DEQ has released draft guidance on the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process for an informal comment period. This guidance creates procedures to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement throughout DEQ's permitting processes. The guidance outlines a permit evaluation process for all permitting actions at DEQ, as well as establishes processes for further evaluation of permits of particular concern to environmental justice communities. DEQ will accept informal public comments on the guidance until May 1. A formal public comment period will be held after internal review. Please submit comments on the guidance to ejcomments@deq.virginia.gov.