Public comments are an essential part of making your voice heard in regulatory, permitting, and enforcement actions in Virginia. DEQ works with experts to base decisions on science and the law, and you are an expert on your community. Submitting a public comment ensures that your views are part of the official public record, and assists, identifies, and addresses concerns to make more informed decisions.

What can I comment on?

You can see all current comment opportunities by viewing public notices.

How do I submit a public comment?

DEQ accepts public comments by hand delivery, mail, email, or Virginia Regulatory Town Hall public comment form. Each individual public notice will specify the method for submitting public comment. Specific contact information is included in public notices; contact the person listed in the public notice if you need more information (such as permit documents) to write your comment.

What should my comment include?

Describe the nature and extent of your interest, or that of people you represent. Explain how and to what extent such interest would be directly or adversely affected by the proposed action you are commenting on. Where possible, include specific references, to terms and conditions of the permit or action with suggested revisions. If applicable, include the reason a public hearing is requested.

What are some common mistakes when commenting?

• Submitting outside the comment period. All comments must be in writing and be received by DEQ during the comment period. DEQ must receive hand-delivery and postal mail by close of business and email comments by 11:59 p.m. EST on the last day of the comment period.
• Not including contact information. Comments must include the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the commenter and anyone they represent.
• Comments not specific to action in question. DEQ can only use the information in your comment in its consideration of the action for which there is a public comment period.
• Asking questions rather than outlining a specific suggestion. Questions are always welcome, even outside of a public comment period, but questions are not considered comments. DEQ staff will respond to questions, but questions will not count towards a request for a public hearing.
• Submitting form letters rather than individual comments. Often, organizations will submit form letters to express concern about a particular action. However, it is important to remember that the comment process is not a vote and specific individual comments can carry more weight than a volume of form letters. Form letters will count as a single comment, regardless of the number of letters received. 

General Questions? Contact Ombudsman@deq.virginia.gov