Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

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 Correct and Clarify Water Quality Standards for Toxics

 

 

     Overview

 

 

Short summary 

DEQ proposes revisions to the toxic water quality standards rules to correct and clarify the standards. The proposed rules are generally not substantive, but correct several toxic pollutant criteria that EPA recently disapproved and address other minor revisions to the Toxic Substances rule. For example, EPA disapproved criteria for 11 pesticides based on an unclear reading of the frequency and duration components of these criteria. DEQ expects that clarifying this aspect of the criteria will remedy the disapproval of 35 pesticide criteria values associated with 11 pesticides. DEQ also proposes to correct an error in the expression of freshwater selenium criteria (i.e. currently expressed as “total recoverable selenium” and is proposed to be expressed as “dissolved selenium”) and is re-proposing freshwater and saltwater arsenic criteria and chromium VI saltwater criteria that were inadvertently left off the criteria table during a 2007 rulemaking. DEQ is also correcting typographical errors made during the 2011 Human Health Toxics Rulemaking.

 

In addition, DEQ proposes to move all effective aquatic life criteria from Tables 20, 33A, and 33B into a new aquatic life criteria table, Table 30 and to refer to the new Table in the Toxic Substances rule language. As a result, Tables 20, 33A, and 33B are no longer needed and would be repealed under this proposal. DEQ also proposes to delete aluminum from Table 30 to reflect EPA’s disapproval of the freshwater criteria for aluminum because the disapproval renders the criteria ineffective and there are no other criteria for aluminum. DEQ anticipates adopting revised freshwater criteria for aluminum in a future rulemaking process.

 

EPA must approve the following water quality standard revisions before they become effective under the Clean Water Act: (1) revisions to pesticides and selenium criteria; (2) reinstatement of arsenic and chromium VI criteria and the associated conversion factors; and (3) revisions to the Toxic Substances rule in OAR 340-041-0033. EPA may act on the editorial and formatting changes in this proposal, but will not likely act on criteria previously approved and simply consolidated into a single table. Ultimately, EPA will determine which water quality standards it must formally approve or disapprove.

 

 

 

Brief history

On Jan. 31, 2013, EPA took action on Oregon’s aquatic life toxics criteria that the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission adopted and submitted to EPA in 2004. DEQ proposed these water quality criteria, which EPA recommended, to protect aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic insects. The aquatic life toxics criteria for each pollutant are typically have four values: acute (short term) and chronic (long term) values for freshwater protection, and acute and chronic values for saltwater protection. EPA approved 38 criteria values associated with 14 toxic pollutants. EPA disapproved the freshwater acute criterion for cadmium based on findings in the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) August 2012 Biological Opinion. EPA disapproved the ammonia criteria because new toxicity data showed that the criteria were not protective of mollusks. EPA also disapproved criteria associated with 14 other pollutants (11 pesticides, copper, selenium and aluminum) due to inconsistencies associated with EPA’s nationally recommended criteria. The Clean Water Act requires Oregon to fix the deficiencies identified in EPA’s disapproval action. If Oregon does not make these revisions, EPA is required to put in place its own regulations addressing the deficiencies. This rulemaking does not address the disapproval of the freshwater criteria for aluminum, ammonia, copper, and cadmium (acute criterion only.) DEQ expects to address the more substantive issues for these pollutants in a future rulemaking rather than delay and potentially confuse the straightforward corrections in this proposal.

Regulated parties

Regulated parties possibly affected by this rulemaking include industrial and municipal dischargers to waters of the state. Specifically, regulated parties include those industrial dischargers categorized as “primary dischargers” by the federal permitting regulations and required to monitor for toxic pollutants, and generally major municipal dischargers(average dry weather design flow of more than one million gallons per day.)

 

Agricultural and forest activities are subject to Agricultural Water Quality Management (AgWQM) Area Plans and Rules and the Forest Practices Act, respectively. Those laws require these nonpoint sources to meet all water quality standards.

 

 

 

 

 

   Statement of need

 

 

Proposed Rule or Topic

Discussion

340-041-0033(1-5): Toxic Substances Rule

What problem is DEQ trying to solve?

Currently, Oregon’s water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life reside in three tables: Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B. In 2004, the EQC adopted:

 

 Tables 33A and 33B. Table 33A contains criteria more stringent or remained the same as previous criteria and became effective for NPDES permitting onwhen filed with the Secretary of State.

 

 Table 33B contains criteria less stringent than previous criteria and therefore, would only be effective after EPA approval.

 

 Table 20 contains criteria effective before the 2004 rulemaking and remained effective for all CWA programs, such as reporting to EPA on the condition of Oregon’s waters (i.e. sections 303(d) and 305(b)) until EPA’s 2013 action on the 2004 criteria. . .

 

On Jan. 31, 2013, EPA took action on the 2004 criteria, thereby determining which new or revised criteria in Tables 33A and 33B are now effective under CWA authorities. Criteria that EPA disapproved automatically reverted back to any previously effective criteria contained in Table 20. Now that EPA has acted and it is clear which criteria are effective, there is no longer a need to have multiple tables showing different effective dates for the criteria. . DEQ proposes combining these effective aquatic life criteria into one table—Table 30—and delete Tables 20, 33A, and 33B. Proposed revisions to the Toxic Substances rule replace references to Tables 20, 33A, and 33B with references to Table 30. Other proposed changes to the Toxic Substance Rule are for clarification purposes.

 

In addition, the proposed Table 30 contains changes to correct problems that EQC identified in its January 2013 disapproval of 11 pesticides and the freshwater criteria for selenium. Specifically, DEQ proposes adding introductory test to Table 30 to more clearly state the alternate frequency and duration components of the pesticide aquatic life criteria for 11 pesticides. DEQ proposes additional edits to the footnote associated with the pesticides for better clarity. To address EPA’s disapproval of the freshwater criteria for selenium, DEQ applied the conversion factors to convert selenium criteria expressed as total recoverable to a dissolved expression as intended in the 2004 rulemaking.

 

DEQ also proposes reinstating freshwater and saltwater criteria for arsenic and saltwater criteria for chromium VI. DEQ inadvertently omitted the criteria from Table 33B duringa 2007 water quality standards rulemaking. The arsenic and chromium VI criteria re-proposed here as part of this rulemaking are the same criteria that the EQC adopted in 2004. These criteria underwent Endangered Species Act consultation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and were not found to create jeopardy for any ESA-listed species. EPA did not take action on these criteria as part of its Jan. 31, 2013 action, but recommended that Oregon re-adopt these criteria.

 

The proposed footnotes and introductory language to Table 30 provide additional clarification to the criteria and definitions.

 

There are additional proposed minor clarifications to Table 40, which contains toxics criteria for the protection of human health.

 

DEQ proposes revisions to Table 33,which contains water quality guidance values for toxic pollutants, to be consistent with Agency table formatting guidelines. In addition, DEQ proposes a correction in a reference made in the table to Oregon’s Narrative Toxic Substances Standard . The correct reference is OAR 340-041-0033(2).

 

The Secretary of State Bulletin now allows tables to be attached to the Oregon Administrative Rules. Therefore, proposed changes found at the end of the Toxic Substances rule state that Tables 30, 33C, and 40 will be attached as PDF documents.

 

These proposed changes do not become effective until after EQC adoption and EPA approval.

 

How would the proposed rule solve the problem?

Combining the aquatic life toxics criteria into one table enhances the readability of the rule and will make it easier for DEQ staff, the public, and the regulated community to determine which criteria are effective. .

In addition, the proposed changes to Table 30 reinstate the erroneously omitted arsenic and chromium VI criteria and respond to EPA’s disapproval of 11 pesticides and the freshwater criteria for selenium. Upon EQC adoption of the proposed revisions, DEQ anticipates that EPA will be able to promptly approve these criteria.

How will DEQ know the problem has been solved?

DEQ will know if the problems described above have been solved based on outcomes such as: the rules clearly identify and define Oregon’s aquatic life toxics criteria ; there are fewer inquiries to DEQ staff to determine which aquatic life toxics criteria are effective or how to interpret the criteira; and EPA promptly approvesthe rule revisions it identifies as water quality standards.

1.  340-041-0033(7) Arsenic Reduction Policy Rule2.  

What problem is DEQ trying to solve?

The EQC adopted Arsenic Reduction Policy in June 2011 that has several reference errors. The rule incorrectly references the Arsenic Reduction Policy as section 4, rather than section 7. This error occurred during preparation of the final rule when the Arsenic Reduction Policy was moved from section 4 in the proposed rule to section 7 in the final toxics rule. DEQ also corrected another reference error in subsection f.

How would the proposed rule solve the problem?

The proposed rulemaking corrects the reference errors described above.

How will DEQ know the problem has been solved?

Not applicable. The proposed changes only correct or clarify reference errors.

3.340-041-0009 Bacteria Rule

What problem is DEQ trying to solve?

The Bacteria Rule references Table 20. This proposal would remove Table 20 from the Toxic Substances rule anddelete references to the table.

How would the proposed rule solve the problem?

This proposal would reference the Toxic Substances rule in general to reduce future citation corrections if the table name changes again.

How will DEQ know the problem has been solved?

Not applicable. The proposed changes only correct or clarify reference errors.

4. 340-040-0020 Groundwater Quality Protection

What problem is DEQ trying to solve?

The Groundwater Quality Protection rules reference Table 20. This proposal would remove Table 20 from the Toxic Substances rule and delete reference. and instead reference the Toxic Substances rule to reduce future citation corrections if the table name changes again.

 

Additionally, there is a citation to Division 41 that no longer exists. The correct reference is to the same antidegradation policy described and referenced in OAR 340-040-0020; therefore DEQ proposes to delete the citation.

How would the proposed rule solve the problem?

The proposed rulemaking corrects the reference errors described above.

How will DEQ know the problem has been solved?

Not applicable. The proposed changes only correct or clarify reference errors.

5. 340-040-0080 Numerical Groundwater Quality Reference Levels and Guidance Levels

What problem is DEQ trying to solve?

The Numerical Groundwater Quality Reference Levels and Guidance Levels rules reference Table 20. Since Table 20 will be removed from the Toxic Substances rule, DEQ proposes to delete the reference and instead reference the Toxic Substances rule to reduce future citation corrections if the table name changes again.

How would the proposed rule solve the problem?

The proposed rulemaking corrects the reference error described above.

How will DEQ know the problem has been solved?

Not applicable. The proposed changes only correct or clarify reference errors.

 
  

 

 

Request for other options

During the public comment period, DEQ requests public comment on whether to consider other options for achieving the rule's substantive goals while reducing negative economic impact of the rule on business.

 

 

 

   Federal relationship                      

 

 

 

 

"It is the policy of this state that agencies shall seek to retain and promote the unique identity of Oregon by considering local conditions when an agency adopts policies and rules. However, since there are many federal laws and regulations that apply to activities that are also regulated by the state, it is also the policy of this state that agencies attempt to adopt rules that correspond with equivalent federal laws and rules..."

 

Relationship to federal requirements

The proposed rules are not “different from or in addition to federal requirements” and impose stringency equivalent to federal requirements.

 

The proposed rules would implement a federal requirement. The federal Clean Water Act requires states to adopt water quality standards to protect beneficial uses of the nation’s waters. The standards must be based on substantial evidence. DEQ must submit the proposed standards to EPA for approval after they are adopted by the EQC. DEQ has concluded that the proposed standards revisions meet federal requirements. DEQ has worked with EPA through the development of the proposed rules and we expect that EPA will approve the new and revised rules. Other revisions propose to correct errors or provide additional clarifications to the Toxic Substances Rule.

 

What alternatives did DEQ consider, if any?

[DESCRIBE WHY DEQ DID NOT PURSUE THESE ALTERNATIVES] Enter text here

 

 

 

 

   Rules affected, authorities, supporting documents

 

 

Lead division            Program or activity

Water Quality Division      Water Quality Standards and Assessment

 

?       Chapter 340 action      

 Recommendation  Division  Rule  Title  SIP/Land use*

 amend  041  0033  Toxic Substances Rule  Land use

 amend  041  0009  Bacteria Rule  Land use

 amend  040  0020  Groundwater Quality Protection  Land use

 amend  040  0080  Numerical Groundwater Quality  Land use

 

 

*  SIP – This rule is part of the State Implementation Plan.

*  Land use – DEQ State Agency Coordination Program considers this rule, program or activity a land use program.

 

Statutory authority

ORS 468B.010, ORS 468B.020, ORS 468B.035, ORS 468B.110

 

 

}  

Statute implemented  Legislation  Year

ORS  [ENTER CITATIONS?] Enter here  N/A  N/A

 

Documents relied on for rulemaking  ORS 183.335(2)(b)(C)

 

Document title

Document location

EPA Jan. 31, 2013 action letter on OR’s 2004 aquatic life criteria and associated documents

Hardcopies may be found at: DEQ Headquarters Office, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204

Electronic versions may be found at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/standards/toxics.htm#links

 

DEQ response letter to EPA’s Jan. 31, 2013 action letter on OR’s 2004 aquatic life criteria

Hardcopies may be found at: DEQ Headquarters Office, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204

Electronic versions may be found at:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/standards/docs/toxics/ResponseLetterEPA.pdf

 

OAR 340-041-0033

OAR 340-041-0009

OAR 340-040-0020

OAR 340-040-0080

Hardcopies may be found at: DEQ Headquarters Office, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204

Electronic versions may be found at:

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_300/oar_340/340_tofc.html

 

Tables 20, 33A, 33B

Hardcopies may be found at: DEQ Headquarters Office, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204

Electronic versions may be found at:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/standards/toxics.htm

 

 

 

 

 

   Statement of fiscal and economic impact      ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E)

 

 

 

Statement of Cost of Compliance  

 

Introduction

 

This proposal would correct a number of criteria EPA disapproved in its Jan. 31, 2013 action on Oregon’s aquatic life toxics criteria submitted to EPA in 2004. In addition, DEQ proposes other clarifications and corrections to the Toxic Substances rule unrelated to EPA’s action. DEQ determined that these clarifications and corrections are consistent with the intent of the 2004 rulemaking and will result in minimal fiscal or economic impacts, if any. Any fiscal impacts related to changes to the aquatic life toxics criteria were accounted for as part of the 2004 DEQ rulemaking. For information on the fiscal and economic impact of revising toxics criteria in 2004, see Attachment F for Agenda Item B, Rule Adoption: Water Quality Standards, including Toxics Criteria May 20-21, 2004 EQC meeting at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/about/eqc/agendas/attachments/may2004/5.20.04.ItemB.AttchF.pdf

 

Note that the revisions proposed in this rulemaking resulted from errors occurring from rulemakings in 2004, 2007, and 2011. The 2004 rulemaking was comprised of a number of actions, including revising toxics criteria for aquatic life and human health. In 2007, DEQ proposed a number of corrections and clarifications, one which included revising Tables 33A and 33B to correctly show which of the toxic pollutants criteria could and could not be used for permitting until EPA approval. The 2011 rulemaking consisted of revising human health criteria based on a higher fish consumption rate, and also included the development of several permitting implementation tools.

 

 

 

1.  Impacts on general public

 

DEQ does not expect that the general public will incur direct or indirect fiscal or economic impacts as a result of the proposed revisions to the toxics water quality standards rules. . The revisions proposed in this rulemaking correct typographical errors associated with the aquatic life criteria and human health criteria that EQC adopted in 2004, 2007, and 2011, and are intended to address issues identified by EPA in its Jan. 31, 2013 disapproval action so that EPA will be able to promptly approve the criteria adopted by the EQC in 2004, as revised in this ?.

 

DEQ anticipates the changes to the toxics rule will provide a benefit to members of the public by reducing confusion over which criteria are effective and consolidating all effective aquatic life toxics criteria into one table (i.e. Table 30), instead of three tables (i.e. Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B).

 

2.  Cost of compliance on small businesses (those with 50 or fewer employees). ORS 183.336

 

DEQ does not expect small businesses to be affected by these rule revisions. . For those few small businesses that do discharge to a waterbody and have toxics monitoring requirements (i.e. identified as “primary industries” by federal permitting regulations), or are subject to pretreatment requirements where the business discharges to a municipal wastewater facility, the proposed changes in this rulemaking do not impose new requirements. DEQ conducted an economic and fiscal impact assessment on revising or proposing new aquatic life criteria as part of the 2004 rulemaking. Instead, this corrects and clarifies toxics regulations and tables and responds to the regulatory consequences of EPA disapproval and approval of aquatic life criteria submitted in 2004. DEQ conducted an economic and fiscal impact assessment on revising or proposing new aquatic life criteria as part of the 2004 rulemaking.

 

This proposal would re-adopt freshwater and saltwater criteria for arsenic and saltwater criteria for chromium VI originally adopted by the EQC in 2004. DEQ inadvertently omitted these criteria in Table 33B during the 2007 water quality standards rulemaking. Despite this omission, these re-proposed criteria are not considered new water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life and do not need to undergo an economic analysis. In addition, although the correction to the selenium criteria (i.e. expressed in the dissolved form) does result in slightly more stringent criteria, the expression of most metals to the dissolved form, including selenium, was accounted for as part of the 2004 rulemaking fiscal analysis.

 

Some small businesses may need to conduct minor recordkeeping activities to correctly reference the effective aquatic life toxics criteria in their discharge monitoring reports if the EQC amends the proposed rules. DEQ expects the economic impact to be minimal.

 

DEQ anticipates these changes will provide a benefit to small businesses subject to toxics water quality criteria by reducing confusion over which criteria are effective and consolidating all effective aquatic life toxics criteria into one table (Table 30), rather than in the current three tables (Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B.)

 

Many farms, ranches, and small timber operations fall under the category of small businesses. Agricultural and forest activities are subject to Agricultural Water Quality Management (AgWQM) Area Plans and Rules and the Forest Practices Act, respectively, which require these nonpoint sources to meet water quality standards. These plans and rules already require and provide the mechanism for agriculture and small forest land owners to meet water quality standards and TMDL load allocations. This rulemaking does not change requirements in these plans and rules. Because this rulemaking only proposes clarifications and corrections to toxics regulations and tables, DEQ does not anticipate that this proposed rulemaking will have direct or indirect fiscal impacts or effects on small farms,ranches and small forest land owners.

 

 

 

a) Estimated number of small businesses and types of businesses and industries with small businesses subject to proposed rule.

 

As part of its recordkeeping, DEQ does not track whether any of the entities subject to the proposed rule revisions are small businesses, therefore it is difficult to estimate businesses potentially affected. The types of small businesses/industries holding wastewater permits and may be required to monitor for toxics include, but are not limited to: smelting/refining operations, timber processing, wood products manufacturing, pulp and paper, retail operations, circuit boards, and petroleum hydrocarbon clean-up operations.

 

The Oregon Farm Bureau estimates that 97% of Oregon farms and ranches fall under the category of small businesses based on the definition of small businesses being fifty or fewer employees. Other types of businesses that could be subject to this rulemaking include nurseries, dairy and beef producers, fruit growers, and other food producers, industrial, and small forest land owners.

 

 

b) Projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative activities, including costs of professional services, required for small businesses to comply with the proposed rule.

 

No additional activities are required for compliance with the proposed revisions; however, some small businesses may need to conduct minor recordkeeping activities to correctly reference the effective toxics criteria following this rulemaking.

c) Projected equipment, supplies, labor and increased administration required for small businesses to comply with the proposed rule.

 

No additional resources are required for compliance with the proposed rules.

d) Describe how DEQ involved small businesses in developing this proposed rule.

 

DEQ included the Association of Oregon Industries (AOI) as part of the advisory committee that advised DEQ on the cost of compliance for this rulemaking for small businesses. AOI’s membership includes large and small companies from all business classifications in Oregon. In addition, the Oregon Farm Bureau was also part of the advisory committee and represents many farms and ranches that are considered small businesses.

 

DEQ discussed this Statement of fiscal impact and Economic and solicited input from the Oregon Farm Bureau during one workgroup meeting on July 11, 2013. The representative from AOI did not attend. DEQ incorporated the input into this analysis.

 

 

 

 

3. Impact on large businesses (all businesses that are not small businesses under #2 above)

 

 

Large businesses that discharge to waterbodies are regulated under the Clean Water Act and are subject to toxics monitoring requirements. However, DEQ does not expect large businesses, such as pulp and paper or electronic processing types of industry, to incur significant direct or indirect fiscal or economic impacts as a result of the proposed revisions to the toxics water quality standards rule. This rulemaking does not propose new water quality criteria for protection of aquatic life or human health. Instead, this rulemaking proposes to correct typographical errors associated with the aquatic life and human health criteria adopted by the EQC in 2004 and 2011, respectively, and responds to the regulatory consequences of EPA’s approval and disapproval actions associated with the 2004 aquatic life criteria. DEQ conducted an economic and fiscal impact assessment on revising or proposing new aquatic life criteria as part of the 2004 rulemaking.

 

DEQ proposes re-adopt freshwater and saltwater criteria for arsenic and saltwater criteria for chromium VI originally adopted by the EQC in 2004. DEQ inadvertently omitted these criteria in Table 33B during the 2007 water quality standards rulemaking. Despite this omission, these re-proposed criteria are not considered new water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life and do not warrant undergoing an economic analysis. In addition, although the correction to the selenium criteria (i.e. expressed in the dissolved form) does result in slightly lower criteria, the expression of most metals to the dissolved form, including selenium, was accounted for as part of the 2004 rulemaking fiscal analysis.

 

Some large businesses may need to conduct minor recordkeeping activities to correctly reference the effective toxics criteria following this rulemaking. DEQ expects the economic impact to be minimal.

DEQ anticipates these changes will very likely provide a benefit to large businesses subject to requirements based on toxics criteria by clarifying which criteria are effective and combining effective aquatic life toxics criteria into one table (Table 30), rather than distributed among three tables (Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B).

 

 

4. Impact on local government other than DEQ

 

DEQ does not expect local governments, such as municipal wastewater treatment facilities (i.e. domestic facilities or Publicly Owned Treatment Works), to incur measurable direct or indirect fiscal or economic impacts as a result of the proposed revisions to the toxics rule. This rulemaking does not propose new water quality criteria for protection of aquatic life or human health. Instead, this rulemaking proposes to correct typographical errors associated with the aquatic life and human health criteria adopted by the EQC in 2004 and 2011, respectively, and responds to the regulatory consequences of EPA’s approval and disapproval actions associated with the 2004 aquatic life criteria.

 

Most, if not all, major domestic sources are subject to toxic pollutant monitoring requirements. Generally, minor domestic sources (average dry weather design flow of less than one million gallons per day (MGD)) have much reduced monitoring and permitting requirements than major domestic sources.

 

The re-adoption of arsenic and chromium VI criteria and the expression of the freshwater selenium criteria to dissolved, as noted above under impacts to large businesses, does not require an economic analysis. DEQ conducted an economic and fiscal impact assessment on revising or proposing new aquatic life criteria as part of the 2004 rulemaking.

 

Some wastewater treatment facilities may need to conduct minor recordkeeping activities to correctly reference the effective toxics criteria following this rulemaking. DEQ expects the economic impact to be minimal.

DEQ anticipates these changes will very likely provide a benefit to local governments subject to toxics criteria by clarifying which criteria are effective and combining effective aquatic life toxics criteria into one table (Table 30), rather than distributed among three tables (Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B).

 

 

5. Impact on DEQ

 

DEQ does not expect that DEQ will incur significant direct or indirect fiscal or economic impacts as a result of the proposed revisions to the toxics rule. Although many DEQ programs use water quality criteria for toxics in various water quality programs (e.g. water quality assessment, Total Maximum Daily Load program, NPDES permitting, groundwater rules, clean-up program, etc.), this rulemaking does not propose new water quality criteria for protection of aquatic life or human health. DEQ conducted an economic and fiscal impact assessment on revising or proposing new aquatic life criteria as part of the 2004 rulemaking. Instead, this rulemaking proposes to correct typographical errors associated with the aquatic life and human health criteria adopted by the EQC in 2004 and 2011, respectively, and responds to the regulatory consequences of EPA’s approval and disapproval actions associated with the 2004 aquatic life criteria. However, some DEQ

programs may need to conduct minor recordkeeping activities to correctly reference effective toxics criteria following this rulemaking. DEQ expects the economic impact to be minimal.

 

DEQ anticipates these changes will very likely provide a benefit to DEQ staff by clarifying which criteria are effective and combining effective toxics aquatic life criteria into one table (Table 30), rather than distributed among three tables (Table 20, Table 33A, and Table 33B).

 

 

Documents relied on for fiscal and economic impact

None.

 

Housing cost

To comply with ORS 183.534, DEQ determined the proposed rules would have no effect on the development cost of a 6,000-square-foot parcel and construction of a 1,200-square-foot detached single-family dwelling on that parcel.

 

   Fees  

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

   Land use

 

 

For proposals that address numerous issues, the rule design team may use one of the methods under the Statement of Need section if it clarifies how this section applies to the disparate elements of this rulemaking. Delete this box after the team has settled on a method.

 

“It is the Commission's policy to coordinate the Department's programs, rules and actions that affect land use with local acknowledged plans to the fullest degree possible.”  

                              ORS 197.180, OAR 660-030

 

Land-use considerations

To determine whether the proposed rules involve programs or actions that are considered a land-use action, DEQ considered:

▪  Statewide planning goals for specific references. Section III, subsection 2 of the DEQ State Agency Coordination Program} document identifies the following statewide goal relating to DEQ's authority:

 

 Goal  Title

 5    Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources

 6    Air, Water and Land Resources Quality

 11    Public Facilities and Services

 16    Estuarial resources

 19    Ocean Resources

 

▪  OAR 340-018-0030 for EQC rules on land-use coordination. Division 18 requires DEQ to determine whether proposed rules will significantly affect land use. If yes, how will DEQ:

◦  Comply with statewide land-use goals, and

◦  Ensure compatibility with acknowledged comprehensive plans, which DEQ most commonly achieves by requiring a Land Use Compatibility Statement.

▪  DEQ’s mandate to protect public health and safety and the environment.

▪  Whether DEQ is the primary authority that is responsible for land-use programs or actions in the proposed rules.

▪  Present or future land uses identified in acknowledged comprehensive plans.

 

 

 

Determination

 

DEQ determined that the proposed rules identified under the 'Chapter 340 Action' section above may affect existing rules, programs or activities that are considered land-use programs and actions in OAR 340-018-0030 or in the DEQ State Agency Coordination Program. However, while the water quality standards program in general could affect land uses, the proposed rule amendments do not. These rule amendments propose to correct or clarify errors associated with past rulemakings, or provide additional clarifications, but the beneficial uses of State waters will not be changed and the water quality standards will continue to protect those uses. The proposed changes are adequately covered by the existing statewide goals.

 

 

[OPTION 1]DEQ’s statewide goal compliance and local plan compatibility procedures adequately cover the proposed rules. [DESCRIBE BRIEFLY WHY IT IS ADEQUATE.] [EXAMPLE 1: 340-018-0040(1) - compliance with statewide planning goals achieved by ensuring compatibility with acknowledged comprehensive plans] [EXAMPLE 2: 340-018-0050(2)(a) - ensuring compatibility with acknowledged comprehensive plans may be accomplished through a Land Use Compatibility Statement.] Enter text here.

 

[OPTION 2]DEQ’s statewide goal compliance and local plan compatibility procedures do not cover the proposed rules. [DESCRIBE CRITERIA AND RATIONALE USED TO DETERMINE THE PROPOSED RULES ARE LAND-USE RULES.] Enter text here.

[POTENTIAL TEXT] DEQ reasonably expects the program, rules or actions to have Choose an item. effect on resources, objectives or areas in the planning goals. [PLEASE EXPLAIN] Enter text here.

[OPTION 3]The proposed rules are not subject to existing compliance and local plan compatibility procedures. To ensure compliance and compatibility, DEQ will [EXPLAIN NEW PROCEDURES DEQ WILL USE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE AND COMPATIBILITY] Enter text here.

 

 

 

 

 

 Stakeholder and public involvement

 

  

 Advisory committee

 

DEQ established an advisory committee in January 2013 to provide input to DEQ on any potential fiscal impacts, that may result from this rulemaking. The rulemaking was subsequently delayed and then re-initiated in May 2013. DEQ met with the advisory committee on June 25, 2013 and July 11, 2013. The committee includes eight members representing industrial, municipal, tribal and environmental organizations with an interest in actions related to developing or revising water quality standards for toxic pollutants. See the Advisory Committee Charter for more information.

 

DEQ sent the draft fiscal analysis to the committee on July 2, 2013 to prepare for the fiscal analysis discussion at the July 11, 2013 meeting. In compliance with ORS 183.333, DEQ asked for the committee’s recommendations on:

 Whether the proposed rules would have a fiscal impact,

 The extent of the impact, and

 Whether the proposed rules would have a significant impact on small businesses and compliance with ORS 183.540.

DEQ considered the committee’s comments on the fiscal and economic impact statement. The committee agreed that the fiscal and economic impact to the regulated community, including small businesses, was minimal, if any. This rulemaking focuses on addressing EPA disapproval of pesticide and freshwater selenium criteria, and other corrections and clarifications to the toxics rules. The remedy to address the pesticide disapprovals is the addition of clarifying language only. The underlying criteria do not change. To address EPA’s disapproval of the freshwater criteria for selenium, DEQ applied the conversion factors to convert selenium criteria expressed as total recoverable to a dissolved expression as intended in the 2004 rulemaking. The 2004 fiscal analysis included any potential fiscal impacts from the change of total recoverable metals expression to a dissolved expression. This rulemaking does not propose new toxics criteria or other requirements. For more information about the advisory committee discussion, see the meeting minutes: future link to final meeting minutes. [SUMMARIZE RECOMMENDATION OR INVOLVEMENT AND LINK TO ANY FORMAL RECOMMENDATION.]

 

 

 

 Roster

Name

Representing

Contact Information

1. Curtis Barton

Clackamas Water Environment Services

curtisb@co.clackamas.or.us

 

(503) 742-4615

2. Dianne Barton

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

bard@critfc.org

 

(503) 731-1259

3. Kathleen Collins

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

collins.kathleen@epa.gov

 

(206) 553-2108

4. Heath Curtiss

Oregon Forest Industries Council

Heath@ofic.com

 

(503) 877-3225

5. Mike Freese

Oregon Farm Bureau

Mike@oregonfb.org

 

(503) 399-1701 x308

6. John Ledger

Associated Oregon Industries

johnledger@aoi.org

 

(503) 227-5636

7. Andrea Matzke

OR Dept. of Environmental Quality

matzke.andrea@deq.state.or.us

 

(503) 229-5384

8. Kathryn VanNatta

NW Pulp and Paper Association

kathryn@nwpulpandpaper.org

 

(503) 844-9540

9. Jennifer Wigal

OR Dept. of Environmental Quality

wigal.jennifer@deq.state.or.us

 

(505) 229-5323

10. Travis Williams

Willamette Riverkeeper

travis@willametteriverkeeper.org

 

(503) 223-6418

 

 

 

 

 EQC prior involvement

DEQ shared information about this rulemaking through a Director's Dialogue at the EQC meeting June 19-20, 2013. EQC members did not ask to participate in this rulemaking.

 

Public notice (to be completed at time of public notice)

[ADAPT TENSE. USE “PLANS” FOR FUTURE TENSE.] The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with Hearing [WITHOUT HEARING] for this proposed rulemaking will publish in the mmm dd, yyyy Oregon Bulletin. DEQ also:

 Posted notice on DEQ’s webpage http://www.deq.state.or.us/regulations/proposedrules.htm on mmm dd, yyyy.

 E-mailed notice to:

•   #### interested parties through GovDelivery on mmm dd, yyyy.

•  #### stakeholders on the [LIST OTHER MAILING LIST].

•  ## key legislators required under ORS 183.335 on mmm dd, yyyy. Key legislators included:

◦  Name, Title, Committee

◦  Name, Title, Committee

◦  Name, Title, Committee

•  Members of the advisory committee on mmm dd, yyyy.

 Mailed the notice by U.S. Postal Service to ## interested parties on mmm dd, yyyy.

 Sent notice to EPA on mmm dd, yyyy. 

 Other

 

Public hearings

DEQ plans to hold one public hearing. [OPTION]The hearing is accessible by:

Conference call:  (###) ###-####

Webinar:       (###) ###-####  Participant code: #####

Before taking public comment, DEQ will describe the rule proposal. The following table lists the public hearing location:

 

Public Hearings

Hearing Date

Time

Location

Hearings Officer

Sept. 18, 2013 (tentative)

TBD

Portland, OR

DEQ Staff

 

 

 

Close of public comment period

The comment period will close on Sept. 30, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

 

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
I suggest including a brief explanation that WQS don’t become effective until approved by EPA, and in order for previously adopted WQS to become effective, we need to address EPA’s concerns. Explain we will submit the revised rules to EPA again for approval and that, due to the limited scope of the revisions, we expect speedy approval by EPA.

dsturde, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
since they disapproved that I don't think they need to act again on the removal of it from the table

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Suggest we either explain the significance of this explanation, or delete this paragraph.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Does this apply only for cadmium or to the other criteria as well?

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
I'm unclear on the numbers below

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
add date

dsturde, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
I think the separate tables provided some clarity for people in what was otherwise a very confusing situation.

 

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
This is a good sententence for the summary. It is clear.

dsturde, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Should we drop the "C" now that this will be the only remaining Table 33? Or renumber it as Table 31, if we think the reference to 33 will be confusing?

dsturde, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
This may need to be worded differently as EPA will likely decline to act on the non-substantive/formatting changes. Unless they have told you they've changed their view of this and will approve everything.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Placeholder to re-visit when issue is resolved.

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:25:00Z
Of the rule?? Of the????

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:26:00Z
Keep the problem statement separate from the solution statement

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Check numbering

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Add a more direct link to the solution below.

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
check numbering

 

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
This is part of solving the problem

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Limit use of the word "since" when referring to time

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
See comments in similar sections above.

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Make sure to limit section above to the problem and this section to the solution.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T16:13:00Z
I suggest we say that we requested comment as required but did not receive any.

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
No but we are required to ask.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Did we receive any comments about that?

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Please verify this new OPTION is accurate.

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
You need to answewr this question. In this case, the "do nothing" alternative" or the add it to the future rulemaking. Maybe others. You only need a couple of sentences.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
See Larry K’s comments

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Leave this her and simply say "No other authorities"

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
See Larry K’s comments

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:58:00Z
Some of the comon repetative information below could go in thei section.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Maybe we should list this fiscal impact statement as one of the documents relied upon in this rulemaking?

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
Suggest we elither explain why not, or better yet, just delete this sentence.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T14:17:00Z
I assume this is where the corrections would need to be made?

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T14:47:00Z
Could we cross reference the industrial dischargers to waters of the state with small business owners from Employment? Did Larry K have any heartburn over this sentence?

mvandeh, 2013-07-25T15:36:00Z
I stopped her because this is still a work in progress.

jhickman, 2013-07-25T16:18:00Z
No hyphen in “land use”