WSP06659

• File Number: 8273.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Federal Agencies - EPA
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 11/1/1983
• Title: Water Quality Standards Program Fact Sheet
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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states May Adopt:

o Subcategories of a use (such as warmwater, coldwater, or
put-and-take aquatic life uses).
o Seasonal uses.

Use Attainability Analysis

o Scientific assessment of physical, chemical, biological and
economic factors affecting attainment of a use.
a Must be done when:
-designating uses inconsistent with "fishable/swimmable"
goals of the Clean Water Act.
-removing designated uses specified in the Act.
-adopting subcategories of a use that require less strigent
criteria.

REMOVING USES

o States may remove a non-existing designated use if the use is
unattainable due to:
-naturally occurring pollution.
-natural flow conditions.
-irretrievable human-caused conditions.
-hydrologic modifications.
-physical conditions unrelated to water quality for aqu~tic
life protection uses.
-substantial and widespread economic and social impact.
o State$ may not remove designated uses if:
-uses are existing, unless use requiring more stringent
criteria are added.
-uses can be attained through required technology controls or
best management practices.

WATER QUALITY CRITERIA

Criteria Must:

o Protect designated uses.
o Use sound scientific rationale.
o Protect the most sensitive use.
o Protect downstream standards.

Criteria Forms:

o Numerical criteria must be based on national guidance, site-
specific characteristics or other s~ientifically defensible
methods.
o Narrative criteria or criteria based upon biomonitori~g methods
where numerical criteria cannot be established or to supplement
numerical criteria.

ANTI DEGRADATION POLICY

o Ex'isting uses and level of water quality must be maintained and
protected.
o There will be special protection for high quality and outstanding
national resource waters.

For futher information contact David Sabock, [phone],
Kent Ballentine, [phone], or Marjorie Pitts (202)
472-340'0.

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