This week, the OMA submitted comments on Ohio EPA’s draft rules on Human Health Water Quality OAC 3745-1. These standards — designed to protect surface water from pollution — are being amended as part of the agency’s Triennial Water Quality Standards Review. The changes being considered by Ohio EPA include implementing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) statewide (as opposed to only the Ohio River Basin), as well as an updated water quality table. Water quality standards are used in the implementation of Clean Water Act programs, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports. Potentially impacted entities may include facilities that discharge or plan to discharge wastewater containing any of the specific chemicals listed in these rules. Contact Rob Brundrett at the OMA if you have any questions or thoughts. 5/2/2019