{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/62.1-65.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/62.1-65.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/62.1-65.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/62.1-65.html"}],"law_id":70968,"edition_id":1,"section_id":70968,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-65","catch_line":"Form and terms of compact","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 62-63; 1968, cc. 542, 659.","full_text":"Whereas it is recognized that abatement of existing pollution and the control of future pollution of interstate streams can best be promoted through a joint agency representing the several states located wholly or in part within the area drained by any such interstate stream; and\n\t\tWhereas the Congress of the United States has given its consent to the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia to enter into a compact providing for the creation of a conservancy district to consist of the drainage basin of the Potomac River and the main and tributary streams therein, for the purpose of regulating, controlling, preventing, or otherwise rendering unobjectionable and harmless the pollution of the waters of said Potomac drainage area by sewage and industrial and other wastes; and\n\t\tWhereas the regulation, control and prevention of pollution is directly affected by the quantities of water in said streams and the uses to which such water may be put, thereby requiring integration and coordination of the planning for the development and use of the water and associated land resources through cooperation with, and support and coordination of, the activities of federal, state, local and private agencies, groups, and interests concerned with the development, utilization and conservation of the water and associated land resources of the said conservancy district:\n\t\tNow, therefore, the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia, hereinafter designated signatory bodies, do hereby create the Potomac Valley Conservancy District, hereinafter designated the Conservancy District comprising all of the area drained by the Potomac River and its tributaries; and also, do hereby create, as an agency of each signatory body, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, hereinafter designated the Commission, under the articles of organization as set forth below.\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tThe Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin shall consist of three members from each signatory body and three members appointed by the President of the United States. Said Commissioners, other than those appointed by the President, shall be chosen in a manner and for the terms provided by law of the signatory body from which they are appointed and shall serve without compensation from the Commission but shall be paid by the Commission their actual expenses incurred and incident to the performance of their duties.\n\nA\n\nThe Commission shall meet and organize within thirty days after the effective date of this compact, shall elect from its number a chairman and vice-chairman, shall adopt suitable bylaws, shall make, adopt, and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary for its management and control, and shall adopt a seal.B\n\nThe Commission shall appoint and, at its pleasure, remove or discharge such officers and legal, engineering, clerical, expert and other assistants as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, and shall determine their qualifications and fix their duties and compensation. Such personnel as may be employed shall be employed without regard to any civil service or other similar requirements for employees of any of the signatory bodies. The Commission may maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place within the area of the signatory bodies.C\n\nThe Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall make an annual report thereof and shall in such report set forth in detail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this compact. The Commission, however, shall not incur any obligations for administrative or other expenses prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same nor shall it in any way pledge the credit of any of the signatory bodies. Each of the signatory bodies reserves the right to make at any time an examination and audit of the accounts of the Commission.D\n\nA quorum of the Commission shall, for the transaction of business, the exercise of any powers, or the performance of any duties, consist of at least six members of the Commission who shall represent at least a majority of the signatory bodies; provided, however, that no action of the Commission relating to policy or stream classification or standards shall be binding on any one of the signatory bodies unless at least two of the Commissioners from such signatory body shall vote in favor thereof.\n\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall have the power:A\n\nTo collect, analyze, interpret, coordinate, tabulate, summarize and distribute technical and other data relative to, and to conduct studies, sponsor research and prepare reports on, pollution and other water problems of the Conservancy District.B\n\nTo cooperate with the legislative and administrative agencies of the signatory bodies, or the equivalent thereof, and with other commissions and federal, local governmental and nongovernmental agencies, organizations, groups and persons for the purpose of promoting uniform laws, rules or regulations for the abatement and control of pollution of streams and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources in the said Conservancy District.C\n\nTo disseminate to the public information in relation to stream pollution problems and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources of the Conservancy District and on the aims, views, purposes and recommendations of the Commission in relation thereto.D\n\nTo cooperate with, assist, and provide liaison for and among, public and nonpublic agencies and organizations concerned with pollution and other water problems in the formulation and coordination of plans, programs and other activities relating to stream pollution or to the utilization, conservation or development of water or associated land resources, and to sponsor cooperative action in connection with the foregoing.E\n\nIn its discretion and at any time during or after the formulation thereof, to review and to comment upon any plan or program of any public or private agency or organization relating to stream pollution or the utilization, conservation, or development of water or associated land resources.F\n\n(1) To make, and, if needful from time to time, revise and to recommend to the signatory bodies, reasonable minimum standards for the treatment of sewage and industrial or other wastes now discharged or to be discharged in the future to the streams of the Conservancy District, and also, for cleanliness of the various streams in the Conservancy District.2\n\nTo establish reasonable physical, chemical and bacteriological standards of water quality satisfactory for various classifications of use. It is agreed that each of the signatory bodies through appropriate agencies will prepare a classification of its interstate waters in the District in entirety or by portions according to present and proposed highest use, and for this purpose technical experts employed by appropriate state water pollution control agencies are authorized to confer on questions relating to classification of interstate waters affecting two or more states. Each signatory body agrees to submit its classification of its interstate waters to the Commission with its recommendations thereon.\n\t\t\t\tThe Commission shall review such classification and recommendations and accept or return the same with its comments. In the event of return, the signatory body will consider the comments of the Commission and resubmit the classification proposal, with or without amendment, with any additional comments for further action by the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tIt is agreed that after acceptance of such classification, the signatory body through its appropriate state water pollution control agencies will work to establish programs of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes which will meet or exceed standards established by the Commission for classified waters. The Commission may from time to time make such changes in definitions of classifications and in standards as may be required by changed conditions or as may be necessary for uniformity and in a manner similar to that in which these standards and classifications were originally established.\n\t\t\t\tIt is recognized, owing to such variable factors as location, size, character and flow and the many varied uses of the waters subject to the terms of this compact, that no single standard of sewage and waste treatment and no single standard of quality of receiving waters is practical and that the degree of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes should take into account the classification of the receiving waters according to present and proposed highest use, such as for drinking water supply, bathing and other recreational purposes, maintenance and propagation of fish life, industrial and agricultural uses, navigation and disposal of wastes.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\t\tFor the purposes of dealing with the problems of pollution and of water and associated land resources in specific areas which directly affect two or more, but not all, signatory bodies, the Commission may establish sections of the Commission consisting of the Commissioners from such affected signatory bodies; provided, however, that no signatory body may be excluded from any section in which it wishes to participate. The Commissioners appointed by the President of the United States may participate in any section. The Commission shall designate, and from time to time may change, the geographical area with respect to which each section shall function. Each section shall, to such extent as the Commission may from time to time authorize, have authority to exercise and perform with respect to its designated geographical area any power or function vested in the Commission, and in addition may exercise such other powers and perform such functions as may be vested in such section by the laws of any signatory body or by the laws of the United States. The exercise or performance by a section of any power or function vested in the Commission may be financed by the Commission, but the exercise or performance of powers or functions vested solely in a section shall be financed through funds provided in advance by the bodies, including the United States, participating in such section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\t\tThe moneys necessary to finance the Commission in the administration of its business in the Conservancy District shall be provided through appropriations from the signatory bodies and the United States, in the manner prescribed by the laws of the several signatory bodies and of the United States, and in amounts as follows:\n\t\t\t\tThe pro rata contribution shall be based on such factors as population; the amount of industrial and domestic pollution; and a flat service charge, as shall be determined from time to time by the Commission, subject, however, to the approval, ratification and appropriation of such contribution by the several signatory bodies.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\t\tPursuant to the aims and purposes of this compact, the signatory bodies mutually agree:1\n\nFaithful cooperation in the abatement of existing pollution and the prevention of future pollution in the streams of the Conservancy District and in planning for the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources thereof.2\n\nThe enactment of adequate and, insofar as is practicable, uniform legislation for the abatement and control of pollution and control and use of such streams.3\n\nThe appropriation of biennial sums on the proportionate basis as set forth in Article IV.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\t\tThis compact shall become effective immediately after it shall have been ratified by the majority of the legislatures of the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and approved by the Congress of the United States; provided, however, that this compact shall not be effective as to any signatory body until ratified thereby.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\t\tAny signatory body may, by legislative act, after one year’s notice to the Commission, withdraw from this compact.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":255929,"text":"Whereas it is recognized that abatement of existing pollution and the control of future pollution of interstate streams can best be promoted through a joint agency representing the several states located wholly or in part within the area drained by any such interstate stream; and\n\t\tWhereas the Congress of the United States has given its consent to the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia to enter into a compact providing for the creation of a conservancy district to consist of the drainage basin of the Potomac River and the main and tributary streams therein, for the purpose of regulating, controlling, preventing, or otherwise rendering unobjectionable and harmless the pollution of the waters of said Potomac drainage area by sewage and industrial and other wastes; and\n\t\tWhereas the regulation, control and prevention of pollution is directly affected by the quantities of water in said streams and the uses to which such water may be put, thereby requiring integration and coordination of the planning for the development and use of the water and associated land resources through cooperation with, and support and coordination of, the activities of federal, state, local and private agencies, groups, and interests concerned with the development, utilization and conservation of the water and associated land resources of the said conservancy district:\n\t\tNow, therefore, the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia, hereinafter designated signatory bodies, do hereby create the Potomac Valley Conservancy District, hereinafter designated the Conservancy District comprising all of the area drained by the Potomac River and its tributaries; and also, do hereby create, as an agency of each signatory body, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, hereinafter designated the Commission, under the articles of organization as set forth below.\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tThe Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin shall consist of three members from each signatory body and three members appointed by the President of the United States. Said Commissioners, other than those appointed by the President, shall be chosen in a manner and for the terms provided by law of the signatory body from which they are appointed and shall serve without compensation from the Commission but shall be paid by the Commission their actual expenses incurred and incident to the performance of their duties.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"A"},"1":{"id":255930,"text":"The Commission shall meet and organize within thirty days after the effective date of this compact, shall elect from its number a chairman and vice-chairman, shall adopt suitable bylaws, shall make, adopt, and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary for its management and control, and shall adopt a seal.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"B"},"2":{"id":255931,"text":"The Commission shall appoint and, at its pleasure, remove or discharge such officers and legal, engineering, clerical, expert and other assistants as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, and shall determine their qualifications and fix their duties and compensation. Such personnel as may be employed shall be employed without regard to any civil service or other similar requirements for employees of any of the signatory bodies. The Commission may maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place within the area of the signatory bodies.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"3":{"id":255932,"text":"The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall make an annual report thereof and shall in such report set forth in detail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this compact. The Commission, however, shall not incur any obligations for administrative or other expenses prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same nor shall it in any way pledge the credit of any of the signatory bodies. Each of the signatory bodies reserves the right to make at any time an examination and audit of the accounts of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"4":{"id":255933,"text":"A quorum of the Commission shall, for the transaction of business, the exercise of any powers, or the performance of any duties, consist of at least six members of the Commission who shall represent at least a majority of the signatory bodies; provided, however, that no action of the Commission relating to policy or stream classification or standards shall be binding on any one of the signatory bodies unless at least two of the Commissioners from such signatory body shall vote in favor thereof.\n\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall have the power:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"A"},"5":{"id":255934,"text":"To collect, analyze, interpret, coordinate, tabulate, summarize and distribute technical and other data relative to, and to conduct studies, sponsor research and prepare reports on, pollution and other water problems of the Conservancy District.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"B"},"6":{"id":255935,"text":"To cooperate with the legislative and administrative agencies of the signatory bodies, or the equivalent thereof, and with other commissions and federal, local governmental and nongovernmental agencies, organizations, groups and persons for the purpose of promoting uniform laws, rules or regulations for the abatement and control of pollution of streams and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources in the said Conservancy District.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"7":{"id":255936,"text":"To disseminate to the public information in relation to stream pollution problems and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources of the Conservancy District and on the aims, views, purposes and recommendations of the Commission in relation thereto.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"8":{"id":255937,"text":"To cooperate with, assist, and provide liaison for and among, public and nonpublic agencies and organizations concerned with pollution and other water problems in the formulation and coordination of plans, programs and other activities relating to stream pollution or to the utilization, conservation or development of water or associated land resources, and to sponsor cooperative action in connection with the foregoing.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"9":{"id":255938,"text":"In its discretion and at any time during or after the formulation thereof, to review and to comment upon any plan or program of any public or private agency or organization relating to stream pollution or the utilization, conservation, or development of water or associated land resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"10":{"id":255939,"text":"(1) To make, and, if needful from time to time, revise and to recommend to the signatory bodies, reasonable minimum standards for the treatment of sewage and industrial or other wastes now discharged or to be discharged in the future to the streams of the Conservancy District, and also, for cleanliness of the various streams in the Conservancy District.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"F2"},"11":{"id":255940,"text":"To establish reasonable physical, chemical and bacteriological standards of water quality satisfactory for various classifications of use. It is agreed that each of the signatory bodies through appropriate agencies will prepare a classification of its interstate waters in the District in entirety or by portions according to present and proposed highest use, and for this purpose technical experts employed by appropriate state water pollution control agencies are authorized to confer on questions relating to classification of interstate waters affecting two or more states. Each signatory body agrees to submit its classification of its interstate waters to the Commission with its recommendations thereon.\n\t\t\t\tThe Commission shall review such classification and recommendations and accept or return the same with its comments. In the event of return, the signatory body will consider the comments of the Commission and resubmit the classification proposal, with or without amendment, with any additional comments for further action by the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tIt is agreed that after acceptance of such classification, the signatory body through its appropriate state water pollution control agencies will work to establish programs of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes which will meet or exceed standards established by the Commission for classified waters. The Commission may from time to time make such changes in definitions of classifications and in standards as may be required by changed conditions or as may be necessary for uniformity and in a manner similar to that in which these standards and classifications were originally established.\n\t\t\t\tIt is recognized, owing to such variable factors as location, size, character and flow and the many varied uses of the waters subject to the terms of this compact, that no single standard of sewage and waste treatment and no single standard of quality of receiving waters is practical and that the degree of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes should take into account the classification of the receiving waters according to present and proposed highest use, such as for drinking water supply, bathing and other recreational purposes, maintenance and propagation of fish life, industrial and agricultural uses, navigation and disposal of wastes.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\t\tFor the purposes of dealing with the problems of pollution and of water and associated land resources in specific areas which directly affect two or more, but not all, signatory bodies, the Commission may establish sections of the Commission consisting of the Commissioners from such affected signatory bodies; provided, however, that no signatory body may be excluded from any section in which it wishes to participate. The Commissioners appointed by the President of the United States may participate in any section. The Commission shall designate, and from time to time may change, the geographical area with respect to which each section shall function. Each section shall, to such extent as the Commission may from time to time authorize, have authority to exercise and perform with respect to its designated geographical area any power or function vested in the Commission, and in addition may exercise such other powers and perform such functions as may be vested in such section by the laws of any signatory body or by the laws of the United States. The exercise or performance by a section of any power or function vested in the Commission may be financed by the Commission, but the exercise or performance of powers or functions vested solely in a section shall be financed through funds provided in advance by the bodies, including the United States, participating in such section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\t\tThe moneys necessary to finance the Commission in the administration of its business in the Conservancy District shall be provided through appropriations from the signatory bodies and the United States, in the manner prescribed by the laws of the several signatory bodies and of the United States, and in amounts as follows:\n\t\t\t\tThe pro rata contribution shall be based on such factors as population; the amount of industrial and domestic pollution; and a flat service charge, as shall be determined from time to time by the Commission, subject, however, to the approval, ratification and appropriation of such contribution by the several signatory bodies.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\t\tPursuant to the aims and purposes of this compact, the signatory bodies mutually agree:","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"F2","prefix_anchor":"F2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"F21"},"12":{"id":255941,"text":"Faithful cooperation in the abatement of existing pollution and the prevention of future pollution in the streams of the Conservancy District and in planning for the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"F21","prefix_anchor":"F21","level":3,"prior_prefix":"F2","next_prefix":"F22"},"13":{"id":255942,"text":"The enactment of adequate and, insofar as is practicable, uniform legislation for the abatement and control of pollution and control and use of such streams.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"F22","prefix_anchor":"F22","level":3,"prior_prefix":"F21","next_prefix":"F23"},"14":{"id":255943,"text":"The appropriation of biennial sums on the proportionate basis as set forth in Article IV.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\t\tThis compact shall become effective immediately after it shall have been ratified by the majority of the legislatures of the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and approved by the Congress of the United States; provided, however, that this compact shall not be effective as to any signatory body until ratified thereby.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\t\tAny signatory body may, by legislative act, after one year’s notice to the Commission, withdraw from this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"F23","prefix_anchor":"F23","level":3,"prior_prefix":"F22"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Potomac River Basin Commission","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12909,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:59:21","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:59:21","permalink":{"id":270223,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15772,"identifier":"5","token":"62.1\/5","url":"\/62.1\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12909,"edition_id":1,"name":"Waters of the State, Ports and Harbors","identifier":"62.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":268199,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12909,"identifier":"62.1","token":"62.1","url":"\/62.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77864,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-64","catch_line":"Authority to execute compact to create Potomac Valley Conservancy District and Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin","url":"\/62.1-64\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-64","metadata":false},{"id":70968,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-65","catch_line":"Form and terms of compact","url":"\/62.1-65\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-65","metadata":false},{"id":67754,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-66","catch_line":"Potomac River Basin Commission of Virginia","url":"\/62.1-66\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-66","metadata":false},{"id":82052,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-67","catch_line":"Appointment, terms and qualifications of members; alternate members","url":"\/62.1-67\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-67","metadata":false},{"id":60719,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-68","catch_line":"Expenses of members","url":"\/62.1-68\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-68","metadata":false},{"id":67075,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-69","catch_line":"Duties of Commission; powers and duties of Water Control Board not affected; dams or structures for production of electric power","url":"\/62.1-69\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-69","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77864,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-64","catch_line":"Authority to execute compact to create Potomac Valley Conservancy District and Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin","url":"\/62.1-64\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-64","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67754,"structure_id":15772,"section_number":"62.1-66","catch_line":"Potomac River Basin Commission of Virginia","url":"\/62.1-66\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-66","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/62.1-65\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 1968, chapters 542 and 659.<\/p>","references":[{"id":77864,"section_number":"62.1-64","catch_line":"Authority to execute compact to create Potomac Valley Conservancy District and Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-64\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":270229,"object_type":"law","relational_id":70968,"identifier":"62.1-65","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-65","url":"\/62.1-65\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/62.1-65\/","token":"62.1\/5\/62.1-65","dublin_core":{"Title":"Form and terms of compact","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 62.1-65","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whereas it is recognized that abatement of existing pollution and the control of future pollution of interstate streams can best be promoted through a joint agency representing the several states located wholly or in part within the area drained by any such interstate stream; and\n\t\tWhereas the Congress of the United States has given its consent to the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia to enter into a compact providing for the creation of a conservancy district to consist of the drainage basin of the Potomac River and the main and tributary streams therein, for the purpose of regulating, controlling, preventing, or otherwise rendering unobjectionable and harmless the pollution of the waters of said Potomac drainage area by sewage and industrial and other wastes; and\n\t\tWhereas the regulation, control and prevention of pollution is directly affected by the quantities of water in said streams and the uses to which such water may be put, thereby requiring integration and coordination of the planning for the development and use of the water and associated land resources through cooperation with, and support and coordination of, the activities of federal, state, local and private agencies, groups, and interests concerned with the development, utilization and conservation of the water and associated land resources of the said conservancy district:\n\t\tNow, therefore, the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia, hereinafter designated signatory bodies, do hereby create the Potomac Valley Conservancy District, hereinafter designated the Conservancy District comprising all of the area drained by the Potomac River and its tributaries; and also, do hereby create, as an agency of each signatory body, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, hereinafter designated the Commission, under the articles of organization as set forth below.\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tThe Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin shall consist of three members from each signatory body and three members appointed by the President of the United States. Said Commissioners, other than those appointed by the President, shall be chosen in a manner and for the terms provided by law<\/span> of the signatory body from which they are appointed and shall serve without compensation from the Commission but shall be paid by the Commission their actual expenses incurred and incident to the performance of their duties.<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission shall meet and organize within thirty days after the effective date of this compact, shall elect from its number a chairman and vice-chairman, shall adopt suitable bylaws, shall make, adopt, and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary for its management and control, and shall adopt a seal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commission shall appoint and, at its pleasure, remove or discharge such officers and legal, engineering, clerical, expert and other assistants as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, and shall determine their qualifications and fix their duties and compensation. Such personnel as may be employed shall be employed without regard to any civil service or other similar requirements for employees of any of the signatory bodies. The Commission may maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place within the area of the signatory bodies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall make an annual report thereof and shall in such report set forth in detail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this compact. The Commission, however, shall not incur any obligations for administrative or other expenses prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same nor shall it in any way pledge the credit of any of the signatory bodies. Each of the signatory bodies reserves the right to make at any time an examination and audit of the accounts of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A quorum of the Commission shall, for the transaction of business, the exercise of any powers, or the performance of any duties, consist of at least six members of the Commission who shall represent at least a majority of the signatory bodies; provided, however, that no action of the Commission relating to policy or stream classification or standards shall be binding on any one of the signatory bodies unless at least two of the Commissioners from such signatory body shall vote in favor thereof.\n\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall have the power: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> To collect, analyze, interpret, coordinate, tabulate, summarize and distribute technical and other data relative to, and to conduct studies, sponsor research and prepare reports on, pollution and other water problems of the Conservancy District. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> To cooperate with the legislative and administrative agencies of the signatory bodies, or the equivalent thereof, and with other commissions and federal, local governmental and nongovernmental agencies, organizations, groups and persons for the purpose of promoting uniform laws<\/span>, rules or regulations for the abatement and control of pollution of streams and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources in the said Conservancy District. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> To disseminate to the public information in relation to stream pollution problems and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources of the Conservancy District and on the aims, views, purposes and recommendations of the Commission in relation thereto. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> To cooperate with, assist, and provide liaison for and among, public and nonpublic agencies and organizations concerned with pollution and other water problems in the formulation and coordination of plans, programs and other activities relating to stream pollution or to the utilization, conservation or development of water or associated land resources, and to sponsor cooperative action in connection with the foregoing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> In its discretion and at any time during or after the formulation thereof, to review and to comment upon any plan or program of any public or private agency or organization relating to stream pollution or the utilization, conservation, or development of water or associated land resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> (1) To make, and, if needful from time to time, revise and to recommend to the signatory bodies, reasonable minimum standards for the treatment of sewage and industrial or other wastes now discharged or to be discharged in the future to the streams of the Conservancy District, and also, for cleanliness of the various streams in the Conservancy District. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To establish reasonable physical, chemical and bacteriological standards of water quality satisfactory for various classifications of use. It is agreed that each of the signatory bodies through appropriate agencies will prepare a classification of its interstate waters in the District in entirety or by portions according to present and proposed highest use, and for this purpose technical experts employed by appropriate state water pollution control agencies are authorized to confer on questions relating to classification of interstate waters affecting two or more states. Each signatory body agrees to submit its classification of its interstate waters to the Commission with its recommendations thereon.\n\t\t\t\tThe Commission shall review such classification and recommendations and accept or return the same with its comments. In the event of return, the signatory body will consider the comments of the Commission and resubmit the classification proposal, with or without amendment, with any additional comments for further action by the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tIt is agreed that after acceptance of such classification, the signatory body through its appropriate state water pollution control agencies will work to establish programs of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes which will meet or exceed standards established by the Commission for classified waters. The Commission may from time to time make such changes in definitions of classifications and in standards as may be required by changed conditions or as may be necessary for uniformity and in a manner similar to that in which these standards and classifications were originally established.\n\t\t\t\tIt is recognized, owing to such variable factors as location, size, character and flow and the many varied uses of the waters subject to the terms of this compact, that no single standard of sewage and waste treatment and no single standard of quality of receiving waters is practical and that the degree of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes should take into account the classification of the receiving waters according to present and proposed highest use, such as for drinking water supply, bathing and other recreational purposes, maintenance and propagation of fish life, industrial and agricultural uses, navigation and disposal of wastes.\n\t\t\t\tArticle III\n\t\t\t\tFor the purposes of dealing with the problems of pollution and of water and associated land resources in specific areas which directly affect two or more, but not all, signatory bodies, the Commission may establish sections of the Commission consisting of the Commissioners from such affected signatory bodies; provided, however, that no signatory body may be excluded from any section in which it wishes to participate. The Commissioners appointed by the President of the United States may participate in any section. The Commission shall designate, and from time to time may change, the geographical area with respect to which each section shall function. Each section shall, to such extent as the Commission may from time to time authorize, have authority to exercise and perform with respect to its designated geographical area any power or function vested in the Commission, and in addition may exercise such other powers and perform such functions as may be vested in such section by the laws<\/span> of any signatory body or by the laws<\/span> of the United States. The exercise or performance by a section of any power or function vested in the Commission may be financed by the Commission, but the exercise or performance of powers or functions vested solely in a section shall be financed through funds provided in advance by the bodies, including the United States, participating in such section.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV\n\t\t\t\tThe moneys necessary to finance the Commission in the administration of its business in the Conservancy District shall be provided through appropriations from the signatory bodies and the United States, in the manner prescribed by the laws<\/span> of the several signatory bodies and of the United States, and in amounts as follows:\n\t\t\t\tThe pro rata contribution shall be based on such factors as population; the amount of industrial and domestic pollution; and a flat service charge, as shall be determined from time to time by the Commission, subject, however, to the approval, ratification and appropriation of such contribution by the several signatory bodies.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V\n\t\t\t\tPursuant to the aims and purposes of this compact, the signatory bodies mutually agree: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Faithful cooperation in the abatement of existing pollution and the prevention of future pollution in the streams of the Conservancy District and in planning for the utilization, conservation and development of the water and associated land resources thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The enactment of adequate and, insofar as is practicable, uniform legislation for the abatement and control of pollution and control and use of such streams. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The appropriation of biennial sums on the proportionate basis as set forth in Article IV.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n\t\t\t\t\tThis compact shall become effective immediately after it shall have been ratified by the majority of the legislatures of the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and approved by the Congress of the United States; provided, however, that this compact shall not be effective as to any signatory body until ratified thereby.\n\t\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n\t\t\t\t\tAny signatory body may, by legislative act, after one year’s notice to the Commission, withdraw from this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFORM AND TERMS OF COMPACT (\u00a7 62.1-65)\n\nWhereas it is recognized that abatement of existing pollution and the control of\nfuture pollution of interstate streams can best be promoted through a joint\nagency representing the several states located wholly or in part within the area\ndrained by any such interstate stream; and\n\t\tWhereas the Congress of the United States has given its consent to the states\nof Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia,\nand the District of Columbia to enter into a compact providing for the creation\nof a conservancy district to consist of the drainage basin of the Potomac River\nand the main and tributary streams therein, for the purpose of regulating,\ncontrolling, preventing, or otherwise rendering unobjectionable and harmless the\npollution of the waters of said Potomac drainage area by sewage and industrial\nand other wastes; and\n\t\tWhereas the regulation, control and prevention of pollution is directly\naffected by the quantities of water in said streams and the uses to which such\nwater may be put, thereby requiring integration and coordination of the planning\nfor the development and use of the water and associated land resources through\ncooperation with, and support and coordination of, the activities of federal,\nstate, local and private agencies, groups, and interests concerned with the\ndevelopment, utilization and conservation of the water and associated land\nresources of the said conservancy district:\n\t\tNow, therefore, the states of Maryland and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of\nPennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia, hereinafter designated\nsignatory bodies, do hereby create the Potomac Valley Conservancy District,\nhereinafter designated the Conservancy District comprising all of the area\ndrained by the Potomac River and its tributaries; and also, do hereby create, as\nan agency of each signatory body, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River\nBasin, hereinafter designated the Commission, under the articles of organization\nas set forth below.\n\t\tArticle I\n\t\tThe Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin shall consist of three\nmembers from each signatory body and three members appointed by the President of\nthe United States. Said Commissioners, other than those appointed by the\nPresident, shall be chosen in a manner and for the terms provided by law of the\nsignatory body from which they are appointed and shall serve without\ncompensation from the Commission but shall be paid by the Commission their\nactual expenses incurred and incident to the performance of their duties.\n\nA. The Commission shall meet and organize within thirty days after the effective\ndate of this compact, shall elect from its number a chairman and vice-chairman,\nshall adopt suitable bylaws, shall make, adopt, and promulgate such rules and\nregulations as are necessary for its management and control, and shall adopt a\nseal.\n\nB. The Commission shall appoint and, at its pleasure, remove or discharge such\nofficers and legal, engineering, clerical, expert and other assistants as may be\nrequired to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, and shall\ndetermine their qualifications and fix their duties and compensation. Such\npersonnel as may be employed shall be employed without regard to any civil\nservice or other similar requirements for employees of any of the signatory\nbodies. The Commission may maintain one or more offices for the transaction of\nits business and may meet at any time or place within the area of the signatory\nbodies.\n\nC. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements\nand shall make an annual report thereof and shall in such report set forth in\ndetail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this compact.\nThe Commission, however, shall not incur any obligations for administrative or\nother expenses prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same\nnor shall it in any way pledge the credit of any of the signatory bodies. Each\nof the signatory bodies reserves the right to make at any time an examination\nand audit of the accounts of the Commission.\n\nD. A quorum of the Commission shall, for the transaction of business, the\nexercise of any powers, or the performance of any duties, consist of at least\nsix members of the Commission who shall represent at least a majority of the\nsignatory bodies; provided, however, that no action of the Commission relating\nto policy or stream classification or standards shall be binding on any one of\nthe signatory bodies unless at least two of the Commissioners from such\nsignatory body shall vote in favor thereof.\n\t\t\tArticle II\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall have the power:\n\nA. To collect, analyze, interpret, coordinate, tabulate, summarize and\ndistribute technical and other data relative to, and to conduct studies, sponsor\nresearch and prepare reports on, pollution and other water problems of the\nConservancy District.\n\nB. To cooperate with the legislative and administrative agencies of the\nsignatory bodies, or the equivalent thereof, and with other commissions and\nfederal, local governmental and nongovernmental agencies, organizations, groups\nand persons for the purpose of promoting uniform laws, rules or regulations for\nthe abatement and control of pollution of streams and the utilization,\nconservation and development of the water and associated land resources in the\nsaid Conservancy District.\n\nC. To disseminate to the public information in relation to stream pollution\nproblems and the utilization, conservation and development of the water and\nassociated land resources of the Conservancy District and on the aims, views,\npurposes and recommendations of the Commission in relation thereto.\n\nD. To cooperate with, assist, and provide liaison for and among, public and\nnonpublic agencies and organizations concerned with pollution and other water\nproblems in the formulation and coordination of plans, programs and other\nactivities relating to stream pollution or to the utilization, conservation or\ndevelopment of water or associated land resources, and to sponsor cooperative\naction in connection with the foregoing.\n\nE. In its discretion and at any time during or after the formulation thereof, to\nreview and to comment upon any plan or program of any public or private agency\nor organization relating to stream pollution or the utilization, conservation,\nor development of water or associated land resources.\n\nF. (1) To make, and, if needful from time to time, revise and to recommend to\nthe signatory bodies, reasonable minimum standards for the treatment of sewage\nand industrial or other wastes now discharged or to be discharged in the future\nto the streams of the Conservancy District, and also, for cleanliness of the\nvarious streams in the Conservancy District.\n\n 2. To establish reasonable physical, chemical and bacteriological standards of\n water quality satisfactory for various classifications of use. It is agreed\n that each of the signatory bodies through appropriate agencies will prepare a\n classification of its interstate waters in the District in entirety or by\n portions according to present and proposed highest use, and for this purpose\n technical experts employed by appropriate state water pollution control\n agencies are authorized to confer on questions relating to classification of\n interstate waters affecting two or more states. Each signatory body agrees to\n submit its classification of its interstate waters to the Commission with its\n recommendations thereon.\n \t\t\t\tThe Commission shall review such classification and recommendations and\n accept or return the same with its comments. In the event of return, the\n signatory body will consider the comments of the Commission and resubmit the\n classification proposal, with or without amendment, with any additional\n comments for further action by the Commission.\n \t\t\t\tIt is agreed that after acceptance of such classification, the signatory\n body through its appropriate state water pollution control agencies will work\n to establish programs of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes which will\n meet or exceed standards established by the Commission for classified waters.\n The Commission may from time to time make such changes in definitions of\n classifications and in standards as may be required by changed conditions or\n as may be necessary for uniformity and in a manner similar to that in which\n these standards and classifications were originally established.\n \t\t\t\tIt is recognized, owing to such variable factors as location, size,\n character and flow and the many varied uses of the waters subject to the terms\n of this compact, that no single standard of sewage and waste treatment and no\n single standard of quality of receiving waters is practical and that the\n degree of treatment of sewage and industrial wastes should take into account\n the classification of the receiving waters according to present and proposed\n highest use, such as for drinking water supply, bathing and other recreational\n purposes, maintenance and propagation of fish life, industrial and\n agricultural uses, navigation and disposal of wastes.\n \t\t\t\tArticle III\n \t\t\t\tFor the purposes of dealing with the problems of pollution and of water\n and associated land resources in specific areas which directly affect two or\n more, but not all, signatory bodies, the Commission may establish sections of\n the Commission consisting of the Commissioners from such affected signatory\n bodies; provided, however, that no signatory body may be excluded from any\n section in which it wishes to participate. The Commissioners appointed by the\n President of the United States may participate in any section. The Commission\n shall designate, and from time to time may change, the geographical area with\n respect to which each section shall function. Each section shall, to such\n extent as the Commission may from time to time authorize, have authority to\n exercise and perform with respect to its designated geographical area any\n power or function vested in the Commission, and in addition may exercise such\n other powers and perform such functions as may be vested in such section by\n the laws of any signatory body or by the laws of the United States. The\n exercise or performance by a section of any power or function vested in the\n Commission may be financed by the Commission, but the exercise or performance\n of powers or functions vested solely in a section shall be financed through\n funds provided in advance by the bodies, including the United States,\n participating in such section.\n \t\t\t\tArticle IV\n \t\t\t\tThe moneys necessary to finance the Commission in the administration of\n its business in the Conservancy District shall be provided through\n appropriations from the signatory bodies and the United States, in the manner\n prescribed by the laws of the several signatory bodies and of the United\n States, and in amounts as follows:\n \t\t\t\tThe pro rata contribution shall be based on such factors as population;\n the amount of industrial and domestic pollution; and a flat service charge, as\n shall be determined from time to time by the Commission, subject, however, to\n the approval, ratification and appropriation of such contribution by the\n several signatory bodies.\n \t\t\t\tArticle V\n \t\t\t\tPursuant to the aims and purposes of this compact, the signatory bodies\n mutually agree:\n\n 1. Faithful cooperation in the abatement of existing pollution and the\n prevention of future pollution in the streams of the Conservancy District\n and in planning for the utilization, conservation and development of the\n water and associated land resources thereof.\n\n 2. The enactment of adequate and, insofar as is practicable, uniform\n legislation for the abatement and control of pollution and control and use\n of such streams.\n\n 3. The appropriation of biennial sums on the proportionate basis as set\n forth in Article IV.\n \t\t\t\t\tArticle VI\n \t\t\t\t\tThis compact shall become effective immediately after it shall have\n been ratified by the majority of the legislatures of the states of Maryland\n and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and by\n the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and approved by the Congress\n of the United States; provided, however, that this compact shall not be\n effective as to any signatory body until ratified thereby.\n \t\t\t\t\tArticle VII\n \t\t\t\t\tAny signatory body may, by legislative act, after one year’s\n notice to the Commission, withdraw from this compact.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 62-63; 1968, cc. 542, 659.","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}}