Water quality standards set limits on pollution in lakes, rivers and marine waters in order to protect beneficial uses, such as swimming and fishing. The Department of Ecology administers the State’s surface water quality standards regulations (Chapter 173-201A WAC). Ecology is completing the first major overhaul of the State’s standards in a decade (proposed language of revision).
Some changes are good and reflect the latest scientific information. Other changes will negatively affect boaters. Some will result in creation of exemptions and loopholes that polluters will use to avoid compliance with the standards.
Ecology is holding workshops and hearings on the Water Quality Standards Revisions at different locations around the state between Jan. 27 and Feb. 5, 2003. (see below for locations). Written comments will be taken through March 7, 2003 and can also be made on-line at:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/swqs_comments.html or e-mail swqs@ecy.wa.gov
Two specific areas where changes will result in lesser protection for fisheries and recreational uses of Washington’s rivers and streams are:
1. The loss in recognition of boating as a “beneficial use” from Ecology’s proposed switch from a class-based format to a use-based format,
2. Loopholes in the new Antidegradation language
In the Class-based system, each water body is assigned the full list of characteristic uses and their criteria for protection. These uses include Recreation. Recreation is defined as swimming, fishing, boating and aesthetic enjoyment.
A Use-based system relegates a water body’s use to a particular set of criteria. This allows more flexibility to eliminate, or choose not to protect any of the assigned uses.
“Recreational” use is not specifically mentioned. This elimination makes it easier for the state to not protect instream flows. U.S. and Washington Supreme Courts have held that Washington’s water quality standards may be used to impose minimum flows to protect fisheries and recreational uses. Adequate flows are essential for fisheries and recreational use of rivers
New Antidegradation language states that “High Quality Waters” could be degraded when shown to be “necessary” and “in the overriding public interest.” “Short-term modifications” allow temporary reduction of water quality conditions for “long-term operations” up to five years (and renewable). “Variances” allow a five-year hiatus (renewable) from the standards if “reasonable progress” is being made towards compliance. “Site-specific criteria” allow suspension of the standards when the stream cannot attain them due in whole or part to “human changes.” The anti-degradation standard provides the single strongest protection of Washington’s waters, and it is obvious that changing the language will have nothing but detrimental effects on water quantity and quality.
In making comments about the proposed changes to the Washington State Water Quality Standards, use these talking points:
- Ask that specific language be added to recognize that boating, in addition to water contact recreation, is a beneficial use.
- Ask that text be added to address the relationship between quantity and quality of water. Protection for stream flows is not addressed.
- Ask that exemptions be eliminated. This will ensure adequate protection of quality water in the State.
All workshops begin at 6:00 p.m.; public hearings begin at 8:00 p.m.
Wenatchee – Mon., Jan. 27, 2003
Chelan Co. Auditorium
400 Douglas
Spokane – Tues., Jan. 28, 2003
Spokane Falls Community College
Student Union Bldg 17, Lounge AB
3410 W Fort George Wright Dr.
Pasco – Wed., Jan. 29, 2003
Columbia Basin College
2600 N. 20th Ave.
Yakima – Thurs., Jan. 30, 2003
Ecology Central Region Office
15 West Yakima Ave., Suite 200
Bellingham – Mon., Feb. 3, 2003
Whatcom Co. Courthouse
311 Grand Ave
Seattle – Tues., Feb. 4, 2003
Seattle Center
Northwest Rooms: Lopez Room
305 Harrison St.
Port Angeles – Wed., Feb. 5, 2003
Vern Burton Center
308 East 4th St.
Vancouver – Thurs., Feb. 6, 2003
Water Resources Center
4600 SE Columbia Way