                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

COMMENT ON PROPOSED REGULATED INTRODUCTION (§ 2.2-5505)

A. The Department and any affected locality may prepare formal comments on the
regulated introduction for submission to the federal regulator for that
regulated introduction. The comments shall be submitted within the time
established by the federal regulator for that regulated introduction, as
determined by the applicable federal requirements or the Coordinated Framework.
The comments shall address issues raised by application of the criteria for the
granting of approval of a permit or a license under the applicable requirement
in the Coordinated Framework and for the protection of the public health and the
environment.

B. To assist in the preparation of comments, the Department may do any or all of
the following:

   1. Hold an informational meeting on the proposed regulated introduction;

   2. Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed regulated
   introduction;

   3. Request any additional information necessary on the proposed regulated
   introduction from the person providing information under &#xA7; 2.2-5503;

   4. Conduct a technical review of the proposed regulated introduction; and

   5. Seek the assistance of the faculty and academic staff of any Virginia
   public institution of higher education, the Department of Health, the
   Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of
   Environmental Quality, or any other appropriate state agency or organization,
   including but not limited to an institutional biosafety committee, in
   reviewing the proposed regulated introduction.

C. To assist in the preparation of comments, affected localities may do either
or both of the following:

   1. Hold an informational meeting on the proposed regulated introduction. When
   possible, that meeting shall be held in conjunction with an informational
   meeting held by the Department; and

   2. Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed regulated
   introduction.

HISTORY: 1994, c. 472, § 2.1-774; 2001, c. 844.