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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2003
Contacts:
William Moellmer, Environmental Scientist, Utah Division of Water Quality, (801) 538-6329
Don Ostler, Director, Utah Division of Water Quality, (801) 538-6146
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - The Utah Division of Water Quality is proposing changes in the state's water quality standards that could affect how much pollution sewage treatment plants are allowed to discharge into Utah's rivers, streams, lakes or reservoirs.
Two changes in particular could increase or decrease the costs of treating wastewater and the amount the public pays for their sewer service. Under the proposed changes, environmental protection of the state's high quality of water would remain intact.
The proposal calls for a change in permitted levels of ammonia discharged into the waters of the state. This change may relax permit limit requirements for ammonia, reducing financial requirements to many wastewater treatment plants. This proposal is based upon new EPA research on the toxicity effects of ammonia.
The proposal also adds a new review process for all discharges to any river, stream, lake or reservoir in the state to prevent degradation of water quality. This process may require additional alternative treatment options and a higher level of treatment as well as encourage pollution trading. These alternative options may cause additional costs of treatment for specifically targeted waters, such as drinking water sources or high-quality blue ribbon fisheries.
"These major changes may have a financial impact for both the municipal wastewater districts and private industry but without compromising the environment," said Division of Water Quality environmental scientist William Moellmer.
A public hearing is scheduled to receive public input prior to adoption of these changes by the Water Quality Board. The hearing will be June 6, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Cannon Building, Room 125, 288 N. 1460 West, Salt Lake City.
Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 15, 2003. Statements should be addressed to William Moellmer, Utah Division of Water Quality, P.O. Box 144870, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870. Comments may also be faxed to (801) 538-6016. The proposed changes are available on the Web at www.waterquality.utah.gov and also at the Division of Water Quality, 288 N. 1460 West, Salt Lake City, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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