PUB00146 ‎(2)‎

• Year: 2005
• Title: Western States Water Council - San Antonio, TX., October 18-21, 2005
• CWCB Section: Administration
• Description: Western States Water Council - San Antonio, TX., October 18-21, 2005
• Publications - Doc Type: Water Policy

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Western States Water Council
Water Quality Committee

Seattle, Washington
July 14, 2005

WO STANDARDS FOR EFFLUENT DEPENDENT & EFFLUENT DOMINA TED WATERS

Paul Frohardt

His issue related to water reuse, so will discuss now (out of order from agenda). Should we be able
to relax standards to allow us to leave some water in streams under certain conditions. There is a
group of states working with EP A to develop a Q&A document. New draft of the document at the
end of August with meeting in Denver Sep. 7-8. Once we have the new draft, we will circulate to
WSWC states, to get all states' perspectives on it.

SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN THE COLORADO RIVER

Jack Barnett (handouts)

Selenium and salinity are bedfellows, but selenium is much smaller amounts. Forum created 2
committees to look at selenium. Provided a report in Sept. 2003. Conclusions: In general, every
ton of salt controls .1-.5 lbs. of selenium. It comes from Mancos shale in upper reaches. We have
adopted standards of2-5 micrograms per liter.

Are controlling 800,000 tons of salinity now, which would mean a significant amount of selenium
to be controlled. For future projects, suggest that applicants for salinity control projects to also seek
to control selenium. Numeric criteria for selenium are not recommended for the CO River.
However, selenium reductions caused by all salinity control projects should be measured, quantified
and reported to the state and federal agencies. This data will hopefully aid regulatory agencies in the
development of standards and control technology that is consistent with the CO River Salinity
Control Program.

Len Fleckenstein-EP A does have draft selenium numeric criteria that they are currently reviewing.
They are getting comments from both sides.

Symposium in November in CA by Water Education Foundation.

EPA OFFICE OF WATER UPDATE

Len Fleckenstein

· Workshops on designated use under the water quality standards program - San Fran July 19;
Denver in October. Contact Pat Harrigan at 202-66-1666.
Working with Water Environment Federation on workshops.
The objective is to look at what practical examples are out there to change designated uses.
Office of Science and Technology in office of Water. Geoff Grubbs retired, replaced by
Ephram King (from Drinking water program.)
Integrative reporting guidance 303d and 305b (Paul-problem = 303d is due in April, yet
reporting guidance is not out until this summer. Timing not good.)

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