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Basic Course: Key Concepts
EPA Review: Actions Following Disapproval
EPA may decide that part or all of a State/Tribe's water quality standards submission does not meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. In which case, the Regional Administrator will specify changes that would make the standards approvable.
The State/Tribe may respond in one of three ways to the disapproval.
| State/Tribe Response to Disapproval | Significance |
|---|---|
| Adopts EPA-specified changes within 90 days. | 1. State or Tribe's water quality standards become applicable upon subseqent EPA review. |
| Works toward developing acceptable water quality standards. | 2. EPA will provide assistance as necessary to meet State/Tribal objectives in keeping with CWA requirements. |
| Does not work toward adopting EPA-specified changes. | 3. EPA may promulgate Federal water quality standards to replace the disapproved State/Tribe standards if necessary. |
Video Clip. A 2-minute video clip about EPA review of a State/Tribe's standards.
Learn More. See flow diagram on EPA review determinations and actions. Also, information about how EPA promulgates water quality standards when a State/Tribe fails to adopt approvable standards. Proceed to the Learn More Topic. »
Disclaimer:
For informational purposes only–Not official statements of EPA policy.
