The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is releasing the draft 2022 Groundwater Withdrawal Permit Manual for informal public comment. DEQ’s Office of Water Supply and Office of Water Withdrawal Permitting have recently completed the 2022 Groundwater Permit Manual to provide permit writing staff with detailed guidance to promote timely review of groundwater withdrawal applications and understanding of permit submission requirements by the regulated community. In addition, DEQ staff has developed groundwater application checklists for Individual Permits and the two (2) newly effective General Permits. This informal comment period will be followed by a 30-day formal comment period published in the Virginia Register.

The draft guidance can be found at: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits-regulations/permits/water/water-withdrawal/ground-water

DEQ is accepting written comments on this draft guidance until February 17, 2023. Comments may be submitted to: Elizabeth.gallup@deq.virginia.gov.