DEQ has developed draft implementation guidance intended to assist localities subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act with administering the requirements of 9VAC25-830-155, which contains criteria and requirements for addressing coastal resilience and adaptation to sea level rise and climate change when considering proposed development in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. The draft guidance includes references to practices, techniques, and policies that build resilience against recurrent flooding into existing elements of the Bay Act and associated regulations. 

The draft guidance can be found at:  https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/chesapeake-bay/chesapeake-bay-preservation-act/local-program-regulations-guidance

DEQ will accept written comments on this draft guidance until October 6, 2022.  Comments may be submitted to Stephanie Bellotti, Senior Guidance and Regulation Coordinator, Water Planning Division, at Stephanie.Bellotti@deq.virginia.gov; or Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Watersheds and Local Government Assistance Programs, Attn: Stephanie Bellotti, PO Box 1105 Richmond, VA, 23218.