The application to apply for the E2, E3 and E4 levels is available in Word.
When are applications due?
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New members to the EMS Track can apply to the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program at any point during the year.
- Current members should visit the membership renewal page for more details.
Where should completed applications be sent?
Applications and supporting information should be submitted electronically to VEEP@deq.virginia.gov.
Can facilities meet with DEQ prior to submitting an application?
Applicants can request a pre-application meeting with DEQ to discuss the requirements for participation in either the E2, E3 or E4 level. For more information about the program, contact Morgan Goodman or Keith Boisvert.
Does DEQ use a Review Form when reviewing applications?
DEQ uses the following form when reviewing applications: DEQ VEEP Application Review Form.
How will DEQ evaluate facility applications for the Environmental Enterprise (E2) level?
Staff of the
Office of Pollution Prevention will evaluate all applications for participation at the Environmental Enterprise (E2) level. If additional information is needed, the facility will be notified. Once approved, DEQ will notify the facility and will include the facility name on the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program website as a participant in the E2 program. Facilities may request a recognition ceremony after acceptance and should refer to their acceptance letters if interested. If the application is denied, DEQ will first contact the facility by phone to discuss the agency's reasoning and then follow up in writing; in these instances, DEQ strongly encourages the facility to apply again in the future. Program eligibility determinations, as well as termination of participation and any terms imposed upon either, are not case decisions under the Virginia Administrative Process Act or any other provision of law and are not subject to judicial review or appeal, except as outlined by the
framework.
How will DEQ evaluate facility applications for the Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) level?
Staff of the Office of Pollution Prevention will review all E3 applications for completeness. If additional information is needed, the facility will be notified. If the application is determined to be complete, the documentation submitted by the facility will be reviewed by a team of DEQ staff to determine whether it meets the requirements of the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program. A site visit will be conducted at the facility to review the submitted documentation. The review team may include appropriate permitting, compliance, enforcement and technical assistance staff, depending on the facility. If deficiencies are identified, the facility will be notified and provided the opportunity to submit additional information. If the application for participation is approved, the facility will receive a letter from DEQ. Facilities may request a recognition ceremony after acceptance and should refer to their acceptance letters if interested. If the application is denied, DEQ will first contact the facility by phone to discuss the agency's reasoning and then follow up in writing; in these instances, DEQ strongly encourages the facility to apply again in the future. Program eligibility determinations, as well as termination of participation and any terms imposed upon either, are not case decisions under the Virginia Administrative Process Act or any other provision of law and are not subject to judicial review or appeal, except as outlined by the
framework.
How will DEQ evaluate facility applications for the Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise (E4) level?
Staff of the Office of Pollution Prevention will review all E4 applications for completeness. If additional information is needed, the facility will be notified. If the application is determined to be complete, the documentation submitted by the facility will be reviewed by a team of DEQ staff to determine whether it meets the requirements of the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program. A site visit will be conducted at the facility to review the submitted documentation. The review team may include appropriate permitting, compliance, enforcement and technical assistance staff, depending on the facility. If deficiencies are identified, the facility will be notified and provided the opportunity to submit additional information. If the application for participation is approved, the facility will receive a letter from DEQ. Facilities may request a recognition ceremony after acceptance and should refer to their acceptance letters if interested. If the application is denied, DEQ will first contact the facility by phone to discuss the agency's reasoning and then follow up in writing; in these instances, DEQ strongly encourages the facility to apply again in the future. Program eligibility determinations, as well as termination of participation and any terms imposed upon either, are not case decisions under the Virginia Administrative Process Act or any other provision of law and are not subject to judicial review or appeal, except as outlined by the
framework.
Questions on specific sections of the application
Section 1: Environmental Permit Numbers: Which types of permits numbers should be included?
State and federal environmental permits VEEP facilities are likely to have as well as their numbering schemes are listed below. Local permits should also be entered.
- Hazardous Waste: A facility’s hazardous waste EPA ID number is a 12-digit alphanumeric number that starts with the prefix VA, VAD, VAP or VAR.
- Solid Waste: A facility’s solid waste permit number begins with either the letters SWP or PBR and is followed by a 3-digit number.
- Water: There are several types of water discharge permits. VPDES individual permit numbers begin with VA and are followed by 7 numbers. VPDES general permit numbers begin with VAG or VAR and are followed by 6 numbers. VPA individual permit numbers begin with VPA and are followed by 5 numbers. VPA general permit numbers begin with VPG and are followed by 6 numbers.
- Wetlands: (VWP): The individual permits and general permits have the same numbering convention, which the Virginia Marine Resource Commission assigns.
- Air: There is no standard numbering convention.
- Groundwater: Groundwater withdrawal permits issued pursuant to the Ground Water Management Act of 1992 begin with GW and are followed by seven digits. There are some old, active permits issued pursuant to the Ground Water Act of 1973 that have various forms and start with EV, ES and SE.
- Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4): The MS4 permitting program is implemented by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Permit numbers start with VAR or VA and are a total of nine digits long.
Frequently Asked Questions - By Membership Level