In accordance with 16VAC25-60-190.C, The Department of Labor and Industry is publishing a notice in the Richmond Times Dispatch to serve as notice that the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has received four variance requests from Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture (CJTV) regarding a tunnel construction project. The requests are for a permanent variance from certain compressed air work standards, specifically, 16VAC25-175-1926.803(e)(5), 16VAC25-175-1926.803(f)(1), 16VAC25-175-1926.803(g)(1)(iii) and 16VAC25-175-1926.803(g)(1)(xvii).

The construction project is a Design-Build Contract between the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) and the Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture. CTJV is comprised of DRAGADOS and SCHIAVONE Construction Company, and Matt MacDonald as Engineer of Records. CTJV hired Ballard Marine Construction as a specialist subcontractor to carry out the hyperbaric services during the tunnel mining operations.

Beginning on December 4, 2020, DOLI is opening up a townhall comment forum. The forum is open for 30 days, from December 4, 2020 until January 3, 2021 to accept comments from the public regarding this variance request. During the 30-day comment period, under 16VAC25-190.D, the employer, affected employees, the employee representative, or other employers affected by the standards listed above, may request an informal hearing regarding this matter and the Commissioner will schedule a hearing with CTJV  and the party or parties wishing to be heard.