PURPOSE OF NOTICE: The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking persons interested in participating in a regulatory advisory panel for the purpose of reviewing the fee structure for DEQ’s Voluntary Remediation Program to ensure that there is sufficient funding to cover the costs of the program.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS:  March 25, 2014

BACKGROUND: Senate Bill 431was passed by the General Assembly.  The bill removes the $5,000 cap on registration fees collected by DEQ from persons conducting voluntary remediation on contaminated properties. The fees defray the costs of administering the voluntary remediation program. The bill also exempts the Virginia Waste Management Board's amendments to the Voluntary Remediation Program Regulation (9VAC20-160) from certain requirements of the Administrative Process Act (APA), except that the Board must establish a regulatory advisory panel to assist in the development of the amendments and provide a public comment opportunity on the amendments; and requires that the regulations needed to adjust the fee schedule be in place by July 1, 2014.

INTERESTED-PERSONS LIST: DEQ is establishing a group to assist in reviewing and developing recommendations for adjusting the fee structure for funding the costs of the Voluntary Remediation Program. Individuals interested in being on this group are asked to send their name, contact information, and credentials to the contact person listed below.