VaHydro to CEDS Migration – An Exercise in Collaboration and Database Efficiency Read more
	Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook & VRRM 4.1 Training Read more
	Registration is open for the 2024 Brownfields Conference Read more
	2022 Virginia Toxics Release Inventory report is now available! Read more
	DEQ submits application for $380 million in EPA grants Read more
	2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Announced! Read more
	Register for our upcoming Education Series! Read more
	Reg Updates Read more

VaHydro to CEDS Migration – An Exercise in Collaboration and Database Efficiency

Background
VaHydro has been the workhorse database of the DEQ’s water withdrawal permitting and reporting for almost a decade. Now, it has been modernized and integrated into the agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Data System (CEDS). The migration began on March 27 with the shut-down of user access to VaHydro and concluded on April 1 with data available on CEDS/myDEQ platform. Prior to the migration, the Office of Water Supply provided outreach to three distinct VAHydro user groups impacted by the CEDS/myDEQ migration: (1) Users reporting annual water withdrawals to VAHydro, (2) Users submitting groundwater well completion reports (GW-2s) to VAHydro and (3) VDH staff users who use VAHydro to pull groundwater well data. This strategic outreach included the following methods.

Email Blasts
DEQ sent emails to each contact group notifying them of the migration. The emails additionally directed recipients to reference materials on the website that could be used to learn more about the myDEQ platform, and to make clear staff contacts for questions. Emails included a general notice of the upcoming migration, including instructions to look out for a future email for additional details and resources. The final mass email provided confirmation of the migration, additional instructions, and links to resources and staff contacts for questions.  

User Training Videos
To assist the end users in successfully navigating the inevitable changes associated with the new database experience, a series of training videos were developed and posted on DEQ’s website. The videos encompassed topics such as myDEQ Account Access, Submission of Annual Water Withdrawal Reporting Data, and Submission of Well Completion Reports (GW-2s). 

Trade Group Presentations
DEQ has been providing notice of the migration during numerous public speaking engagements over the past year.  Mentions were made at the Summer and Fall meetings of the Virginia Municipal Drinking Water Association, the Virginia Water Environment Association Water Jam meeting in September 2023, and most recently at the American Water Well Association Meeting held on Feb. 21. At this meeting, DEQ gave a presentation on the migration effort directed specifically to the well drilling industry. Attendees were provided a first look at the myDEQ platform, a forum to ask questions, and an opportunity to be added to the list of users that will be contacted regarding available training materials at the time of migration. 

GW-2 User Testing
DEQ developed and facilitated GW-2 User Testing during the week of March 11 – 15. This testing was critical to the success of the migration as it afforded the well drilling community the ability to tryout the new platform and provide feedback. Three selected GW-2 users worked directly with DEQ to access the test environment, practice entry of data, ask questions, and identify any challenges in user experiences ahead of the migration. 

Migration of User Accounts
On March 27, all VAHydro user accounts were disabled in preparation for the activation of the myDEQ database and migration of VAHydro data to this new platform. The myDEQ database became live for all users on April 1. VAHydro user account access was turned off and a message was added to the VAHydro login webpage as a reminder that the migration had occurred and VAHydro was no longer accessible. Concurrent with the platform becoming live, users received instructions needed to access the myDEQ database and create or access new user accounts. Users can contact DEQ via email or by calling 804-584-6344 for any additional support with the transition.

DEQ and our consultant Arcadis are pleased to offer live online and in-person training on the new consolidated Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook.

This new online resource replaces the 1992 Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (known as the green book), the 1999 Stormwater Handbook (commonly referred to as the blue book), and multiple other documents. See DEQ Guidance Memo or DEQ News Vol. 3 No. 2 for a more detailed summary of the changes.

It is highly recommended to attend the overview webinar before attending in-person sessions (or watch the recording). If you register for a webinar, we send the recording.

This is an opportunity to learn together with regional DEQ stormwater staff. Register for the webinars and/or the in-person training through the links below.

Virtual Training: Virginia Stormwater Handbook - Overview and How to Use It
This 4-hour webinar (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) is being delivered three times for your convenience. Register for the session that best suits your schedule. The course description is included on the registration page.

• Register for May 7 Handbook Overview
• Register for May 20 Handbook Overview
• Register for June 3 Handbook Overview

In Person Training: Virginia Stormwater Handbook for Inspectors, Plan Reviewers & Designers
In Person Training: Virginia Stormwater Handbook for Inspectors, Plan Reviewers & Designers. Day One is for inspectors and Day Two is for Plan Reviewers/Designers. Register for one or both classes. Locations and dates are below: 

• Abingdon: May 13-14 (Southwest Higher Education Center) 
• Roanoke: May 15-16 (Green Ridge Recreation Center) 
• Richmond: May 22-23 (Reynolds Community College - Parham Road) 
• Norfolk: May 29-30 (Old Dominion University) 
• Alexandria: June 4-5 (Northern VA Community College) 
•  Harrisonburg: June 12-13 (Blue Ridge Community College)

Visit DEQ Stormwater Continuing Education webpage for course descriptions and registration information.

Virginia Runoff Reduction Method (VRRM) 4.1
DEQ and our consultants Tammy Cohen (ERG) and Clay Hodges (LYCA) are pleased to offer live online training on the updated VRRM 4.1. Two webinars (9:30am - 11:30am) are scheduled. The course description is included on the registration page. 

• Register for June 6 VRRM 4.1 Basics
• Register for June 10 VRRM 4.1 Advanced

Visit the DEQ Stormwater - Construction webpage for additional resources.

Registration is open for the 2024 Brownfields Conference

Join us at the historic Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia, from June 25-27 for the premier brownfields event of the year. At the conference, learn more about brownfields and redevelopment options, including everything from concept planning to final development and reuse. The conference covers a variety of funding options, mixed-use and main street development, and success stories from Lynchburg and across Virginia. Representatives from Virginia Energy will join us again this year to share news and ongoing initiatives that support reclamation and growth in our Virginia communities. Tag along for unique mobile workshops to local sites and then end your day at our celebrated networking receptions. 

We hope to see you there! 

Register on Eventbrite: 2024 Virginia Brownfields Conference Tickets | Eventbrite

2022 Virginia Toxics Release Inventory report is now available! 

Each year, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) publishes the Virginia Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report, as required by law. The TRI is a public database that records toxic chemical releases and transfers, waste management, and pollution-prevention activities reported by industrial facilities in the U.S. The 2022 TRI data, available on the DEQ website, represents the 35th year of data collection from facilities for distribution to the public and supports informed decision-making by communities, government agencies, companies, and others.

DEQ submits application for $380 million in EPA grant

On April 1, DEQ submitted two applications for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DEQ also participated in submitting two multi-state coalition grant applications under the CPRG. If all four grants are awarded, Virginia will receive a total of approximately $380,000,000 to promote economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors in the Commonwealth. These sectors include transportation, natural and working lands, buildings, energy production, and waste and materials management. EPA is expected to announce the grant awards in the summer of 2024, with project start dates in the fall of 2024. Updates will be posted on DEQ’s CPRG webpage.
DEQ submitted one individual application titled “Comprehensive Decarbonization of Virginia’s Transportation Systems.” It includes four transportation projects led by four Virginia state agencies. These projects aim to demonstrate electrification in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) light-duty truck fleet, electrify the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) public transit fleet, fund Virginia Energy’s electric vehicle (EV) rebate program, and electrify the Virginia Port Authority’s (VPA) port operations. The grant is requesting $199,999,999 from the CPRG.
 
DEQ’s coalition application with Virginia Energy is titled “Priority Methane Reduction Projects in Virginia.” This application seeks $99,999,999 from the CPRG to support three Virginia Energy and DEQ programs to capture and utilize fugitive coal mine methane, capture and utilize landfill methane, and compost and rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.
 
DEQ is also part of a four-state coalition application led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources called the “Atlantic Conservation Coalition.” If awarded, Virginia would receive $50,000,000 to support carbon sequestration projects on natural and working lands. These projects would be implemented by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and VPA, with an aside for projects on tribal lands.
 
Virginia Energy represented the Commonwealth in a fifteen-state coalition led by the Hawai’i Green Infrastructure Authority called the “States Supporting Resilient Local Energy Systems Coalition.” If awarded, Virginia would receive about $30,000,000 to increase grid resilience and reliability through the deployment of zero-emitting electricity systems and energy storage on public buildings.

2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Announced!

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize successful and innovative efforts that improve Virginia’s environment. The awards program is run annually by DEQ in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. There are five broad categories of awards: Environmental & Sustainability Program, Environmental & Sustainability Project, Land Conservation, Commonwealth Greening of Government, and implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan. 

Winners were announced at the 34th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium in Lexington on April 9. Visit our awards website to learn about the winners, and about the application process. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to all our applicants!

Register for our upcoming Education Series!

Throughout 2024, DEQ will be hosting a webinar series to share information about programs and resources available across the Commonwealth. Featured topics include water quality, air quality, a general DEQ overview, a deep dive into tools and resources, and pollution prevention. These webinars are designed for a general audience and will be free and open to the public.  

The first webinar is on April 30 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and will cover Water Quality Monitoring and Protection. You can register for the webinar here. This webinar will help you learn more about the basics of clean water laws and regulations, water quality standards, water quality monitoring, and how we can all work together to protect and improve Virginia’s waters. 

Please visit the Education Series webpage learn more about future webinars. Feel free to share the opportunity with your networks!

Reg Updates

Visit the DEQ website for comment opportunities on pending enforcement orders and permit actions. The following regulatory actions are available for public comment:

Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Sewage Discharges Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons Per Day (9VAC25-110) NOIRA comment period closes 5/8/24

Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit Regulation for Seafood Processing Facilities (9VAC25-115) NOIRA comment period closes 5/8/24

Petition for rulemaking- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830) comment period closes 4/29/24

In addition, there are numerous DEQ meetings and general comment periods where you can stay up to date on topics of interest:

• Public Meeting: Cleanup Study – Roanoke River, Tinker Creek, and Wolf Creek in the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County; April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at DEQ Blue Ridge Regional Office, 901 Russell Dr., Salem
• Implementation Plan Community Engagement Meeting – Watershed Cleanup Plan for Cedar Run, Mine Run, Mountain Run, and the Lower Rapidan River Basin in Orange County, Culpeper County, and Spotsylvania County; April 12 at 10 a.m. at George Washington Carver Agricultural Research Center Classroom #1, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan
• Regulatory Advisory Panel - Sewage Collection and Treatment Regulation Amendments; April 12 at 10 a.m. at DEQ Piedmont Regional Office, 4949-A Cox Rd, Glen Allen
• Informational Meeting – Virginia Pollution Abatement Permit Application for Nutri Blend, Inc., Amelia County; April 15 at 6 p.m. at Amelia County Administration Building, 16360 Dunn St, Amelia
• Implementation Plan Community Engagement Meeting – Watershed Cleanup Plan for the Pigg River, Poplar Branch, Fryingpan Creek, and Beaverdam Creek in Franklin, Pittsylvania, and Bedford Counties; April 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Franklin County Public Library Upstairs Community Meeting Room, 355 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount

• Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Advisory Committee; April 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Patrick Henry Building East Reading Room (Room 1035), 1111 East Broad Street, Richmond

• Regulatory Advisory Panel Meeting – Site-Specific Selenium Criteria Water Quality Standards; April 24 at 9:30 a.m. at Buchanan County Public Library, 1185 Poe Town Street, Grundy

• Summary of Comments Public Hearing; April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Prince Edward High School Auditorium, 35 Eagle Drive, Farmville

• Virginia Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board; April 25 at 10 a.m. at DEQ Piedmont Regional Office
• TMDL Advisory Committee Meeting – Watershed Cleanup Study for Sand Branch in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties; April 25 at 10 a.m. at Brambleton Public Library Meeting Room A, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton
• Public Hearing – Potomac Landfill, Inc. Permit Modification; May 8 at 7 p.m. at Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main Street, Dumfries