WHAT IS A WATER QUALITY STANDARDS (WQS) VARIANCE? i ¦ ¦ i n n WATER QUALITY STANDARDS VARIANCES A Clear Path to Improve Water Quality A WQS variance is a path to improve water quality over time. These time-limited WQS strike a balance between providing states/authorized tribes and dischargers the time and flexibility to make water quality improvements, with accountability measures to assure the public that progress wilt occur. WHEN CAN A WQS VARIANCE HELP TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY? A WQS variance can be used when it is uncertain how much progress can be achieved, but it is known that some progress is possible, and states/authorized tribes don't want to give up on working toward water quality improvement. WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS OVER TIME Partial water quality improvement at end of a WQS variance Current water quality Water quality goals achieved ------- HOW DOES A WQS VARIANCE WORK? A WQS variance cannot make water quality worse. WQS variances focus on what can be done to improve water quality, not what can't be done. THE WQS VARIANCE PROCESS EPA review of variance as a WQS STEP 4 STEP 3 STEP 1 State/authorized tribe and dischargers determine the key elements of the variance State/authorized tribe seeks public input on WQS variance, including public hearing State/authorized tribe revises, adopts and submits WQS variance to EPA for review A WQS variance longer than 5 years is reevaluated at defined time periods, with public input State/authorized tribe works with EPA early and often. Once approved, WQS variance is implemented TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED DETERMINING THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE WQS VARIANCE State/authorized tribe and dischargers determine the scope of the WQS variance. Investigate what pollutant control technologies and activities are available and affordable. Determine how much water quality may improve based on the implementation of these technologies and activities. Define how long it would take to implement those technologies and activities to make water quality improvements. ------- HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? in Talk to your government officials about achieving water quality improvements while balancing competing community resources. \ A. M A m * M\ Participate in a WQS public hearing and/or public comment period. £ f Provide input during WQS variance reevaluation periods. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WQS VARIANCE TERM IS COMPLETE? It is time to determine if further water quality improvements can be made. Can the water quality standards now be met? ¦ — M to For more information visit: epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-variances 4% United States Environmental Protection mI flAgency ------- |