PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality that allows the continued release of treated wastewater into a water body in Craig County, Virginia.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: January 17 to February 19, 2024
PERMIT NAME: Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit – Wastewater issued by DEQ pursuant to applicable water laws and regulations.
APPLICANT NAME, ADDRESS AND PERMIT NUMBER: Craig-New Castle Public Service Authority (PSA); PO Box 128, New Castle, VA 24127; VA0064599
FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS: Craig – New Castle Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP); 370 Commerce Ave., New Castle
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The PSA has applied for reissuance of a permit for the WWTP in Craig County, Virginia. The applicant proposes to continue to release treated sewage wastewater at a rate of 175,000 gallons-per-day into a water body. Sludge from the treatment process will be stabilized, dewatered, and transported to Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for ultimate disposal in a sanitary landfill. The facility proposes to release the treated wastewaters into Craig Creek in Craig County in the James River watershed. A watershed is the land area drained by a river and its incoming streams. The permit will limit the following pollutants to amounts that protect water quality: organic matter, solids, physical & chemical properties, nutrients, inorganics, and bacteria.
HOW TO COMMENT: DEQ accepts comments and requests for public hearing on the draft permit by hand-delivery, e-mail, or postal mail. All comments and requests must be in writing and be received by DEQ during the comment period. DEQ must receive hand-delivery and postal mail by close of business and email and fax comments by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses or email addresses of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester. A request for public hearing must also include: 1) The reason why a public hearing is requested. 2) A brief, informal statement regarding the nature and extent of the interest of the requester or of those represented by the requestor, including how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the permit. 3) Specific references, where possible, to terms and conditions of the permit with suggested revisions. A public hearing may be held, including another comment period, if public response is significant, based on individual requests for a public hearing, and there are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the permit.
CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Susan Edwards; Blue Ridge Regional Office, 901 Russell Drive, Salem, VA 24153; E-mail: Susan.Edwards@deq.virginia.gov; Phone: 540-562-6700.
