Virginia DEQ Drafted Richmond Airport Stormwater Permit
The permit mandates PFAS monitoring at the airport to address potential environmental impacts on local water bodies.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has drafted a new stormwater discharge permit for Richmond International Airport. The proposal requires the facility to conduct quarterly monitoring for PFAS and develop a comprehensive pollutant minimization plan.
Why it matters
Federal regulations historically required airports to utilize firefighting foams containing PFAS, leading to legacy contamination concerns. This new permit aims to manage ongoing stormwater discharge and mitigate environmental risks to nearby water systems.
The draft Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit VA0090301 governs stormwater flow into White Oak Swamp and Gillies Creek tributaries. Compliance will require quarterly wet-weather and dry-weather testing for PFAS compounds.
The players
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
This state agency is responsible for protecting environmental quality and managing pollutant discharge permitting across Virginia.
Richmond International Airport
This major regional transportation hub in Henrico County serves as the primary subject of the new stormwater discharge permit.
The details
The permit requires the airport to submit annual progress reports to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as part of its ongoing accountability. These actions address the residual presence of firefighting foams that were previously mandated by federal safety regulations.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Public hearing scheduled at the Henrico Theatre.
Seasonal Patterns
The development of permit VA0090301 follows a pattern set by the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, reflecting a broader regulatory push to address legacy industrial chemicals in local waterways.
Residents in the Richmond area can participate in the formal public comment process before the state finalizes the new permit terms. This input is critical as the agency evaluates the airport's pollution minimization plan for the nearby White Oak Swamp and Gillies Creek.
The takeaway
This draft permit represents a significant step toward managing legacy contamination from federally required firefighting chemicals at local aviation facilities. Stakeholders should monitor the October 28 public hearing for final details regarding ongoing discharge monitoring requirements.
What happens next
A public hearing regarding the draft permit is scheduled for October 28, 2026, at the Henrico Theatre, after which the agency will make a final decision on the permit.
Further reading
For updates on local environmental regulations, visit Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Henrico Citizen.
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