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EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AF16 Publication ID: Spring 2010 
Title: ●Water Quality Standards Regulatory Clarifications 
Abstract: EPA is proposing a few targeted clarifications to the water quality standards regulation to improve its effectiveness in helping restore and maintain the Nation’s waters. The new regulatory interpretations in the rulemaking are urgently needed to help reduce the rate of new water quality impairments and increase the rate of water quality improvements. The proposed rule will be focused on providing tools that protect high quality waters (Antidegradation Protection) and provide a clear pathway towards restoring impaired waters. The clarifications will also help streamline operations and improve public participation in standards processes. The core requirements of the current regulation have been in place since 1983. These requirements have served well to provide the foundation for all water quality-based controls that have been put in place since then, including effective TMDL and NPDES permit programs. EPA does not believe it is necessary to overhaul the current regulation or associated guidance and policy. Rather, the intent of the proposal is to provide clarity and regulatory tools to address the issues described above. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 131(Revision)     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/00/2011    
Final Action  06/00/2012    
Additional Information: SAN No. 5424.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Grace Robiou
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4305T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-2975
Email: robiou.grace@epamail.epa.gov

Christina Jarvis
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4305T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-0537
Email: Jarvis.Christina@epamail.epa.gov