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Triennial Review – Water Quality

2023 Triennial Review

The 2023 Triennial Review is underway. DWQ is currently soliciting input from the public and interested parties regarding standards topics to be considered during the review including any specific recommended changes to Utah’s Standards of Quality for Waters of the State. When appropriate, the rationale and any supporting information should be included with the recommendations.

DWQ will discuss the comments with the Utah Water Quality Standards Workgroup, inform the Utah Water Quality Board at a regularly scheduled meeting, and issue comment responses. More information, including a list of revisions currently being considered is available below:

Public Comments

Public comments are invited any time prior to the deadline of the close of business on December 15, 2023. Written comments can be submitted by email to: Jake Vander Laan at jvander@utah.gov, or by mail to: Jake Vander Laan, Utah Division of Water Quality, P.O. Box 144870, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4870.

Public Hearing

A public hearing to receive comments will be held on December 14, 2023, 6:00-7:00 PM, in the Red Rocks Conference Room 3132 on the 3rd floor at the Multi Agency State Office Building, 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT.

Triennial Review Background

DWQ is required to review Utah’s Water Quality Standards at least once every three years. This process, called the Triennial Review, is required by Section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act. In addition to an internal review by DWQ, the review must include the EPA and public. The review is intended to provide an opportunity to update the Standards to include new information and EPA rules and guidance.

DWQ solicits input from the public, regulated community, and EPA regarding what Standards revisions or additions should be considered for the triennial review. DWQ, in consultation with the Water Quality Standards Workgroup, prioritizes the topics for review because the number of topics to review typically exceeds the time and resources available. Any revisions to the standards must be adopted by the Water Quality Board and approved by EPA as part of the rulemaking process. The rulemaking process includes additional opportunities for public comment.

Topics are prioritized considering the following factors: environmental benefit, administrative benefit, technical complexity, available resources, federal mandates, and perceived need for change in standards, guidance, rule, or process.

Standards changes are not limited to the Triennial Review and suggested changes can be submitted at any time. Time-critical changes to the Standards can be made outside the triennial review process if resources are available. Recommendations must be made in writing and should include the proposed revision and rationale for the change. Recommendations should be sent to:

Jake Vander Laan (jvander@utah.gov)
Utah Division of Water Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870

Questions

Jake Vander Laan (jvander@utah.gov), (801) 536-4350.


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