| Action Summary | The Small Renewable Energy Projects (Solar) Permit by Rule, 9VAC15-60, establishes criteria, procedures and permit requirements as required under the Code of Virginia (ยง10.1-1197.5 et seq.) which requires the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to create a permits-by-rule (PBR) for solar energy projects 150 megawatts or less. The PBR requirements for a complete application to construct and operate are explicitly identified under the regulation rather than being developed on a case-by-case basis. Key application criteria include the following: public notice and comment period, local government approval, interconnection requirements, natural and cultural resource assessments, and a fee structure that should be sufficient to support the entire program including compliance and enforcement efforts. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify specific definitions, establish clear timeframes for data submittals and recordkeeping activities, provide clarity for natural and cultural resource studies, clarify the public participation procedures and address the fee structure to adequately fund the program. The goals of this amendment are to clarify the requirements for applicants, operators and permitted facilities, improve permitting procedures, and streamline the regulations for ease of use while still protecting natural resources and human health. |
| Chapters Affected | Only affects this chapter. |
| Executive Branch Review | This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process. |
| RIS Project | Yes [005818] |
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Is Federal action a driving factor in this regulatory change? If so, please provide a specific reference to the law, regulation
or court case.
No.
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| New Periodic Review | This action will be used to conduct a new periodic review. |
| Name / Title: | Susan Tripp |
| Address: |
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400 P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, VA 23218 |
| Email Address: | susan.tripp@deq.virginia.gov |
| Phone: | (804)664-3470 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |