From: John Darling

Sent: Wed Sep 01 12:40:16 2010

To: waterqualitystandards

Subject: story?public comment period on water

Importance: Normal

Hi Debra...

We're considering a story on this. If it affects us in Jackson County. Can you tell me if it does? A reader thinks it relaxes arsenic standards. Is there anything to that?

Thanks

John Darling

Mail Tribune

541-482-3636

Arsenic, Iron and Manganese Rulemaking

DEQ is proposing to change Oregon’s water quality standards for arsenic, iron and manganese. This proposal revises criteria established to protect human health and adds a requirement for certain wastewater dischargers to develop arsenic reduction plans. These changes are needed to account for the presence of naturally-occurring earth metals, including arsenic, iron and manganese, in Oregon waters and continue to protect human health. Without these changes, DEQ and regulated parties could be required to expend resources that will not result in health benefits.