Water Quality Standards Regulations: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Presented are water quality standards in effect for Clean Water Act (CWA) purposes for this tribe.
The EPA is posting these standards as a convenience to users and has made a reasonable effort to assure their accuracy. For each document listed under "Tribal Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes", the EPA has made a reasonable effort to identify parts of the standards that are disapproved or are otherwise not in effect for CWA purposes. Additionally, please note the documents may also contain provisions that the EPA does not have the authority and duty to act on under the Clean Water Act because the provisions are not water quality standards.
Authority to Administer Standards Program
This tribe was granted treatment in a manner similar to a state (TAS) on April 18, 2008.
Tribal Standards in Effect for CWA Purposes
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Water Quality Standards Code, Title 19, Chapter 06 (pdf)
(Effective August 4, 2023) This Chapter establishes designated uses for Regulated Surface Waters, water quality criteria to protect such designated uses, and an antidegradation policy to prevent further degradation of Regulated Surface Waters.
The EPA has taken action in accordance with its authority under CWA section 303(c), 33 U.S.C.§1313(c), to approve a portion of the new and revised water quality standards of the Swinomish Tribe. Please refer to information regarding the status of EPA’s action. Provisions that the EPA has approved are in effect for Clean Water Act purposes.
Federally Proposed or Promulgated Standards
- None at this time.
Selected Actions and Correspondence
EPA's recent actions along with supporting documents are provided for reference.
August 4, 2023 – The EPA approved certain provisions of the water quality standards submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community on April 30, 2019. Approved provisions of the water quality standards are aquatic life criteria and other provisions related to the protection of aquatic life. The EPA took no action on the chronic arsenic criterion for freshwaters, acute and chronic criteria for cyanide for freshwaters, and acute and chronic mercury criteria for fresh and marine waters.
May 20, 2019 – The EPA approved the water quality standards submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community on April 30, 2019, with the exception of aquatic life criteria and other provisions related to the protection of aquatic life that are the subject of EPA’s consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
August 25, 2017 – The EPA approved certain provisions of the water quality standards submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community on February 8, 2017. Approved provisions of the water quality standards are primary contact and spiritual and cultural uses, water contact bacteria criteria in fresh and marine water, and relevant definitions.