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EPA Plans to Give Virginia Authority to Regulate Hazardous Waste

Release Date: 7/28/2000
Contact Information: Ruth Wuenschel, (215) 814-5540

Ruth Wuenschel, 215-814-5540

PHILADELPHIA -- The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to authorize the Commonwealth of Virginia to enforce its own hazardous waste regulations. The public has 30 days to review the agency’s plan.

EPA grants states primary responsibility for regulating their own hazardous waste, because states are in a better position to respond to local needs. However, states must first demonstrate to the EPA that their regulations are at least as stringent as federal regulations. By authorizing Virginia’s program, duplication of effort between the state and the EPA will be reduced.

Before EPA’s approval, the public has from July 31 until August 30 to review and comment on the state’s application and EPA’s decision. If adverse written comments are not received, EPA’s delegation of authority will automatically take effect in 60 days.

Anyone interested in viewing the Virginia authorization application can call the EPA’s Regional Library at (215) 814-5254 or Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality at (804) 698-4213 or (540) 562-6700.

The public may comment on EPA’s decision to approve Virginia’s Authorization Application for Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision by sending written comments to: Joanne Cassidy, Virginia Program Manager, State Programs Branch (3WC21), U.S. EPA Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.