Your Input is Important to a Successful State Water Quality Standards (WQS) Variance v>EPA Discharger and state determine that a WQS variance is needed to improve water quality. Collaborate with the state, such as participating in a workgroup, and ask- • why a WQS variance is needed and how it will improve water quality • how long water quality improvements will take The state proposes a WQS variance, and requests public comment on the WQS variance and supporting documentation. The state holds public hearings and obtains public input. If proceeding, state adopts the WQS variance after considering public input. The state submits the WQS variance package to EPAfor review. If approved bv EPA, the WQS variance is implemented. The state reevaluates the WQS variance, with public input, to see if more can be done to improve water quality. WQS VARIANCE PROCESS * OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE INPUT Review the documentation and analyses. Provide written comments. Ask how the state will use your feedback to refine the WQS variance. Participate in the public hearings. Provide input on: • the goals for water quality improvement • the discharger requirements • the timeframe for achieving goals and requirements. Read the adopted WQS variance and the response to comments document. Ask that progress reports and monitoring results be made publicly available so that you can track water quality improvements. Provide your input if there are other activities that could help improve water quality. Office of Water 823-F-24-003 Visit the EPA's WQS Variance website for more information. ------- |