The story is that the DCR wants a little more time for public comment, for which they set the period of Oct. 26 to Nov. 26. The board will meet again on Dec. 9. Spokespeople don’t expect any substantive changes in the rules, but the debate between consumer and business groups has been intense. The last chance comment period is likely to be, as well.

The DCR is now part of Federal effort to coordinate planning and action on behalf of the Bay cleanup. On October 2, EPA and state officials briefed Virginia stakeholders on the process for developing a new Bay cleanup plan. They may have no choice but to ratchet up the regulations and shut polluted runoff down. The General Assembly might have a thing or two to say about the implementation next January, as well.

If you’ve any thoughts on the regulations as proposed, no time like the present to get them before the DCR. If you’re interested in more information on the changes, just contact our Virginia and North Carolina environmental lawyers.

Isn’t it time we improved the health of the national treasure called the Chesapeake Bay?

(Hat tip to RichmondbizSense.com for the Tidewater news story.)