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EPA Plans to Recognize Revisions in the Hazardous Waste Program in Virginia

Release Date: 3/17/2003
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543
PHILADELPHIA – The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to authorize revisions to Virginia's hazardous waste program.

Since 1984, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) has administered an EPA-authorized hazardous waste program in Virginia. Once authorized, VADEQ operates the hazardous waste program in lieu of a federal program. Then, periodically, authorized programs across the country are revised to incorporate new regulations.

EPA’s action is in accordance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act that grants states primary responsibility for implementing hazardous waste regulations because states are in a better position to respond to local needs. EPA’s authorization also eliminates any duplication of effort between the Commonwealth’s and the federal hazardous waste programs.

Before EPA’s approval is effective, the public has 30 days to review and comment on Virginia’s application and EPA’s decision. The comment period began March 14 and will end April 14, 2003. If there are no adverse comments, EPA’s decision will automatically take effect in 60 days.

Anyone interested in viewing Virginia’s application can call the EPA’s regional library at (215) 814-5254 or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in Richmond, VA at (804) 698-4213 or in Roanoke, VA at (540) 562-6872.

The public may provide written comments on EPA’s decision to approve Virginia’s authorization application for hazardous waste management program revisions by sending written comments to: Joanne Cassidy, Virginia State Program Manager, State Programs Branch (3WC21), U.S. EPA Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.