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Who is eligible to enter the VRP?
Any person may request VRP oversight of a remedial action to address contamination of soil or waters of the state. However, the following activities are ineligible according to the new VRP statutes [A.R.S. § 49-172(B)], which took effect July 18, 2000.
- Cleanup at a site that has qualified for hazardous waste interim status, or to which ADEQ has issued a hazardous waste permit under A.R.S. § 49-922;
- Cleanup at a site where an underground storage tank corrective action is being done pursuant to A.R.S. § 49-1005, if reimbursement of costs from the State Assurance Fund is sought;
- Any cleanup at a site where an action is required by:
- a written agreement with the director;
- a judicial judgement or decree; or,
- an administrative order issued by the director before a VRP application was submitted;
- Any cleanup at a site listed on the WQARF Registry [see A.R.S § 49-287.01(D)];
- A remediation that is in the process of being required in a judicial action filed and served before the date of application.
What are the benefits of the program?
The VRP offers a priority review of remedial actions, a single point of contact between the participant and all ADEQ programs, and a No Further Action (NFA) determination upon completion of a remediation to the appropriate standards. The NFA is obtained by successfully completing one of five different NFA alternatives and is offered only through the VRP.
What is the cost for ADEQ to review and oversee a VRP remediation?
The new VRP fee rules, effective February 09, 2001, require a $2,000 non-refundable application fee, which is credited toward the reimbursement costs. The hourly rate is set at $110. A $4,000 deposit is required at the outset, and an additional $4,000 deposit is required each time the deposit account falls below $1,000.
How quickly can the VRP issue a NFA?
The time between acceptance into the program and NFA issuance depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of the data submitted, the nature and extent of contamination and the length of time participants take to respond to VRP inquiries and comments.
Do all voluntary sites have to complete community involvement?
Yes, in every work plan or report submitted to the VRP, the applicant must submit a community involvement plan for approval (A.R.S §§ 49-176 and 181).
Can a participant withdraw from the program at any time?
Yes, a participant can withdraw by providing the VRP a notice of withdrawal. However, if an applicant withdraws from the VRP, but is required to remediate under another Title 49 program, the VRP will refer the site to the applicable program.
Can enforcement actions be suspended while a participant is voluntarily remediating a site?
Yes, as part of the application, an applicant can submit a list of actions to compel remediation that the applicant proposes to be suspended. The work plan approval will specifically state the suspension of remedial actions by the department, including the issuance or filing of any action to compel the work approved in the work plan, to the extent deemed appropriate by the director.
Where can I obtain an application?
Submit a completed Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) Application with fees to:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Voluntary Remediation Program
1110 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Request an application by mail:
(602) 771-4229
(800) 234-5677 - Toll Free
Where Can I Learn More?
For more information, please call:
(602) 771-4229
(800) 234-5677 - Toll Free
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