EPA is requesting public comment on its decisions identifying water quality limited segments and associated pollutants in Arkansas to be listed pursuant to Clean Water Act section 303(d).
Section 303(d) requires that States submit and EPA approve or disapprove lists of waters for which existing technology-based pollution controls are not stringent enough to attain or maintain State water quality standards and for which total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) must be prepared.
On March 10, 2003, EPA partially approved and partially disapproved Arkansas' submittal. Specifically, EPA approved Arkansas' listing of 76 waters, associated pollutants and associated priority rankings. EPA disapproved Arkansas' decisions not to list 52 water quality limited segments and associated pollutants. EPA identified these additional water bodies and pollutants along with priority rankings for inclusion on the 2002 section 303(d) list.
EPA is providing the public the opportunity to review its decisions to add waters and pollutants to Arkansas' 2002 section 303(d) list, as required by EPA's Public Participation regulations (40 CFR part 25). EPA will consider public comments in reaching its final decisions on the additional water bodies and pollutants identified for inclusion on Arkansas' final list.
Comments must be submitted in writing to EPA on or before April 18, 2003. Comments should be sent to Ellen Caldwell, Environmental Protection Specialist, Water Quality Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6, 1445 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75202-2733, telephone (214) 665-7513, facsimile (214) 665-6490 or email [email protected]. Oral comments will not be considered.
Copies of the documents which explain the rationale for EPA's decisions and a list of the 52 water quality limited segments for which EPA disapproved Arkansas' decision not to list can be obtained at EPA Region 6's Web site at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/artmdl.htm, or by writing or calling Caldwell at the above address. Underlying documents from the record for these decisions are available for public inspection at the above address. Contact Caldwell to schedule an inspection.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
