Virginia - Waters of the Northern Neck Peninsula Vessel Sewage No-Discharge Zone

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act section 312(f)(3), the Commonwealth of Virginia has determined that the protection and enhancement of the quality of the waters of the Northern Neck peninsula require greater environmental protection than that which is afforded by the federal standards. As such, Virginia has submitted an application to the EPA for a determination that adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from all vessels are reasonably available, so that the state may completely prohibit the discharge from all vessels of any sewage, whether treated or not, into such waters. The proposed no-discharge zone would include the waters in Richmond, Lancaster, Northumberland, and Westmoreland Counties. As part of the EPAs process to review the application, the EPA will provide an opportunity for public comment on a tentative determination in advance of issuing a final determination in response to Virginias application.