State Regulations
Virginia regulates air pollution primarily through the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, administered by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). While there are no state regulations that specifically name coal dust, fugitive particulate emissions—including those from coal storage, handling, and transport—are subject to general particulate matter and visible emissions standards. Localities may adopt their own air pollution ordinances, but only with DEQ approval, and those ordinances must be at least as strict as state law. As a result, communities affected by coal dust in Hampton Roads often rely on a combination of state enforcement, federally funded air monitoring, and local nuisance claims to seek relief.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the main state agency responsible for protecting air, water, and land. The DEQ was formed in 1993 to manage environmental issues across the state. Today, it issues permits, monitors pollution, and works to make sure Virginia follows national environmental laws.
- Structure and authority of the Virginia DEQ
- Enabling statutes and administrative code references
- Virginia Air Pollution Control Law
Fugitive Dust and Particulate Matter Standards
- 9VAC5-40-90 and related standards
- Applicability to coal terminals, stockpiles, and prep plants
Air Permits, Oversight, and Enforcement
- TAME project and EPA grant funding
- How compliance is determined (monitoring, inspections, reporting)