Department of Environmental Quality Public Meeting
The Department of Environmental Quality held a town hall to discuss the development of Environmental Justice in the permitting process. Key discussion topics included the implementation of House Bill 1266, which requires updating the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process guidance memo. The department presented concepts under consideration for the new guidance, including defining projects of concern, assessing cumulative impacts in alignment with New Jersey's model, strategies for community outreach, and the use of the Virginia EJScreen plus mapping tool to identify environmental justice communities. The meeting provided a forum for public input and suggestions regarding these proposed criteria.
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The board discussed the implementation of 30 no-discharge zones for sewage and other waste from boats, including technical corrections to existing zones and the evaluation of pumpout facility capacities. Additionally, the board addressed amendments to the general permit regulation for discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activities, specifically focusing on mechanisms for compliance with Chesapeake Bay TMDL nutrient reduction requirements through the acquisition of nutrient credits.
Apr 7, 2026·Board meeting
State Water Control Board Meeting
The board discussed the 2026 amendment and reissuance of the general Virginia pollutant discharge elimination system watershed permit regulation for total nitrogen and total phosphorus discharges and nutrient trading in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Key topics included a review of the regulatory process, EPA comments regarding monitoring frequencies, public comments from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other stakeholders, the handling of waste load allocations upon permit termination or consolidation, and the status of chlorophyll criteria in the lower James River. The meeting concluded with staff recommending the adoption of the proposed regulatory amendments.
