Washington department of ecology is conducting a triennial review of Washington surface water quality standards (chapter 173-201A WAC) until September 16, 2021. During this review, we are accepting feedback on any changes we should consider to the water quality standards for Washington and our draft work plan for the next three years. We will hold a workshop and public hearing to talk about our draft plan and listen to your feedback.

What is a Triennial Review? Section 303 (c)(1) of the federal Clean Water Act requires we regularly hold public hearings to review state water quality standards and, as appropriate, adopt new or modified standards. The triennial review is not a rule making, instead this effort helps inform what rule makings and other actions we should consider for the next three years.

Documents for Review: You can view our draft work plan and other related materials on ecology's water quality standards webpage, at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Water-quality-standards/Updates-to-the-standards.

Online: Send us comments using our eComments form (preferred method) at https://wq.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=R5TkH.

By mail: Marla Koberstein, Department of Ecology, Water Quality Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.

During the online public hearing: September 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Register for the hearing at https://watech.webex.com/watech/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec66f9a302c5f4c72d027bcc7ec8070cc.

The hearing will begin with a short presentation on our surface water quality standards and draft work plan, after which we will answer questions. Following the presentation, we will begin the formal hearing, where you can provide formal comment. The hearing will conclude once everyone who wants to comment has had the opportunity to do so.

Hearings offered via online webinar allow individuals to participate via computer or mobile device. Ecology is not currently offering in-person sessions due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

Next steps: After the close of comment period, we will provide a responsiveness summary and final work plan, which we will submit to the Environmental Protection Agency for review. We will post these documents on our water quality standards webpage, at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Water-quality-standards/Updates-to-the-standards.

Questions: Please contact Marla Koberstein, at swqs@ecy.wa.gov, or 360-407-6413 for any questions.