Availability of Draft Integrated Waterbody List [34 Pa.B. 442] The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is making available for public comment its draft 2004 Integrated Waterbody List (list) and the Assessment and Listing Methodology (methodology) used to create the list. This list, formerly known as the 303(d) List because it is required by section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act, is now comprised of five parts that collectively report on the designated use attainment status of Commonwealth surface waters. Waterbodies reported as having impaired water quality are now displayed in Part Five of the 2004 list. The list and methodology will be merged with a narrative description of the Commonwealth's various water quality management programs (formerly known as the 305(b) Report) and submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one document.
Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act and 40 CFR Part 130 require states to identify waters which would still be impaired, even after the appropriate technology has been applied to point sources and required best management practices are in place for nonpoint sources. Waterbodies that do not meet water quality standards after this evaluation are placed on Part Five of the list.
For each waterbody listed in Part Five, the State or the EPA must develop Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocations. A TMDL is a calculation of the assimilative capacity of a waterbody to handle point and nonpoint pollutant loads without violating water quality standards. TMDLs also describe the conditions necessary to improve water quality. TMDLs are used to set limits in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water quality permits and identify where best management practices for nonpoint sources are necessary to improve and protect water quality. When a TMDL is approved for a waterbody, that waterbody listing is moved to Part Four A of the list.
Development of waterbody assessments and compilation of the list are ongoing processes. The Department will continue to verify the quality of data for waterbodies on the list and, as needed, will publish supplements to the list for public review and comment.
The draft 2004 list was developed using the methodology for which the Department is also seeking comment under this notice. The methodology describes field data collection procedures, data analysis methods and data management protocols used to obtain and evaluate water quality information from a variety of sources, including the Department's Statewide Surface Water Assessment Program, the Nonpoint Source Program and existing and readily available data submitted by external groups and agencies.
The draft 2004 list and methodology are available on the Department's website at www.dep.state.pa.us (choose Subjects/Water Quality Assessment and Standards). Due to its length, the list will not be available in hardcopy.
Persons wishing to comment on the draft list may do so by March 17, 2004, in writing to Mary Houghton, Division of Water Quality Assessment and Standards, Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Management, P. O. Box 8467, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8467, mhoughton@state.pa.us. Comments received by facsimile will not be accepted.
The Department will consider all public comments regarding the validity of the data and the appropriateness of placing waterbodies on the draft list. The final list will be submitted to the EPA for approval.
Questions concerning this notice should be addressed to Mary Houghton at (717) 787-9637 or the previous e-mail address.
Persons in need of accommodations as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Mary Houghton at the previous number or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TTD) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.
KATHLEEN A. MCGINTY,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-99. Filed for public inspection January 16, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]
