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

2. Why are we here? Informational overview Invite discussion 2

3. 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

4. What is antidegradation? 4

5. 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

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

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

8. What is antidegradation review? 8

9. 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

10. Why revise the rule? 10

11. 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

12. Why revise the rule? 12

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

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

15. Proposed changes 15 Name change

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

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

18. Review trigger Proposed changes 18

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

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

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

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

26. Physical alterations / existing uses Proposed changes 26

27. Clarify Restricted ORVW protection Proposed changes 27

28. Public participation Proposed changes 28

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

30. 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

31. 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