The regulations for the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permits for Storm Water Discharge for Nonmetallic Mineral Mining Facilities and Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activities have just completed the initial stage of the review process DEQ is required to carry out periodically. The purpose of these reviews is to determine whether these regulations should be repealed, amended, or retained in their current form.
Both the Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Industrial Activities permits expire in 2024 and it is required that the regulations are to be amended to re-issue the general permits and the agency will consider revisions to the permits during this review.
Concerning the VPDES General Permit for Nonmetallic Mineral Mine Sites, VTCA is seeking adding language to the Permit to allow mine operators to rapidly dewater pits that have become inoperable due to significant flooding conditions. As for the General Permits for Industrial Activities, VTCA will monitor the review for any amendments that may impact Aggregate Producers.