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DEQ updates board on three controversial permits: Synagro expansion, Caroline County withdrawal, Fort Belvoir reissuance
Summary
DEQ provided status reports on a Synagro VPA modification seeking to expand land-application acreage to 25,759.3 acres, a Caroline County surface-water withdrawal draft with a public comment period through Sept. 25, and a Fort Belvoir VPDES reissuance with final action expected in October.
DEQ staff briefed the State Water Control Board on three permitting actions the agency classifies as controversial and provided expected timelines for final action.
Synagro Central LLC (VPA modification, Essex County): Bridal Thomas summarized the permit history: DEQ issued the permit in 2016 authorizing 15,331 acres; a 2019 modification added 4,330.1 acres; and Synagro's July 2024 complete application requests an additional 6,337.1 acres. If approved as requested, the permit would authorize 25,759.3 acres. DEQ held a public hearing in May, responded to comments and expects a final permitting action in September.
Caroline County Rappahannock River water-supply (VWP permit): DEQ said it held an initial public hearing on a draft permit in September 2024, received updated water-demand projections from the applicant, and received final supporting application materials in May. DEQ settled a draft in July; a public comment period is open Aug. 10–Sept. 25 with a public hearing scheduled Sept. 10; DEQ expects a summary of comments in October and final action in November.
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir (VPDES reissuance): DEQ noted a public hearing in June and a comment period that closed June 18; a public-comment-response hearing is scheduled Sept. 15 and DEQ expects final action in October.
Next steps: DEQ will continue processing public comments and intends to bring final permitting actions according to the specified timelines.
