Virginia House Bill HB2247

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25

Caption

Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund; point source pollution grant agreements.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB2247 is its structuring of funding based on the financial needs of local communities. It establishes a grant system where funding percentages for nutrient removal technology vary according to the ratio of annual sewer charges to reasonable sewer cost in these communities. This stratification ensures that communities facing greater financial challenges receive more substantial support, potentially enhancing their capacity to meet water quality standards and improve local environmental conditions.

Summary

House Bill 2247 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund, specifically addressing grant agreements for point source pollution. This bill places the Department of Environmental Quality as the lead agency for approving grants aimed at restoring and improving water quality across the state. It sets forth the conditions under which grants may be provided and introduces financial measures to support the design and installation of nutrient removal technologies at wastewater treatment facilities, with a particular focus on those within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The overarching intent is to facilitate the adequate allocation of funds for effective water quality measures.

Contention

Contention may arise concerning the prioritization of grant funding and the scope of point source pollution addressed in the bill. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill emphasizes nutrient removal technology at the expense of other necessary environmental improvements. Others may express concern regarding the adequacy of funds being allocated to various regions, particularly in the context of unequal sewer charges that could disadvantage certain localities. Additionally, the specific focus on publicly owned treatment works may lead to debates about the inclusivity of other forms of pollution management and the adequacy of the response to comprehensive water quality issues across Virginia.