Enforcement actions, including penalties and resolutions, are guided by the DEQ Enforcement Manual.  Public notice of pending enforcement actions can be found here.  

When an entity is alleged to be violating environmental laws, the agency works diligently to return violators to compliance quickly and efficiently so that further environmental harm is avoided. DEQ's enforcement pillars include:

• Actions are consistently applied regardless of where in Virginia the violation occurs, or whether it is caused by an individual or corporation. 
• DEQ focuses on returning violators to full compliance.
• Enforcement actions escalate for parties that remain out of compliance. 

The process begins with notification of suspected noncompliance and encourages self-correction without further action. Enforcement levels progress with repeated violations. 

Formal enforcement may result in an enforceable document such as an administrative order or judicial decree. Examples of these methods include consent orders, fact-finding proceedings, formal hearings and civil suits. Administrative proceedings are conducted pursuant to the Virginia Administrative Process Act.

Access to these enforcement actions and records, is available at the myDEQ Portal.