Notice of Public Meeting for Updates on Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards

Notice of Public Meeting for Updates on Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
January 15, 2021

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Watershed Protection Branch will hold a virtual public meeting to review and discuss proposed changes to the Georgia Rules for Water Quality Control, Chapter 391-3-6.03 (Water Use Classifications and Water Quality Standards) that were initiated in February 2019. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 beginning at 10:00 am on the Zoom web conferencing platform.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with a progress update and the opportunity to learn about and request clarification on the proposed Rule changes. Stakeholders may provide comments which will be considered during finalization of these proposed Rule changes later in 2021. EPD will also address stakeholder questions during the meeting.

Zoom Meeting Details:

February 17, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Meeting registration link: https://gaepd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdeitrTgsGNLMmfi0ehh9fLePSERfPPcB

After registering at the link provided above, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting via the Zoom app or via telephone.

Items under consideration:

• Revisions to items included in the 2016 Triennial Review period:
  • Site-specific criteria for Lakes Oconee and Sinclair
  • Bacteria criteria for the protection of water use classifications that include secondary contact recreation
• Revision to narrative criteria amendment made in 2018
• Recommended Changes to Water Use Classifications (Designated Uses) as provided in public comments
• 2009 EPA Acrolein Aquatic Life Criteria
• 2012 EPA Carbaryl Aquatic Life Criteria
• 2015 EPA Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria Updates (94 chemicals)
• 2018 EPA Aluminum Aquatic Life Criteria
• 2019 EPA Recommended Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Cyanotoxins

At the public meeting, anyone may make a statement, or offer comments either orally or in writing. Lengthy statements or statements of a considerable technical or economic nature, as well as previously recorded messages, should be submitted in writing. 

Written comments are also welcomed and must be received by close of business on Friday, February 26, 2021. Written comments may be emailed to EPDComments@dnr.ga.gov or sent via regular mail to: EPD Watershed Protection Branch, Watershed Planning and Monitoring Program,  2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Suite 1152, East Tower, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334. If you choose to e-mail your comments, please include the words “Triennial Review Comments” in the subject line to help ensure that your comments will be forwarded to the correct staff.