Public Notice - Environmental Regulation

Public Notice - Environmental Regulation

Notice of Intended action: The StateJWater Control Board intends to consider drafting a proposal for the amendment of a regulation on water quality. A regulation is a general rule governing people's rights or conduct that is upheld by a state agency. Purpose of notice: The board is seeking comments through the Department of Environmental Qualify on the intended regulatory action, including but not limited to 1) ideas to assist the board in the development of a proposal 2) the costs and benefits of the alternatives stated in this notice or other alternatives and 3) effects of the regulation on farm forest land preservation and 4) whether the board should use an advisory committee. The board is also seeking information on impacts on small businesses. Public comment period: February 19, 2007 to April 2, 2007 Public meeting: 302 North Main Street, Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room in Culpeper, Virginia, on March 27, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Unlike a public hearing, which is intended only to received testimony, this meeting is being held to discuss and exchange ideas and information relative to the development of a proposal. Public comment stage: Notice of Intended Regulatory Action Subject matter and intent of proposal: The State Water Board (Board) proposes to amend the state's Antidegradation Policy (9 VAC 25-260-30), part of the Water Qualify Standards, by designating for special protection the headwaters Segment of the main stem Hazel River within Shenandoah National Park and the segment of the main stem Hazel River within Culpeper County as Exceptional State Waters (9 VAC 25-260-30.A.3.C). Advisory committee: The board will use an advisory committee to develop a proposal if it receives at least five written requests to use an advisory committee prior to the end of the public comment period. Persons requesting that DEQ use an advisory committee and are interested in assisting in the development of a proposal should notify the DEQ contact person by the end of the comment period and provide their name, address, phone number, e-mail address and affiliated organization (if any). Notification of the composition of the advisory committee will be sent to all applicants. How to comment: DEQ accepts written comments by e-mail, fax and postal mail. All written comments must include the full name, address and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DEQ by 5 p.m. on the last day of the comment period. Both oral and written comments are accepted at the public meeting. DEQ prefers the submittal of written comments, including a copy of supporting documents or exhibits. All testimony, exhibits and documents received are part of the public record. How a decision is made: After comments have been considered, the board will decide whether to take action on a proposal. If the board decides to consider the regulation, there will be another public comment opportunity, including a public hearing. After these comments have been considered, the board will make the final decision. To review regulation documents: The agency background document (including purpose, statutory authority, need, substance of planned regulatory changes, alternatives and the family impact statement) is available on the Town Hall web site at www.townhall.virginia.gov and by contacting the DEQ representative named below. The public may review the documents at the following location: DEQ Central Office, 629 E. Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, room 1145 and/or room 1120. Contact for public comments, document requests and additional information: David C. Whitehurst; Department of Environmental Qualify, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218. Phone: (804)698-4121 E-mail: dcwhitehurst@deq.virginia.gov Fax: (804)698-4116