City of Richmond Proposed Consent Order for Water Violations

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed a Consent Order for the City of Richmond, addressing alleged violations of State Water Control Board statutes, regulations, and permit requirements at the Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The proposed order outlines the specific violations and the corrective actions required. The DEQ is seeking public input on this proposed enforcement action.

Regulated entities, particularly municipal wastewater treatment facilities, should review the proposed Consent Order to understand the nature of the violations and the DEQ's enforcement approach. The public comment period is open from March 9, 2026, to April 8, 2026. Interested parties should submit comments to the DEQ by the deadline to influence the final order. Failure to comply with the final order could result in further penalties.