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.

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