A tool to protect Minnesota's waters Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Sept. 10, 2012

Why are we here? Informational overview Invite discussion 2

antidegradation Why antidegradation? “…restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.” Designated uses Criteria to support designated uses Antidegradation provisions Designated uses Criteria to support designated uses Antidegradation provisions 3

What is antidegradation? 4

antidegradation How does antidegradation work? Outstanding resources (Tier 3) Outstanding resources (Tier 3) High water quality (Tier 2) High water quality (Tier 2) Existing uses (Tier 1) Existing uses (Tier 1) Levels of protection 5

Tier 2 protection Tier 2 protection Prevents unnecessary degradation of high water quality 6 Variability Long-term average Water quality criterion

Long-term average Variability Tier 2 protection Tier 2 protection Permanent exceedance of water quality criterion is prohibited 7 Water quality criterion

What is antidegradation review? 8

What happens if a proposal would lower high water quality? Procedure triggered Proposer provides: 1.Alternative analysis 2.Social/economic justification Proposer provides: 1.Alternative analysis 2.Social/economic justification Agency review & preliminary determination Public participation Agency final determination 9

Why revise the rule? 10

Why revise the rule? Scope of implementation De minimis discharges Demonstration of necessity through a thorough alternative analysis Establish existing water quality in antidegradation determinations Public participation 11

Why revise the rule? 12

Rulemaking path 2007 Start Initial stakeholder meetings Response to comments/ questions Water quality forum direction Proposed changes Initial draft More internal/ external input 13

Review trigger Exemptions Proposed changes Scope of implementation Physical alterations / existing uses Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Public participation 14 Parameters of concern

Proposed changes 15 Name change

Rule format Proposed changes 16 Purpose statement reflects federal regulations More definitions Antidegradation procedures sequentially follows the review process

Proposed changes Name change Rule format Scope of implementation Physical alterations / existing uses Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Public participation 17 Parameters of concern

Review trigger Proposed changes 18

Exemptions Proposed changes Emergency response actions Class 7 waters (under specific conditions) Temporary and limited impacts 19

Review trigger Exemptions Proposed changes Name change Rule format Physical alterations / existing uses Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Public participation 20

Activities that impact waters of the state CWA regulatory authority exists 21 No regulatory control, but implementation mechanisms may exist (Size ≠ scale of activities) Scope of implementation Current scope of antidegradation implementation

Activities that impact waters of the state CWA regulatory authority exists Proposed rule increases scope of implementation 22 No regulatory control, but implementation mechanisms exist (Size ≠ scale of activities) Scope of implementation

Proposed changes Separate procedures for: Individual NPDES wastewater permits and individual 401 certifications; and Individual NPDES stormwater permits and general authorizations 23

Parameters of concern Proposed changes Parameters to be reviewed are identified early, allowing for an effective alternatives analysis 24

Review trigger Exemptions Proposed changes Name change Rule format Scope of implementation 25 Parameters of concern

Physical alterations / existing uses Proposed changes 26

Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Proposed changes 27

Public participation Proposed changes 28

Public participation coincides with the comment periods for permits and certifications Public participation 29

Review trigger Exemptions Proposed changes Name change Rule format Scope of implementation Physical alterations / existing uses Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Public participation 30 Parameters of concern

Rulemaking next steps 2008 Start Initial stakeholder meetings Response to comments/ questions Water quality forum direction Proposed changes Initial draft More internal/ external input 31 Revise rule SONAR development “Administrative” process Adopt EPA approve