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2000 SESSION

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SB 179 Toxic substances in state waters.

Introduced by: Charles R. Hawkins | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Toxic substances in state waters. Increases the requirements for the State Water Control Board (SWCB), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Department of Health to monitor and report toxic substances in state waters. The bill requires that in its annual toxics report to the General Assembly, the SWCB should include a description of those segments of Virginia's waters where there has been a commitment to conduct additional evaluation and monitoring of toxic substances. Water segments that are identified in the state Water Quality Monitoring Plan are to be monitored at least once every three years, contingent upon the availability of funding. The SWCB is to conduct a review of its toxic removal or remediation technologies at least once every five years. Under the legislation, members of the public would be able to petition the SWCB for the inclusion of a water segment in the agency's monitoring plan, which could result in the collection of fish tissue and sediment samples. The SWCB must consider and respond to these petitions but is not compelled to include such segments in the water quality monitoring plan. However, if the segment is not included in the plan, the SWCB must provide a written rationale explaining why the petition request was denied. DEQ will be required to post fish tissue and sediment results on its Internet site for at least one year. The bill also requires that a memorandum of agreement be developed between DEQ and the Virginia Department of Health. The purpose of the memorandum is to ensure the timely exchange and evaluation of reliable water quality and fish advisory information between the two agencies. DEQ will be required to develop a written policy describing the circumstances and factors that indicate the need for an assessment of potential sources of toxic contamination. The Department of Health is also required to develop a written policy that identifies criteria which will be used to determine whether toxic substances are present in levels that will trigger the issuance of a fish consumption advisory. The memorandum of agreement and the written policies will be submitted to the chairmen of the committees, which have oversight responsibilities for DEQ activities. This bill is identical to HB 404.


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