Texas Surface Water Quality Standards Update Joe Martin Water Quality Standards Work Leader Joe Martin Water Quality Standards Work Leader

Water Quality Standards The Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (Title 30, Chapter 307 of the Texas Administrative Code) describe the chemical, physical, and biological conditions to be attained in the surface waters of Texas. Authority for adopting and revising water quality standards is contained in § of the Texas Water Code (TWC), and in §303(c) of the Federal Clean Water Act.

Timeline of Standards Development

Types of Actions by EPA Approved - available for use in all Clean Water Act (CWA) activities – permitting, assessment, TMDL –Conditional approval - subject to completion of consultation with USFWS under Endangered Species Act Disapproved - not available for use in CWA activities No action - not considered water quality standards under the CWA Under review

2010 Standards Under Review Appendix A –Temperature criteria for 3 segments (Guadalupe and Cypress Creek Basins) –Dissolved minerals criteria for 19 segments

2014 Revision: EPA Action EPA Action Letter –September 23, 2014 Action letters posted on TCEQ Website Highlighted 2014 rule indicates status of approval

Approvals –Human Health Criteria –Bacteria Removal fecal coliform –Appendix A (Site-specific Uses and Criteria for Classified Segments) Public Water Supply removal from Segment 1110 – Oyster Creek Above Tidal Uses and criterion for Segment 1258 – Middle Oyster Creek and Segment 1259 – Leon Creek above Belton Lake –Appendix B (Sole source surface drinking water supplies)

Approvals –Appendix C (Segment descriptions) Boundary changes and clarifications for 8 segments –Appendix D (Site-specific Uses and Criteria for Unclassified Water Bodies) Corrections and non-substantive changes for 10 water bodies Footnote for unclassified portion of Lavaca River in Segment 1602 – Lavaca River Above Tidal –Appendix E (Site-specific toxic criteria)

Approvals –Appendix G (Site-specific Recreational Uses and Criteria for Unclassified Water Bodies) Addition of 8 water bodies –Temperature Definition of “industrial cooling water area” Designation of industrial cooling water areas in 307.4(f) Allowance for alternate sized mixing zones for separate constituents at a single discharge point

No Action – 2014 WQS Removal of standards previously disapproved by EPA –Mercury –High-flow exemption –Deferment of listings –Nutrient criteria for 36 reservoirs

2014 Revision: Next Steps Remaining portions are still under review Provisions must be approved by EPA to be used in Clean Water Act activities like wastewater permitting and assessment

2017 Revision Preliminary Comment: March 6 th notice of Texas Register –30 day public comment period Stakeholder meetings: Winter and spring 2016 Proposal: Late spring 2017 Adoption: Fall 2017

Nutrients: What Next? Nutrient Criteria Development Plan Address reservoir criteria disapproved by EPA Use response variables as bioconfirmation to assess numeric and narrative nutrient criteria

Bioconfirmation Combines multiple nutrient-related benchmarks into a single criterion Integrates cause (TN and TP) and response parameters (algal component, dissolved oxygen, water clarity) Multiple lines of evidence increases certainty of impairment Can be used to “translate” narrative nutrient criteria using thresholds (non-regulatory) Combined values should be sensitive to nutrient pollution and have a link to a designated use

For more information on draft nutrient assessment procedures visit the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Guidance Advisory Work Group webpage: /assessment/swqmgawg.html

Getting Involved Surface Water Quality Standards Advisory Workgroup Nutrient Criteria Development Advisory Workgroup

Questions Joe Martin (512)