State Regulations

Virginia regulates air pollution primarily through the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) . While there are no state regulations that name coal dust, fugitive particulate emissions are subject to general particulate matter and visible emissions standards, including those from coal storage, handling, and transport.

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
• Compliance
  • monitoring
  • inspections
  • Reports: Norfolk Southern is required to submit an annual report to the Joint Subcommittee Studying Measures to Reduce Emissions from Coal-Carrying Railroad Cars

Further Reading

To read about other VA regulatory agencies and government entities, see:

• Virginia State Legislature (Also Known as the General Assembly)
• Virginia Council on Environmental Justice (Formerly Known as the Environmental Justice Advisory Board)
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ)
• Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
• Virginia Air Pollution Control Board