Regulacje i polityka gospodarcza · 4.09.2013
Water Quality Standards Regulatory Clarifications
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the federal water quality standards (WQS) regulation which helps implement the Clean Water Act. The changes will improve the regulation's effectiveness in restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. The EPA is seeking comments from interested parties on these proposed revisions. The core of the current regulation has been in place since 1983; since then, a number of issues have been raised by states, tribes, or stakeholders or identified by the EPA in the implementation process that will benefit from clarification and greater specificity. The proposed rule addresses the following key program areas: Administrator's determinations that new or revised WQS are necessary, designated uses, triennial reviews, antidegradation, variances to WQS, and compliance schedule authorizing provisions.