303(d) Impaired Waters List Out for Public Comment Soon!
By Pam Moe-Merritt
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires that states develop prioritized lists of impaired waters and develop criteria to limit the Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) of pollutants that can be dumped into those waters. Then, states are supposed to implement those TMDL's. Due to a lawsuit filed by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and a few individuals, the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency are following a schedule for finalization of the 303(d) list according to provisions set forth in the consent decree settlement:
| April 1, 1998 | Draft list to EPA | |
| May 20, 1998 | Last date for EPA | comments |
| June 20, 1998 | Public comment | period begins |
| July 20, 1998 | Public comment | period closes |
| August 20, 1998 | Final list submitted | to EPA |
| September 20, 1998 | EPA approval | disapproval date |
The list of waterbodies being considered for TMDL development in 1999 includes: Cheat River, Tygart River, Kanawha River, Armour Creek, Pocalico River, Ridenhour Lake 2, and Castleman Run Lake. If there are waters that you care about, check to see if they are on the 303(d) list and are in-line for a TMDL (aka clean-up plan) in order to meet water quality standards!
To receive a copy of the 303(d) list contact: Pat Campbell, Watershed Program Manager, WV DEP - Office of Water Resources, 1201 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311 phone: (304) 558-2108. For more information about the Clean Water Act, 303(d) listing and TMDL's contact Pam Moe-Merritt or Merritt Frey, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, 801 N. Randolph Ave., Elkins WV 26241 phone: (304) 637-7201, fax: (304) 637-4084, or email: wvrc@neumedia.net _