The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is providing an opportunity for the public to comment on draft, revised guidance used in its enforcement program.  The draft, revised guidance addresses how to calculate appropriate civil charges/civil penalties in administrative enforcement actions for DEQ’s Air, Land Protection and Remediation, and Water Programs.  Once final, the draft, revised guidance will supersede the current Chapter 4 of the DEQ Civil Enforcement Manual (Virginia Regulatory Town Hall ID: CEM-07). The draft, revised guidance and a redline of the current version can be found at: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/enforcement/informal-comment-period-for-draft-revisions-to-chapter-4-civil-charges-and-civil-penalties.

DEQ will accept written comments on the proposed revisions to Chapter 4 between Oct. 9, 2026 through Nov. 9, 2026. DEQ accepts comments by email and postal mail, as well as those submitted through the Public Comment Form.

• Email: Kristen.Sadtler@deq.virginia.gov
• Postal Mail:
  Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
  Attn: Kristen Sadtler
  P.O. Box 1105
  Richmond, VA 23218

• Public Comment Form https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/enforcement/informal-comment-period-for-draft-revisions-to-chapter-4-civil-charges-and-civil-penalties

All comments must be in writing and received by DEQ by the last day of the informal comment period. Comments received after the informal comment period closes will not be considered. DEQ encourages commenters to include their full name, a physical address, and an email address or telephone number. All materials received are part of the public record.