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January 7, 2000
Tackles TMDLs, Nutrients to Start 2000
This week, AMSA kicked off 2000 by confronting two regulatory issues that are likely to dominate the regulatory landscape for the coming year and beyond — total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed nutrient criteria. AMSA member agency representatives met at the National Office to finalize the Association's comments on EPA proposed package of substantially revised TMDL regulations and guidance. Because the TMDL package presents a complicated array of technical and legal issues, members and leadership from AMSA's Regulatory, Legal Affairs and Water Quality committees collaborated on the development of AMSA's comments. While the comments will be a thorough review of the entire proposal's potential impacts on POTWs, they will emphasize the need for EPA to narrow the scope of the listings envisioned in the proposal to include only those waters that are not meeting pollutant-based water quality standards. In addition, AMSA will recommend that a clear linkage be made between the TMDL rule and water quality standards use reviews and revisions. AMSA's comments will strongly support the proposal's inclusion of nonpoint sources, requirements for public participation in the impaired waters listing and TMDL development process and TMDL implementation plans. The deadline for comments on the proposed TMDL program revisions is January 20.This week, AMSA also discussed its concerns over the Agency's plans to promulgate national nutrient criteria with Office of Science & Technology Director Geoff Grubbs. As part of the National Strategy for the Development of Regional Nutrient Criteria, EPA anticipates publishing criteria for lakes/reservoirs and rivers/streams in 8 of the 14 designated eco-regions by December 2000. States are expected to adopt the criteria as water quality standards within three years of the publication of the criteria. In response to the Association's request for a public comment period, Grubbs assured AMSA that EPA would publish the guidance documents and the eco-region criteria documents in the Federal Register and provide 60-day formal public comment periods. AMSA remains concerned that the technical aspects of assigning appropriate numeric ranges to nutrient levels may lead to needlessly overprotective and potentially expensive water quality standards.
AMSA Books Extra Hotel to Accommodate 2000 Winter Conference-Goers
Due to the positive response to AMSA's 2000 Winter Conference — February 1-4 in the Albuquerque, NM Hyatt Regency — AMSA has booked rooms at another, nearby hotel to accommodate those wishing to attend the conference. The Albuquerque DoubleTree Hotel — which is walking distance (two blocks) from the conference site — is accepting the overflow. To reserve a room, please call 505/247-3344. The Albuquerque DoubleTree Hotel is located at 201 Marquette, NW Albuquerque, NM 87102. Be sure to indicate that you are with AMSA to receive the special conference rate, $119/night. The pre-registration deadline for AMSA's 2000 Winter Conference is January 18. After the 18th, attendees can register on site.AMSA's offices experienced some disruption in phone service and voice mail on Thursday and Friday, January 6-7. Full service should be restored by Monday. We apologize for any inconvenience.