{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/10.1-1183.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/10.1-1183.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/10.1-1183.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/10.1-1183.html"}],"law_id":73247,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73247,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1183","catch_line":"Creation of Department of Environmental Quality; statement of policy","history":"1992, c. 887; 1999, c. 207; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2013, c. 348; 2020, cc. 454, 492.","full_text":"A\n\nThere is hereby created a Department of Environmental Quality by the consolidation of the programs, functions, staff, facilities, assets and obligations of the following agencies: the State Water Control Board, the Department of Air Pollution Control, the Department of Waste Management, and the Council on the Environment. Wherever in this title and in the Code of Virginia reference is made to the Department of Air Pollution Control, the Department of Waste Management or the Council on the Environment, or any division thereof, it shall mean the Department of Environmental Quality.B\n\nIt is the policy of the Department of Environmental Quality to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The purposes of the Department are:1\n\nTo assist in the effective implementation of the Constitution of Virginia by carrying out state policies aimed at conserving the Commonwealth’s natural resources and protecting its atmosphere, land, and waters from pollution.2\n\nTo address climate change by developing and implementing policy and regulatory approaches to reducing climate pollution and promoting climate resilience in the Commonwealth and by ensuring that climate impacts and climate resilience are taken into account across all programs and permitting processes.3\n\nTo coordinate permit review and issuance procedures to protect all aspects of Virginia’s environment.4\n\nTo further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting processes.5\n\nTo establish and effectively implement a pollution prevention program to reduce the impact of pollutants on Virginia’s natural resources.6\n\nTo establish procedures for, and undertake, long-range environmental program planning and policy analysis, including assessments of emerging environmental challenges.7\n\nTo conduct comprehensive evaluations of the Commonwealth’s environmental protection programs.8\n\nTo develop uniform administrative systems to ensure coherent environmental policies.9\n\nTo coordinate state reviews with federal agencies on environmental issues, such as environmental impact statements.10\n\nTo promote environmental quality through public hearings and expeditious and comprehensive permitting, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement programs, and provide effective service delivery to the regulated community.11\n\nTo advise the Governor and General Assembly, and, on request, assist other officers, employees, and public bodies of the Commonwealth, on matters relating to environmental quality and the effectiveness of actions and programs designed to enhance that quality.12\n\nTo ensure that there is consistency in the enforcement of the laws, regulations, and policies as they apply to holders of permits or certificates issued by the Department, whether the owners or operators of such regulated facilities are public sector or private sector entities, including the development of electronic recordkeeping and document transmittal systems that encourage the use of electronic methods in performing the Department’s business as a means of furthering both resource conservation and transaction efficiency.13\n\nTo ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with respect to the administration of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.C\n\nWherever the term is used in this chapter or in other statutory or regulatory provisions that the Department administers, (i) “certified mail” means electronically certified or postal certified mail, except that this provision shall apply only to the mailing of plan approvals, permits, or certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter and those of the Air Pollution Control Law (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.), the Virginia Waste Management Act (§ 10.1-1400 et seq.), and the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.), and only where the recipient has notified the Department of his consent to receive plan approvals, permits, or certificates by electronic mail, and (ii) “mail” means electronic or postal delivery. Any statutory provisions requiring use of “certified mail” to transmit special orders or administrative orders pursuant to enforcement proceedings shall mean postal certified mail.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":263641,"text":"There is hereby created a Department of Environmental Quality by the consolidation of the programs, functions, staff, facilities, assets and obligations of the following agencies: the State Water Control Board, the Department of Air Pollution Control, the Department of Waste Management, and the Council on the Environment. Wherever in this title and in the Code of Virginia reference is made to the Department of Air Pollution Control, the Department of Waste Management or the Council on the Environment, or any division thereof, it shall mean the Department of Environmental Quality.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":263642,"text":"It is the policy of the Department of Environmental Quality to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The purposes of the Department are:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":263643,"text":"To assist in the effective implementation of the Constitution of Virginia by carrying out state policies aimed at conserving the Commonwealth’s natural resources and protecting its atmosphere, land, and waters from pollution.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":263644,"text":"To address climate change by developing and implementing policy and regulatory approaches to reducing climate pollution and promoting climate resilience in the Commonwealth and by ensuring that climate impacts and climate resilience are taken into account across all programs and permitting processes.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":263645,"text":"To coordinate permit review and issuance procedures to protect all aspects of Virginia’s environment.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":263646,"text":"To further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting processes.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":263647,"text":"To establish and effectively implement a pollution prevention program to reduce the impact of pollutants on Virginia’s natural resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":263648,"text":"To establish procedures for, and undertake, long-range environmental program planning and policy analysis, including assessments of emerging environmental challenges.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":263649,"text":"To conduct comprehensive evaluations of the Commonwealth’s environmental protection programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"9":{"id":263650,"text":"To develop uniform administrative systems to ensure coherent environmental policies.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"10":{"id":263651,"text":"To coordinate state reviews with federal agencies on environmental issues, such as environmental impact statements.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"11":{"id":263652,"text":"To promote environmental quality through public hearings and expeditious and comprehensive permitting, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement programs, and provide effective service delivery to the regulated community.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"B11"},"12":{"id":263653,"text":"To advise the Governor and General Assembly, and, on request, assist other officers, employees, and public bodies of the Commonwealth, on matters relating to environmental quality and the effectiveness of actions and programs designed to enhance that quality.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"B11","prefix_anchor":"B11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B10","next_prefix":"B12"},"13":{"id":263654,"text":"To ensure that there is consistency in the enforcement of the laws, regulations, and policies as they apply to holders of permits or certificates issued by the Department, whether the owners or operators of such regulated facilities are public sector or private sector entities, including the development of electronic recordkeeping and document transmittal systems that encourage the use of electronic methods in performing the Department’s business as a means of furthering both resource conservation and transaction efficiency.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"B12","prefix_anchor":"B12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B11","next_prefix":"B13"},"14":{"id":263655,"text":"To ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with respect to the administration of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"B13","prefix_anchor":"B13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B12","next_prefix":"C"},"15":{"id":263656,"text":"Wherever the term is used in this chapter or in other statutory or regulatory provisions that the Department administers, (i) “certified mail” means electronically certified or postal certified mail, except that this provision shall apply only to the mailing of plan approvals, permits, or certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter and those of the Air Pollution Control Law (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.), the Virginia Waste Management Act (§ 10.1-1400 et seq.), and the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.), and only where the recipient has notified the Department of his consent to receive plan approvals, permits, or certificates by electronic mail, and (ii) “mail” means electronic or postal delivery. Any statutory provisions requiring use of “certified mail” to transmit special orders or administrative orders pursuant to enforcement proceedings shall mean postal certified mail.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B13"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14493,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12742,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:20","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:20","permalink":{"id":145335,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14493,"identifier":"1","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1","url":"\/10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12742,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department of Environmental Quality","identifier":"11.1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12741,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":145333,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12742,"identifier":"11.1","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1","url":"\/10.1\/II\/11.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12741,"edition_id":1,"name":"Activities Administered by Other Entities","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12740,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":144833,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12741,"identifier":"II","token":"10.1\/II","url":"\/10.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12740,"edition_id":1,"name":"Conservation","identifier":"10.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":143313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12740,"identifier":"10.1","token":"10.1","url":"\/10.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56886,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1182","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/10.1-1182\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1182","metadata":false},{"id":87314,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1182.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/10.1-1182.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1182.1","metadata":false},{"id":73247,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1183","catch_line":"Creation of Department of Environmental Quality; statement of policy","url":"\/10.1-1183\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1183","metadata":false},{"id":83890,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1183.1","catch_line":"Department of Environmental Quality consolidated annual report","url":"\/10.1-1183.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1183.1","metadata":false},{"id":55967,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1184","catch_line":"State Air Pollution Control Board, State Water Control Board, and Virginia Waste Management Board continued","url":"\/10.1-1184\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1184","metadata":false},{"id":76875,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1184.1","catch_line":"Additional duties of Department; controversial permits","url":"\/10.1-1184.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1184.1","metadata":false},{"id":62821,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1184.2","catch_line":"Regulations; civil penalties; written notice of violation","url":"\/10.1-1184.2\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1184.2","metadata":false},{"id":85400,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1185","catch_line":"Appointment of Director; powers and duties of Director","url":"\/10.1-1185\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1185","metadata":false},{"id":55896,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186","catch_line":"General powers of the Department","url":"\/10.1-1186\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186","metadata":false},{"id":82526,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.01","catch_line":"Reimbursements to localities for upgrades to treatment works","url":"\/10.1-1186.01\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.01","metadata":false},{"id":83468,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.1","catch_line":"Department to publish toxics inventory","url":"\/10.1-1186.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.1","metadata":false},{"id":79857,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.1:1","catch_line":"Hazardous Waste Site Inventory","url":"\/10.1-1186.1_1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":57333,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.2","catch_line":"Supplemental environmental projects","url":"\/10.1-1186.2\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.2","metadata":false},{"id":70152,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.2:1","catch_line":"Impact of electric generating facilities","url":"\/10.1-1186.2_1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":86115,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.3","catch_line":"Additional powers of Boards and the Department; mediation; alternative dispute resolution","url":"\/10.1-1186.3\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.3","metadata":false},{"id":57009,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.3:1","catch_line":"Policies for consultation with federally recognized Tribal Nations in the Commonwealth","url":"\/10.1-1186.3_1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":56492,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.4","catch_line":"Enforcement powers; federal court","url":"\/10.1-1186.4\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.4","metadata":false},{"id":65720,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.5","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/10.1-1186.5\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.5","metadata":false},{"id":64303,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1186.6","catch_line":"Carbon market participation; submerged aquatic vegetation","url":"\/10.1-1186.6\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1186.6","metadata":false},{"id":59129,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1187","catch_line":"Provision of the Code continued","url":"\/10.1-1187\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1187","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":87314,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1182.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/10.1-1182.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1182.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":83890,"structure_id":14493,"section_number":"10.1-1183.1","catch_line":"Department of Environmental Quality consolidated annual report","url":"\/10.1-1183.1\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1183.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-1183\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1992. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 887 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1992 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1999, chapter 207<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 348<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 454<\/a> and 492<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":77830,"section_number":"10.1-1300","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1300\/"},{"id":84539,"section_number":"10.1-1400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1400\/"},{"id":54640,"section_number":"62.1-44.2","catch_line":"Short title; purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":145345,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73247,"identifier":"10.1-1183","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1183","url":"\/10.1-1183\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-1183\/","token":"10.1\/II\/11.1\/1\/10.1-1183","dublin_core":{"Title":"Creation of Department of Environmental Quality; statement of policy","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-1183","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> There is hereby created a Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality by the consolidation<\/span> of the programs, functions, staff, facilities, assets<\/span> and obligations of the following agencies: the State Water Control Board, the Department<\/span> of Air Pollution Control, the Department<\/span> of Waste Management, and the Council on the Environment<\/span>. Wherever in this title and in the Code of Virginia reference is made to the Department<\/span> of Air Pollution Control, the Department<\/span> of Waste Management or the Council on the Environment<\/span>, or any division thereof, it shall mean the Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> It is the policy of the Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality to protect and enhance the environment<\/span> of Virginia in order<\/span> to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws<\/span> and regulations. The purposes of the Department<\/span> are: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> To assist in the effective implementation of the Constitution of Virginia by carrying out state policies aimed at conserving the Commonwealth’s natural resources and protecting its atmosphere, land, and waters from pollution. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To address climate change by developing and implementing policy and regulatory approaches to reducing climate pollution and promoting climate resilience in the Commonwealth and by ensuring that climate impacts and climate resilience are taken into account across all programs and permitting processes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> To coordinate permit review and issuance procedures to protect all aspects of Virginia’s environment<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> To further environmental justice<\/span> and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting processes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> To establish and effectively implement a pollution prevention program to reduce the impact of pollutants on Virginia’s natural resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> To establish procedures for, and undertake, long-range environmental program planning and policy analysis, including assessments of emerging environmental challenges. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> To conduct comprehensive evaluations of the Commonwealth’s environmental protection programs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> To develop uniform administrative systems to ensure coherent environmental policies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> To coordinate state reviews with federal agencies on environmental issues<\/span>, such as environmental impact statements. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> To promote environmental quality through public hearings<\/span> and expeditious and comprehensive permitting, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement programs, and provide effective service delivery to the regulated community. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> To advise the Governor and General Assembly, and, on request, assist other officers, employees, and public bodies of the Commonwealth, on matters relating to environmental quality and the effectiveness of actions and programs designed to enhance that quality. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> To ensure that there is consistency in the enforcement of the laws<\/span>, regulations, and policies as they apply to holders of permits or certificates issued by the Department<\/span>, whether the owners or operators of such regulated facilities are public sector or private sector entities, including the development of electronic recordkeeping and document transmittal systems that encourage the use of electronic methods in performing the Department<\/span>’s business as a means of furthering both resource conservation and transaction efficiency. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> To ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with respect to the administration of environmental laws<\/span>, regulations, and policies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Wherever the term is used in this chapter or in other statutory or regulatory provisions that the Department<\/span> administers, (i) “certified mail<\/span>” means electronically certified or postal certified mail<\/span>, except that this provision shall apply only to the mailing of plan approvals, permits, or certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter and those of the Air Pollution Control Law<\/span> (§ 10.1-1300<\/a> et seq.), the Virginia Waste Management Act (§ 10.1-1400<\/a> et seq.), and the State Water Control Law<\/span> (§ 62.1-44.2<\/a> et seq.), and only where the recipient has notified the Department<\/span> of his consent to receive plan approvals, permits, or certificates by electronic mail, and (ii) “mail” means electronic or postal delivery. Any statutory provisions requiring use of “certified mail<\/span>” to transmit special orders<\/span> or administrative orders pursuant to enforcement proceedings shall mean postal certified mail<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCREATION OF DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY; STATEMENT OF POLICY (\u00a7\n10.1-1183)\n\nA. There is hereby created a Department of Environmental Quality by the\nconsolidation of the programs, functions, staff, facilities, assets and\nobligations of the following agencies: the State Water Control Board, the\nDepartment of Air Pollution Control, the Department of Waste Management, and the\nCouncil on the Environment. Wherever in this title and in the Code of Virginia\nreference is made to the Department of Air Pollution Control, the Department of\nWaste Management or the Council on the Environment, or any division thereof, it\nshall mean the Department of Environmental Quality.\n\nB. It is the policy of the Department of Environmental Quality to protect and\nenhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and\nwell-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors in\naccordance with applicable laws and regulations. The purposes of the Department\nare:\n\n 1. To assist in the effective implementation of the Constitution of Virginia\n by carrying out state policies aimed at conserving the Commonwealth’s\n natural resources and protecting its atmosphere, land, and waters from\n pollution.\n\n 2. To address climate change by developing and implementing policy and\n regulatory approaches to reducing climate pollution and promoting climate\n resilience in the Commonwealth and by ensuring that climate impacts and\n climate resilience are taken into account across all programs and permitting\n processes.\n\n 3. To coordinate permit review and issuance procedures to protect all aspects\n of Virginia’s environment.\n\n 4. To further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the\n regulatory and permitting processes.\n\n 5. To establish and effectively implement a pollution prevention program to\n reduce the impact of pollutants on Virginia’s natural resources.\n\n 6. To establish procedures for, and undertake, long-range environmental\n program planning and policy analysis, including assessments of emerging\n environmental challenges.\n\n 7. To conduct comprehensive evaluations of the Commonwealth’s\n environmental protection programs.\n\n 8. To develop uniform administrative systems to ensure coherent environmental\n policies.\n\n 9. To coordinate state reviews with federal agencies on environmental issues,\n such as environmental impact statements.\n\n 10. To promote environmental quality through public hearings and expeditious\n and comprehensive permitting, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement\n programs, and provide effective service delivery to the regulated community.\n\n 11. To advise the Governor and General Assembly, and, on request, assist other\n officers, employees, and public bodies of the Commonwealth, on matters\n relating to environmental quality and the effectiveness of actions and\n programs designed to enhance that quality.\n\n 12. To ensure that there is consistency in the enforcement of the laws,\n regulations, and policies as they apply to holders of permits or certificates\n issued by the Department, whether the owners or operators of such regulated\n facilities are public sector or private sector entities, including the\n development of electronic recordkeeping and document transmittal systems that\n encourage the use of electronic methods in performing the Department’s\n business as a means of furthering both resource conservation and transaction\n efficiency.\n\n 13. To ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people\n regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with\n respect to the administration of environmental laws, regulations, and\n policies.\n\nC. Wherever the term is used in this chapter or in other statutory or regulatory\nprovisions that the Department administers, (i) “certified mail”\nmeans electronically certified or postal certified mail, except that this\nprovision shall apply only to the mailing of plan approvals, permits, or\ncertificates issued under the provisions of this chapter and those of the Air\nPollution Control Law (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.), the Virginia Waste Management\nAct (§ 10.1-1400 et seq.), and the State Water Control Law (§\n62.1-44.2 et seq.), and only where the recipient has notified the Department of\nhis consent to receive plan approvals, permits, or certificates by electronic\nmail, and (ii) “mail” means electronic or postal delivery. Any\nstatutory provisions requiring use of “certified mail” to transmit\nspecial orders or administrative orders pursuant to enforcement proceedings\nshall mean postal certified mail.\n\nHISTORY: 1992, c. 887; 1999, c. 207; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2013, c. 348; 2020, cc.\n454, 492.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}