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HB 2516

Hazardous substances; Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans, civil penalties.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia now requires hazardous substance facilities to maintain response plans and enforces compliance through civil penalties, effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0279)
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Bill Summary · HB 2516

Legislative bill overview

HB 2516 establishes requirements for hazardous substance facility response plans in Virginia and creates a civil penalty framework for non-compliance. The bill modifies existing hazardous waste management regulations to strengthen facility preparedness and accountability measures. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Facilities storing or handling hazardous substances pose environmental and public health risks if accidents or spills occur. Requiring comprehensive response plans and enforcing compliance through civil penalties incentivizes prevention and ensures faster emergency response. This directly affects industrial operations, environmental protection, and community safety in Virginia.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Facilities may face significant expenses updating or creating response plans and implementing required safety measures
  • Penalty structure clarity: The specific civil penalty amounts and calculation methodology may disproportionately burden small businesses versus large corporations
  • Implementation timeline: The July 1, 2025 effective date provides limited time for facilities to achieve full compliance, potentially creating operational disruptions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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