Basic Course: Key Concepts

Policies and Methods:  EPA Review

EPA Regional Offices review new and revised antidegradation policies and antidegradation procedures developed by States and Tribes.

EPA’s key considerations for reviewing antidegradation programs:

Consideration A

Does the antidegradation policy protect existing uses, high quality waters, and ONRWs?

Consideration B

Are implementation methods identified?

Consideration C

Do protections for high quality waters apply to a broad spectrum of waters rather than just a narrow subset?

Consideration D

Is the wording used to describe the program consistent with CWA Section 131.12 (a)(1)-(4)?

Consideration E

Are the identified implementation methods consistent with EPA’s antidegradation provisions?

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