VWP Permit Number: 24-2623

PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality that would allow impacts to wetlands and open water in Accomack County, Virginia.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: FEBRUARY 14, 2025 TO MARCH 17, 2025

PERMIT NAME: Virginia Water Protection Permit issued by DEQ pursuant to applicable water laws and regulations.

APPLICANT: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague, Virginia 23336

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant has applied for a new permit for the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Recreational Beach Relocation Project. The project is located on Assateague Island and extends from Beach Road north approximately 3.3 miles along the NWR Service Road. The proposed activity is the construction of an improved access road, five parking lots with two entrance roads, and a board walk with six walkways to the beach. The proposed activity would affect 2.95 acres of non-tidal wetlands and 0.52 acres of open water. The proposed activity would affect lands in the Atlantic Ocean watershed. To compensate for the surface waters affected, the applicant would purchase 2.98 wetland mitigation credits. DEQ’s tentative decision is to issue the permit.

DEQ Contact:

Sheri Kattan; Tidewater Regional Office

Phone: : (757) 705-9404

E-mail: sheri.kattan@deq.virginia.gov

The public may review the draft permit and application at the DEQ office named above by appointment or may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed above.