Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ)

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ) plays a pivotal role in regulating air, water, and waste management in Virginia, including overseeing the environmental permits for facilities that handle coal and other pollutants. In Hampton Roads, the VA DEQ is the primary agency responsible for coal dust regulation.

Role

As the state agency charged with managing environmental permitting and monitoring, the VA DEQ issues permits for coal-handling facilities and is responsible for monitoring air quality and pollution levels in the region. Specifically, the DEQ is involved in initiatives like the Tidewater Air Monitoring Evaluation (TAME), which plans to assess the health and environmental impacts of coal dust exposure in Southeast Newport News and Lambert's Point. The VA DEQ also plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), investigating violations, and enforcing regulations.

Environmental Justice Function

At one point, the VA DEQ had a dedicated Office of Environmental Justice, which was tasked with addressing the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities. However, under Governor Youngkin's Administration, the office has been significantly downgraded. This has led to concerns that environmental justice issues, including those related to coal dust, are not being adequately addressed.

Relevance

The VA DEQ is both a site of community frustration and a platform for advocacy. Activists and impacted residents have long criticized the agency for its slow response to coal dust complaints and its failure to implement more stringent controls on coal handling and transportation. Despite this, the VA DEQ remains a necessary agency for addressing coal dust pollution across Virginia and continued community pressure is essential for holding the agency accountable.