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Board approves public‑hearing authorization for seafood processing wastewater permit
Summary
DEQ staff proposed reissuance of the VPDES seafood processing general permit, citing low violation rates in recent discharge monitoring reports and recommending reduced monitoring frequency for some facilities; the board authorized a public comment period and hearing.
Azra Balalagich, guidance and regulations coordinator in the permits office, told the board that the proposed reissuance of the VPDES general permit for seafood processing facilities (9 VAC 25‑115) would cover 42 facilities and move to a five‑year permit term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. Staff recommended clarifications to reporting deadlines and, for facilities limited by federal effluent guidelines, a reduction in monitoring frequency from quarterly to semiannual after analysis of 2019–2024 discharge monitoring data that showed a high rate of no‑discharge reports and fewer than 2% of DMRs with effluent‑limit violations.
Balalagich said EPA was consulted on the monitoring change and did not oppose it. Staff recommended that the board authorize a public comment period and hearing and that DEQ staff serve as hearing officer. A board member moved to accept the staff recommendation and the motion carried.
Why it matters: the change reduces reporting burden on mostly seasonal facilities while maintaining monitoring for compliance; DEQ said the change followed data analysis and consultation with EPA.
