§ 8-5-904 - Modification of water quality standards. - Arkansas Statutes

8-5-904. Modification of water quality standards.

(a) The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission may approve a modification where the water quality standard is not being maintained due to conditions which may, in part or in whole, be corrected through the implementation of long-term measures. The commission shall establish such subcategory of use and modify such general and specific standards as it deems appropriate to reflect such modification while ensuring that the fishable/swimmable use is maintained. In all water quality standard changes associated with long-term environmental projects, the remedial action plan described in 8-5-903(a) shall be incorporated by reference in the statement of basis and purpose of the rule and shall be considered an essential condition of the modified water quality standard.

(b) (1) Once the commission approves a water quality standard modification, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality shall ensure that conditions and limitations designed to achieve compliance with the plan are established in applicable discharge permits, consent administrative orders, or such other enforcement measures deemed appropriate by the department.

(2) The department may allow modifications by the petitioner to the remediation plan and schedule as is deemed appropriate, provided that any such modifications to the original remedial action plan shall not render the project significantly less protective of the applicable use subcategory.

(3) Should the department find that the petitioner is not acting in good faith to complete the project in accordance with the approved plan, applicable and appropriate enforcement authority may be exercised subject to appeal to the commission.

(c) The department or the petitioner shall report annually to the commission on the progress of the project.