FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 25, 2003
OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is adopting its first major overhaul of the state's water quality standards in a decade.
"These updated rules will help us do a better job of protecting all of Washington's waters - from the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Asotin Creek, from the Dungeness River to the mighty Columbia," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology director. "They reflect the latest science about how to keep Washington's waters clean and safe for people, fish and wildlife."
Water quality standards set limits on pollution in Washington's lakes, rivers and marine waters. Ecology uses the standards to protect water quality for swimming, fishing, fish habitat and drinking water. They are used in establishing wastewater permits and water cleanup plans.
The standards provide new tools to allow Ecology to make sure the best technology is used to minimize pollution of water bodies and, if pollution increases are allowed, they are in the public's overriding interest. The standards also now include a mechanism for preserving pristine water bodies when there is broad public support for doing so.
In addition, the standards include updated temperature requirements to protect critical life stages of salmon and bull trout, including incubation, spawning and rearing.
"Ecology spent the past decade developing this proposal so that it would protect the environment yet be reasonable to implement," said Fitzsimmons.
"We believe we have achieved the goal of preserving water quality without creating undue burdens on businesses, cities or farms."
Draft standards were circulated earlier this year, and Ecology held eight public workshops throughout the state to gather comments. More than 1,400 comment letters were received by the March deadline.
"We are grateful to the citizens, business leaders, tribal leaders, environmentalists, farmers and others who kept our feet to the fire and told us how the rules could be improved," Fitzsimmons said.
The updated standards must be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and federal fish agencies before they take effect.
This page created and maintained by Chehalis River Council
Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council