Parksley Seeks Renewal of Groundwater Withdrawal Permit; Public Comment Open Through Jan. 9

PARKSLEY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on a draft permit that would allow the Town of Parksley to continue withdrawing groundwater from three Yorktown-Eastover aquifers to supply the town’s public water system.

The comment period runs from Dec. 5, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026.

According to DEQ, the town has applied for the reissuance of its Ground Water Withdrawal Permit (GWI000463) for the Parksley Waterworks, located at 18419 Browne Avenue. The draft permit would authorize Parksley to withdraw up to 25,082,530 gallons of groundwater per year, with a monthly limit of 3,351,938 gallons.

Water would be drawn from the Upper, Middle, and Lower Yorktown-Eastover aquifers, which lie between roughly 125 and 240 feet below the surface at the withdrawal location. These aquifers serve as key underground reservoirs of stored and flowing water throughout the region.

DEQ’s preliminary review indicates the permit meets state water protection requirements, and the agency has issued a tentative decision to approve it. The draft permit, along with a map showing projected drawdown—areas where groundwater levels may drop by one foot due to pumping—is available on the DEQ website.

Residents and organizations may submit written comments or request a public hearing. Requests for hearings must include reasons for the request, the nature of the requester’s interest in the permit, and how that interest may be directly affected. If DEQ receives significant public response and identifies substantial, disputed issues, a public hearing may be scheduled.

Comments and requests may be made by email, mail, or hand delivery and must be received by Jan. 9. Submissions should include names and mailing or email addresses for all represented parties.

For document requests, questions, or to submit comments, contact:

James Peed
DEQ Central Office
P.O. Box 1105
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 839-8227
Email: james.peed@deq.virginia.gov

DEQ documents are available for review by appointment.

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Wayne Creed

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