuing northeasterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 59.5949216' N., Longitude 76°27.5399436' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Deep Rock Area" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, in that area of the Chesapeake Bay near Gwynn Island, beginning at Cherry Point at the western-most point of the eastern headland of Kibble Pond located at Latitude 37° 30.9802148' N., Longitude 76° 17.6764393' W.; thence northeasterly to the Piankatank River, Flashing Green Channel Light "3", Latitude 37° 32.3671325' N., Longitude 76° 16.7038334' W.; thence east-southeasterly to the Rappahannock River Entrance Lighted Buoy G"1R", Latitude 37° 32.2712833' N., Longitude 76° 11.4813666' W.; thence southwesterly to the southern-most point of Sandy Point, the northern headland of "The Hole in the Wall", Latitude 37° 28.1475258' N., Longitude 76° 15.8185670' W.; thence northwesterly along the Chesapeake Bay mean low water line of the barrier islands of Milford Haven, connecting headland to headland at their eastern-most points, and of Gwynn Island to the western-most point of the eastern headland of Kibble Pond on Cherry Point, said point being the point of beginning.

"Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area (DWS)" means that area in the James River near Mulberry Island, beginning at a point approximately 530 feet west of Deep Water Shoal Light, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 08.9433287' N., Longitude 76° 38.3213007' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 09.5734380' N., Longitude 76° 37.8300582' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 08.9265524' N., Longitude 76° 37.0574269' W.; thence westerly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 08.4466039 N., Longitude 76° 37.4523346' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 08.4491489' N., Longitude 76° 38.0215553' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Great Wicomico River Area" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, in that area of the Great Wicomico River, Ingram Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay, beginning at a point on Sandy Point, Latitude 37° 49.3269652' N., Longitude 76° 18.3821766' W.; thence easterly to the southern-most point of Cockrell Point, Latitude 37° 49.2664838' N., Longitude 76° 17.3454434' W.; thence easterly following the mean low water line of Cockrell Point to a point on the boundary of Public Ground 115 at Cash Point, Latitude 37° 49.2695619' N., Longitude 76° 17.2804046' W.; thence southeasterly to the gazebo on the pierhead at Fleets Point, Latitude 37° 48.7855824' N., Longitude 76° 16.9609311' W.; thence southeasterly to the Great Wicomico Lighthouse; thence due south to a point due east of the southern-most point of Dameron Marsh, Latitude 37° 46.6610003' N., Longitude 76° 16.0570007' W.; thence due east to the southern-most point of Dameron Marsh, Latitude 37° 46.6609070' N., Longitude 76° 17.2670707' W.; thence along the mean low water line of Dameron Marsh, north and west to Garden Point, Latitude 37° 47.2519872' N., Longitude 76° 18.4028142' W.; thence northwesterly to Windmill Point, Latitude 37° 47.5194547' N., Longitude 76° 18.7132194' W.; thence northerly along the mean low water to the western headland of Harveys Creek, Latitude 37° 47.7923573' N., Longitude 76° 18.6881450' W.; thence east-southeasterly to the eastern headland of Harveys Creek, Latitude 37° 47.7826936' N., Longitude 76° 18.5469879' W.; thence northerly along the mean low water line, crossing the entrance to Towels Creek at the offshore ends of the jetties and continuing to Bussel Point, Latitude 37° 48.6879208' N., Longitude 76° 18.4670860' W.; thence northwesterly to the northern headland of Cranes Creek, Latitude 37° 48.8329168' N., Longitude 76° 18.7308073' W.; thence following the mean low water line northerly to a point on Sandy Point, said point being the point of beginning.

"Hand scrape" means any device or instrument with a catching bar having an inside measurement of no more than 22 inches, which is used or usable for the purpose of extracting or removing shellfish from a water bottom or the bed of a body of water.

"James River Hand Scrape Area" means those public oyster grounds of the James River west of the Monitor and Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and northeast of the Mills E. Godwin/Nansemond River Bridge (Route 17) to the James River Bridge (Route 17).

"Hand tong" or "ordinary tong" means any pincers, nippers, tongs, or similar device used in catching oysters, which consist of two shafts or handles attached to opposable and complementary pincers, baskets, or containers operated entirely by hand, from the surface of the water and has no external or internal power source.

"James River Area" means those public grounds of the James River and Nansemond River west of the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (Route I-664), northeast of the Mills E. Godwin, Jr. Bridge (U.S. Route 17) on the Nansemond River, and south of the James River Bridge (U.S. Route 17).

"Latitude and longitude" means values that are based upon a geodetic reference system of the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). When latitude and longitude are used in any area description, in conjunction with any physical landmark, to include aids to navigation, the latitude and longitude value is the legal point defining the boundary.

"Little Wicomico River" means that area of the Little Wicomico River inside of Public Ground 43 of Northumberland County, located in the Little Wicomico River near Bridge Creek, beginning at a point approximately 150 feet north of Peachtree Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 53.2910650' N., Longitude 76° 16.7312926' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 53.2601877' N., Longitude 76° 16.8662408' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 53.2678470' N., Longitude 76°16.8902408' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 53.3113148' N., Longitude 76° 16.8211543' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Lower Machodoc Area" means that area of the Lower Machodoc River to the Virginia-Maryland state line (PRV5A to PRV5C).

"Milford Haven" means that area of Milford Haven inside of Public Ground 7, within these coordinates: 37° 28.32', N., 76° 16.45', W.; 37° 28.35', N., 76° 16.42', W.; 37° 28.37', N., 76° 16.47', W.; 37° 28.35', N., 76° 16.50', W. of Mathews County, beginning at a point approximately 1,380 feet east of Point Breeze, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 28.3500000' N., Longitude 76° 16.5000000' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 28.3700000' N., Longitude 76° 16.4700000' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 28.3500000' N., Longitude 76° 16.4200000' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 28.3200000' N., Longitude 76° 16.4500000' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Mobjack Bay Hand Scrape Area" shall consist of all of Public Ground No. 25, Gloucester County (Towe Stake) within these coordinates: 37° 20.59', N., 76° 23.24', W.; 37° 20.38', N., 76° 22.72', W.; 37° 19.86', N., 76° 23.59', W.; 37° 20.03', N. 76° 23.77', W.; and 37° 20.39', N., 76° 23.58', W. and that portion of Public Ground No. 2, Mathews County (Pultz Bar), within these coordinates: 37° 21.25', N., 76° 21.37', W.; 37° 21.27', N., 76° 20.96', W.; 37° 21.02', N., 76° 20.94', W.; and 37° 21.05', N., 76° 21.33', W.

"Nomini River" means that area of the Nomini River inside of Public Ground 26 (Deans) and Public Ground 28 (Cut).

"Mobjack Bay Area" means those areas of Mobjack Bay consisting of Public Ground 25 of Gloucester County (Tow Stake) and that portion of Public Ground 2 of Mathews County known as Pultz Bar described as:

Public Ground 25 of Gloucester County, known as Tow Stake, is located in Mobjack Bay, near the mouth of the Severn River, beginning at a point approximately 2,880 feet east-northeast of Tow Stake Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 20.3883888' N., Longitude 76° 23.5883836' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 30.5910482' N., Longitude 76° 23.2372184' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 20.3786971' N., Longitude 76° 22.7241180' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 19.8616759' N., Longitude 76° 23.5914937' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 20.0284019' N., Longitude 76° 23.7717423' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 2 of Mathews County, known as Pultz Bar, is located in Mobjack Bay, beginning at a point approximately 5,420 feet south of Minter Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 37° 21.2500000' N., Longitude 76° 21.3700000' W.; thence easterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 21.2700000' N., Longitude 76° 20.9600000' W.; thence southerly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 21.0200000' N., Longitude 76° 20.9400000' W.; thence westerly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 21.0500000' N., Longitude 76° 21.3300000' W.; thence northerly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Nomini Creek Area" means that area of Nomini Creek inside of Public Grounds 26 and 28 of Westmoreland County.

Public Ground 26 of Westmoreland County is located in Nomini Creek, north of Beales Wharf and east of Barnes Point, beginning at a point approximately 1,400 feet north of Barnes Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 38° 07.2690219' N., Longitude 76° 42.6784210' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 07.0924060' N., Longitude 76° 42.4745767' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 06.8394053' N., Longitude 76° 42.6704025, W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 38° 06.8743004' N., Longitude 76° 42.7552151' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 5, Latitude 38° 07.0569717' N., Longitude 76° 42.5603535' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 28 of Westmoreland County is located at the mouth of Nomini Creek, beginning at a point approximately 50 feet west of White Oak Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 38° 07.6429987' N., Longitude 76° 43.0337082' W.; thence south-southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 07.2987193' N., Longitude 76° 43.1101420' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 07.7029267' N., Longitude 76° 43.3337762' W.; thence west to the mean low water line, Latitude 38° 07.7031535' N., Longitude 76° 43.3378345' W.; thence northerly and westerly along the mean low water line of Nomini Creek to a point southwest of Cedar Island, Latitude 38° 07.8986449' N., Longitude 76° 43.6329097' W.; thence northeasterly to a point on the mean low water line at the southern-most point of Cedar Island, Latitude 38° 07.8986449' N., Longitude 76° 43.6329097' W.; thence following the mean low water line of the southern and eastern sides of Cedar Island to a point, Latitude 38° 08.0164430' N., Longitude 76° 43.4773169' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 4, Latitude 38° 08.0712849' N., Longitude 76° 43.4416606' W.; thence northeasterly to a point on the northern headland of Nomini Creek at the mean low water line, said point being Corner 5, Latitude 38° 08.2729626' N., Longitude 76° 43.3105315' W.; thence following the mean low water line of White Point to a point northwest of Snake Island, Corner 6, Latitude 38° 08.4066960' N., Longitude 76° 42.9105565' W.; thence southeast, crossing the mouth of Buckner Creek, to a point on the mean low water line of Snake Island, Corner 7, Latitude 38° 08.3698254' N., Longitude 76° 42.8939656' W.; thence southeasterly following the mean low water line of Snake Island to Corner 8, Latitude 38° 08.2333798' N., Longitude 76° 42.7778877' W.; thence south-southwesterly, crossing the mouth of Buckner Creek, to Corner 9, Latitude 38° 08.2134371' N., Longitude 76° 42.7886409' W.; thence southeasterly to a point on the mean low water line of the southern headland of Buckner Creek, Corner 10, Latitude 38° 08.1956281' N., Longitude 76° 42.7679625' W.; thence southwesterly following the mean low water line of Nomini Creek, crossing the mouth of an un-named cove at the narrowest point between the headlands and continuing to follow the mean low water line to a point on White Oak Point, Latitude 38° 07.6428228' N., Longitude 76° 43.0233530' W.; thence west to Corner 1, said point being the point of beginning.

"Oyster dredge" means any device having a maximum weight of 150 pounds with attachments, maximum width of 50 inches, and maximum tooth length of four inches.

"Oyster Patent Tong" means any patent tong not exceeding 100 pounds in gross weight, including any attachment other than rope and with the teeth not to exceed four inches in length.

"Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds Management Area (PTSMA)" means the area as defined in § 28.2-524 of the Code of Virginia.

"Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds Rotation Area 1" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, within an area of the PTSMA, in Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds, bounded by a line beginning at a point on the Maryland-Virginia state line, located at Latitude 37° 54.6136000' N., Longitude 75° 53.9739600' W.; thence south to the house on Great Fox Island, Latitude 37° 53.6946500' N., Longitude 75° 53.8898800' W.; thence westerly to a point, Latitude 37° 53.3633500' N., Longitude 75° 56.5589600' W.; thence south to a point, Latitude 37° 48.4429100' N., Longitude 75° 56.4883600' W.; thence easterly to the north end of Watts Island, Latitude 37° 48.7757800' N., Longitude 75° 53.5994100' W.; thence northerly to the house on Great Fox Island, Latitude 37° 53.6946500' N., Longitude 75° 53.8898800' W.; thence southeasterly to Pocomoke Sound Shoal Flashing Light Red "8", Latitude 37° 52.4583300' N., Longitude 75° 49.4000000' W.; thence southeasterly to Messongo Creek Entrance Buoy Green Can "1", Latitude 37° 52.1000000' N., Longitude 75° 47.8083300' W.; thence southeast to Guilford Flats Junction Light Flashing 2+1 Red "GF", Latitude 37° 50.9533300' N., Longitude 75° 46.6416700' W.; thence southerly to a point on a line from Guilford Flats Junction Light to the northern-most point of Russell Island, where said line intersects the PTSMA boundary, Latitude 37° 48.4715943' N., Longitude 75° 46.9955932' W.; thence clockwise following the PTSMA boundary to a point on the Maryland-Virginia state line, said point being the point of beginning.

"Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds Rotation Area 2" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, within an area of the PTSMA, in Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds, bounded by a line beginning at the house on Great Fox Island, located at Latitude 37° 53.6946500' N., Longitude 75° 53.8898800' W.; thence southerly to the north end of Watts Island, Latitude 37° 48.7757800' N., Longitude 75° 53.5994100' W.; thence westerly to a point, Latitude 37° 48.4429100' N., Longitude 75° 56.4883600' W.; thence northerly to a point, Latitude 37° 53.3633500' N., Longitude 75° 56.5589600' W.; thence easterly to the house on Great Fox Island, said house being the point of beginning. Also, Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds Rotation Area 2 shall include all public grounds and unassigned grounds in the PTSMA in Pocomoke Sound bounded by a line beginning at a point on the Maryland-Virginia state line, Latitude 37° 54.6136000' N., Longitude 75° 53.9739600' W.; thence following the PTSMA boundary clockwise to a point on the line from the northern-most point of Russell Island to Guilford Flats Junction Light Flashing 2+1 Red "GF", where said line intersects the PTSMA boundary, Latitude 37° 48.4715943' N., Longitude 75° 46.9955932' W.; thence northerly to Guilford Flats Junction Light Flashing 2+1 Red "GF", Latitude 37° 50.9533300' N., Longitude 75° 46.6416700' W.; thence northwesterly to Messongo Creek Entrance Buoy Green Can "1", Latitude 37° 52.1000000' N., Longitude 75° 47.8083300' W.; thence northwesterly to Pocomoke Sound Shoal Flashing Light Red "8", Latitude 37° 52.4583300' N., Longitude 75° 49.4000000' W.; thence northwesterly to the house on Great Fox Island, Latitude 37° 53.6946500' N., Longitude 75° 53.8898800' W.; thence northerly to a point on the Maryland-Virginia state line, said point being the point of beginning.

"Public oyster ground" means all those grounds defined in §°28.2-551 of the Code of Virginia or by any other acts of the General Assembly pertaining to those grounds, all ground those grounds set aside as public oyster ground by court order, and all ground those grounds set aside as public oyster ground by order of the Marine Resources Commission, and may be redefined by any of these legal authorities.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 1" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning at the MLW west of Broad Creek (37° 33.952', N., 76° 19.309', W.); thence north to a VMRC buoy on the Baylor line (37° 34.539', N., 76° 19.022', W.) to VMRC buoy (37° 34.683', N., 76° 19.100' W.); thence, northeasterly to VMRC Buoy (37° 35.017', N., 76° 19.450', W.); thence, northeasterly to Sturgeon Bar Light (7R) (37° 35.150', N., 76° 19.733', W.); thence, continuing northwest to Mosquito Point Light (8R) (37° 36.100', N., 76° 21.300', W.); thence to the house on Mosquito Point (37° 36.523, N., 76° 21.595', W.) bounded on the east by a line from Windmill Point (37° 35.793', N., 76° 14.180', W.); thence, southeast to Windmill Point Light (37° 35.793', N., 76° 14.180', W.); thence southwesterly to Stingray Point Light (37° 33.673', N., 76° 16.362', W.); thence, westerly to Stingray Point (37° 33.692', N., 76° 17.986', W.)

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 2" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary on the east side defined as beginning at the house at Mosquito Point (37° 36.523', N., 76° 21.595', W.); thence, southeast to Mosquito Point Light "8R" (37° 36.100', N., 76° 21.300', W.); thence, continuing southeasterly to Sturgeon Bar Beacon "7R" (37° 35.150', N., 76° 19.733', W.); thence, southwesterly to VMRC buoy (37° 34.933', N., 76° 21.050', W.); thence, southwesterly to VMRC buoy (37° 34.883', N., 76° 21.100', W.); thence, to a pier west of Hunting Creek at Grinels (37° 34.436', N., 76° 26.288', W.). Rappahannock River Rotation Area 2 is bordered on the west by a line beginning at Mill Creek channel marker "4" (37° 35.083', N., 76° 26.950', W.); thence, northeasterly to Mill Creek channel marker "2" (37° 35.483', N., 76° 24.567', W.); thence, northeasterly to the house at Mosquito Point (37° 36.523', N., 76° 21.595', W.).

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 3" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning from the north channel fender at the Norris Bridge (37° 37.483', N., 76° 25.345', W.); thence, southeast to the house on Mosquito Point (37° 36.523', N., 76° 21.595', W.); thence southwest to Mill Creek channel marker "2" (37° 35.483', N., 76° 24.567', W.); thence southwesterly to Mill Creek channel marker "4" (37° 35.083', N., 76° 24.950', W.); thence northeasterly to Parrotts Creek channel marker "1" (37° 36.033', N., 76° 25.417', W.); thence northerly to VMRC buoy (37° 36.333', N., 76° 25.200', W.); thence returning northerly to the Norris Bridge north channel fender.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 4" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with the boundary defined as beginning at the White Stone end of the Norris Bridge (37° 38.129', N., 76° 24.722', W.); thence, along the Norris Bridge to the north channel fender (37° 37.483', N., 76° 25.345', W.); thence westerly to the VMRC buoy 5-4 (36° 38.005', N., 76° 30.028', W.); thence, north to Old House Point (37° 39.139', N., 76° 29.685', W.); thence, northerly to Ball Point (37° 41.660', N., 76° 28.632', W.); thence, continuing northerly to Bar Point (37° 41.666', N., 76° 28.866', W.); thence easterly to Black Stump Point (37° 41.737', N., 76° 28.111', W.); thence, southeasterly to the western headland of Taylor Creek (37° 40.983', N., 76° 27.602', W.); thence, southwesterly to VMRC Buoy at Ferry Bar north (37° 40.300', N., 76° 28.500', W.); thence, southeasterly to VMRC Buoy at Ferry Bar South (37° 40.167', N., 76° 28.583, W.); thence, southwesterly to Corrotoman Point Duck Blind (37° 39.876', N., 76° 28.420', W.); thence, southerly to VMRC Buoy 543 (37° 39.267', N., 76° 27.850', W.); thence, southerly to VMRC Buoy at Drumming West (37° 38.883', N., 76° 27.683', W.); thence, southerly to VMRC buoy at Drumming East (37° 38.833', N., 76° 27.567', W.); thence, northeasterly to Orchard Point (37° 38.924', N., 76° 27.126', W.).

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 5" shall consist of public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning east of a line from the east headland of Whiting Creek (37° 36.658', N., 76° 30.312', W.); thence, north to Towles Point buoy "6" (37° 38.033', N., 76° 30.283', W.); thence, easterly to VMRC buoy 5-4 (37° 38.005', N., 76° 30.028', W.) continuing easterly to the Norris Bridge north channel fender (37° 37.483', N., 76° 25.345', W.); thence, along the Norris Bridge southwest to Grey's Point (37° 36.833', N., 76° 25.999', W.).

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 6" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning from Balls Point (37° 39.355', N., 76° 34.444', W.); thence, northeast to the flashing red buoy "8" off Rogue Pt. (37° 40.158', N., 76° 32.939', W.); thence, southeasterly to VMRC Towles Point Area buoy (37° 38.833', N., 76° 31.536', W.); thence, southwesterly to VMRC White House Sanctuary buoy (37° 38.150', N., 76° 30.533', W.); thence, southeasterly to red buoy "6" (37° 38.033', N., 76° 30.283', W.); thence, southerly to the eastern headland of the mouth of Whiting Creek (37° 36.658', N., 76° 30.312', W.).

"Rappahannock River Area 7" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning south of a line from Punchbowl Point (37° 44.675', N., 76° 37.325', W.) to Monaskon Point (37° 44.063', N., 76° 34.108', W.) to a line from Rogue's Point (37° 40.040', N., 76° 32.253', W.); thence, northwest to flashing red buoy "8" (37° 40.158', N., 76° 32.939', W.) continuing southwest to Balls Point (37° 39.355', N., 76° 34.444', W.).

"Rappahannock River Area 8" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning east and south of a line from Jones Point (37° 46.786', N., 76° 40.835', W.) to Sharps Point (37° 49.364', N., 76° 42.087', W.) to a line from Punchbowl Point (37° 44.675', N., 76° 37.325', W.) to Monaskon Point (37° 44.063', N., 76° 34.108', W.).

"Rappahannock River Area 9" shall consist of all public grounds in the Rappahannock River with a boundary defined as beginning west of the line drawn from Sharps Pt. (37° 49.364', N., 76° 42.087', W.) to Jones Pt (37° 46.786', N., 76° 40.835', W.) to the Route 360 (Downing Bridge).

"Standard oyster dredge" means any device or instrument having a maximum weight of 150 pounds with attachments, maximum width of 50 inches and maximum tooth length of four inches.

"Tangier-Pocomoke Sounds Rotation Area 1" shall include all public and unassigned grounds within the PTSMA, in Tangier Sound, that are west and south of a line beginning at the Maryland-Virginia Line (37° 54.61360', N., 75° 53.97396', W.) continuing south on Great Fox Island (37° 53.69465', N., 75° 53.88988', W.); thence continuing west to point "Area 2-NW" (37° 53.36335', N., 75° 56.55896', W.); thence south to a point "Area 2-SW" (37° 48.44291', N., 75° 56.48836', W.); thence continuing east to the north end of Watts Island (37° 48.77578', N., 75° 53.59941', W.). Area 1 shall also include all of the public and unassigned grounds in the PTSMA in Pocomoke Sound south and west of a line beginning at the house on Great Fox Island (37° 53.69465', N., 75° 53.88988', W.); thence east southeast to Red Channel Marker # 8 (37° 52.45833', N., 75° 49.40000', W.); thence south southeast to Green Channel Marker "C – 1" (37° 52.10000', N., 75° 47.80833', W.) thence southeast to Flashing Red "2+1" (37° 50.95333', N., 75° 46.64167', W.); thence south to the northernmost tip of Russell Island (37° 48.38796', N., 75° 47.02241', W.).

"Tangier-Pocomoke Sounds Rotation Area 2" shall include all public and unassigned grounds in the PTSMA with a boundary defined as beginning at the house on Great Fox Island (37° 53.69465', N., 75° 53.88988', W.); thence south to the north end of Watts Island (37° 48.77578', N., 75° 53.59941', W.); thence west to a point "Area 2-SW" (37° 48.44291', N., 75° 56.48836', W.); thence north to point "Area 2-NW" (37° 53.36335', N., 75° 56.55896', W.); thence back east to the house on Great Fox Island. This area includes Public Ground No. 7, known as "Thoroughfare Rock" and Public Ground No. 8, known as "California Rock" in Tangier Sound. Area 2 shall also include all public and unassigned grounds in the PTSMA in Pocomoke Sound northeast of a line beginning at the house on Great Fox Island (37° 53.69465', N., 75° 53.88988', W.); thence east southeast to Red Channel Marker # 8 (37° 52.45833', N., 75° 49.40000', W.); thence south southeast to Green Channel Marker "C – 1" (37° 52.10000', N., 75° 47.80833', W.); thence southeast to Flashing Red "2+1" (37° 50.95333', N., 75° 46.64167', W.); thence south to the northernmost tip of Russell Island (37° 48.38796', N., 75° 47.02241', W.).

"Tangier Sound Hand Tong Area" means that area in the PTSMA south and west of a line from Fishbone Island thence southeast to bell buoy #5, thence south southwest to buoy #3 (such area to include all of Public Ground 3 and Flat Rock) and shall be a hand tong area only and Cod Harbor (approximately 1,124 acres) beginning at a point of East Point Marsh, said point having the Virginia state coordinates, south section, coordinates of north 555,414.89, east 2,730,388.85; thence south 79°59', east 2,260 feet to a line designating the western extent of the PTSMA as described in § 28.2-524 of the Code of Virginia; thence south 10°16', west 2,800 feet; thence south 28°46', west 8,500 feet to a point on Sand Spit, position north 545,131.78, east, 2,728,014.94; thence along the mean low water line of Cod Harbor in a west, north and northeast direction crossing Canton Creek and Mailboat Harbor from headland to headland to the point of beginning.

"Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area" means the public grounds and unassigned grounds in an area of the James River with an eastern boundary being the upstream side of the James River Bridge (Route 17), and a western boundary being a line drawn from the south side of the river at Rainbow Farm Point, a point on the shore, in line with markers "STH" and "SMT" located at 37˚ 00.1965862' N., 76˚ 34.0712010' W.; thence north-northeasterly to a VMRC marker "STH" located at 37˚ 00.9815328' N., 76˚ 33.5955842' W.; thence to a Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) marker "SMT" located at 37˚ 01.3228160' N., 76˚ 33.3887351' W.; thence to the Flashing Green Channel Light #5, located at 37˚ 02.3449949' N., 76˚ 32.7689936' W.; thence northeasterly to a VMRC marker "NMT" located at 37˚ 02.7740540' N., 76˚ 32.0960864' W.; thence to a VMRC marker "NTH" located at 37˚ 03.2030055' N., 76˚ 31.4231211' W.; thence to a point on the north shore of the river at Blunt (Blount) Point, said point being in line with markers "NMT" and "NTH" and located at 37˚ 03.3805862' N., 76˚ 31.1444562' W.

"Rappahannock River Area 7" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, bounded downstream by a line from Rogue Point, located at Latitude 37° 40.0400000' N., Longitude 76° 32.2530000' W.; thence west-northwesterly to Flashing Red Buoy "8", Latitude 37° 40.1580000' N., Longitude 76° 32.9390000' W.; thence southwesterly to Balls Point, Latitude 37° 39.3550000' N., Longitude 76° 34.4440000' W.; and bounded upstream by a line from Punchbowl Point, Latitude 37° 44.6750000' N., Longitude 76° 37.3250000' W.; thence southeasterly to Monaskon Point, Latitude 37° 44.0630000' N., Longitude 76° 34.1080000' W.

"Rappahannock River Area 8" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, bounded downstream by a line from Monaskon Point, located at Latitude 37° 44.0630000' N., Longitude 76° 34.1080000' W.; thence northwesterly to Punchbowl Point, Latitude 37° 44.6750000' N., Longitude 76° 37.3250000' W.; and bounded upstream by a line from Jones Point, Latitude 37° 46.7860000' N., Longitude 76° 40.8350000' W.; thence north-northwesterly to Sharps Point, Latitude 37° 49.3640000' N., Longitude 76° 42.0870000' W.

"Rappahannock River Area 9" means all Public Grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, bounded downstream by a line from Sharps Point, located at Latitude 37° 49.3640000' N., Longitude 76° 42.0870000' W.; thence south-southeasterly to Jones Point, Latitude 37° 46.7860000' N., Longitude 76° 40.8350000' W.; and bounded upstream by the Thomas J. Downing Bridge (U.S. Route 360).

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 1" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay, bounded by a line offshore and across the mouth of the Rappahannock River from a point on the mean low water line of Windmill Point, located at Latitude 37° 35.7930000' N., Longitude 76° 14.1800000' W.; thence southeast to Windmill Point Light, Latitude 37° 35.7930000' N., Longitude 76° 14.1800000' W.; thence southwesterly to Stingray Point Light, Latitude 37° 33.6730000' N., Longitude 76° 16.3620000' W.; thence westerly to a point on the mean low water line of Stingray Point, Latitude 37° 33.6920000' N., Longitude 76° 17.9860000' W.; and bounded upstream by a line from the mean low water line west of Broad Creek, Latitude 37° 33.9520000' N., Longitude 76° 19.3090000' W.; thence northeasterly to a VMRC Buoy on the Baylor line, Latitude 37° 34.5390000' N., Longitude 76° 19.0220000' W.; thence northeasterly to a VMRC Buoy, Latitude 37° 34.6830000' N., Longitude 76° 19.1000000' W.; thence northwesterly to a VMRC Buoy, Latitude 37° 35.0170000' N., Longitude 76° 19.4500000' W.; thence northwesterly to Sturgeon Bar Light "7R", Latitude 37° 35.1500000' N., Longitude 76° 19.7330000' W.; thence continuing northwesterly to Mosquito Point Light "8R", Latitude 37° 36.1000000' N., Longitude 76° 21.3000000' W.; thence northwesterly to the southern-most corner of the house on Mosquito Point, Latitude 37° 36.5230000' N., Longitude 76° 21.5950000' W.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 2" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, bounded downstream by a line from the southern-most corner of the house on Mosquito Point, located at Latitude 37° 36.5230000' N., Longitude 76° 21.5950000' W.; thence southeast to Mosquito Point Light "8R", Latitude 37° 36.1000000' N., Longitude 76° 21.3000000' W.; thence continuing southeasterly to Sturgeon Bar Beacon "7R", Latitude 37° 35.1500000' N., Longitude 76° 19.7330000' W.; thence west-southwesterly to a VMRC Buoy, Latitude 37° 34.9330000' N., Longitude 76° 21.0500000' W.; thence southwesterly to a VMRC Buoy, Latitude 37° 34.8830000' N., Longitude 76° 21.1000000' W.; thence southwesterly to a pier west of Hunting Creek at Grinels, Latitude 37° 34.4360000' N., Longitude 76° 26.2880000' W.; and bounded on the upstream by a line from Mill Creek Channel Marker "4", Latitude 37° 35.0830000' N., Longitude 76° 26.9500000' W.; thence northeasterly to Mill Creek Channel Marker "2", Latitude 37° 35.4830000' N., Longitude 76° 24.5670000' W.; thence northeasterly to the southern-most corner of the house on Mosquito Point, Latitude 37° 36.5230000' N., Longitude 76° 21.5950000'0 W.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 3" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, beginning from the north channel fender at the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge, located at Latitude 37° 37.4830000' N., Longitude 76° 25.3450000' W.; thence southeast to the southern-most corner of the house on Mosquito Point, Latitude 37° 36.5230000' N., Longitude 76° 21.5950000' W.; thence southwest to Mill Creek Channel Marker "2", Latitude 37° 35.4830000' N., Longitude 76° 24.5670000' W.; thence southwesterly to Mill Creek Channel Marker "4", Latitude 37° 35.0830000' N., Longitude 76° 24.9500000' W.; thence northeasterly to Parrotts Creek Channel Marker "1", Latitude 37° 36.0330000' N., Longitude 76° 25.4170000' W.; thence northerly to VMRC Buoy, Latitude 37° 36.3330000' N., Longitude 76° 25.2000000' W.; thence northerly to the north channel fender of the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge, said point being the point of beginning.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 4" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, Corrotoman River and Carter Creek, beginning at the White Stone end of the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge (State Route 3), located at Latitude 37° 38.1290000' N., Longitude 76° 24.7220000' W.; thence along said bridge to the north channel fender, Latitude 37° 37.4830000' N., Longitude 76° 25.3450000' W.; thence westerly to the VMRC Buoy "5-4", Latitude 37° 38.0050000' N., Longitude 76° 30.0280000' W.; thence northerly to Old House Point, Latitude 37° 39.1390000' N., Longitude 76° 29.6850000' W.; thence northeasterly to Ball Point, Latitude 37° 41.6600000' N., Longitude 76° 28.6320000' W.; thence northerly to Bar Point, Latitude 37° 41.6660000' N., Longitude 76° 28.6660000' W.; thence easterly to Moran Point (Black Stump Point), Latitude 37° 41.7370000' N., Longitude 76° 28.1110000' W.; thence southeasterly to the western headland of Taylor Creek, Latitude 37° 40.9830000' N., Longitude 76° 27.6020000' W.; thence southwesterly to VMRC reef marker "Ferry Bar – North", Latitude 37° 40.3000000' N., Longitude 76° 28.5000000' W.; thence southwesterly to VMRC reef marker "Ferry Bar – South", Latitude 37° 40.1670000' N., Longitude 76° 28.5830000' W.; thence southeasterly to a duck blind west of Corrotoman Point, Latitude 37° 39.8760000' N., Longitude 76° 28.4200000' W.; thence southerly to VMRC Buoy "543", Latitude 37° 39.2670000' N., Longitude 76° 27.8500000' W.; thence southerly to VMRC Buoy "Drumming-West", Latitude 37° 38.8830000' N., Longitude 76° 27.6830000' W.; thence southerly to VMRC Buoy "Drumming-East", Latitude 37° 38.8330000' N., Longitude 76° 27.5670000' W.; thence northeasterly to Orchard Point, Latitude 37° 38.9240000' N., Longitude 76° 27.1260000' W.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 5" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, beginning at the Greys Point end of the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge (State Route 3), located at Latitude 37° 36.8330000' N., Longitude 76° 25.9990000' W.; thence northeasterly along the bridge to the north channel fender, Latitude 37° 37.4830000' N., Longitude 76° 25.3450000' W.; thence west-northwesterly to VMRC Buoy "5-4", Latitude 37° 38.0050000' N., Longitude 76° 30.0280000' W.; thence westerly to Buoy "R6", Latitude 37° 38.0330000' N., Longitude 76° 30.2830000' W.; thence south to the eastern headland of Whiting Creek, Latitude 37° 36.6580000' N., Longitude 76° 30.3120000' W.

"Rappahannock River Rotation Area 6" means all public grounds, in that area of the Rappahannock River, beginning on the eastern headland of Whiting Creek, located at Latitude 37° 36.6580000' N., Longitude 76° 30.3120000' W.; thence north to Buoy "R6", Latitude 37° 38.0330000' N., Longitude 76° 30.2830000' W.; thence northwesterly to VMRC White House Sanctuary Buoy, Latitude 37° 38.1500000' N., Longitude 76° 30.5330000' W.; thence northwesterly to VMRC Towles Point Area Buoy, Latitude 37° 38.8330000' N., Longitude 76° 31.5360000' W.; thence northwesterly to Flashing Red Buoy "8" off Rogue Point, Latitude 37° 40.1580000' N., Longitude 76° 32.9390000' W.; thence southwesterly to Balls Point, Latitude 37° 39.3550000' N., Longitude 76° 34.4440000' W.

"Thomas Rock Area" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, in that area of the James River, with an eastern boundary being the upstream side of the James River Bridge (U.S. Route 17), and a western boundary being a line drawn from the south side of the river at Rainbow Farm Point, a point on the shore, in line with VMRC Markers "STH" and "SMT", located at Latitude 37° 00.1965862' N., Longitude 76° 34.0712010' W.; thence north-northeasterly to a VMRC Marker "STH", Latitude 37° 00.9815328 N., Longitude 76° 33.5955842' W.; thence to a VMRC Marker "SMT", at Latitude 37° 01.3228160' N., Longitude 76° 33.3887351' W.; thence to the Flashing Green Channel Light #5, at Latitude 37° 02.3449949' N., Longitude 76° 32.7689936' W.; thence northeasterly to a VMRC Marker "NMT", Latitude 37° 02.7740540' N., Longitude 76° 32.0960864' W.; thence to a VMRC Marker "NTH" located at Latitude 37° 03.2030055' N., Longitude 76° 31.4231211' W.; thence to a point on the north shore of the river at Blunt (Blount) Point, said point being in line with VMRC Markers "NMT" and "NTH" and located at Latitude 37° 03.3805862' N., Longitude 76° 31.1444562' W.

"Unassigned ground" means all grounds other than public oyster ground as defined by this chapter and which have not been set aside or assigned by lease, permit, or easement by the Marine Resources Commission those grounds defined by any other acts of the General Assembly pertaining to those grounds, all those grounds set aside by court order, and all those grounds set aside by order of the Marine Resources Commission, and may be redefined by any of these legal authorities.

"Upper Chesapeake Bay (Blackberry Hangs Hand Scrape Area)" means the area in Public Ground Number 118, south from the Smith Point Light to the Great Wicomico Light.

"Yeocomico River Area" means that area of the Yeocomico River inside Public Grounds 8, 102, 104, and 107.

"York River Hand Scrape Area" means the public grounds in an area of the York River upstream of the Coleman Bridge (Route 17), along the north side of the river, to just upstream of Aberdeen Creek, with said public grounds being: Public Grounds Numbers 30 and 31 of Gloucester County, the additional public ground near Pages Rock as described by § 28.2-649 of the Code of Virginia, and the additional area to Public Ground 30 as set aside by court order.

"Upper Chesapeake Bay - Blackberry Hangs Area" means all public grounds and unassigned grounds, in that area of the Chesapeake Bay, bounded by a line, beginning at a point approximately 300 feet east of the mean low water line of the Chesapeake Bay and approximately 1,230 feet southwest of the end of the southern-most stone jetty at the mouth of the Little Wicomico River, said point being Corner 1, Latitude 37° 53.1811193' N., Longitude 76° 14.1740146' W.; thence east-southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 37° 52.9050025' N., Longitude 76° 11.9357257' W.; thence easterly to Corner 3, Latitude 37° 52.9076552' N., Longitude 76° 11.6098145' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 37° 52.8684955' N., Longitude 76° 11.6402444' W.; thence east-southeasterly to Corner 5, Latitude 37° 52.7924853' N., Longitude 76° 11.0253352' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 6, Latitude 37° 49.4327736' N., Longitude 76° 13.2409959' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 7, Latitude 37° 50.0560555' N., Longitude 76° 15.0023234' W.; thence north-northeasterly to Corner 8, Latitude 37° 50.5581183' N., Longitude 76° 14.8772805' W.; thence north-northeasterly to Corner 9, Latitude 37° 52.0260950' N., Longitude 76° 14.5768550' W.; thence northeasterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"Yeocomico River Area" means that area of the North West Yeocomico River, inside Public Ground 8 of Westmoreland County and those areas of the South Yeocomico River inside Public Grounds 102, 104, and 107 of Northumberland County.

Public Ground 8 of Westmoreland County is located in the North West Yeocomico River, beginning at a point approximately 1,455 feet northeast of Crow Bar and 1,850 feet northwest of White Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 38° 02.7468214' N., Longitude 76° 33.0775726' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 02.7397202' N., Longitude 76° 33.0186286' W.; thence southerly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 02.6021644' N., Longitude 76° 33.0234175' W.; thence westerly to Corner 4, Latitude 38° 02.6006669' N., Longitude 76° 33.0824799' W.; thence northerly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 102 of Northumberland County is located in the South Yeocomico River, beginning at a point approximately 630 feet south of Mundy Point and 1,745 feet southwest of Tom Jones Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 38° 01.2138059' N., Longitude 76° 32.5577201' W,; thence east-northeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 01.2268644' N., Longitude 76° 32.4497849' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 01.1091209' N., Longitude 76° 32.5591101' W.; thence northerly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 104 of Northumberland County is located in the South Yeocomico River, beginning at a point approximately 670 feet north of Walker Point and 1,900 feet northwest of Palmer Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Latitude 38° 00.8841841' N., Longitude 76° 32.6106215' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 00.8609163' N., Longitude 76° 32.5296302' W.; thence southeasterly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 00.6693092' N., Longitude 76° 32.4161866' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 4, Latitude 38° 00.6418466' N., Longitude 76° 32.5394849' W.; thence northwesterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

Public Ground 107 of Northumberland County is located in the South Yeocomico River, beginning at a point approximately 1,000 feet southwest of Barn Point and 1,300 feet northwest of Tom Jones Point, said point being Corner 1, located at Longitude 38° 01.1389367' N., Latitude 76° 32.3425617' W.; thence east-southeasterly to Corner 2, Latitude 38° 01.4106421' N., Longitude 76° 32.1077962' W.; thence southwesterly to Corner 3, Latitude 38° 01.2717197' N., Longitude 76° 32.2917989' W.; thence north-northwesterly to Corner 1, said corner being the point of beginning.

"York River Area Rotation Area 1" means all public grounds in the York River, within Gloucester County, between a line from Upper York River Flashing Red Channel Marker", Latitude 37° 17.8863666' N., Longitude 76° 34.6534166' W.; thence northeasterly to Red Day Marker "2" at the mouth of Cedar Bush Creek, Latitude 37° 18.6422166' N., Longitude 76° 33.8216000' W.; upstream to a line from the Flashing Yellow VIMS Data Buoy "CB", Latitude 37° 20.4670000' N., Longitude 76° 37.4830000' W.; thence northeasterly to the inshore end of the wharf at Clay Bank.

"York River Area Rotation Area 2" means all public grounds in the York River, within Gloucester County, from the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge (U.S. Route 17), upstream to a line from Upper York River Flashing Red Channel Marker "8", Latitude 37° 17.8863666' N., Longitude 76° 34.6534166' W.; thence northeasterly to Red Day Marker "2" at the mouth of Cedar Bush Creek, Latitude 37° 18.6422166' N., Longitude 76° 33.8216000' W.

4VAC20-720-30. Standing stock criteria.

Any public oyster ground or unassigned ground may be closed to harvest by the Marine Resources Commissioner of Marine Resources, when it is determined by the Oyster Replenishment Office Department that the standing stock of oysters has been depleted by 50% or more. The initial estimate of standing stock for each area shall be the volume of oysters as of October 1 of each the current year as determined by the Oyster Replenishment Officer Department.

4VAC20-720-35. Public oyster ground harvest season.

The Marine Resources Commissioner of the Marine Resources Commission shall, when it is determined to be warranted and appropriate, be authorized to extend the public oyster harvest season in the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Area, but the extension shall not be established to go beyond June 30.

4VAC20-720-40. Open oyster harvest season and areas.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest oysters from public and unassigned grounds outside of the seasons and areas set forth in this section.

B. The lawful seasons and areas for the harvest of oysters from the public oyster grounds and unassigned grounds are as described in the following subdivisions of this subsection:

1. James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through April 30, 2012 April 30, 2013.

2. James River Hand Scrape Area and the Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area (James River): November 1, 2011 November 1, 2012, through January 31, 2012 January 31, 2013.

3. York River Hand Scrape Area 1: January 1, 2012 January 1, 2013, through February 29, 2012 February 28, 2013.

4. Mobjack Bay Hand Scrape Area: March 1, 2012, through March 31, 2012.

5. 4. Milford Haven: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through February 29, 2012 February 28, 2013.

6. 5. Deep Rock Patent Tong Area: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through February 29, 2012 February 28, 2013.

7. 6. Rappahannock River Rotation Area 1 5: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through November 30, 2011 November 30, 2012.

8. 7. Rappahannock River Rotation Area 2 3: November 1, 2011 November 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

9. 8. Rappahannock River Area 7: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through January 31, 2012 January 31, 2013.

10. 9. Rappahannock River Area 8: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through January 31, 2012 January 31, 2013.

11. 10. Rappahannock River Area 9: November 1, 2011 November 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

12. 11. Great Wicomico River Hand Scrape Area: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through January 31, 2012 January 31, 2013.

13. 12. Upper Chesapeake Bay, - Blackberry Hangs Hand Scrape Area: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through January 31, 2012 January 31, 2013.

14. 13. Little Wicomico River: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

15. 14. Coan River: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

16. 15. Yeocomico River: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

17. 16. Nomini River Creek: October 1, 2011 October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2011 December 31, 2012.

18. 17. Tangier-Pocomoke Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds Rotation Area 1 2: December 1, 2011 December 1, 2012, through February 29, 2012 February 28, 2013.

19. 18. Seaside of the Eastern Shore (for clean cull oysters only): November 1, 2011 November 1, 2012, through February 29, 2012 February 28, 2013.

4VAC20-720-60. Day and time limit.

A. It shall be unlawful to take, catch, or possess oysters on Saturday and Sunday from the public oyster grounds or unassigned grounds in the waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia, for commercial purposes, except that this provision shall not apply to any person harvesting no more than one bushel per day by hand or ordinary tong for household use only during the season when the public oyster grounds or unassigned grounds are legally open for harvest. The presence of any gear normally associated with the harvesting of oysters on board the boat or other vehicle used during any harvesting under this exception shall be prima facie evidence of violation of this chapter.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest or attempt to harvest oysters prior to sunrise or after 2 p.m. from the areas described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 1 through 18 17, except as described in 4VAC20-1230. In addition, it shall be unlawful for any boat with an oyster dredge aboard to leave the dock until one hour before sunrise or return to the dock after sunset, and it shall be unlawful for any boat with a hand scrape aboard to leave the dock until one-half hour before sunrise or return to the dock after sunset.

4VAC20-720-70. Gear restrictions.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest oysters in the James River Seed Areas, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area; the Rappahannock River Area 9; Milford Haven and Little Wicomico, Coan, Nomini and Yeocomico Rivers, except by hand tong or ordinary tong. It shall be unlawful for any person to have a hand scrape on board a boat that is harvesting or attempting to harvest oysters from public grounds by hand tong or ordinary tong.

B. It shall be unlawful to harvest oysters from the area as described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 19 18, except by hand.

C. It shall be unlawful to harvest oysters in the Rappahannock River Rotation Areas 1 3 and 2 5; the Rappahannock River Areas 7 and 8, James River Hand Scrape Area, Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area, Upper Chesapeake Bay (Blackberry Blackberry Hangs Hand Scrape Area) Area, and York River Rotation Area 1, and Great Wicomico, and Mobjack Bay Hand Scrape Areas, except by hand scrape.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to have more than one hand scrape on board any boat that is harvesting oysters or attempting to harvest oysters from public grounds. It shall be unlawful for any person to have a hand tong on board a boat that is harvesting or attempting to harvest oysters from public grounds by hand scrape.

E. It shall be unlawful to harvest oysters from the area as described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 18 17, except by a standard an oyster dredge.

F. It shall be unlawful to harvest oysters from the Deep Rock Patent Tong Area, except by a standard an oyster patent tong.

4VAC20-720-75. Gear license.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest shellfish, from the hand scrape areas in the Rappahannock River, James River, Upper Chesapeake Bay, York River, Mobjack Bay and Great Wicomico River, unless that person has first obtained a current valid hand scrape license.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest shellfish, with a an oyster dredge from the public oyster grounds in the area as described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 18 17, unless that person has first obtained a current valid oyster dredge license.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest shellfish, with a patent tong from the public oyster grounds in the Deep Rock Patent Tong Area, unless that person has first obtained a current valid oyster patent tong license.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest shellfish, with an ordinary tong or a hand tong from the public oyster grounds, as described in subsection A of 4VAC20-720-70, unless that person has first obtained a current ordinary tong or valid hand tong license.

4VAC20-720-80. Quotas and harvest limits.

A. The lawful daily harvest and possession limit of clean cull oysters harvested from the areas described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 2 through 17 16 shall be 10 eight bushels per registered commercial fisherman licensee. It shall be unlawful for any registered commercial fisherman licensee to harvest or possess more than 10 eight bushels per day. The lawful daily vessel limit of clean cull oysters harvested from the areas described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 2 through 17 16 shall be determined as the number of registered commercial fisherman licensees on board the vessel multiplied by 10 eight bushels with a maximum daily landing and possession limit of 30 24 bushels of clean cull oysters per vessel. It shall be unlawful to possess on board any vessel or to land more than the lawful daily vessel limit of clean cull oysters described in this subsection.

B. In the area described in 4VAC20-720-40 B 18 17, where harvesting is allowed by oyster dredge, there shall be a daily harvest and possession limit of 10 eight bushels of clean cull oysters per registered commercial fisherman licensee. It shall be unlawful for any registered commercial fisherman licensee to harvest or possess more than 10 eight bushels per day. The lawful daily vessel limit of clean cull oysters harvested by oyster dredge shall be determined as the number of registered commercial fisherman licensees on board the vessel multiplied by 10 eight bushels with a maximum daily landing and possession limit of 30 24 bushels of clean cull oysters per vessel. It shall be unlawful to possess on board any vessel or to land more than the lawful daily vessel limit of clean cull oysters harvested by oyster dredge, as described in this subsection. No blue crab bycatch is allowed. It shall be unlawful to possess on board any vessel more than 250 hard clams.

C. Harvesters who export the oysters to an out-of-state market or do not sell the oysters to a licensed and Department of Health certified Virginia buyer but sell the oysters directly to the public for human consumption shall report oysters harvested on a daily basis and pay oyster taxes weekly.

4VAC20-720-85. James River seed quota and monitoring.

A. An oyster seed harvest quota of 120,000 bushels of seed is established for the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area, for the 2011/2012 harvest season. Once it has been projected and announced that the quota of seed has been attained, it shall be unlawful for any person to harvest seed oysters from these areas.

B. Of the 120,000-bushel seed quota described in subsection A of this section no more than 40,000 bushels of this quota may be harvested from October 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011. However, if it is projected and announced that 40,000 bushels of seed have been harvested before December 31, 2011, it shall be unlawful for any person to harvest seed oysters from that date forward until January 1, 2012.

C. Any person harvesting or landing oyster seed from the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area, shall report monthly on forms provided by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission all harvest of seed oysters. Reporting requirements shall consist of that person's Commercial Fisherman Registration License number, daily number of bushels of seed oysters harvested, harvest rock location, planting location (any lease numbers), and buyer name.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person harvesting seed oysters from the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area, to fail to contact the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Interactive-Voice-Response (IVR) System within 24 hours of harvest or landing and provide that person's name, Commercial Fisherman Registration License number, time, date, daily number of bushels of seed oysters harvested, harvest rock location, planting location (any lease numbers), and buyer name.

4VAC20-720-90. Harvest permit required for the James River Hand Scrape Area and Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area.

A permit is required for the James River Hand Scrape Area and the Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest, or attempt to harvest, oysters from the James River Hand Scrape Area and the Thomas Rock Hand Scrape Area without first obtaining a harvest permit from the Marine Resources Commission as required by § 28.2-518 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC20-720-91. Harvest permit shall be required for the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Area.

A harvest permit shall be required for the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area, for the harvesting of seed oysters. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest or attempt to harvest seed oysters from the James River Seed Area, including the Deep Water Shoal State Replenishment Seed Area, without first obtaining and having on board a harvest permit.

4VAC20-720-95. Harvesting permit required for the Rappahannock River Rotation Areas 1 through 6. (Repealed.)

A harvesting permit is required for the Rappahannock River Rotation Areas 1 through 6. Included with this permit will be a map of the two rotation areas that are open for harvesting in any given year. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest or attempt to harvest oysters from the Rappahannock River Rotation Areas 1 through 6 without first obtaining and having on board a harvest permit with a map of lower Rappahannock Rotation Areas 1 through 6 that are open for harvesting in any given year.

4VAC20-720-100. Seed oyster planting procedures.

A. The marine police officer at the point of seed harvest may require that an officer be present during the seed planting. When this is required, it will be specified on the seed transfer permit. If an officer is required to be present at planting, the planter shall notify the marine police officer in the area prior to planting. It shall be unlawful for the permittee or planter to plant the oysters without a marine police officer being present.

B. The planting of seed oysters shall consist of spreading the oysters loosely on the bottom of the planting area. It shall be unlawful to plant seed oysters in any manner except by spreading the oysters loosely on the bottom.

C. Seed oysters shall be placed on a designated and marked area of the private ground from which said oysters are not to be removed until after March 31 April 30. It shall be unlawful to reharvest these seed oysters prior to April 1 May 1.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC25-150. Virginia Gas and Oil Regulation (amending 4VAC25-150-10, 4VAC25-150-60, 4VAC25-150-80, 4VAC25-150-90, 4VAC25-150-100, 4VAC25-150-110, 4VAC25-150-120, 4VAC25-150-135, 4VAC25-150-140, 4VAC25-150-150, 4VAC25-150-160, 4VAC25-150-180, 4VAC25-150-190, 4VAC25-150-200, 4VAC25-150-210, 4VAC25-150-220, 4VAC25-150-230, 4VAC25-150-240, 4VAC25-150-250, 4VAC25-150-260, 4VAC25-150-280, 4VAC25-150-300, 4VAC25-150-310, 4VAC25-150-340, 4VAC25-150-360, 4VAC25-150-380, 4VAC25-150-390, 4VAC25-150-420, 4VAC25-150-460, 4VAC25-150-490, 4VAC25-150-500, 4VAC25-150-510, 4VAC25-150-520, 4VAC25-150-530, 4VAC25-150-550, 4VAC25-150-560, 4VAC25-150-590, 4VAC25-150-600, 4VAC25-150-610, 4VAC25-150-620, 4VAC25-150-630, 4VAC25-150-650, 4VAC25-150-660, 4VAC25-150-670, 4VAC25-150-680, 4VAC25-150-690, 4VAC25-150-700, 4VAC25-150-711, 4VAC25-150-720, 4VAC25-150-730, 4VAC25-150-740, 4VAC25-150-750).

Statutory Authority: §§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: November 8, 2012.

Agency Contact: Michael Skiffington, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email mike.skiffington@dmme.virginia.gov.

Summary:

As a result of periodic review, the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy is amending 4VAC25-150, Virginia Gas and Oil Regulation. Sections within 4VAC25-150 are amended to correct technical areas for accuracy, improve worker safety, and provide clarity. Amending 4VAC25-150-150 will reduce workload and increase efficiency for applicants by providing flexibility and economy to the permit process. 4VAC25-150-90 is updated to include symbols that are consistent with current industry usage and available CAD technology. Amendments to 4VAC25-150-80, 4VAC25-150-260, 4VAC25-150-300, 4VAC25-150-380, and 4VAC25-150-630 will protect the safety and health of oil and gas industry employees. An amendment to 4VAC25-150-90 is made to bring consistency to data submission requirements for the Division of Gas and Oil.

Changes to the proposed regulation (i) increase the timeframe for reclamation of permits from 90 to 180 days, (ii) correct citations, (iii) clarify requirements, and (iv) provide consistency with other department regulations.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

Part I
Standards of General Applicability

Article 1
General Information

4VAC25-150-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Act" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Act of 1990, Chapter 22.1 (§ 45.1-361.1 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Adequate channel" means a watercourse that will convey the designated frequency storm event without overtopping its banks or causing erosive damage to the bed, banks and overbank sections.

"Applicant" means any person or business who files an application with the Division of Gas and Oil.

"Approved" means accepted as suitable for its intended purpose when included in a permit issued by the director or determined to be suitable in writing by the director.

"Berm" means a ridge of soil or other material constructed along an active earthen fill to divert runoff away from the unprotected slope of the fill to a stabilized outlet or sediment trapping facility.

"Board" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.

"Bridge plug" means an obstruction intentionally placed in a well at a specified depth.

"Cased completion" means a technique used to make a well capable of production in which production casing is set through the productive zones.

"Cased/open hole completion" means a technique used to make a well capable of production in which at least one zone is completed through casing and at least one zone is completed open hole.

"Casing" means all pipe set in wells except conductor pipe and tubing.

"Causeway" means a temporary structural span constructed across a flowing watercourse or wetland to allow construction traffic to access the area without causing erosion damage.

"Cement" means hydraulic cement properly mixed with water.

"Channel" means a natural stream or man-made waterway.

"Chief" means the Chief of the Division of Mines of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Coal-protection string" means a casing designed to protect a coal seam by excluding all fluids, oil, gas or gas pressure from the seam, except such as may be found in the coal seam itself.

"Cofferdam" means a temporary structure in a river, lake or other waterway for keeping the water from an enclosed area that has been pumped dry so that bridge foundations, pipelines, etc., may be constructed.

"Completion" means the process which results in a well being capable of producing gas or oil.

"Conductor pipe" means the short, large diameter string used primarily to control caving and washing out of unconsolidated surface formations.

"Corehole" means any shaft or hole sunk, drilled, bored or dug, that breaks or disturbs the surface of the earth as part of a geophysical operation solely for the purpose of obtaining rock samples or other information to be used in the exploration for coal, gas, or oil. The term shall not include a borehole used solely for the placement of an explosive charge or other energy source for generating seismic waves.

"Days" means calendar days.

"Denuded area" means land that has been cleared of vegetative cover.

"Department" means the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Detention basin" means a stormwater management facility which temporarily impounds and discharges runoff through an outlet to a downstream channel. Infiltration is negligible when compared to the outlet structure discharge rates. The facility is normally dry during periods of no rainfall.

"Dike" means an earthen embankment constructed to confine or control fluids.

"Directional survey" means a well survey that measures the degree of deviation of a hole, or distance from the vertical and the direction of deviation from true vertical, and the distance and direction of points in the hole from vertical.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy or his authorized agent.

"Diversion" means a channel constructed for the purpose of intercepting surface runoff.

"Diverter" or "diverter system" means an assembly of valves and piping attached to a gas or oil well's casing for controlling flow and pressure from a well.

"Division" means the Division of Gas and Oil of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

[ "Division director" means the Director of the Division of Gas and Oil, also known as the Gas and Oil Inspector as defined in the Act. ]

"Erosion and sediment control plan" means a document containing a description of materials and methods to be used for the conservation of soil and the protection of water resources in or on a unit or group of units of land. It may include appropriate maps, an appropriate soil and water plan inventory and management information with needed interpretations, and a record of decisions contributing to conservation treatment. The plan shall contain a record of all major conservation decisions to ensure that the entire unit or units of land will be so treated to achieve the conservation objectives.

"Expanding cement" means any cement approved by the director which expands during the hardening process, including but not limited to regular oil field cements with the proper additives.

[ "Form prescribed by the director" means a form issued by the division, or an equivalent facsimile, for use in meeting the requirements of the Act or this chapter. ]

"Firewall" means an earthen dike or fire resistant structure built around a tank or tank battery to contain the oil in the event a tank ruptures or catches fire.

"Flume" means a constructed device lined with erosion-resistant materials intended to convey water on steep grades.

"Flyrock" means any material propelled by a blast that would be actually or potentially hazardous to persons or property.

[ "Form prescribed by the director" means a form issued by the division, or an equivalent facsimile, for use in meeting the requirements of the Act or this chapter. ]

"Gas well" means any well which produces or appears capable of producing a ratio of 6,000 cubic feet (6 Mcf) of gas or more to each barrel of oil, on the basis of a gas-oil ratio test.

"Gob well" means a coalbed methane gas well which is capable of producing coalbed methane gas from the de-stressed zone associated with any full-seam extraction of coal that extends above and below the mined-out coal seam.

"Groundwater" means all water under the ground, wholly or partially within or bordering the Commonwealth or within its jurisdiction, which has the potential for being used for domestic, industrial, commercial or agricultural use or otherwise affects the public welfare.

"Highway" means any public street, public alley, or public road.

"Inclination survey" means a well or corehole survey, using the surface location of the well or corehole as the apex, to determine the deviation of the well or corehole from the true vertical beneath the apex on the same horizontal subsurface plane survey taken inside a wellbore that measures the degree of deviation of the point of the survey from true vertical.

"Inhabited building" means a building, regularly occupied in whole or in part by human beings, including, but not limited to, a private residence, church, school, store, public building or other structure where people are accustomed to assemble except for a building being used on a temporary basis, on a permitted site, for gas, oil, or geophysical operations.

"Intermediate string" means a string of casing that prevents caving, shuts off connate water in strata below the water-protection string, and protects strata from exposure to lower zone pressures.

"Live watercourse" means a definite channel with bed and banks within which water flows continuously.

"Mcf" means, when used with reference to natural gas, 1,000 cubic feet of gas at a pressure base of 14.73 pounds per square inch gauge and a temperature base of 60°F.

"Mud" means any mixture of water and clay or other material as the term is commonly used in the industry a mixture of materials that creates a weighted fluid to be circulated down hole during drilling operations for the purpose of lubricating and cooling the bit, removing cuttings, and controlling formation pressures and fluid.

"Natural channel" or "natural stream" means nontidal waterways that are part of the natural topography. They usually maintain a continuous or seasonal flow during the year, and are characterized as being irregular in cross section with a meandering course.

"Nonerodible" means a material such as riprap, concrete or plastic that will not experience surface wear due to natural forces.

"Oil well" means any well which produces or appears capable of producing a ratio of less than 6,000 cubic feet (6 Mcf) of gas to each barrel of oil, on the basis of a gas-oil ratio test.

"Open hole completion" means a technique used to make a well capable of production in which no production casing is set through the productive zones.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, company, business, trust, joint venture or other legal entity.

"Petitioner" means any person or business who files a petition, appeal, or other request for action with the Division of Gas and Oil or the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.

"Plug" means the stopping sealing of, or a device or material used for the stopping sealing of, the flow of water, a gas or oil wellbore or casing to prevent the migration of water, gas, or oil from one stratum to another.

"Pre-development" means the land use and site conditions that exist at the time that the operations plan is submitted to the division.

"Produced waters" means water or fluids produced from a gas well, oil well, coalbed methane gas well or gob well as a byproduct of producing gas, oil or coalbed methane gas.

"Producer" means a permittee operating a well in Virginia that is producing or is capable of producing gas or oil.

"Production string" means a string of casing or tubing through which the well is completed and may be produced and controlled.

"Red shales" means the undifferentiated shaley portion of the bluestone Bluestone formation normally found above the Pride Shale Member of the formation, and extending upward to the base of the Pennsylvanian strata, which red shales are predominantly red and green in color but may occasionally be gray, grayish green and grayish red.

"Red zone" is a zone in or contiguous to a permitted area that could have potential hazards to workers or to the public.

"Retention basin" means a stormwater management facility which, similar to a detention basin, temporarily impounds runoff and discharges its outflow through an outlet to a downstream channel. A retention basin is a permanent impoundment.

"Sediment basin" means a depression formed from the construction of a barrier or dam built to retain sediment and debris.

"Sheet flow," also called overland flow, means shallow, unconcentrated and irregular flow down a slope. The length of strip for sheet flow usually does not exceed 200 feet under natural conditions.

"Slope drain" means tubing or conduit made of nonerosive material extending from the top to the bottom of a cut or fill slope.

"Special diligence" means the activity and skill exercised by a good businessman businessperson in his a particular specialty, which must be commensurate with the duty to be performed and the individual circumstances of the case; not merely the diligence of an ordinary person or nonspecialist.

"Stabilized" means able to withstand normal exposure to air and water flows without incurring erosion damage.

"Stemming" means the inert material placed in a borehole after an explosive charge for the purpose of confining the explosion gases in the borehole or the inert material used to separate the explosive charges (decks) in decked holes.

"Storm sewer inlet" means any structure through which stormwater is introduced into an underground conveyance system.

"Stormwater management facility" means a device that controls stormwater runoff and changes the characteristics of that runoff, including but not limited to, the quantity, quality, the period of release or the velocity of flow.

"String of pipe" or "string" means the total footage of pipe of uniform size set in a well. The term embraces conductor pipe, casing and tubing. When the casing consists of segments of different size, each segment constitutes a separate string. A string may serve more than one purpose.

"Sulfide stress cracking" means embrittlement of the steel grain structure to reduce ductility and cause extreme brittleness or cracking by hydrogen sulfide.

"Surface mine" means an area containing an open pit excavation, surface operations incident to an underground mine, or associated activities adjacent to the excavation or surface operations, from which coal or other minerals are produced for sale, exchange, or commercial use; and includes all buildings and equipment above the surface of the ground used in connection with such mining.

"Target formation" means the geologic gas or oil formation identified by the well operator in his application for a gas, oil or geophysical drilling permit.

"Temporary stream crossing" means a temporary span installed across a flowing watercourse for use by construction traffic. Structures may include bridges, round pipes or pipe arches constructed on or through nonerodible material.

"Ten-year storm" means a storm that is capable of producing rainfall expected to be equaled or exceeded on the average of once in 10 years. It may also be expressed as an exceedance probability with a 10% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

"Tubing" means the small diameter string set after the well has been drilled from the surface to the total depth and through which the gas or oil or other substance is produced or injected.

"Two-year storm" means a storm that is capable of producing rainfall expected to be equaled or exceeded on the average of once in two years. It may also be expressed as an exceedance probability with a 50% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

"Vertical ventilation hole" means any hole drilled from the surface to the coal seam used only for the safety purpose of removing gas from the underlying coal seam and the adjacent strata, thus, removing the gas that would normally be in the mine ventilation system.

"Water bar" means a small obstruction constructed across the surface of a road, pipeline right-of-way, or other area of ground disturbance in order to interrupt and divert the flow of water down the on a grade of the road and divert the water to provide for sediment control for the purpose of controlling erosion and sediment migration.

"Water-protection string" means a string of casing designed to protect groundwater-bearing strata.

4VAC25-150-60. Due dates for reports and decisions.

A. Where the last day fixed for (i) submitting a request for a hearing, holding a hearing or issuing a decision in an enforcement action under Article 3 (4VAC25-150-170 et seq.) of this part, (ii) submitting a monthly or annual report under Article 4 (4VAC25-150-210 et seq.) of this part, (iii) submitting a report of commencement of activity under 4VAC25-150-230, (iv) submitting a drilling report, a completion report or other report under 4VAC25-150-360, or (v) submitting a plugging affidavit under 4VAC25-150-460 or any required report falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or any day on which the Division of Gas and Oil office is closed as authorized by the Code of Virginia or the Governor, the required action may be done on the next day that the office is open.

B. All submittals to or notifications of the Division of Gas and Oil identified in subsection A of this section shall be made to the division office no later than 5 p.m. on the day required by the Act or by this chapter.

Article 2
Permitting

4VAC25-150-80. Application for a permit.

A. Applicability.

1. Persons required in §°45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia to obtain a permit or permit modification shall apply to the division on the forms prescribed by the director. All lands on which gas, oil or geophysical operations are to be conducted shall be included in a permit application.

2. In addition to specific requirements for variances in other sections of this chapter, any applicant for a variance shall, in writing, document the need for the variance and describe the alternate measures or practices to be used.

B. The application for a permit shall, as applicable, be accompanied by the fee in accordance with § 45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia, the bond in accordance with § 45.1-361.31 of the Code of Virginia, and the fee for the Orphaned Well Fund in accordance with § 45.1-361.40 of the Code of Virginia.

C. Each application for a permit shall include information on all activities, including those involving associated facilities, to be conducted on the permitted site. This shall include the following:

1. The name and address of:

a. The gas, oil or geophysical applicant;

b. The agent required to be designated under § 45.1-361.37 of the Code of Virginia; and

c. Each person whom the applicant must notify under § 45.1-361.30 of the Code of Virginia;

2. The certifications required in § 45.1-361.29 E of the Code of Virginia;

3. The proof of notice to affected parties required in § 45.1-361.29 E of the Code of Virginia, which shall be:

a. A copy of a signed receipt or electronic return receipt of delivery of notice by certified mail;

b. A copy of a signed receipt acknowledging delivery of notice by hand; or

c. If all copies of receipt of delivery of notice by certified mail have not been signed and returned within 15 days of mailing, a copy of the mailing log or other proof of the date the notice was sent by certified mail, return receipt requested;

4. If the application is for a permit modification, proof of notice to affected parties, as specified in subdivision C 3 of this section;

4. 5. Identification of the type of well or other gas, oil or geophysical operation being proposed;

5. 6. The plat in accordance with 4VAC25-150-90;

6. 7. The operations plan in accordance with 4VAC25-150-100;

7. 8. The information required for operations involving hydrogen sulfide in accordance with 4VAC25-150-350;

8. 9. The location where the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan is available, if one is required;

9. 10. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Mined Land Reclamation's permit number for any area included in a Division of Mined Land Reclamation permit on which a proposed gas, oil or geophysical operation is to be located;

10. 11. For an application for a conventional well, the information required in 4VAC25-150-500;

11. 12. For an application for a coalbed methane gas well, the information required in 4VAC25-150-560;

12. 13. For an application for a geophysical operation, the information required in 4VAC25-150-670; and

13. 14. For an application for a permit to drill for gas or oil in Tidewater Virginia, the environmental impact assessment meeting the requirements of § 62.1-195.1 B of the Code of Virginia.

D. After July 1, 2009, all permit applications and plats submitted to the division shall be in electronic form or a format prescribed by the director.

4VAC25-150-90. Plats.

A. When filing an application for a permit for a well or corehole, the applicant also shall file an accurate plat certified by a licensed professional engineer or licensed land surveyor on a scale, to be stated thereon, of 1 inch equals 400 feet (1:4800). The scope of the plat shall be large enough to show the board approved unit and all areas within the greater of 750 feet or one half of the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia from the proposed well or corehole, or within a unit established by the board for the subject well. The plat shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the director.

B. The known courses and distances of all property lines and lines connecting the permanent points, landmarks or corners within the scope of the plat shall be shown thereon. All lines actually surveyed shall be shown as solid lines. Lines taken from deed or chain of title descriptions only shall be shown by broken lines. All property lines shown on a plat shall agree with surveys, deed descriptions, or acreages used in county records for tax assessment purposes.

C. A north and south line shall be given and shown on the plat, and point to the top of the plat.

D. Wells or coreholes shall be located on the plat as follows:

1. The proposed or actual surface elevation of the subject well or corehole shall be shown on the plat, within an accuracy of one vertical foot. The surface elevation shall be tied to either a government benchmark or other point of proven elevation by differential or aerial survey, or by trigonometric leveling, or by Global Positioning System (GPS) survey. The location of the government benchmark or the point of proven elevation and the method used to determine the surface elevation of the subject well or corehole shall be noted and described on the plat.

2. The proposed or actual horizontal location of the subject well or corehole determined by survey shall be shown on the plat. The proposed or actual well or corehole location shall be shown in accordance with the Virginia Coordinate System of 1983, as defined in Chapter 17 (§ 55-287 et seq.) of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate System.

3. The courses and distances of the well or corehole location from two permanent points or landmarks on the tract shall be shown; such landmarks shall be set stones, iron pipes, T-rails or other manufactured monuments, including mine coordinate monuments, and operating or abandoned wells which are platted to the accuracy standards of this section and on file with the division. If temporary points are to be used to locate the actual well or corehole location as provided for in 4VAC25-150-290, the courses and distances of the well or corehole location from the two temporary points shall be shown.

4. Any other well, permitted or drilled, within the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject well shall be shown on the plat or located by notation. The type of each well shall be designated by the following symbols as described in the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization:

Symbols for additional features as required in 4VAC25-150-510, 4VAC25-150-590, and 4VAC25-150-680 should be taken from the FDGC standard where applicable.

E. Plats shall also contain:

1. For a conventional gas and oil or injection well, the information required in 4VAC25-150-510;

2. For a coalbed methane gas well, the information required in 4VAC25-150-590; or

3. For a corehole, the information required in 4VAC25-150-680.

F. Any subsequent application for a new permit or permit modification shall include an accurate copy of the well plat, updated as necessary to reflect any changes on the site, newly discovered data or additional data required since the last plat was submitted. Any revised plat shall be certified as required in subsection A of this section.

4VAC25-150-100. Operations plans.

A. Each application for a permit or permit modification shall include an operations plan, in a format approved by or on a form prescribed by the director. The operations plan and accompanying maps or drawings shall become part of the terms and conditions of any permit which is issued.

B. The applicant shall indicate how risks to the public safety or to the site and adjacent lands are to be managed, consistent with the requirements of § 45.1-361.27 B of the Code of Virginia, and shall provide a short narrative, if pertinent. The operations plan shall identify "red zone" areas.

4VAC25-150-110. Permit supplements and permit modifications.

A. Permit supplements.

1. Standard permit supplements. A permittee shall be allowed to submit a permit supplement when work being performed either:

a. Does not change the disturbance area as described in the original permit; or and

b. Involves activities previously permitted.

The permittee shall submit written documentation of the changes made to the permitted area within seven working no later than 30 days after completing the change. All other changes to the permit shall require a permit modification in accordance with § 45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Emergency permit supplements. If a change must be implemented immediately for an area off the disturbance area as described in the original permit, or for an activity not previously permitted due to actual or threatened imminent danger to the public safety or to the environment, the permittee shall:

a. Take immediate action to minimize the danger to the public or to the environment;

b. Orally notify Notify the director as soon as possible of actions taken to minimize the danger and, if the director determines an emergency still exists and grants oral approval, commence additional changes if necessary; and

c. Submit a written supplement to the permit within seven working days of notifying the director with a written description of the emergency and action taken. The supplement shall contain a description of the activity which was changed, a description of the new activity, and any amended data, maps, plats, or other information required by the director. An incident report may also be required as provided for in 4VAC25-150-380.

Any changes to the permit are to be temporary and restricted to those that are absolutely necessary to minimize danger. Any permanent changes to the permit shall require a permit modification as provided for in subsection B of this section.

B. Permit modifications.

1. Applicability. All changes to the permit which do not fit the description contained in subsection A of this section shall require a permit modification in accordance with § 45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Notice and fees. Notice of a permit modification shall be given in accordance with § 45.1-361.30 of the Code of Virginia. The application for a permit modification shall be accompanied, as applicable, by the fee in accordance with § 45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia and the bond in accordance with § 45.1-361.31 of the Code of Virginia.

3. Waiver of right to object. Upon receipt of notice, any person may, on a form approved by the director, waive the time requirements and their right to object to a proposed permit modification. The department shall be entitled to rely upon the waiver to approve the permit modification.

4. Permit modification. The permittee shall submit a written application for a permit modification on a form prescribed by the director. The permittee may not undertake the proposed work until the permit modification has been issued. The As appropriate, the application shall include, but not be limited to:

a. The name and address of:

(1) The permittee; and

(2) Each person whom the applicant must notify under § 45.1-361.30 of the Code of Virginia;

b. The certifications required in § 45.1-361.29 E of the Code of Virginia;

c. The proof of notice required in § 45.1-361.29 E of the Code of Virginia, as provided for in 4VAC25-150-80 C 3;

d. Identification of the type of work for which a permit modification is requested;

e. The plat in accordance with 4VAC25-150-90;

f. All data, maps, plats and plans in accordance with 4VAC25-150-100 necessary to describe the activity proposed to be undertaken;

g. When the permit modification includes abandoning a gas or oil well as a water well, a description of the plugging to be completed up to the water-bearing formation and a copy of the permit issued for the water well by the Virginia Department of Health;

h. The information required for operations involving hydrogen sulfide in accordance with 4VAC25-150-350 if applicable to the proposed operations;

i. The location where the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan is available, if one has been developed for the site of the proposed operations;

j. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Mined Land Reclamation's permit number for any area included in a Division of Mined Land Reclamation permit; and

k. The information, as appropriate, required in 4VAC25-150-500, 4VAC25-150-560, or 4VAC25-150-670, or 4VAC25-150-720.

4VAC25-150-120. Transfer of permit rights.

A. Applicability.

1. No transfer of rights granted by a permit shall be made without prior approval from the director.

2. Any approval granted by the director of a transfer of permit rights shall be conditioned upon the proposed new operator complying with all requirements of the Act, this chapter and the permit.

B. Application. Any person requesting a transfer of rights granted by a permit shall submit a written application on a form prescribed by the director. The application shall be accompanied by a fee of $65 $75 and bond, in the name of the person requesting the transfer, in accordance with § 45.1-361.31 of the Code of Virginia. The application shall contain, but is not limited to:

1. The name and address of the current permittee, the current permit number and the name of the current operation;

2. The name and address of the proposed new operator and the proposed new operations name;

3. Documentation of approval of the transfer by the current permittee;

4. If the permit was issued on or before September 25, 1991, an updated operations plan, in accordance with 4VAC25-150-100, showing how all permitted activities to be conducted by the proposed new permittee will comply with the standards of this chapter;

5. If the permit was issued on or before September 25, 1991, for a well, a plat meeting the requirements of 4VAC25-150-90 updated to reflect any changes on the site, newly discovered data or additional data required since the last plat was submitted, including the change in ownership of the well; and

6. If the permit was issued on or before September 25, 1991, if applicable, the docket number and date of recordation of any order issued by the board for a pooled unit, pertaining to the current permit.

C. Standards for approval. The director shall not approve the transfer of permit rights unless when the proposed new permittee:

1. Has registered with the department in accordance with § 45.1-361.37 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Has posted acceptable bond in accordance with § 45.1-361.31 of the Code of Virginia; and

3. Has no outstanding debt pursuant to § 45.1-361.32 of the Code of Virginia.

D. The new permittee shall be responsible for any violations of or penalties under the Act, this chapter, or conditions of the permit after the director has approved the transfer of permit rights.

4VAC25-150-135. Waiver of right to object to permit applications.

Upon receipt of notice, any person may, on a form approved by the director, waive the time requirements and their right to object to a proposed permit application. The department division shall be entitled to rely upon the waiver to approve the permit application.

4VAC25-150-140. Objections to permit applications.

A. Objections shall be filed in writing, at the office of the Division division, in accordance with § 45.1-361.35 of the Code of Virginia. The director shall notify affected parties of an objection as soon as practicable.

B. If after the director has considered notice to be given under 4VAC25-150-130 B of this chapter, a person submits an objection with proof of receipt of actual notice within 15 days prior to submitting the objection, then the director shall treat the objection as timely.

C. Objections to an application for a new or modified permit shall contain:

1. The name of the person objecting to the permit;

2. The date the person objecting to the permit received notice of the permit application;

3. Identification of the proposed activity being objected to;

4. A statement of the specific reason for the objection;

5. A request for a stay to the permit, if any, together with justification for granting a stay; and

6. Any other information the person objecting to the permit wishes to provide.

D. When deciding to convene a hearing pursuant to § 45.1-361.35 of the Code of Virginia, the director shall consider the following:

1. Whether the person objecting to the permit has standing to object as provided in § 45.1-361.30 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Whether the objection is timely; and

3. Whether the objection meets the applicable standards for objections as provided in § 45.1-361.35 of the Code of Virginia.

E. If the director decides not to hear the objection, then he shall notify the person who objects and the permit applicant in writing, indicating his reasons for not hearing the objection, and shall advise the objecting person of his right to appeal the decision.

4VAC25-150-150. Hearing and decision on objections to permit applications.

A. In any hearing on objections to a permit application:

1. The hearing shall be an informal fact finding hearing in accordance with the Administrative Process Act, § 9-6.14:11 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia.

2. The permit applicant and any person with standing in accordance with § 45.1-361.30 of the Code of Virginia may be heard.

3. Any valid issue in accordance with § 45.1-361.35 of the Code of Virginia may be raised at the hearing. The director shall determine the validity of objections raised during the hearing.

B. The director shall, as soon after the hearing as practicable, issue his decision in writing and hand deliver or send the decision by certified mail to all parties to the hearing. The director shall mail the decision, or a summary of the decision, to all other persons given notice of the hearing. The decision shall include:

1. The subject, date, time and location of the hearing;

2. The names of the persons objecting to the permit;

3. A summary of issues and objections raised at the hearing;

4. Findings of fact and conclusions of law;

5. The text of the decision, including any voluntary agreement; and

6. Appeal rights.

C. Should the director deny the permit issuance and allow the objection, a written notice of the decision shall be sent to any person receiving notice of the [ permit application ].

4VAC25-150-160. Approval of permits and permit modifications.

A. Permits, permit modifications, permit renewals, and transfer of permit rights shall be granted in writing by the director.

B. The director may not issue a permit, permit renewal, or permit modification prior to the end of the time period for filing objections pursuant to § 45.1-361.35 of the Code of Virginia unless, upon receipt of notice, any person may, on a form approved by the director, waive the time requirements and their right to object to a proposed permit application or permit modification application. The department division shall be entitled to rely upon the waiver to approve the permit application or permit modification.

C. The director may not issue a permit to drill for gas or oil in Tidewater Virginia until he has considered the findings and recommendations of the Department of Environmental Quality, as provided for in § 62.1-195.1 of the Code of Virginia and, where appropriate, has required changes in the permitted activity based on the Department of Environmental Quality's recommendations.

D. The provisions of any order of the Virginia Gas and Oil Board that govern a gas or oil well permitted by the director shall become conditions of the permit.

4VAC25-150-180. Notices of violation.

A. The director may issue a notice of violation if he finds a violation of any of the following:

1. Chapter 22.1 (§ 45.1-361.1 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia;

2. This chapter;

3. 4VAC25 Chapter 160 (4VAC25-160-10 et seq.) (4VAC25-160) entitled "The Virginia Gas and Oil Board Regulation";

4. Any board order; or

5. Any condition of a permit, which does not create an imminent danger or harm for which a closure order must be issued under 4VAC5-150-190.

B. A notice of violation shall be in writing, signed, and set forth with reasonable specificity:

1. The nature of the violation, including a reference to the section or sections of the Act, applicable regulation, order or permit condition which has been violated;

2. A reasonable description of the portion of the operation to which the violation applies, including an explanation of the condition or circumstance that caused the portion of the operation to be in violation, if it is not self-evident in the type of violation itself;

3. The remedial action required, which may include interim steps; and

4. A reasonable deadline for abatement, which may include a deadline for accomplishment of interim steps.

C. The director may extend the deadline for abatement or for accomplishment of an interim step, if the failure to meet the deadline previously set was not caused by the permittee's lack of diligence. An extension of the deadline for abatement may not be granted when the permittee's failure to abate has been caused by a lack of diligence or intentional delay by the permittee in completing the remedial action required.

D. If the permittee fails to meet the deadline for abatement or for completion of any interim steps, the director shall issue a closure order under 4VAC25-150-190.

E. The director shall terminate a notice of violation by written notice to the permittee when he determines that all violations listed in the notice of violation have been abated.

F. A permittee issued a notice of violation may request, in writing to the director, an informal fact-finding hearing to review the issuance of the notice. This written request should shall be made within 10 days of receipt of the notice. The permittee may request, in writing to the director, an expedited hearing.

G. A permittee is not relieved of the duty to abate any violation under a notice of violation during an appeal of the notice. A permittee may apply for an extension of the deadline for abatement during an appeal of the notice.

H. The director shall issue a decision on any request for an extension of the deadline for abatement under a notice of violation within five days of receipt of such request. The director shall conduct an informal fact-finding hearing, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act, § 9-6.14:11 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia, no later than 10 days after receipt of the hearing request.

I. The director shall affirm, modify, or vacate the notice in writing to the permittee within five days of the date of the hearing.

4VAC25-150-190. Closure orders.

A. The director shall immediately order a cessation of operations or of the relevant portion thereof, when he finds any condition or practice which:

1. Creates or can be reasonably expected to create an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public, including miners; or

2. Causes or can reasonably be expected to cause significant, imminent, environmental harm to land, air or water resources.

B. The director may order a cessation of operations or of the relevant portion thereof, when:

1. A permittee fails to meet the deadline for abatement or for completion of any interim step under a notice of violation;

2. Repeated notices of violations have been issued for the same condition or practice; or

3. Gas, oil or geophysical operations are being conducted by any person without a valid permit from the Division of Gas and Oil.

C. A closure order shall be in writing, signed and shall set forth with reasonable specificity:

1. The nature of the condition, practice or violation;

2. A reasonable description of the portion of the operation to which the closure order applies;

3. The remedial action required, if any, which may include interim steps; and

4. A reasonable deadline for abatement, which may include deadline for accomplishment of interim steps.

D. A closure order shall require the person subject to the order to take all steps the director deems necessary to abate the violations covered by the order in the most expeditious manner physically possible.

E. If a permittee fails to abate a condition or practice or complete any interim step as required in a closure order, the director shall issue a show cause order under 4VAC25-150-200.

F. The director shall terminate a closure order by written notice to the person subject to the order when he determines that all conditions, practices or violations listed in the order have been abated.

G. A person issued a closure order may request, in writing to the director, an informal fact-finding hearing to review the issuance of the order within 10 days of receipt of the order. The person may request, in writing to the director, an expedited hearing within three days of receipt of the order.

H. A person is not relieved of the duty to abate any condition under, or comply with, any requirement of a closure order during an appeal of the order.

I. The director shall conduct an informal fact-finding hearing, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act, § 9-6.14:11 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia, no later than 15 days after the order was issued, or in the case of an expedited hearing, no later than five days after the order was issued.

J. The director shall affirm, modify, or vacate the closure order in writing to the person the order was issued to no later than five days after the date of the hearing.

4VAC25-150-200. Show cause orders.

A. The director may issue a show cause order to a permittee requiring justification for why his permit should not be suspended or revoked whenever:

1. A permittee fails to abate a condition or practice or complete any interim step as required in a closure order;

2. A permittee fails to comply with the provisions of 4VAC25 Chapter 160 (4VAC25-160-10 et seq.) (4VAC25-160) entitled "The Virginia Gas and Oil Board Regulation"; or

3. A permittee fails to comply with the provisions of an order issued by the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.

B. A show cause order shall be in writing, signed, and set forth with reasonable specificity:

1. The permit number of the operation subject to suspension or revocation; and

2. The reason for the show cause order.

C. The permittee shall have five days from receipt of the show cause order to request in writing an informal fact-finding hearing.

D. The director shall conduct an informal fact-finding hearing, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act, § 9-6.14:11 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia, no later than five days after receipt of the request for the hearing.

E. The director shall issue a written decision within five days of the date of the hearing.

F. If the permit is revoked, the permittee shall immediately cease operations on the permit area and complete reclamation within the deadline specified in the order.

G. If the permit is suspended, the permittee shall immediately commence cessation of operations on the permit area and complete all actions to abate all conditions, practices or violations, as specified in the order.

Article 4
Reporting

4VAC25-150-210. Monthly reports.

A. Each producer shall submit a monthly report, on a form prescribed by the director or in a format approved by the director to the division no later than 45 90 days after the last day of each month.

B. Reports of gas production.

1. Every producer of gas shall report in Mcf the amount of production from each well.

2. Reports shall be summarized by county or city.

3. Reports shall provide the date of any new connection of a well to a gathering pipeline or other marketing system.

C. Reports of oil production.

1. Every producer of oil shall report in barrels the amount of oil production, oil on hand and oil delivered from each well.

2. Reports shall be summarized [ by ] county or city.

3. Reports shall provide the date of any new connection of a well to a gathering pipeline or other marketing system.

D. Reports of shut-in wells. If a well is shut-in or otherwise not produced during any month, it shall be so noted on the monthly report.

4VAC25-150-220. Annual reports.

A. Each permittee shall submit a calendar-year annual report to the division by no later than March 31 of the next year.

B. The annual report shall include as appropriate:

1. A confirmation of the accuracy of the permittee's current registration filed with the division or a report of any change in the information;

2. The name, address and phone number or numbers of the persons to be contacted at any time in case of an emergency;

3. Production of gas or oil on a well-by-well and county-by-county or city-by-city basis for each permit or as prescribed by the director and the average price received for each Mcf of gas and barrel of oil;

4. Certification by the permittee that the permittee has paid all severance taxes for each permit; and

5. When required, payment to the Gas and Oil Plugging and Restoration Fund as required in § 45.1-361.32 of the Code of Virginia.; and

6. Certification by the permittee that bonds on file with the director have not been changed.

Article 5
Technical Standards

4VAC25-150-230. Commencement of activity.

A. Gas, oil or geophysical activity commences with ground-disturbing activity.

B. A permittee shall notify the division at least two working days 48 hours prior to commencing ground-disturbing activity, drilling a well or corehole, completing or recompleting a well or plugging a well or corehole. The permittee shall notify the division, either orally or in writing, of the permit number operation name and the date and time that the work is scheduled to commence. Should activities not commence as first noticed, the permittee shall make every effort to update the division and reschedule the commencement of activity, indicating the specific date and time the work will be commenced.

C. For dry holes and in emergency situations, the operator may shall notify the division, orally or in writing, within two working days 48 hours of commencing plugging activities.

4VAC25-150-240. Signs.

A. Temporary signs. Each permittee shall keep a sign posted at the point where the access road enters the permitted area of each well or corehole being drilled or tested, showing the name of the well or corehole permittee, the well name and the permit number, the telephone number for the Division of Gas and Oil and a telephone number to use in case of an emergency or for reporting problems.

The sign shall be posted from the commencement of construction until:

1. The well is completed;

2. The dry hole or corehole is plugged;

3. The site is stabilized; or

4. The permanent sign is posted.

B. Permanent signs. Each permittee shall keep a permanent sign posted in a conspicuous place on or near every producing well or well capable of being placed into production and on every associated facility. For any well drilled or sign replaced after September 25, 1991, the sign shall:

1. Be a minimum of 18 inches by 14 inches in size;

2. Contain, at a minimum, the permittee's name, the well name and the permit number, the Division of Gas and Oil phone number and the telephone number to use in case of an emergency or for reporting problems;

3. Contain lettering a minimum of 1 ¼ 1-1/4; inches high; and

4. For a well, be located on the well or on a structure such as a meter house or pole located within 50 feet of the well head.

C. Signs designating "red zone" areas within the permit boundary are to be maintained in good order, include reflective material or be lighted so to be visible at night, and located as prescribed by the operator’s "red zone" safety plan internal to the operations plan.

C. D. All signs shall be maintained or replaced as necessary to be kept in a legible condition.

4VAC25-150-250. Blasting and explosives.

A. Applicability. This section governs all blasting on gas, oil or geophysical sites, except for:

1. Blasting being conducted as part of seismic exploration where explosives are placed and shot in a borehole to generate seismic waves; or

2. Use of a device containing explosives for perforating a well.

B. Certification.

1. All blasting on gas, oil and geophysical sites shall be conducted by a person who is certified by the department, the Board of Coal Mining Examiners, or by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

2. The director may accept a certificate issued by another state in lieu of the certification required in subdivision B 1 of this section, provided the department, the Board of Coal Mining Examiners, or the Department of Housing and Community Development has approved reciprocity with that state.

C. Blasting safety. Blasting shall be conducted in a manner as prescribed by 4VAC25-110, Regulations Governing Blasting in Surface Mining Operations, designed to prevent injury to persons, or and damage to features described in the operations plan under 4VAC25-150-100 B.

1. When blasting is conducted within 200 feet of a pipeline or high-voltage transmission line, the blaster shall take due precautionary measures for the protection of the pipeline or high-voltage transmission line, and shall notify the owner of the facility or his agent that such blasting is intended.

2. Flyrock shall not be allowed to fall farther from the blast than one-half the distance between the blast and the nearest inhabited building, and in no case outside of the permitted area.

3. When blasting near a highway, the blaster must ensure that all traffic is stopped at a safe distance from the blast. Blasting areas shall be posted with warning signs.

4. All blasting shall be conducted during daylight hours, one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless approved by the director.

5. Misfires.

a. The handling of a misfired blast shall be under the direct supervision of a certified blaster.

b. When a misfire occurs, the blaster shall wait for at least 15 minutes or the period of time recommended by the manufacturer of the explosives and the detonator, whichever is longer, before allowing anyone to return to the blast site.

6. Blasting signals.

a. Before a blast is fired, a warning signal audible to a distance of at least one-half mile shall be given by the blaster in charge, who shall make certain that all surplus explosives are in a safe place and that all persons are at a safe distance from the blast site or under sufficient cover to protect them from the effects of the blast.

b. A code of warning signals shall be established and posted in one or more conspicuous places on the permitted site, and all employees shall be required to conform to the code.

7. Explosives and detonators shall be placed in substantial, nonconductive, closed containers (such as those containers meeting standards prescribed by the Institute of Makers of Explosives) when brought on the permitted site. Explosives and detonators shall not be kept in the same container. Containers shall be posted with warning signs.

8. Storage of explosives and detonators on gas, oil or geophysical sites is allowed only with prior approval by the director.

9. The permittee shall report to the Division of Gas and Oil by the quickest means possible any theft or unaccounted-for loss of explosives. When reporting such a theft or loss, the permittee shall indicate other local, state and federal authorities contacted.

10. Damaged or deteriorated explosives and detonators shall be destroyed by a certified blaster in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

D. Ground vibration.

1. The ground-vibration limits in this subsection shall not apply on surface property owned or leased by the permittee, or on property for which the surface owner gives a written waiver specifically releasing the operator from the limits.

2. Blasting without seismographic monitoring. Blasting may be conducted by a certified blaster without seismographic monitoring provided the maximum charge is determined by the formula W = (D/D_s)² where W is the maximum weight of explosive in pounds per delay (eight milliseconds or greater); D is the actual distance in feet from the blast location to the nearest inhabited building; and D_s is the scaled distance factor to be applied without seismic monitoring, as found in Table 1.25.D-1.

TABLE 1.25.D-1: MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PEAK VELOCITY
Distance (D) from blasting site in feet	Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (Vmax) for ground vibration, in inches/second	Scaled Distance Factor (Ds) to be applied without seismic monitoring
0 to 300	1.25	50
301 to 5000	1.00	55
5001 and beyond	0.75	65

3. Blasting with seismographic monitoring.

a. A permittee may use the ground-vibration limits in Table 1.25.D-2 to determine the maximum allowable peak particle velocity. If Table 1.25.D-2 is used, a seismographic record including both particle velocity and vibration-frequency levels shall be provided for each blast. The method for the analysis of the predominant frequency contained in the blasting records shall be approved by the director before implementation of this alternative blasting level.

b. The permittee may choose to record every blast. As long as the seismographic records indicate particle velocities have remained within the limits prescribed in Tables 1.25.D-1 or 1.25.D-2, the permittee shall be considered to be in compliance with this subsection.

c. Ground vibration shall be measured as the particle velocity. Particle velocity shall be recorded in three mutually perpendicular directions. The maximum allowable peak particle velocity shall apply to each of the three measurements.

d. All seismic tests carried out for the purposes of this section shall be analyzed by a qualified seismologist.

e. All seismic tests carried out for the purposes of this section shall be conducted with a seismograph that has an upper-end flat frequency response of at least 200 Hz.

E. Airblast shall not exceed the maximum limits prescribed in Table 1.25.E-1 at the location of any inhabited building. The 0.1 Hz or lower, flat response or C-weighted, slow response shall be used only when approved by the director.

Table 1.25.E-1: AIRBLAST LIMITS
Lower Frequency Limit of measuring system, in Hz (+3db)		Measurement Level, in db
0.1 Hz or Lower	Flat Response	134 Peak
2 Hz or Lower	Flat Response	133 Peak
6 Hz or Lower	Flat Response	129 Peak
C-weighted	Slow Response	105 Peak

F. If the director concludes that blasting on a particular site has potential to create unsafe conditions, then he may:

1. Require the permittee to monitor ground vibration and airblast for all blasts on the site for a specified period of time;

2. Impose more stringent limits on ground vibration and airblast levels than those specified in this section. The director may order the permittee to obtain an evaluation of the blast site by a vibration consultant or a technical representative of the explosives manufacturer before imposing a more stringent limit. Blasting may not resume on the site being evaluated until the evaluation and recommendations are submitted to the director, and the director has given his approval.

G. Records.

1. The permittee shall keep records of all blasts, and these records shall contain the following:

a. Name of company or contractor;

b. Location, date, and time of the blast;

c. Name, signature, and certification number of the blaster in charge;

d. Type of material blasted;

e. Number of holes; their burden and spacing;

f. Diameter and depth of the holes;

g. Types of explosives used;

h. Total amount of explosives used per hole;

i. Maximum weight of explosives per delay period;

j. Method of firing and the type of circuit;

k. Direction and distance in feet to the nearest inhabited building;

l. Weather conditions (including wind directions, etc.);

m. Height or length of stemming;

n. Description of any mats or other protection used;

o. Type of detonators and delay periods used; and

p. Any seismograph reports, including:

(1) The name and signature of the person operating the seismograph;

(2) The name of the person analyzing the seismograph record;

(3) The exact location of the seismograph in relation to the blast;

(4) The date and time of the reading; and

(5) The seismograph reading.

2. The permittee shall retain all records of blasting, including seismograph reports, for at least three years. On request, the permittee shall make these records available for inspection by the director division.

4VAC25-150-260. Erosion, sediment control and reclamation.

A. Applicability. Permittees shall meet the erosion and sediment control standards of this section whenever there is a ground disturbance for a gas, oil or geophysical operation. Permittees shall reclaim the land to the standards of this section after the ground-disturbing activities are complete and the land will not be used for further permitted activities.

B. Erosion and sediment control plan. Applicants for a permit shall submit an erosion and sediment control plan as part of their operations plan. The plan shall describe how erosion and sedimentation will be controlled and how reclamation will be achieved.

C. Erosion and sediment control standards. Whenever ground is disturbed for a gas, oil or geophysical operation, the following erosion and sediment control standards shall be met.

1. All trees, shrubs and other vegetation shall be cleared as necessary before any blasting, drilling, or other site construction, including road construction, begins.

a. Cleared vegetation shall be either removed from the site, properly stacked on the permitted site for later use, burned, or placed in a brush barrier if needed to control erosion and sediment control. Only that material necessary for the construction of the permitted site shall be cleared. When used as a brush barrier, the cleared vegetation shall be cut and windrowed below a disturbed area so that the brush barrier will effectively control sediment migration from the disturbed area. The material shall be placed in a compact and uniform manner within the brush barrier and not perpendicular to the brush barrier. Brush barriers shall be constructed so that any concentrated flow created by the barrier is released into adequately protected outlets and adequate channels. Large diameter trunks, limbs, and stumps that may render the brush barrier ineffective for sediment control shall not be placed in the brush barrier.

b. During construction of the project, topsoil, soil sufficient to provide a suitable growth medium for permanent stabilization with vegetation shall be segregated and stockpiled. Soil stockpiles shall be stabilized used to stabilize the site in accordance with the standards of subdivisions C 2 and C 3 of this section to prevent erosion and sedimentation.

2. Except as provided for in subdivisions C 5 and C 12 c of this section, permanent or temporary stabilization measures shall be applied to denuded areas within 30 days of achievement of final grade on the site unless the area will be redisturbed within 30 days.

a. If no activity occurs on a site for a period of 30 consecutive days then stabilization measures shall be applied to denuded areas within seven days of the last day of the 30-day period.

b. Temporary stabilization measures shall be applied to denuded areas that may not be at final grade but will be left inactive for one year or less.

c. Permanent stabilization measures shall be applied to denuded areas that are to be left inactive for more than one year.

3. A permanent vegetative cover shall be established on denuded areas to achieve permanent stabilization on areas not otherwise permanently stabilized. Permanent vegetation shall not be considered established until a ground cover is uniform, mature enough to survive and will inhibit erosion.

4. Temporary sediment control structures such as basins, traps, berms or sediment barriers shall be constructed prior to beginning other ground-disturbing activity and shall be maintained until the site is stabilized.

5. Stabilization measures shall be applied to earthen structures such as sumps, diversions, dikes, berms and drainage windows within 30 days of installation.

6. Sediment basins.

a. Surface runoff from disturbed areas that is composed of flow from drainage areas greater than or equal to three acres shall be controlled by a sediment basin. The sediment basin shall be designed and constructed to accommodate the anticipated sediment loading from the ground-disturbing activity. The spillway or outfall system design shall take into account the total drainage area flowing through the disturbed area to be served by the basin.

b. If surface runoff that is composed of flow from other drainage areas is separately controlled by other erosion and sediment control measures, then the other drainage area is not considered when determining whether the three-acre limit has been reached and a sediment basin is required.

7. Cut and fill slopes shall be designed and constructed in a manner that will minimize erosion. No trees, shrubs, stumps or other woody material shall be placed in fill.

8. Concentrated runoff shall not flow down cut or fill slopes unless contained within an adequate temporary or permanent channel, flume or slope drain structure.

9. Whenever water seeps from a slope face, adequate drainage or other protection shall be provided.

10. All storm sewer inlets that are made operable during construction shall be protected so that sediment-laden water cannot enter the conveyance system without first being filtered or otherwise treated to remove sediment.

11. Before newly constructed stormwater conveyance channels or pipes are made operational, adequate outlet protection and any required temporary or permanent channel lining shall be installed in both the conveyance channel and receiving channel.

12. Live watercourses.

a. When any construction required for erosion and sediment control, reclamation or stormwater management must be performed in a live watercourse, precautions shall be taken to minimize encroachment, control sediment transport and stabilize the work area. Nonerodible material shall be used for the construction of causeways and cofferdams. Earthen fill may be used for these structures if armored by nonerodible cover materials.

b. When the same location in a live watercourse must be crossed by construction vehicles more than twice in any six-month period, a temporary stream crossing constructed of nonerodible material shall be provided.

c. The bed and banks of a watercourse shall be stabilized immediately after work in the watercourse is completed.

13. If more than 500 linear feet of trench is to be open at any one time on any continuous slope, ditchline barriers shall be installed at intervals no more than the distance in the following table and prior to entering watercourses or other bodies of water.

	Distance Barrier Spacing
	Percent of Grade	Spacing of Ditchline Barriers in Feet
	3–5	135
	6–10	80
	11–15	60
	16+	40

14. Where construction vehicle access routes intersect a paved or public road, provisions, such as surfacing the road, shall be made to minimize the transport of sediment by vehicular tracking onto the paved surface. Where sediment is transported onto a paved or public road surface, the road surface shall be cleaned by the end of the day.

15. The design and construction or reconstruction of roads shall incorporate appropriate limits for grade, width, surface materials, surface drainage control, culvert placement, culvert size, and any other necessary design criteria required by the director to ensure control of erosion, sedimentation and runoff, and safety appropriate for their planned duration and use. This shall include, at a minimum, that roads are to be located, designed, constructed, reconstructed, used, maintained and reclaimed so as to:

a. Control or prevent erosion and siltation by vegetating or otherwise stabilizing all exposed surfaces in accordance with current, prudent engineering practices;

b. Control runoff to minimize downstream sedimentation and flooding; and

c. Use nonacid or nontoxic substances in road surfacing.

16. Unless approved by the director, all temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed within 30 days after final site stabilization or after the temporary measures are no longer needed. Trapped sediment and the disturbed soil areas resulting from the disposition of temporary measures shall be permanently stabilized within the permitted area to prevent further erosion and sedimentation.

D. Final reclamation standards.

1. All equipment, structures or other facilities not required for monitoring the site or permanently marking an abandoned well or corehole shall be removed from the site, unless otherwise approved by the director.

2. Each pipeline abandoned in place shall be disconnected from all sources of natural gas or produced fluids and purged. Each gathering line abandoned in place, unless otherwise agreed to be removed under a right-of-way or lease agreement, shall be disconnected from all sources and supplies of natural gas and petroleum, purged of liquid hydrocarbons, depleted to atmospheric pressure, and cut off three feet below ground surface, or at the depth of the gathering line, whichever is less, and sealed at the ends. The operator shall provide to the division documentation of the methods used, the date and time the pipeline was purged and abandoned [ and copies of any right of way or lease agreements that apply to the abandonment or removal ].

3. If final stabilization measures are being applied to access roads or ground-disturbed pipeline rights-of-way, or if the rights-of-way will not be redisturbed for a period of 30 days, water bars shall be placed across them at 30-degree angles at the head of all pitched grades and at intervals no more than the distance in the following table:

	Percent of Grade	Spacing of Water Bars in Feet
	3–5	135
	6–10	80
	11–15	60
	16+	40

4. The permittee shall notify the division when the site has been graded and seeded for final reclamation in accordance with subdivision C 3 of this section. Notice may be given orally or in writing. The vegetative cover shall be successfully maintained for a period of two years after notice has been given before the site is eligible for bond release.

5. If the land disturbed during gas, oil or geophysical operations will not be reclaimed with permanent vegetative cover as provided for in subsection C of this section, the permittee or applicant shall, in the operations plan, request a variance to these reclamation standards and propose alternate reclamation standards and an alternate schedule for bond release.

E. The director may waive or modify any of the requirements of this section that are deemed inappropriate or too restrictive for site conditions. A permittee requesting a variance shall, in writing, document the need for the variance and describe the alternate measures or practices to be used. Specific variances allowed by the director shall become part of the operations plan. The director shall consider variance requests judiciously, keeping in mind both the need of the applicant to maximize cost effectiveness and the need to protect off-site properties and resources from damage.

4VAC25-150-280. Logs and surveys.

A. Each permittee drilling a well or corehole shall complete a driller's log, a gamma ray log or other log showing the top and bottom points of geologic formations and any other log required under this section. The driller's log shall state, at a minimum, the character, depth and thickness of geological formations encountered, including groundwater-bearing strata, coal seams, mineral beds and gas- or oil-bearing formations.

B. When a permittee or the director identifies that a well or corehole is to be drilled or deepened in an area of the Commonwealth which is known to be underlain by coal seams, the following shall be required:

1. The vertical location of coal seams in the borehole well or corehole shall be determined and shown in the driller's log and gamma ray or other log.

2. The horizontal location of the borehole well or corehole in coal seams shall be determined through an inclination survey from the surface to the lowest known coal seam. Each inclination survey shall be conducted as follows:

a. The first survey point shall be taken at a depth not greater than the most shallow coal seam; and

b. Thereafter shot points shall be taken at each coal seam or at intervals of 200 feet, whichever is less, to the lowest known coal seam.

3. Prior to drilling any borehole into well or corehole within 500 feet of a coal seam in which active mining is being conducted within 500 feet of where the borehole will penetrate the seam where workers are assigned or travel, as well as any connected sealed or gob areas, or where a mine plan is on file with the Division of Mines, the permittee shall conduct an inclination survey to determine whether the deviation of the bore hole well or corehole exceeds one degree from true vertical. If the borehole well or corehole is found to exceed one degree from vertical, then the permittee shall:

a. Immediately cease operations;

b. Immediately notify the coal owner and the division;

c. Conduct a directional survey to drilled depth to determine both horizontal and vertical location of the borehole well or corehole; and

d. Unless granted a variance by the director, correct the borehole well or corehole to within one degree of true vertical.

4. Except as provided for in subdivision B 3 of this section, if the deviation of the borehole well or corehole exceeds one degree from true vertical at any point between the surface and the lowest known coal seam, then the permittee shall:

a. Correct the borehole well or corehole to within one degree of true vertical; or

b. Conduct a directional survey to the lowest known coal seam and notify the coal owner of the actual borehole well or corehole location.

5. The director may grant a variance to the requirements of subdivisions B 3 and B 4 of this section only after the permittee and coal owners have jointly submitted a written request for a variance stating that a directional survey or correction to the borehole well or corehole is not needed to protect the safety of any person engaged in active coal mining or to the environment.

6. If the director finds that the lack of assurance of the horizontal location of the bore of a well or corehole to a known coal seam poses a danger to persons engaged in active coal mining or the lack of assurance poses a risk to the public safety or the environment, the director may, until 30 days after a permittee has filed the completion report required in 4VAC25-150-360, require that a directional survey be conducted by the permittee.

7. The driller's log shall be updated on a daily basis. The driller's log and results of any other required survey shall be kept at the site until drilling and casing or plugging a dry hole or corehole are completed.

4VAC25-150-300. Pits.

A. General requirements.

1. Pits are to be temporary in nature and are to be reclaimed when the operations using the pit are complete. All pits shall be reclaimed within [ 90 180 ] days unless a variance is requested and granted by the field inspector.

2. Pits may not be used as erosion and sediment control structures or stormwater management structures, and surface drainage may not be directed into a pit.

3. Pits shall have a properly installed and maintained liner or liners made of 10 mil or thicker high-density polyethylene or its equivalent.

B. Technical requirements.

1. 4. Pits shall be constructed of sufficient size and shape to contain all fluids and maintain a two-foot freeboard.

2. Pits shall be lined in accordance with the requirements for liners in subdivision A 3 of this section. If solids are not to be disposed of in the pit, the permittee may request a variance to the liner specifications.

C. B. Operational requirements.

1. The integrity of lined pits must be maintained until the pits are reclaimed or otherwise closed. Upon failure of the lining or pit, the operation shall be shut down until the liner and pit are repaired or rebuilt. The permittee shall notify the division, by the quickest available means, of any pit leak.

2. Motor oil and, to the extent practicable, crude oil shall be kept out of the pit. Oil shall be collected and disposed of properly. Litter and other solid waste shall be collected and disposed of properly and not thrown into the pit.

3. At the conclusion of drilling and completion operations or after a dry hole, well or corehole has been plugged, the pit shall be drained in a controlled manner and the fluids disposed of in accordance with 4VAC25-150-420. If the pit is to be used for disposal of solids, then the standards of 4VAC25-150-430 shall be met.

4VAC25-150-310. Tanks.

A. All tanks installed on or after September 25, 1991, shall be designed and constructed to contain the fluids to be stored in the tanks and prevent unauthorized discharge of fluids.

B. All tanks shall be maintained in good condition and repaired as needed to ensure the structural integrity of the tank.

C. Every permanent tank or battery of tanks shall be surrounded by a have secondary containment achieved by constructing a dike or firewall with a capacity of 1½ 1-1/2 times the volume of the single tank, or largest tank in a battery of tanks largest tank when plumbed at the top, or all tanks when plumbed at the bottom, utilizing a double wall tank or another method approved by the division.

D. Dikes and firewalls shall be maintained in good condition, and the reservoir shall be kept free from brush, water, oil or other fluids.

E. Permittees shall inspect the structural integrity of tanks and tank installations, at a minimum, annually. The report of the annual inspection shall be maintained by the permittee for a minimum of three years and be submitted to the director upon request.

F. Load lines shall be properly constructed and operated on the permitted area.

4VAC25-150-340. Drilling fluids.

A. Operations plan requirements. Applicants for a permit shall provide, prior to commencing drilling, documentation that the water meets the requirements of subsection B of this section, and a general description of the additives and muds to be used in all stages of drilling. Providing that the requirement in 4VAC25-150-340 C is met, variations necessary because of field conditions may be made with prior approval of the director and shall be documented in the driller's log.

B. Water quality in drilling.

1. Before the water-protection string is set, permittees shall use one of the following sources of water in drilling:

a. Water that is from a water well or spring located on the drilling site; or

b. Conduct an analysis of groundwater within 500 feet of the drilling location, and use:

(1) Water which is of equal or better quality than the groundwater; or

(2) Water which can be treated to be of equal or better quality than the groundwater. A treatment plan must be included with the application if water is to be treated.

If, after a diligent search, a groundwater source (such as a well or spring) cannot be found within 500 feet of the drilling location, the applicant may use water meeting the parameters listed in the Department of Environmental Quality's "Water Quality Criteria for Groundwater," [ 9VAC25-260-230 et seq. 9VAC25-280-70 ] The analysis shall include, but is not limited to, the following items:

(1) Chlorides;

(2) Total dissolved solids;

(3) Hardness;

(4) Iron;

(5) Manganese;

(6) PH;

(7) Sodium; and

(8) Sulfate.

Drilling water analysis shall be taken within a one-year period preceding the drilling application.

2. After the water-protection string is set, permittees may use waters that do not meet the standards of subdivision B 1 of this section.

C. Drilling muds. No permittee may use an oil-based drilling fluid or other fluid which has the potential to cause acute or chronic adverse health effects on living organisms unless a variance has been approved by the director. Permittees must explain the need to use such materials and provide the material data safety sheets. In reviewing the request for the variance, the director shall consider the concentration of the material, the measures to be taken to control the risks, and the need to use the material. Permittees shall also identify what actions will be taken to ensure use of the additives will not cause a lessening of groundwater quality.

4VAC25-150-360. Drilling, completion and other reports.

A. Each permittee conducting drilling shall file, electronically or on a form prescribed by the director, a drilling report within 30 90 days after a well reaches total depth.

B. Each permittee drilling a well shall file, electronically or on a form prescribed by the director, a completion report within 30 90 days after the well is completed.

C. The permittee shall file the driller's log, the results of any other log or survey required to be run in accordance with this chapter or by the director, and the plat showing the actual location of the well with the drilling report, unless they have been filed earlier.

D. The permittee shall, within two years 90 days of reaching total depth, file with the division the results of any gamma ray, density, neutron and induction logs, or their equivalent, that have been conducted on the wellbore in the normal course of activities that have not previously been required to be filed.

4VAC25-150-380. Accidents Incidents, spills and unpermitted discharges.

A. Accidents. Incidents. A permittee shall, by the quickest available means, notify the director division in the event of any unplanned off-site disturbance, fire, blowout, pit failure, hydrogen sulfide release, unanticipated loss of drilling fluids, or other accident incident resulting in serious personal injury or an actual or potential imminent danger to a worker, the environment, or public safety or welfare. The permittee shall take immediate action to abate the actual or potential danger. The permittee shall submit a written or electronic report within seven days of the incident containing:

1. A description of the incident and its cause;

2. The date, time and duration of the incident;

3. A description of the steps that have been taken to date; and

4. A description of the steps planned to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident.; and

5. Other agencies notified.

B. On-site spills.

1. A permittee shall take all reasonable steps to prevent, minimize, or correct any spill or discharge of fluids on a permitted site which has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment. All actions shall be consistent with the requirements of an abatement plan, if any has been set, in a notice of violation or closure, emergency or other order issued by the director.

2. A permittee shall orally report on-site spills or unpermitted discharges of fluids which are not required to be reported in subsection A of this section to the division within 24 hours. The oral report shall provide all available details of the incident, including any adverse effects on any person or the environment. A written report shall be submitted within seven days of the spill or unpermitted discharge. The written report shall contain:

a. A description of the incident and its cause;

b. The period of release, including exact dates and times;

c. A description of the steps to date; and

d. A description of the steps to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the release.

C. Off-site spills. Permittees shall submit a written report of any spill or unpermitted discharge of fluids that originates off of a permitted site with the monthly report under 4VAC25-150-210. The written report shall contain:

1. A listing of all agencies contacted about the spill or unpermitted discharge; and

2. All actions taken to contain, clean up or mitigate the spill or unpermitted discharge.

4VAC25-150-390. Shut-in wells.

A. If a well is shut-in or otherwise not produced for a period of 12 consecutive months, the permittee shall measure the shut-in pressure on the production string or strings and report such pressures to the division annually. If the well is producing on the backside or otherwise through the casing, the permittee shall measure the shut-in pressure on the annular space.

B. A report of the pressure measurements on the nonproducing well shall be maintained and reported to the director annually by the permittee for a minimum maximum period of three two years and be submitted to the director upon request.

C. Should the well remain in a nonproducing status for a period of two years, the permittee shall submit [ either a well plugging plan or ] a [ plan for ] future well production [ plan ] to the director. A nonproducing well shall not remain unplugged for more than a three-year period unless approved by the director.

4VAC25-150-420. Disposal of pit and produced fluids.

A. Applicability. All fluids from a well, pipeline or corehole shall be handled in a properly constructed pit, tank or other type of container approved by the director.

A permittee shall not dispose of fluids from a well, pipeline or corehole until the director has approved the permittee's plan for permanent disposal of the fluids. Temporary storage of pit or produced fluids is allowed with the approval of the director. Other fluids shall be disposed of in accordance with the operations plan approved by the director.

B. Application and plan. The permittee shall submit an application for either on-site or off-site permanent disposal of fluids on a form prescribed by the director. Maps and a narrative describing the method to be used for permanent disposal of fluids must accompany the application if the permittee proposes to land apply any fluids on the permitted site. The application, maps, and narrative shall become part of the permittee's operations plan.

C. Removal of free fluids. Fluids shall be removed from the pit to the extent practical so as to leave no free fluids. In the event that there are no free fluids for removal, the permittee shall report this on the form provided by the director.

D. On-site disposal. The following standards for on-site land application of fluids shall be met:

1. Fluids to be land-applied shall meet the parameters listed in the Department of Environmental Quality's "Water Quality Criteria for Groundwater" [ (9VAC25-260-230 et seq.). (9VAC25-280-70 ] following criteria:

Acidity: <alkalinity

Alkalinity: >acidity

Chlorides: <5,000 mg/l

Iron: <7 mg/l

Manganese: <4 mg/l

Oil and Grease: < 15 mg/l

pH: 6-9 Standard Units

Sodium Balance: SAR of 8-12

2. Land application of fluids shall be confined to the permitted area.

3. Fluids shall be applied in a manner which will not cause erosion or runoff. The permittee shall take into account site conditions such as slope, soils and vegetation when determining the rate and volume of land application on each site. As part of the application narrative, the permittee shall show the calculations used to determine the maximum rate of application for each site.

4. Fluid application shall not be conducted when the ground is saturated, snow-covered or frozen.

5. The following buffer zones shall be maintained unless a variance has been granted by the director:

a. Fluid shall not be applied closer than 25 feet from highways or property lines not included in the acreage shown in the permit.

b. Fluid shall not be applied closer than 50 feet from surface watercourses, wetlands, natural rock outcrops, or sinkholes.

c. Fluid shall not be applied closer than 100 feet from water supply wells or springs.

6. The permittee shall monitor vegetation for two years after the last fluid has been applied to a site. If any adverse effects are found, the permittee shall report the adverse effects in writing to the division.

7. The director may require monitoring of groundwater quality on sites used for land application of fluids to determine if the groundwater has been degraded.

E. Off-site disposal of fluids.

1. Each permittee using an off-site facility for disposal of fluids shall submit:

a. A copy of a valid permit for the disposal facility to be used; and

b. Documentation that the facility will accept the fluids.

2. Each permittee using an off-site facility for disposal of fluids shall use a waste-tracking system to document the movement of fluids off of a permitted site to their final disposition. Records compiled by this system shall be reported to the division annually and available for inspection on request. Such records shall be retained until such time the injection well is reclaimed and has passed bond release.

4VAC25-150-460. Identifying plugged wells and coreholes; plugging affidavit.

A. Abandoned wells and coreholes shall be permanently marked in a manner as follows:

1. The marker shall extend not less than 30 inches above the surface and enough below the surface to make the marker permanent.

2. The marker shall indicate the permittee's name, the well name, the permit number and date of plugging.

B. A permittee may apply for a variance from the director to use alternate permanent markers. Such alternate markers shall provide sufficient information for locating the abandoned well or corehole. Provisions shall also be made to provide for the physical detection of the abandoned well or corehole from the surface by magnetic or other means including a certified map with the utilization of current GPS surveys.

C. When any well or corehole has been plugged or replugged in accordance with 4VAC25-150-435, two persons, experienced in plugging wells or coreholes, who participated in the plugging of a well or corehole, shall complete the plugging affidavit designated by the director, setting forth the time and manner in which the well or corehole was plugged and filled, and the permanent marker was placed.

D. One copy of the plugging affidavit shall be retained by the permittee, one shall be mailed to any coal owner or operator on the tract where the well or corehole is located, and one shall be filed with the division within 30 90 days after the day the well was plugged.

Part II
Conventional Gas and Oil Wells and Class II Injection Wells

4VAC25-150-490. Applicability, conventional gas and oil wells and Class II injection wells.

A. Part II of this chapter sets forth requirements unique to conventional gas and oil wells and wells classified as Class II injection wells by the United States, Environmental Protection Agency under 40 CFR Part 146, Section 146.5.

B. Permittees must comply with the standards of general applicability in Part I of this chapter and with the standards for conventional gas and oil and Class II injection wells in this part, except that whenever the Environmental Protection Agency imposes a requirement under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program, 40 CFR Part 146, Sections 146.3, 146.4, 146.5, 146.6, 146.7, 146.8, 146.22 and 146.23 that governs an activity also governed by this chapter, the Environmental Protection Agency requirement shall control and become part of the permit issued under this chapter.

C. An application for a permit for a Class II injection well which has not been previously drilled under a permit from the director shall be submitted as an application for a new permit. An application for a permit for conversion of a permitted gas or oil well to a Class II injection well shall be submitted as an application for a permit modification.

D. The director shall not issue a permit for a Class II injection well until after the Environmental Protection Agency has issued its permit for the injection well.

4VAC25-150-500. Application for a permit, conventional well or Class II injection well.

A. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-80 or 4VAC25-150-110, every application for a permit or permit modification for a conventional gas or oil well or a Class II injection well shall contain:

1. The approximate depth to which the well is proposed to be drilled or deepened, or the actual depth to which the well has been drilled;

2. The approximate depth and thickness, if applicable, of all known coal seams, known groundwater-bearing strata, and other known gas or oil strata between the surface and the depth to which the well is proposed to be drilled;

3. If casing or tubing is proposed to be or has been set, a description of the entire casing program, including the size of each string of pipe, the starting point and depth to which each string is to be or has been set, and the extent to which each string is to be or has been cemented; and

4. If the proposed work is for a Class II injection well, a copy of either the permit issued by, or the permit application filed with the Environmental Protection Agency under the Underground Injection Control Program.

5. An explanation of the procedures to be followed to protect the safety of persons working in and around an underground coal mine for any conventional well or Class II injection well to be drilled within 200 feet of areas where workers are assigned or travel, as well as any connected sealed or gob areas, or where a one-year mine plan is on file with the Division of Mines; which shall, at a minimum, require that notice of such drilling be given by the permittee to the mine operator and the Chief of the Division of Mines at least 10 working days prior to drilling.

B. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-80 and 4VAC25-150-110, every application for a permit or permit modification for a conventional gas or oil well or a Class II injection well may contain, if the proposed work is to drill, redrill or deepen a well, a plan showing the proposed manner of plugging the well immediately after drilling if the proposed well work is unsuccessful.

4VAC25-150-510. Plats, conventional wells or Class II injection wells.

A. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-90, every plat for a conventional gas or oil well shall show:

1. The boundaries of any drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

2. The boundaries and acreage of the tract on which the well is located or is to be located;

3. The boundaries and acreage of all other tracts within one-half of the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or within one-half of the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

4. Surface owners on the tract to be drilled and on all other tracts within the unit where the surface of the earth is to be disturbed;

5. All gas, oil or royalty owners on any tract located within one half of the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or within one-half of the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

6. Coal owners and mineral owners on the tract to be drilled and on all other tracts located within 500 feet of the subject well location;

7. Coal operators who have registered operations plans with the department for activities located on the tract to be drilled, or who have applied for or obtained a coal mine license, coal surface mine permit or a coal exploration notice or permit from the department with respect to all tracts within 500 feet of a proposed gas or oil well;

8. Any inhabited building, highway, railroad, stream, permitted surface mine or permitted mine opening within 500 feet of the proposed well; and

9. If the plat is for an enhanced oil recovery injection well, any other well within 2,500 feet of the proposed or actual well location, which shall be presumed to embrace the entire area to be affected by an enhanced oil recovery injection well in the absence of a board order establishing units in the target pool of a different size or configuration.

B. If the well location is underlain by known coal seams, or if required by the director, the well plat shall locate the well and two permanent points or landmarks with reference to the mine coordinate system if one has been established for the area of the well location, and shall in any event show all other wells, surface mines and mine openings within the scope of the plat.

4VAC25-150-520. Setback restrictions, conventional wells or Class II injection wells.

No permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled closer than 200 feet from any inhabited building unless site conditions as approved by the director warrant the permission of a lesser distance and there exists a lease or agreement between the operator and the owner of the inhabited building. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for a permit.

4VAC25-150-530. Casing requirements for conventional gas or oil wells.

A. Water-protection string.

1. Except as provided in subdivision A 5 of this section, the permittee shall set a water-protection string to a point at least 300 feet below the surface or 50 feet below the deepest known groundwater horizon, whichever is deeper, circulated and cemented in to the surface. If the cement does not return to the surface, every reasonable attempt shall be made to fill the annular space by introducing cement from the surface.

2. The operator shall test or require the cementing company to test the cement mixing water for pH and temperature prior to mixing the cement and to record the results on the cementing ticket.

3. After the cement is placed, the operator shall wait a minimum of eight hours and allow the cement to achieve a calculated compressive strength of 500 psi before drilling, unless the director approves a shorter period of time. The wait-on-cement (WOC) time shall be recorded within the records kept at the drilling rig while drilling is taking place.

4. When requested by the director, the operator shall submit copies of cement tickets or other documents that indicate the above specifications have been followed.

5. A coal-protection string may also serve as a water-protection string.

B. Coal-protection strings.

1. When any well penetrates coal seams that have not been mined out, the permittee shall, except as provided in subdivisions B 2 and B 3 of this section, set a coal-protection string. The coal-protection string shall exclude all fluids, oil, gas and gas pressure except that which is naturally present in each coal seam. The coal-protection string shall also exclude all injected material or disposed waste from the coal seams and the wellbore. The string of casing shall be set to a point at least 50 feet below the lowest coal seam, or as provided in subdivision B 3 of this section, and shall be circulated and cemented from that point to the surface or to a point not less than 50 feet into the water-protection string or strings which are cemented to the surface.

2. For good cause shown, either before or after the permit is issued, when the procedure specified in subdivision B 1 is demonstrated by the permittee as not practical, the director may approve a casing program involving the cementing of a coal-protection string in multiple stages, or the cementing of two or more coal-protection strings, or the use of other alternative casing procedures. The director may approve the program provided he is satisfied that the result will be operationally equivalent to compliance with the provisions of subdivision B 1 of this section for the purpose of permitting the subsequent safe mining through of the well or otherwise protecting the coal seams as required by this section. In the use of multiple coal-protection strings, each string below the topmost string shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next higher string or strings that are cemented to the surface and be verified by a cement top log.

3. Depth of coal-protection strings:

a. A coal-protection string shall be set to the top of the red shales in any area underlain by them unless, on a showing by the permittee in the permit application, the director has approved the casing point of the coal-protection string at some depth less than the top of the red shales. In such event, the permittee shall conduct a gamma ray/density log survey on an expanded scale to verify whether the well penetrates any coal seam in the uncased interval between the bottom of the coal-protection string as approved and the top of the red shales.

b. If an unanticipated coal seam or seams are discovered in the uncased interval, the permittee shall report the discovery in writing to the director. The permittee shall cement the next string of casing, whether a part of the intermediate string or the production string, in the applicable manner provided in this section for coal-protection strings, from a point at least 50 feet below the lowest coal seam so discovered to a point at least 50 feet above the highest coal seam so discovered.

c. The gamma ray/density log survey shall be filed with the director at the same time the driller's log is filed under 4VAC25-150-360.

d. When the director believes, after reviewing documentation submitted by the permittee, that the total drilling in any particular area has verified the deepest coal seam higher than the red shales, so that further gamma ray/density logs on an expanded scale are superfluous for the area, he may waive the constructing of a coal-protection string or the conducting of such surveys deeper than 100 feet below the verified depth of the deepest coal seam.

C. Coal-protection strings of wells drilled prior to July 1, 1982. In the case of wells drilled prior to July 1, 1982, through coal seams without coal-protection strings substantially as prescribed in subsection B of this section, the permittee shall retain such coal-protection strings as were set. During the life of the well, the permittee shall, consistent with a plan approved by the director, keep the annular spaces between the various strings of casing adjacent to coal seams open to the extent possible, and the top ends of all such strings shall be provided with casing heads, or such other approved devices as will permit the free passage of gas or oil and prevent filling of the annular spaces with dirt or debris.

D. Producing from more than one stratum. The casing program for any well designed or completed to produce from more than one stratum shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate standard practices of the industry.

E. Casing through voids.

1. When a well is drilled through a void, the hole shall be drilled at least 30 feet below the void, the annular space shall be cemented from the base of the casing up to the void and to the surface from the top of the void, and every reasonable attempt shall be made to fill the annular space from the top of the void to the surface, or it shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next higher string or strings of casing that are cemented to the surface and be verified by a cement top log.

2. For good cause shown, the director may approve alternative casing procedures proposed by the permittee, provided that the director is satisfied that the alternative casing procedures are operationally equivalent to the requirements imposed by subdivision E 1 of this section.

3. For good cause shown, the director may impose special requirements on the permittee to prevent communication between two or more voids.

F. A well penetrating a mine other than a coal mine. In the event that a permittee has requested to drill a well in such a location that it would penetrate any active mine other than a coal mine, the director shall approve the safety precautions to be followed by the permittee prior to the commencement of activity.

G. Reporting of lost circulation zones. The permittee shall report to the director as soon as possible when an unanticipated void or groundwater horizon is encountered that results in lost circulation during drilling. The permittee shall take every necessary action to protect the lost circulation zone.

Part III
Coalbed Methane Gas Wells

4VAC25-150-550. Applicability, coalbed methane wells.

Part III of this chapter sets forth requirements unique to coalbed methane gas wells. Permittees must comply with the standards of general applicability in Part I of this chapter and with the standards for coalbed methane gas wells in this part.

4VAC25-150-560. Application for a permit, coalbed methane well operations.

A. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-80 or 4VAC25-150-110, every application for a permit or permit modification for a coalbed methane gas well shall contain:

1. An identification of the category of owner or operator, as listed in § 45.1-361.30 A of the Code of Virginia, that each person notified of the application belongs to;

2. The signed consent required in § 45.1-361.29 of the Code of Virginia;

3. Proof of conformance with any mine development plan in the vicinity of the proposed coalbed methane gas well, when the Virginia Gas and Oil Board has ordered such conformance;

4. The approximate depth to which the well is proposed to be drilled or deepened, or the actual depth if the well has been drilled;

5. The approximate depth and thickness, if applicable, of all known coal seams, known groundwater-bearing strata, and other known gas or oil strata between the surface and the depth to which the well is proposed to be drilled;

6. If casing or tubing is proposed to be or has been set, a description of the entire casing program, including the size of each string of pipe, the starting point and depth to which each string is to be or has been set, and the extent to which each string is to be or has been cemented together with any request for a variance under 4VAC25-150-580;

7. An explanation of the procedures to be followed to protect the safety of persons working in and around an underground coal mine for any coalbed methane gas well to be drilled within 200 feet of or into any area of an active underground coal mine areas where workers are assigned or travel, as well as any connected sealed or gob areas, or where a one-year mine plan is on file with the Division of Mines; which shall, at a minimum, require that notice of such drilling be given by the permittee to the mine operator and the Chief of the Division of Mines at least two 10 working days prior to drilling within 200 feet of or into the mine; and

8. If the proposed work is for a Class II injection well, a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency permit, or a copy of the application filed with the Environmental Protection Agency under the Underground Injection Control Program.

B. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-80 or 4VAC25-150-110, every application for a permit or permit modification for a coalbed methane well or a Class II injection well may contain, if the proposed work is to drill, redrill or deepen a well, a plan showing the proposed manner of plugging the well immediately after drilling if the proposed well work is unsuccessful so that the well must be plugged and abandoned.

4VAC25-150-590. Plats, coalbed methane wells.

A. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-90, every plat for a coalbed methane gas well shall show:

1. Boundaries and acreage of any drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

2. Boundaries and acreage of the tract on which the well is located or is to be located;

3. Boundaries and acreage of all other tracts within one-half of the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or within one-half of the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

4. Surface owners on the tract to be drilled and on all other tracts within the unit where the surface of the earth is to be disturbed;

5. All gas, oil or royalty owners on any tract located within one-half of the distance specified in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or within one-half of the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less, or within the boundaries of a drilling unit established by the board around the subject well;

6. Coal owners and mineral owners on the tract to be drilled and on all other tracts located within 750 feet of the subject well location;

7. Coal operators who have registered operations plans with the department for activities located on the tract to be drilled, or who have applied for or obtained a coal mine license, coal surface mine permit or a coal exploration notice or permit from the department with respect to all tracts within 750 feet of a proposed gas or oil well; and

8. Any inhabited building, highway, railroad, stream, permitted surface mine or permitted mine opening within 500 feet of the proposed well.

B. The well plat shall locate the well and two permanent points or landmarks with reference to the mine coordinate system if one has been established for the area of the well location, and shall show all other wells within the scope of the plat.

4VAC25-150-600. Setback restrictions, coalbed methane wells.

No permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled closer than 200 feet from any inhabited building, unless site conditions as approved by the director warrant the permission of a lesser distance, and there exists a lease or agreement between the operator and the owner of the inhabited building. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for a permit.

4VAC25-150-610. Casing requirements for coalbed methane gas wells.

A. Water protection string.

1. Except as provided in subdivision A 5 of this section, the permittee shall set a water-protection string set to a point at least 300 feet below the surface or 50 feet below the lowest deepest known groundwater horizon, whichever is deeper, circulated and cemented to the surface. If cement does not return to the surface, every reasonable effort shall be made to fill the annular space by introducing cement from the surface.

2. The operator shall test or require the cementing company to test the cement mixing water for pH and temperature prior to mixing the cement and to record the results on the cementing ticket.

3. After the cement is placed, the operator shall wait a minimum of eight hours and allow the cement to achieve a calculated compressive strength of 500 psi before drilling, unless the director approves a shorter period of time. The wait-on-cement (WOC) time shall be recorded within the records kept at the drilling rig while drilling is taking place.

4. When requested by the director, the operator shall submit copies of cement tickets or other documents that indicate the above specifications have been followed.

5. A coal-protection string may also serve as a water protection string.

B. Coal protection strings.

1. When any well penetrates coal seams that have not been mined out, the permittee shall, except as provided in subdivisions B 2 and B 3 of this section, set a coal-protection string. The coal-protection string shall exclude all fluids, oil, gas, and gas pressure, except that which is naturally present in each coal seam. The coal-protection string shall also exclude all injected material or disposed waste from the coal seams or the wellbore. The string of casing shall be set to a point at least 50 feet below the lowest coal seam, or as provided in subdivision B 3 of this section, and shall be circulated and cemented from that point to the surface, or to a point not less than 50 feet into the water-protection string or strings which are cemented to the surface.

2. For good cause shown, either before or after the permit is issued, when the procedure specified in subdivision B 1 is demonstrated by the permittee as not practical, the director may approve a casing program involving:

a. The cementing of a coal-protection string in multiple stages;

b. The cementing of two or more coal-protection strings; or

c. The use of other alternative casing procedures.

3. The director may approve the program, provided he is satisfied that the result will be operationally equivalent to compliance with the provisions of subdivision B 1 of this section for the purpose of permitting the subsequent safe mining through the well or otherwise protecting the coal seams as required by this section. In the use of multiple coal-protection strings, each string below the topmost string shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next higher string or strings that are cemented to the surface and be verified by a cement top log.

4. Depth of coal-protection strings.

a. A coal-protection string shall be set to the top of the red shales in any area underlain by them unless, on a showing by the permittee in the permit application, the director has approved the casing point of the coal-protection string at some depth less than the top of the red shales. In such event, the permittee shall conduct a gamma-ray/density log survey on an expanded scale to verify whether the well penetrates any coal seam in the uncased interval between the bottom of the coal-protection string as approved and the top of the red shales.

b. If an unanticipated coal seam or seams are discovered in the uncased interval, the permittee shall report the discovery in writing to the director. The permittee shall cement the next string of casing, whether a part of the intermediate string or the production string, in the applicable manner provided in this section for coal-protection strings, from a point at least 50 feet below the lowest coal seam so discovered to a point at least 50 feet above the highest coal seam so discovered.

c. The gamma-ray/density log survey shall be filed with the director at the same time the driller's log is filed under 4VAC25-150-360.

d. When the director believes, after reviewing documentation submitted by the permittee, that the total drilling in any particular area has verified the deepest coal seam higher than the red shales, so that further gamma-ray/density logs on an expanded scale are superfluous for the area, he may waive the constructing of a coal-protection string or the conducting of such surveys deeper than 100 feet below the verified depth of the deepest coal seam.

C. Coal-protection strings of wells drilled prior to July 1, 1982. In the case of wells drilled prior to July 1, 1982, through coal seams without coal-protection strings as prescribed in subsection B of this section, the permittee shall retain such coal-protection strings as were set. During the life of the well, the permittee shall, consistent with a plan approved by the director, keep the annular spaces between the various strings of casing adjacent to coal seams open to the extent possible, and the top ends of all such strings shall be provided with casing heads, or such other approved devices as will permit the free passage of gas or oil and prevent filling of the annular spaces with dirt or debris.

D. Producing from more than one stratum. The casing program for any well designed or completed to produce from more than one stratum shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate standard practices of the industry.

E. Casing through voids.

1. When a well is drilled through a void, the hole shall be drilled at least 30 feet below the void. The annular space shall be cemented from the base of the casing up to the void, and to the surface from the top of the void every reasonable attempt shall be made to fill up the annular space from the top of the void to the surface; or it shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next higher string or strings of casing that are cemented to the surface, and shall be verified by a cement top log.

2. For good cause shown, the director may approve alternate casing procedures proposed by the permittee, provided that the director is satisfied that the alternative casing procedures are operationally equivalent to the requirements imposed by subdivision E 1 of this section.

3. For good cause shown, the director may impose special requirements on the permittee to prevent communication between two or more voids.

F. A well penetrating a mine other than a coal mine. In the event that a permittee has requested to drill a well in such a location that it would penetrate any active mine other than a coal mine, the director shall approve the safety precautions to be followed by the permittee prior to the commencement of activity.

G. Production casing.

1. Unless otherwise granted in a variance from the director:

a. For coalbed methane gas wells with cased completions and cased/open hole completions, production casing shall be set and cemented from the bottom of the casing to the surface or to a point not less than 50 feet into the lowest coal-protection or water-protection string or strings which are cemented to the surface.

b. For coalbed methane gas wells with open hole completions, the base of the casing shall be set to not more than 100 feet above the uppermost coalbed which is to be completed open hole. The casing shall be cemented from the bottom of the casing to the surface or to a point not less than 50 feet into the lowest coal-protection or water-protection string or strings which are cemented to the surface.

2. A coal-protection string may also serve as production casing.

H. Reporting of lost circulation zones. The permittee shall report to the director as soon as possible when an unanticipated void or groundwater horizon is encountered that results in lost circulation during drilling. The permittee shall take every necessary action to protect the lost circulation zone.

4VAC25-150-620. Coalbed methane gas wellhead equipment.

Wellhead equipment and facilities installed on any gob well or on any coalbed methane gas well subject to the requirements of §§ 45.1-161.121 and 45.1-161.292 of the Code of Virginia addressing mining near or through a well shall include a safety precaution plan submitted to the director for approval. Such plans shall include, but are shall not be limited to, flame arrestors, back-pressure systems, pressure-relief systems, vent systems and fire-fighting equipment. The director may require additional safety precautions or equipment to be installed on a case-by-case basis.

4VAC25-150-630. Report of produced waters, coalbed methane wells.

All coalbed methane gas well operators are required to submit monthly reports of total produced waters withdrawn from coalbed methane gas wells, in barrels, on a well-by-well basis, with the monthly report submitted under 4VAC25-150-210 of this chapter. The report shall show monthly produced water withdrawals and cumulative produced water withdrawals. Such reports shall be available for inspection upon request and maintained electronically or by hard copy until the well is abandoned and reclaimed.

4VAC25-150-650. Abandonment through conversion Conversion of a coalbed methane well to a vertical ventilation hole.

A permittee wishing to abandon convert a coalbed methane gas well as to a vertical ventilation hole shall first obtain approval from the Chief of the Division of Mines and submit an application a written request to the division for a permit modification which includes approval from the chief of the Division of Mines release. The director shall consult with the chief, or his designated agent, before approving permit release.

Part IV
Ground-Disturbing Geophysical Exploration

4VAC25-150-660. Applicability, ground-disturbing geophysical activity.

Part IV (4VAC25-150-660 et seq.) of this chapter sets forth requirements unique to ground-disturbing geophysical exploration.

4VAC25-150-670. Application for a permit, geophysical activity or core holes.

A. In accordance with 4VAC25-150-80 and 4VAC25-150-110, a permit shall be required for ground-disturbing geophysical exploration.

B. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-80 or 4VAC25-150-110, every application for a corehole permit or permit modification under this part shall contain:

1. The approximate depth to which the corehole is proposed to be drilled or deepened, or the actual depth if the corehole has been drilled;

2. The approximate depth and thickness, if applicable, of all known coal seams, known groundwater-bearing strata, and other known gas or oil strata between the surface and the depth to which the corehole is proposed to be drilled;

3. If casing is proposed to be set, the entire casing program, including the diameter of each string of casing, the starting point and depth to which each string is to be set, whether or not the casing is to remain in the hole after the completion of drilling, and the extent to which each string is to be cemented, if applicable; and

4. A plan which shows the proposed manner of plugging or replugging the corehole.; and

5. An explanation of the procedures to be followed to protect the safety of persons working in and around an underground coal mine for any corehole to be drilled within 200 feet of areas where workers are assigned or travel, as well as any connected sealed or gob areas, or where a one-year mine plan is on file with the Division of Mines. Such procedures shall, at a minimum, require that notice of such drilling be given by the permittee to the mine operator and the Chief of the Division of Mines at least 10 working days prior to drilling.

4VAC25-150-680. Plats, core holes.

A. In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-90, every plat for a corehole shall show:

1. The boundaries of the tract on which the corehole is located or is to be located;

2. Surface owners on the tract to be drilled and surface owners on the tracts where the surface is to be disturbed;

3. Coal owners and mineral owners on the tract to be drilled;

4. Coal operators who have registered operations plans with the department for activities located on the tract to be drilled; and

5. Any inhabited building, highway, railroad, stream, permitted surface mine or permitted mine opening within 500 feet of the proposed corehole.

B. If the corehole location is underlain by known coal seams, the plat shall locate the corehole and two permanent points or landmarks with reference to the mine coordinate system if one has been established for the area of the corehole location, and shall in any event show all other wells within the scope of the plat.

4VAC25-150-690. Operations plans, core holes.

In addition to the requirements of 4VAC25-150-100, every operations plan for a corehole shall describe the measures to be followed to protect water quality during the drilling, and the measures to be followed to protect any voids encountered during drilling.

4VAC25-150-700. Setback restrictions, core holes.

No permit shall be issued for any corehole to be drilled closer than 200 feet from an inhabited building, unless site conditions as approved by the director warrant the permission of a lesser distance, and there exists a lease or agreement between the operator and the owner of the inhabited building. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for a permit.

4VAC25-150-711. Voids and lost circular circulation zones.

A. Casing through voids.

1. When a corehole is drilled through a void, the hole shall be drilled at least 30 feet below the void. The annular space shall be cemented from the base of the casing up to the void and to the surface from the top of the void every reasonable attempt shall be made to fill the annular space from the top of the void to the surface; or it shall be cemented at least 50 feet into the next higher string or strings of casing that are cemented to the surface and be verified by a cement top log.

2. For good cause shown, the director may approve alternate casing procedures proposed by the permittee, provided that the director is satisfied that the alternative casing procedures are operationally equivalent to the requirements imposed by this section.

3. For good cause shown, the director may impose special requirements on the permittee to prevent communication between two or more voids.

B. Reporting of lost circulation zones. The permittee shall report to the director as soon as possible when an unanticipated void or groundwater horizon is encountered that results in lost circulation during drilling. The permittee shall take every necessary action to protect the lost circulation zone.

Part V
Gathering Pipelines

4VAC25-150-720. Applicability, gathering pipelines.

A. Part V (4VAC25-150-720 et seq.) of this chapter sets forth requirements unique to gathering pipelines. Permittees must comply with the standards for gathering pipelines in this part and the following standards in Part I:

1. All of Article 1, "General Information"; except 4VAC25-150-50, "Gas or oil in holes not permitted as a gas or oil well";

2. All of Article 2, "Permitting"; except 4VAC25-150-90, "Plats";

3. All of the sections in Article 3, "Enforcement";

4. 4VAC25-150-220, "Annual reports,"; of Article 4, "Reporting";

5. 4VAC25-150-230, 4VAC25-150-240, 4VAC25-150-250, 4VAC25-150-260, 4VAC25-150-270, 4VAC25-150-310, 4VAC25-150-350, 4VAC25-150-380, 4VAC25-150-410, 4VAC25-150-420, and 4VAC25-150-430 of Article 5, "Technical Standards"; and

6. 4VAC25-150-470, "Release of bond,"; of Article 6, "Plugging and Abandonment.";.

B. A permit shall be required for installation and operation of every gathering pipeline and associated structures for the movement of gas or oil production from the wellhead to a previously permitted gathering line, a transmission or other line regulated by the United States Department of Transportation or the State Corporation Commission, to the first point of sale, or for oil, to a temporary storage facility for future transportation by a method other than a gathering pipeline.

C. Each gathering pipeline or gathering pipeline system may be permitted separately from gas or oil wells or may be included in the permit for the well being served by the pipeline.

4VAC25-150-730. General requirements for gathering pipelines.

A. Gathering pipelines shall be installed to be compatible with other uses of the area.

B. No permit shall be issued for a gathering pipeline to be installed closer than 50 100 feet from any inhabited building or railway, unless site conditions as approved by the director warrant the use of a lesser distance and there exists a lease or agreement between the operator, the inhabitants of the building and the owner of the inhabited building or railway. A copy of the lease or agreement shall accompany the application for a permit.

C. Materials used in gathering pipelines shall be able to withstand anticipated conditions. At a minimum this shall include:

1. All plastic gathering pipeline connections shall be fused, not coupled.

2. All buried gathering pipelines shall be detectable by magnetic or other remote means from the surface.

D. All new gathering pipelines shall be tested to maintain a minimum of 110% of anticipated pressure prior to being placed into service.

E. All gathering pipelines shall be maintained in good operating condition at all times.

4VAC25-150-740. Operations plans for gathering pipelines.

A. For a gathering pipeline, the operations plan shall be in a format approved by, or on a form prescribed by, the director.

B. On a form prescribed by the director, the operator shall indicate how risks to the public safety or to the site and adjacent lands are to be managed, and shall provide a short narrative, if pertinent.

4VAC25-150-750. Inspections for gathering pipelines.

Gathering pipelines shall be visually inspected annually by the permittee. The results of each annual inspection shall be maintained by the permittee for a minimum of three years and be submitted to the director upon request.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC25-160. Virginia Gas and Oil Board Regulations (amending 4VAC25-160-10, 4VAC25-160-30 through 4VAC25-160-70, 4VAC25-160-130, 4VAC25-160-190, 4VAC25-160-200).

Statutory Authority: § 45.1-361.15 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: November 8, 2012.

Agency Contact: Michael Skiffington, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email mike.skiffington@dmme.virginia.gov.

Summary:

As a result of periodic review, the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Virginia Gas and Oil Board are amending 4VAC25-160, Virginia Gas and Oil Board Regulations, to make technical corrections, improve clarity, increase efficiency, and restore consistency with other chapters. Two symbols have been updated for consistency with current industry usage and available CAD technology.

Two minor changes were made since publication of the proposed regulation. One clarifies that the fee for filing pooling orders before the board is due for each order. The second deletes a requirement that resource owners in an area around a proposed well notify the board "by certified mail" that they wish to receive a copy of the pooling application. Mail and phone notice will suffice.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

4VAC25-160-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Act" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Act of 1990, Chapter 22.1 (§ 45.1-361.1 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Applicant" or "petitioner" means a person or business who files an application, petition, appeal or other request for board action with the Division of Gas and Oil.

"Board" means the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.

"Complete application" means all the materials required to be filed by the applicant under this chapter.

"Department" means the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy or his authorized agent.

"Directional survey" means a well survey that measures the degree of deviation of a hole, or distance, from the vertical and the direction of departure.

"Division" means the Division of Gas and Oil of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Division [ Director" director" ] means the Director of the Division of Gas and Oil.

"Election" means the performance of an act within the time established or required by statute, order or regulation. An election required to be made by board order or regulation must be in writing and (i) be personally delivered to the person or agent of the person described in the order or regulation by the date established or required, or (ii) be mailed to the person or agent of the person described in the order or regulation at the address stated therein and be postmarked by the United States Postal Service before midnight on the date established or required.

"Field" means the general area underlain by one or more pools.

"Gas/oil ratio" means the product of the number of Mcf of natural gas produced from a well divided by the number of barrels of oil produced from the well as determined by a gas/oil ratio test.

"Gas well" means any well which produces or appears capable of producing a ratio of 6,000 cubic feet (6 Mcf) of gas or more to each barrel of oil, on the basis of a gas-oil ratio test.

"Inclination survey" means a well survey to determine the deviation, using the surface location of the well as the apex, of a well bore from the true vertical beneath the apex on the same horizontal subsurface plane.

"Mcf" means, when used with reference to natural gas, 1,000 cubic feet of gas at a pressure base of 14.73 pounds per square inch gauge and a temperature base of 60°F.

"Mine development plan" means a permit or license application filed with the Division of Mines or Mined Land Reclamation for legal permission to engage in extraction of coal resources.

"Oil well" means any well which produces or appears capable of producing a ratio of less than 6,000 cubic feet (6 Mcf) of gas to each barrel of oil, on the basis of a gas-oil ratio test.

"Petitioner" means any person or business who files a petition, appeal, or other request for action with the Division of Gas and Oil or the Virginia Gas and Oil Board.

"Pooling" means the combining of all interests or estates in a gas, oil or coalbed methane drilling unit for the development and operations thereof. Pooling may be accomplished either through voluntary agreement or through a compulsory order of the board.

"Respondent" means a person named in an application, petition, appeal or other request for board action and against whom relief is sought by the applicant, or a person who under the terms of a board order, is required to make an election.

"Unit operator" means the gas or oil owner designated by the board to operate in or on a pooled unit.

4VAC25-160-30. Administrative provisions.

A. The Virginia Gas and Oil Board shall meet on the third Tuesday of each calendar month unless no action is required by the board or unless otherwise scheduled by the board. All hearings shall be scheduled in accordance with the requirements for notice by publication in § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia. Except where otherwise established by the Act, the board may establish deadlines for filing materials for meetings or hearings scheduled on other than the third Tuesday of each month.

B. Applications to the board must be filed by the following deadlines:

1. All applications, petitions, appeals or other requests for board action must be received by the division at least 30 calendar days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the board. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline shall be the prior business day.

2. When required, two copies of the following material must be filed with the division at least seven calendar days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the board in order for the application to be considered a complete application:

a. The affidavit demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons in accordance with § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia and 4VAC25-160-40; and

b. Proof of notice by publication in accordance with 4VAC25-160-40 D.

C. A complete application that is not filed by the deadlines of this subsection shall be carried over to the next scheduled meeting of the board. A submission that does not contain a complete application shall not be considered by the board until the application is complete.

D. The division shall assign a docket number to each application or petition at the time of payment receipt and filing, and. The division shall notify the applicant of the completed filing and assigned docket number. The docket number shall be referenced when submitting material regarding the application or petition.

E. In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, applications to the board shall meet the following standards:

1. Each application for a hearing before the board shall be headed by a caption which shall contain a heading including:

a. "Before the Virginia Gas and Oil board Board";

b. The name of the applicant;

c. The relief sought; and

d. The docket number assigned by the division.

2. Each application shall be signed by the applicant, an authorized agent of the applicant, or an attorney for the applicant, certifying that, "The foregoing application to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief is true and correct."

3. Exhibits shall be identified by the docket number and an exhibit number and may be introduced as part of a person's presentation.

4. Persons Applicants shall submit 10 eight sets of each application and exhibit exhibits. Each person offering exhibits into evidence shall also have available a reasonably sufficient number of exhibits for other persons who are subject to the provisions of §§ 45.1-361.19 and 45.1-361.23 of the Code of Virginia, who have notified the division [ by certified mail notice ] of their request for copies of exhibits, and are expected to be in attendance at the hearing.

F. Applications for the establishment and modification of [ units a unit ], spacing or pooling shall be accompanied by a $130 nonrefundable fee, payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

G. All parties in any proceeding before the board are entitled to appear in person or be represented by counsel or other qualified representative, as provided for in the Administrative Process Act, § 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC25-160-40. Notice of hearings.

A. Each applicant for a hearing to establish an exception to statewide spacing under § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia shall provide notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all gas, oil, coal or mineral owners having an interest underlying any tract located within the distances provided in § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or the distance to the nearest well completed in the same pool, whichever is less. Each applicant for a hearing to establish an exception to a well location provided for in a drilling unit established by an order of the board shall provide notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all gas, oil, coal or mineral owners having an interest underlying the unit where the exception is requested.

B. Each applicant shall include, in or with the mailed notice of the hearing required under § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia, the following information:

1. The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if any;

2. In the case of an application to vacate or amend an order, identification of the order to be vacated or amended;

3. A statement of the relief sought and proposed provisions of the order or proposed order;

4. Citations of statutes, rules, orders and decided cases supporting the relief sought;

5. A statement of the type of well or wells (gas, oil or coalbed methane gas);

6. a. For a pooling order, the notice should include: a plat showing the size and shape of the proposed unit and boundaries of tracts within the unit. The location of the proposed unit shall be shown in accordance with the Virginia Coordinate System of 1927 1983, as defined in Chapter 17 (§°55-287 et seq.) of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate System. The proposed unit shall also be located by taking the measured distance in feet from the unit to the nearest 2.5 minute longitude line to the east and the nearest 2.5 minute latitude line to the north on the 7.5 minute (1:24,000) topographic map, with a notation of the 7.5 minute topographic map name and series. The plat containing shall include property lines taken from (i) deed descriptions and chain of title, (ii) county courthouse records, or (iii) a physical survey for each land track in the unit. The location of the well and the percentage of acreage in each tract in the unit shall be certified by a licensed land surveyor or a licensed professional engineer and attested by the applicant as to its conformity to existing orders issued by the board;

b. For a field rule, the notice should include: a description of the pool or pools in the field, the boundaries of the field, information on the acreage and boundaries of the units proposed to be in the field and any proposed allowable production rates; or

c. For a location exception, the notice should include: a description of the proposed well location in relation to other wells within statewide spacing limits or in relation to the allowable area for drilling within a unit;

7. A description of the interest or claim of the respondent being notified;

8. A description of the formation or formations to be produced;

9. An estimate of the amount of reserves of the unit;

10. An estimate of the allowable costs in accordance with 4VAC25-160-100; and

11. How interested persons may obtain additional information or a complete copy of the application.

C. When after a diligent search the identity or location of any person to whom notice is required to be given in accordance with subsection A or B of this section is unknown at the time the applicant applies for a hearing before the board, the applicant for the hearing shall cause a notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, counties, city, or cities where the land or the major portion thereof which is the subject of the application is located. The notice shall include:

1. The name and address of the applicant;

2. A description of the action to be considered by the board;

3. A map showing the general location of the area which that would be affected by the proposed action or and a description which that clearly describes the location or boundaries of the area which that would be affected by the proposed action sufficient to enable local residents to identify the area;

4. The date, time and location of the hearing at which the application is scheduled to be heard; and

5. How interested persons may obtain additional information or a complete copy of the application.

D. Notice of a hearing made in accordance with § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia or this section shall be sufficient, and no additional notice is required to be made by the applicant upon a postponement or continuance of the hearing.

E. Each applicant for a hearing to modify an order established under §°45.1-361.21 or § 45.1-361.22 of the Code of Virginia shall provide notice in accordance with §°45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia to each person having an interest underlying the tract or tracts to be affected by the proposed modification.

F. An applicant filing a petition to modify a forced pooling order established under § 45.1-361.21 or § 45.1-361.22 of the Code of Virginia to change the unit operator based on a change in the corporate name of the unit operator; a change in the corporate structure of the unit operator; or a transfer of the unit operator's interests to any single subsidiary, parent or successor by merger or consolidation is not required to provide notice. Other applicants for a hearing to modify a forced pooling order shall provide notice in accordance with § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia to each respondent named in the order to be modified whose interest may be affected by the proposed modification.

4VAC25-160-50. Applications for field rules.

Each application filed under § 45.1-361.20 of the Code of Virginia to establish or modify a field rule, a drilling unit or drilling units shall contain:

1. The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if any;

2. In the case of an application to vacate or amend an order, identification of the order to be vacated or amended;

3. A statement of the relief sought and the proposed provisions of the order or a proposed order;

4. Citations of statutes, rules, orders, and decided cases supporting the relief sought;

5. In the case where a field rule is proposed to be established or modified:

a. A statement of the type of field (gas, oil or coalbed methane gas);

b. A description of the proposed formation or formations subject to the petition; and

c. A description of the pool or pools included in the field, based on geological and technical data, including the boundaries of the pool or pools and field, shown in accordance with the Virginia Coordinate System of 1927 1983, as defined in Chapter 17 (§ 55-287 et seq.) of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate System. The boundaries of the pool or pools and field shall also be located by taking the measured distance in feet from the unit to the nearest 2.5 minute longitude line to the east and the nearest 2.5 minute latitude line to the north on the 7.5 minute (1:24,000) topographic map, with a notation of the 7.5 minute topographic map name and series;

6. In the case where a drilling unit or units are proposed to be established or modified:

a. A statement of the acreage to be embraced within each drilling unit;

b. A description of the formation or formations to be produced by the well or wells in the unit or units; and

c. The boundaries of the drilling unit or units shown in accordance with subdivision 5 c of this section;

7. A statement of the amount of acreage to be included in the order;

8. A statement of the proposed allowable production rate or rates and supporting documentation, if applicable;

9. Evidence that any proposal to establish or modify a unit or units for coalbed methane gas will meet the requirements of § 45.1-361.20 C of the Code of Virginia;

10. An affidavit demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons in accordance with § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia and 4VAC25-160-40; and

11. When required, proof of notice by publication in accordance with 4VAC25-160-40 D C.

4VAC25-160-60. Applications for exceptions to minimum well spacing requirements.

Applications for an exception to statewide spacing under § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia or under a field rule issued by the board shall contain the following:

1. The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if any;

2. In the case of an application for an exception to spacing established in a field rule, identification of the order governing spacing in the field;

3. A statement of the proposed location of the well in relation to wells permitted or for which a permit application is pending before the Division of Gas and Oil at the time of filing within the distances prescribed in §°45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia;

4. A description of the formation or formations to be produced by the well proposed for alternative spacing and the wells identified in subdivision 3 of this section;

5. A description of the conditions justifying the alternative spacing;

6. An affidavit demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons in accordance with 4VAC25-160-40; and

7. When required, proof of notice by publication in accordance with 4VAC25-160-40 D C.

4VAC25-160-70. Applications to pool interests in a drilling unit: conventional gas or oil or no conflicting claims to coalbed methane gas ownership.

A. Applications filed under § 45.1-361.21 of the Code of Virginia to pool interests in a drilling unit for conventional gas or oil or for coalbed methane gas where there are no conflicting claims to ownership of the coalbed methane gas, except as provided for in subsection B of this section, shall contain the following:

1. The name and address of the applicant and the applicant's counsel, if any;

2. In the case of an application to vacate or amend an order, identification of the order to be vacated or amended;

3. A statement of the relief sought and proposed provisions of the order or a proposed order;

4. Citations of statutes, rules, orders, and decided cases supporting the relief sought;

5. A statement of the type of well or wells (gas, oil or coalbed methane gas);

6. The permit number or numbers, if any have been issued;

7. A plat showing the size and shape of the proposed unit and boundaries of tracts within the unit, shown in accordance with the Virginia Coordinate System of 1927 1983, as defined in Chapter 17 (§ 55-287 et seq.) of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia, also known as the State Plane Coordinate System. The proposed unit shall also be located by taking the measured distance in feet from the unit to the nearest 2.5 minute longitude line to the east and the nearest 2.5 minute latitude line to the north on the 7.5 minute (1:24,000) topographic map, with a notation of the 7.5 minute topographic map name and series. Also included shall be the names of owners of record of the tracts, and the percentage of acreage in each tract, certified by a licensed land surveyor or a licensed professional engineer and attested by the applicant as to its conformity to existing orders issued by the board;

8. A description of the status of interests to be pooled in the unit at the time the application is filed;

9. For an application to pool a coalbed methane gas unit, a statement of the percentage of the total interest held by the applicant in the proposed unit at the time the application for the hearing is filed;

10. A statement of the names of owners and the percentage of interests to be escrowed under § 45.1-361.21 D of the Code of Virginia for each owner whose location is unknown at the time the application for the hearing is filed;

11. A description of the formation or formations to be produced;

12. An estimate of production over the life of well or wells, and, if different, an estimate of the recoverable reserves of the unit;

13. An estimate of the allowable costs in accordance with 4VAC25-160-100;

14. An affidavit demonstrating that due diligence was used to locate and serve persons in accordance with § 45.1-361.19 of the Code of Virginia and 4VAC25-160-40 C; and

15. When required, proof of notice by publication in accordance with 4VAC25-160-40 D C.

B. Applications to amend an order pooling interests in a drilling unit may be filed by written stipulation of all persons affected. The application is not required to contain the information specified in subsection A of this section, but shall contain the proposed amended language to the order, shown by interlineation.

C. After Within 45 days after the time for election provided in any pooling order has expired, the unit operator shall file an affidavit with the board stating whether or not any elections were made. If any elections were made, the affidavit shall name each respondent making an election and describe the election made. The affidavit shall state if no elections were made or if any response was untimely. The affidavit shall be accompanied by a proposed supplemental order to be made and recorded to complete the record regarding elections. The affidavit and proposed supplemental order shall be filed by the unit operator within 45 days of the last day on which a timely election could have been delivered or mailed, or within 45 days of the last date for payment set forth in the pooling order, whichever occurs last. The applicant shall mail a true and correct copy of any supplemental order to all persons identified in the supplemental order.

4VAC25-160-130. Appeals of the director's decisions.

A. Appeals of the division director's decisions shall be filed in writing, at the office of the division, in accordance with §§ 45.1-361.23 and 45.1-361.36 of the Code of Virginia.

B. A petition to appeal a decision of the division director shall contain:

1. The name and address of the petitioner and the petitioner's counsel, if any;

2. Identification of the decision being appealed, and the date the decision was issued;

3. A statement identifying the standing of the petitioner to appeal;

4. A statement setting forth the reasons for the appeal, including errors alleged in the director's decision and the reasons why the decision is deemed contrary to law or regulation;

5. A statement that the issues on appeal were in fact raised as required by § 45.1-361.36 B of the Code of Virginia;

6. A statement setting forth the specific relief requested; and

7. When a stay to any proposed activity allowed as a result of the director's decision is desired, a request for the stay and the basis for granting the stay.

C. Upon receipt of an appeal containing a request for a stay, the division director shall decide on the request in accordance with § 45.1-361.23 D of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC25-160-190. Civil charges.

A. Civil charges shall be provided for in accordance with § 45.1-361.8 C of the Code of Virginia.

B. The division director, after finding any violation of the Act, a regulation promulgated under the Act, or order of the director or board, or upon direction from the board, may recommend a civil charge against a gas, oil or geophysical operator and shall base the recommendation on the Civil Charge Calculation Procedure established by order of the board.

4VAC25-160-200. Surveys and tests.

A. Deviation tests.

1. An inclination survey shall be made on all rotary drilled wells located in accordance with a field rule established by the board. An inclination survey is not required for wells drilled in accordance with the distance limitations of § 45.1-361.17 of the Code of Virginia.

2. The first shot point shall be at a depth not greater than the bottom of the surface casing or, for a well drilled through a coal seam, at a depth not greater than that of the bottom of the coal protection string. Succeeding shot points shall be no more than 1,000 feet apart, or as otherwise ordered by the director.

3. Inclination surveys conforming to these requirements may be made either during the normal course of drilling or after the well has reached total depth. Survey data shall be certified in writing as being true and correct by the designated agent or person in charge of a permittee's Virginia operations, or the drilling contractor, and shall indicate the resultant lateral deviation as the maximum calculated lateral displacement determined at any inclination survey point in a horizon approved for production, by an order of the board or a permit approved by the director, assuming that all displacement occurs in the direction of the nearest boundary of the unit. The resultant lateral deviation shall be recorded on the drilling or completion report filed by the permittee.

4. If a directional survey determining the location of the bottom of the hole is filed upon completion of the well, it shall not be necessary to file the inclination survey data.

5. A directional survey shall be made when:

a. A well is directionally controlled and is thereby intentionally deflected from vertical;

b. The resultant lateral deviation of any well, calculated from inclination survey data, is greater than the distance from the center of the surface location of the well bore to the nearest boundary of the area where drilling is allowed in a unit established by the board; or

c. A well is drilled as an exception location and a directional survey is ordered by the board.

6. The board or the director, on their own initiative or at the request of a gas or oil owner on a contiguous unit or tract, may require the permittee drilling any well to make a directional survey of the well if there is reasonable cause therefor. Whenever a survey is required by the board or the director at the request of a contiguous owner and the permittee of the well and contiguous owner are unable to agree as to the terms and conditions for making the directional survey, the permittee shall pay for the survey if the bottom hole location is found to be outside of the area approved for drilling, and the contiguous owner shall pay for the survey if the bottom hole location is found to be inside of the area approved for drilling.

7. Directional surveys shall be run from total depth to the base of the surface casing or coal protection string, unless otherwise approved by the board or the director. In the event that the proposed or final location of the producing interval or intervals of any well is not in accordance with this section or a board order, the unit operator shall apply to the board for an exception to spacing. However, directional surveys to total depth shall not be required in cases where the interval below the latest survey is less than 500 feet, and in such an instance, a projection of the latest survey shall be deemed to satisfy board requirements.

8. The results of each inclination or directional survey made in accordance with this section shall be filed by the permittee with the first drilling or completion report required by the department division.

B. Flow potential and gas/oil ratio tests: conventional gas or oil wells.

1. If a gas or oil well appears capable of producing gas or oil, the permittee shall conduct a potential flow test and a gas/oil ratio test within 10 14 days after the well is completed and capable of producing gas or oil. The permittee shall file the test results, electronically or in writing, with the director division. The director division director shall hold the test results confidential in accordance with § 45.1-361.6 of the Code of Virginia.

2. If a permittee deepens or stimulates a well after the initial potential flow test and gas/oil ratio test have been conducted, when determined to be necessary by the permittee or when requested by the board, the permittee shall conduct another potential flow test and gas/oil ratio test and, within 30 days after completing the test, file the results, in writing, with the director division.

3. A back-flow method of determining open flow shall be used, such as provided for in recommended by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, "Manual of Back-Pressure Testing of Gas Wells," 1979 2000. However, when a back-flow method is believed not to be feasible, the permittee shall obtain prior approval from the director division, and test the well in accordance with, an alternate method approved by the director that does not entail excessive physical waste of gas.

C. Testing of coalbed methane gas wells. If a permittee cannot test the potential flow of a coalbed methane gas well by a back-flow method or complete the test within the time period required in subdivision B 1 of this section, the permittee may request approval from the director to perform a coalbed methane gas production test. Such a test shall only be made when the water production and the gas flow rates are stabilized for a period of not less than 10 14 days prior to the test. The test shall be conducted for a minimum of 24 hours in the manner approved by the director. The permittee shall file the test results, electronically or in writing, with the director division. The director division director shall hold the test results confidential in accordance with § 45.1-361.6 of the Code of Virginia.

D. The board may, by order and after notice and hearing, require a permittee to complete other tests on any well.

Title of Regulation: 6VAC35-20. Regulations Governing the Monitoring, Approval, and Certification of Juvenile Justice Programs (amending 6VAC35-20-10, 6VAC35-20-30, 6VAC35-20-35, 6VAC35-20-37, 6VAC35-20-50, 6VAC35-20-60, 6VAC35-20-69, 6VAC35-20-75, 6VAC35-20-80, 6VAC35-20-90, 6VAC35-20-92, 6VAC35-20-93, 6VAC35-20-94, 6VAC35-20-100, 6VAC35-20-110, 6VAC35-20-120, 6VAC35-20-150; adding 6VAC35-20-36, 6VAC35-20-36.1, 6VAC35-20-61, 6VAC35-20-85, 6VAC35-20-91, 6VAC35-20-115, 6VAC35-20-200, 6VAC35-20-210, 6VAC35-20-220, 6VAC35-20-230, 6VAC35-20-240; repealing 6VAC35-20-63, 6VAC35-20-65, 6VAC35-20-67).

Statutory Authority: §§ 16.1-233 and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: December 7, 2012.

Agency Contact: Janet VanCuyk, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 1110, Richmond, VA 23218-1110, telephone (804) 371-4097, FAX (804) 371-0773, or email janet.vancuyk@djj.virginia.gov.

Basis: The board is entrusted with general authority to promulgate regulations by § 66-10 of the Code of Virginia, which states the board may "promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title and other laws of the Commonwealth administered by the Director or the Department" and "develop and establish programmatic and fiscal policies governing the operation of programs and facilities for which the Department is responsible under this law."

The board also establishes the substantive standards for juvenile court services unit (CSUs) (§§ 16.1-233, 16.1-234, 16.1-235, and 16.1-309.9 of the Code of Virginia), juvenile secure detention centers (§§ 16.1-249, 16.1-284.1, 16.1-291, 16.1-322.7, 16.1-309.9, and 16.1-309.10 of the Code of Virginia), juvenile group homes funded through Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) (§§ 16.1-309.9 and 16.1-309.10 of the Code of Virginia), juvenile halfway houses (§ 66-24 of the Code of Virginia), and juvenile correctional center (JCCs), including juvenile books camps (§ 66-13 of the Code of Virginia) and privately managed JCCs (§ 66-25.3 of the Code of Virginia).

The department is vested with the duty to ensure compliance with standards set by the board. Section 16.1-249 of the Code of Virginia requires juvenile secure detention centers, group homes, and any other residential placement wherein any alleged delinquent juveniles are placed pursuant to an order by the court to be "approved by" the department. Additionally, post-dispositional detention centers in juvenile secure detention centers must be certified pursuant to § 66-25.4 of the Code of Virginia and residential facilities utilized for the care of juveniles in direct state care must be certified pursuant to § 66-24 of the Code of Virginia. Moreover, § 16.1-309.9 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the board to "prohibit, by its order, the placement of juveniles in any place of residence which does not comply with the minimum standards. It may limit the number of juveniles to be detained or housed in a detention home or other facility and may designate some other place of detention or housing for juveniles who would otherwise be held therein."

Additionally, the following sections of the Code of Virginia require the board to promulgate regulations for specific juvenile justice programs:

§ 16.1-233 requires the board to regulate CSU staff, including their appointment and function, with the goal of establishing, as much as practicable, uniform services for juvenile and domestic relations courts throughout the Commonwealth.

§ 16.1-234 requires the director to ensure that the minimum standards established by the board for CSUs are adhered to by state-operated CSUs.

§ 16.1-309.9 requires the board to regulate the "development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of the range of community-based programs, services, and facilities authorized" by VJCCCA. This section also requires the department to "periodically review all services established and annually review expenditures."

§ 16.1-309.10 authorizes the board to visit, inspect, and regulate detention centers, group homes, and other residential care facilities "for children in need of services or delinquent, or alleged delinquent established by a county, city, or any combination thereof."

§ 16.1-322.7 requires the board to "make, adopt and promulgate regulation" governing the operation of local or regional detention centers. This section also requires a regulation to cover the "methods of monitoring contractor-operated" facilities "by an appropriate state or local governmental entity or entities."

§ 66-13 allows the department "to establish, staff and maintain facilities for the rehabilitation, training and confinement" of juveniles committed to the department. This section also requires the board to set standards for boot camps.

§ 66-24 establishes the board as the licensing agency for "group homes or residential facilities providing care of juveniles in direct state care" and requires the board to "promulgate regulations for licensure or certification of community group homes or other residential care facilities that contract with or are rented for the care of juveniles in direct state care."

§ 66-25.4 authorizes the board to promulgate regulations governing privately operated JCCs.

Several of the aforementioned sections require the board to promulgate specific regulations; however, none specifically require the board to issue regulations governing the regulatory process generally. Thus, the enactment of the Certification Regulation is permissive. Nevertheless, the board and the department have followed a Certification Regulation since 1992 (before the department separated from the Department of Corrections). While there is no specific requirement for a Certification Regulation, the board and the department have continued this regulatory chapter as it is important to have clear, concise, and consistent rules, rights, and responsibilities for the involved parties throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in light of the fact that over 20 juvenile group homes, 24 juvenile secure detention centers, and three CSUs are locally or commission-operated.

Purpose: The Regulations Governing the Monitoring, Approval, and Certification of Juvenile Justice Programs (the "Certification Regulation") sets forth the process by which the department and the board monitor compliance with the regulatory provisions applicable to residential facilities (local and state-operated), CSUs, and nonresidential programs and services in Virginia's juvenile justice system. It establishes (i) how the board will measure compliance with its regulations; (ii) thresholds for various regulatory actions available to the board; and (iii) minimum requirements for the department, as the board's regulatory agent, to monitor programs and report its findings. The regulation also provides for scheduled audits and unscheduled visits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations; an administrative review of audits; an appeals process in cases of disagreement with audit findings; and the issuance of variances under certain conditions.

Per the requirements in §§ 2.2-4017 and 2-2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia and Executive Order 36 (2006), the department is required to conduct a "periodic review." The purpose of this review is to determine (1) whether the regulation is supported by statutory authority (as determined by the Office of the Attorney General) and (2) that the regulation is (a) necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare; and (b) clearly written and easily understandable. This review must be completed every four years. The last comprehensive review of the Certification Regulation was completed in September 2003. Thus, the regulation must be reviewed in order to maintain compliance with the applicable statutes and Executive Order.

Additionally, the board is currently revamping its regulatory scheme relating to the requirements for residential programs regulated by the board (JCCs, juvenile secure detention centers, and juvenile group homes and halfway houses). The primary intent of this residential regulatory overhaul is to reduce confusion in applying the regulatory requirements in each type of facility. The existing regulatory provisions have been examined to determine whether each was (i) appropriate for the type of facility; (ii) clear in its intent and effect; and (iii) necessary for the proper management of the facility. Amendments were recommended to accommodate the type of facility's specific needs and to enhance program and service requirements to best provide for the residents. These regulations (6VAC35-71 for JCCs; 6VAC35-101 for juvenile secure detention centers; and 6VAC35-41 for juvenile group homes and halfway houses) are currently undergoing the Executive Branch review at the final stage of the regulatory process.

One of the changes approved by the board in the residential regulatory overhaul was to draft each regulation (one for each "type" of facility regulated) with the requirements for each facility, facility administrator, provider, or governing authority. In so doing, any responsibilities of the department, the regulatory authority, or the board currently included in the existing regulatory scheme (the Standards for Juvenile Residential Facilities (6VAC35-140) and the Standards for the Interim Regulation of Children's Residential Facilities (6VAC35-51)) are proposed to be removed (i.e., issuance of licenses/certification and sanction). It was determined that any appropriate provisions relating to the certification and licensure process should be contained in the Certification Regulation as it governs the process of regulating and certifying these facilities. Thus, the Certification Regulation must be amended to incorporate the necessary provisions currently provided for in other regulations. Since the Certification Regulation is (i) scheduled for its required periodic review and (ii) should be amended to incorporate those provisions deleted from the residential regulations applicable to the department and the board, the regulation will undergo a comprehensive review of each provision for appropriateness, effectiveness, clarity in intent, and effect, and will be modified to provide for all regulatory duties and responsibilities of the department and the board in the residential and nonresidential certification processes.

Finally, under the current regulation, the department conducts monitoring visits and audits of programs and facilities regulated by the board and the board makes the determination of whether a program or facility should be certified and, if so, the duration of the certification. In the current Certification Regulation, 6VAC35-20-100 details the actions that may be taken by the board regarding a program's or facility's certification status. What action may be taken is dependent upon any findings of noncompliance determined during the audit completed by department personnel.

Since the last review of the regulation, the authority to approve and certify a facility was reexamined to determine whether the certification function was administrative in nature and should be managed and whether certificates should be issued by the department rather than the board. The following sections of the Code of Virginia were examined: §§ 16.1-234, 16.1-235, 16.1-249, 16.1-278.4, 16.1-278.8, 16.1-284.1, 16.1-291, 16.1-309.9, 16.1-309.10, 66-10, 66-13, 66-24, and 66-25.1:3. After consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and Secretary of Public Safety, it was determined that (i) there is no general certification requirement (however, certification is required by the Department of Social Services and the Comprehensive Services Act for placement of juveniles in group homes and other certifications are required as stated in the "legal basis" section); (ii) the board establishes the substantive standards on which the programs and facilities are audited; (iii) the department ensures that the programs and facilities meet the board’s standards; and (iv) the board monitors the activities and effectiveness of the department and may prohibit placement or limit the number of juveniles placed in a facility that does not comply with its standards. The proposed language reflects this interpretation of the certification authority of the department, with oversight by the board.

Having programs and facilities in compliance with their regulatory requirements is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of juveniles served by or placed in the programs or facilities and staff employed therein. The Certification Regulation and proposed changes strengthen the process for monitoring, approving, and certifying programs and facilities in the juvenile justice system. The proposed changes establish clear, concise, and consistent rules, rights, and responsibilities for the involved parties throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in light of the fact that over 20 juvenile group homes, 24 juvenile secure detention centers, and three CSUs are locally or commission-operated. Having such a regulation is essential to protect the safety of juveniles participating in programs, and receiving services from and residing in juvenile residential facilities or nonresidential juvenile justice programs.

There are no known environmental benefits.

Substance: The following changes have been proposed for the Regulation Governing the Monitoring, Approval, and Certification of Juvenile Justice Programs (the "Certification Regulation"):

1. 6VAC35-20-10 (Definitions): Update the definitions and terms for clarity and consistency with other regulations promulgated by the board and current standards of practice. Delete several definitions considered unnecessary in the regulation or not needing to be defined due to the common usage of the term. Add other definitions for clarity and consistency in usage throughout the regulation. Amend other definitions to conform:

a. Delete the following definitions: (i) Administrative probation; (ii) Administrative review; (iii) Certified; (iv) Mandatory standards; (v) Plan of action; (vi) Random sampling; (vii) Substantial compliance; (viii) Systemic deficiency; and (ix) Unresolved life, health, or safety violation.

b. Add the following definitions: (i) Audit team leader, (ii) Certification audit, (iii) Compliance documentation, (iv) Conditional certification, (v) Corrective action plan, (vi) Critical regulatory requirements, (vii) Juvenile residential facility or facility, (viii) Monitoring review, (ix) Office on Youth, (x) Regulatory requirement, (xi) Summary suspension order, (xii) VJCCCA program, (xiii) VJCCCA program or office on youth audit, (xiv) VJCCCA program or office on youth audit report, and (xv) Written.

2. 6VAC35-20-30 (Purpose):

a. Amend to include all Code of Virginia citations providing for the monitoring, approval, and certification of programs and facilities.

b. Clearly distinguish between the certification of CSUs and facilities and monitoring of VJCCCA programs and offices on youth.

c. State the Board's role in reviewing certification audit reports when a CSU or facility is in noncompliance with a regulatory requirement.

3. 6VAC35-20-35 (Guidance documents):

Incorporate technical changes to conform with other changes in the regulation.

4. 6VAC35-20-36 (Program or facility relationship to regulatory authority):

Incorporate the basic components of 6VAC35-51-230 (Relationship to regulatory authority) in the board's Regulation Governing Residential Programs as they are recommended for deletion in the pending overhaul of the residential regulations.

5. 6VAC35-20-36.1 (Department response to reports of health, welfare, or safety violations):

Insert the current provisions, with technical amendments, of 6VAC35-20-65. This is recommended because placement in this section is chronologically logical.

6. 6VAC35-20-37 (Director's authority to take immediate administrative action):

a. Make technical changes.

b. Add the ability for notifications to be by mail, electronic mail, or hand delivery.

7. 6VAC35-20-50 (Preaudit process for certification audits):

a. Rework the provision regarding notice to the CSU or facility administrator to reflect current practice.

b. Delete the provision relating to an administrative review audit as these audits are never performed.

8. 6VAC35-20-60 (Monitoring of programs and facilities):

a. Reduce the number of required on-site monitoring visits from two (one announced, one unannounced) to one scheduled per year.

b. Allow additional monitoring visits to be conducted at the request of the board, the department, or a program or facility administrator.

9. 6VAC35-20-61 (Self-audit of programs and facilities subject to the certification audit):

Add a requirement for CSUs and facilities to complete self-audits each year, except in the year subject to a certification audit.

10. 6VAC35-20-63 (Reports of monitoring visits):

Delete this section. The department must report to the board any health, welfare, and safety violation (per 6VAC35-20-36.1).

11. 6VAC35-20-65 (Reports required of life, health, and safety violations):

a. Move subsection A to 6VAC35-20-36.1.

b. Delete subsection B. The board's ability to decertify is provided for in 6VAC35-20-115.

12. 6VAC35-20-67 (Disputes of noncompliance findings):

Move section to 6VAC35-20-90 C.

13. 6VAC35-20-69 (Newly opened facilities and new construction, expansion, or renovation of

residential facilities):

a. Add a requirement for the potential facility administrator to request a review for conditional certification.

b. Cross-reference the applicable substantive regulations for facilities and the certification actions in 6VAC35-20-100.

14. 6VAC35-20-75 (Certification of individual programs or facilities):

a. Designate the director or designee as the individual responsible for issuing certificates.

b. Move provisions relating to post-certification action to and insert certificate action provisions currently provided for in 6VAC35-20-100.

15. 6VAC35-20-80 (Certification audit procedures):

a. Clarify the burden of proof requirements.

b. Incorporate the requirement for the certification audit to include a personal visit to the program or facility.

16. 6VAC35-20-85 (Determining compliance with individual regulatory requirements):

a. Create a new section specifically addressing the determination of compliance with individual regulatory requirements.

b. Incorporate the standards for compliance currently utilized by the Department of Corrections.

17. 6VAC35-20-90 (Certification audit findings):

a. Move requirements relating to certification audit reports and corrective action plans (in subsection C) to 6VAC35-20-91.

b. Require notice of the findings to the program administrator, the program's or facility's supervisory or governing authority, and the director or designee.

c. Incorporate the post-audit actions currently provided in 6VAC35-20-67 and 6VAC35-20-75.

18. 6VAC35-20-91 (Corrective action plans and certification audit reports):

a. Create a separate section containing all provisions relating to corrective action plans and certification audit reports.

b. Add components currently provided for in department procedures relating to timelines and required report components.

19. 6VAC35-20-92 (Variance request):

Include a requirement that any variance requested as a result of a finding of noncompliance in an audit must be submitted with the corrective action plan to be implemented if the variance is denied.

20. 6VAC35-20-93 (Waivers):

Clearly delineate circumstances when a waiver may be granted.

21. 6VAC35-20-94 (Appeal process):

a. Amend the time frames for submission and response.

b. Add components currently provided for in department procedures.

c. Include a requirement that any appeal of a finding of noncompliance does not negate the requirement to submit a corrective action plan.

22. 6VAC35-20-100 (Certification action):

a. Require the department to notify the program or facility administrator of the audit team's recommended certification action and the time, date, and location when certification action will be taken.

b. State that the facility administrator has the right to attend the director's or designee's review of the certification audit report and determination of certification action.

c. Set specific criteria and parameters regarding issuance of certificates depending on level, duration, and frequency of noncompliance.

23. 6VAC35-20-110 (Notice of certification action):

a. Delete the requirement for facilities to post the certificate. This is recommended for incorporation in the pending residential regulation overhaul.

b. Move the requirement to provide variance documentation to 6VAC35-20-80.

24. 6VAC35-20-115 (Board review of programs and facilities found in noncompliance):

Create a new section providing for the board's authority to review audit reports and to take appropriate action when a program or facility is found to be in noncompliance with a regulatory requirement.

25. 6VAC35-20-120 (Actions following decertification or denial of certification):

Clarify actions to be taken after a program or facility is decertified or denied certification; specifically, the provisions relating to department-operated and local, regional, and privately operated facilities.

26. 6VAC35-20-150 (Critical regulatory requirements for juvenile residential facilities):

Delete reference to outdated "mandatory requirements" and require the board to separately define critical regulatory requirements.

27. 6VAC35-20-200 (Monitoring of VJCCCA programs or offices on youth):

Require the department to set a schedule for monitoring VJCCCA programs and offices on youth.

28. 6VAC35-20-210 (VJCCCA programs and offices on youth self-evaluations):

Require VJCCCA programs and offices on youth to complete self-assessments.

29. 6VAC35-20-220 (VJCCCA program and office on youth audits):

Set criteria for VJCCCA program and office on youth audits.

30. 6VAC35-20-230 (VJCCCA program and office on youth audit findings):

a. Require the department to provide audit findings to the program contact with a copy to the program's supervisory authority.

b. Allow for program appeals of a finding of noncompliance.

c. Require the department to monitor the progress of any program found in noncompliance.

31. 6VAC35-20-240 (Effect of VJCCCA program or office on youth noncompliance):

State the specific effects of a finding of noncompliance.

Issues: Having programs and facilities in compliance with their regulatory requirements is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of juveniles served by or placed in the programs or facilities and staff employed therein. The Certification Regulation and proposed changes strengthen the process for monitoring, approving, and certifying programs and facilities in the juvenile justice system. The proposed changes establish clear, concise, and consistent rules, rights, and responsibilities for the involved parties throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in light of the fact that over 20 juvenile group homes, 24 juvenile secure detention centers, and three CSUs are locally or commission-operated. Having such a regulation is essential to protect the safety of juveniles participating in programs, and receiving services from and residing in juvenile residential facilities or nonresidential juvenile justice programs.

The proposed amendments have been vetted through an advisory committee consisting of individuals who would be affected by the changes. The proposed amendments would streamline the reporting requirements and would not affect the quality of services provided. The proposed amendments do not pose any disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board of Juvenile Justice (the Board) proposes to 1) transfer the certification authority from the Board to the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice, 2) replace the unannounced monitoring visits with self audits for Court Service Units (CSUs) and facilities, 3) require Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) programs and offices on youth to complete self-assessments, 4) reduce the time frame to resolve a certification appeal from 15 days to 10 days, 5) require the notice of the audit findings be sent to additional authorities, 6) remove the list of critical requirements for juvenile residential facilities from the regulations, and 7) clarify and reorganize numerous existing requirements.

Result of Analysis. There is insufficient data to accurately compare the magnitude of the benefits versus the costs. Detailed analysis of the benefits and costs can be found in the next section.

Estimated Economic Impact. These regulations establish the process by which the Department of Juvenile Justice (the Department) and the Board monitor compliance with the regulatory provisions applicable to residential facilities, Court Service Units (CSUs), and nonresidential programs and services in Virginia's juvenile justice system.

One of the proposed changes will move the certification authority from the Board to the Department. According to the Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and Secretary of Public Safety, a reexamination of the legal authority to approve and certify a facility revealed that the certification authority lies with the Department, with oversight by the Board when there is finding of noncompliance. Thus, the proposed changes will make the Director or designee responsible for issuing certifications when certification criteria are met. However, when a program or facility is found in noncompliance with applicable regulatory requirements the Board’s oversight will be required in the certification process.

This change will transfer some of the authority from the Board to the Director. While there are no significant direct economic effects expected from this particular change, this change is procedurally significant. Also, the Department notes that the Board may not have the subject matter expertise as the Director would have. Moreover, certification decisions may be made faster by the Director than by the Board since the Board meets a few times over a year while the Director or his designee would be available throughout the year. Finally, it could be argued that by approving these proposed changes, the Board reveals its willingness to transfer this authority to the Director.

Another proposed change will reduce the number of required onsite monitoring visits from two (one announced, one unannounced) to one scheduled per year for CSUs and facilities, except in the year subject to certification audit. However, the proposed changes also add that CSUs and facilities perform self audits. Thus, the proposed changes essentially replace the unannounced monitoring visits with the self audits. According to the Department, this change will replace approximately 35-40 unannounced monitoring visits with self audits. However, the Department indicates that many facilities have already been voluntarily conducting self audits. Thus, only a few facilities are expected to incur additional compliance costs as a result of this change. Also, the Department believes that cost of unannounced monitoring visits and self audits are comparable for the facilities. However, a reduction in administrative costs of the Department is expected as self audits cost the Department less than the unannounced on-site monitoring visits.

The proposed changes will also require VJCCCA programs and Offices on Youth to complete self-assessments. Currently, there are no required unannounced monitoring visits for these programs, but there are certain reporting requirements in the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act manual. According to the Department, the intent of the self audit is to capture the intent of the manual requirements. Thus, the Department does not expect additional compliance costs on these programs and localities in approximately 77 jurisdictions.

Another proposed change will reduce the time frame to resolve a certification appeal from 15 days to 10 days. This change may add to the administrative costs of the Department due to shortened time frame to make appeal decisions, but it is expected to help resolve a deficiency quicker. Under the regulations, facilities do not have to take the corrective action plans while the appeal is under review.

The proposed changes will also require the notice of the audit findings be sent to the program's or facility's supervisory or governing authority and the Director or designee in addition to the program administrator. While there may be small administrative costs associated with issuing additional notices, the Department expects that the dissemination of notices to additional authorities would help in addressing the deficiencies quicker.

Finally, the proposed changes will remove the list of critical requirements for juvenile residential facilities from the regulations and establish that "the board shall designate which regulatory requirements will be classified as critical regulatory requirements." According to the Department, the current list is outdated and the Board needs flexibility since changes to this list may occur frequently. Critical requirement designation is significant because 100 percent compliance is required with the critical requirements for certification. With the proposed change, the Board will be able to change what is considered as a critical requirement and possibly change a facility’s certification status without going through the regulatory review process. Ultimate economic effects of this change will depend on what the Board designates as a critical requirement. Since there is no information on what changes the Board may make to the list in the future, this change creates uncertainty for the regulated programs and facilities.

All of the remaining changes are either clarification or reorganization of existing requirements and are not expected to create any significant economic effects other than improving the clarity of the regulations.

Businesses and Entities Affected. There are 24 locally or commission-operated juvenile secure detention centers, two halfway houses, 23 locally-operated group homes, 77 local jurisdictions for programs, six state Juvenile Correctional Centers, 32 state-operated CSUs, and three locally-operated CSUs.

Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed regulations apply throughout the Commonwealth.

Projected Impact on Employment. Replacing the unannounced monitoring visits with self audits for Court Service Units and facilities is expected to reduce the Department’s demand for labor.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. No significant impact on the use and value of private property is expected.

Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. No direct significant costs and other effects on small businesses are expected.

Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. No direct adverse impact on small businesses is expected.

Real Estate Development Costs. No significant impact on real estate development costs is expected.

Legal Mandate. The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with §°2.2-4007.04 of the Administrative Process Act and Executive Order Number 14 (10). Section 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include, but need not be limited to, the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the regulation would apply, the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and the impact on the use and value of private property. Further, if the proposed regulation has adverse effect on small businesses, §°2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include (i) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the regulation; (ii) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents; (iii) a statement of the probable effect of the regulation on affected small businesses; and (iv) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the regulation. The analysis presented above represents DPB's best estimate of these economic impacts.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The responsible Virginia Board of Juvenile Justice agency representatives have reviewed the Department of Planning and Budget's (DPB) Economic Impact Analysis of 6VAC35-20 - Regulations Governing the Certification Process (Certification Regulation). Regarding DPB's assessment that removing the critical requirements from the Certification Regulation creates uncertainty for the regulated programs and facilities, the Department of Juvenile Justice (Department) disagrees.

Under the current regulatory scheme, there is confusion as to what should be designated critical regulatory requirements because they are listed in the Certification regulation and not in the substantive regulations (6VAC35-51 and 6VAC35-140). Thus, when the substantive regulations are amended simultaneous changes may not be made to the Certification Regulation's designations. Removing the designations of critical requirements from the Certification Requirements will reduce confusion for the regulated entities. Additionally, in consultation with the regulated entities, it was agreed that having the Board retain the ability to designate would be appropriate as the decisions would be made in open meetings, subject to notice and public comment.

The agency has no additional comment regarding DPB's analysis.

Summary:

The proposed amendments include (i) separating the requirements for the certification of court service units and facilities and the auditing of VJCCCA programs and offices on youth; (ii) making the director or designee responsible for issuing certifications, with oversight by the board, when a program or facility is found in noncompliance with applicable regulatory requirements; (iii) reducing the number of required on-site monitoring visits from two (one announced, one unannounced) to one scheduled per year; (iv) adding a requirement for court service units and facilities to perform self audits; (v) clarifying pre-audit, audit, and post-audit procedures, including setting specific time frames; (vi) incorporating the requirements for corrective action plans and certification audit reports by including some requirements from the existing procedures and practices; (vii) setting specific criteria and parameters regarding issuance of certificates depending on level, duration, and frequency of noncompliance; (viii) adding a requirement for the program's or facility's supervisory or governing authority to be provided with notice of the certification action; (ix) incorporating the parameters for the board's review of programs and facilities found in noncompliance; (x) reworking the section regarding actions following decertification to track statutory authority; and (xi) removing the outdated list of "mandatory standards."

CHAPTER 20
REGULATIONS REGULATION GOVERNING THE MONITORING, APPROVAL, AND CERTIFICATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES

Part I
Definitions and General Provisions

6VAC35-20-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Administrative probation" means the status granted to a program or facility in an emergency situation at the discretion of the director pending the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

"Administrative review" means the audit of the administrative records of a local jurisdiction or governing commission. The administrative review involves only a review of documentation housed at a central office.

"Appeal of a finding of noncompliance" means the action taken by a unit, facility or program administrator after an a certification audit when there is disagreement with a team finding of noncompliance with an individual regulatory requirement.

"Audit team leader" means the person designated by the director or designee to organize and facilitate the certification audit or the audit of a VJCCCA program or office on youth.

"Board" means the Virginia Board of Juvenile Justice.

"Certification" or "certified" means the board's formal finding that a program meets (i) all mandatory standards; (ii) an acceptable percentage of all other standards as indicated in the chart at 6VAC35-20-100; and (iii) the requirements of applicable board policies; and or facility is consequently approved to operate for a specific period of time as provided for in 6VAC35-20-100.

"Certification action" means the department's decision to issue or deny certification or to decertify a program or facility as provided for in 6VAC35-20-100 or the board's decision to take action pursuant to 6VAC35-20-115.

"Certification audit" means an on-site visit by the process by which designated personnel to assess a program's or facility's compliance with applicable board standards and policies regulatory requirements, which includes an on-site visit, the results of which are reported to the board for in a certification audit report for certification action as provided for in 6VAC35-20-100. All facilities and court service units regulated by the board shall be subject to certification audits.

"Certification audit report" or "audit report" means the official report of certification audit findings prepared for review by the board by the audit team leader as provided for in 6VAC35-20-90.

"Certification status" means the type of certification approved by the board for issued to a given program or facility, including which includes the period of time specified in the certificate, during which the program or facility is approved to operate and must maintain its standards compliance levels and have acceptable plans of action compliance with its regulatory requirements and any corrective action plan.

"Certified" means that the board has approved a program to operate under the conditions set out in 6VAC35-20-100.

"Compliance" means meeting the requirements of a standard or an applicable board policy.

"Compliance documentation" means specific documents or information including records, reports, observations, and verbal responses to establish or confirm compliance with a regulatory requirement by a program or facility.

"Conditional certification" means a temporary certification status issued to a new or newly opened facility as provided for in 6VAC35-20-100.

"Corrective action plan" means a written document that, in accordance with 6VAC35-20-91, states what has been or will be done to bring all deficiencies into compliance with regulatory requirements.

"Critical regulatory requirements" means those regulatory requirements for programs or facilities, as defined by the board, that must be maintained at 100% compliance. Critical regulatory requirements were previously termed "mandatory standards."

"Decertified" means that a previously certified program does not meet the requirements to be certified and is no longer approved to operate a status imposed in accordance with 6VAC35-20-120 when it is determined that a program or facility has not met an acceptable percentage of compliance with its regulatory requirements as provided for in 6VAC35-20-85.

"Deficiency" and "noncompliance" means that the program or facility (i) does not meet, or has not demonstrated that it meets, the requirements of a board standard or policy regulatory requirements or (ii) does not comply with the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act local plan approved by the board.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

"Life, health, "Health, welfare, or safety violation" means any action or omission that results in noncompliance with a board standard or policy and causes an immediate and potentially serious substantial threat to the life, health, welfare, or safety of the youth juveniles or staff in juvenile residential programs facilities.

"Juvenile residential facility" or "facility" means a publicly or privately operated facility or placement where 24 hour-per-day care is provided to residents who are separated from their legal guardians and that is certified pursuant to this chapter. As used in this regulation, the term includes juvenile group homes and halfway houses, juvenile secure detention centers, and juvenile correctional centers.

"Mandatory standards" means those standards of performance for programs as defined by the board which must be maintained in 100% compliance at all times.

"Monitoring review" means a review by designated department personnel assessing the program's or facility's compliance with regulatory requirements. A monitoring review may be conducted via electronic means and does not require on-site examination of the program or facility. A monitoring review may be done in conjunction with a program's or facility's self-audit, which is provided for in 6VAC35-20-61.

"Monitoring visit" means an on-site review evaluation and inspection by designated personnel to assess a program's or facility's compliance with board-approved standards, policies and, when applicable, Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act local plan regulatory requirements.

"Newly opened facility" means both (i) a facility that is newly constructed and or (ii) an existing facility that is being placed in service as a juvenile residential program facility.

"Office on Youth" means nonresidential programs funded via the Virginia Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development Act (Chapter 3 (§ 66-26 et seq.) of Title 66 of the Code of Virginia).

"Plan of action" means a written document that explicitly states what has been or will be done to bring all deficiencies into compliance with board standards and policies.

"Probation" "Probationary certification" means the temporary status granted to a program by the board or facility to provide a period of time in which to come into demonstrate compliance with standards regulatory requirements.

"Program" means a juvenile residential facility, court service unit, or a nonresidential service subject to standards or policies of the board applicable regulatory requirements. For the purpose of this regulation, VJCCCA programs and offices on youth are not included in this definition.

"Program or facility administrator" means the staff member individual responsible for the operation operations of a program, or facility or institution subject to regulatory requirements.

"Random sampling" means a system for selecting programs for monitoring visits, by which all programs in a given category have a similar likelihood of being selected for a visit, but which may not result in any given program receiving a monitoring visit during any given period of time.

"Regulatory requirement" means a provision of a regulation promulgated by the board to which a program or facility must adhere. A section, subsection, or subdivision of a regulation may include multiple regulatory requirements as provided for in 6VAC35-20-85.

"Substantial compliance" means that the program meets all applicable mandatory standards and at least 90% of all other applicable standards.

"Summary suspension order" means an order issued by the director in accordance with § 66-24 of the Code of Virginia and 6VAC35-20-37 temporarily suspending a program's or facility's certification.

"Systemic deficiency" means that deficiencies have been found in three or more separate but related standards and have been cited by certification personnel as indicating that a program may have significant problems in a given area such as recordkeeping, training, health services, social services, security, etc.

"Unresolved life, health or safety violation" means a life, health or safety violation that is not corrected in an approved corrective plan of action or that has recurred after the life, health or safety violation was noted during an interim monitoring visit.

"Variance" means a board action that relieves a program or facility from having to meet a specific standard regulatory requirement or develop a corrective action plan of action for that standard, either permanently or regulatory requirement for a determined period of time, when (i) waiving these requirements will not result in a threat to the life, health or safety of juveniles or staff; (ii) enforcement will create an undue hardship; (iii) the standard is not specifically required by statute or by the regulations of another government agency; (iv) the standard is not designated as mandatory by the board; and (v) juveniles' care or services would not be adversely affected.

"VJCCCA program" means a nonresidential program established under the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (Article 12.1 (§ 16.1-309.2 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1 of the Code of Virginia).

"VJCCCA program or office on youth audit" means the on-site visit by designated department personnel to assess a program funded through the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (Article 12.1 (§ 16.1-309.2 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1 of the Code of Virginia) or the Virginia Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development Act (Chapter 3 (§ 66-26 et seq.) of Title 66 of the Code of Virginia) for compliance with the regulatory requirements as provided for in 6VAC35-150 (Regulation for Nonresidential Services) and 6VAC35-60 (Minimum Standards for Virginia Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development Act Grant Programs), as applicable.

"VJCCCA program or office on youth audit report" means an official report of a VJCCCA program or office on youth audit.

"Waiver" means a formal statement from the department temporarily excusing a program or facility from meeting a nonmandatory standard noncritical regulatory requirement pending board action on a formal variance request.

"Written" means the required information is communicated in writing. Such writing may be available in either hard copy or electronic form.

6VAC35-20-30. Purpose.

This regulation prescribes how, in accordance with Code of Virginia §§ 16.1-234, 16.1-309.1, 16.1-249, 16.1-309.9 B, 16.1-309.10, 16.1-349, and 66-10, 66-24, and 66-25.1:3 of the Code of Virginia, (i) the Board and Department of Juvenile Justice department will monitor and approve and audit juvenile residential facilities, programs, VJCCCA programs, and offices on youth; (ii) the department will certify residential facilities and nonresidential programs state-operated and local court service units that are part of the Commonwealth's juvenile justice system; and (iii) the board will review certification audit reports of programs and facilities found in noncompliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

6VAC35-20-35. Guidance documents.

To help programs and facilities meet all regulatory and policy requirements, the department shall prepare guidance documents compiling all standards and policies regulatory requirements applicable to each type of program or facility subject to this chapter and stating how compliance will be assessed. The guidance documents will serve as the basis for monitoring visits, monitoring reviews, certification audits, and the board's certification action and VJCCCA program or offices on youth audits.

6VAC35-20-36. Program or facility relationship to regulatory authority.

A. The program or facility shall submit or make available to the audit team leader such reports and information required to establish compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Documentation supporting compliance with regulatory requirements shall be retained by the program or facility from the date of the previous certification audit or VJCCCA program or office on youth audit.

B. The program or facility administrator shall notify the director or designee within five business days of any significant change in administrative structure or newly hired chief administrative officer or program or facility administrator or director.

C. The program or facility administrator shall, as required in the applicable guidance documents as prescribed in 6VAC35-20-35, notify the director or designee of the following:

1. Any serious incidents affecting the health, welfare, or safety of citizens, individuals under the supervision of the department, or staff;

2. Lawsuits against or settlements relating to the health, welfare, safety, or human rights of residents; and

3. Any criminal charges or reports of suspected child abuse or neglect against staff relating to the health, welfare, safety, or human rights of residents.

6VAC35-20-36.1. Department response to reports of health, welfare, or safety violations.

A. Whenever the department becomes aware of a health, welfare, or safety violation, the department shall take immediate action to correct the situation if not already done by the program or facility. The department's actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Reporting the situation to child protective services, the Virginia State Police or the law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction, or other enforcement authorities, as applicable and appropriate; or

2. Taking any action authorized in 6VAC35-20-37 for violations in a juvenile residential facility.

B. The department shall report to the board no later than its next regularly scheduled meeting (i) the nature and scope of the health, welfare, or safety violation and (ii) the action taken by the department or the program or facility to correct the violation.

6VAC35-20-37. Director's authority to take immediate administrative action.

A. Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to limit the director's authority to take immediate administrative action in accordance with law whenever (i) evidence is found of any life, health, welfare, or safety violation or (ii) a program or facility is not in substantial compliance with board-approved standards, policies, regulatory requirements or local plan for the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act programs requirements. Such administrative action may include, but is not limited to (a) withholding funds; (b) removing juveniles from the program or facility; or (c) placing the program or facility on administrative probation probationary certification status for up to six months pending certification action review by the board pursuant to 6VAC35-20-115; or (d) summarily suspending the certificate pursuant to subsection B of this section. In taking such action, the department shall notify the program or facility administrator, the administrative entity that to which the program or facility reports to, and the board, in writing, of the reason for the administrative action and the action the program or facility must take to correct the situation violation.

B. In accordance with subsection A of this section and pursuant to the provisions set forth in § 66-24 of the Code of Virginia, the director may issue a preliminary summary order of suspension order of the license or certificate of any group home or the juvenile residential facility so regulated by the department. board as follows:

1. Conditions A preliminary order of suspension may be issued when conditions or practices existing exist in the home or facility posing that pose an immediate and substantial threat to the health, welfare, or safety, and welfare of the residents include including, but not limited to, the following:

a. Violations of any provision of applicable laws or applicable regulations made pursuant to such laws;

b. Permitting, aiding, or abetting the commission of any illegal act in the regulated home or facility;

c. Engaging in conduct or practices that are in violation of statutes related to abuse or neglect of children;

d. Deviating significantly from the program or services for which a license or certificate was issued without obtaining prior written approval from the regulatory authority or failing to correct such deviations within the specified time; or

e. Engaging in a willful action or gross negligence that jeopardizes the care or protection of the resident.

2. The director shall immediately upon issuance of the preliminary summary suspension order and without delay notify the licensee or certificate holder verbally and by in writing via (i) facsimile, (ii) electronic mail, or (iii) hand delivery of the issuance of the preliminary order of suspension and the opportunity for a hearing before the director or his designee within three working business days of the issuance of the preliminary summary order of suspension order. The chair of the board must be notified immediately when the director issues a preliminary summary suspension order. In accordance with 6VAC35-20-36.1, the director shall report the action taken to the board no later than its regularly scheduled meeting.

a. The licensee or certificate holder may decline the opportunity for an appeal to the director or his designee.

b. Whenever an appeal is requested and a criminal charge is also filed against the appellant involving the same conduct, the appeal process shall be stayed until the criminal prosecution is completed. During such stay, the licensee's or certificate holder's right of access to the records of the department regarding the matter being appealed shall also be stayed. Once the criminal prosecution in court has been completed, the department shall advise the appellant in writing of his right to resume his appeal within the timeframes time frames provided by law and regulation.

3. The licensee or certificate holder may appear before the director or his designee by personal appearance or by telephone. Any documents filed may be transmitted by facsimile and the facsimile and any signatures thereon shall serve, for all purposes, as an original document.

a. Upon request, the department shall provide the appellant a summary of the information used in making its determination. Information prohibited from being disclosed by state or federal law or regulation shall not be released. In the case of any information being withheld, the licensee or certificate holder shall be advised of the general nature of the information and the reasons, of privacy or otherwise, that it is being withheld.

b. The director or his designee shall preside over the appeal. With the exception of the director, no person whose regular duties include substantial involvement with the certification or licensing of the facilities shall preside over the appeal.

(1) The licensee or certificate holder may be represented by counsel.

(2) The licensee or certificate holder shall be entitled to present the testimony of witnesses, documents, factual data, arguments, or other submissions of proof.

4. The director or his designee shall have the authority to sustain, amend, or reverse the preliminary summary suspension order. If sustained or amended, the order is considered final. The director or his designee shall notify the licensee or certificate holder in writing of the results of the appeal and of the right to appeal the final order to the appropriate circuit court within 10 days of the hearing decision. Notification of the results of the appeal before the director or his designee shall be mailed certified with return receipt to the licensee or certificate holder.

a. The chair of the board must be immediately notified when the director issues a final order of summary suspension order. In accordance with 6VAC35-20-65 6VAC35-20-36.1, the director shall report the action taken to the board no later than its next regularly scheduled meeting the action taken.

b. If the licensee or certificate holder is not satisfied, the licensee or certificate holder may dispute the noncompliance finding in accordance with 6VAC35-20-67 6VAC35-20-90.

Part II
Certification Audits of Programs and Facilities

6VAC35-20-50. Preaudit process for certification audits.

A. At least six months in advance of an a certification audit, personnel designated by the director the department shall notify each program or facility to be audited of the scheduled audit date and the name of the designated audit team leader.

B. Up until At least 90 days before the scheduled audit, the program or facility administrator may request that the audit be rescheduled. Except as provided in 6VAC35-20-100, audits, even if rescheduled, must occur before the expiration of the current certification, unless specifically approved by the director.

C. Audit team members shall be appointed and notified of their appointment at least 30 days prior to the scheduled audit. The program administrator of the agency to be audited shall receive a list of the team members.

D. At least 10 days prior to the scheduled audit, C. The audit team leader shall provide the program or facility administrator with a list of audit team members as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 days before the scheduled certification audit. Upon notification of the audit team members, the program or facility administrator may, for just cause, request that one or more members of the audit team be replaced. Every reasonable effort will be made to comply with the request. Any subsequent addition or substitution of the audit team members shall be communicated to the program or facility administrator as soon as practicable and may be made subject to the mutual agreement of the audit team leader and program or facility administrator.

E. In instances where several programs are operated under the administration of a single commission, the certification team and the program administrator may agree to an administrative review audit.

6VAC35-20-60. Monitoring visits of programs and facilities.

A. All state and local programs or facilities subject to standards regulations issued by the Board of Juvenile Justice board shall be subject to periodic, scheduled monitoring visits, scheduled and or monitoring reviews conducted in accordance with written department procedures. Whenever deemed necessary, the board may require that a monitoring visit be conducted of any program.

B. The department shall annually submit to the board develop a plan for monitoring programs and facilities subject to certification audits, which shall provide for at least the following:

1. All residential programs, court service units and offices on youth that are currently receiving state funding programs and facilities that are subject to certification audits shall receive at least one announced scheduled monitoring visit per year. A certification audit may shall satisfy the requirement of a scheduled monitoring visit. In addition, all residential programs and court service units shall receive at least one unannounced monitoring visit per year.

2. All nonresidential programs established under the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (Article 12.1 of Title 16.1 of the Code of Virginia) shall be reviewed at least once every two years to determine compliance with the approved local plans and standards promulgated by the board. Additional monitoring visits or monitoring reviews may be conducted at the request of the board, department, or program or facility administrator.

3. Individual nonresidential programs shall receive monitoring visits according to the department's annual plan, which may provide for random sampling of programs in various categories. However, during each calendar year at least one nonresidential program in each Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) plan shall receive a monitoring visit.

6VAC35-20-61. Self-audit of programs and facilities subject to certification audits.

A. All programs and facilities subject to certification audits shall, in accordance with department procedures, conduct, except in the year the program or facility is subject to a certification audit, an annual self-audit for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

B. The self-audit reports shall be made available during the certification audit.

6VAC35-20-63. Reports of monitoring visits. (Repealed.)

The department shall report to the board in writing any significant deficiencies identified through monitoring visits or other means when a program has failed to take needed corrective action.

6VAC35-20-65. Reports required of life, health and safety violations. (Repealed.)

A. Whenever department personnel become aware of a life, health or safety violation, the department shall take immediate action to correct the situation if the program has not already done so. Such action may include but is not limited to reporting the situation to Child Protective Services, the State Police, or other enforcement authorities as appropriate, administrative probation, removal of residents or suspension of finding. The department shall report to the board no later than its next regularly scheduled meeting: (i) the nature and scope of the violation, and (ii) the action taken by the department or the program to correct the deficiency.

B. When a life, health or safety violation has not been adequately corrected, the board may take certification action up to and potentially including decertification.

6VAC35-20-67. Disputes of noncompliance findings. (Repealed.)

Any program that is cited for noncompliance with board-approved standards, policies or local VJCCCA plan may:

1. Request a variance in accordance with 6VAC35-20-92; or

2. Appeal the finding, in writing, within 10 days of receiving notice of the finding, in accordance with department procedures and 6VAC35-20-94.

6VAC35-20-69. New Newly opened facilities and new construction, expansion, or renovation of residential programs facilities.

A. When a newly opened facility seeks certification to allow the admission of residents, the facility administrator shall contact the director or designee to request a review of the facility for conditional certification.

B. The facility administrator and the department shall follow the requirements of this chapter and department procedures in reviewing a facility prior to admission of residents. New construction, expansions, and renovations in all juvenile residential programs facilities, whether or not the facility or its sponsor is seeking reimbursement for construction or operations, shall conform to applicable the governing provisions in of the board's Regulations for Local Juvenile Residential Facility Construction and Reimbursement of Local Construction Costs (6VAC35-30), and Standards for Interagency Regulation of Children's Residential Facilities (22VAC42-10). In addition, the department shall consider the facility's degree of compliance with the Guidelines for Minimum Standards in Design and Construction of Juvenile Facilities. following regulations and any applicable guidance documents related thereto:

1. Regulation Governing Juvenile Correctional Centers (6VAC35-71);

2. Regulation Governing Juvenile Secure Detention Centers (6VAC35-101);

3. Regulation Governing Juvenile Group Homes and Halfway Houses (6VAC35-41); and

4. Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs (6VAC35-30).

B. The department shall not approve the housing of juveniles in a newly opened facility if the facility does not meet the requirements for a conditional certification as provided in 6VAC35-20-100.

C. The department shall not approve the housing of juveniles in any portion of a facility that has been modified through expansion or renovation, until designated department staff visit the facility and verify that:

1. The facility or applicable portion thereof complies with all applicable mandatory standards and physical plant standards; and

2. The current certification issued by the board is appropriate to the status of its program and construction.

C. A newly constructed, expanded, or renovated facility shall, except as provided in subsection D of this section, obtain conditional certification as provided in 6VAC35-20-100 prior to the placement of residents in the new facility or portion of an existing facility subject to the expansion or renovation.

D. The director or designee shall consider the request for certification within 60 days of receiving the request and report of the basic audit findings. Actions taken by the director or designee shall be governed by the provisions of 6VAC35-20-100.

6VAC35-20-75. Certification of individual programs or facilities.

A. The board director or designee shall individually certify all (i) juvenile residential facilities, and (ii) court service units and offices on youth that are currently receiving state funding.

B. The department shall schedule and conduct certification audits in sufficient time for the board to take action on the audit report before a program's current certification expires. The department shall publish procedures for naming audit team members, conducting on-site audits, determining compliance, conducting exit interviews, reviewing and approving corrective plans of action, and instructing programs how to request variances or appeal findings.

C. Upon the completion of the audit, the certification audit findings shall be reported to the program's administrator and sponsor and to appropriate department personnel. The program administrator or sponsor may appeal any of the certification audit findings in accordance with department procedures that shall specify (i) the timeframes for filing the appeal and for the department's response; and (ii) the department personnel responsible for considering the appeal.

D. Appeals of audit findings that cannot be resolved by the department shall be forwarded to the board for resolution as provided in 6VAC35-20-94.

E. Designated department personnel shall review and approve plans of action to address deficiencies identified in the audit report, and summaries of the approved plans of action shall be forwarded to the board along with the audit report.

F. Requests for variances shall be forwarded to the board along with the department's recommendation to approve or disapprove the variance.

B. The director or designee may extend a current certification for a specified period of time pending a certification audit and the completion of an administrative review, provided the department is not aware of any health, welfare, or safety violations.

C. If a program's or facility's certification expires prior to the director's or designee's consideration of the certification audit report, the program's or facility's current certification status shall continue in effect until the director or designee takes certification action.

D. The director or designee may, upon the request of a program or facility administrator or the department, modify during the term of the certificate the conditions of a certificate relating to a program's or facility's certification status or capacity, the residents' age range or sex, the facility's location, or changes in the services offered and provided.

E. A certificate is not transferrable and automatically expires when there is a change of ownership or sponsorship of the program or facility.

F. When the program or facility ceases to operate, the program or facility administrator shall return the certificate to the director or designee. The department shall notify the board of the change in the program's or facility's status.

6VAC35-20-80. On-site Certification audit procedures.

A. The burden of providing proof of compliance with standards rests with the program staff. Documentation created once the audit has begun shall not be accepted. The program or facility shall demonstrate substantial compliance as required in this chapter and by any applicable guidance documents that require that the program or facility have no areas of noncompliance that pose an immediate and direct danger to residents.

B. The audit team shall (i) visit the program or facility and (ii) review and examine sufficient documentation to adequately render a determination of compliance as provided for in 6VAC35-20-85.

1. The burden of providing proof of compliance with regulatory requirements rests with the program or facility staff.

2. A program or facility with an approved variance or waiver shall provide such documentation to the certification audit team.

B. 3. It is permissible to provide additional documentation should the certification team request it; however, such documentation must already exist when the audit begins. Once the audit is concluded, any changes made by an agency will not change the compliance determination for a given standard but instead become part of the program's plan of action.

4. Compliance documentation shall be collected through documentation, interview, and observation.

6VAC35-20-85. Determining compliance with individual regulatory requirements.

A. During the audit process, the department shall determine whether the program or facility is compliant with each regulatory requirement. To be found in compliance, the following shall be shown:

1. The program or facility shall:

a. For critical regulatory requirements, demonstrate 100% compliance;

b. For noncritical regulatory requirements with multiple elements, the certification audit team will make a determination of compliance as indicated in the applicable compliance document that shall require (i) an acceptable percentage of compliance with the provision and (ii) an absence of any systemic noncompliance in any single element; or

c. For all noncritical regulatory requirements, demonstrate an acceptable percentage compliance as provided for in the applicable guidance document.

2. The program or facility shall not have:

a. Any circumstance or condition constituting a pattern of action that presents a concern for the health, welfare, or safety of the residents, program participants, or staff; or

b. Any circumstance or condition that presents an immediate threat to the health, welfare, or safety of the residents, program participants, or staff.

B. The determination of noncompliance shall be a decision made by the entire certification team in accordance with the applicable guidance document.

C. For purposes of calculating percentage of compliance, the determination of what constitutes individual regulatory requirements (i.e., section, subsection, subdivision, or element in a list in the regulatory chapter) will be specified in the applicable guidance document.

6VAC35-20-90. Certification audit reports findings.

A. Upon the completion of the audit, the certification audit findings shall be discussed with the program's or facility's administrator or designee.

A. B. A written report of the team's findings from the certification audit shall be submitted to the program administrator, within 10 working business days following the compliance certification audit, to (i) the program or facility administrator, (ii) the supervisory or governing authority over the program or facility administrator, and (iii) to the director or designee. Any finding of noncompliance with a regulatory requirement shall be documented.

B. The program administrator shall develop a plan of action to correct all noncompliance findings. The plan of action shall be submitted to the department personnel as designated in department procedures within 15 days of receipt of the report of the team's findings. In exceptional situations, the designated department personnel may grant a 30-day extension to a program administrator for the development of an action plan. C. Any program or facility that is cited for noncompliance with a regulatory requirement may within 10 business days of receiving the written report of the findings for the certification audit:

1. Request in writing a variance in accordance with 6VAC35-20-92; or

2. Appeal the finding of noncompliance in writing and in accordance with department procedures and 6VAC35-20-94.

C. The department shall issue guidelines, including timeframes, that provide a process for reviewing and approving plans of corrective action, including those that are initially deemed unacceptable and in need of refinement, in time for the plans to be included in the audit report to the board. If an acceptable plan of action is not submitted within the required time frame, the director or designee shall refer the matter to the board for action.

D. Each certification audit report submitted to the board shall contain:

1. The program's name, administrator, sponsor, location and purpose;

2. A summary of the program's target audience, its relation to other entities in the community and in the juvenile justice system, and other information relevant to its operation;

3. The date of the certification audit and the names of the audit team members;

4. Notation of all standards and policies for which noncompliance was found, including especially notation of any life, health or safety violations; a brief description of the circumstances, including extenuating and aggravating factors; and supplemented, when appropriate, with photographic evidence or other documentation; and

5. For each deficiency cited, a plan of corrective action that states:

a. The action taken or required to correct the deficiency and prevent its recurrence;

b. The person or agency responsible for the action; and

c. The deadline for taking the action.

6VAC35-20-91. Corrective action plans and certification audit reports.

A. For each finding of noncompliance, the program or facility administrator shall develop a corrective action plan.

1. The corrective action plan shall be submitted to the department within 30 days of receipt of the written certification audit findings. For good cause, the department may grant a 30-day extension to a program or facility administrator for the development of the corrective action plan.

2. The department shall issue guidelines that provide for (i) the format, (ii) any content not currently required by this section, and (iii) the process for the department's review and approval of corrective action plans.

3. The corrective action plan shall include the following:

a. A description of any extenuating or aggravating factors contributing to the noncompliant circumstances or conditions;

b. A description of each corrective action required or tasks required to correct the deficiency and prevent its recurrence;

c. The actual or proposed date of task completion; and

d. The identification of the person responsible for oversight of each element of the implementation of the corrective action plan.

If the corrective action proposed by the program or facility involves a request for a variance in accordance with 6VAC35-20-92, the corrective action plan must also state what action will be taken to meet or attempt to meet the regulatory requirement should the request for the variance be denied.

4. The program or facility administrator shall be responsible for developing and implementing a written corrective action plan.

5. If a finding of noncompliance results in a request for an appeal of the finding of noncompliance or a variance, documentation of the request for a variance or of the appeal of the finding of noncompliance should be attached to the corrective action plan.

B. Each certification audit report submitted to the director or designee shall contain:

1. The program's or facility's name, administrator, and location;

2. A summary of the program's or facility's population served, programs, and services provided;

3. The date of the certification audit and the names of the audit team leader and members; and

4. Notation of all regulatory requirements for which there was a finding of noncompliance as provided for in 6VAC35-20-85.

If there is a finding of noncompliance with a regulatory requirement, the report shall describe the noncompliance and incorporate the program's or facility's corrective action plan for each area of noncompliance. If a program or facility administrator fails to submit a corrective action plan within the time specified, the certification audit report, with audit team recommendations, shall be submitted to the director or designee for consideration.

C. The program or facility administrator shall submit to the audit team leader, upon completion of the corrective action plan, documentation confirming all corrective actions have been fully executed.

6VAC35-20-92. Variance request.

A. Any request for a variance must be submitted in writing and. If the request is submitted subsequent to a finding of noncompliance in a certification audit, the request must be submitted within 10 days of receiving the written report of the findings from the certification audit. All requests shall include:

1. The nonmandatory standard noncritical regulatory requirement for which a variance is requested;

2. The justification for the request;

3. Any actions taken to come into compliance;

4. The person and agency responsible for such action;

5. The date at which time compliance is expected; and

6. The specific time period requested for this variance; and.

7. A draft plan of corrective action describing how the program would meet the standard should the variance not be granted.

The department's recommendation to the board as to the certification action to be taken shall address each of the program's variance requests.

B. Documentation of any variance requests stemming from a finding of noncompliance in a certification audit shall be submitted along with the corrective action plan for correcting any deficiencies cited during the certification audit as provided for in 6VAC35-20-91.

C. A requested variance shall not be implemented prior to obtaining the approval of the board.

D. Requests for variances shall be placed on the agenda for consideration at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. The requested variance shall be accompanied by the department's recommendation to approve or disapprove the variance.

E. In issuing variances, the board shall specify the scope and duration of the variance.

6VAC35-20-93. Waivers.

A. When a program or facility has submitted a formal variance request to the board concerning a nonmandatory standard noncritical regulatory requirement, the director may, but is not required to, grant a waiver temporarily excusing a program or facility from meeting the requirements of the standard regulation when (i) the standard regulatory requirement is not required by statute or by federal or state regulations other than those issued by the board of juvenile justice; (ii) noncompliance with the standard regulatory requirement will not result in a threat to the life, health, welfare, or safety of residents, the community, or staff; (iii) enforcement will create an undue hardship; and (iv) juveniles' care or services would not be adversely affected.

B. A waiver shall be granted only when the program or facility is presented with emergency conditions or circumstances making compliance with the regulatory requirement either impossible or impractical.

C. The waiver shall be in effect only until such time as the board acts on the variance request. The board will act on the matter at its first meeting following notice from the department director or designee that a waiver has been granted.

C. D. The director or designee shall promptly notify the board by first class mail of waivers granted, and the rationale for so doing granting.

D. E. A program or facility will not be cited for noncompliance with the requirements of a standard regulatory requirement subject to a waiver during the time it operates pursuant to a waiver approved by the director or designee.

6VAC35-20-94. Appeal process for a finding of noncompliance with an individual regulatory requirement.

If an appeal of any audit findings is being made, the program administrator shall attach the appeal request to any plan of action and submit the appeal to department personnel as designated in agency procedures within 15 days of written notification of the audit findings.

A. A program or facility administrator may appeal a finding of noncompliance of an audit by submitting the appeal to the director or designee within 10 days of the written notification of the audit findings.

Department staff as designated in agency procedures B. The manager for the certification team or designee shall contact the program or facility administrator and make every effort to resolve the appeal with the program administrator within 15 10 days of receiving the appeal receipt of the appeal. If the program administrator is not satisfied, he may submit a written request to department staff as designated in department procedures within five days to have the matter reviewed by the Board of Juvenile Justice at its next scheduled meeting. The matter will be placed on the board's agenda pursuant to timeframes adopted by the board for submission of agenda items.

C. If department personnel and the program or facility administrator are not able to informally resolve the issue on appeal, the request for an appeal shall be forwarded by the manager for the certification team or designee as soon as practicable to the director or designee.

1. The director or designee shall issue a decision on the appeal within 15 business days of receipt.

2. The program or facility administrator shall be informed as soon as practicable, but no later than the end of the next business day, of the director's or designee's decision.

D. If the appealed finding of noncompliance remains unresolved after exhaustion of the informal review and appeal to the director designee, the program or facility administrator may appeal the director's or designee's decision to the board. Upon request, the department shall place the appealed finding of noncompliance on the board's agenda for consideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

E. If the appeal is granted, the finding of noncompliance shall be removed from the certification audit report.

F. An appeal pursuant to this section does not negate the requirement to submit a corrective action plan, as required by 6VAC35-20-91, on the disputed regulatory requirement.

6VAC35-20-100. Board certification Certification action.

A. The board may extend a current certification for a specified period of time, pending a certification audit and the completion of administrative reviews, provided the program meets all mandatory standards and the board and the department are not aware of any life, health or safety violations.

B. If a program's certification expires during a period when the board does not meet, the program's current certification status shall continue in effect until the board meets and takes certification action.

C. Once the board takes certification action, the board will issue a certificate or letter clearly identifying the program, the certification status, and the period of time during which the certification will be effective unless the certificate is revoked or surrendered sooner.

D. For purposes of calculating percentage of compliance, a standard will be identified either as a section of the Virginia Administrative Code or a subsection identified by an uppercase letter (A, B, C, etc.). Thus, whenever a section of a 6VAC35 regulation contains one or more subsections, each subsection constitutes a distinct standard. Subdivisions (identified by numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) or lower case letters (a, b, c, etc.) are not separate standards but are elements of the standard. When any element a, b, c or 1, 2, 3 is not met, the standard in which it appears is not met.

E. A Conditional Certification for up to six months will be issued to a new program that:

1. Demonstrates 100% compliance with all mandatory standards;

2. Demonstrates at least 90% compliance with all nonmandatory standards;

3. Has acceptable plans of action for all noncompliances; and

4. Has no unresolved life, health or safety violations.

F. A One-year Certification will be issued when a program currently holds a Conditional Certification, a One-Year Certification, or a Three-Year Certification, and:

1. Is in 100 % compliance with all mandatory standards;

2. Demonstrates at least 90% compliance with all other standards;

3. Has acceptable plans of action for all noncompliance;

4. Has no unresolved life, health or safety violations; and

5. Has no more than one systemic deficiency.

G. A Three-year Certification will be issued when a program currently holds a One-year Certification or a Three-year Certification and the program:

1. Is in 100% compliance with all mandatory standards;

2. Demonstrates at least 95% compliance with all other standards;

3. Has acceptable plans of action for all noncompliance;

4. Has no unresolved life, health or safety violations; and

5. Has no systemic deficiencies.

H. Any program, in any certification status, will be placed on probation for up to six months when the program:

1. Is in less than 100% compliance with all mandatory standards but has acceptable plans of action to address deficiencies;

2. Demonstrates less than 90% compliance with all other standards;

3. Does not have acceptable plans of action for all noncompliance;

4. Has one or more unresolved life, health or safety violations; or

5. Has two or more systemic deficiencies.

I. Any program, regardless of current certification status, will be decertified or denied certification when:

1. The program is in less than 100% compliance with all mandatory standards without acceptable plans of action to address deficiencies;

2. The program demonstrates less than 90% compliance with all other standards and does not have acceptable plans of action to address deficiencies;

3. The program, if on probation or administrative probation, has not corrected the circumstances that were cited in placing the program on probation or administrative probation to the point that the program would qualify for at least conditional certification; or

4. The program's staff have (i) committed, permitted, aided or abetted any illegal act in the program; or (ii) violated child abuse or neglect laws; or (iii) deviated significantly from the program or services for which a certificate was issued without prior approval from the board; or (iv) failed to correct any such deviations within the time specified by the board; or (v) falsified records.

A. The department shall notify the program or facility administrator of (i) the date, time, and location the director or designee will take certification action relating to the program's or facility's certification audit and (ii) any recommendation of the audit team regarding the program's or facility's certification status. The program or facility administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel or other qualified representative when the director or designee considers the audit report and makes a certification decision.

B. A conditional certification for up to six months will be issued to a new program or a newly opened facility that:

1. Demonstrates 100% compliance with (i) all critical regulatory requirements and (ii) any physical plant regulatory requirements;

2. Demonstrates at least 90% compliance with all noncritical regulatory requirements;

3. Has acceptable corrective action plans for all noncompliances; and

4. Has no unresolved health, welfare, or safety violations.

C. Upon review of the audit findings and any acceptable corrective action plans, the director or designee may take the following certification actions:

1. If the certification audit finds the program or facility in (i) 100% compliance with all regulatory requirements or (ii) less than 100% with a corrective action plan demonstrating the program or facility is in 100% compliance, the director or designee shall certify the facility for three years.

2. If the certification audit finds the program or facility in less than 100% compliance with all regulatory requirements and there (i) are no health, welfare, or safety violations and (ii) is an acceptable corrective action plan for any finding of deficiency, the director or designee shall certify the facility for a specific period of time, up to three years.

3. If the certification audit finds the program or facility in less than 100% compliance with all regulatory requirements and there is a health, welfare, or safety violation with an acceptable corrective action plan for any finding of deficiency, the director or designee shall continue the program's or facility's current certification for a specific period of time, with a status report to be provided within a specified period of time, not to exceed six months.

a. If the status report indicates no continued areas of noncompliance, the director or designee shall certify the facility for up to three years, subject to the provisions of subdivision C 7 of this section.

b. If the status report indicates any continued area of noncompliance, none of which is a health, welfare, or safety violation, the director or designee shall continue the program's or facility's certification with a status report required within a specific period of time, not to exceed six months.

(1) If the status report indicates no continued areas of noncompliance, the director or designee shall certify the program or facility for up to three years, subject to the provisions of subdivision C 7 of this section.

(2) If any area of noncompliance continues thereafter, the program or facility shall be placed on probationary certification status, subject to the applicable provisions of subdivision C 5 of this section.

c. If the status report indicates any continued area of noncompliance, any of which are health, welfare, or safety violations, the director or designee shall place the program or facility on probationary certification status, subject to the provisions of subdivision C 5 of this section.

4. If the certification audit finds the program or facility in less than 100% compliance and there are health, welfare, or safety violations without an acceptable corrective action plan for any finding of deficiency, the director or designee shall place the program or facility on probationary certification status, subject to the provisions of subdivision C 5 of this section.

5. When a program or facility is placed on probationary certification status, (i) the director or designee shall, taking into account the program's or facility's history of compliance with regulatory requirements, specify the duration of the probationary certification status and (ii) the department and program or facility shall provide a status report to the board at all meetings for the duration of this status.

a. If the status report indicates no continued areas of noncompliance, the director or designee shall certify the facility for up to three years, subject to the provisions of subdivision C 7 of this section.

b. If any area of noncompliance continues thereafter, the director or designee may (i) continue the probationary certification status, (ii) decertify the program or facility as provided for in 6VAC35-20-120, or (iii) take any other action provided for by law.

6. If the certification audit report indicates an immediate threat to the health, welfare, or safety to the residents of a facility, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the director or designee may decertify the program or facility as provided for in subsection E of this section and 6VAC35-20-120 or take any other action provided for by law.

7. If a program's or facility's certification status is continued after the initial period expires, the subsequent certification will be retroactive to the date of expiration, unless the director or designee specifically issues a certification with different terms.

D. The director or designee may, at any time, change a program's or facility's certification status upon notification of any noncompliance with any regulatory requirements.

E. Any program or facility, regardless of current certification status, may be decertified or denied certification when:

1. The program or facility has an unacceptable level of compliance as provided in the applicable guidance document with applicable regulatory requirements without acceptable corrective action plans to address deficiencies;

2. The program or facility, if on probation or administrative probation, has not corrected the circumstances that were cited in placing the program or facility on probation or administrative probation to the point that the program or facility would qualify for at least conditional certification;

3. The program's or facility's staff have (i) committed, permitted, aided or abetted any illegal act in the program or facility; (ii) violated child abuse or neglect laws; (iii) deviated significantly from the program or services for which a certificate was issued without prior approval from the director or designee; (iv) failed to correct any such deviations within the time specified by the director or designee; or (v) falsified records; or

4. If the program or facility fails to adequately correct the health, welfare, or safety violation per 6VAC35-20-36.1.

F. Once the director or designee takes certification action, the department shall issue a certificate or letter clearly identifying the program or facility, the certification status, and the period of time during which the certification will be effective unless the certificate is revoked or surrendered sooner. The program or facility administrator shall be informed, briefly and generally, of the factual or procedural basis when any program or facility is issued a probationary certification or is decertified.

G. A program's or facility's status shall remain in effect until subsequent action by the director or designee.

6VAC35-20-110. Notice of board certification action.

A. Within two weeks of any certification action, a designated officer or agent of the board the director or designee shall send formal notice of the board certification action to:

1. The program or facility administrator;

2. The program's sponsoring locality, commission or private operator, as applicable or facility's supervisory or governing authority; and

3. Designated department personnel; and

4. 3. Other state and local authorities, as appropriate to the specific circumstances.

B. The program shall post the certificate or letter issued by the board in a conspicuous place in the facility or program offices where it is visible to the public.

C. All variances approved by the board shall be made available at the program site to certification audit teams and department personnel conducting on-site visits.

6VAC35-20-115. Board review of programs and facilities found in noncompliance.

A. When a program or facility is found in noncompliance with one or more regulatory requirements, the audit report with a statement of the director's or designee's certification action taken shall be placed on the agenda at the next regularly scheduled board meeting for oversight and review. The department shall provide the program or facility administrator with notice of the date and time of the board meeting.

B. Whenever a facility is found in noncompliance with one or more regulatory requirements, the board may enter an order, pursuant to § 16.1-309.9 B of the Code of Virginia, prohibiting or limiting the placement of children in the program or facility or take any other action provided by law. In addition to the reports required by this section and 6VAC35-20-100, the board may request the department or the program or facility administrator to provide a status update or report at subsequent board meetings.

6VAC35-20-120. Actions following decertification or denial of certification.

A. When a program or facility operated by the department is decertified or denied certification, the program administrator will take whatever actions are necessary to qualify the program for at least a conditional certification within 90 days. If the program does not qualify for at least conditional certification within 90 days, the department may choose to close the program or facility or relocate the residents. The procedure for such action shall be in compliance with all board, department, state and federal regulations, policies, or requirements of law. If after 90 days the program has not met the requirements for at least conditional certification and the department has not closed the program, the board shall recommend to the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety appropriate action to be taken under the circumstances.

1. A report shall be sent to the board within 90 days after the decertification or denial detailing the actions taken by the department to (i) bring the program or facility into compliance with all regulatory requirements and (ii) protect the health, welfare, or safety of the residents.

2. If after 90 days the program or facility has not met the requirements for at least conditional certification and the department has not closed the program or facility, the board shall recommend to the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety appropriate action to be taken under the circumstances.

B. When a program or facility that is locally, regionally, or privately operated is decertified or denied certification, the board and the department may take any and all of the following actions as appropriate to the circumstances:

1. The sponsor may be required to reorganize the program structure or take necessary personnel action or any other steps as may be necessary to qualify the program or facility for at least a conditional certification within 90 days; and.

2. The Director of the Department director or designee may, as applicable, reduce or suspend funding to the program or facility in accordance with §§ 16.1-322.1, § 16.1-309.9 C, or § 66-30 of the Code of Virginia or may withdraw the approval required by § 16.1-249 A (3) and (4) of the Code of Virginia; and.

3. The board may enter an order, pursuant to § 16.1-309.9 B of the Code of Virginia, prohibiting or limiting the placement of children in the program or facility.

4. The department may not utilize facilities that are decertified or denied certification.

6VAC35-20-150. Mandatory standards Critical regulatory requirements for juvenile residential facilities.

The following standards, selected from Standards for Juvenile Residential Facilities (6VAC35-140) and Standards for Interdepartmental Regulation of Children's Residential Facilities (22VAC42), are designated as "mandatory" as defined in 6VAC35-20-10. Programs that are subject to these standards must be in 100% compliance with the following standards in order to be approved to operate. Failure to comply with these mandatory standards will result in enforcement actions in accordance with the Code of Virginia and as set forth in this chapter.

1. 6VAC35-140-190

2. 6VAC35-140-340

3. 6VAC35-140-460

4. 6VAC35-140-660

5. 6VAC35-140-680

6. 6VAC35-140-690

7. 22VAC42-10-190

8. 22VAC42-10-300

9. 22VAC42-10-330 A, B and E

10. 22VAC42-10-490 B and C

11. 22VAC42-10-700 A and B

12. 22VAC42-10-710 B through I

13. 22VAC42-10-720

14. 22VAC42-10-730 A and C

15. 22VAC42-10-800

16. 22VAC42-10-960 C and D

17. 22VAC42-10-970

18. 22VAC42-10-1000.

The board shall designate which regulatory requirements will be defined as critical regulatory requirements.

Part 3 III
VJCCCA Programs and Offices on Youth Program Audits

6VAC35-20-200. Monitoring of VJCCCA programs or offices on youth.

The department shall develop a schedule for monitoring all VJCCCA programs or offices on youth that shall provide for at least one scheduled on-site VJCCCA program or office on youth audit every two years. Whenever deemed necessary or appropriate, additional monitoring visits or reviews may be schdduled.

6VAC35-20-210. VJCCCA programs and offices on youth self-evaluations.

A. All VJCCCA programs and offices on youth shall, in accordance with department procedures or manuals, do the following:

1. Conduct an annual self-evaluation; and

2. Provide the department with a written summary of (i) the self-evaluation process and (ii) the findings of the self-evaluation.

B. The department shall schedule each VJCCCA program or office on youth to conduct the self-evaluation and complete the report.

C. The department shall review each VJCCCA program's or office on youth's self-evaluation report and provide feedback to the VJCCCA program of office on youth.

6VAC35-20-220. VJCCCA program and office on youth audits.

A. During the program audit, the VJCCCA program or office on youth shall demonstrate an acceptable level of compliance, as provided in this chapter, with all (i) statutory requirements; (ii) the approved local plan; (iii) applicable regulatory requirements; and (iv) applicable department procedures or manuals.

B. The burden of proving compliance with the applicable requirements rests with the program staff.

C. Any finding of noncompliance shall be documented.

6VAC35-20-230. VJCCCA program and office on youth audit findings.

A. Upon completion of the VJCCCA program or office on youth audit, the VJCCCA program or office on youth audit findings shall be reported to the VJCCCA program plan contact or office on youth program director along with a copy to the individual with supervisory authority over that individual.

B. The VJCCCA program plan contact or office on youth program director may appeal the VJCCCA program or office on youth audit findings to the director or designee.

C. The department will monitor the progress of the VJCCCA program or office on youth in correcting the identified noncompliance through subsequent documentation and monitoring visits.

6VAC35-20-240. Effect of VJCCCA program or office on youth noncompliance.

A. If the department determines that a VJCCCA program or office on youth is not in substantial compliance, it may suspend all or any portion of the VJCCCA program's or office on youth's funding until there is compliance as provided in subsection C of § 16.1-309.9 of the Code of Virginia.

B. The department shall notify the person responsible for the daily administration of the VJCCCA program or office on youth of the intent to withhold funding prior to such withholding. The notification shall include the justification for the intended withholding and any corrective actions the VJCCCA program or office on youth must complete.

C. The VJCCCA program or office on youth may appeal to the director or designee the withholding of funding, in writing, within 10 business days of receiving notice of the department's intent to withhold the funding.

Title of Regulation: 8VAC40-31. Regulations Governing Certification of Certain Institutions to Confer Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates (amending 8VAC40-31-10, 8VAC40-31-30 through 8VAC40-31-60, 8VAC40-31-100 through 8VAC40-31-200, 8VAC40-31-220, 8VAC40-31-260, 8VAC40-31-280, 8VAC40-31-310, 8VAC40-31-320; adding 8VAC40-31-165, 8VAC40-31-193, 8VAC40-31-195; repealing 8VAC40-31-300).

Statutory Authority: § 23-276.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: December 10, 2012.

Agency Contact: Linda H. Woodley, Director, Private & Out-of-State Postsecondary Education, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 101 N. 14th Street, 9th Floor, James Monroe Building, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-2938, FAX (804) 225-2604, or email lindawoodley@schev.edu.

Basis: The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is granted explicit authority to promulgate regulations in § 23-276.3 of the Code of Virginia, which states: "The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall adopt, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. The Council's regulations shall include, but need not be limited to, (i) procedures by which a school may apply for Council approval to confer degrees in Virginia; (ii) measures designed to ensure that all postsecondary schools that are subject to the provisions of this chapter meet minimal academic standards; (iii) protections for students pursuing postsecondary education opportunities in schools subject to the provisions of this chapter; and (iv) information to assist persons who rely on postsecondary degrees, diplomas, and certificates in judging the competence of individuals."

Purpose: The regulations governing private and out-of-state postsecondary institutions are designed to ensure the certified schools meet minimal academic standards, provide protections to students pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities at these schools, and provide information to persons who rely on postsecondary degrees in judging the competence of individuals. Amending, modifying, or deleting the current provisions of 8VAC40-31 will ensure that the certified institutions continue to provide a valuable service to, while protecting the welfare of, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Substance: The proposed regulations will enhance consumer protections for students attending certified schools. They clarify certain expectations for schools that had been unwritten previously. Certified schools will better understand equipment and facility requirements, actions that may result in the suspension or revocation of a school's certificate to operate, and standards regarding administrator and faculty requirements. The State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) may defer to accreditor standards when such expectations may conflict with SCHEV requirements for accredited postsecondary institutions. The proposed regulations provide guidance to schools when closing to ensure student are allowed to complete their program of study via an approved teach-out arrangement. Finally, the proposed regulations will eliminate the noncompliance fee charged when a school is determined to be out of compliance, but add fees for services rendered by SCHEV staff toward the certified schools.

Issues: These regulations will strengthen or enhance protections of students attending certified postsecondary institutions operating within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Examples of regulatory changes that will strengthen or enhance student protections include: specific expectations of faculty and administrator qualifications, requirement that institutions use GAAP in its financial reporting, clarification of actions that may result in the suspension or revocation of an institution's certificate to operate, and description of requirements of a teach-out arrangement in the event of the closure of a certified school.

The regulatory action poses no disadvantages to the public or to the Commonwealth.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) proposes to 1) revise the fee structure for private and out-of-state postsecondary institutions, 2) introduce required actions if a school loses its accreditation, 3) introduce a presumption of compliance if the standard of the accrediting agency is met, and 4) make numerous other changes to clarify existing requirements.

Result of Analysis. There is insufficient data to accurately compare the magnitude of the benefits versus the costs. Detailed analysis of the benefits and costs can be found in the next section.

Estimated Economic Impact. Private and out-of-state postsecondary institutions are required to obtain recertification every year and submit a recertification fee. The proposed regulations will reduce the recertification fee from $500 to $250 for schools whose annual gross tuition is $50,000 or less; maintain the recertification fee at $1,000 for schools whose annual gross tuition is greater than $50,000 but less than or equal to $100,000; increase the recertification fee from $1,500 to $2,500 for schools whose annual gross tuition is greater than $100,000 but less than or equal to $150,000; maintain the recertification fee at $2,500 for schools whose annual gross tuition is greater than $150,000 but less than or equal to $500,000; increase the recertification fee from $2,500 to $4,000 for schools whose annual gross tuition is greater than $500,000 but less than or equal to $1 million; and increase the recertification fee from $2,500 to $5,000 for schools whose annual gross tuition is greater than $1 million.

The proposed changes to the fee schedule also include elimination of $100/day (not to exceed $1,000) late fee, elimination of $1,000 noncompliance fee for each occurrence; increase of application withdrawal fee from $300 to $500 for career technical and to $1,000 for institutions of higher education; introduction of $100 fee for duplicate certificates; introduction of $100 fee for duplicate agent permits; introduction of $300 application fee for each additional branch; introduction of $100 application fee for each additional site; and introduction of $100 application fee for each additional program or modification to an existing program.

The net fiscal effect of the proposed fee changes is estimated to be a $131,500 increase in fees collected. According to SCHEV, these additional fees will help cover administrative costs. Also, the revised fee schedule is expected to more appropriately align the amount of fees generated with the staff time spent on different types of administrative activities. On the other hand, the postsecondary institutions may see a decrease or increase in their fees depending on the type of administrative action needed from SCHEV.

Another proposed change will introduce a list of required actions if a school loses its accreditation. Under the current rules, exemption from these regulations depends on a school having a valid accreditation. However, the current regulations are silent on what happens if a school loses its accreditation. The proposed regulations will add a list of actions that must be executed following the loss of accreditation which will ensure that the school will be subject to these regulations upon loss of accreditation. This proposed change is expected to reduce the ambiguity in cases where a school loses its accreditation and therefore enhance protections afforded to students.

The proposed changes will also introduce a presumption of compliance if the standard of the accrediting agency is met. Some of the standards such as refund policies established in these regulations may be different than the standards established in other states. SCHEV believes that standards varying from state to state increase the burden on schools operating in multiple states. To simplify compliance with the regulations, the proposed changes will presume that a school is in compliance with these regulations as long as the standard of the accrediting agency is met. It is worth noting that this change will also make the compliance with these regulations to rely on the rules and policies of entities other than SCHEV. Since the rules and policies of accrediting entities can change without SCHEVs approval and/or without going through the regulatory review process, the potential effects of this proposed change are subject to significant uncertainty.

Finally, SCHEV proposes numerous other changes to clarify existing requirements after conducting a periodic review. None of these changes are expected to create a significant economic effect other than improving the clarity of the regulations.

Businesses and Entities Affected. There are 343 private and out-of-state postsecondary institutions certified to operate in Virginia. Approximately 58,600 students enroll in these institutions.

Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed regulations apply throughout the Commonwealth.

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed regulations are not expected to have a direct impact on employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed regulations may have a small negative or positive impact on the asset value of affected postsecondary institutions as some of the fees are increasing while some other are decreasing affecting profit streams.

Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. Of the 343 private and out-of-state postsecondary institutions, 194 are estimated to be small businesses based on gross revenues. The costs and other effects on the small businesses are the same as the ones discussed above.

Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. There is no known alternative method that accomplishes the same goals.

Real Estate Development Costs. The proposed regulations are not expected to have an impact on real estate development costs.

Legal Mandate. The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Administrative Process Act and Executive Order Number 14 (10). Section 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include, but need not be limited to, the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the regulation would apply, the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and the impact on the use and value of private property. Further, if the proposed regulation has adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include (i) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the regulation; (ii) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents; (iii) a statement of the probable effect of the regulation on affected small businesses; and (iv) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the regulation. The analysis presented above represents DPBs best estimate of these economic impacts.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia concurs with the economic impact analysis prepared by the Virginia Department of Budget and Planning.

Summary:

The proposed regulations (i) exempt certain programs from State Council of Higher Education action, (ii) provide specific expectations of faculty and administrator qualifications, (iii) require a school to use generally accepted accounting principles in its financial reporting, (iv) clarify actions that may result in the suspension or revocation of a school's certificate to operate, and (v) describe requirements of a teach-out arrangement in the event of the closure of a certified school.

Part I
Definitions; Prohibitions; Advertising

8VAC40-31-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Academic credit" means the measure of the total time commitment an average student is expected to devote to learning per week of study. Generally, one unit of credit represents a total of three hours per week of in-class and out-of-class work (Carnegie Unit of Credit). In this context, an hour is defined as 50 minutes. Emerging delivery methodologies may necessitate determining a unit of undergraduate or graduate credit with nontime-based methods. These courses shall use demonstration of competency, demonstration of proficiency, or fulfillment of learning outcomes to ensure these courses are equivalent to traditionally delivered courses.

"Academic-vocational" refers to a noncollege degree school that offers degree and nondegree credit courses at a site in Virginia or via telecommunications equipment located in Virginia.

"Accreditation" means a process of external quality review used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. This term applies to those accrediting organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education.

"Adjunct faculty" means professional staff members of businesses, industries and other agencies and organizations who are appointed by institutions and schools on a part-time basis to carry out instructional, research or public service functions.

"Administrative capability" means a branch (i) maintains or has access to all records and accounts; (ii) designates a named site director has an administrator; (iii) maintains a local mailing address; and (iv) offers courses that consist of a large number of unit subjects that comprise a program of education or a set curriculum large enough to allow pursuit on a continuing basis; and (iv) provides student services, including but not limited to financial aid, admissions, career placement assistance, or registration.

"Agent" means a person who is employed by any institution of higher education or noncollege degree school, whether such institution or school is located within or outside this Commonwealth, to act as an agent, solicitor, procurer, broker or independent contractor to procure students or enrollees for any such institution or school by solicitation in any form at any place in this Commonwealth other than the office or principal location of such institution or school.

"Avocational" means instructional programs that are not intended to prepare students for employment but are intended solely for recreation, enjoyment, personal interest, or as a hobby or courses or programs that prepare individuals to teach such pursuits.

"Branch" means an additional location, operated by a school with an approved existing site. A branch campus must have administrative capability exclusive of the main campus and adequate resources to ensure that the objectives of its programs can be met.

"Career-technical school" means a school that does not offer courses for degree credit at a site in Virginia or via telecommunication equipment located in Virginia; same as academic-vocational school.

"Certificate" or "diploma" means an award that represents a level of educational attainment at or below the associate degree level and that is given for successful completion of a curriculum comprised of two or more courses the credential awarded by a school upon the successful completion of a program that consists of one or more technical courses, usually completed in less than 26 weeks, normally with a single skill objective.

"Certification" means the process of securing authorization to operate a private or out-of-state postsecondary school or institution of higher education and/or degree, certificate, or diploma program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Change of ownership" means the change in power within a school. Change of ownership may include, but is not limited to, the following situations: (i) sale of the school; (ii) merger of two or more schools if one of the schools is nonexempt; or (iii) change from profit to nonprofit or collective.

"CIP code" means the six-digit number assigned to each discipline specialty in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) taxonomy maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics.

"Clock (or contact) hour" means a minimum of 50 minutes of supervised or directed instruction and appropriate breaks.

"College" means any institution of higher education that offers degree programs.

"Conditional certification" means a status that may be granted by the council to a school certified to operate in Virginia to allow time for the correction of major deficiencies or weaknesses identified in the school's administration that are of such magnitude that, if not corrected, may result in the suspension or revocation of the school's certificate to operate. During a period of conditional certification, a school may not enroll new students or confer any degrees, diplomas, or certificates.

"Council" means the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

"Course for degree credit" means a single course whose credits are applicable to the requirements for earning a degree, diploma, or certificate.

"Course registration materials" means any official documents provided to students for the purpose of formal enrollment into the school, a specific program, or a certain course.

"Credit" means (i) the quantitative measurement assigned to a course generally stated in semester hours, quarter hours, or clock hours or (ii) the recognition awarded upon successful completion of coursework.

"Credit hour" means a unit by which a school may measure its coursework. The number of credit hours assigned to a traditionally delivered course is usually defined by a combination of the number of hours per week in class, the number of hours per week in a laboratory, and/or the number of hours devoted to externship multiplied by the number of hours in the term. One unit of credit is usually equivalent to, at a minimum, one hour of classroom study and outside preparation, two hours of laboratory experience, or three hours of internship or practicum, or a combination of the three multiplied by the number of weeks in the term. Emerging delivery methodologies may necessitate determining a unit of undergraduate or graduate credit with nontime-based methods. These courses shall use demonstration of competency, demonstration of proficiency, or fulfillment of learning outcomes to ensure these courses are equivalent to traditionally delivered courses.

"Degree" means any earned award at the associate, baccalaureate, master's, first professional, or doctoral level that represents satisfactory completion of the requirements of a program or course of study or instruction beyond the secondary school level and includes certificates and specialist degrees when such awards represent a level of educational attainment above that of the associate degree level.

"Degree program" means a curriculum or course of study that leads to a degree in a discipline or interdisciplinary specialty and normally is identified by a six-digit CIP code number.

"Diploma" or "certificate" means an award that represents a level of educational attainment at or below the associate degree level and that is given for successful completion of a curriculum comprised of two or more courses normally consists of up to (i) 1,500 clock hours, (ii) 90 quarter hours, or (iii) 60 semester hours.

"Distance education" means education that uses the Internet, one-way transmission and two-way transmission through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications; audio conferencing; or video cassettes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between student and instructor.

"Existing institution" or "existing postsecondary school" means any postsecondary school that either (i) has been in operation in Virginia for two or more calendar years as of July 1, 2004, and has been certified to operate continuously during that period or (ii) has been approved to operate as a postsecondary school in another state, is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, and is certified to operate in Virginia.

"Full-time faculty" means a person whose: (i) employment is based upon an official contract, appointment, or agreement with a school; (ii) principal employment is with that school; and (iii) major assignments are in teaching and research. A full-time administrator who teaches classes incidental to administrative duties is not a full-time faculty member.

"Graduate credit hours" means credits hours earned for successful completion of courses beyond the baccalaureate level, generally awarded at the 500 series and above.

"Gross tuition collected" means all fees collected or received on either a cash or accrual accounting method basis for all instructional programs or courses, except for nonrefundable registration and application fees and charges for materials, supplies, and books that have been purchased by, and are the property of, the student.

"In-state institution" means an institution of higher education that is formed, chartered or established within Virginia. An out-of-state institution shall be deemed an in-state institution for the purposes of certification as a degree-granting institution if (i) the institution has no instructional campus in the jurisdiction in which it was formed, chartered, established, or incorporated and (ii) the institution produces clear and convincing evidence that its main or principal campus is located in Virginia.

"Institution of higher education" or "institution" means any person, firm, corporation, association, agency, institute, trust, or other entity of any nature whatsoever offering education beyond the secondary school level that has received certification from the council and either: (i) offers courses or programs of study or instruction that lead to, or that may reasonably be understood to be applicable to, a degree; (ii) operates a facility as a college or university or other entity of whatever kind that offers degrees or other indicia of level of educational attainment beyond the secondary school level; or (iii) uses the term "college" or "university," or words of like meaning, in its name or in any manner in connection with its academic affairs or business; or (iv) offers approved courses of degree credit or programs of study leading to a degree or offers degrees either at a site in Virginia or via telecommunications equipment located within Virginia.

"Instructional faculty" means a person employed by a school who is engaged in instructional, research, or related activities.

"Site" "Instructional site" means a location in Virginia where a postsecondary school (i) offers one or more courses on an established schedule and (ii) enrolls two or more persons who are not members of the same household. A site may or may not be a branch, and may or may not have lacks administrative capability.

"Multistate compact" means any agreement involving two or more states to offer jointly postsecondary educational opportunities, pursuant to policies and procedures set forth by such agreement and approved by council.

"New institution" or "new postsecondary school" means any postsecondary school that seeks certification and has been in operation in Virginia for less than two calendar years as of July 1, 2004, and has neither operated in another state as a postsecondary institution nor has been approved to operate in another state as a postsecondary institution.

"Noncollege degree school" means any postsecondary school that offers courses or programs of study that do not lead to an associate or higher level degree at a site in Virginia or via telecommunications equipment located within Virginia. Such schools may be academic-career-technical or career-technical.

"Out-of-state institution" means an institution of higher education that is formed, chartered, established or incorporated outside Virginia.

"Part-time faculty" means a person whose: (i) annual employment is based upon an official contract, appointment, or agreement with a school and (ii) courseload of teaching assignments is of lesser quantity than that expected of a full-time faculty member and/or is of lesser quantity than the school's definition of a full load of courses.

"Postsecondary education" means the provision of formal instructional programs with a curriculum designed primarily for students who have completed the requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent or who are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. It includes programs of an academic, career-technical, and continuing professional education purpose, and excludes avocational and adult basic education programs.

"Postsecondary education activities" means researching, funding, designing, and/or conducting instructional programs, classes, or research opportunities, designed primarily for students who have completed the requirements for a high school diploma or its equivalent or who are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance.

"Postsecondary school" or "school" means any entity offering formal instructional programs with a curriculum designed primarily for students who have completed the requirements for a high school diploma or its equivalent or who are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance, and for which tuition or a fee is charged. Such schools include programs of academic, career-technical, and continuing professional education, and exclude avocational and adult basic education programs. For the purposes of this chapter, a "postsecondary school" shall be classified as either an institution of higher education as defined in this section or a noncollege degree school, as defined in this section.

"Private postsecondary career school" means any for-profit or nonprofit postsecondary career entity maintaining a physical presence in Virginia providing education or training for tuition or a fee that (i) augments a person's occupational skills, (ii) provides a certification, or (iii) fulfills a training or education requirement in one's employment, career, trade, profession, or occupation. Any entity that offers programs beyond the secondary school level, including programs using alternate modes of delivery, shall be included in this definition so long as tuition and fees from such programs constitute any part of its revenue.

"Program" means a curriculum or course of study in a discipline or interdisciplinary area that leads to a degree, certificate, or diploma.

"Program area" means a general group of disciplines in which one or more degree programs, certificates, or diplomas may be offered.

"Program of study" means a curriculum of two or more courses that is intended or understood to lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. It may include all or some of the courses required for completion of a degree program.

"Proprietary school" means a privately owned and managed, profit-making institution of higher education or noncollege degree school.

"Provisional certification" means a preliminary approval status granted by the council to a new school applicant that has demonstrated substantial compliance with the provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 23-276 of the Code of Virginia. Such a status may include any conditions imposed by the council to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The provisionally certified school must demonstrate compliance with all conditions within one calendar year of the initial grant of provisional certification.

"Surety instrument" means a surety bond or a clean irrevocable letter of credit issued by a surety company or banking institution authorized to transact business in Virginia adequate to provide refunds to students for the unearned non-Title IV portion of tuition and fees for any given semester, quarter or term and to cover the administrative cost associated with filing a claim against the instrument.

"Teach-out agreement" means the process whereby a closed or closing school undertakes to fulfill its educational and contractual obligations to currently enrolled students.

"Telecommunications activity" means any course offered by a postsecondary school or consortium of postsecondary schools where the primary mode of instructional delivery to a site is by television, videocassette or disc, film, radio, computer, or other telecommunications devices.

"Unearned tuition" means the portion of tuition charges billed to the student but not yet earned by the institution; the unearned tuition represents future educational services to be rendered to presently enrolled students.

"University" means any institution offering programs leading to degrees or degree credit beyond the baccalaureate level.

"Vocational" refers to a noncollege degree school that offers only noncollege credit courses. Such schools have programs of instruction offering a sequence of courses that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Vocational education shall not include instructional programs intended solely for recreation, enjoyment, personal interest, or as a hobby, or courses or programs that prepare individuals to teach such pursuits.

8VAC40-31-30. Advertisements, announcements, and other promotional materials.

A. A school certified to operate by the council in accordance with this chapter shall include in any print and electronic catalogs and course registration materials (i) a clear statement that the council has certified the school to operate in Virginia and (ii) a complete address of the main campus and all branch locations within Virginia.

B. A school certified to operate by council in accordance with this chapter shall include in all publicity, advertisement, and promotional materials distributed to current or prospective students (i) a clear statement that the council has certified the school to operate in Virginia, (ii) the school's complete name as indicated on the Certificate to Operate, and (iii) the address of at least one branch campus located in Virginia.

C. A school with its main campus not located in Virginia that has a physical presence in Virginia shall state in its course registration materials print and electronic catalog distributed in Virginia that:

1. Each course or degree, diploma, or certificate program offered in Virginia is approved by the governing body of the school; and

2. The appropriate state agency, if any, in the state where the main campus of the school is located has granted whatever approval may be necessary for the school to:

a. Offer courses or degree, diploma, or certificate programs at the level for which credit is being awarded for those courses or programs in Virginia; and

b. Offer courses or degree programs outside its state;

c. Offer each course or degree, diploma, or certificate program being offered in Virginia; and

d. b. Ensure that any credit earned for coursework offered by the school in Virginia may be transferred to another of the school's principal location locations outside Virginia as part of an existing degree, diploma, or certificate program offered by the school.

D. No advertisement, announcement, or any other material produced by or on behalf of a postsecondary school shall in any way indicate that the school is supervised, recommended, endorsed, or accredited by the Commonwealth of Virginia, by the State Council of Higher Education, or by any other state agency in Virginia.

Part II
Exemptions

8VAC40-31-40. State-supported institutions.

This chapter shall not apply to the institutions named in §§ 23-9.5 and 23-14 of the Code of Virginia, including their branches, divisions, or colleges, or to any state-supported institution of higher education that may be established by the Commonwealth of Virginia in the future.

8VAC40-31-50. Religious institutions.

A. The council shall exempt from the provisions of Chapter 21.1 (§ 23-276.1 et seq.) of Title 23 of the Code of Virginia any school whose primary purpose is to provide religious training or theological education, provided that the school:

1. Awards only degrees, diplomas, or certificates that (i) carry titles that indicate the school's primary purpose plainly upon their face and (ii) state that the school is excluded from the requirement of state certification; and

2. States plainly in its catalogs and other publications that (i) the school's primary purpose is to provide religious training or theological education; (ii) the school's degrees, diplomas, or certificates are so titled and worded; and (iii) the school is exempt from the requirement of state certification.

B. The title of each degree, diploma, or certificate awarded by a school that claims an exemption under the provisions of this section must reflect that the school's primary purpose is religious education.

1. The titles of religious degrees that may be awarded include, but are not limited to, (i) Bachelor of Education in a specific religion, (ii) Master of Divinity, and (iii) Doctor of Sacred Theology.

2. The titles of secular Secular degrees that may not be awarded in any discipline, including religion, religious education, and biblical studies,. Titles of secular degrees that may not be awarded include, but are not limited to, (i) Associate of Arts, (ii) Associate of Science, (iii) Associate of Applied Science, (iv) Associate of Occupational Science, (v) Bachelor of Arts, (vi) Bachelor of Science, (vii) Master of Arts, (viii) Master of Science, (ix) Doctor of Philosophy, and (x) Doctor of Education.

C. Exemptions granted after July 1, 2002, will be for a maximum of five years. A school wishing to maintain an exempt status must reapply to council at least six months prior to the expiration of the exemption period. An exempt school shall not make claims of "approval," "endorsement," or other such terms by the council in any of its promotional materials. An exempt school shall clearly state in its catalogs and promotional materials that it is exempt from the requirements of state regulation and oversight.

D. A school that awards secular degrees in addition to religious degrees, certificates or diplomas, as defined in subsections A and B of this section, must comply with the provisions for certification for all nonreligious degree programs.

E. Each school requesting full or partial religious exemption must apply on forms provided by and in a manner prescribed by the council.

F. The council, on its own motion, may initiate formal or informal inquiries to confirm that this chapter is not applicable to a religious school if the council has reason to believe that the school may be in violation of the provisions of this section.

1. Any school that claims an exemption under subsections A and B of this section on the basis that its primary purpose is to provide religious training or theological education shall be entitled to a rebuttable presumption of the truth of that claim.

2. It shall be the council's responsibility to show that a school is not exempt under subsections A and B of this section.

3. The council assumes no jurisdiction or right to regulate religious beliefs under this chapter.

G. A school whose claim for exemption under subsections A and B of this section is denied by the council shall have the opportunity to appeal the council's action in accordance with 8VAC40-31-70.

8VAC40-31-60. Schools, programs, degrees, diplomas, and certificates exempt from council action.

A. The following activities or programs offered by schools and not leading to a degree, diploma or certificate otherwise subject to this chapter shall be exempt from its provisions:

1. Any school subject to the provisions of Chapter 16 (§ 22.1-319 et seq.) of Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Any honorary degree conferred or awarded by a school, as long as the degree (i) does not represent the satisfactory completion of all or any part of the requirements of a program or course of study and (ii) is normally regarded as one that is intended to be commemorative in nature in recognition of an individual's contributions to society. Such degree must state on its face that it is honorary in nature.

3. Any nursing education program offered by a school to the extent that the program is regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

a. The Virginia Board of Nursing is the state agency authorized to license registered nurses and to approve nursing programs with regard to the adequacy of the curricula and resources for preparing students to take the licensing examination.

b. In order to offer a degree in nursing, a school must obtain council certification prior to seeking approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing.

4. Any professional program for professional or occupational training offered by a school to the extent that the program is (i) subject to approval by a regulatory board pursuant to Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia; or (ii) subject to approval by any other state or federal agency; and (iii) offered by a school that is not seeking degree-granting status such that it would be required to obtain prior council certification.

5. Any course or program of study given by or approved by any professional body, fraternal organization, civic club, or benevolent order principally for continuing or professional education or similar purpose and for which no certificate, degree, or degree credit is awarded.

6. Any course or program of study conducted on a not-for-profit basis by firms or organizations for the training of their own employees only, provided that such instruction is offered at no charge to such employees and with no advertising for open enrollment.

6. 7. Courses or programs offered through approved multistate compacts, including but not limited to the Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus.

7. 8. Those courses offered and delivered by a postsecondary school that is accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) for accrediting purposes, if such courses are provided solely on a contractual basis for which no individual is charged tuition and for which no advertising has been made for open enrollment.

8. 9. Any school, institute or course of instruction offered by any trade association or any nonprofit affiliate of a trade association on subjects related to the trade, business or profession represented by such association.

9. 10. Any public or private high school accredited or recognized by the Virginia Board of Education that has offered or may offer one or more courses cited in this chapter if any tuition, fees and charges made by the school are collected as may be permitted by Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia, in the case of a public school, or pursuant to regulations prescribed by the relevant governing body of such private school.

10. 11. Tutorial instruction delivered and designed to supplement regular classes for students enrolled in any public or private school or to prepare an individual for an examination for professional practice or higher education.

11. 12. Schools of fine arts or other avocational courses that are conducted solely to further artistic appreciation, talent, or for personal development or information and programs that prepare individuals to teach such pursuits.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, if a school offers any nonexempt programs, the school as a whole, including all of its programs, is subject to the provisions of certification.

B. C. Notwithstanding the exemptions provided in this section, a school may seek certification for an otherwise exempt activity or program.

8VAC40-31-100. Role of the council staff.

A. The council staff shall:

1. Provide oversight and administration for purposes of compliance with Chapter 21.1 (§ 23-276.1 et seq.) of Title 23 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Review initial and annual certification requirements for all schools.

3. Perform random and periodic site school visits to review, inspect and investigate school compliance.

4. Investigate as necessary all noncertified postsecondary school activities operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

5. Monitor the accreditation activities of all nonaccredited postsecondary schools operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

6. Investigate all written and signed complaints or adverse publicity or any situation that may adversely affect students or consumers.

7. Share with state or federal agencies and appropriate accrediting bodies information regarding the operation or closure of postsecondary schools operating in Virginia.

B. The executive director may delegate other responsibilities as deemed appropriate.

Part IV
Schools for which Certification is Required

8VAC40-31-110. Certain existing approvals and exemptions continued.

A. An institution of higher education that was approved or authorized to confer degrees at a particular level or to offer one or more degree programs or program areas may continue to confer those degrees and to offer those programs until and unless the school's approval or authorization is revoked by the council in accordance with 8VAC40-31-200 § 23.276.4 of the Code of Virginia.

B. A Virginia institution that is approved or authorized to confer degrees by the council, the Virginia Board of Education, or act of the General Assembly of Virginia and is subject to the conditions of § 23-276.4 C of the Code of Virginia shall be subject to whatever conditions or stipulations may have been imposed at the time the approval or authorization was granted If authorization to grant or confer academic or professional degrees is revoked for an institution otherwise exempt from the requirements of certification, pursuant to § 23-276.4 C of the Code of Virginia, the institution will be subject to the provisions of certification in place at the time of the revocation.

8VAC40-31-120. Certification required for new and existing postsecondary schools.

A. Unless otherwise exempted from these regulations, all instructional offerings of a new or existing postsecondary school in Virginia are subject to this chapter, even when the credit awarded for those offerings may be transferred to a location outside Virginia.

B. A new postsecondary school must become certified to operate prior to engaging in activities related to postsecondary education via telecommunications activity, mail correspondence courses, or at a site location within the Commonwealth.

1. The determination for certification of telecommunications activities or mail correspondence courses may be based upon, but not limited to, physical presence.

2. With the exception of degree programs, academic credit and other courses offered exclusively from outside the Commonwealth of Virginia through individual and private interstate communication, all telecommunications activities and mail correspondence courses are subject to the certification criteria required for all postsecondary schools.

C. Existing postsecondary schools must recertify compliance with certification criteria on an annual basis in order to continue offering postsecondary courses and programs.

D. Postsecondary schools operating branches in Virginia must certify each separately.

E. Noncertified postsecondary schools that seek to establish a postsecondary education consortium, agreement, partnership, or other similar arrangement with an existing certified postsecondary school must meet all requirements for certification as set forth in these regulations and must become certified to operate prior to engaging in postsecondary education activities within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Part V
Certification Criteria

8VAC40-31-130. Application of certification criteria.

A. The certification criteria shall include, but not be limited to (i) procedures by which a postsecondary school may apply for certification and (ii) criteria designed to ensure that all postsecondary schools that are subject to this chapter meet minimal academic or career-technical standards.

B. Postsecondary schools, by notarized signature of the chief executive officer, will be responsible for certifying total compliance with certification criteria on an initial and annual basis.

C. Postsecondary schools must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal statutes, laws, and codes.

D. Initial site visit. Council staff shall conduct an initial site visit prior to certification. The school shall demonstrate that the facilities conform to all federal, state, and local building codes and that it is equipped with classrooms, instructional and resource facilities, and laboratories adequate for the size of the faculty and student body and adequate to support the education programs offered by the school.

E. Provisional certification. An initial certification applicant may be granted provisional certification for a period not to exceed one year during which time the institution shall meet all conditions established by council for provisional certification. During the period of provisional certification, the school:

1. May advertise, provided that all advertisements and promotional materials state that the school is Provisionally Certified to Operate by the State Council of Higher Education;

2. May recruit and register students, however, may not collect more than an initial nonrefundable fee of $100 from each student;

3. May recruit and hire faculty and staff; and

4. May not offer postsecondary instruction, or confer certificates, diplomas or degrees.

F. If the institution has not complied with all necessary standards and conditions within the period specified by the provisional certification, a new application for certification must be submitted.

8VAC40-31-140. Certification criteria for institutions of higher education.

A. This section shall apply to each institution of higher education for which certification is required.

B. In order to award a degree, the institution's programs must meet the following generally accepted minimum number of semester/quarter credit hours required to complete a standard college degree.

1. An associate degree shall be granted only after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hour or 90 quarter credit hours of collegiate level study.

2. A bachelor's degree shall be granted only after the successful completion of at least 120 semester hours or 180 quarter credit hours of collegiate level study.

3. A master's degree shall be granted only after the successful completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter credit hours of collegiate level study.

4. The doctoral degree shall be granted only after the successful completion of a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study or equivalent (90 semester hours or 135 quarter credit hours) beyond the bachelor's degree, including dissertation credits or research study.

5. Exceptions to these standards must be approved by the council. Proposed programs will be evaluated by the standards of similar programs in public or private postsecondary institutions.

6. A student shall complete a minimum of 30% of course work at the institution in order to be granted a degree from that institution.

7. An institution that awards life or work experience credit shall have its related transfer policy approved by the council. No more than 30% of the credit in a student's degree program may be awarded for life or work experience.

B. C. The course, program, curriculum and instruction must be of quality, content and length to adequately achieve the stated objective. Administrators and faculty must be qualified and appropriately credentialed as follows:

1. For terminal occupational/technical programs leading to the Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree, general education courses must compose at least 15% of the total credit hours required for the degree.

2. For terminal occupational/technical programs leading to the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, general education courses shall compose at least 25% of the total credit hours required for the degree.

3. All instructional faculty teaching in a terminal occupational/technical program leading to the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree shall:

a. If teaching general education courses, hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, plus at least 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline being taught.

b. If teaching occupational/technical courses, hold either (i) an associate degree or (ii) qualify for a faculty appointment by virtue of scholarly or professional achievements.

4. 3. For all university parallel associate degree programs, general education courses shall compose at least 25% of the total credit hours required for the degree, and required courses in the major field of study shall compose no more than 50% of the total credit hours required for the degree in a specific discipline.

D. Faculty must be qualified and appropriately credentialed as follows:

1. All instructional faculty teaching in a terminal occupational/technical program leading to the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree shall:

a. If teaching general education courses, hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, plus at least 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline being taught.

b. If teaching occupational/technical courses, hold either (i) an associate degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline being taught or (ii) qualify for a faculty appointment by virtue of scholarly or professional achievements.

5. 2. All instructional faculty teaching in a college-transfer program at the associate level shall:

a. If teaching general education courses or in programs in the liberal arts and sciences, hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, plus at least 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline being taught.

b. If teaching occupational/technical courses, hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredtied college or university in the discipline being taught or qualify by virtue of professional or scholarly achievement.

6. 3. All instructional faculty members who teach in programs at the baccalaureate level shall:

a. Hold a master's degree in the discipline being taught or hold a master's degree in an area other than that being taught with at least 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline from an accredited college or university.

b. Exception to academic preparation requirements for instructional faculty may be made in instances where substantial documentation of professional and scholarly achievements and/or demonstrated competences in the discipline can be shown. The institution must document and justify any such exception.

7. 4. All instructional faculty teaching in a program at the master's level or higher shall hold a doctoral or other terminal degree from an accredited college or university. Exception to academic preparation requirements for instructional faculty may be made in instances where substantial documentation of professional and scholarly achievements and/or demonstrated competences in the discipline can be shown. The institution must document and justify any such exception.

C. E. In addition to the instructor qualifications in subsection B D of this section, the institution must certify that:

1. All instructional courses for degree credit require a minimum of 15 contact hours for each semester credit hour or a minimum of 10 contact hours for each quarter credit hour, or the equivalent, and an expectation for additional assignments beyond scheduled instructional activities.

2. The elective and required courses for each program are offered on a schedule and in a sequence that enables both full-time and part-time students to complete the program in a reasonable period of time.

3. The institution's instructional faculty at each site location holds either full-time, part-time, or adjunct appointments.

4. The institution's academic programs shall ensure that: (i) a properly credentialed and course qualified instructor teaches each course; (ii) a credentialed and course qualified academic advisor is available to meet the concerns of the student, and that a student contact by any method will elicit a response from the advisor within a reasonable timeline; (iii) continual curriculum development and oversight for each major and concentration/track is maintained; and (iv) a program director is named and designated to oversee each program area.

5. A plan is in place that ensures interaction between student and faculty, and among students.

F. All senior administrators must be individually qualified by education, experience, and record of conduct to assure effective management, ethical practice, and the quality of degrees and services offered. The term "senior administrator" generally encompasses individuals who have administrative or managerial authority within an institution. This includes by function, but is not limited to titles of Chief Executive Officer, President, Chancellor, Dean, Provost, or Owner. Boards must collectively demonstrate financial, academic, managerial, and any necessary specialized knowledge, but individual members need not have all of these characteristics. Any controlling organization or owner is subject to this standard.

1. The senior administrators shall hold at least an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and shall have sufficient experience to qualify for the position.

2. Each branch of the institution certified to operate in Virginia must designate one person as the branch/campus director.

a. The director must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least one year of experience in administration or institutional management.

b. Exception to academic preparation requirements for director may be made in instances where substantial documentation of professional and scholarly achievements and/or demonstrated competences in administration/institutional management can be shown. The institution must document and justify any such exception.

3. Duties of the director include, but are not limited to:

a. Be available at the school location for at least 50% of the operational time each week the school has students present unless an assistant director is available. If the school operates a site in Virginia, a director must be assigned to manage the site's operation; however, the director may designate a person at the site to handle day-to-day administrative matters in his absence.

b. Be responsible for the institution's program or programs, organization of classes, maintenance of the institutional facilities, maintenance of proper administrative records, signing documents pertaining to certification, and all other administrative matters related to certification.

c. Implicitly accepts knowledge of and responsibility for compliance with the Code of Virginia and its implementing regulations including, but not limited to, advertising, records maintenance, annual deadlines, and fee payments.

4. Senior administrators in the positions described in this section must be of good reputation and character. A person is considered of good reputation and character if:

a. The person has no felony convictions related to the operation of a school;

b. The person has not been convicted or pleaded guilty to a crime of fraud or theft under state or federal law within the previous 10 years; and has not had a judgment entered against him or her in his or her individual capacity in a civil action based upon any theory of fraudulent activity within the previous 10 years.

c. The person has not controlled or managed a postsecondary educational institution that has ceased operation during the past five years without providing for the completion of programs by its students or without providing tuition refunds; and

d. The person has not knowingly falsified or withheld information from the council.

5. Administrative personnel must be appropriately experienced, and educated in the field for which they are hired, or receive documented, relevant training within the first year of employment. Administrative personnel generally encompasses individuals that oversee areas as outlined in operational and administrative standards. This includes by function, but is not limited to, titles of financial aid administrator; director of admissions; director of education; business officer or manager; director of student services (including counseling and placement), and the registrar.

8VAC40-31-150. Certification criteria for career-technical schools.

A. The criteria in this section shall apply to each career-technical school for which certification is required.

B. The course, program, curriculum and instruction must be of quality, content and length to adequately achieve the stated objective.

Administrators and faculty C. Faculty, if teaching technical courses for career-technical programs not leading to a degree and not offered as degree credit, must either (i) hold an associate degree related to the area of instruction from an accredited college or university in the discipline being taught or (ii) possess a minimum of two years of technical/occupational experience in the area of teaching responsibility or a related area. The instructor must hold the appropriate certificate or license in the field, if certification or licensure is required to work in the field.

C. D. In addition to the instructor qualifications in subsection B C of this section, the career-technical school must certify that:

1. Courses of study conform to state, federal, trade, or manufacturing standards of training for the occupational fields in which such standards have been established or conform to recognized training practices in those fields.

2. A plan is in place that ensures interaction between student and faculty, and among students.

E. Administrators must demonstrate their qualifications for their particular responsibilities through educational background, relevant work experience, or record of accomplishments in previous educational work settings. Owners and administrators must be of good reputation and character. A person is considered of good reputation and character if:

1. The person has no felony convictions related to the operation of a school;

2. The person has not been convicted or pleaded guilty to a crime of fraud or theft under state or federal law within the previous 10 years; and has not had a judgment entered against him in his individual capacity in a civil action based upon any theory of fraudulent activity within the previous 10 years;

3. The person has not controlled or managed a postsecondary educational institution that has ceased operation during the past five years without providing for the completion of programs by its students or without providing refunds; and

4. The person has not knowingly falsified or withheld information from the council.

8VAC40-31-160. Certification criteria for all postsecondary schools.

A. The criteria in this section shall apply to all postsecondary schools for which certification is required. With regard to postsecondary schools that are accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the council may apply a presumption of compliance with criteria in this section if the school has complied with an accreditation standard directed to the same subject matter as the criteria. The council need not apply this presumption if the accreditation standard is deficient in satisfying an identifiable goal of the council. The council shall articulate reasons that the accreditation standard is deficient.

B. The postsecondary school shall have a clear, accurate, and comprehensive written statement, which shall be available to the public upon request. The statement minimally shall include the following items:

1. The history and development of the postsecondary school;

2. An identification of any persons, entities, or institutions that have a controlling ownership or interest in the postsecondary school;

3. The purpose of the postsecondary school, including a statement of the relative degree of emphasis on instruction, research, and public service as well as a statement demonstrating that the school's proposed offerings are consistent with its stated purpose;

4. A description of the postsecondary school's activities including telecommunications activities away from its principal location, and a list of all program areas in which courses are offered away from the principal location;

5. A list of all locations in Virginia at which the postsecondary school offers courses and a list of the degree and nondegree programs currently offered or planned to be offered in Virginia;

6. For each Virginia location, and for the most recent academic year, the total number of students who were enrolled as well as the total number and percentage of students claiming Virginia residence who were enrolled in each program offered;

7. For each Virginia location, the total number of students that completed/graduated from the school as of the end of the last academic year and the total number and percentage of students claiming Virginia residence who completed/graduated from each program offered by the school as of the end of the last academic year;

8. For unaccredited institutions of higher education and career-technical schools only, the total number of students claiming Virginia residence who report employment in their field of study within (i) six months of graduation/completion and (ii) one year of graduation/completion.

C. The postsecondary school or branch shall have a current, written document available to students and the general public upon request that accurately states the powers, duties, and responsibilities of:

1. The governing board or owners of the school;

2. The chief operating officer, president, or director at that site branch in Virginia;

3. The principal administrators and their credentials at that site branch in Virginia; and

4. The students, if students participate in school governance.

D. The postsecondary school shall have, maintain, and provide to all applicants a policy document accurately defining the minimum requirements for eligibility for admission to the school and for acceptance at the specific degree level or into all specific degree programs offered by the postsecondary school that are relevant to the school's admissions standards. In addition, the document shall explain:

1. The standards for academic credit or course completion given for experience;

2. The criteria for acceptance of transfer credit where applicable;

3. The criteria for refunds of tuition and fees;

4. Students' rights, privileges, and responsibilities; and

5. The established grievance process of the school, which shall indicate that students should follow this process and may contact council staff to file a complaint about the school as a last resort. The written policy shall include a provision that students will not be subjected to adverse actions by any school officials as a result of initiating a complaint.

E. The postsecondary school shall maintain records on all enrolled students. At a minimum, these records shall include:

1. Each student's application for admission and admissions records containing information regarding the educational qualifications of each regular student admitted that are relevant to the postsecondary school's admissions standards. Each student record must reflect the requirements and justification for admission of the student to the postsecondary school. Admissions records must be maintained by the school, its successors, or its assigns for a minimum of three years after the student's last date of attendance.

2. A transcript of the student's academic or course work at the school, which shall be retained permanently in either hard copy forms or in an electronic database with backup by the school, its successors, or its assigns.

3. A record of student academic or course progress at the school including programs of study, dates of enrollment, courses taken and completed, grades, and indication of the student's current status (graduated, probation, etc.) must be retained permanently. Any changes or alterations to student records must be accurately documented and signed by an appropriate school official.

4. A record of all financial transactions between each individual student and the school including payments from the student, payments from other sources on the student's behalf, and refunds. Fiscal records must be maintained for a minimum of three years after the student's last date of attendance. When tuition and fees are paid by the student in installments, a clear disclosure of truth-in-lending statement must be provided to and signed by the student.

5. A written, binding agreement transacted with another school or records-maintenance organization with which the school is not corporately connected for the preservation of students' transcripts by another institution or agency, as well as for access to the transcripts, in the event of school closure or revocation of certification in Virginia. State-supported, public schools originating in a state other than Virginia and operating a campus within Virginia may choose to enter into a written, binding agreement regarding student records with the university system of which they are a part The school shall make the documents referenced in subdivisions 1 through 4 of this subsection available to the student upon request. Academic transcripts shall be provided upon request if the student is in good financial standing.

F. Each school shall provide or make available to students, prospective students, and other interested persons a catalog, bulletin, brochure, or electronic media containing, at a minimum, the following information:

1. The number of students claiming Virginia residency enrolled in each program offered.

2. For each Virginia location, the total number of students that completed/graduated from the school as of the end of the last academic year and the total number and percentage of students claiming Virginia residence who completed/graduated from each program offered by the school as of the end of the last academic year.

3. A description of any financial aid offered by the school including repayment obligations, standards of academic progress required for continued participation in the program, sources of loans or scholarships, the percentage of students receiving federal financial aid (if applicable) and the average student indebtedness at graduation.

4. A broad description, including academic and/or career-technical objectives of each program offered, the number of hours of instruction in each subject and total number of hours required for course completion, course descriptions, and a statement of the type of credential awarded.

5. A statement of tuition and fees and other charges related to enrollment, such as deposits, fees, books and supplies, tools and equipment, and any other charges for which a student may be responsible.

6. The school's refund policy for tuition and fees pursuant to subsection N of this section and the.

7. The school's procedures for handling complaints, including procedures to ensure that a student will not be subject to unfair actions as a result of his initiation of a complaint proceeding.

7. 8. The name and address of the school's accrediting body, if applicable.

8. 9. The minimum requirements for satisfactory completion of each degree level and degree program, or nondegree certificates/diplomas.

9. 10. A statement that all school officials accurately represent describes the transferability of any courses or programs and that indicates whether any of the associate degrees offered by the school are considered terminal degrees.

10. 11. A statement that ensures that all school officials accurately represent represents the transferability of any diplomas or, certificates, or degrees offered by the school.

11. 12. If the institution offers programs leading to the Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Occupational Science degree, a statement that these programs are terminal occupational/technical programs and that credits generally earned in these programs are not applicable to other degrees.

12. 13. The academic or course work schedule for the period covered by the publication.

13. 14. A statement that accurately details the type and amount of career advising and placement services offered by the school.

14. 15. The name, location, and address of the main campus, branch or instructional site operating in Virginia.

G. The school must have a clearly defined process by which the curriculum is established, reviewed and evaluated. Evaluation of school effectiveness must be completed on a regular basis and must include, but not be limited to:

1. An explanation of how each program is consistent with the mission of the school.

2. An explanation of the written process for evaluating each degree level and program, or career-technical program, once initiated and an explanation of the procedures for assessing the extent to which the educational goals are being achieved.

3. Documented use of the results of these evaluations to improve the degree and career-technical programs offered by the school.

H. Pursuant to § 23-276.3 B of the Code of Virginia, the school must maintain records that demonstrate it is financially sound; exercises proper management, financial controls and business practices; and can fulfill its commitments for education or training. The school's financial resources should be characterized by stability, which indicates the school is capable of maintaining operational continuity for an extended period of time. The stability indicator that will be used is the USDOE Financial Ratio (composite score).

1. Institutions of higher education shall provide the results of an annual audited, reviewed or compiled financial statement. Career-technical schools shall provide the results of an annual audited, reviewed or compiled financial statement or the school may elect to provide financial information on forms provided by council staff. The financial report shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) currently in effect. The financial report shall cover the most recent annual accounting period completed.

2. The USDOE composite score range is -1.0 to 3.0. Schools with a score of 1.5 to 3.0 meet fully the stability requirement in subsection I of this section; scores between 1.0 and 1.4 meet the minimum expectations; and scores less than 1.0 do not meet the requirement and shall be immediately considered for audit.

I. Pursuant to § 23-276.3 B of the Code of Virginia, the school shall have and maintain a surety instrument issued by a surety company or banking institution authorized to transact business in Virginia that is adequate to provide refunds to students for the unearned non-Title IV portion of tuition and fees for any given semester, quarter or term and to cover the administrative cost associated with the instrument claim. The instrument shall be based on the non-Title IV funds that have been received from students or agencies for which the education has not yet been delivered. This figure shall be indicated in an audited or reviewed financial statements statement as a Current (non-Title IV) Tuition Liability. A school certified under this regulation shall be exempt from the surety instrument requirement if it can demonstrate a USDOE composite financial responsibility score of 1.5 or greater on its current financial statement; or if it can demonstrate a composite score between 1.0 and 1.4 on its current financial statement and has scored at least 1.5 on a financial statement in either of the prior two years. The school's eligibility for the surety waiver shall be determined annually, at the time of recertification.

1. Public postsecondary schools originating in a state other than Virginia that are operating a branch campus or instructional site in the Commonwealth of Virginia are exempt from the surety bond requirement.

2. New schools and unaccredited existing schools must complete at least two five calendar years of academic instruction and/or certification to qualify for the surety waiver/exemption.

3. Existing schools seeking a waiver of the surety instrument requirement must submit an audited financial statement for the most recent fiscal year end, that reflects the appropriate composite score as indicated in this subsection.

J. The school shall have a current written policy on faculty accessibility that shall be distributed to all students. The school shall ensure that instructional faculty are accessible to students for academic or course advising at stated times outside a course's regularly scheduled class hours at each site branch and throughout the period during which the course is offered.

K. All recruitment personnel must provide prospective students with current and accurate information on the school through the use of written and electronic materials and in oral admissions interviews:

1. The school shall be responsible and liable for the acts of its admissions personnel.

2. No school, agent, or admissions personnel shall knowingly make any statement or representation that is false, inaccurate or misleading regarding the school.

L. All programs offered via telecommunications or distance education must be comparable in content, faculty, and resources to those offered in residence, and must include regular student-faculty interaction by computer, telephone, mail, or face-to-face meetings. Telecommunication programs and courses shall adhere to the following minimum standards:

1. The educational objectives for each program or course shall be clearly defined, simply stated, and of such a nature that they can be achieved through telecommunications.

2. Instructional materials and technology methods must be appropriate to meet the stated objectives of the program or course. The school must consider and implement basic online navigation of any course or program, an information exchange privacy and safety policy, a notice of minimum technology specification for students and faculty, proper system monitoring, and technology infrastructure capabilities sufficient to meet the demands of the programs being offered.

3. The school shall provide faculty and student training and support services specifically related to telecommunication activities.

4. The school shall provide for methods for timely interaction between students and faculty.

5. The school shall develop standards that ensure that accepted students have sufficient background, knowledge, and technical skills to successfully undertake a telecommunications program.

M. The school shall maintain and ensure that students have access to a library with a collection, staff, services, equipment and facilities that are adequate and appropriate for the purpose and enrollment of the school. Library resources shall be current, well distributed among fields in which the institution offers instructions, cataloged, logically organized, and readily located. The school shall maintain a continuous plan for library resource development and support, including objectives and selections of materials. Current and formal written agreements with other libraries or with other entities may be used. Institutions offering graduate work shall provide access to library resources that include basic reference and bibliographic works and major journals in each discipline in which the graduate program is offered. Career-technical schools shall provide adequate and appropriate resources for completion of course work.

N. In accordance with § 23-276.3 B of the Code of Virginia, the school shall establish a tuition refund policy and communicate it to students. Accredited institutions shall adhere to the tuition refund requirements of their accrediting body, if required, and if those requirements describe specific refund terms. Otherwise, accredited institutions, as well as all other schools, shall adhere to the following tuition refund requirements: Each school shall establish, disclose, and utilize a system of tuition and fee charges for each program of instruction. These charges shall be applied uniformly to all similarly-circumstanced students. This requirement does not apply to group tuition rates to business firms, industry, or governmental agencies that are documented by written agreements between the school and the respective organization.

1. The school shall adopt a minimum refund policy relative to the refund of tuition, fees, and other charges. All fees and payments, with the exception of the nonrefundable fee described in subdivision 2 of this subsection, remitted to the school by a prospective student shall be refunded if the student is not admitted, does not enroll in the school, does not begin the program or course, withdraws prior to the start of the program, or is dismissed prior to the start of the program.

2. A school may require the payment of a reasonable nonrefundable initial fee, not to exceed $100, to cover expenses in connection with processing a student's enrollment, provided it retains a signed statement in which the parties acknowledge their understanding that the fee is nonrefundable. No other nonrefundable fees shall be allowed prior to enrollment.

3. The school shall provide a period of at least three business days, excluding weekends and holidays, during which a student applicant may cancel his enrollment without financial obligation other than the nonrefundable fee described in subdivision 2 of this subsection.

4. Following the period described in subdivision 3 of this subsection, a student applicant (one who has applied for admission to a school) may cancel, by written notice, his enrollment at any time prior to the first class day of the session for which application was made. When cancellation is requested under these circumstances, the school is required to refund all tuition paid by the student, less a maximum tuition fee of 15% of the stated costs of the course or program or $100, whichever is less. A student applicant will be considered a student as of the first day of classes.

5. An individual's status as a student shall be terminated by the school not later than seven consecutive instructional days after the last day on which the student actually attended the school. Termination may be effected earlier by written notice. The date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew should be no later than 14 calendar days after the student's last date of attendance as determined by the institution from its attendance records. The institution is not required to administratively withdraw a student who has been absent for 14 calendar days. However, after 14 calendar days, the institution is expected to have determined whether the student intends to return to classes or to withdraw. In addition, if the student is eventually determined to have withdrawn, the end of the 12-day period begins the timeframe for calculating the refunds. In the event that a written notice is submitted, the effective date of termination will shall be the date the student last attended classes of the written notice. The school may require that written notice be transmitted via registered or certified mail, or by electronic transmission provided that such a stipulation is contained in the written enrollment contract. The school may require that the parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age submit notices of termination on behalf of their children or wards. The school is required to submit refunds to individuals who have terminated their status as students within 45 days after receipt of a written request or the date the student last attended classes whichever is sooner. An institution that provides the majority of its program offerings through distance learning shall have a plan for student termination, which shall be provided to council staff for review with its annual or recertification application.

6. In the case of a prolonged illness or accident, death in the family, or other special circumstances that make attendance impossible or impractical, a leave of absence may be granted to the student if requested in writing by the student or designee. No monetary charges or accumulated absences may be assessed to the student during a leave of absence. A school need not treat a leave of absence as a withdrawal if it is an approved leave of absence. A leave of absence is an approved leave of absence if:

a. The school has a formal, published policy regarding leaves of absence;

b. The student followed the institution's policy in requesting the leave of absence and submits a signed, dated request with the reasons for the leave of absence;

c. The school determines that there is a reasonable expectation that the student will return to the school;

d. The school approved the student's request in accordance with the published policy;

e. The school does not impose additional charges to the student as a result of the leave of absence;

f. The leave of absence does not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period; and

g. Upon the student's return from the leave of absence, the student is permitted to complete the coursework he began prior to the leave of absence;

7. If a student does not resume attendance at the institution on or before the end of an approved leave of absence, the institution must treat the student as a withdrawal and the date that the leave of absence was approved should be considered the last date of attendance for refund purposes.

6. 8. The minimum refund policy for a school that financially obligates the student for a quarter, semester, trimester or other period not exceeding 4-1/2 calendar months shall be as follows:

a. For schools that utilize an add/drop period, a student who withdraws during the add/drop period shall be entitled to 100% refund for the period.

b. For unaccredited schools and schools that do not utilize an add/drop period:

a. (1) A student who enters school but withdraws during the first ¼ (25%) of the period is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 50% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period.

b. (2) A student who enters a school but withdraws after completing ¼ (25%), but less than ½ (50%) of the period is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 25% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period.

c. (3) A student who withdraws after completing ½ (50%), or more than ½ (50%), of the period is not entitled to a refund.

7. 9. The minimum refund policy for a school that financially obligates the student for the entire amount of tuition and fees for the entirety of a program or course shall be as follows:

a. A student who enters the school but withdraws or is terminated during the first quartile (25%) of the program shall be entitled to a minimum refund amounting to 75% of the cost of the program.

b. A student who withdraws or is terminated during the second quartile (more than 25% but less than 50%) of the program shall be entitled to a minimum refund amounting to 50% of the cost of the program.

c. A student who withdraws or is terminated during the third quartile (more than 50% but less than 75%) of the program shall be entitled to a minimum refund amounting to 25% of the cost of the program.

d. A student who withdraws after completing more than three quartiles (75%) of the program shall not be entitled to a refund.

8. 10. The minimum refund policy for a school that offers its programs completely via telecommunications or distance education shall be as follows:

a. For a student canceling after the 5th calendar day following the date of enrollment but prior to receipt by the school of the first completed lesson assignment, all moneys paid to the school shall be refunded, except the nonrefundable fee described in subdivision 2 of this subsection.

b. If a student enrolls and withdraws or is discontinued after submission of the first completed lesson assignment, but prior to the completion of the program, minimum refunds shall be calculated as follows:

(1) A student who starts the program but withdraws up to and including completion of the first quartile (25%) of the program is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 75% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period.

(2) A student who starts the program but withdraws after completing up to the second quartile (more than 25%, but less than 50%) of the program is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 50% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period.

(3) A student who starts the program but withdraws after completing up to the third quartile (more than 50%, but less than 75%) of the program is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 25% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period.

(4) A student who withdraws after completing the third quartile (75%) or more of the program is not entitled to a refund.

c. The percentage of the program completed shall be determined by comparing the number of completed lesson assignments received by the school to the total number of lesson assignments required in the program.

d. If the school uses standard enrollment terms, such as semesters or quarters, to measure student progress, the school may use the appropriate refund policy as provided in subdivisions 8 or 9 of this subsection.

9. 11. Fractions of credit for courses completed shall be determined by dividing the total amount of time required to complete the period or the program by the amount of time the student actually spent in the program or the period, or by the number of correspondence course lessons completed, as described in the contract.

10. 12. Expenses incurred by students for instructional supplies, tools, activities, library, rentals, service charges, deposits, and all other charges are not required to be considered in tuition refund computations when these expenses have been represented separately to the student in the enrollment contract and catalogue, or other documents, prior to enrollment in the course or program. The school shall adopt and adhere to reasonable policies regarding the handling of these expenses when calculating the refund and shall submit the policies to council staff for approval.

11. 13. For programs longer than one year, the policy outlined in subdivisions 7 and 8 9, 10, and 11 of this subsection shall apply separately for each academic year or portion thereof.

12. 14. Schools shall comply with the cancellation and settlement policy outlined in this section, including promissory notes or contracts for tuition or fees sold to third parties.

13. 15. When notes, contracts or enrollment agreements are sold to third parties, the school shall continue to have the responsibility to provide the training specified regardless of the source of any tuition, fees, or other charges that have been remitted to the school by the student or on behalf of the student.

O. The school shall keep official relevant academic transcripts for all teaching faculty to document that each has the appropriate educational credentials or other relevant documentation to support reported experience in the area of teaching responsibility or documentation of. In the event teaching qualification is based on professional competencies and/or scholarly achievements, relevant documentation to support reported experience must be retained by the school.

P. If an internship, externship, or production work is necessary as a part of the school's education program, the school must adhere to the following:

1. When programs contain internships or externships, in any form, the professional training must:

a. Be identified as part of the approved curriculum of the school and be specified in terms of expected learning outcomes in a written training plan.

b. Be monitored by an instructor of record during the entire period of the internship.

c. Not be used to provided labor or replacement for a permanent employee.

d. Be performed according to a specified schedule of time required for training including an expected completion date.

e. If the internship, externship, or production work is part of the course requirement, student may not be considered as a graduate or issued a graduation credential until the internship, externship, or production work has been satisfactorily completed.

2. When receiving compensation for services provided by students as part of their education program, the school must clearly inform customers that services are performed by students by (i) posting a notice in plain view of the public or (ii) requiring students to wear nametags that identify them as students while performing services related to their training.

Q. An institution shall notify council staff of the following occurrences no later than 30 days following said occurrence:

1. Addition of new programs or modifications to existing program. Program names must adhere to the CIP taxonomy maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics.

2. Addition a new branch location or instructional site.

3. Address change of a branch or instructional site in Virginia.

Notification of the above referenced occurrences shall be submitted in writing on forms provided by and in a manner prescribed by the council.

R. An institution shall notify the council of the following occurrences no later than 30 days following said occurrence.

1. Naming of new school president.

2. Naming of new campus or branch director.

3. Naming of person responsible for the regulatory oversight of the institution.

8VAC40-31-165. Equipment and facilities.

A. All buildings where courses of instruction are being conducted must comply with all municipal, county, state, and federal regulations as to fire, safety, health, and sanitation codes or regulations.

B. Lighting, heating, and ventilation must meet institutional needs. The equipment and facilities must be suitable to meet the training specified in the course content for the maximum student enrollment. Where applicable, all equipment, premises, and facilities must be maintained in conformity with state and federal rules and regulations.

C. Equipment shall be maintained in good working order.

Part VI
Certification Requirements

8VAC40-31-170. Initial certification, recertification, and change of ownership.

A. An institution shall not use the term "college" or "university" or words of similar meaning until it has received acknowledgment from council staff that the name is not in violation of 8VAC40-31-20.

1. A school may not use the term "college" in its name unless the school has been approved or seeks to offer programs at the associate degree or above.

2. A school may not use the term "university" in its name unless the school has been approved or seeks to offer programs at the master's degree or above.

3. The council may refuse to approve a name change when, in the council's judgment, the proposed name is likely to mislead the public about the school's identity or the nature of its programs.

1. 4. A school seeking certification must notify council staff of its proposed name prior to filing such name with the State Corporation Commission.

2. 5. Prior to receiving certification to operate, a copy of the school's certificate from the Virginia State Corporation Commission authorizing it to transact business in the Commonwealth under the acknowledged name must be submitted to council staff.

B. A school shall not operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia without first receiving certification to operate from the council. Certified schools shall not enter into any agreement to deliver or develop courses or programs of study in Virginia with noncertified postsecondary schools.

C. An out-of-state postsecondary school seeking certification to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia must secure written documentation from the higher education coordinating and/or approving agency in the state or country in which the school is formed, chartered, established, or incorporated indicating that the school is operating in good standing. If the school formerly operated in another state or country but is not operating there at the time of its application to operate in Virginia, the school must secure from the higher education coordinating and/or approving agency documentation that it closed in good standing and would be allowed to re-establish a postsecondary school in that state or country. These written documentations must be provided to council staff.

D. A school submitting its initial application for certification will have 180 days to complete the application process, after which time its application will be withdrawn by the council and it will receive a refund of the application fee minus the nonrefundable handling charge of $300.

E. All certifications shall expire on the certificate expiration date. Applications for recertification must be submitted to council staff at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current certification. If a school allows its certification to operate to expire, the school shall not be eligible for recertification and must submit an application for initial certification including the appropriate application fee.

F. Certification is not transferable. In the event of a change of ownership of a certified school, the new owner or governing body must secure certification. The school must apply for certification within 45 business days following a change of ownership. During the 45-day period and the time required for the council staff to process the new application, up to and not exceeding 90 days, the old certification shall remain in effect provided that no changes have been made in the academic programs, policies, or financial considerations such that the change would constitute or create a violation of council's policies.

1. The following constitutes a change of ownership:

a. Purchase of the entire school or assets of school.

b. Transfer, sale, or purchase of stock, membership, or other direct or beneficial ownership interest by a single entity or by multiple entities in a single transaction or a series of transactions that results in at least 51% change in control.

2. The acquisition of an interest in a certified school by bequest, descent, survivorship, or operation of law does not constitute a change of ownership. However, the person acquiring the ownership interest shall send written notice to the council of such acquisition within 30 days of its closing or validation. The council may determine on a case-by-case basis that other similar transfers may not constitute a change of ownership.

3. New school owners are responsible for maintaining and servicing all student records that were the responsibility of the prior owners of the school.

4. New school owners are responsible for resolving all student complaints that were the responsibility of the prior owners of the school or that were filed with the council prior to the final approval of the change of ownership.

5. New school owners are responsible for honoring the terms of current student enrollment agreements, institutional scholarships, or institutional grants for all students who were enrolled or taking classes at the time the change of ownership took place.

G. Council staff will process all applications, conduct the site visit, and provide notice to applicants within 45 business days of receipt of a completed application package. Approval of the certificate to operate by the council is subject to scheduling of council meetings and other factors affecting the agendas of council meetings.

H. Valid-through dates of Certificates to Operate and due dates of recertification applications are as follows:

1. Out-of-state private degree-granting and career-technical school certificates are valid for one year beginning on September 1 of the calendar year and ending on August 31 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than July 2.

2. Out-of-state public institution certificates are valid for one year beginning on September 15 of the calendar year and ending on September 14 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than July 16.

3. In-state private nonprofit institution certificates are valid for one year beginning on October 1 of the calendar year and ending on September 30 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than August 2.

4. In-state proprietary degree-granting and career-technical school certificates are valid for one year beginning on October 15 of the calendar year and ending on October 14 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than August 16.

5. In-state proprietary career-technical school certificates (letters A-D) are valid for one year beginning on November 1 of the calendar year and ending on October 31 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than September 2.

6. In-state proprietary career-technical school certificates (letters E-P) are valid for one year beginning on November 15 of the calendar year and ending on November 14 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than September 16.

7. In-state proprietary career-technical school certificates (letters Q-Z and others) are valid for one year beginning on December 1 of the calendar year and ending on November 30 of the following calendar year. Applications are due not later than October 2.

8VAC40-31-180. Application requirements.

A. Each certification to operate attests that the school is in compliance with Chapter 21.1 (§ 23-276.1 et seq.) of Title 23 of the Code of Virginia and with this chapter.

B. To apply for certification, the following information must be submitted:

1. A completed certification application form package provided by council staff.

2. A statement regarding the school's accreditation status, if applicable.

a. Career-technical schools must provide a statement that the courses of study offered conform to state, federal, trade, or manufacturing standards of training for the occupational fields in which such standards have been established or that courses conform to recognized training practices in those fields.

b. Out-of-state institutions and career-technical schools requesting initial certification must be accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the USDOE U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and must provide evidence that there has been no determination of limitation, suspension, revocation, or termination by the USDOE, an accrediting body, or a state regulatory body against the school within the past five years.

c. Unaccredited in-state institutions that offer courses for degree credit and existing unaccredited out-of-state career-technical schools must submit a plan of action for securing accreditation from an organization recognized by the USDOE, including the name of the accrediting organization and timeframe. In order to remain eligible for certification, the postsecondary school must secure, at a minimum, candidacy status or equivalent within three years of its initial date of certification, and initial accreditation no later than six years after initial certification. Changes to the plan of action timeframe for accreditation will be granted only at the discretion of the council.

d. Unaccredited in-state institutions that undergo a change of ownership during the time period covered by the plan of action for securing accreditation, and that wish to remain eligible for certification under new ownership, will remain on the plan of action timeframe established by the former ownership. This plan of action timeframe begins from the initial date of certification under the former ownership and encompasses the accreditation dates established in the plan of action put into place by the former ownership. No additional time will be granted for obtaining the minimum level of accreditation required of the plan of action due to the change in ownership. Changes to the plan of action timeframe for accreditation will not be granted except at the discretion of the council.

3. A transacted surety instrument form, with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia named as the obligee.

4. A three-year projected budget that indicates that the school is capable of maintaining operational continuity for up to three years. The budget should demonstrate:

a. That the individual, partnership, or corporation that owns the school is solvent and has the financial capacity to support the operation; and

b. A positive net worth, accompanied by a reasonable debt to equity ratio.

4. 5. A completed checklist, signed and dated, acknowledging full compliance with certification criteria, along with a notarized attestation statement signed by the chief executive officer or equivalent.

5. 6. A company check in the correct, nonrefundable amount made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

6. 7. A copy of the school's certificate, if incorporated, from the State Corporation Commission providing authorization to transact business within the Commonwealth.

7. 8. For schools whose main campus is not in Virginia, a copy of the school's authorization to operate from the state agency in which its main campus is domiciled. No institution found to be operating illegally in another state shall be certified to operate in Virginia. An institution that has lost its legal authority to operate in another state shall be required to submit written documentation that describes the circumstances under which its authority was lost and to submit written documentation of the steps taken to remedy these circumstances before making application for certification in Virginia.

8. 9. A complete listing of all sites, along with their addresses, phone numbers (if applicable), and programs offered at the site.

9. 10. For new postsecondary school applicants, a signed and notarized statement provided by the president or CEO, that attests to any previous involvement in the operation of a postsecondary school or any previous involvement by any administrator, owner, controlling shareholder, or member of the school's governing board in the operation of a postsecondary school. At a minimum, this statement shall include the name(s) of previous schools, the dates of the involvement, the positions held within the school, the location, the status (open/closed, and accredited/nonaccredited) of the school, any known violation of federal or state financial aid rules by the school, any known violations of the policies of an accreditor of the school, any bankruptcy filings by the school, and conviction or civil penalty levied by any legal entity in connection with this or any other educational entity in which he was employed or invested.

10. 11. A complete list of all diploma, certificate, or degree program offerings during the valid period of the certification. This list shall consist of the number of hours required for completion of each program, the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code where applicable, and the type of program and degree.

a. New and unaccredited schools must also include their estimated annual enrollment projections and number of students per program; and

b. Schools that are renewing certificates to operate shall include from the previous year the following information:

(1) The number of degrees, certificates, or diplomas conferred for each program offered by a the school at its Virginia facility.

(2) The number of students graduating and the number enrolled at its Virginia facility.

c. Unaccredited institutions of higher education and career-technical schools shall include, from follow-up surveys of graduates, the number of students reporting placement in jobs relating to their field of study within six months; and one year of graduation.

C. An existing postsecondary school licensed by any other state agency empowered by the Code of Virginia to license the school, its teachers or curriculum, or both, must become certified prior to enrolling any student into a course for degree credit or program of study. The school must submit an application for certification to operate that shall contain all of the requirements outlined in 8VAC40-31-160 B and C.

D. When a branch campus or site of a school is under different ownership or different school name than the main campus of the school, the branch campus or site must submit an application for certification to operate and must pay a separate certification fee than the main campus of the school.

E. All proprietary postsecondary schools must provide evidence of a valid business license from the locality within which it seeks to operate. If and when council receives confirmation that a school is operating without the required business license, council shall take action as required by § 23-276.15 of the Code of Virginia.

F. All postsecondary schools seeking certification to operate in Virginia must undergo and successfully complete a site visit prior to the issuance of the certificate to operate.

8VAC40-31-190. Withdrawal of application by a postsecondary school.

A. A school that has submitted an application to the council may withdraw that application without prejudice at any time.

B. Withdrawal of an application by a school shall result in revocation by the council of all authorizations associated with that application that previously had been granted to the school.

C. A school that has withdrawn an application may submit, at any time and without prejudice, a new application to the council in accordance with Part V (8VAC40-31-130 et seq.) of this chapter.

D. A school that withdraws an application prior to receiving notification of certification will receive a refund of the filing fee minus a handling charge an administrative processing fee.

8VAC40-31-193. Loss of accreditation.

A. In the event of the loss of accreditation of a certified school, the council will move to revoke the school's Certificate to Operate.

B. The council may waive the revocation provided the school does the following within 30 days of the loss of accreditation:

1. Provide council staff with a copy of the accreditor's letter and full report explaining the reason for the revocation;

2. Provide council staff with a written explanation why the loss of accreditation should not impact the school's certification to operate in Virginia, and any supporting documentation; and

3. Submit to an audit to determine compliance with the council's regulations.

C. Council staff shall consider accreditor's report, the school explanation for the loss of accreditation, and the findings of the audit to prepare a report for the council which recommends:

1. Initiate revocation of the school's Certificate to Operate; or

2. Grant conditional certification, during which time the school may not enroll new students. The terms of the conditional certification will be fixed at staff discretion based upon their findings.

D. The school must maintain a surety instrument during the totality of the conditional certification period.

E. The school shall provide written notification to all enrolled students of its loss of accreditation from its accrediting body and of its provisional certification status with the council.

F. The school shall be eligible to apply for full certification upon meeting the following conditions:

1. Provide documentation that the issues causing the loss of accreditation have been resolved.

2. Demonstrate full compliance to the provisions of this chapter by virtue of an audit during the conditional certification period.

8VAC40-31-195. Suspension or revocation of certificate to operate.

A. The council may (i) suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a certificate to operate; (ii) modify the certificate to operate to conditional; or (iii) impose a penalty pursuant to § 23-276.12 of the Code of Virginia for any one or combination of the following:

1. Violation of any provision of this chapter pursuant to § 23-276 of the Code of Virginia, the council's minimum standards, or any rule made by the council.

2. Furnishing of false, misleading, deceptive, altered, or incomplete information or documents to the council.

3. Violation of any attestations made in an application for a certificate to operate.

4. Presenting to prospective students, either at the time of solicitation or enrollment, or through advertising, mail circulars, or telephone solicitation, misleading, deceptive, false, or fraudulent information relating to any program, employment opportunity, or opportunities for enrollment after entering or completing programs offered by the school.

5. Presenting to prospective students, either at the time of solicitation or enrollment, or through advertising, mail circulars, or telephone solicitation, misleading, deceptive, false, or fraudulent information relating financial aid offered by the school.

6. Failure to provide or maintain premises or equipment for offering programs in a safe and sanitary condition as required by law or by state regulations or local ordinances.

7. Refusal by an agent while performing duties common to agents to display his agent's permit upon demand of a prospective student or council staff member or other interested persons.

8. Failure to maintain financial resources adequate to conduct satisfactorily the courses of instruction offered or to retain an adequate, qualified instructional staff.

9. Offering training or programs other than those acknowledged by the council.

10. Illegal discrimination in the acceptance of students.

11. Failure to provide the council or council staff within a reasonable timeframe any information, records, or files pertaining to the operation of the school or recruitment and enrollment of students or in response to an audit.

12. Employment of enrolled students in any commercial activity from which the school derives revenue without reasonable remuneration to the students unless the students are engaging in activities that are an integral component of their educational program.

13. Engaging in or authorizing other conduct that constitutes fraudulent or criminal activity.

B. A school is entitled to exercise its rights under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) prior to the denial, suspension, or revocation of its certificate to operate, pursuant to 8VAC40-31-220.

8VAC40-31-200. Audit requirements.

A. All certified postsecondary schools shall be subject to random periodic audits. The purpose of such audit shall be to verify compliance with certification criteria § 23.276 of the Code of Virginia and the provisions outlined in this chapter.

B. At the discretion of council staff, an audit review committee shall consist of the executive director or designee and may:

1. Include individuals with the experience in the disciplines in which the school provides instruction; and/or

2. Consist of council staff.

C. Audits shall be random or triggered by, but not limited to, the following events:

1. Council staff concerns based on questionable information in the initial or recertification application.

2. Greater than average volume and frequency of negative student complaints or adverse publicity.

3. Difficulty securing accreditation within the specified time period.

4. Adverse action by the USDOE or the school's accrediting agency.

5. A USDOE composite financial responsibility score of less than 1.0.

D. Following an audit of the school, council staff shall prepare a report with recommendations for review by the council. If a school is found noncompliant, the council may:

1. Determine no action is necessary and have the report filed;

2. Change the status to probationary conditional certification and require remedial action(s) within a specified timeframe;

3. Revoke or suspend certification Initiate suspension or revocation of the school's certificate to operate.

Part VII
Procedures for Conducting Fact-Finding Conferences and Hearings

8VAC40-31-220. Procedural rules for the conduct of fact-finding conferences and hearings (§§ 2.2-4019 through 2.2-4030 of the Code of Virginia).

A. Fact-finding conference; notification, appearance, conduct.

1. Unless emergency circumstances exist that require immediate action, no certification application shall be denied, suspended or revoked no order shall be issued to refuse to grant a certification, to revoke or suspend a prior certification, or to add conditions to any certification except upon written notice stating the proposed basis for such action and the time and place for a right of the affected parties to appear at an informal fact-finding conference.

2. If a basis exists for a refusal to certify or a suspension or a revocation of a certificate to operate If the council determines that grounds exist to refuse to grant a certification, to revoke or suspend a prior certification, or to add conditions to any certification, the council shall notify, by certified mail or by hand delivery provide written notice of its intention to take the proposed action to the interested parties at the address of record maintained by the council. The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall state the reasons for the proposed action.

3. Notification shall include the basis for the proposed action and afford provide information about informal fact-finding conference procedures, including the rights of interested parties the opportunity to present written and oral information to the council that may have a bearing on the proposed action at a fact-finding conference to (i) reasonable notice thereof; (ii) appear in person or by counsel or other qualified representative before the agency or its subordinates, or before a hearing office for the informal presentation of factual data, argument, or proof; (iii) have notification of any contrary fact bases or information in the possession of the agency that can be relied upon in making an adverse decision; (iv) receive a prompt decision; and (v) be informed briefly and generally in writing, of the factual or procedural basis for an adverse decision. If no withdrawal occurs, a an informal fact-finding conference shall be scheduled at the earliest mutually agreeable date, but no later than 60 days from the date of the notification. A school party wishing to waive its right to a conference and proceed directly to formal hearing shall notify the council at least 14 days before the scheduled conference.

4. If after consideration of information presented during an informal fact-finding conference, the council determines that a basis for action still exists, the interested parties shall be notified in writing within 60 days of the informal fact-finding conference, via certified or hand-delivered mail, of the decision, the factual or procedural basis for the decision, and the right to appeal the decision by requesting a formal hearing. Parties to the conference may agree to extend the report deadline if more time is needed to consider relevant information.

5. Parties may enter into a consent agreement to settle the issues at any time prior to a formal hearing. If one party desires to enter into a consent agreement prior to the informal fact-finding conference or the formal hearing, as the case may be, then it shall give reasonable notice to the other party prior to the conference or hearing. A party's delay may result in denial of the proposed consent agreement.

6. Following execution of the consent agreement, council staff may make frequent attempts to determine whether the terms of the consent agreement are being implemented and whether its intended results are being achieved.

B. Hearing; notification, appearance, conduct.

1. If, after a the council renders a decision following an informal fact-finding conference, a sufficient basis still exists to deny, suspend or revoke a certification, interested parties shall be notified by certified mail or hand delivery of the proposed action and of the opportunity for a hearing on the proposed action. If an organization interested party desires to request appeal the decision by requesting a formal hearing, it shall notify the council within 14 days of receipt of a report on the conference the date of receipt of the certified letter. Parties may enter into a consent agreement to settle the issues at any time prior to, or subsequent to, an informal fact-finding conference.

2. Parties to a formal hearing shall be given reasonable notice of the (i) time, place, and nature thereof; (ii) basic law under which the council contemplates its possible exercise of authority; and (iii) matters of fact and law asserted or questioned by the council.

2. 3. If an interested party or representative fails to appear at a hearing, the hearing officer may proceed in the party's/representative's absence and make a recommendation.

3. Oral and written arguments may be submitted to and limited by the hearing officer. Oral arguments shall be recorded in an appropriate manner.

4. The formal hearing shall be presided over by a hearing officer selected from a list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court and maintained in the office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court.

5. In the formal hearing, the parties shall be entitled to be accompanied and represented by counsel, to submit oral and documentary evidence and rebuttal proofs, and to conduct cross-examination. The presiding officer at the formal hearing may (i) administer oaths and affirmations; (ii) receive probative evidence, exclude irrelevant, immaterial, insubstantial, privileged or repetitive proofs, rebuttal, or cross-examination, rule upon offers of proof, and oversee a verbatim recording of the evidence; (iii) hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of issued by consent; (iv) dispose of procedural requests; and (v) regulate and expedite the course of the hearing.

C. Hearing location. Hearings before a hearing officer shall be held, insofar as practical, in the county or city in which the school is located. Hearing officers may conduct hearings at locations convenient to the greatest number of persons or by telephone conference, videoconference or similar technology in order to expedite the hearing process.

D. Hearing decisions.

1. Recommendations of the hearing officer shall be a part of the record and shall include a written statement of the hearing officer's findings of fact and recommendations as well as the reasons or basis for the recommendations. Recommendations shall be based upon all the material issues of fact, law or discretion presented on the record.

2. Prior to the recommendation of the hearing officer, the parties concerned shall be given opportunity, on request, to submit in writing for the record (i) proposed findings and conclusions and (ii) a statement of reasons therefore. On request, opportunity shall be afforded for oral arguments to the hearing officer or to the council as it may permit in its discretion. The council shall receive and act on exceptions to the recommendation of the hearing officer prior to rendering a decision.

2. 3. The council shall review the recommendation of the hearing officer and render a decision on the recommendation within 30 days of receipt. The decision shall cite the appropriate rule, relief or denial thereof as to each issue be served on the parties concerned; become a part of the record; and briefly state the findings, conclusions, reasons, or basis therefore upon the evidence presented by the record and relevant to the basic law under which the council is operating, together with the appropriate order, certificate to operate, or denial thereof.

E. Agency representation. The executive director's designee may represent the council in an informal conference or at a hearing.

8VAC40-31-260. Fees.

A. All fees collected by council staff will be deposited in the State Treasury.

B. All fees are nonrefundable with the exception of withdrawal of an application in which case all fees will be refunded minus a reasonable handling charge of $300.

C. Fees must be paid with a company check and made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

D. The annual fee is based on the annual gross tuition received by each administrative branch of institutions certified to operate in Virginia. For out-of-state institutions certified to operate in Virginia, annual gross tuition means income generated from students enrolled at Virginia locations. The flat fee schedule is as follows:

New school orientation session, per person	$150
Initial fee for all new institutions of higher education =	$6,000
Initial fee for all new career-technical schools =	$2,500
Annual fee for all unaccredited institutions of higher education =	$6,000
Annual fee for all unaccredited out-of-state career-technical schools	$2,500
Renewal fee for all postsecondary schools with an annual gross tuition collected greater than $150,000 less than $50,000, as recorded on most recent financial statement =	$2,500 $250
Renewal fee for all postsecondary schools with an annual gross tuition collected greater than $100,000 or equal to $50,000 but less than or equal to $150,000 $100,000, as recorded on most recent financial statement =	$1,500 $1,000
Renewal fee for all postsecondary schools with an annual gross tuition collected greater than $50,000 or equal to $100,000 but less than or equal to $100,000 $500,000, as recorded on most recent financial statement =	$1,000 $2,500
Renewal fee for all postsecondary schools with an annual gross tuition collected less greater than or equal to $50,000 $500,000 but less than $1,000,000, as recorded on most recent financial statement =	$500 $4,000
Renewal fee for all postsecondary schools with an annual gross tuition collected greater than or equal to $1,000,000, as recorded on most recent financial statement	$5,000
Late fee =	$100/day for first 10 business days after expiration of annual certification (Maximum fee = $1,000) (11th day institution notified to cease and desist and matter referred for prosecution)
Returned check fee =	$35
Noncompliance administrative fees =	$1,000 for each occurrence of noncompliance found as a result of audit
Initial or renewed exemption application/request for name acknowledgement/agent registration =	$300
Nonrefundable handling charge administrative fee (withdrawal of application) =	$300 $500 career-technical, $1000 institutions of higher education
Request duplicate certificate to operate due to school name or address change	$100
Request duplicate agent permit, to replace lost/stolen/misplaced permit	$100
Application fee for each additional branch	$300
Application fee for each additional site	$100
Application fee for each additional program or modification to an existing program	$100

E. If a late fee is assessed, the school must submit the assessed fee, required certification fee and all required certification documents prior to the issuance of the Certificate to Operate.

F. E. A school that submits a payment that is returned for any reason must resubmit the required payment, any applicable late fee, and the assessed returned check fee of $35 via a money order or certified bank check only.

8VAC40-31-280. Closure of a postsecondary school.

A. The council, on its own motion, may authorize a postsecondary school whose application for certification to operate is denied in accordance with 8VAC40-31-200 to continue to offer instruction for degree credit to all currently enrolled students until the end of the semester, quarter, or other academic term during which certification is denied.

B. The council, on its own motion, may authorize a school whose certification is revoked in accordance with 8VAC40-31-200 to offer the coursework necessary for all currently enrolled students to complete their programs and to award degrees, certificates or diplomas to those students, provided that the school:

1. Offers degree coursework only to those students who were enrolled at the time the school's certification was revoked; and

2. Offers all necessary coursework on a schedule that permits all currently enrolled students to complete their programs in a reasonable period of time.

C. When a school decides to voluntarily cease operations, it must immediately inform the council of the following:

1.The planned date for the termination of operations.

2. The planned date and location for the transfer of student records.

3. The name and address of the organization to receive and manage the student records and the name of the official who is designated to manage transcript requests. The organization designated for the preservation of the student records may not be corporately connected to the closing school. The council may receive student records, subject to subsection D of this section, if an appropriate depository has not been established.

4. Arrangements for the continued education of currently enrolled students via teach-out agreement or other practical solution. The teach-out plan shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Identification of the school's official date of closure;

b. A listing by program of students enrolled at the time of the school's closure including addresses, telephone numbers, and estimated graduation dates for each student;

c. The status of all current refunds due and balances owed;

d. A listing of those students who had prepaid for any portion of their training and a calculation of the total amount that was prepaid by each student;

e. Signed agreement with one or more local educational institutions able to provide adequate education to all students in all programs; and

f. Procedures for awarding graduates their certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

5. A roster showing the name, address, and current academic status of all enrolled students A listing of all former students, including full name, last known mailing address, e-mail address, program of study, dates of enrollment, date of completion, and credential awarded, if applicable.

D. In the event of school closure or revocation of certification, the council may facilitate the transfer of student records to the designated repository the school shall make provisions for transferring all official records of students to the council office, or secure a location that will maintain the records permanently, notify all students of this location and how they may obtain official copies. The records transferred to the council office, or other depository, shall include the academic records of each student, which should include:

1. Academic transcripts showing the basis of admissions, transfer credits, courses, credits, grades, graduation authorization, and student name changes for each student;

2. Transcripts of financial aid for each student, if maintained;

3. Foreign student forms for foreign students;

4. Veterans Administration records for veterans;

5. Copies of degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded, if maintained;

6. One set of course descriptions for all courses offered by the school; and

7. Evidence of accreditation, if any, during the years covered by transcripts.

E. The council shall be responsible for securing and preserving student records until the designated repository accepts the records. The school shall notify all enrolled students of the pending closure immediately, describing their financial obligations as well as their rights to a refund or adjustment, and provisions made for assistance toward completion of their academic programs, whether in the institution that is closing, or by contract with another institution or organization to teach out the educational programs. Such agreements must be approved by the council.

F. The council shall seek the advice of the Career College Advisory Board on matters relating to closures of its member schools.

8VAC40-31-300. Freedom of Information Act to apply. (Repealed.)

All materials submitted by a school in its application for approval or in response to a request by the council for pertinent information shall be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and shall be available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of § 2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia.

8VAC40-31-310. Student Tuition Guaranty Fund.

A. The executive director shall appoint in writing a Director of the Student Tuition Guaranty Fund.

B. The purpose of the fund is to reimburse tuition and fees due students at schools previously approved under § 22.1-321 of the Code of Virginia certified to operate when the school ceases to operate.

C. Schools seeking initial certification after July 1, 2004, shall not be required to pay into the fund. All other schools that were certified to operate prior to July 1, 2004, under the provisions of § 22.1-321 of the Code of Virginia, shall be subject to the provisions valid at the time of its recertification.

D. A claim shall be made against the fund only if it arises out of the cessation of operation by a school at which the student was enrolled or was on an approved leave of absence at the time of the closure and the closure prevented the student from completing the program of study for which he enrolled on or after July 1, 2004. If the school holds a surety bond or other guaranty instrument, filing a claim against the guaranty instrument shall be the initial response. Claims shall be filed with the director of the fund on forms prescribed by the council within three years after cessation of operation by the school. Claims filed after that period shall not be considered. Within a reasonable time after receipt of a claim, the director shall give the school or its owners, or both, notice of the claim and an opportunity to show cause, within 30 days, why the claim should not be reimbursed in whole or part. The director may cause to be made other investigation of the claim as he deems appropriate or may base his determination, without further investigation, upon information contained in the records of the council. Claims shall be limited to the unearned tuition paid to the closing institution for which the student received no educational instruction.

E. The director's determination shall be in writing and shall be mailed to the claimant and the school or its owners, or both, and shall become final 30 days after the receipt of the determination unless either the claimant or the school, or its owners, within the 30-day period, files with the director a written request for a hearing. Upon request, a hearing shall be held and, subject to the authority of the director to exclude irrelevant or other inappropriate evidence, the claimant and the school or its owners may present such information as these parties deem pertinent. The director will attempt to secure a teach-out agreement as outlined in 8VAC40-31-280 C 4 prior to issuing a refund of the unearned tuition to a student unable to complete a program of study due to a school closure. If a teach-out agreement cannot be secured, the director shall proceed with a claim against the closed school's surety instrument.

F. The executive director shall administer the fund upon the following basis:

1. The assets of the fund may not be expended for any purpose other than to pay bona fide claims made against the fund;

2. All payments into the fund shall be maintained by the state comptroller who shall deposit and invest the assets of the fund in any savings accounts or funds that are federally or state insured, and all interests or other return on the fund shall be credited to the fund;

3. Payment into the fund shall be made in the form of a company or cashier's check or money order made payable to the "Student Tuition Guaranty Fund."

G. When a claim is allowed by the director, the executive director, as agent for the fund, shall be subrogated in writing to the amount of the claim and the executive director shall thereby be authorized to take all steps necessary to perfect the subrogation rights before payment of the claim. Refunds will be made, first, to the lender issuing student financial aid or the guarantor of the loan, and second, to the student. In the event no financial aid was involved, then refunds will be made to the student.

8VAC40-31-320. Agent registration.

A. Agents representing one or more noncertified accredited postsecondary schools must:

1. Register with the council prior to soliciting in Virginia; and

2. Pay an annual fee of $300 per school represented.

B. Agents representing noncertified unaccredited postsecondary schools shall not conduct business in Virginia.

C. Agents operating instructional sites in Virginia must seek council certification.

D. Agent permits expire on December 31 of each calendar year. An application for an agent permit renewal must be submitted to council staff at least 60 days prior to the expiration date.

E. Refusal by an agent to display his agent's permit upon request of a prospective student, council staff member, or other interested person may result in the revocation of the agent permit.

FORMS (8VAC40-31)

Institutional Certification Application Form: Religious Exemption (rev. 10/04).

Institutional Certification Application Form (rev. 4/06).

Institutional Certification Checklist for Institutions of Higher Education (rev. 10/04).

Institutional Certification Checklist for Postsecondary Schools (rev. 4/06).

Enrollment Data Worksheet (eff. 8/06).

Institutional Sites Listing (rev. 4/06).

Acknowledgement of Prior Postsecondary Involvement (rev. 11/04).

Surety Instrument Calculation Worksheet (rev. 4/06).

Surety Bond (rev. 4/06).

Sample Clean Irrevocable Letter of Credit; Surety Information and Bond Checklist (rev. 4/06).

Certificate, Diploma, or Degree Program Information (rev. 4/06).

Chart of Accounts; Income Statement; Balance Sheet.

Change of Location Application.

Change of Ownership Application.

Buyer/Seller Affidavit and Certification.

Statement of Responsibility of Refund Liability.

Report on the Closing of a Campus.

Institutional Change of Name Application.

Private Nonprofit School Financial Composite Score Calculation Worksheet.

Proprietary School Financial Composite Score Calculation Worksheet.

Acknowledgement of Prior Postsecondary Involvement (rev. 3/07).

Administrator Qualification (7/08).

Application for Agent Permit (9/09).

Certificate, Diploma, or Degree Program Information (rev. 2/12).

Change of Location Application (rev. 3/07).

Change of Ownership Application (rev. 3/07).

Chart of Accounts (rev. 3/07).

Directions for Preparing School Plan Report (undated).

Institutional Certification Application Form (rev. 8/08).

Institutional Certification Application Form: Religious Exemption (rev. 7/11).

Institutional Certification Checklist for Postsecondary Schools (rev. 7/07).

Institutional Change of Name Application (3/07).

Institutional Sites Listing (rev. 1/12).

Instructions for Completing Institutional Certification Applications (rev. 8/08).

Instructor Qualification (7/08).

Notification of Program Modification (rev. 2/12).

Program Notification (rev. 2/12).

Projected Accounting Budget (rev. 7/07).

Proprietary School Financial Composite Score Calculation Worksheet (undated).

Report on the Closing of a Campus (rev. 3/07).

Request for Name Acknowledgement (rev. 3/07).

School Catalog Checklist (rev. 8/08).

Sample Irrevocable Letter of Credit (rev. 3/07).

Surety Bond (rev. 4/09).

Surety Instrument Calculation Worksheet (rev. 2/11).

Title of Regulation: 8VAC55-10. Prohibition of Weapons (adding 8VAC55-10-10, 8VAC55-10-20, 8VAC55-10-30).

Statutory Authority: § 23-91.40 Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 26, 2012.

Agency Contact: Mark Sandor, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, University of Mary Washington, Brent Hall, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, telephone (540) 286-8121 or email msandor@umw.edu.

Summary:

This action implements the prohibition of weapons on University of Mary Washington property.

CHAPTER 10
PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS

8VAC55-10-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Police officer" means law-enforcement officials appointed pursuant to Article 3 (§ 15.2-1609 et seq.) of Chapter 16 or Chapter 17 (§ 15.2-1700 et.seq.) of Title 15.2, Chapter 17 (§ 23-232 et seq.) of Title 23, Chapter 2 (§ 29.1-200 et seq.) of Title 29.1, or Chapter 1 (§ 52-1 et seq.) of Title 52 of the Code of Virginia or sworn federal law-enforcement officers.

"University property" means any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University of Mary Washington.

"Weapon" means any (i) pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, razor slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; or (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades that is designed to be thrown or propelled and that may be known as throwing star or oriental dart.

8VAC55-10-20. Possession of weapons prohibited.

Possession or carrying of any weapon by any person, except a police officer, is prohibited on university property in academic buildings, administrative office buildings, student residence buildings, dining facilities, or athletic facilities or while attending sporting, entertainment or educational events. Entry upon the aforementioned university property in violation of this prohibition is expressly forbidden.

8VAC55-10-30. Person lawfully in charge.

In addition to individuals authorized by university policy, University of Mary Washington police officers are lawfully in charge for the purposes of forbidding entry upon or remaining upon university property while possessing or carrying weapons in violation of this prohibition.

Titles of Regulations: 9VAC5-50. New and Modified Stationary Sources (Rev. H05) (amending 9VAC5-50-240, 9VAC5-50-250, 9VAC5-50-260).

9VAC5-80. Permits for Stationary Sources (Rev. H05) (amending 9VAC5-80-1100 through 9VAC5-80-1140, 9VAC5-80-1150 through 9VAC5-80-1220, 9VAC5-80-1240 through 9VAC5-80-1300; adding 9VAC5-80-1105, 9VAC5-80-1255; repealing 9VAC5-80-1320).

Statutory Authority: § 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; federal Clean Air Act (§§ 110, 112, 165, 173, 182, and Title V) 40 CFR Parts 51, 61, 63, 70, and 72.

Effective Date: November 7, 2012.

Agency Contact: Gary Graham, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 10009, Richmond, VA 23240, telephone (804) 698-4103, FAX (804) 698-4510, or email gegraham@deq.virginia.gov.

Background:

The regulation applies to the construction or reconstruction of new stationary sources or modifications (physical or operational changes) to existing ones. Exemptions are provided for smaller facilities. With some exceptions, the owner must obtain a permit from the agency prior to the construction or modification of the source. The owner of the proposed new or modified source must provide information as needed to enable the agency to conduct a preconstruction review in order to determine compliance with applicable control technology and other standards and to assess the impact of the net emissions from the facility on air quality. The regulation also provides the basis for the agency's final action (approval or disapproval) on the permit depending upon the results of the preconstruction review. The regulation provides a sourcewide perspective to determine applicability based upon the net emissions changes due to or directly resulting from the modification (physical or operational change at an existing stationary source). Procedures for making changes to permits are included. There are provisions that allow the use of a general permit. The regulation also allows consideration of additional factors for making Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determinations for sources subject to minor new source review.

Summary:

The primary change being made to the program is to convert from a permit applicability approach for modifications that looks at the net emissions increase due to or directly resultant from the physical or operational changes from all affected units to an approach that only looks at emissions increases from new and modified emissions units. Currently, applicability is based on the net emissions increase based on all the sourcewide emissions changes due to or directly resultant from the physical or operational change. The program would base permit applicability on the emissions increases from only those emissions units that undergo a physical or operational change in the project.

Secondary changes include (i) changes to the way that BACT determinations will be made, (ii) changes to the way that NSPS-affected facilities are exempted, (iii) removal of transportable engines from a nonroad engine exclusion, (iv) resolution of conflicting exemptions for reconstructed emissions units and modified emissions units, (v) exemption of short-term testing and remediation projects and aggregation of emissions units under some other exemptions, (vi) changes to the way that replacement emissions units are exempted, (vii) changes to certain exemption requirements for portable stationary sources, (viii) changes to the way that emission rates are calculated for certain exemptions, (ix) resolution of regulatory conflicts concerning open pit incinerators, and (x) clarification of other provisions of the minor new source review program.

Changes to the proposed regulation (i) revise the BACT definition; (ii) restore the exemption threshold for fuel burning units using natural gas; (iii) correct the fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exemption rate threshold for projects; (iv) provide for the exemption of small farm incinerators; (v) revise the definitions of construction, major modification, major stationary source, significant, and toxic pollutant; (vi) correct the provision for construction in planned incremental phases; (vii) simplify the provisions for permit invalidation; (viii) revise the definition of emergency; and (ix) make various style, numbering, and typographical corrections.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

Article 4
Standards of Performance for Stationary Sources (Rule 5-4)

9VAC5-50-240. Applicability and designation of affected facility.

A. The affected facilities in at stationary sources to which the provisions of this article apply are facilities emissions units that emit or cause air pollution are subject to the new source review program.

B. The provisions of this article apply throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

C. The provisions of this article apply only to affected facilities subject to the new source review program to any regulated air pollutant except to the extent that it is regulated under 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources). However, the exemption provided by this subsection does not extend to other properties of the exempted pollutants that may require regulation under 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) or 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources).

9VAC5-50-250. Definitions.

A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and subsequent amendments or any orders issued by the board related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.

B. As used in this article Unless otherwise required by context, all terms not defined here herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5 Chapter 10 (9VAC5-10-), unless otherwise required by context 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources), 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions), or commonly ascribed to them by recognized authorities, in that order of priority.

C. Terms defined.

"Best available control technology" or "BACT" means, as used in 9VAC5-50-260, a standard of performance an emissions limitation (including a visible emission standard) based on the maximum degree of emission reduction for any pollutant which would be emitted from any proposed a new stationary source or project which the board, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account energy, environmental and economic impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such source the new stationary source or project through the application of production processes or available methods, systems and techniques, including fuel cleaning or treatment or innovative fuel combustion techniques for control of such pollutant. In no event shall application of best available control technology result in emissions of any pollutant which would exceed the emissions allowed by any applicable standard in Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of this part or Article 1 (9VAC5-60-60 et seq.) or Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources). If the board determines that technological or economic limitations on the application of measurement methodology to a particular emissions unit would make the imposition of an emission standard infeasible, a design, equipment, work practice, operational standard, or combination of them, may be prescribed instead of requiring the application of best available control technology. Such standard shall, to the degree possible, set forth the emission reduction achievable by implementation of such design, equipment, work practice or operation, and shall provide for compliance by means which achieve equivalent results. In determining best available control technology for stationary sources subject to Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5 Chapter 80, consideration shall be given to the nature and amount of the new emissions, emission control efficiencies achieved in the industry for the source type, and the cost effectiveness of the incremental emission reduction achieved. [ In determining best available control technology for stationary sources subject to Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources), consideration shall be given to the nature and amount of the emissions, emission control efficiencies achieved in the industry for the source type, total cost effectiveness, and where appropriate, the cost effectiveness of the incremental emissions reduction achieved between control alternatives. ]

"Lowest achievable emission rate" means for any source, the more stringent rate of emissions based on the following:

1. The most stringent emissions limitation which is contained in the implementation plan of any state for such class or category of stationary source, unless the owner of the proposed stationary source demonstrates that such limitations are not achievable; or

2. The most stringent emissions limitation which is achieved in practice by such class or category of stationary source. This limitation, when applied to a modification, means the lowest achievable emissions rate for the new or modified emissions units within the stationary source. In no event shall the application of this term permit a proposed new or modified stationary source to emit any pollutant in excess of the amount allowable under an applicable new source standard of performance.

"New source review (NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for new stationary sources or modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation); (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C), 112 (relating to permits for hazardous air pollutants), 165 (relating to permits in prevention of significant deterioration areas), and 173 (relating to permits in nonattainment areas) of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.), Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 80.

9VAC5-50-260. Standard for stationary sources.

A. No owner or other person shall cause or permit to be discharged into the atmosphere from any affected facility any emissions in excess of that resultant from using emissions limitations representing best available control technology, as reflected in any term or condition that may be placed upon the minor NSR permit approval for the facility.

B. A new stationary source shall apply best available control technology for each regulated pollutant that it would have the potential to emit in amounts for which there would be an uncontrolled emission rate equal to or greater than the levels in 9VAC5-80-1320 C 9VAC5-80-1105 C. For a new stationary source, a permit may be issued pursuant to Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources) containing such terms and conditions as may be necessary to implement a best available control technology determination for any regulated air pollutant that may be emitted from any affected emissions unit.

C. A modification project shall apply best available control technology for each regulated pollutant for which it would result in a net emissions increase at the source there would be an increase in the uncontrolled emission rate equal to or greater than the levels in 9VAC5-80-1105 D. This requirement applies to each proposed affected emissions unit at which a net emissions increase in the pollutant would occur in amounts equal to or greater than the levels in 9VAC5-80-1320 D as a result of physical change or change in the method of operation in the unit in the project. For a project, a permit may be issued pursuant to Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources) containing such terms and conditions as may be necessary to implement a best available control technology determination for any regulated air pollutant emitted, or that may be emitted, from any affected emissions unit.

D. For the phased construction of new stationary sources or projects, the determination of best available control technology BACT determination shall be reviewed and modified, as appropriate, at the latest reasonable time which occurs no later than 18 months prior to commencement of construction of each independent phase of the new stationary source or project. At such time, the owner of the applicable stationary source or project may be required to demonstrate the adequacy of any previous determination of best available control technology BACT determination for the source affected emissions units.

Article 6
Permits for New and Modified Stationary Sources

9VAC5-80-1100. Applicability.

A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, the provisions of this article apply to the construction, reconstruction, relocation or modification of any stationary source (i) the construction of any new stationary source or any project (which includes any addition or replacement of an emissions unit, any modification to an emissions unit or any combination of these changes), and (ii) the reduction of any stack outlet elevation at any stationary source.

B. The provisions of this article apply throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

C. The Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, the provisions of this article do not apply to any stationary source, emissions unit or facility that is exempt under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1320 9VAC5-80-1105.

1. Exemption from the requirement to obtain a minor NSR permit under this article shall not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable provisions of regulations of the board or any other applicable regulations, laws, ordinances and orders of the governmental entities having jurisdiction.

2. Any stationary source, emissions unit or facility which is exempt from the provisions of this article based on the criteria in 9VAC5-80-1320 9VAC5-80-1105 but which exceeds the applicability thresholds for any applicable emission standard in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40) 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) if it were an existing source or any applicable standard of performance in 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50) 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources) shall be subject to the more restrictive of the provisions of either the emission standard in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40) 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) or the standard of performance in 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50) 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources).

3. Any new stationary source or project that would be subject to the provisions of this article except for being exempt based on one or more of the criteria in 9VAC5-80-1105 may opt to be subject to this article notwithstanding the exemptions in 9VAC5-80-1105. The provisions of this article shall apply to the new stationary source or project as if the applicable exemption criteria did not apply. Opting in to the minor NSR program shall not affect the applicability of such exemptions to any subsequent project.

D. The Except as provided in 9VAC5-80-1105 C 3 and D 3, fugitive emissions of a stationary source, to the extent quantifiable, shall be included in determining whether it is subject to this article. The provisions of this article do not apply to a stationary source or modification that would be subject to this article only if fugitive emissions, to the extent quantifiable, are considered in calculating the uncontrolled emissions rate of the source or net emissions increase.

E. An affected facility subject to Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5 Chapter 50 shall not be exempt from the provisions of this article, except where:

1. The affected facility would be subject only to recordkeeping or reporting requirements or both under Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 50; or

2. The affected facility is constructed, reconstructed or modified at a stationary source which has a current permit for similar affected facilities that requires compliance with emission standards and other requirements that are not less stringent than the provisions of Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 50.

E. Where construction of a new stationary source or a project is accomplished in contemporaneous increments that individually are not subject to approval under this article and that are not part of a program of construction of a new stationary source or project in planned incremental phases approved by the board, all such increments shall be added together for determining the applicability of any particular change under the provisions of this article. An incremental change is contemporaneous with the particular change only if it occurs between the date five years before commencing construction on the particular change and the date that the emissions increase from the particular change occurs.

F. Regardless of the exemptions provided in this article, no owner or other person shall circumvent the requirements of this article by causing or allowing a pattern of ownership or development over a geographic area of a stationary source which, except for the pattern of ownership or development, would otherwise require a minor NSR permit.

G. No provision of this article shall be construed as exempting any stationary source or emissions unit from the provisions of the major new source review program. Accordingly, no provision of the major new source review program regulations shall be construed as exempting any stationary source or emissions unit from this article.

H. Unless specified otherwise, the provisions of this article are applicable to various sources as follows:

1. Provisions referring to "sources," "new or modified sources, or both" or "stationary sources" are applicable to the construction, relocation, replacement, reconstruction or modification of all stationary sources (including major stationary sources and major modifications) and the emissions from them to the extent that such sources and their emissions are not subject to the provisions of the major new source review program.

2. Provisions referring to "major stationary sources" are applicable to the construction, relocation, or reconstruction replacement of all major stationary sources subject to this article. Provisions referring to "major modifications" are applicable to major modifications of major stationary sources subject to this article.

3. In cases where the provisions of the major new source review program conflict with those of this article, the provisions of the major new source review program shall prevail.

4. Provisions referring to "state and federally enforceable" or "federally and state enforceable" or similar wording shall mean "state-only enforceable" for terms and conditions of a minor NSR permit designated state-only enforceable under 9VAC5-80-1120 F.

I. For sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, the provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and the applicable article of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources). Implementation of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be independent of applicability and exemption criteria of this article. Additional details may be found in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 of this subsection. Minor NSR permits shall be the administrative mechanism for issuing approvals under the provisions of federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program. Except as noted below, in cases where there are differences between the provisions of this article and the provisions of federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. The provisions of 9VAC5-80-1150 and 9VAC5-80-1160 shall not apply to sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program. Other sections of this article also provide requirements relative to the application of this article to sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, in which case those provisions shall prevail. This subsection applies only to the extent that the provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program are not being implemented by other new source review program regulations of the board.

1. The provisions of 40 CFR 61.05, 40 CFR 61.06, 40 CFR 61.07, 40 CFR 61.08 and 40 CFR 61.15 for issuing approvals of the construction of any new source or modification of any existing source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 61. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 1 (9VAC5 60 60 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

2. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.5 for issuing approvals to construct a new source or reconstruct a source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 63, except for Subparts B, D, and E. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

3. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.50 through 40 CFR 63.56 for issuing Notices of MACT Approval prior to the construction of a new emissions unit. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60. Any information regarding how minor NSR permits are to be issued to a source category or portion of a source category subject to this element of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program under the provisions of this article may be found in Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

4. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.40 through 40 CFR 63.44 for issuing approvals to construct a new source or reconstruct a source listed in the source category schedule for standards and to construct a new major source or reconstruct a major source even if the source category is not listed in the source category schedule for standards. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall not be implemented through this article but shall be implemented through Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.) of this part.

J. Unless otherwise approved by the board or prescribed in the regulations of the board, when this article is amended, the previous provisions of this article shall remain in effect for all applications that are deemed complete under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1160 B prior to [ (insert the effective date of the amendment) November 7, 2012, ]. Any minor NSR permit applications that have not been determined to be complete as of [ (insert the effective date of the amendment) November 7, 2012, ] shall be subject to the new provisions of this article.

K. The provisions of 40 CFR Parts 60, 61, and 63 cited in this article apply only to the extent that they are incorporated by reference in Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Sources) and Article 1 (9VAC5-60-60 et seq.) and Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

L. The provisions of 40 CFR Parts 51, 58, 60, 61, and 63 cited in this article apply only to the extent that they are incorporated by reference in 9VAC5-20-21.

M. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) emissions and particulate matter (PM₁₀) emissions shall include gaseous emissions from a source or activity that condense to form particulate matter at ambient temperatures. On or after January 1, 2011, such condensable particulate matter shall be accounted for in applicability determinations and in establishing emissions limitations for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in minor NSR permits. Compliance with emissions limitations for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ issued prior to this date shall not be based on condensable particulate matter unless required by the terms and conditions of the permit. Applicability determinations made prior to this date without accounting for condensable particulate matter shall not be considered in violation of this section.

9VAC5-80-1105. Permit exemptions.

A. The general requirements for minor NSR permit exemptions are as follows:

1. The provisions of this article do not apply to the following stationary sources or emissions units:

a. The construction of any stationary source or emissions unit that is exempt under the provisions of subsections B through F of this section. In determining whether a source is exempt from the provisions of this article, the provisions of subsections B through D of this section are independent from the provisions of subsections E and F of this section. A source must be determined to be exempt both under the provisions of subsections B through D of this section taken as a group and under the provisions of subsections E and F of this section to be exempt from this article.

b. Vegetative waste recycling/mulching operations that do not exceed 2100 hours of operation in any 12-month consecutive period at a single stationary source. To qualify as an exemption under this subdivision, the total rated capacity of all diesel engines at the source, including portable diesel engines temporarily located at the site, may not exceed 1200 brake horsepower (output).

c. The location of a portable emissions unit at a site subject to the following conditions:

(1) Any new emissions from the portable emissions unit are secondary emissions.

(2) The portable emissions unit is either subject to (i) a minor NSR permit authorizing the emissions unit as a portable emissions unit subject to this subdivision or (ii) a general permit.

(3) The emissions of the portable emissions unit at the site would be temporary.

(4) The portable emissions unit would not undergo modification or replacement that would be subject to this article.

(5) The portable emissions unit is suitable to the area in which it is to be located.

(6) Reasonable notice is given to the board prior to locating the emissions unit to the site identifying the proposed site and the probable duration of operation at the site. Such notice shall be provided to the board not less than 15 days prior to the date the emissions unit is to be located at the site unless a different notification schedule is previously approved by the board.

d. The reactivation of a stationary source unless a determination concerning shutdown has been made pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-20-220.

e. The use by any existing stationary source or emissions unit of an alternative fuel or raw material, if the following conditions are met:

(1) The owner demonstrates to the board that, as a result of trial burns at the owner's facility or other facilities or other sufficient data, the emissions resulting from the use of the alternative fuel or raw material supply are decreased. No demonstration will be required for the use of processed animal fat, processed fish oil, processed vegetable oil, distillate oil, or any mixture thereof in place of the same quantity of residual oil to fire industrial boilers.

(2) The use of an alternative fuel or raw material would not be subject to review under this article as a project.

2. The provisions of this article do not apply to the following stationary sources or emissions units provided the stationary source or emissions unit is (i) exempt under the provisions of subsections E and F of this section and (ii) meets any other applicable criteria or conditions set forth in this subdivision.

a. Replacement of an emissions unit subject to the following criteria:

(1) The replacement emission unit is (i) of an equal or lesser size and (ii) of an equal or lesser rated capacity as compared to the replaced emissions unit.

(2) The replacement emissions unit is functionally equivalent to the replaced emissions unit.

(3) The replacement emissions unit does not change the basic design parameters of the process operation.

(4) The potential to emit of the replacement emissions unit does not exceed the potential to emit of the replaced emissions unit. If the replaced emissions unit is subject to terms and conditions contained in a minor NSR permit, the owner may, concurrently with the notification required in subdivision (6) of this subdivision, request a minor amendment as provided in 9VAC5-80-1280 B 4 to that permit to apply those terms and conditions to the replacement emissions unit. However, the replacement emissions unit's potential to emit is not limited for the purposes of this subdivision unless (and until) the requested minor permit amendment is granted by the board.

(5) The replaced emissions unit is either removed or permanently shut down in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC5-20-220.

(6) The owner notifies the board, in writing, of the proposed replacement at least 15 days prior to commencing construction on the replacement emissions unit. Such notification shall include the size, function, and rated capacity of the existing and replacement emissions units and the registration number of the affected stationary source.

b. A reduction in stack outlet elevation provided that the stack serves only facilities that have been previously determined to be exempt from the minor NSR program.

3. In determining whether a facility is exempt from the provisions of this article under the provisions of subsection B of this section, the definitions in 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) that would cover the facility if it were an existing source shall be used unless deemed inappropriate by the board.

4. Any owner claiming that a facility is exempt from this article under the provisions of this section shall keep records as may be necessary to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the facility was exempt at the time a minor NSR permit would have otherwise been required under this article.

B. Facilities as specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.

1. Fuel burning equipment units (external combustion units, not engines and turbines) and space heaters in a single application as follows:

a. Except as provided in subdivision b of this subdivision, the exemption thresholds in subdivisions (1) through (4) of this subdivision shall be applied on an individual unit basis for each fuel type.

(1) Using solid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 1,000,000 Btu per hour.

(2) Using liquid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.

(3) Using liquid and gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.

(4) Using gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than [ 30,000,000 50,000,000 ] Btu per hour.

b. In ozone nonattainment areas designated in 9VAC5-20-204 or ozone maintenance areas designated in 9VAC5-20-203, the exemption thresholds in subdivision a of this subdivision shall be applied in the aggregate for each fuel type.

2. Engines and turbines that are used for emergency purposes only and that do not individually exceed 500 hours of operation per year at a single stationary source as follows. All engines and turbines in a single application must also meet the following criteria to be exempt.

a. Gasoline engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 910 hp and gasoline engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 611 kilowatts.

b. Diesel engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 1,675 hp and diesel engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 1125 kilowatts.

c. Combustion gas turbines with an aggregate of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour heat input (low heating value).

3. Engines that power mobile sources during periods of maintenance, repair, or testing.

4. Volatile organic compound storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids and other volatile organic compounds with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions; and any operation specified below:

a. Volatile organic compound transfer operations involving:

(1) Any tank of 2,000 gallons or less storage capacity; or

(2) Any operation outside the volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

b. Volatile organic compound storage operations involving any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity.

5. Vehicle customizing coating operations, if production is less than 20 vehicles per day.

6. Vehicle refinishing operations.

7. Coating operations for the exterior of fully assembled aircraft or marine vessels.

8. Petroleum liquid storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions (kerosene and fuel oil used for household heating have vapor pressures of less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions; therefore, kerosene and fuel oil are not subject to the provisions of this article when used or stored at ambient temperatures); and any operation or facility specified below:

a. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk terminals located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

b. Gasoline dispensing facilities.

c. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk plants:

(1) With an expected daily throughput of less than 4,000 gallons, or

(2) Located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

d. Account/tank trucks; however, permits issued for gasoline storage/transfer facilities should include a provision that all associated account/tank trucks meet the same requirements as those trucks serving existing facilities.

e. Petroleum liquid storage operations involving:

(1) Any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity;

(2) Any tank of less than 420,000 gallons storage capacity for crude oil or condensate stored, processed or treated at a drilling and production facility prior to custody transfer; or

(3) Any tank storing waxy, heavy pour crude oil.

9. Petroleum dry cleaning plants with a total manufacturers' rated solvent dryer capacity less than 84 pounds as determined by the applicable new source performance standard in 9VAC5-50-410.

10. Any addition of, relocation of, or change to a woodworking machine within a wood product manufacturing plant provided the system air movement capacity, expressed as the cubic feet per minute of air, is not increased and maximum control efficiency of the control system is not decreased.

11. Wood sawmills and planing mills primarily engaged in sawing rough lumber and timber from logs and bolts, or resawing cants and flitches into lumber, including box lumber and softwood cut stock; planing mills combined with sawmills; and separately operated planing mills that are engaged primarily in producing surfaced lumber and standard workings or patterns of lumber. This also includes facilities primarily engaged in sawing lath and railroad ties and in producing tobacco hogshead stock, wood chips, and snow fence lath. This exemption does not include any facility that engages in the kiln drying of lumber.

12. Exhaust flares at natural gas and coalbed methane extraction wells.

13. Temporary facilities subject to the following conditions:

a. The operational period of the temporary facility (the period from the date that the first pollutant-emitting operation is commenced to the date of shutdown of the temporary facility) is 12 months or less.

b. The uncontrolled emissions rate of any regulated air pollutant that would be emitted from the temporary facility during the operational period does not exceed the applicable exempt emission rate as set forth in 9VAC5-80-1105 C (exemption rates for new stationary sources) or 9VAC5-80-1105 D (exemption rates for projects). The uncontrolled emission rate may be calculated based upon the total number of hours in the operational period instead of 8760 hours. All temporary facilities that will be co-located at a stationary source shall be considered in the aggregate when calculating the uncontrolled emissions rate under this subdivision.

c. Upon completion of the operational period, the temporary facility shall be either (i) shut down in accordance with 9VAC5-20-220 or (ii) returned to its original state and condition unless, prior to the end of the operational period, the owner demonstrates in writing to the satisfaction of the board that the facility is exempt under 9VAC5-80-1105 C (exemption rates for new stationary sources) or D (exemption rates for new stationary projects) using 8760 hours of operation per year.

d. Not less than 30 calendar days prior to commencing the operational period, the owner shall notify the board in writing of the proposed temporary facility and shall provide (i) calculations demonstrating that the temporary facility is exempt under this subdivision and under 9VAC5-80-1105 E and F and (ii) proposed dates for commencing the first pollutant-emitting operation and shutdown of the temporary facility.

e. The owner shall provide written notifications to the board of (i) the actual date of commencing the first pollutant-emitting operation and (ii) the actual date of shutdown of the temporary facility. Notifications shall be postmarked not more than 10 days after such dates.

14. Open pit incinerators subject to [ Article 40 (9VAC5-40-5600 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) 9VAC5-130 (Regulation for Open Burning) ] and used solely for the purpose of disposal of clean burning waste and debris waste.

[ 15. Poultry or swine incinerators located on a farm where all of the following conditions are met:

a. Auxiliary fuels for the incinerator unit shall be limited to natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, and/or distilled petroleum liquid fuel. Solid fuels, waste materials, or residual petroleum oil products shall not be used to fire the incinerator.

b. The waste incinerated shall be limited to pathological waste (poultry or swine remains). Litter and animal bedding or any other waste materials shall not be incinerated.

c. The design burn rate or capacity rate of the incinerator shall be 400 pounds per hour or less of poultry or swine. This value shall apply only to the mass of the poultry or swine and shall not include the mass of the fuel.

d. The incinerator shall be used solely to dispose of poultry or swine originating on the farm where the incinerator is located.

e. The incinerator shall be owned and operated by the owner or operator of the farm where the incinerator is located.

f. The incinerator shall not be charged beyond the manufacturer's recommended rated capacity.

g. Records shall be maintained on site to demonstrate compliance with the conditions for this exemption, including but not limited to the total amount of pathological waste incinerated and the fuel usage on a calendar year quarterly basis. ]

C. The exemption of new stationary sources shall be determined as specified below:

1. New stationary sources with uncontrolled emission rates less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article. The uncontrolled emission rate of a new stationary source is the sum of the uncontrolled emission rates of the individual affected emissions units. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the summation of uncontrolled emissions for purposes of exempting new stationary sources under this subsection.

Pollutant	Emissions Rate
Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
Nitrogen Oxides	40 tpy
Sulfur Dioxide	40 tpy
Particulate Matter	25 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM10)	15 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)	10 tpy
Volatile organic compounds	25 tpy
Lead	0.6 tpy
Fluorides	3 tpy
Sulfuric Acid Mist	6 tpy
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)	9 tpy
Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S)	9 tpy
Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S)	9 tpy
Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-throughocta-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans)	3.5 x 10-6 tpy
Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter)	13 tpy
Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCl)	35 tpy
Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds)	22 tpy

2. If the particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter (PM). If the emissions of particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter (PM) shall be used to determine the exemption status.

3. The provisions of this article do not apply to a new stationary source if all of the emissions considered in calculating the uncontrolled emission rate of the new stationary source are fugitive emissions.

D. The exemption of projects shall be determined as specified below:

1. A project that would result in increases in uncontrolled emission rates at the stationary source less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article. The uncontrolled emission rate increase of a project is the sum of the uncontrolled emission rate increases of the individual affected emissions units. Uncontrolled emissions rate decreases are not considered as part of this calculation. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the summation of uncontrolled emissions for purposes of exempting projects under this subsection.

Pollutant	Emissions Rate
Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
Nitrogen Oxides	10 tpy
Sulfur Dioxide	10 tpy
Particulate matter	15 tpy
Particulate matter PM10	10 tpy
Particulate matter (PM2.5)	[ 5 6 ] tpy
Volatile organic compounds	10 tpy
Lead	0.6 tpy
Fluorides	3 tpy
Sulfuric Acid Mist	6 tpy
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)	9 tpy
Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S)	9 tpy
Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S)	9 tpy
Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans)	3.5 x 10-6 tpy
Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter)	13 tpy
Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCl)	35 tpy
Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds)	22 tpy

2. If the particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter (PM). If the emissions of particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter (PM) shall be used to determine the exemption status.

3. The provisions of this article do not apply to a project if all of the emissions considered in calculating the uncontrolled emission rate increase of the project are fugitive emissions.

E. Exemptions for stationary sources of toxic pollutants not subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be as follows:

1. Stationary sources exempt from the requirements of Article 5 (9VAC5-60-300 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources) as provided in 9VAC5-60-300 C 1, C 2, C 7, D, or E shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.

2. Facilities as specified below shall not be exempt, regardless of size or emission rate, from the provisions of this article.

a. Incinerators, unless (i) the incinerator is used exclusively as air pollution control equipment, [ or ] (ii) the incinerator is an open pit incinerator subject to [ Article 40 (9VAC5-40-5600 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) 9VAC5-130 (Regulation for Open Burning) ] and used solely for the disposal of clean burning waste and debris waste [ , or (iii) the incinerator is a poultry or swine incinerator located on a farm and all of the conditions of subdivision B 15 of this section are met ].

b. Ethylene oxide sterilizers.

c. Boilers, incinerators, or industrial furnaces as defined in 40 CFR 260.10 and subject to 9VAC20-60 (Hazardous Waste Regulations).

F. This subsection provides information on the extent to which any source category or portion of a source category subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program may be exempt from the provisions of this article.

1. This subdivision addresses those source categories subject to the provisions of 40 CFR 61.05, 40 CFR 61.06, 40 CFR 61.07, 40 CFR 61.08, and 40 CFR 61.15 that establish the requirements for issuing approvals of the construction of any new source or modification of any existing source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 61. Any source category or portion of a source category subject to this element of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be exempt from the provisions of this article if specifically exempted from that program by 40 CFR Part 61.

2. This subdivision addresses those source categories subject to the provisions of 40 CFR 63.5 that establish the requirements for issuing approvals to construct a new source or reconstruct a source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 63, except for Subparts B, D, and E. Any source category or portion of a source category subject to this element of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be exempt from the provisions of this article if specifically exempted from that program by 40 CFR Part 63.

3. This subdivision addresses those source categories subject to the provisions of 40 CFR 63.50 through 40 CFR 63.56 that establish the requirements for issuing notices of MACT approval prior to the construction of a new emissions unit listed in the source category schedule for standards. Any information regarding exemptions for a source category or portion of a source category subject to this element of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program may be found in Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

4. This subdivision addresses those source categories for which EPA has promulgated a formal determination that no regulations or other requirements need to be established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act in the source category schedule for standards. Any source category or portion of a source category subject to this element of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.

9VAC5-80-1110. Definitions.

A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.

B. As used in this article, all terms not defined here herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5 Chapter 10 (9VAC5-10) 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions), unless otherwise required by context.

C. Terms defined.

"Allowable emissions" means the emission rate of a stationary source calculated by using the maximum rated capacity of the source (unless the source is subject to state and federally enforceable limits which restrict the operating rate or hours of operation, or both) and the most stringent of the following:

1. Applicable emission standards;

2. The emission limitation specified as a state and federally enforceable permit condition, including those with a future compliance date; and

3. Any other applicable emission limitation, including those with a future compliance date.

"Addition" means the construction of a new emissions unit at or the relocation of an existing emissions unit to a stationary source.

"Affected emissions units" means the following emissions units, as applicable:

1. For a new stationary source, all emissions units.

2. For a project, the added, modified, and replacement emissions units that are part of the project.

"Applicable federal requirement" means all of, but not limited to, the following as they apply to affected emissions units in a source subject to this article (including requirements that have been promulgated or approved by the administrator through rulemaking at the time of permit issuance but have future-effective compliance dates):

1. Any standard or other requirement provided for in an implementation plan established pursuant to § 110, § 111(d), or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act, including any source-specific provisions such as consent agreements or orders.

2. Any limit term or condition in any construction permit issued under the new source review program or in any operating permit issued pursuant to the state operating permit program. However, those terms or conditions designated as state-only enforceable pursuant to 9VAC5-80-1120 F or 9VAC5-80-820 G shall not be applicable federal requirements.

3. Any emission standard, alternative emission standard, alternative emission emissions limitation, equivalent emission emissions limitation or other requirement established pursuant to § 112 or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act as amended in 1990.

4. Any new source performance standard or other requirement established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act, and any emission standard or other requirement established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act before it was amended in 1990.

5. Any limitations and conditions or other requirement in a Virginia regulation or program that has been approved by EPA under Subpart E of 40 CFR Part 63 for the purposes of implementing and enforcing § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act.

6. Any requirement concerning accident prevention under § 112(r)(7) of the federal Clean Air Act.

7. Any compliance monitoring requirements established pursuant to either § 504(b) or § 114(a)(3) of the federal Clean Air Act.

8. Any standard or other requirement for consumer and commercial products under § 183(e) of the federal Clean Air Act.

9. Any standard or other requirement for tank vessels under § 183(f) of the federal Clean Air Act.

10. Any standard or other requirement in 40 CFR Part 55 to control air pollution from outer continental shelf sources.

11. Any standard or other requirement of the regulations promulgated to protect stratospheric ozone under Title VI of the federal Clean Air Act, unless the administrator has determined that such requirements need not be contained in a federal operating permit issued under this article.

12. With regard to temporary sources subject to 9VAC5-80-130, (i) any ambient air quality standard, except applicable state requirements, and (ii) requirements regarding increments or visibility as provided in Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) of this part.

13. Any standard or other requirement under § 126 (a)(1) and (c) of the federal Clean Air Act.

"Begin actual construction" means initiation of permanent physical on-site construction of an emissions unit. This includes, but is not limited to, installation of building supports and foundations, laying of underground pipework, and construction of permanent storage structures. With respect to a change in method of operation, this term refers to those on-site activities other than preparatory activities which mark the initiation of the change. With respect to the initial location or relocation of a portable emissions unit, this term refers to the delivery of any portion of the portable emissions unit to the site.

"Clean wood" means uncontaminated natural or untreated wood. Clean wood includes but is not limited to byproducts of harvesting activities conducted for forest management or commercial logging, or mill residues consisting of bark, chips, edgings, sawdust, shavings, or slabs. It does not include wood that has been treated, adulterated, or chemically changed in some way; treated with glues, binders, or resins; or painted, stained, or coated.

"Commence," as applied to the construction, reconstruction or modification of an emissions unit, means that the owner has all necessary preconstruction approvals or permits and has either:

1. Begun, or caused to begin, a continuous program of actual on-site construction, reconstruction or modification of the unit, to be completed within a reasonable time; or

2. Entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, which cannot be canceled or modified without substantial loss to the owner, to undertake a program of actual construction, reconstruction or modification of the unit, to be completed within a reasonable time.

"Complete application" means that the application contains all the information necessary for processing the application and that the provisions of § 10.1-1321.1 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law have been met. Designating an application complete for purposes of permit processing does not preclude the board from requesting or accepting additional information.

"Construction" means fabrication, erection, installation, demolition, relocation, addition, replacement, or installation modification of an emissions unit that would result in a change in the uncontrolled emission rate.

"Construction waste" means solid waste that is produced or generated during construction, remodeling, or repair of pavements, houses, commercial buildings, and other structures. Construction wastes include, but are not limited to, lumber, wire, sheetrock, broken brick, shingles, glass, pipe, concrete, paving materials, and metal and plastics if the metal or plastics are a part of the materials of construction or empty containers for such materials. Paints, coatings, solvents, asbestos, any liquid, compressed gases or semi-liquids, and garbage are not construction wastes.

"Debris waste" means wastes resulting from land clearing operations. Debris wastes include, but are not limited to, stumps, wood, brush, leaves, soil, and road spoils.

"Demolition waste" means that solid waste that is produced by the destruction of structures or their foundations, or both, and includes the same materials as construction wastes.

"Diesel engine" means, for the purposes of 9VAC5-80-1105 A 1 b, any internal combustion engine that burns diesel or #2 fuel oil to provide power to processing equipment for a vegetative waste recycling/mulching operation.

[ "Emergency" means, in the context of 9VAC5-80-1320 B 2 9VAC5-80-1105 B 2, a situation where immediate action on the part of a source is needed and where the timing of the action makes it impractical to meet the requirements of this article, such as sudden loss of power, fires, earthquakes, floods or similar occurrences.

"Emergency" means a condition that arises from sudden and reasonably unforeseeable events where the primary energy or power source is disrupted or disconnected due to conditions beyond the control of an owner or operator of a facility including:

1. A failure of the electrical grid;

2. On-site disaster or equipment failure;

3. Public service emergencies such as flood, fire, natural disaster, or severe weather conditions; or

4. An ISO-declared emergency, where an ISO emergency is:

a. An abnormal system condition requiring manual or automatic action to maintain system frequency, to prevent loss of firm load, equipment damage, or tripping of system elements that could adversely affect the reliability of an electric system or the safety of persons or property;

b. Capacity deficiency or capacity excess conditions;

c. A fuel shortage requiring departure from normal operating procedures in order to minimize the use of such scarce fuel;

d. Abnormal natural events or man-made threats that would require conservative operations to posture the system in a more reliable state; or

e. An abnormal event external to the ISO service territory that may require ISO action. ]

"Emissions cap" means any limitation on the rate of emissions of any air pollutant from one or more emissions units established and identified as an emissions cap in any permit issued pursuant to the new source review program or operating permit program.

"Emissions limitation" means a requirement established by the board that limits the quantity, rate, or concentration of emissions of air pollutants on a continuous basis, including any requirement relating to the operation or maintenance of a source to assure continuous emissions reduction, and any design standard, equipment standard, work practice, operational standard, or pollution prevention technique.

"Emissions unit" means any part of a stationary source which emits or would have the potential to emit any regulated air pollutant.

"Enforceable as a practical matter" means that the permit contains emission emissions limitations that are enforceable by the board or the department and meet the following criteria:

1. Are permanent;

2. Contain a legal obligation for the owner to adhere to the terms and conditions;

3. Do not allow a relaxation of a requirement of the implementation plan;

4. Are technically accurate and quantifiable;

5. Include averaging times or other provisions that allow at least monthly (or a shorter period if necessary to be consistent with the implementation plan) checks on compliance. This may include, but not be limited to, the following: compliance with annual limits in a rolling basis, monthly or shorter limits, and other provisions consistent with 9VAC5-80-1180 this article and other regulations of the board; and

6. Require a level of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring sufficient to demonstrate compliance.

"Existing stationary source" means any stationary source other than a new stationary source.

"Federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program" means a program for the preconstruction review and approval of new sources or expansions to existing ones the construction, reconstruction, or modification of any stationary source in accordance with regulations specified below and promulgated to implement the requirements of § 112 (relating to hazardous air pollutants) of the federal Clean Air Act.

1. The provisions of 40 CFR 61.05, 40 CFR 61.06, 40 CFR 61.07, 40 CFR 61.08 and 40 CFR 61.15 for issuing approvals of the construction of any new source or modification of any existing source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 61. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 1 (9VAC5-60-60 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.

2. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.5 for issuing approvals to construct a new source or reconstruct a source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 63, except for Subparts B, D and E. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.

3. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.50 through 40 CFR 63.56 for issuing Notices of MACT approval Approval prior to the construction of a new emissions unit. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.

"Federally enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which that are enforceable by the administrator and citizens under the federal Clean Air Act or that are enforceable under other statutes administered by the administrator. Federally enforceable limitations and conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Emission standards, alternative emission standards, alternative emission emissions limitations, and equivalent emission emissions limitations established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990.

2. New source performance standards established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act, and emission standards established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act before it was amended in 1990.

3. All terms and conditions (unless expressly designated as state-only enforceable) in a federal operating permit, including any provisions that limit a source's potential to emit, unless expressly designated as not federally enforceable.

4. Limitations and conditions that are part of an implementation plan established pursuant to § 110, § 111(d) or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act.

5. Limitations and conditions (unless expressly designated as state-only enforceable) that are part of a federal construction permit issued under 40 CFR 52.21 or any construction permit issued under regulations approved by the EPA in accordance with 40 CFR Part 51 into the implementation plan.

6. Limitations and conditions (unless expressly designated as state-only enforceable) that are part of an a state operating permit issued pursuant to a program approved by the EPA into an implementation plan as meeting the EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit and practicable enforceability. where the permit and the permit program pursuant to which it was issued meet all of the following criteria:

a. The operating permit program has been approved by the EPA into the implementation plan under § 110 of the federal Clean Air Act.

b. The operating permit program imposes a legal obligation that operating permit holders adhere to the terms and limitations of such permits and provides that permits that do not conform to the operating permit program requirements and the requirements of EPA's underlying regulations may be deemed not federally enforceable by EPA.

c. The operating permit program requires that all emissions limitations, controls, and other requirements imposed by such permits will be at least as stringent as any other applicable limitations and requirements contained in the implementation plan or enforceable under the implementation plan, and that the program may not issue permits that waive, or make less stringent, any limitations or requirements contained in or issued pursuant to the implementation plan, or that are otherwise federally enforceable.

d. The limitations, controls, and requirements in the permit in question are permanent, quantifiable, and otherwise enforceable as a practical matter.

e. The permit in question was issued only after adequate and timely notice and opportunity for comment by the EPA and the public.

7. Limitations and conditions in a Virginia regulation of the board or program that has been approved by the EPA under Subpart E of 40 CFR Part 63 for the purposes of implementing and enforcing § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act.

8. Individual consent agreements that the EPA has legal authority to create.

"Federal operating permit" means a permit issued under the federal operating permit program.

"Federal operating permit program" means an operating permit system (i) for issuing terms and conditions for major stationary sources, (ii) established to implement the requirements of Title V of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations, and (iii) codified in Article 1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.), Article 2 (9VAC5-80-310 et seq.), Article 3 (9VAC5-80-360 et seq.), and Article 4 (9VAC5-80-710 et seq.) of this part.

"Fixed capital cost" means the capital needed to provide all the depreciable components.

"Fugitive emissions" means those emissions which that could not reasonably pass through a stack, chimney, vent, or other functionally equivalent opening.

"General permit" means a permit issued under this article that meets the requirements of 9VAC5-80-1250.

"Hazardous air pollutant" means (i) any air pollutant listed in § 112(b) of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended by 40 CFR 63.60 Subpart C of 40 CFR Part 63, and (ii) incorporated by reference into the regulations of the board at 9VAC5-60-92 B.

[ "Independent system operator" or "ISO" means a person that may receive or has received by transfer pursuant to § 56-576 of the Code of Virginia any ownership or control of, or any responsibility to operate, all or part of the transmission systems in the Commonwealth. ]

"Major modification" means any modification defined as such in 9VAC5-80-1615 C or 9VAC5-80-2010 C, as may apply project at a major stationary source that would result in a significant emissions increase in any regulated air pollutant. For projects, the emissions increase may take into consideration any state and federally enforceable permit conditions that [ are in effect on the date the will be placed in a permit resulting from a permit ] application [ is ] deemed complete under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1160 B.

"Major new source review (NSR) permit" means a permit issued under the major new source review program.

"Major new source review (major NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for new major stationary sources or major modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation); (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 112, 165 and 173 of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part.

"Major stationary source" means any stationary source which that emits, or has the potential to emit, 100 tons or more per year of any regulated air pollutant. For new stationary sources, the potential to emit may take into consideration any state and federally enforceable permit conditions that [ are in effect on the date the will be placed in a permit resulting from a permit ] application [ is ] deemed complete under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1160 B.

"Minor new source review (NSR) permit" means a permit issued pursuant to this article.

"Minor new source review (minor NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for regulated air pollutants from new stationary sources or modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation) that do not qualify for projects that are not subject to review under the major new source review program; (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C) and 112 of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of this part this article. The minor NSR program may also be used to implement the terms and conditions described in 9VAC5-80-1120 F 1; however, those terms and conditions shall be state-only enforceable and shall not be applicable federal requirements.

"Modification" means any physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, or addition to, a stationary source that would result in a net emissions increase an emissions unit that increases the uncontrolled emission rate of any regulated air pollutant emitted into the atmosphere by the source unit or which that results in the emission of any regulated air pollutant into the atmosphere not previously emitted, except that the. The following shall not, by themselves (unless previously limited by permit conditions), be considered modifications physical changes or changes in the method of operation under this definition:

1. Maintenance, repair and replacement which of components that the board determines to be routine for a source type and which does not fall within the definition of "reconstruction replacement";

2. An increase in the throughput or production rate of a unit (unless previously limited by any state enforceable and federally enforceable permit conditions established pursuant to this chapter), if that increase does not exceed the operating design capacity of that unit;

3. An increase in the hours of operation (unless previously limited by any state enforceable and federally enforceable permit conditions established pursuant to this chapter);

4. Use of an alternative fuel or raw material (unless previously limited by any state enforceable and federally enforceable permit conditions established pursuant to this chapter) if, prior to the date any provision of the regulations of the board becomes applicable to the source type, the source emissions unit was designed to accommodate that alternative use. A source unit shall be considered to be designed to accommodate an alternative fuel or raw material if provisions for that use were included in the final construction specifications;

5. Use of an alternative fuel or raw material that the emissions unit is approved to use under any new source review permit;

6. The addition, replacement or use of any system or device whose primary function is the reduction of air pollutants, except when a system or device that is necessary to comply with applicable air pollution control laws and, permit conditions or regulations is replaced by a system or device which the board considers to be less efficient in the control of air pollution emissions; or

6. 7. The removal of any system or device whose primary function is the reduction of air pollutants if the system or device is not (i) necessary for the source to comply with any applicable air pollution control laws, permit conditions, or regulations or (ii) used to avoid any applicable new source review program requirement.

8. A change in ownership at a stationary source.

"Modified source" means any stationary source (or portion of it), the modification of which commenced on or after March 17, 1972.

"Necessary preconstruction approvals or permits" means those permits or approvals required under federal air quality control laws and regulations, and those air quality control laws and regulations which are the NSR program that is part of the implementation plan.

"Net emissions increase" means the amount by which the sum of the following exceeds zero: (i) any increase in the uncontrolled emission rate from a particular physical change or change in the method of operation at a stationary source and (ii) any other increases and decreases in the uncontrolled emission rate at the source that are concurrent with the particular change and are otherwise creditable. An increase or decrease in the uncontrolled emission rate is concurrent with the increase from the particular change only if it is directly resultant from the particular change. An increase or decrease in the uncontrolled emission rate is not creditable if the board has relied on it in issuing a permit for the source under the new source review program and that permit is in effect when the increase in the uncontrolled emission rate from the particular change occurs. Creditable increases and decreases shall be federally enforceable or enforceable as a practical matter.

"New source" means any stationary source (or portion of it), the construction or relocation of which commenced on or after March 17, 1972; and any stationary source (or portion of it), the reconstruction of which commenced on or after December 10, 1976.

"New source review (NSR) permit" means a permit issued under the new source review program.

"New source review (NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for regulated air pollutants from new stationary sources or modifications projects (physical changes or changes in the method of operation); (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C), 112 (relating to permits for hazardous air pollutants), 165 (relating to permits in prevention of significant deterioration areas), and 173 (relating to permits in nonattainment areas) of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) this article, Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part. The NSR program may also be used to implement the terms and conditions described in 9VAC5-80-1120 F 1; however, those terms and conditions shall be state-only enforceable and shall not be applicable federal requirements.

"New stationary source" means any stationary source to be constructed at or relocated to an undeveloped site.

"Nonroad engine" means any internal combustion engine:

1. In or on a piece of equipment that is self-propelled or serves a dual purpose by both propelling itself and performing another function (such as garden tractors, off-highway mobile cranes and bulldozers); or

2. In or on a piece of equipment that is intended to be propelled while performing its function (such as lawnmowers and string trimmers); or.

3. That, by itself or in or on a piece of equipment, is portable or transportable, meaning designed to be capable of being carried or moved from one location to another. Indications of transportability include, but are not limited to, wheels, skids, carrying handles, dollies, trailers, or platforms.

An internal combustion engine is not a nonroad engine if: 1. The the engine is used to propel a motor vehicle or a vehicle used solely for competition, or is subject to standards promulgated under § 202 of the federal Clean Air Act; or.

2. The engine otherwise included in subdivision 3 above remains or will remain at a location for more than 12 consecutive months or a shorter period of time for an engine located at a seasonal source.

For purposes of this definition, a location is any single site at a building, structure, facility or installation. Any engine (or engines) that replaces an engine at a location and that is intended to perform the same or similar function as the engine replaced will be included in calculating the consecutive time period. An engine located at a seasonal source is an engine that remains at a seasonal source during the full annual operating period of the seasonal source. A seasonal source is a stationary source that remains in a single location on a permanent basis (i.e., at least two years) and that operates at the single location approximately three months (or more) each year. This paragraph does not apply to an engine after the engine is removed from the location.

"Plantwide applicability limitation (PAL)" means an emissions limitation expressed in tons per year, for a pollutant at a major stationary source, that is enforceable as a practical matter and established sourcewide in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1865 or 9VAC5-80-2144.

"PAL permit" means the state operating permit issued by the board that establishes a PAL for a major stationary source.

"Portable," in reference to emissions units, means an emissions unit that is designed to have the capability of being moved from one location to another for the purpose of operating at multiple locations and storage when idle. Indications of portability include, but are not limited to, wheels, skids, carrying handles, dollies dolly, trailers trailer, or platforms platform.

"Potential to emit" means the maximum capacity of a stationary source to emit a pollutant under its physical and operational design. Any physical or operational limitation on the capacity of the source to emit a pollutant, including air pollution control equipment, and restrictions on hours of operation or on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed, shall be treated as part of its design only if the limitation or its effect on emissions is state and federally enforceable. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the potential to emit of a stationary source.

"Precursor pollutant" means the following:

(1) Volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides are precursors to ozone.

(2) Sulfur dioxide is a precursor to PM_2.5.

(3) Nitrogen oxides are presumed to be precursors to PM_2.5 in all PM_2.5, unless the board determines that emissions of nitrogen oxides from sources in a specific area are not a significant contributor to that area's ambient PM_2.5 concentrations.

(4) Volatile organic compounds and ammonia are presumed not to be precursors to PM_2.5, unless the board determines that emissions of volatile organic compounds or ammonia from sources in a specific area are a significant contributor to that area's ambient PM_2.5 concentrations.

"Process operation" means any method, form, action, operation, or treatment of manufacturing or processing, including any storage or handling of materials or products before, during, or after manufacturing or processing.

"Project" means any change at an existing stationary source consisting of the addition, replacement, or modification of one or more emissions units.

"Public comment period" means a time during which the public shall have the opportunity to comment on the new or modified source permit application information (exclusive of confidential information) for a new stationary source or project, the preliminary review and analysis of the effect of the source upon the ambient air quality, and the preliminary decision of the board regarding the permit application.

"Reactivation" means beginning operation of an emissions unit that has been shut down.

"Reconstruction" means, for the sole purposes of 9VAC5-80-1210 A, B, and C, the replacement of an emissions unit or its components to such an extent that:

1. The fixed capital cost of the new components exceeds 50% of the fixed capital cost that would be required to construct a comparable entirely new unit;

2. The replacement significantly extends the life of the emissions unit; and

3. It is technologically and economically feasible to meet the applicable emission standards prescribed under regulations of the board.

Any determination by the board as to whether a proposed replacement constitutes reconstruction shall be based on:

1. The fixed capital cost of the replacements in comparison to the fixed capital cost of the construction of a comparable entirely new unit;

2. The estimated life of the unit after the replacements compared to the life of a comparable entirely new unit;

3. The extent to which the components being replaced cause or contribute to the emissions from the unit; and

4. Any economic or technical limitations on compliance with applicable standards of performance which that are inherent in the proposed replacements.

"Regulated air pollutant" means any of the following:

1. Nitrogen oxides or any volatile organic compound;.

2. Any pollutant (including any associated precursor pollutant) for which an ambient air quality standard has been promulgated;.

3. Any pollutant subject to any standard promulgated under § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 60.

4. Any pollutant subject to a standard promulgated under or other requirements established under § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act concerning hazardous air pollutants 40 CFR Part 61 and any pollutant regulated under 40 CFR Part 63; or.

5. Any pollutant subject to a regulation adopted by the board.

"Relocation" means a change in physical location of a stationary source or an emissions unit from one stationary source to another stationary source.

"Replacement" means the substitution of an emissions unit for an emissions unit located at a stationary source, which will thereafter perform the same function as the replaced emissions unit.

"Secondary emissions" means emissions which occur or would occur as a result of the construction, reconstruction, modification or operation of a new stationary source or an emissions unit, but do not come from the stationary source itself. For the purpose of this article, secondary emissions must be specific, well-defined, and quantifiable; and must affect the same general areas as the stationary source which that causes the secondary emissions. Secondary emissions include emissions from any off site support facility which that would not be constructed or increase its emissions except as a result of the construction or operation of the stationary source or emissions unit. Secondary emissions do not include any emissions which that come directly from a mobile source, such as emissions from the tailpipe of a motor vehicle, from a train, or from a vessel.

"Significant" means:

[ a. 1. ] In reference to an emissions increase, an increase in potential to emit that would equal or exceed any of the following rates:

[ a. In ozone nonattainment areas classified as serious or severe in 9VAC5-20-204: ]

Pollutant	Emissions Rate
Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
Nitrogen Oxides	[ 40 25 ] tpy
Sulfur Dioxide	40 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM)	25 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM10)	15 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)	10 tpy
Volatile organic compounds	25 tpy
Lead	0.6 tpy

[ b. In all other areas:

Pollutant	Emissions Rate
Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
Nitrogen Oxides	40 tpy
Sulfur Dioxide	40 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM)	25 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM10)	15 tpy
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)	10 tpy
Volatile organic compounds	40 tpy
Lead	0.6 tpy ]

[ b. 2. ] In reference to an emissions increase for a regulated air pollutant not listed in subdivision [ a 1 ] of this definition, there is no emissions rate that shall be considered significant.

[ c. 3. ] If the particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) emissions for a stationary source or emissions unit can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the emissions increase is determined to be significant using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5), the stationary source or emissions unit shall be considered to be significant for particulate matter (PM). If the emissions of particulate matter (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter (PM) shall be used to determine whether the emissions increase is significant.

"Significant emissions increase" means, for a regulated air pollutant, an increase in emissions that is significant for that pollutant.

"Site" means one or more contiguous or adjacent properties under the control of the same person (or persons under common control).

"Source category schedule for standards" means the schedule (i) issued pursuant to § 112(e) of the federal Clean Air Act for promulgating MACT standards issued pursuant to § 112(d) of the federal Clean Air Act and (ii) incorporated by reference into the regulations of the board in subdivision 2 of 9VAC5-60-92.

"Space heater" means any fixed or portable, liquid or gaseous fuel-fired, combustion unit used to heat air in a space, or used to heat air entering a space, for the purpose of maintaining an air temperature suitable for comfort, storage, or equipment operation. Space heaters do not include combustion units used primarily for the purpose of conditioning or processing raw materials or product, such as driers, kilns, or ovens.

"State enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which that are enforceable as a practical matter, including any regulation of the board, those requirements developed pursuant to 9VAC5-170-160, requirements within any applicable order or variance, and any permit requirements established pursuant to this chapter.

"State operating permit" means a permit issued under the state operating permit program.

"State operating permit program" means an operating permit program (i) for issuing limitations and conditions for stationary sources; (ii) promulgated to meet the EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for the EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit, and practicable enforceability; and (iii) codified in Article 5 (9VAC5-80-800 et seq.) of this part.

"Stationary source" means any building, structure, facility or installation which that emits or may emit any regulated air pollutant. A stationary source shall include all of the pollutant-emitting activities which that belong to the same industrial grouping, are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person (or persons under common control) except the activities of any watercraft or any nonroad engine. Pollutant-emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial grouping if they belong to the same "major group" (i.e., which that have the same two-digit code) as described in the "Standard Industrial Classification Manual," as amended by the supplement (see 9VAC5-20-21).

"Synthetic minor source" means a stationary source whose potential to emit is constrained by state enforceable and federally enforceable limits, so as to place that stationary source below the threshold at which it would be subject to permit or other requirements governing major stationary sources in regulations of the board or in the federal Clean Air Act that otherwise has the potential to emit regulated air pollutants in amounts that are at or above those for major stationary sources, as applicable, but [ that has taken a restriction so is subject to restrictions such ] that its potential to emit is less than such amounts for major stationary sources. Such restrictions must be enforceable as a practical matter. The term "synthetic minor source" applies independently for each regulated air pollutant that the source has the potential to emit.

"Temporary facility" means a facility that (i) is operated to achieve a specific objective (such as serving as a pilot test facility, a process feasibility project, or a remediation project) and (ii) does not contribute toward the commercial production of any product or service (including byproduct and intermediate product) during the operational period. Portable emissions units covered by the exemption under 9VAC5-80-1105 A 1 c and facilities used to augment or enable routine production are not considered temporary facilities for the purposes of this definition.

"Toxic pollutant" means any air pollutant (i) listed in § 112(b) of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended by Subpart C of 40 CFR Part 63 and (ii) incorporated by reference into the regulations of the board at [ subdivision 1 of ] 9VAC5-60-92 [ B ], or any other air pollutant that the board determines, through adoption of regulation, to present a significant risk to public health. This term excludes asbestos, fine mineral fibers, radionuclides, and any glycol ether that does not have a TLV®.

"Uncontrolled emission rate" means the emission rate from an emissions unit when operating at maximum capacity without air pollution control equipment. Air pollution control equipment includes control equipment that is not vital to its operation, except that its use enables the owner to conform to applicable air pollution control laws and regulations. Annual uncontrolled emissions shall be based on the maximum annual rated capacity (based on 8,760 hours of operation per year) of the emissions unit, unless the emissions unit or stationary source is subject to state and federally enforceable permit conditions that limit the annual hours of operation. Enforceable permit conditions on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed may be used in determining the uncontrolled emission rate of an emissions unit or stationary source. The uncontrolled emission rate of a stationary source is the sum of the uncontrolled emission rates of the individual emissions units. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the uncontrolled emission rate of a stationary source.

"Undeveloped site" means any site or facility at which no emissions units are located at the time the permit application is deemed complete, or at the time the owner begins actual construction, whichever occurs first. An undeveloped site also includes any site or facility at which all of the emissions units have been determined to be shut down pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-20-220.

"Vegetative waste" means decomposable materials generated by land clearing activities and includes shrub, bush and tree prunings, bark, brush, leaves, limbs, roots, and stumps. Vegetative waste does not include construction or demolition waste or any combination of them.

"Vegetative waste recycling/mulching operation" means any activity related to size reduction or separating, or both, of clean wood or vegetative waste, or both, by grinding, shredding, chipping, screening, or any combination of them.

9VAC5-80-1120. General.

A. No owner or other person shall begin actual construction, reconstruction or modification of, or operate, any new stationary source or any project subject to this article without first obtaining from the board a permit to construct and operate or to modify and operate the source under the provisions of this article. The owner may not construct or operate the stationary source or project contrary to the terms and conditions of that permit.

B. Except as provided in 9VAC5-80-1320 9VAC5-80-1105 A 1 c, no owner or other person shall relocate any stationary source or emissions unit from one stationary source to another without first obtaining from the board a minor NSR permit to relocate the stationary source or unit.

C. No Except as provided in 9VAC5-80-1105 A 2 b, no owner or other person shall reduce the outlet elevation of any stack or chimney which discharges any regulated air pollutant from an affected facility emissions unit without first obtaining a minor NSR permit from the board.

D. The board may combine the requirements of and the permits for emissions units within a stationary source subject to the new source review program into one permit. Likewise the board may require that applications for permits for emissions units within a stationary source required by any provision of the new source review program be combined into one application. The board will take actions to combine permit terms and conditions as provided in 9VAC5-80-1255. Actions to combine permit terms and conditions involve relocating the terms and conditions contained in two or more permits issued to single stationary source to a single permit document. Actions to combine permit terms and conditions in and of themselves are not a mechanism for making changes to permits; such actions shall be taken under 9VAC5-80-1260 as explained in subsection E of this section.

E. The board may incorporate the terms and conditions of a state operating permit into a permit issued pursuant to this article. The permit issued pursuant to this article may supersede the state operating permit provided the public participation provisions of the state operating permit program are followed. The board may incorporate the terms and conditions of a permit issued pursuant to this article into a state operating permit provided all of the permitted emissions units are operational and determined to be in compliance in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1200. The board will take actions to make changes to permit terms and conditions as provided in 9VAC5-80-1260. Nothing in this subsection is intended to imply that once an action has been taken to make a change to a permit, the resulting permit change may not be combined with other terms and conditions in a single permit document as provided in subsection D of this section.

F. All terms and conditions of any minor NSR permit issued under this article shall be federally enforceable except those that are designated state-only enforceable under subdivision 1 of this subsection. Any term or condition that is not federally enforceable shall be designated as state-only enforceable as provided in subdivision 2 of this subsection.

1. A term or condition of any minor NSR permit issued under this article shall not be federally enforceable if it is derived from or is designed to implement Article 2 (9VAC5-40-130 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 Part II of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources), Article 2 (9VAC5-50-130 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 50 Part II of 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources), or Article 4 (9VAC5-60-200 et seq.) or Article 5 (9VAC5-60-300 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

2. Any term or condition of any minor NSR permit issued under this article that is not federally enforceable shall be marked in the permit as state-only enforceable and shall only be enforceable only by the board. Incorrectly designating a term or condition as state-only enforceable shall not provide a shield from federal enforcement of a term or condition that is legally federally enforceable.

G. Nothing in the regulations of the board shall be construed to prevent the board from granting minor NSR permits for programs of construction or modification of a new stationary source or project in planned incremental phases. In such cases, all [ net emissions uncontrolled emission rate ] increases from all emissions units covered by the program shall be added together for determining the applicability of this article.

H. For sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, the provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and the applicable article of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 (9VAC5-60). Permits issued under this article shall be the administrative mechanism for issuing approvals under the provisions of federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program. Except as noted below, in cases where there are differences between the provisions of this article and the provisions of federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. The provisions of 9VAC5-80-1150 and 9VAC5-80-1160 shall not apply to sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program. Other sections of this article also provide requirements relative to the application of this article to sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, in which case those provisions shall prevail. This subsection applies only to the extent that the provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program are not being implemented by other new source review program regulations of the board.

9VAC5-80-1140. Applications.

A. A single application is required identifying at a minimum each emissions unit subject to the provisions of this article in the new stationary source or the project, or affected by the stack outlet elevation reduction. The application shall be submitted according to procedures acceptable to the board. However, where several emissions units are included in one project, a single application covering all units in the project may be submitted.

B. A separate application is required for each new stationary source or project.

C. For new stationary sources or for projects with phased development, a single application should be submitted covering the entire new stationary source or project.

D. Any application, form, report, or certification submitted to the board shall comply with the provisions of 9VAC5-20-230.

E. Any application submitted pursuant to this article shall contain a certification signed by the applicant as follows:

"I certify that I understand that the existence of a minor new source review permit under this article does not shield the source from potential enforcement of any regulation of the board governing the major new source review program and does not relieve the source of the responsibility to comply with any applicable provision of the major NSR new source review program regulations."

9VAC5-80-1150. Application information required.

A. The board shall furnish application forms to applicants. Completion of these forms serves as initial registration of new and modified stationary sources and emissions units subject to this article.

B. Each application for a minor NSR permit shall include such information as may be required by the board to determine the effect of the proposed new stationary source or emissions unit on the ambient air quality and to determine compliance with the any emission standards which are applicable. The information required shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Company name and address (or plant name and address if different from the company name), owner's name and agent, and telephone number and names of plant site manager or contact or both.

2. A description of the source's processes and products (by Standard Industrial Classification Code).

3. All emissions of regulated air pollutants.

a. A minor NSR permit application shall describe all emissions of regulated air pollutants emitted from any emissions unit or group of emissions units to be covered by the permit in the new stationary source or project or affected by the stack outlet elevation reduction. The permit application shall include a description of all changes in uncontrolled emissions from the project.

b. Emissions shall be calculated as required in the minor NSR permit application form or instructions or in a manner acceptable to the board.

c. Fugitive emissions shall be included in the minor NSR permit application to the extent quantifiable.

4. Emissions rates in tons per year and in such terms as are necessary to establish compliance consistent with the applicable standard reference test method.

5. Information needed to determine or regulate emissions as follows: fuels, fuel use, raw materials, production rates, loading rates, and operating schedules.

6. Identification and description of air pollution control equipment and compliance monitoring devices or activities.

7. Limitations on source operation affecting emissions or any work practice standards, where applicable, for all regulated air pollutants at the source.

8. Calculations on which the information in subdivisions 3 through 7 of this subsection is based. Any calculations shall include sufficient detail to permit assessment of the validity of such calculations.

9. Any additional information or documentation that the board deems necessary to review and analyze the air pollution aspects of the new stationary source or emissions unit the project, or the stack outlet elevation reduction, including the submission of measured air quality data at the proposed site prior to construction, reconstruction or modification. Such measurements shall be accomplished using procedures acceptable to the board.

C. The above information and analysis shall be determined and presented according to procedures and using methods acceptable to the board.

9VAC5-80-1160. Action on permit application.

A. Prior to submitting an application for processing under subsections B through F of this section, the owner may request a nonbinding applicability determination as to which particular provisions of the new source review program are applicable. The request for the applicability determination shall include sufficient information as may be necessary for the board to make an applicability determination and may include the same information required for an application. Within 30 days after receipt of a request, the board will (i) notify the applicant of the applicability determination or (ii) provide a determination that the information provided by the owner is insufficient to make an applicability determination, along with the identification of any deficiencies.

B. Within 30 days after receipt of an application, the board will notify the applicant of the status of the application. The notification of the initial determination with regard to the status of the application will be provided by the board in writing and will include (i) a determination as to which provisions of the new source review program are applicable, (ii) the identification of any deficiencies, and (iii) a determination as to whether the application contains sufficient information to begin application review. The determination that the application has sufficient information to begin review is not necessarily a determination that it is complete. Within 30 days after receipt of any additional information, the board will notify the applicant in writing of any deficiencies in such information. The date of receipt of a complete application for processing under subsection B C of this section shall be the date on which the board received all required information, including any applicable permit fees, and the provisions of § 10.1-1321.1 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law have been met, if applicable.

B. C. The board will normally process an application according to the steps specified in subdivisions 1 through 4 of this subsection. Processing time for these steps is normally 90 days following receipt of a complete application. If a public hearing is required, processing time is normally 180 days following receipt of a complete application. The board may extend this time period if additional information is needed.

1. Complete the preliminary review and analysis in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1190 and the preliminary determination of the board. This step may constitute the final step if the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1170 concerning public participation are not applicable.

2. When required, complete the public participation requirements in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1170.

3. Consider the public comments received in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1170.

4. Complete the final review and analysis and the final determination of the board.

C. D. The board will normally take final action on an application after completion of the applicable steps in subsection B C of this section, except in cases where direct consideration of the application by the board is granted pursuant to 9VAC5-80-25. The board will review any request made under 9VAC5-80-1170 F, and will take final action on the request and application as provided in Part I (9VAC5-80-5 et seq.) of this chapter.

D. E. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision on the application, including its reasons, and shall also specify the applicable emission limitations standards. These emission limitations standards are applicable during any emission testing conducted in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1200.

E. F. The applicant may appeal the decision pursuant to Part VIII (9VAC5-170-190 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 170 9VAC5-170 (Regulation for General Administration).

F. G. Within five days after notification to the applicant pursuant to subsection C E of this section, the notification and any comments received pursuant to the public comment period and public hearing shall be made available for public inspection at the same location as was the information in 9VAC5-80-1170 E 1.

9VAC5-80-1170. Public participation.

A. No later than 15 days after receiving the initial determination notification required under 9VAC5-80-1160 A B, the applicant for a minor NSR permit for a new major stationary source or a major modification shall notify the public of the proposed major stationary source or major modification in accordance with subsection B of this section.

B. The public notice required by subsection A of this section shall be placed by the applicant in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the affected air quality control region. The notice shall be approved by the board and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The source name, location, and type;

2. The pollutants and the total quantity of each which the applicant estimates will be emitted, and a brief statement of the air quality impact of such pollutants;

3. The control technology proposed to be used at the time of the publication of the notice; and

4. The name and telephone number of a contact person, employed by the applicant, who can answer questions about the proposed source.

C. Upon a determination by the board that it will achieve the desired results in an equally effective manner, an applicant for a minor NSR permit may implement an alternative plan for notifying the public to that required in subsections A and B of this section.

D. Prior to the decision of the board, minor NSR permit applications as specified below shall be subject to a public comment period of at least 30 days. At the end of the public comment period, a public hearing shall be held in accordance with subsection E of this section.

1. Applications for stationary sources of hazardous air pollutants requiring a case-by-case maximum achievable control technology determination under Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

2. Applications for new major stationary sources and major modifications.

3. Applications for projects that would result in an increase in the potential to emit of any regulated air pollutant that would equal or exceed 100 tons per year, considering any state and federally enforceable permit conditions that will be placed on the source by a minor NSR permit.

4. Applications for new stationary sources which or projects that have the potential for public interest concerning air quality issues, as determined by the board in its discretion. The identification of such sources may shall be made using the following nonexclusive criteria:

a. Whether the new stationary source or project is opposed by any person;

b. Whether the new stationary source or project has resulted in adverse media;

c. Whether the new stationary source or project has generated adverse comment through any public participation or governmental review process initiated by any other governmental agency; and

d. Whether the new stationary source or project has generated adverse comment by a local official, governing body or advisory board.

4. 5. Applications for stationary sources for which any provision of the minor NSR permit is to be based upon a good engineering practice (GEP) stack height that exceeds the height allowed by subdivisions 1 and 2 of the GEP definition. The demonstration specified in subdivision 3 of the GEP definition must be available during the public comment period and required by 9VAC5-50-20 H 3 shall be included in the application.

E. When a public comment period and public hearing are required, the board shall notify the public, by advertisement in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the affected air quality control region, of the opportunity for the public comment and the public hearing on the information available for public inspection under the provisions of subdivision 1 of this subsection. The notification shall be published at least 30 days prior to the day of the public hearing. For permits subject to § 10.1-1307.01 of the Code of Virginia, written comments will be accepted by the board for at least 15 days after any hearing, unless the board votes to shorten the period.

1. Information on the minor NSR permit application (exclusive of confidential information under 9VAC5-170-60), as well as the preliminary review and analysis and preliminary determination of the board, shall be available for public inspection during the entire public comment period in at least one location in the affected air quality control region. Any demonstration included in an application specified in subdivision D 5 of this section shall be available for public inspection during the public comment period.

2. A copy of the notice shall be sent to all local air pollution control agencies having jurisdiction in the affected air quality control region, all states sharing the affected air quality control region, and to the regional administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

3. Notices of public comment periods and public hearings for major stationary sources and major modifications published under this section shall meet the requirements of § 10.1-1307.01 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law.

F. Following the initial publication of the notice required under subsection E of this section, the board will receive written requests for direct consideration of the minor NSR permit application by the board pursuant to the requirements of 9VAC5-80-25. In order to be considered, the request must be submitted no later than the end of the public comment period. A request for direct consideration of an application by the board shall contain the following information:

1. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the requester.

2. The names and addresses of all persons for whom the requester is acting as a representative (for the purposes of this requirement, an unincorporated association is a person).

3. The reason why direct consideration by the board is requested.

4. A brief, informal statement setting forth the factual nature and the extent of the interest of the requester or of the persons for whom the requester is acting as representative in the application or preliminary determination, including an explanation of how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the issuance, denial or revision of the permit in question.

5. Where possible, specific references to the terms and conditions of the permit in question, together with suggested revisions and alterations of those terms and conditions that the requester considers are needed to conform the permit to the intent and provisions of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law.

G. The board will review any request made under subsection F of this section, and will take final action on the request as provided in 9VAC5-80-1160 C D.

H. In order to facilitate the efficient issuance of permits under Articles 1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) and 3 (9VAC5-80-360 et seq.) of this part, upon request of the applicant the board shall process the minor NSR permit application under this article using public participation procedures meeting the requirements of this section and 9VAC5-80-270 or 9VAC5-80-670, as applicable.

9VAC5-80-1180. Standards and conditions for granting permits.

A. No minor NSR permit will be granted pursuant to this article unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the board that the source will comply with the following standards:

1. The source shall be designed, built and equipped to comply with standards of performance prescribed under 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50-10 et seq.) 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources) and with emission standards prescribed under 9VAC5 Chapter 60 (9VAC5-60-10 et seq.) 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources);

2. For sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program, the source shall be designed, built, and equipped to comply with the applicable emission standard and other requirements prescribed in 40 CFR Part 61 or 63 or Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources), as applicable;

3. The source shall be designed, built and equipped to operate without preventing or interfering with the attainment or maintenance of any applicable ambient air quality standard and without causing or exacerbating a violation of any applicable ambient air quality standard; and

4. The source shall be designed, built and equipped to operate without causing a violation of the applicable provisions of regulations of the board or the applicable control strategy portion of the implementation plan.

B. Permits Minor NSR permits may be granted to stationary sources or emissions units that contain emission caps provided the caps are made enforceable as a practical matter using the elements set forth in subsection D of this section. The emission caps may be considered in determining whether a stationary source is a synthetic minor source.

C. Permits granted pursuant to this article Minor NSR permits may contain emissions standards as necessary to implement the provisions of this article and 9VAC5-50-260. The following criteria apply in establishing emission standards to the extent necessary to assure that emissions levels are enforceable as a practical matter:

1. Standards may include limits on the level, quantity, rate, or concentration or any combination of them for each affected pollutant.

2. In no case shall a standard result in emissions which would exceed the emissions rate based on the potential to emit of the emissions unit.

3. The standard may prescribe, as an alternative to or a supplement to an emission limitation a limit prescribed under subdivision 1 of this subsection, an equipment, work practice, fuels specification, process materials, maintenance, or operational standard standards, or any combination of them.

D. Permits issued under this article Minor NSR permits will contain, but need not be limited to, any of the following elements as necessary to ensure that the permits are enforceable as a practical matter:

1. Emission standards.

2. Conditions necessary to enforce emission standards. Conditions may include, but not be limited to, any of the following:

a. Limit Limits on fuel sulfur content.

b. Limit Limits on production rates with time frames as appropriate to support the emission standards.

c. Limit Limits on raw material usage rate.

d. Limits on the minimum required capture, removal and overall control efficiency for any air pollution control equipment.

3. Specifications for permitted equipment, identified as thoroughly as possible. The identification shall include, but not be limited to, type, rated capacity, and size. Specifications included in the permit under this subdivision are for informational purposes only and do not form enforceable terms or conditions of the permit unless the specifications are needed to form the basis for one or more of the other terms or conditions in the permit.

4. Specifications for air pollution control equipment installed or to be installed. Specifications included in the permit under this subdivision are for informational purposes only and do not form enforceable terms or conditions of the permit unless the specifications are needed to form the basis for one or more of the other terms or conditions in the permit.

5. Specifications for air pollution control equipment operating parameters and the circumstances under which such equipment shall be operated, where necessary to ensure that the required overall control efficiency is achieved. The operating parameters may include, but need not be limited to, any of the following:

a. Pressure indicators and required pressure drop.

b. Temperature indicators and required temperature.

c. pH indicators and required pH.

d. Flow indicators and required flow.

6. Requirements for proper operation and maintenance of any pollution control equipment, and appropriate spare parts inventory.

7. Stack Performance test requirements.

8. Reporting or recordkeeping requirements, or both.

9. Continuous emission or air quality monitoring requirements, or both.

10. Other requirements as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations.

9VAC5-80-1190. Application review and analysis.

No minor NSR permit shall be granted pursuant to this article unless compliance with the standards in 9VAC5-80-1180 is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board by a review and analysis of the application performed on a source-by-source basis as specified below:

1. Applications for new stationary sources and projects shall be subject to the following review and analysis:

a. A control technology review to determine if the source emissions units will be designed, built and equipped to comply with all applicable standards of performance prescribed under 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50-10 et seq.) 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources).

b. An air quality analysis to determine the impact of pollutant emissions as may be deemed appropriate by the board.

2. Applications for stationary sources of hazardous toxic air pollutants shall be subject to a control technology review to determine if the source will be designed, built and equipped to comply with all applicable emission standards prescribed under 9VAC5 Chapter 60 (9VAC5-60-10 et seq.) 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

3. Applications under 9VAC5-80-1120 C (concerning stack outlet elevation reduction) shall be subject to an air quality analysis to determine the impact of applicable criteria pollutant emissions as may be deemed appropriate by the board.

4. Applications for sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be subject to a control technology review to determine if the source will be designed, built and equipped to comply with all applicable emission standards prescribed under 40 CFR Part 61 or 63 or Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).

9VAC5-80-1200. Compliance determination and verification by performance testing.

A. For stationary sources other than those specified in subsection B of this section, compliance with standards of performance shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC5-50-20 and shall be verified by performance tests in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC5-50-30.

B. For stationary sources of hazardous air toxic pollutants, compliance with emission standards shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC5-60-20 and shall be verified by emission tests in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC5-60-30.

C. Testing required by subsections A and B of this section shall be conducted by the owner within 60 days after achieving the maximum production rate at which the new or modified source will be operated, but not later than 180 days after initial startup of the source; and 60 days thereafter the board shall be provided by the owner with one or, upon request, more copies of a written report of the results of the tests.

D. For sources subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 60, 61 or 63, the compliance determination and performance test requirements of subsections A, B and C of this section shall be met as specified in those parts of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

E. For sources other than those specified in subsection D of this section, the requirements of subsections A, B and C of this section shall be met unless the board:

1. Specifies or approves, in specific cases, the use of a reference method with minor changes in methodology;

2. Approves the use of an equivalent method;

3. Approves the use of an alternative method, the results of which the board has determined to be adequate for indicating whether a specific source is in compliance;

4. Waives the requirement for testing because, based upon a technical evaluation of the past performance of similar source types, using similar control methods, the board reasonably expects the new or modified source to perform in compliance with applicable standards; or

5. Waives the requirement for testing because the owner of the source has demonstrated by other means to the board's satisfaction that the source is in compliance with the applicable standard.

F. The provisions for the granting of waivers under subsection E of this section are intended for use in determining the initial compliance status of a source. The granting of a waiver does not obligate the board to grant any waivers once the source has been in operation for more than one year beyond the initial startup date.

G. The granting of a waiver under this section does not shield the source from potential enforcement of any permit term or condition, applicable requirement of the implementation plan, or any other applicable federal requirement promulgated under the federal Clean Air Act.

9VAC5-80-1210. Permit invalidation, suspension, revocation and enforcement.

A. In addition to the sources subject to this article, the provisions of this section shall apply to sources specified below:

1. Any stationary source (or portion of it), the construction, modification, or relocation of which commenced on or after March 17, 1972.

2. Any stationary source (or portion of it), the reconstruction of which commenced on or after December 10, 1976.

B. A minor NSR permit granted pursuant to this article shall become invalid if a program of continuous construction, reconstruction or modification is not commenced within [ the latest of the following time frames: 1. Eighteen 18 ] months from the date the minor NSR permit is granted [ ;. ]

[ 2. Nine months from the date of the issuance of the last permit or other authorization (other than minor NSR permits) granted pursuant to this article) from any governmental entity; or

3. Nine months from the date of the last resolution of any litigation concerning any such permits or authorizations (including minor NSR permits) granted pursuant to this article). ]

B. C. A minor NSR permit granted pursuant to this article shall become invalid if a program of construction, reconstruction or modification is discontinued for a period of 18 months or more, or if a program of construction, reconstruction or modification is not completed within a reasonable time. This provision does not apply to the period between construction of the approved phases of a the phased construction of a new stationary source or project; each phase must commence construction within 18 months of the projected and approved commencement date.

C. D. The board may extend the periods prescribed in subsections A B and B C of this section upon a satisfactory demonstration that an extension is justified. Provided there is no substantive change to the application information, the review and analysis, and the decision of the board, such extensions may be granted using the procedures for minor amendments in 9VAC5-80-1280.

D. E. Any owner who constructs or operates a new or modified source subject to this section not in accordance with the terms and conditions of any permit to construct or operate, or any owner of a new or modified source subject to this article section who commences construction or operation without receiving a permit hereunder, shall be subject to appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to, any specified in this section.

E. Permits issued under this article F. Minor NSR permits shall be subject to such terms and conditions set forth in the permit as the board may deem necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements of the regulations of the board.

F. G. The board may revoke any minor NSR permit if the permittee:

1. Knowingly makes material misstatements in the permit application or any amendments to it;

2. Fails to comply with the terms or conditions of the permit;

3. Fails to comply with any emission standards applicable to an emissions unit included in the permit;

4. Causes emissions from the stationary source which result in violations of, or interfere with the attainment and maintenance of, any ambient air quality standard; or fails to operate in conformance with any applicable control strategy, including any emission standards or emission emissions limitations, in the implementation plan in effect at the time that an application is submitted; or

5. Fails to comply with the applicable provisions of this article.

G. H. The board may suspend, under such conditions and for such period of time as the board may prescribe, any minor NSR permit for any of the grounds for revocation contained in subsection F G of this section or for any other violations of the regulations of the board.

H. I. The permittee shall comply with all terms and conditions of the minor NSR permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and is grounds for (i) enforcement action or (ii) suspension or revocation.

I. J. Violation of the regulations of the board shall be grounds for revocation of minor NSR permits issued under this article and are subject to the civil charges, penalties and all other relief contained in Part V (9VAC5-170-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 170 9VAC5-170 (Regulation for General Administration) and the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law.

J. K. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision, with its reasons, to change, suspend or revoke a minor NSR permit, or to render a minor NSR permit invalid.

K. L. Nothing in the regulations of the board shall be construed to prevent the board and the owner from making a mutual determination that a minor NSR permit is invalid or revoked prior to any final decision rendered under subsection J K of this section.

L. M. Nothing in the regulations of the board shall be construed to prevent the board and the owner from making a mutual determination that a minor NSR permit is rescinded because all of the statutory or regulatory requirements (i) upon which the permit is based or (ii) that necessitated issuance of the permit are no longer applicable.

M. N. Except with respect to minor NSR permits issued in accordance with Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources), the provisions of subsections A, B and C B, C, and D shall not apply to sources subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program.

9VAC5-80-1220. Existence of permit no defense.

The existence of a minor NSR permit under this article shall not constitute defense to a violation of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law or the regulations of the board and shall not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any applicable regulations, laws, ordinances and orders of the governmental entities having jurisdiction.

9VAC5-80-1240. Transfer of permits.

A. No person shall transfer a minor NSR permit from one location to another, or from one piece of equipment to another.

B. In the case of a transfer of ownership of a stationary source, the new owner shall abide by any current minor NSR permit issued to the previous owner. The new owner shall notify the board of the change in ownership within 30 days of the transfer.

C. In the case of a name change of a stationary source, the owner shall abide by any current minor NSR permit issued under the previous source name. The owner shall notify the board of the change in source name within 30 days of the name change.

D. The provisions of this section concerning the transfer of a minor NSR permit from one location to another shall not apply to the relocation of portable emission emissions units that are exempt from the provisions of this article by 9VAC5-80-1320 A 1 c 9VAC5-80-1105 A 1 c.

E. The provisions of this section concerning the transfer of a minor NSR permit from one piece of equipment to another shall not apply to the replacement of an emissions unit that is exempt from the provisions of this article by 9VAC5-80-1105 A 2 a.

9VAC5-80-1250. General permits.

A. The requirements for issuance of a general permit are as follows:

1. The board may issue a general permit covering a stationary source or emissions unit category containing numerous similar stationary sources or emissions units that meet the following criteria:

a. All stationary sources or emissions units in the category shall be essentially the same in terms of operations and processes and emit either the same pollutants or those with similar characteristics.

b. Stationary sources or emissions units shall not be subject to case-by-case standards or requirements.

c. Stationary sources or emissions units shall be subject to the same or substantially similar requirements governing operation, emissions, monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping.

2. Stationary sources or emissions units operating under the authority of a general permit shall comply with all requirements applicable to other permits issued under this article.

3. General permits shall (i) identify the criteria by which stationary sources or emissions units may qualify for the general permit and (ii) describe the process for stationary sources or emissions units to use in applying for the general permit.

4. General permits shall be issued in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A [ 9 8 ] of the Administrative Process Act.

5. In addition to fulfilling the requirements specified by law, the notice of public comment shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. The name, address and telephone number of a department contact from whom interested persons may obtain additional information including copies of the draft general permit;

b. The criteria to be used in determining which stationary sources or emissions units qualify for coverage under the general permit;

c. A brief description of the stationary source or emissions unit category that the department believes qualifies for coverage under the general permit including, but not limited to, an estimate of the number of individual stationary sources or emissions units in the category;

d. A brief description of the application process to be used by owners of stationary sources or emissions units to request coverage under the general permit; and

e. A brief description of the public comment procedures.

B. The requirements for application for coverage under a general permit are as follows:

1. Stationary sources or emissions units which qualify for coverage under a general permit may apply to the board for coverage under the terms of the general permit. Stationary sources or emissions units that do not qualify for coverage under a general permit shall apply for a minor NSR permit issued under the other provisions of this article.

2. The application shall meet the requirements of this article and include all information necessary to determine qualification for and to assure compliance with the general permit.

3. Stationary sources or emissions units that qualify for coverage under the general permit after coverage is granted to other stationary sources or emissions units in the category addressed by the general permit shall file an application with the board using the application process described in the general permit. The board shall grant authority to operate under the general permit to the stationary source or emissions unit if it determines that the stationary source or emissions unit meets the criteria set out in the general permit.

C. The requirements for granting authority to operate under a general permit are as follows:

1. The board shall grant authority to operate under the conditions and terms of the general permit to stationary sources or emissions units that meet the criteria set out in the general permit covering the specific stationary source or emissions unit category.

2. Granting authority to operate under a general permit to a stationary source or emissions unit covered by a general permit shall not require compliance with the public participation procedures under 9VAC5-80-1170.

3. A response to each general permit application may be provided at the discretion of the board. The general permit may specify a reasonable time period after which the owner of a stationary source or emissions unit that has submitted an application shall be deemed to be authorized to operate under the general permit.

4. Stationary sources or emissions units authorized to operate under a general permit may be issued a letter, a certificate, or a summary of the general permit provisions, limits, and requirements, or any other document which would attest that the stationary source or emissions unit is authorized to operate under the general permit.

5. The general permit shall specify where the general permit and the letter, certificate, summary or other document shall be maintained by the source.

D. The stationary source or emissions unit shall be subject to enforcement action under 9VAC5-80-1210 for operation without a minor NSR permit issued under this article if the stationary source or emissions unit is later determined by the board not to qualify for the conditions and terms of the general permit.

9VAC5-80-1255. Actions to combine permit terms and conditions.

A. General requirements for actions to combine permit terms and conditions are as follows:

1. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, the board may take actions to combine permit terms and conditions as provided under subsections B through E of this section.

2. Requests to combine permit terms and conditions may be initiated by the permittee or by the board.

3. Under no circumstances may an action to combine permit terms and conditions be used for any of the following:

a. To combine the terms and conditions of (i) a federal operating permit, (ii) a PAL permit, or (iii) any permit that is or will be part of the implementation plan.

b. To take an action to issue a permit or change a permit for the fabrication, erection, installation, demolition, relocation, addition, replacement, or modification of an emissions unit that would result in a change in emissions that would otherwise (i) be subject to review under this article or (ii) require a permit or permit amendment under the new source review program.

c. To allow any stationary source or emissions unit to violate any federal requirement.

B. The board may take actions to combine the terms and conditions of state operating permits and new source review permits, along with any changes to state operating permits and new source review permits.

C. If the board and the owner make a mutual determination that it facilitates improved compliance or the efficient processing and issuing of permits, the board may take an action to combine the terms and conditions of permits for emissions units within a stationary source into one or more permits. Likewise the board may require that applications for permits for emissions units within a stationary source required by any permit program be combined into one application.

D. Actions to combine the terms and conditions of permits are subject to the following conditions:

1. Each term or condition in the combined permit shall be accompanied by a statement that specifies and references the origin (enabling permit program) of, along with the regulatory or any other authority for, the term or condition.

2. Each term or condition in the combined permit shall be accompanied by a statement that specifies the effective date of the term or condition.

3. Each term or condition in the combined permit shall be identified by its original designation (i.e., state-only enforceable or federally and state enforceable) consistent with the applicable enforceability designation of the term or condition in the contributing permit.

4. Except as provided in subsection E of this section, all terms and conditions in the contributing permits shall be included in the combined permit without change. The combined permit will supersede the contributing permits, which will no longer be effective.

E. Actions to make changes to permit terms and conditions as may be necessary to facilitate actions to combine permit terms and conditions may be accomplished in accordance with the minor amendment procedures (unless specified otherwise in this section) of the enabling permit program (i.e., the permit program that is the origin of the term or condition), subject to the following conditions:

1. Updates to regulatory or other authorities may be accomplished in accordance with the administrative amendment procedures of the enabling permit program.

2. If two or more terms or conditions apply to the same emissions unit or emissions units and are substantively equivalent, the more restrictive of the duplicate terms or conditions may be retained and the less restrictive one removed, subject to the provisions of subdivision 4 of this subsection.

3. If two or more similar terms or conditions apply to the same emissions unit or emissions units and one is substantively more restrictive than the others, the more restrictive of the terms or conditions shall be retained, regardless of whether the less restrictive terms or conditions are removed. If the less restrictive of the similar terms or conditions is removed, the provisions of subdivision 4 of this subsection apply.

4. The removal of similar terms or conditions from contributing permits is subject to the following conditions:

a. If any one of the terms or conditions removed is federally and state enforceable, the more restrictive term or condition that is retained in the combined permit shall be federally and state enforceable.

b. If any one of the terms or conditions originates in a permit subject to a major NSR program, that major NSR program shall become the effective enabling permit program for the more restrictive term or condition that is retained in the combined permit. If more than one major NSR program is the basis for a term or condition, all of the applicable major NSR programs shall be the enabling permit program for that term or condition.

c. The regulatory basis for all of the similar terms or conditions that are removed shall be included in the reference for the term or condition that is retained.

9VAC5-80-1260. Changes to Actions to change permits.

A. The general requirements for making actions to make changes to minor NSR permits are as follows:

1. Changes Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, changes to a minor NSR permit issued under this article shall be made as specified under subsections B and C of this section and 9VAC5-80-1270 through 9VAC5-80-1300.

2. Changes to a minor NSR permit issued under this article may be initiated by the permittee as specified in subsection B of this section or by the board as specified in subsection C of this section.

3. Changes to a minor NSR permit issued under this article and incorporated into a permit issued under Article 1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) or Article 3 (9VAC5-80-360 et seq.) of this part shall be made as specified in Article 1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) or Article 3 (9VAC5-80-360 et seq.) of this part.

4. This section shall not be applicable to general permits.

B. The requirements for changes initiated by the permittee are as follows:

1. The permittee may initiate a change to a minor NSR permit by submitting a written request to the board for an administrative permit amendment, a minor permit amendment or a significant permit amendment. The requirements for these permit revisions changes can be found in 9VAC5-80-1270 through 9VAC5-80-1290.

2. A request for a change by a permittee shall include a statement of the reason for the proposed change.

C. The board may initiate a change to a minor NSR permit through the use of permit reopenings as specified in 9VAC5-80-1300.

9VAC5-80-1270. Administrative permit amendments.

A. Administrative permit amendments shall be required used for and limited to the following:

1. Correction of typographical or any other error, defect or irregularity which does not substantially affect the permit.

2. Identification of a change in the name, address, or phone number of any person identified in the permit, or of a similar minor administrative change at the source.

3. Change in ownership or operational control of a source where the board determines that no other change in the permit is necessary, provided that a written agreement containing a specific date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between the current and new permittee has been submitted to the board and the requirements of 9VAC5-80-1240 have been fulfilled.

4. The combining of permits under the new source review program as provided in 9VAC5-80-1120 D.

B. The administrative permit amendment procedures are as follows:

1. The board will normally take final action on a request for an administrative permit amendment no more than 60 days from receipt of the request.

2. The board will incorporate the changes without providing notice to the public under 9VAC5-80-1170 and designate in the permit amendment that such permit revisions have been made pursuant to this section.

3. The owner may implement the changes addressed in the request for an administrative amendment immediately upon submittal of the request.

9VAC5-80-1280. Minor permit amendments.

A. Minor permit amendment procedures shall be used only for those permit amendments that meet all of the following criteria:

1. Do not violate any applicable federal requirement;.

2. Do not involve significant changes to existing monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements that would make the permit requirements less stringent, such as a change to the method of monitoring to be used, a change to the method of demonstrating compliance or a relaxation of reporting or recordkeeping requirements;.

3. Do not require or change a case-by-case determination of an emission emissions limitation or other standard; requirement.

4. Do Except as provided in subdivision C 2 of this section, do not seek to establish or change a permit term or condition (i) for which there is no corresponding underlying applicable regulatory requirement and (ii) that the source has assumed to avoid an applicable regulatory requirement to which the source would otherwise be subject. Such terms and conditions include:

a. An emissions cap assumed to avoid classification as a modification under project subject to the new source review program or as a modification under § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act; and

b. An alternative emissions limit approved pursuant to regulations promulgated under § 112(i)(5) of the federal Clean Air Act;.

5. Are not modifications under the new source review program or under § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act; and that would otherwise require a permit under the new source review program.

6. Are not required to be processed as a significant amendment under 9VAC5-80-1290 or as an administrative permit amendment under 9VAC5-80-1270.

B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, minor permit amendment procedures may be used for permit amendments that meet any of the following criteria:

1. Involve the use of economic incentives, emissions trading, and other similar approaches to the extent that such minor permit amendment procedures are explicitly provided for in a regulation of the board or a federally-approved program.

2. Require new or more frequent monitoring or reporting by the permittee or a reduction in the level of an emissions cap.

3. Designate any minor NSR permit term or permit condition that meets the criteria in 9VAC5-80-1120 F 1 (i) as state-only enforceable as provided in 9VAC5-80-1120 F 2 for any minor NSR permit issued under this article or any repealed or amended regulation from which this article is derived.

4. Apply any minor NSR permit term or condition that is applicable to an existing emissions unit to its replacement emissions unit that otherwise meets the requirements for exemption from the minor new source review permit program requirements under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1105 A 2 a.

C. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, minor Minor permit amendment procedures may be used for permit amendments involving the rescission of a provision of a minor NSR permit if the board and the owner make a mutual determination that the provision is rescinded because all of the underlying statutory or regulatory requirements (i) upon which the provision is based or (ii) that necessitated inclusion of the provision are no longer applicable.

1. In order for the underlying statutory and regulatory requirements to be considered no longer applicable, the provision of the permit that is being rescinded must not cover a regulated air pollutant.

2. Any emissions cap contained in the permit shall be adjusted downward appropriately so that the emissions unit's potential to emit does not reflect any compound no longer considered a regulated air pollutant.

D. A request for the use of minor permit amendment procedures shall include all of the following: 1. A a description of the change, the emissions resulting from the change, and any new applicable regulatory requirements that will apply if the change occurs. 2. A, accompanied by a request that such procedures be used. The applicant may, at the applicant's discretion, include a suggested proposed permit amendment.

E. The public participation requirements of 9VAC5-80-1170 shall not extend to minor permit amendments.

F. Normally within 90 days of receipt by the board of a complete request under minor permit amendment procedures, the board will do one of the following:

1. Issue the permit amendment as proposed.

2. Deny the permit amendment request.

3. Determine that the requested amendment does not meet the minor permit amendment criteria and should be reviewed under the significant amendment procedures.

G. The requirements for making changes are as follow follows:

1. The owner may make the change proposed in the minor permit amendment request immediately after the request is filed.

2. After the change under subdivision 1 of this subsection is made, and until the board takes any of the actions specified in subsection F of this section, the source shall comply with both the applicable regulatory requirements governing the change and the proposed permit terms and conditions amendment.

3. During the time period specified in subdivision 2 of this subsection, the owner need not comply with the existing permit terms and conditions he seeks to modify if the applicant has submitted a suggested proposed permit amendment pursuant to subsection D of this section. However, if the owner fails to comply with the proposed permit terms and conditions during this time period, the existing permit terms and conditions he seeks to modify may be enforced against him.

9VAC5-80-1290. Significant amendment procedures.

A. The criteria for use of significant amendment procedures are as follows:

1. Significant amendment procedures shall be used for requesting permit amendments that do not qualify as minor permit amendments under 9VAC5-80-1280 or as administrative amendments under 9VAC5-80-1270.

2. Significant amendment procedures shall be used for those permit amendments that meet any one of the following criteria:

a. Involve significant changes to existing monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements that would make the permit requirements less stringent, such as a change to the method of monitoring to be used, a change to the method of demonstrating compliance or a relaxation of reporting or recordkeeping requirements.

b. Require or change a case-by-case determination of an emission emissions limitation or other standard requirement.

c. Seek to establish or change a minor NSR permit term or condition (i) for which there is no corresponding underlying applicable regulatory requirement and (ii) that the source has assumed to avoid an applicable regulatory requirement to which the source would otherwise be subject. Such terms and conditions include:

(1) An emissions cap assumed to avoid classification as a modification under project subject to the new source review program or as a modification under § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act; and

(2) An alternative emissions limit approved pursuant to regulations promulgated under § 112(i)(5) of the federal Clean Air Act.

3. Significant amendment procedures may not be used to bypass the public participation requirements in 9VAC5-80-1170 for an application for a project that would be subject to the minor new source review program.

B. A request for a significant permit amendment shall include a description of the change, the emissions resulting from the change, and any new applicable regulatory requirements that will apply if the change occurs. The applicant may, at the applicant's discretion, include a suggested draft permit amendment.

C. The At the discretion of the board, the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1170 D and E shall apply to requests made under this section if the permit is for a stationary source emissions unit subject to the request under this section was subject to review in any previous permit application that was subject to 9VAC5-80-1170.

D. The board will normally take final action on significant permit amendments within 90 days after receipt of a complete request. If a public hearing is required, processing time for a permit amendment is normally 180 days following receipt of a complete request except in cases where direct consideration of the request by the board is granted pursuant to 9VAC5-80-25. The board may extend this time period if additional information is needed.

E. The owner shall not make the change applied for in the significant amendment request until the amendment is approved by the board under subsection D of this section.

9VAC5-80-1300. Reopening for cause.

A. A minor NSR permit may be reopened and amended revised under any of the following situations:

1. Additional regulatory requirements become applicable to the emissions units covered by the permit after a permit is issued but prior to commencement of construction.

2. The board determines that the permit contains a material mistake or that inaccurate statements were made in establishing the emissions standards or other terms or conditions of the permit.

3. The board determines that the permit must be amended to assure compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements or that the terms and conditions of the permit are not sufficient to meet all of the standards and requirements contained in this article.

4. A new emission standard prescribed under 40 CFR Part 60, 61 or 63 becomes applicable after a permit is issued but prior to initial startup.

B. Proceedings to reopen and reissue a minor NSR permit shall follow the same procedures as apply to initial permit issuance and shall affect only those parts of the permit for which cause to reopen exists. Such reopening shall be made as expeditiously as practicable.

C. Reopenings shall not be initiated before a notice of such intent is provided to the source by the board at least 30 days in advance of the date that the permit is to be reopened, except that the board may provide a shorter time period in the case of an emergency.

9VAC5-80-1320. Permit exemption levels. (Repealed.)

A. The general requirements for permit exemption levels are as follows:

1. The provisions of this article do not apply to the following stationary sources or emissions units:

a. The construction, reconstruction, relocation or modification of any stationary source or emissions unit that is exempt under the provisions of subsections B through F of this section.

b. The reconstruction of any stationary source or emissions unit if the potential to emit resulting from the reconstruction will not increase.

c. The relocation of a portable emissions unit provided that:

(1) The new emissions from the portable emissions unit are secondary emissions;

(2) The portable emissions unit has previously been permitted or is subject to a general permit;

(3) The unit would not undergo modification or reconstruction;

(4) The unit is suitable to the area in which it is to be located; and

(5) Reasonable notice is given to the board prior to the relocation identifying the proposed new location and the probable duration of operation at the new location. Such notice shall be given to the board not less than 15 days in advance of the proposed relocation unless a different time duration is previously approved by the board.

d. The reactivation of a stationary source unless a determination concerning shutdown has been made pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-20-220.

e. The use by any source of an alternative fuel or raw material, if the following conditions are met:

(1) The owner demonstrates to the board that, as a result of trial burns at the owner's facility or other facilities or other sufficient data, the emissions resulting from the use of the alternative fuel or raw material supply are decreased. No demonstration will be required for the use of processed animal fat, processed fish oil, processed vegetable oil, distillate oil, or any mixture thereof in place of the same quantity of residual oil to fire industrial boilers.

(2) The use of an alternative fuel or raw material would not be subject to review under this article as a modification.

2. In determining whether a facility source is exempt from the provisions of this article, the provisions of subsections B through D of this section are independent from the provisions of subsections E and F of this section. A source must be determined to be exempt both under the provisions of subsections B through D taken as a group and under the provisions of subsection E or F to be exempt from this article.

3. In determining whether a facility is exempt from the provisions of this article under the provisions of subsection B of this section, the definitions in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40-10 et seq.) that would cover the facility if it were an existing source shall be used unless deemed inappropriate by the board.

4. Any owner claiming that a facility is exempt from this article under the provisions of this section shall keep records as may be necessary to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the facility was exempt at the time a permit would have otherwise been required under this article.

B. Facilities as specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article as they pertain to construction, modification, reconstruction or relocation.

1. Fuel burning equipment units (external combustion units, not engines and turbines) as follows:

a. Using solid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 1,000,000 Btu per hour.

b. Using liquid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.

c. Using liquid and gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.

d. Using gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 50,000,000 Btu per hour.

2. Engines and turbines used for emergency purposes only and which do not exceed 500 hours of operation per year at a single stationary source as follows:

a. Gasoline engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 910 hp and gasoline engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 611 kilowatts.

b. Diesel engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 1,675 hp and diesel engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 1125 kilowatts.

c. Combustion gas turbines with an aggregate of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour heat input (low heating value).

3. Engines that power mobile sources during periods of maintenance, repair or testing.

4. Volatile organic compound storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids and other volatile organic compounds with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions; and any operation specified below:

a. Volatile organic compound transfer operations involving:

(1) Any tank of 2,000 gallons or less storage capacity; or

(2) Any operation outside the volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

b. Volatile organic compound storage operations involving any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity.

5. Vehicle customizing coating operations, if production is less than 20 vehicles per day.

6. Vehicle refinishing operations.

7. Coating operations for the exterior of fully assembled aircraft or marine vessels.

8. Petroleum liquid storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions (kerosene and fuel oil used for household heating have vapor pressures of less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions; therefore, kerosene and fuel oil are not subject to the provisions of this article when used or stored at ambient temperatures); and any operation or facility specified below:

a. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk terminals located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

b. Gasoline dispensing facilities.

c. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk plants:

(1) With an expected daily throughput of less than 4,000 gallons; or

(2) Located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.

d. Account/tank trucks; however, permits issued for gasoline storage/transfer facilities should include a provision that all associated account/tank trucks meet the same requirements as those trucks serving existing facilities.

e. Petroleum liquid storage operations involving:

(1) Any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity;

(2) Any tank of less than 420,000 gallons storage capacity for crude oil or condensate stored, processed or treated at a drilling and production facility prior to custody transfer; or

(3) Any tank storing waxy, heavy pour crude oil.

9. Petroleum dry cleaning plants with a total manufacturers' rated solvent dryer capacity less than 84 pounds as determined by the applicable new source performance standard in 9VAC5-50-410.

10. Any addition of, relocation of or change to a woodworking machine within a wood product manufacturing plant provided the system air movement capacity, expressed as the cubic feet per minute of air, is not increased and maximum control efficiency of the control system is not decreased.

11. Wood sawmills and planing mills primarily engaged in sawing rough lumber and timber from logs and bolts, or resawing cants and flitches into lumber, including box lumber and softwood cut stock; planing mills combined with sawmills; and separately operated planing mills that are engaged primarily in producing surfaced lumber and standard workings or patterns of lumber. This also includes facilities primarily engaged in sawing lath and railroad ties and in producing tobacco hogshead stock, wood chips, and snow fence lath. This exemption does not include any facility that engages in the kiln drying of lumber.

12. Exhaust flares at natural gas and coalbed methane extraction wells.

C. The exemption of new and relocated sources shall be determined as specified below:

1. Stationary sources with a potential to emit at rates less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article pertaining to construction or relocation.

	Pollutant	Emissions Rate
	Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
	Nitrogen Oxides	40 tpy
	Sulfur Dioxide	40 tpy
	Particulate Matter	25 tpy
	Particulate Matter (PM10)	15 tpy
	Volatile organic compounds	25 tpy
	Lead	0.6 tpy
	Fluorides	3 tpy
	Sulfuric Acid Mist	6 tpy
	Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)	9 tpy
	Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S)	9 tpy
	Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S)	9 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans)	3.5 x 10-6 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter)	13 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCI)	35 tpy
	Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds)	22 tpy

2. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the determination of potential to emit of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection.

3. If the particulate matter (PM₁₀) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM₁₀), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter. If the emissions of particulate matter (PM₁₀) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter shall be used to determine the exemption status.

D. The exemption of modified and reconstructed sources shall be determined as specified below:

1. Stationary sources with net emissions increases less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article pertaining to modification or reconstruction.

	Pollutant	Emissions Rate
	Carbon Monoxide	100 tons per year (tpy)
	Nitrogen Oxides	10 tpy
	Sulfur Dioxide	10 tpy
	Particulate Matter	15 tpy
	Particulate Matter (PM10)	10 tpy
	Volatile organic compounds	10 tpy
	Lead	0.6 tpy
	Fluorides	3 tpy
	Sulfuric Acid Mist	6 tpy
	Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)	9 tpy
	Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S)	9 tpy
	Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S)	9 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans)	3.5 x 10-6 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter)	13 tpy
	Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCl)	35 tpy
	Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds)	22 tpy

2. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the determination of net emissions increase of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection. However, any other increases and decreases in the uncontrolled emission rate at the source that are concurrent with a particular change shall be included in the determination of net emissions increase of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection, and if the change is not exempt, the other increases shall be subject to 9VAC5-50-260 C.

3. If the particulate matter (PM₁₀) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM₁₀), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter. If the emissions of particulate matter (PM₁₀) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter shall be used to determine the exemption status.

E. Exemptions for stationary sources of toxic pollutants not subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be as follows:

1. Stationary sources exempt from the requirements of Article 5 (9VAC5-60-300 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 as provided in 9VAC5-60-300 C 1, C 2, D or E shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.

2. Facilities as specified below shall not be exempt, regardless of size or emission rate, from the provisions of this article.

a. Incinerators, unless the incinerator is used exclusively as air pollution control equipment.

b. Ethylene oxide sterilizers.

c. Boilers, incinerators, or industrial furnaces as defined in 40 CFR 260.10 and subject to 9VAC20 Chapter 60 (9VAC20-60).

F. Any source category or portion of a source category subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be exempt from the provisions of this article if specifically exempted from that program by 40 CFR Part 61 or 63.