Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 60-5-3 - Antidegradation Review Process3.1. As set forth in 47 CSR 2-4.1, the State's antidegradation policy requires that existing uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect the existing uses shall be maintained and protected. This requirement applies to all waters of the state.3.2. Except where a water segment is specifically listed as a Tier 3 water, the following sections outline how the agency conducting the antidegradation review will determine the level of protection ("tier") assigned to the receiving water body associated with the activity subject to this rule.3.3. Uses. The Secretary, in conducting an antidegradation review, must determine the existing uses of the receiving water body associated with the proposed activity. The Secretary shall determine the existing uses of the water body by identifying the uses set forth in 47 CSR 2-6 that the water body currently supports, or has supported since November 28, 1975. The regulated entity may be required to provide data sufficient for the permitting agency to determine the existing uses of the water segment.3.4. Baseline water quality. Where baseline water quality has not been established for the water segment the regulated entity proposes to impact or has not been established for a parameter of concern that is reasonably expected to be discharged into the water segment as a result of the proposed regulated activity, the Secretary must determine the baseline water quality for the receiving water body. The Secretary may consider data for establishing the baseline water quality from a federal or state agency, the regulated entity, the public, or any other source, as long as the data are recent and reliable. If adequate data are not available, the agency may, in conjunction with the regulated entity or on its own initiative, establish a plan for obtaining the necessary data. The regulated entity may be required to provide baseline water quality for those parameters of concern that are reasonably expected to be discharged as a result of the regulated activity into the affected water segment to help the permitting agency determine the baseline water quality, the existing uses, and the applicable tier. The regulated entity may contact the Secretary prior to initiating a baseline water quality evaluation to seek concurrence with its determination of the parameters of concern for its proposed activity and its proposed sampling protocol.3.5. Determination of tier. If the tier has not already been determined for the water segment the regulated entity proposes to impact, then after determining the baseline water quality for parameters of concern and the existing uses for a water body, the agency will determine which level of protection (i.e. "tier") applies to the receiving water body associated with the activity, as follows: 3.5.a. Water segments within a federally designated Wilderness Area, or otherwise included in 47CSR2-4.1.c, as well as other water segments specifically listed as an outstanding national resource water pursuant to subsection 7.1 shall receive Tier 3 protection.3.5.b. Water segments not within a federally designated Wilderness Area, or otherwise included in 47CSR2-4.1.c. or listed pursuant to subsection 7.1. of this rule, shall receive Tier 1 protection, and shall receive Tier 2 protection if the water segment is determined, pursuant to subsections 5.1. through 5.3. of this rule, to be a high quality water for purposes of antidegradation review.3.5.c. Water segments may be determined to receive only Tier 1 protection, pursuant to subsections 4.2. through 4.6. of this rule, for purposes of antidegradation review.3.5.d. To the extent practicable, a list of water segments protected under Tier 3 will be maintained on the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's website.3.6. Level of review. Once the correct level of protection ("tier") and water segment use(s) are identified for the receiving water body, the agency shall document its findings and proceed with the appropriate level of antidegradation review.3.7. On or after July 2, 2001, the effective date of these implementation procedures, new and reissued WV/NPDES general permits will be evaluated to consider the potential for significant degradation as a result of the permitted activity. Regulated activities that are granted coverage by a WV/NPDES general permit will not be required to undergo a Tier 2 antidegradation review as part of the permit registration process. Regulated activities that are granted coverage by a WV/NPDES permit that will degrade a Tier 3 water segment must comply with the requirements of sections 6 and 7 herein.3.8. Regulated activities that qualify for coverage under a Corps of Engineers regional or nationwide permit pursuant to section 404 of the Federal Act that has been certified by the state pursuant to section 401 of the Federal Act will not be required to undergo a Tier 2 antidegradation review, provided, however, that where an individual 401 certification is required, the Secretary may require an appropriate antidegradation review. Where an activity covered by a regional or nationwide permit pursuant to section 404 of the Federal Act and certified pursuant to section 401 of the Federal Act allows for filling of a water, this exemption only applies to the site of the fill, and does not apply to activities downstream of the site of the fill. Regulated activities that are granted section 401 certification that will degrade a Tier 3 water segment must comply with the requirements of sections 6 and 7 herein.3.9. The Secretary shall develop guidance which addresses these implementation procedures and provides additional information to persons conducting regulated activities that are affected by these procedures. Such guidance shall include, but shall not be limited to, information regarding the following: (a) the determination of baseline water quality; (b) social and economic importance pursuant to subsection 5.8; and (c) the reasonable alternatives analysis required by subsection 5.7. The Secretary shall provide an opportunity for public review and comment before finalizing any guidance.