The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) keeps rolling out the TMDL actions, DEQ explains TMDL’s as such:
“When water quality monitoring data shows that state waters do not meet water quality standards, clean-up plans called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or Advance Restoration Plans (ARPs) are developed by DEQ to determine the total amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. These waters are called “impaired” and are listed in the Virginia Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report, which can be found on Water Quality Assessments.
During the development of clean-up plans, public input is requested at the onset of the development process and when a draft clean-up plan is available for review. To participate in the development of TMDLs, Implementation Plans (IPs) and ARPs, visit DEQ’s TMDL Public Notices.
The overall goal of a clean-up plan is to restore and maintain water quality standards. Following clean-up plan development, pollutant reductions from point sources are implemented through the Water Permit programs. Pollutant reductions from nonpoint sources are implemented through Implementation Plans and nonpoint source grant programs that fund voluntary practices.”
It is important for Aggregate Producers (and any facility) that is located in a watershed that is identified as “impaired” must become engaged through DEQ Public Input stage of the Development Process. There are actions that can be implemented by industries during this stage that can serve to protect your facility and interest from unwarranted regulatory action. These regulatory actions can potentially lead to significant consequences and cleanup efforts, including some that may not be a result of activities on your sites.
The full list of TMDL developments can be found on DEQ’s website by following this link - TMDL Development | Virginia DEQ
VTCA will remain vigilant in tracking and reporting TMDL developments, studies, and cleanup plans, but there are many, at least several every month at different stages. However it is possible that we may occasionally miss reporting some. VTCA encourages members that may be impacted by TMDL developments sign up for Virginia Regulatory Town Hall notifications to ensure of when your operations may be in watersheds that fall within TMDL developments.
For more information, please contact Rob Lanham by email or by phone at 540-229-9662.