October 5, 2012
Message From the Division Director
The Virginia Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) has assisted developers and others in the successful reuse of contaminated Brownfield properties. Funding to support this program relies heavily upon federal grant money. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that the funding of state Brownfield programs like the VRP will face continued reductions over the next several years. DEQ is committed to evaluating all options that help reduce costs to operate the VRP while soliciting ideas for sustaining future program funding. Please take a moment to read my stakeholder letter which outlines the issues in greater detail. The Department is holding three “listening sessions” across the state to solicit stakeholder input on how to further drive efficiencies into the VRP. The times, locations and dates are included in my letter.
Meanwhile, amendments to the VRP regulations are currently available for public comment. The public comment period for the draft rules is open from September 24- November 23, 2012. The Department will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM on November 6, 2012 in our Richmond Office: Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room C, Richmond, Virginia. Additional information may be found on Town Hall at: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewmeeting.cfm?meetingid=18662 .
Regards,
Jeff Steers,
Division Director