Informal comment period for Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Regulations (9VAC20-130)

An informal comment period is being held on changes to the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Regulations (9VAC20-130). This regulation establishes requirements for localities to conduct planning efforts to ensure that solid waste is properly managed now and in the future.  The regulation also implements the mandatory recycling rates described in state statute.  These solid waste planning requirements are similar to the planning efforts that localities undertake to ensure their locality is planning for the future and is able to provide general services to their residents.  This regulation allows localities to develop their own solid waste management plan or work with other localities to form a regional solid waste management plan.  Solid waste management plans ensure that the locality or region is preparing for future waste management needs; which will protect the health and welfare of their citizens from impacts related to improper management of solid waste.  In 2015, the agency conducted a periodic review of the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Regulations (9VAC20-130).  After the periodic review was completed, DEQ staff met individually with solid waste planning units to identify areas of the regulation that could be clarified or improved.  As a result of these meetings and agency staff feedback, the regulation is being amended to be more easily understood.  No new requirements are being added to the regulation.

The agency plans to present amendments to the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Regulations (9VAC20-130) to the Virginia Waste Management Board at a future meeting.  The agency plans to use the Fast Track regulatory process as allowed by § 2.2-4012.1 of the Code of Virginia to amend this regulation.  The draft regulatory language and additional information is available from the DEQ website at:  http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/LandProtectionRevitalization/PublicNotices.aspx

Prior to presenting this amendment to the Waste Management Board for adoption, the agency is holding an informal comment period.  The informal comment period will end Friday April 28, 2017.  Anyone wishing to submit written comments for the public comment file may do so by mail, email or fax to Melissa Porterfield, Office of Regulatory Affairs, P.O. BOX 1105, Richmond, VA  23218, phone: 804-698-4238, FAX: 804-698-4019, email: melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov .