DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN STAKEHOLDER GROUP TO REVIEW SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE VIRGINIA LEAKING HEATING OIL TANKS CLEANUP PROGRAM

PURPOSE OF NOTICE:  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking persons interested in participating in a representative stakeholder group for the purpose of reviewing specific aspects of the Virginia Leaking Heating Oil Tanks Cleanup Program.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS: June 24, 2015.

BACKGROUND:  During the 2015 Session, the Virginia General Assembly passed the State Budget in House Bill 1400 (Acts of Assembly Chapter 665).  Item 363 of the State Budget requires DEQ to form a stakeholder working group to advise DEQ regarding current guidance and policy governing the cleanup of petroleum releases. The review is expected to consider: a) if DEQ’s present guidance is being applied uniformly across regional offices, b) the adequacy of DEQ’s guidance with respect to groundwater protection regulations and DEQ's technical regulations regarding petroleum spill remediation; and c) the appropriate deductibles for homeowners.  DEQ is to submit a report, including recommendations of the working group, to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by November 30, 2015.

INTERESTED-PERSONS LIST:  The Department is establishing a group to assist DEQ in reviewing specific aspects of Virginia’s Leaking Heating Oil Tanks Cleanup Program pursuant to State Budget Item 363.  Stakeholder meetings are tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2015, August 3, 2015 and September 3, 2015 and will be held at DEQ’s Central Office located in downtown Richmond.  Individuals interested in being on this group are asked to send their name, contact information, and credentials to the contact person listed below.  Membership of the stakeholder group will be established by the DEQ Director.

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS TO JOIN INTERESTED-PERSONS LIST:  Melissa Porterfield; Office of Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA  23218 Phone: 804-698-4238, e-mail: Melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov   Fax: 804-698-4019