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The EPA is proposing water quality criteria in Oregon to protect aquatic life from the harmful effects of exposure to toxic levels of aluminum. In January 2013, the EPA disapproved Oregon's new and revised freshwater acute and chronic criteria for aluminum, based on concerns that the criteria would not adequately protect aquatic life in Oregon. Oregon has not yet adopted or submitted criteria for aluminum to address EPA's disapproval. Therefore, consistent with Clean Water Act Section 303(c)(3), the EPA is proposing aluminum criteria to protect aquatic life in Oregon. This rule will improve water quality, protect aquatic life, and strengthen Oregon's natural ecosystem. Under a consent decree with Northwest Environmental Advocates, EPA has until December 15, 2017 to either take an action under CWA section 303(c) to approve aquatic life criteria for aluminum submitted by the state of Oregon, or, if aluminum criteria have not yet been submitted by Oregon and approved by EPA, to propose statewide federal aquatic life criteria for aluminum in Oregon. The consent decree also requires EPA to sign a final rule by September 29, 2018, if aluminum criteria have not yet been submitted by Oregon and approved by EPA.

Overall Description of Deadline: EPA is under a consent decree with NWA to either take CWA section 303(c) action to approve criteria for aluminum adopted by Oregon, or propose statewide federal criteria for aluminum. The consent decree also requires EPA to sign a final rule by September 29, 2018, if aluminum criteria have not yet been submitted by Oregon and approved by EPA.