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Regional Decisions

Regional Decisions on State and Tribal Water Quality Standards

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Regional Decisions

• By State: IL | IN | MI| MN | OH | WI
• By Date: 2008 | 2009

Illinois

• Illinois Revised Standard for Sulfate
  On March 19, 2009, EPA approved Illinois' WQS rules regarding sulfate and total dissolved solids.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (3pp., 93 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (12pp., 296 KB)

• Illinois Revised Standard for Dissolved Oxygen
  On December 18, 2008, EPA approved revisions to Illinois' WQS rules regarding a revised dissolved oxygen.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, brossman.eric@epa.gov, 312-886-0233)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 29 KB)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (8pp., 178 KB)

• Illinois Site-Specific Standard for Total Dissolved Solids for the Lower Des Plaines River
  On October 30, 2008, EPA approved a site-specific standard for total dissolved solids (TDS) for the Lower Des Plaines River.  Specifically, this revised WQS will allow the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet to comply with the TDS standard during winter months.  (Contact:  Tom Poleck, poleck.thomas@epa.gov, 312-886-0217)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 30 KB)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (12pp., 274 KB)

Indiana

• Indiana Standard for Sulfate
  On November 6, 2008, EPA approved revisions to Indiana's WQS rules regarding a revised sulfate standard.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, brossman.eric@epa.gov, 312-886-0233)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 55 KB)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (26pp., 362 KB)

• Indiana’s Standards for E. coli
  On August 22, 2008 EPA approved revisions to Indiana's bacteria standards for the protection of primary contact recreational use.  Specifically, E. coli criteria consistent with EPA 1986 bacteria criteria guidance and the BEACH Act were adopted by Indiana.  (Contact:  Holly Wirick, wirick.holiday@epa.gov, 312-353-6704)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp, 38KB)
• Record of Decision (PDF) for EPA Approval of Revised Water Quality Standards for the State of Indiana at 327 IAC 2-1-6(d)(1)-(3) and 327 IAC 2-1.5-8(e)(1)-(3) - Enclosure to approval letter (4pp, 80KB)

• Indiana’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Rule
  On June 9, 2008 EPA approved a change to Indiana’s water quality standards addressing combined sewer overflows. The rules clarify when a community may seek a change in the water quality standards that apply to combined sewer overflow - impacted waters.  (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
  • EPA Approval Letter of Indiana's CSO Ruling (3pp, 165KB)
  • Attachment to approval letter - Enclosure: U.S. EPA Approval of New or Revised Water Quality Standards for the State of Indiana and Revisions to the State of Indiana's Approved NPDES Permitting Program (14pp, 1.87 MB)

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Michigan

• Revisions to Michigan's Mercury Permitting Policy
  On September 30, 2008 EPA approved revisions to Michigan's policy for developing the level currently achievable (LCA) by the permittee for mercury for use in Michigan's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.  The revised LCA procedure replaces a component of the mercury multiple discharger variance that EPA approved in 2004.  (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
  • EPA's Approval Letter and Rationale for Approval (PDF) (12pp., 607 KB)

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Minnesota

• Minnesota’s Triennial Review WQS Rule Revisions
  On May 23, 2008 EPA approved the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) triennial review revisions to their WQS rules that were adopted and published in the State Register on March 10, 2008.  The approved rules included:  nutrients for lakes, shallow lakes and reservoirs, two pesticides (acetachlor and metolachlor), fish-tissue based mercury, E. coli bacteria to replace the current fecal coliform standard, updated lists of trout waters and Class 1 drinking waters, and designated use changes for a dozen waterbodies to Class 7 limited resource waters.  In addition, the rule changes included several non-WQS but related revisions to permit and effluent limit provisions including the expanded application of a 1 mg/L phosphorus limit to new or expanding facilities that discharge in excess of 1,800 pounds of phosphorus per year.  More information on these rule revisions can be found on the MPCA website at:  http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/standards/rulechange.html  (Contact:  Tom Poleck, poleck.thomas@epa.gov, 312-886-0217)
  • EPA Approval Letter (PDF) (4pp, 418KB)
  • Record of Decision (PDF) on Revisions to Minnesota’s Water Quality Standards (Minn. R. ch. 7050 and 7053) Adopted March 10, 2008. (84pp, 308KB)
  • Memo to EPA (PDF) transmitting Minnesota’s WQS rule revisions (4pp, 898KB)

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Ohio

• Amendments to Ohio Use Designation Rules (OAC 3745-1-09)
  On February 23, 2009, EPA approved a package of designated use revisions from the Ohio EPA.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Pete Jackson, jackson.peter@epa.gov, 312-886-3894)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 85 KB)
  • Final Submittal Review, Revisions to Ohio's Designated Use Rules (PDF) (10pp., 358 KB)
    
• WQS Revisions to Ohio's Rules at OAC 3745-1 and 3745-2
  On February 20, 2009, EPA approved a package of designated use revisions from the Ohio EPA.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Mari Nord, nord.mari@epa.gov, 312-886-3017)
  • EPA's Review Letter (PDF) (2pp., 71 KB)
  • CWA Review Document (PDF) (8pp., 444 KB)

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Wisconsin

• Menominee, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On July 29, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance from the mercury wildlife standard for Menominee, Wisconsin.  (Contact: Holly Wirick, wirick.holiday@epa.gov, 312-353-6704)
  
  • EPA's Menominee Approval Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 52K)
  • Menominee Review Document (PDF) (4 pp, 208K)
    
    
• Wisconsin WQS Revisions to Water Quality Criteria
  On July 1, 2009, EPA approved several revisions to Wisconsin water quality criteria for aquatic life and human health.  (Contact:  Francine Norling, 312-886-0271)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (3p., 118 KB)
• Rationale for Approval Decision (PDF) (38pp., 1,678 KB)

• City of Rice Lake, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On May 26, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Rice Lake Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 28 KB)
• Rationale for Approval Decision (PDF) (6pp., 179 KB)

• Menasha West Sewerage Commission, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On May 26, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Menasha West Sewerage Commission, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp., 43 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 327 KB)

• Little Rapids Corporation, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On June 22, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Little Rapids Corporation, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Brian Thompson, 312-353-6066)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 294 KB)

• City of Burlington, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On June 8, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Burlington Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Peter Jackson, 312-886-3894)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 294 KB)

• City of Whitewater, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On April 23, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1 p., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 327 KB)

• City of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On April 23, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 41 KB)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 326 KB)

• Neenah Menasha Sewerage Commission Mercury Variance, Wisconsin
  On February 5, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Neenah Menasha Sewerage Commission.  (Contact:  Ed Hammer, hammer.edward@epa.gov, 312-886-3019)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 42 KB)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (8pp., 322 KB)

• City of Antigo, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On December 3, 2008, EPA approved the variance to the mercury wildlife standard submitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  (Contact:  Peggy Donnelly, donnelly.peggy@epa.gov, 312-886-6109)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) [PDF] (1pp., 42 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 328 KB)
  
  
• Mercury Variance for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin
  On August 21, 2008 EPA approved a variance from the mercury wildlife criterion for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin.    (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
  • EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp, 43KB)
  • Record of Decision (PDF) for Approval of a Variance from WQS for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin - Enclosure to approval letter (6pp, 250KB)

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2009

• Menominee, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On July 29, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance from the mercury wildlife standard for Menominee, Wisconsin.  (Contact: Holly Wirick, wirick.holiday@epa.gov, 312-353-6704)
  
  • EPA's Menominee Approval Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 52K)
  • Menominee Review Document (PDF) (4 pp, 208K)
• Wisconsin WQS Revisions to Water Quality Criteria
  On July 1, 2009, EPA approved several revisions to Wisconsin water quality criteria for aquatic life and human health.  (Contact:  Francine Norling, 312-886-0271)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (3p., 118 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (38pp., 1,678 KB)

• City of Rice Lake, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On May 26, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Rice Lake Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 28 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 179 KB)

• Menasha West Sewerage Commission, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On May 26, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Menasha West Sewerage Commission, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp., 43 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 327 KB)

• Little Rapids Corporation, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On June 22, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Little Rapids Corporation, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Brian Thompson, 312-353-6066)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 294 KB)

• City of Burlington, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On June 8, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Burlington Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Peter Jackson, 312-886-3894)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 294 KB)

• City of Whitewater, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On April 23, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1 p., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 327 KB)

• City of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On April 23, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the City of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1p., 41 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 326 KB)

• Illinois Revised Standard for Sulfate
  On March 19, 2009, EPA approved Illinois' WQS rules regarding sulfate and total dissolved solids.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (3pp., 93 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (12pp., 296 KB)

• Amendments to Ohio Use Designation Rules (OAC 3745-1-09)
  On February 23, 2009, EPA approved a package of designated use revisions from the Ohio EPA.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Pete Jackson, jackson.peter@epa.gov, 312-886-3894)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 85 KB)
• Final Submittal Review, Revisions to Ohio's Designated Use Rules (10pp., 358 KB)

• WQS Revisions to Ohio's Rules at OAC 3745-1 and 3745-2
  On February 20, 2009, EPA approved a package of designated use revisions from the Ohio EPA.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Mari Nord, nord.mari@epa.gov, 312-886-3017)
• EPA's Review Letter (2pp., 71 KB)
• CWA Review Document (8pp., 444 KB)

• Neenah Menasha Sewerage Commission Mercury Variance, Wisconsin
  On February 5, 2009, EPA approved a mercury variance for the Neenah Menasha Sewerage Commission.  (Contact:  Ed Hammer, hammer.edward@epa.gov, 312-886-3019)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 42 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (8pp., 322 KB)

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2008

• Illinois Revised Standard for Dissolved Oxygen
  On December 18, 2008, EPA approved revisions to Illinois' WQS rules regarding a revised dissolved oxygen.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, brossman.eric@epa.gov, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 29 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (8pp., 178 KB)

• City of Antigo, Wisconsin Mercury Variance
  On December 3, 2008, EPA approved the variance to the mercury wildlife standard submitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  (Contact:  Peggy Donnelly, donnelly.peggy@epa.gov, 312-886-6109)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) [PDF] (1pp., 42 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (6pp., 328 KB)

• Indiana Standard for Sulfate
  On November 6, 2008, EPA approved revisions to Indiana's WQS rules regarding a revised sulfate standard.  These rule revisions were approved subject to completion of Endangered Species Act consultation.  (Contact:  Eric Brossman, brossman.eric@epa.gov, 312-886-0233)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 55 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (26pp., 362 KB)

• Illinois Site-Specific Standard for Total Dissolved Solids for the Lower Des Plaines River
  On October 30, 2008, EPA approved a site-specific standard for total dissolved solids (TDS) for the Lower Des Plaines River.  Specifically, this revised WQS will allow the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet to comply with the TDS standard during winter months.  (Contact:  Tom Poleck, poleck.thomas@epa.gov, 312-886-0217)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (2pp., 30 KB)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (12pp., 274 KB)

• Revisions to Michigan's Mercury Permitting Policy
  On September 30, 2008 EPA approved revisions to Michigan's policy for developing the level currently achievable (LCA) by the permittee for mercury for use in Michigan's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.  The revised LCA procedure replaces a component of the mercury multiple discharger variance that EPA approved in 2004.  (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
• EPA's Approval Letter and EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (12pp., 607 KB)

• Indiana’s Standards for E. coli
  On August 22, 2008 EPA approved revisions to Indiana's bacteria standards for the protection of primary contact recreational use.  Specifically, E. coli criteria consistent with EPA 1986 bacteria criteria guidance and the BEACH Act were adopted by Indiana.  (Contact:  Holly Wirick, wirick.holiday@epa.gov, 312-353-6704)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp, 38KB)
• Record of Decision (PDF) for EPA Approval of Revised Water Quality Standards for the State of Indiana at 327 IAC 2-1-6(d)(1)-(3) and 327 IAC 2-1.5-8(e)(1)-(3) - Enclosure to approval letter (4pp, 80KB)

• Mercury Variance for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin
  On August 21, 2008 EPA approved a variance from the mercury wildlife criterion for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin.    (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
• EPA's Approval Letter (PDF) (1pp, 43KB)
• Record of Decision for Approval of a Variance from WQS for the City of Watertown, Wisconsin - Enclosure to approval letter (6pp, 250KB)

• Indiana’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Rule
  On June 9, 2008 EPA approved a change to Indiana’s water quality standards addressing combined sewer overflows. The rules clarify when a community may seek a change in the water quality standards that apply to combined sewer overflow - impacted waters.  (Contact:  Dave Pfeifer, pfeifer.david@epa.gov, 312-353-9024)
• EPA Approval Letter of Indiana's CSO Ruling (3pp, 165KB)
• Attachment to approval letter - Enclosure: U.S. EPA Approval of New or Revised Water Quality Standards for the State of Indiana and Revisions to the State of Indiana's Approved NPDES Permitting Program (14pp, 1.87 MB)

• Minnesota’s Triennial Review WQS Rule Revisions
  On May 23, 2008 EPA approved the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) triennial review revisions to their WQS rules that were adopted and published in the State Register on March 10, 2008.  The approved rules included:  nutrients for lakes, shallow lakes and reservoirs, two pesticides (acetachlor and metolachlor), fish-tissue based mercury, E. coli bacteria to replace the current fecal coliform standard, updated lists of trout waters and Class 1 drinking waters, and designated use changes for a dozen waterbodies to Class 7 limited resource waters.  In addition, the rule changes included several non-WQS but related revisions to permit and effluent limit provisions including the expanded application of a 1 mg/L phosphorus limit to new or expanding facilities that discharge in excess of 1,800 pounds of phosphorus per year.  More information on these rule revisions can be found on the MPCA website at:  http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/standards/rulechange.html   (Contact:  Tom Poleck, (poleck.thomas@epa.gov, 312-886-0217)
• EPA Approval Letter (PDF) (4pp, 418KB)
• Record of Decision (PDF) on Revisions to Minnesota’s Water Quality Standards (Minn. R. ch. 7050 and 7053) Adopted March 10, 2008. (84pp, 308KB)
• Memo to EPA (PDF) transmitting Minnesota’s WQS rule revisions (4pp, 898KB)

For older/archived decision documents, contact Tom Poleck (poleck.thomas@epa.gov, 312-886-0217)

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