VEEP has three levels of EMS track participation

  1. Environmental Enterprise (E2) is for facilities who are interested in beginning or are in the early stages of implementing an EMS and pollution prevention program.
  2. Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) is for facilities with a fully-implemented EMS and a pollution prevention program with documented results.
  3. Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise (E4) is for facilities with a fully-implemented EMS that has been verified by an independent third party and is committed to measures for continuous and sustainable environmental progress and community involvement.

All VEEP facilities must have a record of sustained compliance with environmental regulations.

How to Apply to VEEP EMS Track

  1. Ensure that you:
    • Are a facility located in Virginia,
    • Have no judgement or conviction for a criminal violation of the environmental protection laws in the previous five years,
    • Have no more than two significant environmental violations in the previous three years,
    • Have no unresolved notices of violations or potential violations of environmental requirements,
    • Are in compliance with the terms of any order or enforcement measure,
    • Are willing to work cooperatively with DEQ to resolve problems, and
    • Operate in a manner consistent with environmental stewardship and leadership.

     

  2. Choose what level to apply for:

    E2 - If you have begun development of an EMS and have completed an Environmental Policy Statement, Identification of Environmental Impacts, Establishment of Targets, and a Pollution Prevention Program.

    E3 - If you have a fully implemented EMS and Documented Results, an EMS self-assessment, and Procedures for Communicating Environmental Information to the Public.

    E4 - If you have a mature EMS, Aggressive Environmental Performance Goals, a Process for Engaging the Local Community, and Continued Progress Toward Performance Goals, including one Full EMS Cycle Completed and a Third-Party EMS Audit.

  3. Complete and submit application to VEEP@DEQ.Virginia.gov.

DEQ accepts VEEP EMS track applications on a rolling basis.

How does DEQ notify the public regarding who has applied for and who has been accepted in the VEEP?
For the purposes of notifying the public, DEQ will post the names of facilities under review for participation as well as those that have been accepted on its website. 

Are there reporting requirements for VEEP?
An annual report is required to remain a participant in good standing at all levels of the program. Reports for the previous calendar year for all members must be submitted to DEQ by April 1 through myDEQ portal. Members not submitting annual reports by April 1 risk suspension of VEEP incentives that apply to them, including permit fee discounts and recognition.

Can a facility's participation in VEEP be suspended or terminated by DEQ?

  • A facility can be suspended when a current or renewing member fails to maintain a record of sustained compliance or fails to resolve an alleged environmental violation within 180 days.  While suspended the facility is not eligible for any program benefits.
  • If a facility fails to meet its commitments to the program, it is not eligible for any program benefits and its membership in the program can be terminated.

Members will have an opportunity to request a reconsideration of a termination decision by the Director of the Division of Environmental Enhancement.