Basic Course: Key Concepts

Summary

• The existing uses of a water body must be protected.
• Within limitations, a State/Tribe has the discretion to allow activities that could degrade water quality to a level that protects existing uses.
• A State or Tribe's water quality standards must include an antidegradation policy and must specify both when the policy will be applied and what decision-making criteria will be used.
• A State or Tribe's antidegradation program must include criteria specific to three categories: existing uses, high quality uses, and ONRWs.

Also,

• Antidegradation policy can apply to both point and non-point source activities.
• The community and other stakeholders must be given an opportunity to provide input as part of the decision-making process regarding a particular application of the policy to a water body.
• EPA Regional Offices review both new and revised antidegradation programs developed by States and Tribes.

Disclaimer:
For informational purposes only–Not official statements of EPA policy.