A Review of Relevant Rules, Regulatory History, Agency Practice, and Case Law Concerning Pre-TMDL Permitting to Impaired Waters

Authors: Hall, John C.; Rosenman, Philip D.

Source: Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, WEFTEC 2008: Session 101 through Session 115 , pp. 7988-7999(12)

Publisher: Water Environment Federation

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Abstract:

Thousands of waterbodies in the United States are currently listed as impaired. Although the TMDL process will eventually address these impairments, the reality is that it will take some time before all the TMDLs are prepared. As such, pre-TMDL permitting to new and existing discharges has emerged as a very important issue in the NPDES regulatory program. Unfortunately, the regulations are ambiguous or silent on this issue, and permitting agencies have been forced to take various case-by-case interim approaches which usually allow the permittee to maintain existing performance. EPA headquarters, however, apparently believes that an immediate WQBEL must be issued to dischargers causing or contributing to an impaired stream, regardless of their proportionate contribution. Although there is an exception, the courts have recognized the practical effect of such a requirement and generally agreed with the regional and state permitting agencies on the issue.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2175/193864708788808807

Publication date: 2008-01-01

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Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation is an archive of papers published in the proceedings of the annual Water Environment Federation® Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC® ) and specialty conferences held since the year 2000. These proceedings are not peer reviewed.

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A Review of Relevant Rules, Regulatory History, Agency Practice, and Case Law Concerning Pre-TMDL Permitting to Impaired Waters

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