Virginia Administrative Code

Database updated through February 17, 2011

CHAPTER 150 

REGULATION FOR TRANSPORTATION CONFORMITY 

Part I 

General Definitions 

9VAC5-150-10. General. 

A. For the purpose of this chapter and subsequent amendments or any orders issued by the board, 

the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5-150-20. 

B. Unless specifically defined in the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law or in this chapter, terms used 

shall have the meanings given them by the federal Clean Air Act, Titles 23 and 49 of the United States 

Code, other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, other USDOT regulations, 9VAC5-170-20 

(definitions, Regulation for General Administration), or commonly ascribed to them by recognized 

authorities, in that order of priority. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 14, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-150-20. Terms defined. 

"Administrator" means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an 

authorized representative. 

"Ambient air" means that portion of the atmosphere, external to buildings, to which the general public 

has access. 
"Applicable implementation plan" means the portion or portions of the state implementation plan, or 

the most recent revision thereof, which has been approved under § 110 of the federal Clean Air Act, or 

promulgated under § 110(c) of the federal Clean Air Act, or promulgated or approved pursuant to 

regulations promulgated under § 301(d) of the federal Clean Air Act and which implements the relevant 

requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. 

"Board" means the State Air Pollution Control Board or its designated representative. 

"Cause or contribute to a new violation" means, with respect to a project: 

1. To cause or contribute to a new violation of a standard in the area substantially affected by the 

project or over a region which would otherwise not be in violation of the standard during the future period 

in question, if the project were not implemented; or 

2. To contribute to a new violation in a manner that would increase the frequency or severity of a new 

violation of a standard in the area. 

"Control strategy implementation plan revision" means the applicable state implementation plan which 

contains specific strategies for controlling the emissions of and reducing ambient levels of pollutants in 

order to satisfy federal Clean Air Act requirements for demonstrations of reasonable further progress and 

attainment (§§ 182(b)(1), 182(c)(2)(A), 182(c)(2)(B), 187(a)(7), 189(a)(1)(B), and 189(b)(1)(A); and §§ 

192(a) and 192(b) for nitrogen dioxide of the federal Clean Air Act). 

"Control strategy period" means, with respect to particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), 

nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or any combination of the preceding, ozone precursors (volatile organic 

compounds and oxides of nitrogen), that period of time after EPA approves control strategy 

implementation plan revisions containing strategies for controlling PM10, NO2, CO, ozone, or any 

combination of the preceding as appropriate. This period ends when a state submits and EPA approves a 

request under § 107(d) of the federal Clean Air Act for redesignation to an attainment area. 

"Criteria pollutant" means any pollutant for which a national ambient air quality standard is established 

in 40 CFR Part 50. 
"DEQ" means any employee or other representative of the Virginia Department of Environmental 

Quality, as designated by the director. 

"DEQ Director" means the Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality or a 

designated representative. 

"Design concept" means the type of facility identified by the project, e.g., freeway, expressway, arterial 

highway, grade-separated highway, reserved right-of-way rail transit, mixed-traffic rail transit, exclusive 

busway, etc. 

"Design scope" means the design aspects which will affect the proposed facility's impact on regional 

emissions, usually as they relate to vehicle or person carrying capacity and control, e.g., number of lanes 

or tracks to be constructed or added, length of project, signalization, access control including approximate 

number and location of interchanges, preferential treatment for high-occupancy vehicles, etc. 

"Emergency" means a situation that immediately and unreasonably affects, or has the potential to 

immediately and unreasonably affect, public health, safety, or welfare; the health of animal or plant life; or 

property, whether used for recreational, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other reasonable use. 

"EPA" means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

"Facility" means something that is built, installed, or established to serve a particular purpose; 

includes, but is not limited to, buildings, installations, public works, businesses, commercial and industrial 

plants, shops and stores, heating and power plants, apparatus, processes, operations, structures, and 

equipment of all types. 

"Federal Clean Air Act" means 42 USC 7401 et seq. 

"FHWA" means the Federal Highway Administration of U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). 

"FHWA/FTA project" means any highway or transit project which is proposed to receive funding 

assistance and approval through the Federal-Aid Highway Program or the Federal Mass Transit Program, 

or requires Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approval for 

some aspect of the project, such as connection to an interstate highway or deviation from applicable 
design standards on the interstate system. 

"FTA" means the Federal Transit Administration of USDOT. 

"Forecast period" means, with respect to a transportation plan, the period covered by the 

transportation plan pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450. 

"Highway project" means an undertaking to implement or modify a highway facility or highway-related 

program. Such an undertaking consists of all required phases necessary for implementation. For 

analytical purposes, it shall be defined sufficiently to: 

1. Connect logical termini and be of sufficient length to address environmental matters on a broad 

scope; 

2. Have independent utility or significance, i.e., be usable and be a reasonable expenditure even if no 

additional transportation improvements in the area are made; and 

3. Not restrict consideration of alternatives for other reasonably foreseeable transportation 

improvements. 

"Horizon year" means a year for which the transportation plan describes the envisioned transportation 

system according to 9VAC5-150-40. 

"Hot-spot analysis" means an estimation of likely future localized CO and PM10 pollutant 

concentrations and a comparison of those concentrations to the national ambient air quality standards. 

Pollutant concentrations to be estimated should be based on the total emissions burden which may result 

from the implementation of a single, specific project, summed together with future background 

concentrations (which can be estimated using the ratio of future to current traffic multiplied by the ratio of 

future to current emission factors) expected in the area. The total concentration shall be estimated and 

analyzed at appropriate receptor locations in the area substantially affected by the project. Hot-spot 

analysis assesses impacts on a scale smaller than the entire nonattainment or maintenance area, 

including, for example, congested roadway intersections and highways or transit terminals, and uses an 

air quality dispersion model to determine the effects of emissions on air quality. 
"Incomplete data area" means any ozone nonattainment area which the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency has classified, in 40 CFR Part 81, as an incomplete data area. 

"Increase the frequency or severity" means to cause a location or region to exceed a standard more 

often or to cause a violation at a greater concentration than previously existed or would otherwise exist, or 

both, during the future period in question, if the project were not implemented. 

"ISTEA" means the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240). 

"LPO" or "Lead Planning Organization" means the organization certified by the state as being 

responsible for the preparation of control strategy implementation plan revisions for nonattainment areas 

under § 174 of the federal Clean Air Act. The organization includes elected officials of local governments 

in the affected nonattainment area, and representatives of DEQ, VDOT, the MPO(s) for the affected area, 

and other agencies and organizations that have responsibilities for developing, submitting or 

implementing any of the plan revisions. It is the forum for cooperative air quality planning decisionmaking. 

"Maintenance area" means any geographic region of the United States previously designated 

nonattainment under § 107 of the federal Clean Air Act and subsequently redesignated to attainment 

subject to the requirement to develop a maintenance plan. 

"Maintenance period" means, with respect to a pollutant or pollutant precursor, that period of time 

beginning when the state submits and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves a request 

under § 107(d) of the federal Clean Air Act for redesignation to an attainment area, and lasting for 20 

years, unless the applicable implementation plan specifies that the maintenance period shall last for more 

than 20 years. 

"Maintenance plan" means a revision to the applicable implementation plan, meeting the requirements 

of § 175A of the federal Clean Air Act. 

"MPO" or "Metropolitan Planning Organization" means the organization designated as being 

responsible, together with the state, for conducting the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive 
planning process under 23 USC § 134 and 49 USC § 1607. It is the forum for cooperative transportation 

decision-making. 

"Milestone" means as defined in §§ 182(g) and 189(c)(1) of the federal Clean Air Act. A milestone 

consists of an emissions level and the date on which it is required to be achieved. 

"Motor vehicle emissions budget" means that portion of the total allowable emissions defined in a 

revision to the applicable implementation plan (or in an implementation plan revision which was endorsed 

by the Governor or a designee, subject to a public hearing, and submitted to the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, but not yet approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) for a certain date 

for the purpose of meeting reasonable further progress milestones or attainment or maintenance 

demonstrations, for any criteria pollutant or its precursors, allocated by the applicable implementation plan 

to highway and transit vehicles. The applicable implementation plan for an ozone nonattainment area may 

also designate a motor vehicle emissions budget for nitrogen oxides for a reasonable further progress 

milestone year if the applicable implementation plan demonstrates that this nitrogen oxides budget will be 

achieved with measures in the implementation plan (as an implementation plan must do for volatile 

organic compound milestone requirements). The applicable implementation plan for an ozone 

nonattainment area includes a nitrogen oxides budget if nitrogen oxide reduction are being substituted for 

reductions in volatile organic compounds in milestone years required for reasonable further progress.

"National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS)" means those standards established pursuant to § 

109 of the federal Clean Air Act. 

"NEPA" means the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as amended (42 USC § 4321 et seq.) 

"NEPA process completion" means, with respect to FHWA or FTA, the point at which there is a 

specific action to make a determination that a project is categorically excluded, to make a Finding of No 

Significant Impact, or to issue a record of decision on a Final Environmental Impact Statement under 

NEPA. 

"Nonattainment area" means any geographic region of the United States which has been designated 

as nonattainment under § 107 of the federal Clean Air Act for any pollutant for which a national ambient 
air quality standard exists. 

"Not-classified area" means any carbon monoxide nonattainment area which the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency has not classified as either moderate or serious. 

"Owner" means any person, including bodies politic and corporate, associations, partnerships,

personal representatives, trustees and committees, as well as individuals, who owns, leases, operates, 

controls, or supervises a source or facility. 

"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, a governmental body, a municipal 

corporation, or any other legal entity. 

"Phase II of the interim period" means, with respect to a pollutant or pollutant precursor, that period of 

time after December 27, 1993, lasting until the earlier of the following: 

1. Submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the relevant control strategy 

implementation plan revisions which have been endorsed by the Governor or a designee and have been 

subject to a public hearing, or 

2. The date that the federal Clean Air Act requires relevant control strategy implementation plans to be 

submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provided the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency has notified the state, MPO, and USDOT of the state's failure to submit any such plans. The 

precise end of Phase II of the interim period is defined in 9VAC5-150-360. 

"PM10" means particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 10 

micrometers as measured by the applicable reference method or an equivalent method. 

"Project" means a highway project or a transit project. 

"Protective finding" means a determination by the EPA that the control strategy contained in a 

submitted control strategy implementation plan revision would have been considered approvable with 

respect to requirements for emissions reductions if all committed measures had been submitted in 

enforceable form as required by § 110(a)(2)(A) of the federal Clean Air Act. 

"Recipient of funds designated under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act" means any agency at 
any level of state, county, city, or regional government that routinely receives Title 23 USC or Federal 

Transit Act funds to construct FHWA/FTA projects, operate FHWA/FTA projects or equipment, purchase 

equipment, or undertake other services or operations via contracts or agreements. This definition does 

not include private landowners or developers, or contractors or entities that are only paid for services or 

products created by their own employees. 

"Regionally significant project" means a transportation project (other than an exempt project) that is on 

a facility which serves regional transportation needs (such as access to and from the area outside of the 

region, major activity centers in the region, major planned developments such as new retail malls, sports 

complexes, etc., or transportation terminals as well as most terminals themselves) and would normally be 

included in the modeling of a metropolitan area's transportation network, including at a minimum all 

principal arterial highways and all fixed guideway transit facilities that offer an alternative to regional 

highway travel. 

"Rural transport ozone nonattainment area" means an ozone nonattainment area that does not 

include, and is not adjacent to, any part of a Metropolitan Statistical Area or, where one exists, a 

Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (as defined by the United States Bureau of the Census) and is 

classified under § 182(h) of the federal Clean Air Act as a rural transport area. 

"Source" means any one or combination of the following: buildings, structures, facilities, installations, 

articles, machines, equipment, landcraft, watercraft, aircraft, or other contrivances which contribute, or 

may contribute, either directly or indirectly to air pollution. Any activity by any person that contributes, or 

may contribute, either directly or indirectly to air pollution, including, but not limited to, open burning, 

generation of fugitive dust or emissions, and cleaning with abrasives or chemicals. 

"Standard" means a national ambient air quality standard. 

"State Implementation Plan" means the plan, including the most recent revision thereof, which has 

been approved or promulgated by the administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under § 110 

of the federal Clean Air Act, and which implements the requirements of § 110. 

"Submarginal area" means any ozone nonattainment area which the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency has classified as submarginal in 40 CFR Part 81. 

"Transit" is mass transportation by bus, rail, or other conveyance which provides general or special 

service to the public on a regular and continuing basis. It does not include school buses or charter or 

sightseeing services. 

"Transit project" means an undertaking to implement or modify a transit facility or transit-related 

program; purchase transit vehicles or equipment; or provide financial assistance for transit operations. It 

does not include actions that are solely within the jurisdiction of local transit agencies, such as changes in 

routes, schedules, or fares. It may consist of several phases. For analytical purposes, it shall be defined 

inclusively enough to: 

1. Connect logical termini and be of sufficient length to address environmental matters on a broad 

scope; 

2. Have independent utility or independent significance, i.e., be a reasonable expenditure even if no 

additional transportation improvements in the area are made; and 

3. Not restrict consideration of alternatives for other reasonably foreseeable transportation 

improvements. 

"Transitional area" means any ozone nonattainment area which the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency has classified as transitional in 40 CFR Part 81. 

"Transitional period" means, with respect to a pollutant or pollutant precursor, that period of time which 

begins after submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the relevant control strategy 

implementation plan revision which has been endorsed by the Governor or a designee and has been 

subject to a public hearing. The transitional period lasts until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

takes final approval or disapproval action on the control strategy implementation plan submission or finds 

it to be incomplete. The precise beginning and end of the transitional period is defined in 9VAC5-150-360. 

"Transportation control measure (TCM)" means any measure that is specifically identified and 

committed to in the applicable state implementation plan that is either one of the types listed in § 108 of 
the federal Clean Air Act, or any other measure for the purpose of reducing emissions or concentrations 

of air pollutants from transportation sources by reducing vehicle use or changing traffic flow or congestion 

conditions. Notwithstanding the above, vehicle technology-based, fuel-based, and maintenance-based 

measures which control the emissions from vehicles under fixed traffic conditions are not transportation 

control measures. 

"Transportation improvement program (TIP)" means a staged, multiyear, intermodal program of 

transportation projects covering a metropolitan planning area which is consistent with the metropolitan 

transportation plan, and developed pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450. 

"Transportation plan" means the official intermodal metropolitan transportation plan that is developed 

through the metropolitan planning process for the metropolitan planning area, developed pursuant to 23 

CFR Part 450. 

"Transportation project" means a highway project or a transit project. 

"USDOT" means the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

"VDRPT" means the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. 

"Virginia Air Pollution Control Law" means Chapter 13 (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.) of Title 10.1 of the Code 

of Virginia. 

"Welfare" means that language referring to effects on welfare includes, but is not limited to, effects on 

soils, water, crops, vegetation, man-made materials, animals, wildlife, weather, visibility and climate, 

damage to and deterioration of property, and hazards to transportation, as well as effects on economic 

values and on personal comfort and well being. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997; amended, Virginia Register 
Volume 14, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 1998. 

Part II 

General Provisions 

9VAC5-150-30. Applicability. 

A. The provisions of this chapter, unless specified otherwise, shall apply to the following actions: 

1. Except as provided for in subsection C of this section or 9VAC5-150-420, conformity determinations 

are required for: 

a. The adoption, acceptance, approval, or support of transportation plans developed pursuant 

to 23 CFR Part 450 or 49 CFR Part 613 by a MPO or USDOT; 

b. The adoption, acceptance, approval, or support of TIPs developed pursuant to 23 CFR Part 

450 or 49 CFR Part 613 by a MPO or USDOT; and 

c. The approval, funding, or implementation of FHWA/FTA projects. 

2. Conformity determinations are not required under this regulation for individual projects which are 

not FHWA/FTA projects. However, 9VAC5-150-370 applies to the projects if they are regionally 

significant. 

3. This chapter shall be effective on and apply to conformity determinations for which the final decision 

is made on or after the effective date of the approval of this regulation by EPA. 

B. The provisions of this chapter, unless specified otherwise, shall apply to the following geographic 

areas: 

1. The provisions of this chapter shall apply in all nonattainment and maintenance areas for 

transportation-related criteria pollutants for which the area is designated nonattainment or has a 

maintenance plan. 

2. The provisions of this chapter apply with respect to emissions of the following criteria pollutants: 

ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM10). 
3. The provisions of this chapter apply with respect to emissions of the following precursor pollutants: 

a. Volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides in ozone areas; 

b. Nitrogen oxides in nitrogen dioxide areas; and 

c. Volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and PM10 in PM10 areas if: 

(1) During the interim period, the EPA Regional Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a 

finding that transportation-related precursor emissions within the nonattainment area are a 

significant contributor to the PM10 nonattainment problem and has so notified the MPO and 

USDOT; or 

(2) During the transitional, control strategy, and maintenance periods, the applicable 

implementation plan (or implementation plan submission) establishes a budget for the 

emissions as part of the reasonable further progress, attainment or maintenance strategy. 

C. The applicability of this chapter, unless specified otherwise, shall be subject to the following 

limitations: 

1. Projects subject to this chapter for which the NEPA process and a conformity determination have 

been completed by FHWA or FTA may proceed toward implementation without further conformity 

determinations if one of the following major steps has occurred within the past three years: NEPA process 

completion; start of final design; acquisition of a significant portion of the right-of-way; or approval of the 

plans, specifications and estimates. All phases of such projects which were considered in the conformity 

determination are also included, if those phases were for the purpose of funding, final design, right-of-way 

acquisition, construction, or any combination of these phases. 

2. A new conformity determination for the project shall be required if there is a significant change in 

project design concept and scope, if a supplemental environmental document for air quality purposes is 

initiated, or if no major steps to advance the project have occurred within the past three years. 

D. A grace period for new nonattainment areas is allowed for areas or portions of areas which have 

been in attainment for either ozone, CO, PM10, or NOX since 1990 and are subsequently redesignated to 
nonattainment for any of these pollutants. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply for such pollutant 

for 12 months following the date of final designation to nonattainment. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-40. Authority of board and DEQ. 

A. No provision of this chapter shall limit the power of the board to take such appropriate action as 

necessary to control and abate air pollution in emergency situations. 

B. In accordance with the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and the Administrative Process Act and by 

the adoption of this chapter, the board confers upon the DEQ the administrative, enforcement and 

decision making authority enumerated in this chapter. 

C. The board reserves the right to exercise its authority in any of the powers delegated in this chapter 

should it choose to do so. 

D. The DEQ Director has final authority to adjudicate contested decisions of subordinates delegated 

powers by him prior to appeal of the decisions to the circuit court or consideration by the board. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-50 to 9VAC5-150-70. [Repealed] 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997; repealed, Virginia Register 

Volume 14, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 1998. 
9VAC5-150-80. Relationship of state regulations to federal regulations. 

A. In order for the Commonwealth to fulfill its obligations under the federal Clean Air Act, some 

provisions of this chapter are required to be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 

when approved those provisions become federally enforceable. 

B. In cases where this chapter specifies that procedures or methods shall be approved by, acceptable 

to, or determined by the board or DEQ or other similar phrasing or specifically provide for decisions to be 

made by the board or DEQ, it may be necessary to have the actions (approvals determinations, 

exemptions, exclusions, or decisions) reviewed and confirmed as acceptable or approved by the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency in order to make them federally enforceable. Determination of which 

state actions require federal confirmation or approval and the administrative mechanism for making 

associated confirmation or approval decisions shall be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and policy. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-90 to 9VAC5-150-100. [Repealed] 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997; repealed, Virginia Register 

Volume 14, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 1998. 

Part III 

Criteria and Procedures for Making Conformity Determinations 

9VAC5-150-110. Priority. 

When assisting or approving any action with air quality-related consequences, FHWA and FTA shall 

give priority to the implementation of those transportation portions of an applicable implementation plan 
prepared to attain and maintain the NAAQS. This priority shall be consistent with statutory requirements 

for allocation of funds among states or other jurisdictions. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-120. Frequency of conformity determinations. 

A. Conformity determinations and conformity redeterminations for transportation plans, TIPs, and 

FHWA/FTA projects shall be made according to the requirements of this section and the applicable 

implementation plan. 

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection A of this section, conformity determinations and 

conformity redeterminations for transportation plans shall be made according to the following 

requirements: 

1. Each new transportation plan shall be found to conform before the transportation plan is approved 

by the MPO or accepted by USDOT. 

2. All transportation plan revisions shall be found to conform before the transportation plan revisions 

are approved by MPO or accepted by USDOT, unless the revision merely adds or deletes exempt 

projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420. The conformity determination shall be based on the transportation plan 

and the revision taken as a whole. 

3. Conformity of existing transportation plans shall be redetermined within 18 months of the following, 

or the existing conformity determination shall lapse: 

a. November 24, 1993; 

b. EPA approval of an implementation plan revision which: 

(1) Establishes or revises a transportation-related emissions budget (as required by §§ 

175A(a), 182(b)(1), 182(c)(2)(A), 182(c)(2)(B), 187(a)(7), 189(a)(1)(B), and 189(b)(1)(A); and 
§§ 192(a) and 192(b), for nitrogen dioxide of the federal Clean Air Act); or 

(2) Adds, deletes, or changes TCMs; and 

c. EPA promulgation of an implementation plan which establishes or revises a transportationrelated emissions budget or adds, deletes, or changes TCMs. 

4. In any case, conformity determinations shall be made no less frequently than every three years, or 

the existing conformity determination will lapse. 

C. In addition to the requirements of subsection A of this section, conformity determinations and 

conformity redeterminations for transportation improvement programs shall be made according to the 

following requirements: 

1. A new TIP shall be found to conform before the TIP is approved by the MPO or accepted by 

USDOT. 

2. A TIP amendment requires a new conformity determination for the entire TIP before the amendment 

is approved by the MPO or accepted by USDOT, unless the amendment merely adds or deletes exempt 

projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420. 

3. After a MPO adopts a new or revised transportation plan, conformity shall be redetermined by the 

MPO and USDOT within six months from the date of adoption of the plan, unless the new or revised plan 

merely adds or deletes exempt projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420. Otherwise, the existing conformity 

determination for the TIP shall lapse. 

4. In any case, conformity determinations shall be made no less frequently than every three years or 

the existing conformity determination shall lapse. 

D. In addition to the requirements of subsection A of this section, conformity determinations and 

conformity redeterminations for FHWA/FTA projects shall be made according to the following 

requirements: 

FHWA/FTA projects shall be found to conform before they are adopted, accepted, approved, or 

funded. Conformity shall be redetermined for any FHWA/FTA project if none of the following major steps 
has occurred within the past three years: NEPA process completion; start of final design; acquisition of a 

significant portion of the right-of-way; or approval of the plans, specifications and estimates. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-130. Consultation. 

A. The MPOs, LPOs, DEQ, VDOT, and VDRPT shall undertake the procedures prescribed in this 

section for interagency consultation, conflict resolution and public consultation with each other and with 

local or regional offices of EPA, FHWA, and FTA on the development of control strategy implementation 

plan revisions, the list of TCMs in the applicable implementation plan, the unified planning work program 

under 23 CFR 450.314, transportation plans, TIPs, and associated conformity determinations required by 

this regulation. 

B. Until EPA grants approval of this chapter, the MPOs, and VDOT and VDRPT, prior to making 

conformity determinations, shall provide reasonable opportunity for consultation with LPOs, DEQ and 

EPA on the issues in subdivision D 1 of this subsection. 

C. The provisions of this subsection shall be followed with regard to general factors associated with 

interagency consultation. 

1. Representatives of the MPOs, VDOT, VDRPT, FHWA, and FTA shall undertake an interagency 

consultation process, in accordance with subdivisions 1 and 3 of this subsection and subsection D of this 

section, with the LPOs, DEQ and EPA on the development of the unified planning work program under 23 

CFR 450.314, transportation plans, TIPs, any revisions to the preceding documents, and associated 

conformity determinations. 

a. MPOs shall be the lead agencies responsible for preparing the final document or decision 

and for assuring the adequacy of the interagency consultation process with respect to the 
development of the unified planning work program under 23 CFR 450.314, the transportation 

plan, the TIP, and any amendments or revisions thereto. In the case of nonmetropolitan areas, 

VDOT shall be the lead agency responsible for preparing the final document or decision and for 

assuring the adequacy of the interagency consultation process with respect to the development 

of the statewide transportation plan, the statewide TIP, and any amendments or revisions 

thereto. The MPOs shall be the lead agencies responsible for preparing the final document or 

decision and for assuring the adequacy of the interagency consultation process with respect to 

any determinations of conformity under this chapter for which the MPO is responsible. 

b. It shall be the affirmative responsibility of the lead agency to initiate the process by notifying 

other participants, convene meetings, assure that all relevant documents and information are 

supplied to all participants in the consultation process in a timely manner, prepare summaries 

of consultation meetings, maintain a written record of the consultation process, provide final 

documents and supporting information to each agency after approval or adoption, and to 

assure the adequacy of the interagency consultation process with respect to the subject 

document or decision. 

c. Regular consultation on major activities (such as the development of a transportation plan, 

the development of a TIP, or any determination of conformity on transportation plans or TIPs) 

shall include meetings beginning on a date determined by the lead agency to be adequate to 

meet the date a final document is required and continuing at frequency mutually determined by 

the affected agencies. In addition, technical meetings shall be convened as necessary. 

d. Each lead agency in the consultation process shall confer with all other agencies identified 

under subdivision 1 of this subsection with an interest in the document to be developed, provide 

all information to those agencies needed for meaningful input, solicit early and continuing input 

from those agencies, and prior to taking any action, consider the views of each agency and 

respond to those views in a timely, substantive written manner prior to any final decision on the 

documents. The views and written responses shall be made part of the record of any decision 
or action. 

e. It shall be the responsibility of each agency specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection, 

when not fulfilling the responsibilities of lead agency, to confer with the lead agency and other 

participants in the consultation process, review and comment as appropriate (including 

comments in writing) on all proposed and final documents and decisions in a timely manner, 

attend consultation and decision meetings, provide input on any area of substantive expertise 

or responsibility, and provide technical assistance to the lead agency or to the consultation 

process when requested. 

2. Representatives of the LPOs, DEQ, and EPA shall undertake an interagency consultation process, 

in accordance with subdivisions 2 and 3 of this subsection, with MPOs, VDOT, VDRPT, FHWA, and FTA 

on the development of control strategy implementation plan revisions, the list of TCMs in the applicable 

implementation plan, and any revisions to the proceeding documents. 

a. The DEQ, in conjunction with the LPOs, shall be the lead agency responsible for preparing 

the final document or decision and for assuring the adequacy of the interagency consultation 

process with respect to the development of control strategy implementation plan revisions, the 

credits associated with the list of TCMs in the applicable implementation plan, and any 

amendments or revisions thereto. 

b. It shall be the affirmative responsibility of the lead agency to initiate the process by notifying 

other participants, convene meetings, assure that all relevant documents and information are 

supplied to all participants in the consultation process in a timely manner, prepare minutes of 

consultation meetings, maintain a written record of the consultation process, provide final 

documents and supporting information to each agency after approval or adoption, and to 

assure the adequacy of the interagency consultation process with respect to the subject 

document or decision. 

c. Regular consultation on the development of any control strategy implementation plan revision 

shall include meetings beginning on a date determined by the lead agency to be adequate to 
meet the date a final document is required and continuing at frequency mutually determined by 

the affected agencies. In addition, technical meetings shall be convened as necessary. 

d. Each lead agency in the consultation process shall confer with all other agencies identified 

under subdivision 1 of this subsection with an interest in the document to be developed, provide 

all information to those agencies needed for meaningful input, solicit early and continuing input 

from those agencies, and prior to taking any action, consider the views of each agency and 

respond to those views in a timely, substantive written manner prior to any final decision on the 

documents. The views and written responses shall be made part of the record of any decision 

or action. 

e. It shall be the responsibility of each agency specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection, 

when not fulfilling the responsibilities of lead agency, to confer with the lead agency and other 

participants in the consultation process, review and comment as appropriate (including 

comments in writing) on all proposed and final documents and decisions in a timely manner, 

attend consultation and decision meetings, provide input on any area of substantive expertise 

or responsibility, and provide technical assistance to the lead agency or to the consultation 

process when requested. 

3. The specific roles and responsibilities of various participants in the interagency consultation process 

shall be as follows: 

a. The MPOs shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Developing metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs in accordance with 23 CFR Part 450 

and 49 CFR Part 613 and Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act. 

(2) Adopting conformity determinations in conjunction with the adoption of transportation plans 

and TIPs and any revisions to the documents. 

(3) In cooperation with VDOT, with assistance from VDRPT: 

(a) Developing conformity assessments and associated documentation. 
(b) Evaluating potential TCM projects and impacts. 

(c) (i) Developing or approving transportation and related socio-economic data and planning 

assumptions, or both, and (ii) providing the data and assumptions for use in air quality analysis 

for SIP tracking and conformity of transportation plans, TIPs and projects. 

(d) Monitoring regionally significant projects. 

(e) Providing technical and policy input into the development of emissions budgets. 

(f) Assuring the proper completion of transportation modeling, regional emissions analyses and 

documentation of timely implementation of TCMs needed for conformity assessments. 

(g) Involving the DEQ and LPOs continuously in the process. 

(h) Consulting with FHWA and FTA on (i) timely action on final findings of conformity, after 

consultation with other agencies as provided in this section; and (ii) guidance on conformity and 

the transportation planning process to agencies in interagency consultation. 

(i) Consulting with EPA on (i) review and approval of updated motor vehicle emissions factors, 

emission inventories and budgets; and (ii) guidance on conformity criteria and procedures to 

the agencies involved in the interagency consultation process. 

b. The VDOT, with assistance from the VDRPT, shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Developing statewide transportation plans and statewide TIPs. 

(2) Providing demand forecasting and on-road mobile source emission inventories. 

(3) Circulating draft and final project environmental documents to other agencies. 

(4) Convening air quality technical review meetings on specific projects as needed or when 

requested by other agencies. 

(5) In cooperation with the MPOs: 

(a) Developing conformity assessments and associated documentation. 

(b) Evaluating potential TCM projects and impacts. 
(c) (i) Developing or approving transportation and related socio-economic data and planning 

assumptions, or both, and (ii) providing the data and assumptions for use in air quality analysis 

for SIP tracking and conformity of transportation plans, TIPs and projects. 

(d) Monitoring regionally significant projects. 

(e) Providing technical and policy input into the development of emissions budgets. 

(f) Assuring the proper completion of transportation modeling, regional emissions analyses and 

documentation of timely implementation of TCMs need for conformity assessments. 

(g) Involving the DEQ and LPOs continuously in the process. 

(h) Consulting with FHWA and FTA on (i) timely action on final findings of conformity, after 

consultation with other agencies as provided in this section; and (ii) guidance on conformity and 

the transportation planning process to agencies in interagency consultation. 

(i) Consulting with EPA on (i) review and approval of updated motor vehicle emissions factors, 

emission inventories and budgets; and (ii) guidance on conformity criteria and procedures to 

the agencies involved in the interagency consultation process. 

c. The LPOs shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Developing emissions inventories and budgets. 

(2) Developing control strategy implementation plan revisions and maintenance plans. 

(3) Providing a staff liaison to the MPOs for conformity and to be responsive to MPO requests 

for information and technical guidance. 

(4) Involving the MPOs, VDOT AND VDRPT continuously in the process. 

d. The DEQ shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Developing emissions inventories and budgets. 

(2) Tracking attainment of air quality standards, and emission factor model updates. 

(3) Gaining final approval at state level for control strategy implementation plan revisions and 
maintenance plans. 

(4) Providing a staff liaison to the LPOs for conformity and to be responsive to LPO requests for 

information and technical guidance. 

(5) Involving the LPOs continuously in the process. 

e. The FHWA and FTA shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Assuring timely action on final findings of conformity, after consultation with other agencies 

as provided in this section; and 

(2) Providing guidance on conformity and the transportation planning process to agencies in 

interagency consultation. 

f. The EPA shall be responsible for the following: 

(1) Reviewing and approving updated motor vehicle emissions factors. 

(2) Providing guidance on conformity criteria and procedures to agencies in interagency 

consultation. 

(3) Assuring timely action on conformity analysis and findings and SIP revisions. 

D. The provisions of this subsection shall be followed with regard to specific processes associated 

with interagency consultation. 

1. An interagency consultation process involving the MPOs, LPOs, DEQ, VDOT, VDRPT, EPA, 

FHWA, and FTA shall be undertaken for the following: 

a. Evaluating and choosing each model (or models) and associated methods and assumptions 

to be used in hot-spot analyses and regional emission analyses, including vehicle miles 

traveled (VMT) forecasting, to be initiated by VDOT, in consultation with the MPOs, and 

conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

b. Determining which transportation projects should be considered "regionally significant" for 

the purpose of regional emission analysis (in addition to those functionally classified as 

principal arterial or higher; or fixed guideway systems or extensions that offer an alternative to 
regional highway travel), and which projects should be considered to have a significant change 

in design concept and scope from the transportation plan or TIP, to be initiated by VDOT, in 

consultation with the MPOs, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this 

section. 

c. Evaluating whether projects otherwise exempted from meeting the requirements of 9VAC5-

150-420 and 9VAC5-150-430, should be treated as nonexempt in cases where potential 

adverse emissions impacts may exist for any reason, to be initiated by VDOT, in consultation 

with the MPOs, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

d. Making a determination, as required by 9VAC5-150-210 C 1, whether past obstacles to 

implementation of TCMs that are behind the schedule established in the applicable 

implementation plan have been identified and are being overcome, and whether state and local 

agencies with influence over approvals or funding for TCMs are giving maximum priority to 

approval or funding for TCMs, to be initiated by VDOT as lead agency, in consultation with the 

MPOs and VDRPT, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

This consultation process shall also consider whether delays in TCM implementation 

necessitate revisions to the applicable implementation plan to remove TCMs or substitute 

TCMs or other emission reduction measures. 

e. Notifying all parties to the consultation process of transportation plan or TIP revisions or 

amendments which merely add or delete exempt projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420, to be 

initiated by VDOT in consultation with the MPOs, and conducted in accordance with 

subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

f. Determining what forecast of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to use in establishing or tracking 

emissions budgets, developing transportation plans, TIPs, or control strategy implementation 

plan revisions, or making conformity determinations, to be initiated by VDOT, in consultation 

with the MPOs, and in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

g. In cases where there are PM10 nonattainment areas, VDOT, in consultation with the MPOs, 
shall initiate a process conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section to 

identify, as required by 9VAC5-150-390 D, projects located at sites in PM10 nonattainment 

areas which have vehicle and roadway emission and dispersion characteristics which are 

essentially identical to those sites which have violations verified by monitoring, and therefore 

require quantitative PM10 hot-spot analysis. 

2. An interagency consultation process in accordance with subsection C of this section involving the 

MPOs, LPOs, DEQ, VDOT, and VDRPT shall be undertaken for the following: 

a. Evaluating events which may trigger new conformity determinations in addition to those 

triggering events established by 9VAC5-150-340, to be initiated by VDOT, in consultation with 

the MPOs and DEQ, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

b. Consulting on emissions analysis for transportation activities which cross the borders of 

MPOs or nonattainment areas, to be initiated by VDOT in consultation with the MPOs, and 

conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

3. Where the metropolitan planning area does not include the entire nonattainment or maintenance 

area, an interagency consultation process in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section 

involving the MPOs and VDOT shall be undertaken for cooperative planning and analysis for purposes of 

determining conformity of all projects outside the metropolitan area and within the nonattainment or 

maintenance area, to be initiate by VDOT, in consultation with the MPOs, and in accordance with 

subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

4. To assure that plans for construction of regionally significant projects which are not FHWA or FTA 

projects (including projects for which alternative locations, design concept and scope, or the no-build 

option are still being considered), including all those by recipients of funds designated under Title 23 USC 

or the Federal Transit Act, are disclosed to the MPO on a regular basis, and to assure that any changes 

to those plans are immediately disclosed, an interagency consultation process shall be undertaken, to be 

initiated by the MPO, in consultation with VDOT, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 

3 of this section involving the MPO, VDOT, VDRPT, and recipients of funds designated under Title 23 
USC or the Federal Transit Act. 

5. An interagency consultation process in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section 

involving the MPOs and other recipients of funds designated under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit 

Act shall be undertaken for developing assumptions regarding the location and design concept and scope 

of projects which are disclosed to the MPO as required by subdivision D 4 of this section but whose 

sponsors have not yet decided these features in sufficient detail to perform the regional emissions 

analysis according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380, to be initiated by the MPO, in consultation with 

VDOT, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section. 

6. An interagency consultation process in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 3 of this section shall 

be undertaken for the design, schedule, and funding of research and data collection efforts and model 

developments in regional transportation (such as household or travel transportation surveys) to be 

initiated by the MPO, in consultation with VDOT, and conducted in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and 

3 of this section. 

E. The provisions of this subsection shall be followed with regard to conflict resolution associated with 

interagency consultation. 

1. Unresolved conflicts among state agencies, or between state agencies and the MPO(s), or among 

MPO member jurisdictions, shall be identified by a MPO or agency in writing to the other MPO, DEQ, 

VDOT, or VDRPT, with copies to FHWA, FTA and EPA. The MPO's or agency's written notice shall: 

a. Explain the nature of the conflict; 

b. Review options for resolving the conflict; 

c. Describe the MPO's or agency's proposal to resolve the conflict; 

d. Explain the consequences of not reaching a resolution; and 

e. Request that comments on the matter be received within two weeks. 

2. If the above action does not result in a resolution to the conflict, either of the following shall apply: 

a. If the conflict is between the MPOs or between the MPO(s) and VDOT, or VDRPT or both, 
then the parties shall follow the coordination procedures of 23 CFR 450.210. 

b. If the conflict is between the MPO(s) or VDOT or VDRPT and the DEQ and the conflict can 

not be resolved by the affected agency heads, then the DEQ Director may elevate the conflict 

to the Governor in accordance with the procedures of subdivision 3 of this subsection. If the 

DEQ Director does not appeal to the Governor within 14 days as provided in subdivision 3 a of 

this subsection, the MPO or VDOT or VDRPT may proceed with its final conformity 

determination. 

3. Appeals to the Governor by the DEQ Director under the provisions of subdivision 2 b of this 

subsection shall be in accordance with the following procedures: 

a. The DEQ Director has 14 calendar days to appeal to the Governor after the MPO(s) or 

VDOT or VDRPT has notified the DEQ Director of the agency's or MPO's resolution of DEQ's 

comments. The notification to the DEQ Director shall be in writing and shall be hand delivered. 

The 14 day clock shall commence when VDOT or VDRPT or the MPO has confirmed receipt by 

the DEQ Director of the agency's or MPO's resolution of the DEQ's comments. 

b. The appeal to the Governor shall consist of the following: the conformity determination and 

any supporting documentation; DEQ's comments on the determination; the MPO(s) or VDOT or 

VDRPT resolution of DEQ's comments; and DEQ's appeal document. 

c. The DEQ shall provide a complete appeal package to the MPO, VDOT and VDRPT within 24 

hours of the time the appeal is filed with the Governor's Office. 

d. If the Governor does not concur with the conformity determination, he may direct revision of 

the applicable implementation plan, revision of the planned program of projects, revision of the 

conformity analysis or any combination of the preceding. 

e. If the Governor concurs with the conformity determination made by the MPO and VDOT, the 

MPO and VDOT may proceed with the final conformity determination. 

f. The Governor may delegate his role in this process, but not to the agency head or staff of 
DEQ, VDOT, VDRPT, or the Commonwealth Board of Transportation. 

4. Nothing in this section shall prevent the state agencies and MPOs from making efforts upon their 

own initiative to obtain mutual conflict resolution through conference or other appropriate means. 

F. The provisions of this subsection shall be followed with regard to public consultation. 

1. The MPOs shall establish a proactive involvement process which provides reasonable opportunity 

for review and comment prior to taking formal action on a conformity determination for all transportation 

plans and TIPs, consistent with the requirements of 23 CFR Part 450. 

2. The MPOs shall address in writing public comments regarding plans for a regionally significant 

project, not receiving FHWA or FTA funding or approval, and how the project is properly reflected in the 

emission analysis supporting a proposed conformity finding for a transportation plan or TIP. 

3. The MPOs shall also provide an opportunity for public involvement in conformity determinations for 

projects where otherwise required by law. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-140. Content of transportation plans. 

A. Transportation plans adopted after January 1, 1995, in serious, severe, or extreme ozone 

nonattainment areas and in serious carbon monoxide nonattainment areas shall specifically describe the 

transportation system envisioned for certain future years which shall be called horizon years. 

1. The agency or organization developing the transportation plan may choose any years to be horizon 

years, subject to the following restrictions: 

a. Horizon years may be no more than 10 years apart. 

b. The first horizon year may be no more than 10 years from the base year used to validate the 
transportation demand planning model. 

c. If the attainment year is in the time span of the transportation plan, the attainment year shall 

be a horizon year. 

d. The last horizon year shall be the last year of the transportation plan's forecast period. 

2. For these horizon years: 

a. The transportation plan shall quantify and document the demographic and employment 

factors influencing expected transportation demand, including land use forecasts, in 

accordance with implementation plan provisions and 9VAC5-150-130; 

b. The highway and transit system shall be described in terms of the regionally significant 

additions or modifications to the existing transportation network which the transportation plan 

envisions to be operational in the horizon years. Additions and modifications to the highway 

network shall be sufficiently identified to indicate intersections with existing regionally significant 

facilities, and to determine their effect on route options between transportation analysis zones. 

Each added or modified highway segment shall also be sufficiently identified in terms of its 

design concept and design scope to allow modeling of travel times under various traffic 

volumes, consistent with the modeling methods for area-wide transportation analysis in use by 

the MPO. Transit facilities, equipment, and services envisioned for the future shall be identified 

in terms of design concept, design scope, and operating policies sufficiently to allow modeling 

of their transit ridership. The description of additions and modifications to the transportation 

network shall also be sufficiently specific to show that there is a reasonable relationship 

between expected land use and the envisioned transportation system; and 

c. Other future transportation policies, requirements, services, and activities, including 

intermodal activities, shall be described. 

B. Ozone or CO nonattainment areas which are reclassified from moderate to serious shall meet the 

requirements of subsection A of this section within two years from the date of reclassification. 
C. Transportation plans for other areas shall meet the requirements of subsection A of this section at 

least to the extent it has been the previous practice of the MPO to prepare plans which meet those 

requirements. Otherwise, transportation plans shall describe the transportation system envisioned for the 

future specifically enough to allow determination of conformity according to the criteria and procedures of 

9VAC5-150-170 through 9VAC5-150-350. 

D. The requirements of this section supplement other requirements of applicable law or regulation 

governing the format or content of transportation plans. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-150. Relationship of transportation plan and TIP conformity with the NEPA process. 

The degree of specificity required in the transportation plan and the specific travel network assumed 

for air quality modeling do not preclude the consideration of alternatives in the NEPA process or other 

project development studies. Should the NEPA process result in a project with design concept and scope 

significantly different from that in the transportation plan or TIP, the project shall meet the criteria in 

9VAC5-150-170 through 9VAC5-150-350 for projects not from a TIP before NEPA process completion. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-160. Fiscal constraints for transportation plans and TIPs. 

Transportation plans and TIPs shall be fiscally constrained consistent with 23 CFR Part 450 in order to 

be found in conformity. 
Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-170. Criteria and procedures for determining conformity of transportation plans, 

programs, and projects: General. 

A. In order to be found to conform, each transportation plan, program, and FHWA/FTA project shall 

satisfy the applicable criteria and procedures in 9VAC5-150-180 through 9VAC5-150-350 as listed in 

Table 1 in subsection B of this section, and shall comply with all applicable conformity requirements of 

implementation plans and of court orders for the area which pertain specifically to conformity 

determination requirements. The criteria for making conformity determinations differ based on the action 

under review (transportation plans, TIPs, and FHWA/FTA projects), the time period in which the 

conformity determination is made, and the relevant pollutant. 

B. The following table indicates the criteria and procedures in 9VAC5-150-180 through 9VAC5-150-

350 which apply for each action in each time period. 

TABLE 1.

CONFORMITY CRITERIA.

ALL PERIODS

Action Criteria

Transportation Plan 9VAC5-150-180, 9VAC5-150-190, 9VAC5-

150-200, 9VAC5-150-210 B

TIP 9VAC5-150-180, 9VAC5-150-190, 9VAC5-

150-200, 9VAC5-150-210 C

Project (From a conforming

plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-180, 9VAC5-150-190 (plan and 

TIP) 9VAC5-150-200, 9VAC5-150-220, 

9VAC5-150-230, 9VAC5-150-240, 9VAC5-

150-250
Project (Not from a

conforming plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-180, 9VAC5-150-190, 9VAC5-

150-200,9VAC5-150-210 D, 9VAC5-150-

220, 9VAC5-150-240, 9VAC5-150-250

PHASE II OF THE INTERIM PERIOD

Action Criteria

Transportation Plan 9VAC5-150-300, 9VAC5-150-330

TIP 9VAC5-150-310, 9VAC5-150-340

Project (From a conforming plan 

and TIP)

9VAC5-150-290

Project (Not from a conforming 

plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-290, 9VAC5-150-320, 9VAC5-

150-350 

TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

Action Criteria

Transportation Plan 9VAC5-150-260, 9VAC5-150-300, 9VAC5-

150-330 

TIP 9VAC5-150-270, 9VAC5-150-310, 9VAC5-

150-340 

Project (From a conforming

plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-290

Project (Not from a conforming 

plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-280, 9VAC5-150-290, 9VAC5-

150-320, 9VAC5-150-350

CONTROL STRATEGY AND MAINTENANCE PERIODS

Action Criteria

Transportation Plan 9VAC5-150-260

TIP 9VAC5-150-270

Project (From a conforming plan 

and TIP)

No additional criteria

Project (Not from a conforming 

plan and TIP)

9VAC5-150-280
9VAC5-150-180 The conformity determination shall be based on the latest planning assumptions.

9VAC5-150-190 The conformity determination shall be based on the latest emission estimation model 

available.

9VAC5-150-200 The MPO shall make the conformity determination according to the consultation 

procedures of this regulation.

9VAC5-150-210 The transportation plan, TIP, or FHWA/FTA project which is not from a conforming 

plan and TIP shall provide for the timely implementation of TCMs from the applicable implementation 

plan.

9VAC5-150-220 There shall be a currently conforming transportation plan and currently conforming 

TIP at the time of project approval.

9VAC5-150-230 The project shall come from a conforming transportation plan and program.

9VAC5-150-240 The FHWA/FTA project shall not cause or contribute to any new localized CO or 

PM10 violations or increase the frequency or severity of any existing CO or PM10 violations in CO and 

PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas.

9VAC5-150-250 The FHWA/FTA project shall comply with PM10 control measures in the applicable 

implementation plan.

9VAC5-150-260 The transportation plan shall be consistent with the motor vehicle emissions 

budget(s) in the applicable implementation plan or

implementation plan submission.

9VAC5-150-270 The TIP shall be consistent with the motor vehicle emissions budget(s) in the 

applicable implementation plan or implementation plan 

submission.

9VAC5-150-280 The project which is not from a conforming transportation plan and conforming TIP 

shall be consistent with the motor vehicle emissions budget(s) in the applicable implementation plan or 

implementation plan submission.
9VAC5-150-290 The FHWA/FTA project shall eliminate or reduce the severity and number of localized 

CO violations in the area substantially affected by the project (in CO nonattainment areas).

9VAC5-150-300 The transportation plan shall contribute to emissions reductions in ozone and CO 

nonattainment areas.

9VAC5-150-310 The TIP shall contribute to emissions reductions in ozone and CO nonattainment 

areas. 

9VAC5-150-320 The project which is not from a conforming transportation plan and TIP shall 

contribute to emissions reductions in ozone and CO nonattainment areas.

9VAC5-150-330 The transportation plan shall contribute to emission reductions or shall not increase 

emissions in PM10 and NO2 nonattainment areas.

9VAC5-150-340 The TIP shall contribute to emission reductions or shall not increase emissions in 

PM10 and NO2 nonattainment areas. 9VAC5-150-350 The project which is not from a conforming 

transportation plan and TIP shall contribute to emission reductions or shall not increase emissions in 

PM10 and NO2.

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-180. Criteria and procedures: latest planning assumptions. 

A. The conformity determination, with respect to all other applicable criteria in 9VAC5-150-190 through 

9VAC5-150-350, shall be based upon the most recent planning assumptions in force at the time of the 

conformity determination. This criterion applies during all periods. The conformity determination shall 

satisfy the requirements of subsections B through F of this section. 

B. Assumptions shall be derived from the estimates of current and future population, employment, 

travel, and congestion most recently developed by the MPO or other agency authorized to make the 
estimates and approved by the MPO. The conformity determination shall also be based on the latest 

assumptions about current and future background concentrations. 

C. The conformity determination for each transportation plan and TIP shall discuss how transit 

operating policies (including fares and service levels) and assumed transit ridership have changed since 

the previous conformity determination. 

D. The conformity determination shall include reasonable assumptions about transit service and 

increases in transit fares and road and bridge tolls over time. 

E. The conformity determination shall use the latest existing information regarding the effectiveness of 

the TCMs which have already been implemented. 

F. Key assumptions shall be specified and included in the draft documents and supporting materials 

used for the interagency and public consultation required by 9VAC5-150-130. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-190. Criteria and procedures: latest emissions model. 

A. The conformity determination shall be based on the latest emission estimation model available. 

This criterion applies during all periods. It is satisfied if the most current version of the motor vehicle 

emissions model specified by EPA for use in the preparation or revision of implementation plans in that 

state or area is used for the conformity analysis. Where EMFAC is the motor vehicle emissions model 

used in preparing or revising the applicable implementation plan, new versions shall be approved by EPA 

before they are used in the conformity analysis. 

B. EPA shall consult with USDOT to establish a grace period following the specification of any new 

model. 

1. The grace period shall be no less than three months and no more than 24 months after notice of 
availability is published in the Federal Register. 

2. The length of the grace period shall depend on the degree of change in the model and the scope of 

re-planning likely to be necessary by MPOs in order to assure conformity. If the grace period will be 

longer than three months, EPA shall announce the appropriate grace period in the Federal Register. 

C. Conformity analyses for which the emissions analysis was begun during the grace period or before 

the Federal Register notice of availability of the latest emission model may continue to use the previous 

version of the model for transportation plans and TIPs. The previous model may also be used for projects 

if the analysis was begun during the grace period or before the Federal Register notice of availability, 

provided no more than three years have passed since the draft environmental document was issued. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-200. Criteria and procedures: consultation. 

The MPO shall make the conformity determination according to the consultation procedures in this 

regulation and according to the public participation involvement procedures established by the MPO in 

compliance with 23 CFR Part 450. This criterion applies during all periods. Until this chapter is approved 

by EPA, the conformity determination shall be made according to the procedures in 9VAC5-150-130 A 2 

and E. Once this chapter has been approved by EPA, this criterion is satisfied if the conformity 

determination is made consistent with the implementation plan's consultation requirements. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-210. Criteria and procedures: timely implementation of TCMs. 
A. The transportation plan, TIP, or FHWA/FTA project which is not from a conforming plan and TIP 

shall provide for the timely implementation of TCMs from the applicable implementation plan. This 

criterion applies during all periods. 

B. For transportation plans, this criterion is satisfied if the following two conditions are met: 

1. The transportation plan, in describing the envisioned future transportation system, provides for the 

timely completion or implementation of all TCMs in the applicable implementation plan which are eligible 

for funding under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act, consistent with schedules included in the 

applicable implementation plan. 

2. Nothing in the transportation plan interferes with the implementation of any TCM in the applicable 

implementation plan. 

C. For TIPs, this criterion is satisfied if the following conditions are met: 

1. An examination of the specific steps and funding source(s) needed to fully implement each TCM 

indicates that TCMs which are eligible for funding under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act are on or 

ahead of the schedule established in the applicable implementation plan, or, if the TCMs are behind the 

schedule established in the applicable implementation plan, the MPO and USDOT have determined that 

past obstacles to implementation of the TCMs have been identified and have been or are being 

overcome, and that all state and local agencies with influence over approvals or funding for TCMs are 

giving maximum priority to approval or funding of TCMs over other projects within their control, including 

projects in locations outside the nonattainment or maintenance area. 

2. If TCMs in the applicable implementation plan have previously been programmed for federal 

funding but the funds have not been obligated and the TCMs are behind the schedule in the 

implementation plan, then the TIP cannot be found to conform if the funds intended for those TCMs are 

reallocated to projects in the TIP other than TCMs, or if there are no other TCMs in the TIP, if the funds 

are reallocated to projects in the TIP other than projects which are eligible for federal funding under 

ISTEA's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. 
3. Nothing in the TIP may interfere with the implementation of any TCM in the applicable 

implementation plan. 

D. For FHWA/FTA projects which are not from a conforming transportation plan and TIP, this criterion 

is satisfied if the project does not interfere with the implementation of any TCM in the applicable 

implementation plan. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-220. Criteria and procedures: currently conforming transportation plan and TIP. 

There shall be a currently conforming transportation plan and currently conforming TIP at the time of 

project approval. This criterion applies during all periods. It is satisfied if the current transportation plan 

and TIP have been found to conform to the applicable implementation plan by the MPO and USDOT 

according to the procedures of this chapter. 

A. Only one conforming transportation plan or TIP may exist in an area at any time; conformity 

determinations of a previous transportation plan or TIP expire once the current plan or TIP is found to 

conform by USDOT. The conformity determination on a transportation plan or TIP shall also lapse if 

conformity is not determined according to the frequency requirements of 9VAC5-150-120. 

B. This criterion is not required to be satisfied at the time of project approval for a TCM specifically 

included in the applicable implementation plan provided that all other relevant criteria of this chapter are 

satisfied. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 
9VAC5-150-230. Criteria and procedures: projects from a plan and TIP. 

A. The project shall come from a conforming plan and program. This criterion applies during all 

periods. If this criterion is not satisfied, the project shall satisfy all criteria in Table 1 in subsection B of 

9VAC5-150-170, for a project not from a conforming transportation plan and TIP. A project is considered 

to be from a conforming transportation plan if it meets the requirements of subsection B of this section 

and from a conforming program if it meets the requirements of subsection C of this section. Special 

provisions for TCMs in an applicable implementation plan are provided in subsection D of this section. 

B. A project is considered to be from a conforming transportation plan if one of the following conditions 

applies: 

1. For projects which are required to be identified in the transportation plan in order to satisfy 9VAC5-

150-140, the project is specifically included in the conforming transportation plan and the project's design 

concept and scope have not changed significantly from those which were described in the transportation 

plan, or in a manner which would significantly impact use of the facility; or 

2. For projects which are not required to be specifically identified in the transportation plan, the project 

is identified in the conforming transportation plan, or is consistent with the policies and purpose of the 

transportation plan and shall not interfere with other projects specifically included in the transportation 

plan. 

C. A project is considered to be from a conforming program if the following conditions are met: 

1. The project is included in the conforming TIP and the design concept and scope of the project were 

adequate at the time of the TIP conformity determination to determine its contribution to the TIP's regional 

emissions and have not changed significantly from those which were described in the TIP, or in a manner 

which would significantly impact use of the facility; and 

2. If the TIP describes a project design concept and scope which includes project-level emissions 

mitigation or control measures, written commitments to implement the measures shall be obtained from 

the project sponsor, operator, or both as required by 9VAC5-150-410 A in order for the project to be 
considered from a conforming program. Any change in these mitigation or control measures that would 

significantly reduce their effectiveness constitutes a change in the design concept and scope of the 

project. 

D. This criterion is not required to be satisfied for TCMs specifically included in an applicable 

implementation plan. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-240. Criteria and procedures: localized CO and PM10 violations (hot spots). 

A. The FHWA/FTA project shall not cause or contribute to any new localized CO or PM10 violations or 

increase the frequency or severity of any existing CO or PM10 violations in CO and PM10 nonattainment 

and maintenance areas. This criterion applies during all periods. This criterion is satisfied if it is 

demonstrated that no new local violations shall be created and the severity or number of existing 

violations shall not be increased as a result of the project. 

B. The demonstration shall be performed according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-130 C 1 a and 

9VAC5-150-390. 

C. For projects which are not of the type identified by 9VAC5-150-390 A or 9VAC5-150-390 D, this 

criterion may be satisfied if consideration of local factors clearly demonstrates that no local violations 

presently exist and no new local violations shall be created as a result of the project. Otherwise, in CO 

nonattainment and maintenance areas, a quantitative demonstration shall be performed according to the 

requirements of 9VAC5-150-390 B. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-250. Criteria and procedures: compliance with PM10 control measures. 

The FHWA/FTA project shall comply with PM10 control measures in the applicable implementation 

plan. This criterion applies during all periods. It is satisfied if control measures (for the purpose of limiting 

PM10 emissions from the construction activities, normal use, operation associated with the project, or any 

combination of the preceding) contained in the applicable implementation plan are included in the final 

plans, specifications, and estimates for the project. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-260. Criteria and procedures: motor vehicle emissions budget (transportation plan). 

A. The transportation plan shall be consistent with the motor vehicle emissions budget(s) in the 

applicable implementation plan (or implementation plan submission). This criterion applies during the 

transitional period and the control strategy and maintenance periods, except as provided in 9VAC5-150-

440. This criterion may be satisfied if the requirements in subsections B and C of this section are met: 

B. A regional emissions analysis shall be performed as follows: 

1. The regional analysis shall estimate emissions of any of the following pollutants and pollutant 

precursors for which the area is in nonattainment or maintenance and for which the applicable 

implementation plan (or implementation plan submission) establishes an emissions budget: 

a. VOC as an ozone precursor; 

b. NOX as an ozone precursor; 

c. CO; 

d. PM10 (and its precursors VOC, NOX or both if the applicable implementation plan or 

implementation plan submission identifies transportation-related precursor emissions within the 
nonattainment area as a significant contributor to the PM10 nonattainment problem or 

establishes a budget for the emissions); or 

e. NOX (in NO2 nonattainment or maintenance areas); 

2. The regional emissions analysis shall estimate emissions from the entire transportation system, 

including all regionally significant projects contained in the transportation plan and all other regionally 

significant highway and transit projects expected in the nonattainment or maintenance area in the 

timeframe of the transportation plan; 

3. The emissions analysis methodology shall meet the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380; 

4. For areas with a transportation plan that meets the content requirements of 9VAC5-150-140 A, the 

emissions analysis shall be performed for each horizon year. Emissions in milestone years which are 

between the horizon years may be determined by interpolation; and 

5. For areas with a transportation plan that does not meet the content requirements of 9VAC5-150-140 

A, the emissions analysis shall be performed for any years in the time span of the transportation plan 

provided they are not more than 10 years apart and provided the analysis is performed for the last year of 

the plan's forecast period. If the attainment year is in the time span of the transportation plan, the 

emissions analysis shall also be performed for the attainment year. Emissions in milestone years which 

are between these analysis years may be determined by interpolation. 

C. The regional emissions analysis shall demonstrate that for each of the applicable pollutants or 

pollutant precursors in subdivision B 1 of this section the emissions are less than or equal to the motor 

vehicle emissions budget as established in the applicable implementation plan or implementation plan 

submission as follows: 

1. If the applicable implementation plan or implementation plan submission establishes emissions 

budgets for milestone years, emissions in each milestone year are less than or equal to the motor vehicle 

emissions budget established for that year; 

2. For nonattainment areas, emissions in the attainment year are less than or equal to the motor 
vehicle emissions budget established in the applicable implementation plan or implementation plan 

submission for that year; 

3. For nonattainment areas, emissions in each analysis or horizon year after the attainment year are 

less than or equal to the motor vehicle emissions budget established by the applicable implementation 

plan or implementation plan submission for the attainment year. If emissions budgets are established for 

years after the attainment year, emissions in each analysis year or horizon year shall be less than or 

equal to the motor vehicle emissions budget for that year, if any, or the motor vehicle emissions budget 

for the most recent budget year prior to the analysis year or horizon year; and 

4. For maintenance areas, emissions in each analysis or horizon year are less than or equal to the 

motor vehicle emissions budget established by the maintenance plan for that year, if any, or the 

emissions budget for the most recent budget year prior to the analysis or horizon year. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-270. Criteria and procedures: motor vehicle emissions budget (TIP). 

A. The TIP shall be consistent with the motor vehicle emissions budget(s) in the applicable 

implementation plan (or implementation plan submission). This criterion applies during the transitional 

period and the control strategy and maintenance periods, except as provided in 9VAC5-150-440. This 

criterion may be satisfied if the requirements in subsections B and C of this section are met: 

B. For areas with a conforming transportation plan that fully meets the content requirements of 

9VAC5-150-140 A, this criterion may be satisfied without additional regional analysis if: 

1. Each program year of the TIP is consistent with the federal funding which may be reasonably 

expected for that year, and required state/local matching funds and funds for state/local funding-only 

projects are consistent with the revenue sources expected over the same period; and 
2. The TIP is consistent with the conforming transportation plan such that the regional emissions 

analysis already performed for the plan applies to the TIP also. This requires a demonstration that: 

a. The TIP contains all projects which shall be started in the TIP's timeframe in order to achieve 

the highway and transit system envisioned by the transportation plan in each of its horizon 

years; 

b. All TIP projects which are regionally significant are part of the specific highway or transit 

system envisioned in the transportation plan's horizon years; and 

c. The design concept and scope of each regionally significant project in the TIP is not 

significantly different from that described in the transportation plan.

3. If the requirements in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection are not met, then: 

a. The TIP may be modified to meet those requirements; or 

b. The transportation plan shall be revised so that the requirements in subdivisions 1 and 2 of 

this subsection are met. Once the revised plan has been found to conform, this criterion is met 

for the TIP with no additional analysis except a demonstration that the TIP meets the 

requirements of subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. 

C. For areas with a transportation plan that does not meet the content requirements of 9VAC5-150-

140 A, a regional emissions analysis shall meet all of the following requirements: 

1. The regional emissions analysis shall estimate emissions from the entire transportation system, 

including all projects contained in the proposed TIP, the transportation plan, and all other regionally 

significant highway and transit projects expected in the nonattainment or maintenance area in the 

timeframe of the transportation plan; 

2. The analysis methodology shall meet the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380 C; and 

3. The regional analysis shall satisfy the requirements of 9VAC5-150-260 B 1, B 5, and C. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 
Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-280. Criteria and procedures: motor vehicle emissions budget (project not from a plan 

and TIP). 

A. The project which is not from a conforming transportation plan and a conforming TIP shall be 

consistent with the motor vehicle emissions budget or budgets in the applicable implementation plan (or 

implementation plan submission). This criterion applies during the transitional period and the control 

strategy and maintenance periods, except as provided in 9VAC5-150-440. It is satisfied if emissions from 

the implementation of the project, when considered with the emissions from the projects in the conforming 

transportation plan and TIP and all other regionally significant projects expected in the area, do not 

exceed the motor vehicle emissions budget or budgets in the applicable implementation plan (or 

implementation plan submission). 

B. For areas with a conforming transportation plan that meets the content requirements of 9VAC5-

150-140 A: 

1. This criterion may be satisfied without additional regional analysis if the project is included in the 

conforming transportation plan, even if it is not specifically included in the latest conforming TIP. This 

requires a demonstration that: 

a. Allocating funds to the project shall not delay the implementation of projects in the 

transportation plan or TIP which are necessary to achieve the highway and transit system 

envisioned by the transportation plan in each of its horizon years; 

b. The project is not regionally significant or is part of the specific highway or transit system 

envisioned in the transportation plan's horizon years; and 

c. The design concept and scope of the project is not significantly different from that described 

in the transportation plan. 

2. If the requirements in subdivision 1 of this subsection are not met, a regional emissions analysis 
shall be performed as follows: 

a. The analysis methodology shall meet the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380; 

b. The analysis shall estimate emissions from the transportation system, including the proposed 

project and all other regionally significant projects expected in the nonattainment or 

maintenance area in the timeframe of the transportation plan. The analysis shall include 

emissions from all previously approved projects which were not from a transportation plan and 

TIP; and 

c. The emissions analysis shall meet the requirements of 9VAC5-150-260 B 1, B 4, and C. 

C. For areas with a transportation plan that does not meet the content requirements of 9VAC5-150-

140 A, a regional emissions analysis shall be performed for the project together with the conforming TIP 

and all other regionally significant projects expected in the nonattainment or maintenance area. This 

criterion may be satisfied if: 

1. The analysis methodology meets the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380 C; 

2. The analysis estimates emissions from the transportation system, including the proposed project, 

and all other regionally significant projects expected in the nonattainment or maintenance area in the 

timeframe of the transportation plan; and 

3. The regional analysis satisfies the requirements of 9VAC5-150-260 B 1, B 5, and C. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-290. Criteria and procedures: localized CO violations (hot spots) in the interim period. 

A. Each FHWA/FTA project shall eliminate or reduce the severity and number of localized CO 

violations in the area substantially affected by the project (in CO nonattainment areas). This criterion 

applies during the interim and transitional periods only. This criterion is satisfied with respect to existing 
localized CO violations if it is demonstrated that existing localized CO violations may be eliminated or 

reduced in severity and number as a result of the project. 

B. The demonstration shall be performed according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-130 C 1 a and 

9VAC5-150-390. 

C. For projects which are not of the type identified by 9VAC5-150-390 A, this criterion may be satisfied 

if consideration of local factors clearly demonstrates that existing CO violations shall be eliminated or 

reduced in severity and number. Otherwise, a quantitative demonstration shall be performed according to 

the requirements of 9VAC5-150-390 B. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-300. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions in ozone and CO areas 

(transportation plan). 

A. A transportation plan shall contribute to emissions reductions in ozone and CO nonattainment 

areas. This criterion applies during the interim and transitional periods only, except as otherwise provided 

in 9VAC5-150-440. It applies to the net effect on emissions of all projects contained in a new or revised 

transportation plan. This criterion may be satisfied if a regional emissions analysis is performed as 

described in subsections B through F of this section. 

B. Determine the analysis years for which emissions are to be estimated. Analysis years shall be no 

more than 10 years apart. The first analysis year shall be no later than the first milestone year (1995 in 

CO nonattainment areas and 1996 in ozone nonattainment areas). The second analysis year shall be 

either the attainment year for the area, or if the attainment year is the same as the first analysis year or 

earlier, the second analysis year shall be at least five years beyond the first analysis year. The last year of 

the transportation plan's forecast period shall also be an analysis year. 
C. Define the "baseline" scenario for each of the analysis years to be the future transportation system 

that would result from current programs, composed of the following (except that projects listed in 9VAC5-

150-420 and 9VAC5-150-430 need not be explicitly considered): 

1. All in-place regionally significant highway and transit facilities, services and activities; 

2. All ongoing travel demand management or transportation system management activities; and 

3. Completion of all regionally significant projects, regardless of funding source, which are currently 

under construction or are undergoing right-of-way acquisition (except for hardship acquisition and 

protective buying); come from the first three years of the previously conforming transportation plan, TIP or 

both; or have completed the NEPA process. (For the first conformity determination on the transportation 

plan after November 24, 1993, a project may not be included in the "baseline" scenario if one of the 

following major steps has not occurred within the past three years: NEPA process completion; start of 

final design; acquisition of a significant portion of the right-of-way; or approval of the plans, specifications 

and estimates. Such a project shall be included in the "action" scenario, as described in subsection D of 

this section.) 

D. Define the "action" scenario for each of the analysis years as the transportation system that will 

result in that year from the implementation of the proposed transportation plan, TIPs adopted under it, and 

other expected regionally significant projects in the nonattainment area. It shall include the following 

(except that projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420 and 9VAC5-150-430 need not be explicitly considered): 

1. All facilities, services, and activities in the "baseline" scenario; 

2. Completion of all TCMs and regionally significant projects (including facilities, services, and 

activities) specifically identified in the proposed transportation plan which will be operational or in effect in 

the analysis year, except that regulatory TCMs may not be assumed to begin at a future time unless the 

regulation is already adopted by the enforcing jurisdiction or the TCM is identified in the applicable 

implementation plan; 

3. All travel demand management programs and transportation system management activities known 
to the MPO, but not included in the applicable implementation plan or utilizing any federal funding or 

approval, which have been fully adopted, funded by the enforcing jurisdiction or sponsoring agency, or 

both since the last conformity determination on the transportation plan; 

4. The incremental effects of any travel demand management programs and transportation system 

management activities known to the MPO, but not included in the applicable implementation plan or 

utilizing any federal funding or approval, which were adopted, funded or both prior to the date of the last 

conformity determination on the transportation plan, but which have been modified since then to be more 

stringent or effective; 

5. Completion of all expected regionally significant highway and transit projects which are not from a 

conforming transportation plan and TIP; and 

6. Completion of all expected regionally significant non-FHWA/FTA highway and transit projects that 

have clear funding sources and commitments leading toward their implementation and completion by the 

analysis year. 

E. Estimate the emissions predicted to result in each analysis year from travel on the transportation 

systems defined by the "baseline" and "action" scenarios and determine the difference in regional VOC 

and NOX emissions (unless the administrator determines that additional reductions of NOX would not 

contribute to attainment) between the two scenarios for ozone nonattainment areas and the difference in 

CO emissions between the two scenarios for CO nonattainment areas. The analysis shall be performed 

for each of the analysis years according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380. Emissions in milestone 

years which are between the analysis years may be determined by interpolation. 

F. This criterion is met if the regional VOC and NOX emissions (for ozone nonattainment areas) and 

CO emissions (for CO nonattainment areas) predicted in the "action" scenario are less than the emissions 

predicted from the "baseline" scenario in each analysis year, and if this can reasonably be expected to be 

true in the periods between the first milestone year and the analysis years. The regional analysis shall 

show that the "action" scenario contributes to a reduction in emissions from the 1990 emissions by any 

nonzero amount. 
Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-310. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions in ozone and CO areas (TIP). 

A. A TIP shall contribute to emissions reductions in ozone and CO nonattainment areas. This criterion 

applies during the interim and transitional periods only, except as otherwise provided in 9VAC5-150-440. 

It applies to the net effect on emissions of all projects contained in a new or revised TIP. This criterion 

may be satisfied if a regional emissions analysis is performed as described in subsections B through F of 

this section. 

B. Determine the analysis years for which emissions are to be estimated. The first analysis year shall 

be no later than the first milestone year (1995 in CO nonattainment areas and 1996 in ozone 

nonattainment areas). The analysis years shall be no more than 10 years apart. The second analysis year 

shall be either the attainment year for the area, or if the attainment year is the same as the first analysis 

year or earlier, the second analysis year shall be at least five years beyond the first analysis year. The 

last year of the transportation plan's forecast period shall also be an analysis year. 

C. Define the "baseline" scenario as the future transportation system that would result from current 

programs, composed of the following (except that projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420 and 9VAC5-150-430 

need not be explicitly considered): 

1. All in-place regionally significant highway and transit facilities, services and activities; 

2. All ongoing travel demand management or transportation system management activities; and 

3. Completion of all regionally significant projects, regardless of funding source, which are currently 

under construction or are undergoing right-of-way acquisition (except for hardship acquisition and 

protective buying); come from the first three years of the previously conforming TIP; or have completed 

the NEPA process. (For the first conformity determination on the TIP after November 24, 1993, a project 
may not be included in the "baseline" scenario if one of the following major steps has not occurred within 

the past three years: NEPA process completion; start of final design; acquisition of a significant portion of 

the right-of-way; or approval of the plans, specifications and estimates. Such a project shall be included in 

the "action" scenario, as described in subsection D of this section.) 

D. Define the "action" scenario as the future transportation system that will result from the 

implementation of the proposed TIP and other expected regionally significant projects in the 

nonattainment area in the timeframe of the transportation plan. It shall include the following (except that 

projects listed in 9VAC5-150-420 and 9VAC5-150-430 need not be explicitly considered): 

1. All facilities, services, and activities in the "baseline" scenario; 

2. Completion of all TCMs and regionally significant projects (including facilities, services, and 

activities) included in the proposed TIP, except that regulatory TCMs may not be assumed to begin at a 

future time unless the regulation is already adopted by the enforcing jurisdiction or the TCM is contained 

in the applicable implementation plan; 

3. All travel demand management programs and transportation system management activities known 

to the MPO, but not included in the applicable implementation plan or utilizing any federal funding or 

approval, which have been fully adopted, funded or both by the enforcing jurisdiction or sponsoring 

agency since the last conformity determination on the TIP; 

4. The incremental effects of any travel demand management programs and transportation system 

management activities known to the MPO, but not included in the applicable implementation plan or 

utilizing any federal funding or approval, which were adopted, funded or both prior to the date of the last 

conformity determination on the TIP, but which have been modified since then to be more stringent or 

effective; 

5. Completion of all expected regionally significant highway and transit projects which are not from a 

conforming transportation plan and TIP; and 

6. Completion of all expected regionally significant non-FHWA/FTA highway and transit projects that 
have clear funding sources and commitments leading toward their implementation and completion by the 

analysis year. 

E. Estimate the emissions predicted to result in each analysis year from travel on the transportation 

systems defined by the "baseline" and "action" scenarios, and determine the difference in regional VOC 

and NOX emissions (unless the administrator determines that additional reductions of NOX would not 

contribute to attainment) between the two scenarios for ozone nonattainment areas and the difference in 

CO emissions between the two scenarios for CO nonattainment areas. The analysis shall be performed 

for each of the analysis years according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380. Emissions in milestone 

years which are between analysis years may be determined by interpolation. 

F. This criterion is met if the regional VOC and NOX emissions in ozone nonattainment areas and CO 

emissions in CO nonattainment areas predicted in the "action" scenario are less than the emissions 

predicted from the "baseline" scenario in each analysis year, and if this can reasonably be expected to be 

true in the period between the analysis years. The regional analysis shall show that the "action" scenario 

contributes to a reduction in emissions from the 1990 emissions by any nonzero amount. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-320. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions for ozone and CO areas 

(project not from a plan and TIP). 

A transportation project which is not from a conforming transportation plan and TIP shall contribute to 

emissions reductions in ozone and CO nonattainment areas. This criterion applies during the interim and 

transitional periods only, except as otherwise provided in 9VAC5-150-440. This criterion is satisfied if a 

regional emissions analysis is performed which meets the requirements of 9VAC5-150-300 and which 

includes the transportation plan and project in the "action" scenario. If the project which is not from a 
conforming transportation plan and TIP is a modification of a project currently in the plan or TIP, the 

"baseline" scenario shall include the project with its original design concept and scope, and the "action" 

scenario shall include the project with its new design concept and scope. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-330. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions for PM10 and NO2 areas 

(transportation plan). 

A. A transportation plan shall contribute to emission reductions or shall not increase emissions in PM10

and NO2 nonattainment areas. This criterion applies only during the interim and transitional periods. It 

applies to the net effect on emissions of all projects contained in a new or revised transportation plan. 

This criterion may be satisfied if the requirements of either subsection B or C of this section are met. 

B. Demonstrate that implementation of the plan and all other regionally significant projects expected in 

the nonattainment area shall contribute to reductions in emissions of PM10 in a PM10 nonattainment area 

(and of each transportation-related precursor of PM10 in PM10 nonattainment areas if the EPA Regional 

Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a finding that the precursor emissions from within the 

nonattainment area are a significant contributor to the PM10 nonattainment problem and has so notified 

the MPO and USDOT) and of NOX in an NO2 nonattainment area, by performing a regional emissions 

analysis as follows: 

1. Determine the analysis years for which emissions are to be estimated. Analysis years shall be no 

more than 10 years apart. The first analysis year shall be no later than 1996 (for NO2 areas) or four years 

and six months following the date of designation (for PM10 areas). The second analysis year shall be 

either the attainment year for the area, or if the attainment year is the same as the first analysis year or 

earlier, the second analysis year shall be at least five years beyond the first analysis year. The last year of 
the transportation plan's forecast period shall also be an analysis year. 

2. Define for each of the analysis years the "baseline" scenario, as defined in 9VAC5-150-300 C, and 

the "action" scenario, as defined in 9VAC5-150-300 D. 

3. Estimate the emissions predicted to result in each analysis year from travel on the transportation 

systems defined by the "baseline" and "action" scenarios and determine the difference between the two 

scenarios in regional PM10 emissions in a PM10 nonattainment area (and transportation-related precursors 

of PM10 in PM10 nonattainment areas if the EPA Regional Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a 

finding that the precursor emissions from within the nonattainment area are a significant contributor to the 

PM10 nonattainment problem and has so notified the MPO and USDOT) and in NOX emissions in an NO2

nonattainment area. The analysis shall be performed for each of the analysis years according to the 

requirements of 9VAC5-150-380. The analysis shall address the periods between the analysis years and 

the periods between 1990, the first milestone year (if any), and the first of the analysis years. Emissions in 

milestone years which are between the analysis years may be determined by interpolation. 

4. Demonstrate that the regional PM10 emissions and PM10 precursor emissions, where applicable, 

(for PM10 nonattainment areas) and NOX emissions (for NO2 nonattainment areas) predicted in the 

"action" scenario are less than the emissions predicted from the "baseline" scenario in each analysis 

year, and that this can reasonably be expected to be true in the periods between the first milestone year 

(if any) and the analysis years. 

C. Demonstrate that when the projects in the transportation plan and all other regionally significant 

projects expected in the nonattainment area are implemented, the transportation system's total highway 

and transit emissions of PM10 in a PM10 nonattainment area (and transportation-related precursors of 

PM10 in PM10 nonattainment areas if the EPA Regional Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a 

finding that the precursor emissions from within the nonattainment area are a significant contributor to the 

PM10 nonattainment problem and has so notified the MPO and USDOT) and of NOX in an NO2

nonattainment area shall not be greater than baseline levels, by performing a regional emissions analysis 

as follows: 
1. Determine the baseline regional emissions of PM10 and PM10 precursors, where applicable (for 

PM10 nonattainment areas) and NOX (for NO2 nonattainment areas) from highway and transit sources. 

Baseline emissions are those estimated to have occurred during calendar year 1990, unless the 

implementation plan revision required by this regulation defines the baseline emissions for a PM10 area to 

be those occurring in a different calendar year for which a baseline emissions inventory was developed 

for the purpose of developing a control strategy implementation plan. 

2. Estimate the emissions of the applicable pollutant(s) from the entire transportation system, including 

projects in the transportation plan and TIP and all other regionally significant projects in the nonattainment 

area, according to the requirements of 9VAC5-150-380. Emissions shall be estimated for analysis years 

which are no more than 10 years apart. The first analysis year shall be no later than 1996 (for NO2 areas) 

or four years and six months following the date of designation (for PM10 areas). The second analysis year 

shall be either the attainment year for the area, or if the attainment year is the same as the first analysis 

year or earlier, the second analysis year shall be at least five years beyond the first analysis year. The 

last year of the transportation plan's forecast period shall also be an analysis year. 

3. Demonstrate that for each analysis year the emissions estimated in subdivision 2 of this subsection 

are no greater than baseline emissions of PM10 and PM10 precursors, where applicable (for PM10

nonattainment areas) or NOX (for NO2 nonattainment areas) from highway and transit sources. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-340. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions for PM10 and NO2 areas (TIP). 

A. A TIP shall contribute to emission reductions or shall not increase emissions in PM10 and NO2

nonattainment areas. This criterion applies only during the interim and transitional periods. It applies to 

the net effect on emissions of all projects contained in a new or revised TIP. This criterion may be 
satisfied if the requirements of either subsection B or C of this section are met. 

B. Demonstrate that implementation of the plan and TIP and all other regionally significant projects 

expected in the nonattainment area shall contribute to reductions in emissions of PM10 in a PM10

nonattainment area (and transportation-related precursors of PM10 in PM10 nonattainment areas if the 

EPA Regional Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a finding that the precursor emissions from 

within the nonattainment area are a significant contributor to the PM10 nonattainment problem and has so 

notified the MPO and USDOT) and of NOX in an NO2 nonattainment area, by performing a regional 

emissions analysis as follows: 

1. Determine the analysis years for which emissions are to be estimated, according to the 

requirements of 9VAC5-150-330 B 1. 

2. Define for each of the analysis years the "baseline" scenario, as defined in 9VAC5-150-310 C, and 

the "action" scenario, as defined in 9VAC5-150-310 D. 

3. Estimate the emissions predicted to result in each analysis year from travel on the transportation 

systems defined by the "baseline" and "action" scenarios as required by 9VAC5-150-330 B 3, and make 

the demonstration required by 9VAC5-150-330 B. 

C. Demonstrate that when the projects in the transportation plan and TIP and all other regionally 

significant projects expected in the area are implemented, the transportation system's total highway and 

transit emissions of PM10 in a PM10 nonattainment area (and transportation-related precursors of PM10 in 

PM10 nonattainment areas if the EPA Regional Administrator or the DEQ Director has made a finding that 

the precursor emissions from within the nonattainment area are a significant contributor to the PM10

nonattainment problem and has so notified the MPO and USDOT) and of NOX in an NO2 nonattainment 

area shall not be greater than baseline levels, by performing a regional emissions analysis as required by 

9VAC5-150-330 C. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 
Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-350. Criteria and procedures: interim period reductions for PM10 and NO2 areas 

(project not from a plan and TIP). 

A transportation project which is not from a conforming transportation plan and TIP shall contribute to 

emission reductions or shall not increase emissions in PM10 and NO2 nonattainment areas. This criterion 

applies during the interim and transitional periods only. This criterion is met if a regional emissions 

analysis is performed which meets the requirements of 9VAC5-150-330 and which includes the 

transportation plan and project in the "action" scenario. If the project which is not from a conforming 

transportation plan and TIP is a modification of a project currently in the transportation plan or TIP, and 

9VAC5-150-330 B is used to demonstrate satisfaction of this criterion, the "baseline" scenario shall 

include the project with its original design concept and scope, and the "action" scenario shall include the 

project with its new design concept and scope. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-360. Transition from the interim period to the control strategy period. 

A. For areas that submit control strategy implementation plans the following requirements shall be 

met. 

1. The transportation plan and TIP must be demonstrated to conform by 18 months from the date of 

the state's initial submission to EPA of each control strategy implementation plan establishing a motor 

vehicle emissions budget. If conformity is not determined by 18 months from the date of submission of 

such control strategy implementation plan, the conformity status of the transportation plan and TIP will 

lapse, and no new project-level conformity determinations may be made until the transportation plan and 
TIP have been demonstrated to conform. 

2. For areas not yet in the control strategy period for a given pollutant, conformity shall be 

demonstrated using the motor vehicle emissions budget(s) in a submitted control strategy implementation 

plan revision for that pollutant beginning 90 days after submission unless EPA declares such budget or 

budgets inadequate for transportation conformity purposes. The motor vehicle emissions budget or 

budgets may be used to determine conformity during the first 90 days after its submission if EPA agrees 

that the budget or budgets are adequate for conformity purposes. 

B. For areas that submit a plan and the plan is disapproved: 

1. If EPA disapproves the submitted control strategy implementation plan revision and so notifies the 

state, MPO, and USDOT, which initiates the sanction process under § 179 or 110(m) of the federal Clean 

Air Act, the conformity status of the transportation plan and TIP shall lapse 120 days after EPA's 

disapproval, and no new project-level conformity determinations may be made. No new transportation 

plan, TIP, or project may be found to conform until another control strategy implementation plan revision 

fulfilling the same federal Clean Air Act requirements is submitted and conformity to this submission is 

determined. 

2. Notwithstanding subdivision 1 of this subsection, if EPA disapproves the submitted control strategy 

implementation plan revision but makes a protective finding, the conformity status of the transportation 

plan and TIP shall lapse on the date that highway sanctions as a result of the disapproval are imposed on 

the nonattainment area under § 179(b)(1) of the federal Clean Air Act. No new transportation plan, TIP, or 

project may be found to conform until another control strategy implementation plan revision fulfilling the 

same federal Clean Air Act requirements is submitted and conformity to this submission is determined.

C. For areas where EPA notifies the state, MPO, and USDOT of the state's failure to submit or 

submission of an incomplete control strategy implementation plan revision, which initiates the sanction 

process under § 179 or 110(m) of the federal Clean Air Act, the conformity status of the transportation 

plan and TIP shall lapse on the date that highway sanctions are imposed on the nonattainment area for 

such failure under § 179(b)(1) of the federal Clean Air Act, unless the failure has been remedied and 
acknowledged by a letter from the EPA Regional Administrator. 

D. When EPA promulgates a federal implementation plan that contains motor vehicle emissions 

budget or budgets as a result of a state failure, the conformity lapse imposed by this section because of

that state failure is removed. 

E. For FHWA/FTA projects, if the currently conforming transportation plan and TIP have not been 

demonstrated to conform according to transitional period criteria and procedures, the requirements of 

subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection shall be met. 

1. Before a FHWA/FTA project which is regionally significant and increases single-occupant vehicle 

capacity (a new general purpose highway on a new location or adding general purpose lanes) may be 

found to conform, the DEQ shall be consulted on how the emissions which the existing transportation plan 

and TIP's conformity determination estimates for the "action" scenario (as required by 9VAC5-150-300 

through 9VAC5-150-350) compare to the motor vehicle emissions budget in the implementation plan 

submission or the projected motor vehicle emissions budget in the implementation plan under 

development. 

2. In the event of unresolved disputes on the project-level conformity determinations, the DEQ Director 

may escalate the issue to the Governor consistent with the procedure in 9VAC5-150-130 D, which applies 

for any DEQ comments on a conformity determination. 

F. For the redetermination of conformity of the existing transportation plan and TIP according to the 

transitional period criteria and procedures, the requirements of subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection 

shall be met. 

1. The redetermination of the conformity of the existing transportation plan and TIP according to 

transitional period criteria and procedures (as required by subdivision A 1 of this section and subsection D 

of this section) does not require new emissions analysis and does not have to satisfy the requirements of 

9VAC5-150-180 and 9VAC5-150-190 if: 

a. The control strategy implementation plan revision submitted to EPA uses the MPO's 
modeling of the existing transportation plan and TIP for its projections of motor vehicle 

emissions; and 

b. The control strategy implementation plan does not include any transportation projects which 

are not included in the transportation plan and TIP. 

2. A redetermination of conformity as described in subdivision 1 of this subsection is not considered a 

conformity determination for the purposes of 9VAC5-150-120 B 4 or C 4 regarding the maximum intervals 

between conformity determinations. Conformity shall be determined according to all the applicable criteria 

and procedures of 9VAC5-150-170 within three years of the last determination which did not rely on 

subdivision 1 of this subsection. 

G. For nonattainment areas which are not required to demonstrate reasonable further progress and 

attainment, if an area listed in 9VAC5-150-440 submits a control strategy implementation plan revision, 

the requirements of subsections A and E of this section apply. Because the areas listed in 9VAC5-150-

440 are not required to demonstrate reasonable further progress and attainment, the provisions of 

subsections B and C of this section do not apply to these areas. 

H. For maintenance plans, if a control strategy implementation plan revision is not submitted to EPA 

but a maintenance plan required by § 175A of the federal Clean Air Act is submitted to EPA, the 

requirements of subsection A or D of this section apply, with the maintenance plan submission treated as 

a "control strategy implementation plan revision" for the purposes of those requirements. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-370. Requirements for adoption or approval of projects by recipients of funds 

designated under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act. 

No recipient of federal funds designated under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act shall adopt or 
approve a regionally significant highway or transit project, regardless of funding source, unless there is a 

currently conforming transportation plan and TIP consistent with the requirements of 9VAC5-150-220 and 

the requirements of one of the following subdivisions are met: 

1. The project comes from a conforming plan and program consistent with the requirements of 9VAC5-

150-230; 

2. The project is included in the regional emissions analysis supporting the currently conforming TIP's 

conformity determination, even if the project is not strictly "included" in the TIP for the purposes of MPO 

project selection or endorsement, and the project's design concept and scope have not changed 

significantly from those which were included in the regional emissions analysis, or in a manner which 

would significantly impact use of the facility; 

3. During the control strategy or maintenance period, the project is consistent with the motor vehicle 

emissions budget(s) in the applicable implementation plan consistent with the requirements of 9VAC5-

150-280; 

4. During Phase II of the interim period, the project contributes to emissions reductions or does not 

increase emissions consistent with the requirements of 9VAC5-150-320 (in ozone and CO nonattainment 

areas) or 9VAC5-150-350 (in PM10 and NO2 nonattainment areas); or 

5. During the transitional period, the project satisfies the requirements of subdivisions 3 and 4 of this 

subsection. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-380. Procedures for determining regional transportation-related emissions. 

A. With regard to conducting regional analyses for transportation-related emissions, the requirements 

of this subsection shall be met. 
1. The regional emissions analysis for the transportation plan, TIP, or project not from a conforming 

plan and TIP shall include all regionally significant projects expected in the nonattainment or maintenance 

area, including FHWA/FTA projects proposed in the transportation plan and TIP and all other regionally 

significant projects which are disclosed to the MPO as required by 9VAC5-150-130. Projects which are 

not regionally significant are not required to be explicitly modeled, but VMT from the projects shall be

estimated in accordance with reasonable professional practice. The effects of TCMs and similar projects 

that are not regionally significant may also be estimated in accordance with reasonable professional 

practice. 

2. The emissions analysis may not include for emissions reduction credit any TCMs which have been 

delayed beyond the scheduled date(s) until such time as implementation has been assured. If the TCM 

has been partially implemented and it can be demonstrated that it is providing quantifiable emission 

reduction benefits, the emissions analysis may include that emissions reduction credit. 

3. Emissions reduction credit from projects, programs, or activities which require a regulation in order 

to be implemented may not be included in the emissions analysis unless the regulation is already adopted 

by the enforcing jurisdiction. Adopted regulations are required for demand management strategies for 

reducing emissions which are not specifically identified in the applicable implementation plan, and for 

control programs which are external to the transportation system itself, such as tailpipe or evaporative 

emission standards, limits on gasoline volatility, inspection and maintenance programs, and oxygenated 

or reformulated gasoline or diesel fuel. A regulatory program may also be considered to be adopted if an 

opt-in to a federally enforced program has been approved by EPA, if EPA has promulgated the program 

(if the control program is a federal responsibility, such as tailpipe standards), or if the federal Clean Air Act 

requires the program without need for individual state action and without any discretionary authority for 

EPA to set its stringency, delay its effective date, or not implement the program. 

4. Notwithstanding subdivision 3 of this subsection, during the transitional period, control measures or 

programs which are committed to in an implementation plan submission as described in 9VAC5-150-260 

through 9VAC5-150-280, but which has not received final EPA action in the form of a finding of 
incompleteness, approval, or disapproval may be assumed for emission reduction credit for the purpose 

of demonstrating that the requirements of 9VAC5-150-260 through 9VAC5-150-280 are satisfied. 

5. A regional emissions analysis for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of 9VAC5-150-300 

through 9VAC5-150-320 may account for the programs in subdivision 4 of this subsection, but the same 

assumptions about these programs shall be used for both the "baseline" and "action" scenarios. 

6. Ambient temperatures shall be consistent with those used to establish the emissions budget in the 

applicable implementation plan. Factors other than temperatures, for example, the fraction of travel in a 

hot stabilized engine mode, may be modified after interagency consultation according to 9VAC5-150-130 

if the newer estimates incorporate additional or more geographically specific information or represent a 

logically estimated trend in the factors beyond the period considered in the applicable implementation 

plan. 

B. For serious, severe, and extreme ozone nonattainment areas and serious carbon monoxide areas 

after January 1, 1995, estimates of regional transportation-related emissions used to support conformity 

determinations shall be made according to procedures which meet the requirements in subsection B of 

this section. 

1. A network-based transportation demand model or models relating travel demand and transportation 

system performance to land-use patterns, population demographics, employment, transportation 

infrastructure, and transportation policies shall be used to estimate travel within the metropolitan planning 

area of the nonattainment area. The model shall possess the following attributes: 

a. The modeling methods and the functional relationships used in the model(s) shall in all 

respects be in accordance with acceptable professional practice, and reasonable for purposes 

of emission estimation; 

b. The network-based model(s) shall be validated against ground counts for a base year that is 

not more than 10 years prior to the date of the conformity determination. Land use, population, 

and other inputs shall be based on the best available information and appropriate to the 

validation base year; 
c. For peak-hour or peak-period traffic assignments, a capacity sensitive assignment 

methodology shall be used; 

d. Zone-to-zone travel times used to distribute trips between origin and destination pairs shall 

be in reasonable agreement with the travel times which result from the process of assignment 

of trips to network links. Where use of transit currently is anticipated to be a significant factor in 

satisfying transportation demand, these times should also be used for modeling mode splits; 

e. Free-flow speeds on network links shall be based on empirical observations; 

f. Peak and off-peak travel demand and travel times shall be provided; 

g. Trip distribution and mode choice shall be sensitive to pricing, where pricing is a significant 

factor, if the network model is capable of such determinations and the necessary information is 

available; 

h. The model(s) shall utilize and document a logical correspondence between the assumed 

scenario of land development and use and the future transportation system for which emissions 

are being estimated. Reliance on a formal land-use model is not specifically required but is 

encouraged; 

i. A dependence of trip generation on the accessibility of destinations via the transportation 

system (including pricing) is strongly encouraged but not specifically required, unless the 

network model is capable of such determinations and the necessary information is available; 

j. A dependence of regional economic and population growth on the accessibility of destinations 

via the transportation system is strongly encouraged but not specifically required, unless the 

network model is capable of such determinations and the necessary information is available; 

and 

k. Consideration of emissions increases from construction-related congestion is not specifically 

required. 

2. Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) estimates of vehicle miles traveled shall be 
considered the primary measure of vehicle miles traveled within the portion of the nonattainment or 

maintenance area and for the functional classes of roadways included in HPMS, for urban areas which 

are sampled on a separate urban area basis. A factor (or factors) shall be developed to reconcile and 

calibrate the network-based model estimates of vehicle miles traveled in the base year of its validation to 

the HPMS estimates for the same period, and these factors shall be applied to model estimates of future 

vehicle miles traveled. In this factoring process, consideration shall be given to differences in the facility 

coverage of the HPMS and the modeled network description. Departure from these procedures is 

permitted with the concurrence of USDOT and EPA. 

3. Reasonable methods shall be used to estimate nonattainment area vehicle travel on off-network 

roadways within the urban transportation planning area, and on roadways outside the urban 

transportation planning area. 

4. Reasonable methods in accordance with good practice shall be used to estimate traffic speeds and 

delays in a manner that is sensitive to the estimated volume of travel on each roadway segment 

represented in the network model. 

C. For areas which are not serious, severe, or extreme ozone nonattainment areas or serious carbon 

monoxide areas, or before January 1, 1995, the requirements of this subsection shall be met. 

1. Procedures which satisfy some or all of the requirements of subsection B of this section shall be 

used in all areas not subject to subsection B of this section in which those procedures have been the 

previous practice of the MPO. 

2. Regional emissions may be estimated by methods which do not explicitly or comprehensively 

account for the influence of land use and transportation infrastructure on vehicle miles traveled and traffic 

speeds and congestion. The methods shall account for VMT growth by extrapolating historical VMT or 

projecting future VMT by considering growth in population and historical growth trends for vehicle miles 

travelled per person. These methods shall also consider future economic activity, transit alternatives, and 

transportation system policies. 

D. This subsection applies to any nonattainment or maintenance area or any portion thereof which 
does not have a metropolitan transportation plan or TIP and whose projects are not part of the emissions 

analysis of any MPO's metropolitan transportation plan or TIP (because the nonattainment or 

maintenance area or portion thereof does not contain a metropolitan planning area or portion of a 

metropolitan planning area and is not part of a Metropolitan Statistical Area or Consolidated Metropolitan 

Statistical Area which is or contains a nonattainment or maintenance area). 

1. Conformity demonstrations for projects in these areas may satisfy the requirements of 9VAC5-150-

280, 9VAC5-150-320, and 9VAC5-150-350 with one regional emissions analysis which includes all the 

regionally significant projects in the nonattainment or maintenance area (or portion thereof). 

2. The requirements of 9VAC5-150-280 shall be satisfied according to the procedures in 9VAC5-150-

280 C, with references to the "transportation plan" taken to mean the statewide transportation plan. 

3. The requirements of 9VAC5-150-320 and 9VAC5-150-350 which reference "transportation plan" or 

"TIP" shall be taken to mean those projects in the statewide transportation plan or statewide TIP which 

are in the nonattainment or maintenance area (or portion thereof). 

4. The requirement of 9VAC5-150-370 B shall be satisfied if: 

a. The project is included in the regional emissions analysis which includes all regionally 

significant highway and transportation projects in the nonattainment or maintenance area (or 

portion thereof) and supports the most recent conformity determination made according to the 

requirements of 9VAC5-150-280, 9VAC5-150-320, or 9VAC5-150-350 (as modified by 

subdivisions 2 and 3 of this subsection), as appropriate for the time period and pollutant; and 

b. The project's design concept and scope have not changed significantly from those which 

were included in the regional emissions analysis, or in a manner which would significantly 

impact use of the facility. 

E. For PM10 from construction-related fugitive dust, the requirements of this subsection shall be met. 

1. For areas in which the implementation plan does not identify construction-related fugitive PM10 as a 

contributor to the nonattainment problem, the fugitive PM10 emissions associated with highway and transit 
project construction are not required to be considered in the regional emissions analysis. 

2. In PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas with implementation plans which identify 

construction-related fugitive PM10 as a contributor to the nonattainment problem, the regional PM10

emissions analysis shall consider construction-related fugitive PM10 and shall account for the level of 

construction activity, the fugitive PM10 control measures in the applicable implementation plan, and the 

dust-producing capacity of the proposed activities. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-390. Procedures for determining localized CO and PM10 concentrations (hot-spot 

analysis). 

A. In the following cases, CO hot-spot analyses shall be based on the applicable air quality models, 

data bases, and other requirements specified in Appendix W of 40 CFR Part 51, unless, after the 

interagency consultation process described in 9VAC5-150-130 and with the approval of the EPA Regional 

Administrator, these models, data bases, and other requirements are determined to be inappropriate: 

1. For projects in or affecting locations, areas, or categories of sites which are identified in the 

applicable implementation plan as sites of current violation or possible current violation; 

2. For those intersections at Level-of-Service D, E, or F, or those that will change to Level-of-Service 

D, E, or F because of increased traffic volumes related to a new project in the vicinity; 

3. For any project involving or affecting any of the intersections which the applicable implementation 

plan identifies as the top three intersections in the nonattainment or maintenance area based on the 

highest traffic volumes; 

4. For any project involving or affecting any of the intersections which the applicable implementation 

plan identifies as the top three intersections in the nonattainment or maintenance area based on the worst 
Level-of-Service; and 

5. Where use of the "guideline" models is practicable and reasonable given the potential for violations. 

B. In cases other than those described in subsection A of this section, other quantitative methods may 

be used if they represent reasonable and common professional practice. 

C. CO hot-spot analyses shall include the entire project, and may be performed only after the major 

design features which shall significantly impact CO concentrations have been identified. The background 

concentration can be estimated using the ratio of future-to-current traffic multiplied by the ratio of futureto-current emission factors. 

D. PM10 hot-spot analysis shall be performed for projects which are located at sites at which violations 

have been verified by monitoring, and at sites which have essentially identical vehicle and roadway 

emission and dispersion characteristics (including sites near one at which a violation has been 

monitored). The projects which require PM10 hot-spot analysis shall be determined through the 

interagency consultation process required in 9VAC5-150-130. In PM10 nonattainment and maintenance 

areas, new or expanded bus and rail terminals and transfer points which increase the number of diesel 

vehicles congregating at a single location require hot-spot analysis. USDOT may choose to make a 

categorical conformity determination on bus and rail terminals or transfer points based on appropriate 

modeling of various terminal sizes, configurations, and activity levels. The requirements of this subsection 

for quantitative hot-spot analysis shall not take effect until EPA releases modeling guidance on this 

subject and announces in the Federal Register that these requirements are in effect. 

E. Hot-spot analysis assumptions shall be consistent with those in the regional emissions analysis for 

those inputs which are required for both analyses. 

F. PM10 or CO mitigation or control measures shall be assumed in the hot-spot analysis only where 

there are written commitments from the project sponsor, operator or both, to the implementation of the 

measures, as required by 9VAC5-150-410 A. 

G. CO and PM10 hot-spot analyses are not required to consider construction-related activities which 
cause temporary increases in emissions. Each site which is affected by construction-related activities 

shall be considered separately, using established "guideline" methods. Temporary increases are defined 

as those which occur only during the construction phase and last five years or less at any individual site. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-400. Using the motor vehicle emissions budget in the applicable implementation plan 

(or implementation plan submission). 

A. In interpreting an applicable implementation plan (or implementation plan submission) with respect 

to its motor vehicle emissions budget or budgets, the MPO and USDOT may not infer additions to the 

budget or budgets that are not explicitly intended by the implementation plan (or submission). Unless the 

implementation plan explicitly quantifies the amount by which motor vehicle emissions could be higher 

while still allowing a demonstration of compliance with the milestone, attainment, or maintenance 

requirement and explicitly states an intent that some or all of this additional amount should be available to 

the MPO and USDOT in the emission budget for conformity purposes, the MPO may not interpret the 

budget to be higher than the implementation plan's estimate of future emissions. This applies in particular 

to applicable implementation plans (or submissions) which demonstrate that after implementation of 

control measures in the implementation plan: 

1. Emissions from all sources shall be less than the total emissions that would be consistent with a 

required demonstration of an emissions reduction milestone; 

2. Emissions from all sources shall result in achieving attainment prior to the attainment deadline or 

ambient concentrations in the attainment deadline year shall be lower than needed to demonstrate 

attainment, or both; or 

3. Emissions shall be lower than needed to provide for continued maintenance. 
B. If an applicable implementation plan submitted before November 24, 1993, demonstrates that 

emissions from all sources shall be less than the total emissions that would be consistent with attainment 

and quantifies that "safety margin," the state may submit a SIP revision which assigns some or all of this 

safety margin to highway and transit mobile sources for the purposes of conformity. The SIP revision, 

once it is endorsed by the Governor and has been subject to a public hearing, may be used for the 

purposes of transportation conformity before it is approved by EPA. 

C. A conformity demonstration shall not trade emissions among budgets which the applicable 

implementation plan (or implementation plan submission) allocates for different pollutants or precursors, 

or among budgets allocated to motor vehicles and other sources, without a SIP revision or a SIP which 

establishes mechanisms for the trades. 

D. If the applicable implementation plan (or implementation plan submission) estimates future 

emissions by geographic subarea of the nonattainment area, the MPO and USDOT are not required to 

consider this to establish subarea budgets, unless the applicable implementation plan (or implementation 

plan submission) explicitly indicates an intent to create the subarea budgets for the purposes of 

conformity. 

E. If a nonattainment area includes more than one MPO, the SIP may establish motor vehicle 

emissions budgets for each MPO, or else the MPOs shall collectively make a conformity determination for 

the entire nonattainment area. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-410. Enforceability of design concept and scope and project-level mitigation and 

control measures. 

A. Prior to determining that a transportation project is in conformity, the MPO, other recipient of funds 
designated under Title 23 USC or the Federal Transit Act, FHWA, or FTA shall obtain from the project 

sponsor, operator or both, written commitments to implement in the construction of the project and 

operation of the resulting facility or service any project-level mitigation or control measures which are 

identified as conditions for NEPA process completion with respect to local PM10 or CO impacts. Before 

making conformity determinations written commitments shall also be obtained for project-level mitigation 

or control measures which are conditions for making conformity determinations for a transportation plan 

or TIP and included in the project design concept and scope which is used in the regional emissions 

analysis required by 9VAC5-150-260 through 9VAC5-150-280 and 9VAC5-150-300 through 9VAC5-150-

320 or used in the project-level hot-spot analysis required by 9VAC5-150-240 and 9VAC5-150-290. 

B. Project sponsors voluntarily committing to mitigation measures to facilitate positive conformity 

determinations shall comply with the obligations of the commitments. 

C. The implementation plan revision required in this regulation shall provide that written commitments 

to mitigation measures shall be obtained prior to a positive conformity determination, and that project 

sponsors shall comply with the commitments. 

D. During the control strategy and maintenance periods, if the MPO or project sponsor believes the 

mitigation or control measure is no longer necessary for conformity, the project sponsor or operator may 

be relieved of its obligation to implement the mitigation or control measure if it can demonstrate that the 

requirements of 9VAC5-150-240, 9VAC5-150-260, and 9VAC5-150-270 are satisfied without the 

mitigation or control measure, and so notifies the agencies involved in the interagency consultation 

process required under 9VAC5-150-130. The MPO and USDOT shall confirm that the transportation plan 

and TIP still satisfy the requirements of 9VAC5-150-260 and 9VAC5-150-270 and that the project still 

satisfies the requirements of 9VAC5-150-240, and therefore that the conformity determinations for the 

transportation plan, TIP, and project are still valid. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-420. Exempt projects. 

Notwithstanding the other requirements of this chapter, highway and transit projects of the types listed 

in Table 2 are exempt from the requirement that a conformity determination be made. The projects may 

proceed toward implementation even in the absence of a conforming transportation plan and TIP. A 

particular action of the type listed in Table 2 is not exempt if the MPO in consultation with other agencies 

(see 9VAC5-150-130 C 1 c), the EPA, and the FHWA (in the case of a highway project) or the FTA (in the 

case of a transit project) concur that it has potentially adverse emissions impacts for any reason. States 

and MPOs shall ensure that exempt projects do not interfere with TCM implementation. 

Table 2. 

Exempt Projects. 

SAFETY 

Railroad/highway crossing 

Hazard elimination program 

Safer non-federal-aid system roads 

Shoulder improvements 

Increasing sight distance 

Safety improvement program 

Traffic control devices and operating assistance other than signalization projects 

Railroad/highway crossing warning devices 

Guardrails, median barriers, crash cushions 

Pavement resurfacing, rehabilitation or both 

Pavement marking demonstration 

Emergency relief (23 USC 125) 
Fencing 

Skid treatments 

Safety roadside rest areas 

Adding medians 

Truck climbing lanes outside the urbanized area 

Lighting improvements 

Widening narrow pavements or reconstructing bridges (no additional travel lanes) 

Emergency truck pullovers 

MASS TRANSIT 

Operating assistance to transit agencies 

Purchase of support vehicles 

Rehabilitation of transit vehicles1 

Purchase of office, shop, and operating equipment for existing facilities 

Purchase of operating equipment for vehicles (e.g., radios, fareboxes, lifts, etc.) 

Construction or renovation of power, signal, and communications systems 

Construction of small passenger shelters and information kiosks 

Reconstruction or renovation of transit buildings and structures (e.g., rail or bus buildings, storage and 

maintenance facilities, stations, terminals, and ancillary structures) 

Rehabilitation or reconstruction of track structures, track, and trackbed in existing rights-of-way 

Purchase of new buses and rail cars to replace existing vehicles or for minor expansions of the fleet1 

Construction of new bus or rail storage/maintenance facilities categorically excluded in 23 CFR 771 

AIR QUALITY 

Continuation of ride-sharing and van-pooling promotion activities at current levels Bicycle and 

pedestrian facilities 
OTHER 

Specific activities which do not involve or lead directly to construction, such as: 

Planning and technical studies 

Grants for training and research programs 

Planning activities conducted pursuant to Titles 23 and 49 USC 

Federal-aid systems revisions 

Engineering to assess social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed action or 

alternatives to that action 

Noise attenuation 

Advance land acquisitions (23 CFR 712 or 23 CFR 771) 

Acquisition of scenic easements 

Plantings, landscaping, etc. 

Sign removal 

Directional and informational signs 

Transportation enhancement activities (except rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation 

buildings, structures, or facilities) 

Repair of damage caused by natural disasters, civil unrest, or terrorist acts, except projects involving 

substantial functional, locational or capacity changes 

1In PM10 nonattainment or maintenance areas, the projects are exempt only if they are in 

compliance with control measures in the applicable implementation plan. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 
9VAC5-150-430. Projects exempt from regional emissions analyses. 

Notwithstanding the other requirements of this chapter, highway and transit projects of the types listed 

in Table 3 are exempt from regional emissions analysis requirements. The local effects of these projects 

with respect to CO or PM10 concentrations shall be considered to determine if a hot-spot analysis is 

required prior to making a project-level conformity determination. These projects may then proceed to the 

project development process even in the absence of a conforming transportation plan and TIP. A 

particular action of the type listed in Table 3 is not exempt from regional emissions analysis if the MPO in 

consultation with other agencies (see 9VAC5-150-130 C 1 c), the EPA, and the FHWA (in the case of a 

highway project) or the FTA (in the case of a transit project) concur that it has potential regional impacts 

for any reason. 

Table 3. 

Projects Exempt From Regional Emissions Analyses. 

Intersection channelization projects 

Intersection signalization projects at individual intersections 

Interchange reconfiguration projects 

Changes in vertical and horizontal alignment 

Truck size and weight inspection stations 

Bus terminals and transfer points 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-440. Special provisions for nonattainment areas which are not required to demonstrate 

reasonable further progress and attainment. 
A. This section applies in the following areas: 

1. Rural transport ozone nonattainment areas; 

2. Marginal ozone areas; 

3. Submarginal ozone areas; 

4. Transitional ozone areas; 

5. Incomplete data ozone areas; 

6. Moderate CO areas with a design value of 12.7 ppm or less; and 

7. Not classified CO areas. 

B. The criteria and procedures in 9VAC5-150-300 through 9VAC5-150-320 shall remain in effect 

throughout the control strategy period for transportation plans, TIPs, and projects (not from a conforming 

plan and TIP) in lieu of the procedures in 9VAC5-150-260 through 9VAC5-150-280, except as otherwise 

provided in subsection C of this section. 

C. The LPO may voluntarily develop an attainment demonstration and corresponding motor vehicle 

emissions budget like those required in areas with higher nonattainment classifications. In this case, the 

DEQ shall submit an implementation plan revision which contains that budget and attainment 

demonstration. Once EPA has approved this implementation plan revision, the procedures in 9VAC5-150-

260 through 9VAC5-150-280 apply in lieu of the procedures in 9VAC5-150-300 through 9VAC5-150-320. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997. 

9VAC5-150-450. Review and confirmation of this chapter by board. 

A. Prior to January 1, 2000, the department shall provide the board with an analysis to include (i) an 

assessment of the effectiveness of this chapter, (ii) the status of any specific federal requirements and the 
identification of any provisions more stringent than the federal requirements, (iii) the federal approval 

status of this chapter and (iv) an assessment of the need for continuation of this chapter. 

B. Upon review of the department's analysis, the board shall confirm (i) the continuation of this 

chapter, (ii) the repeal of this chapter or (iii) the need to amend this chapter. If a decision is made in either 

of the latter two cases, the board shall authorize the department to initiate the applicable regulatory 

process to carry out the decision of the board. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 26, eff. January 1, 1997.