Department of Environmental Quality
State Water Control Board
Meeting:
Community Informational Meeting - Water Quality Study (TMDL) for Lewis Creek
| Meeting Details | |
|---|---|
| Date / Time | 1/15/2020 5:30 pm |
| Location | Staunton Public Library,
1 Churchville Avenue, Staunton VA, 24401 |
| Board Website | http://www.deq.virginia.gov |
| Agenda document | agency has not posted |
| Minutes document | minutes not taken |
| Disability Friendly? Yes Deaf interpreter available upon request? Yes | |
| Purpose of the meeting PURPOSE OF NOTICE: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will discuss polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) data collected from the creek in support of a water quality study known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to be developed for Lewis Creek. This is an opportunity for local residents to learn about the condition of the creek, share information about the area, and become involved in the process of local water quality improvement. A 30-day public comment period will follow the meeting (1/16/2020 – 2/14/2020) in order to collect community input on the study and planning process. MEETING DESCRIPTION: This meeting is intended to introduce the local community to the process used in Virginia to improve the quality of our waterways, formally known as the TMDL Process. DEQ will provide information on PCB monitoring efforts and sources in the Lewis Creek watershed, discuss next steps in the study process, and invite the local community to participate in the study through a Technical Advisory Committee. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and §62.1-44.19:7.C of the Code of Virginia require DEQ to develop TMDLs for pollutants responsible for each impaired water contained in Virginia’s 303(d) TMDL Priority List and Report. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: A portion of Lewis Creek, located in Augusta County and the City of Staunton, Virginia is listed as impaired for PCBs based on a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) fish consumption advisory and violations of Virginia’s Water Quality Standards. The PCB impairment begins approximately 0.65 miles upstream of the Route 262 bridge crossing and extends 10 miles downstream to Lewis Creek’s confluence with Middle River. This water quality study will report on the sources of PCBs in the watershed and recommend reductions to meet the PCB TMDL. A TMDL is the total amount of a pollutant a water body can contain and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, PCB levels need to be reduced to the TMDL amount. HOW TO COMMENT AND PARTICIPATE: All meetings held in support of the TMDL process are open to the public and all interested parties are welcome. Written comments will be accepted through February 14th, 2020 and should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the comments. For more information or to submit written comments, please contact the staff person listed. In the case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22 at the same time and location. Notice of this meeting appears in the January 6, 2020 Virginia Register. | |
| Meeting Scope |
Public hearing to receive comment on a proposed stage
X
General business of the board
Discuss particular regulations / chapters
|
| Contact Information | |
|---|---|
| Name / Title: | Nesha McRae |
| Address: |
DEQ Valley Regional Office 4411 Early Road, P.O. Box 3000 Harrisonburg, 22801 |
| Email Address: | nesha.mcrae@deq.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (540)574-7850 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |