| At their special meeting on
April 12th, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), in a 5-3 vote,
adopted the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommendation for Option
B with the additional requirement that DNR develop recommended water
quality standards for specific constituents (and Total Dissolved Solids,
or TDS) by April 1, 2007. Option B replaces the current 750 mg/L TDS
standard with the site-specific guideline procedure. It does not include
any numerical standards for TDS or chloride, but requires toxicity testing
at the time of NPDES permit renewal in cases where the TDS in the
receiving stream exceeds 1,000 mg/L. It also includes guidelines on some
parameters such as chloride for protection of all streams for livestock
watering.
The EPC did not revise the support document
as was requested for clarification that the numerical values and
procedures in the support document are guidelines and not numerical
standards, but DNR statements at this and previous EPC meetings clearly
established the DNR intent that the numerical values in the support
document will be used as guidelines and not as numerical water quality
standards.
The EPC included the six tasks for DNR
action that were included in their March action. The specific directions
from the EPC to the DNR for action prior to developing recommended water
quality standards for TDS and specific constituents of the TDS are listed
below.
1.
Sample and
monitor chlorides and TDS for adequate data to make an informed decision
including the possible costs and returns associated with clean and healthy
water.
2.
Monitor
aquatic ecosystem impacts through biological surveys. Particularly where
aquatic life may be impacted as a result of current effluent levels of
cautions and anions. Coordinate with and utilize fisheries personnel where
possible.
3.
Utilize the
EPA to make sure options being considered are consistent with the Federal
Clean Water Act including court directives.
4.
Review
stream classifications to be sure that the uses of streams are properly
classified. List perennial streams classified as general use.
5.
Sponsor a
workshop with help from EPA and
Iowa
scientists on
alternative solutions to hard water, solutions for managing effluent
during low flow conditions, new technology in waste treatment, and health
considerations of effluent when reentering the drinking water supply.
6.
Continue
consideration of site specific WET tests but with maximum standards to
protect aquatic ecosystems, livestock and wildlife watering and other uses
in current rules.
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