No. 35359 (Change in Proposed Rule): Rule R317-2. Standards of Quality for Waters of the State  

  • DAR File No.: 35359
    Filed: 01/31/2012 04:42:05 PM

    RULE ANALYSIS

    Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

    These changes are in response to comments received during the public comment period.

    Summary of the rule or change:

    As identified in the Notice of Proposed Rule published on 11/01/2011, the reach of the Weber River from Fountain Green to Uintah was mistakenly moved from Subsections R317-2-12(12.1)(a) and R317-2-12(12.2)(a), to Subsection R317-2-12(12.2) during the Standards changes in 2010 (see the proposed amendment to Rule R317-2 under DAR No. 33233 in the December 15, 2009, issue of the Bulletin, p. 45, and the corresponding change in proposed rule to Rule R317-2 under DAR No. 33233 in the February 15, 2010, issue of the Bulletin, p. 68. Both were made effective on 04/01/2010). The changes made in October 2011 incorrectly changed the reference to Category 2 waters in Subsection R317-2-12(12.1.a) to Category 3. This change corrects this error and adds numbers to the noted exceptions for clarity. Also, references to "tributyl tin" were changed to "tributyltin". (DAR NOTE: This change in proposed rule has been filed to make additional changes to a proposed amendment that was published in the November 1, 2011, issue of the Utah State Bulletin, on page 78. Underlining in the rule below indicates text that has been added since the publication of the proposed rule mentioned above; strike-out indicates text that has been deleted. You must view the change in proposed rule and the proposed amendment together to understand all of the changes that will be enforceable should the agency make this rule effective.)

    State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

    Anticipated cost or savings to:

    the state budget:

    No additional costs or savings to the state budget are anticipated. The proposed amendments will be addressed using existing resources.

    local governments:

    No additional costs are anticipated because the changes to Section R317-2-12 revert back to the 2011 language and the other change is spelling.

    small businesses:

    No additional costs are anticipated because the changes to Section R317-2-12 revert back to the 2011 language and the other change is spelling.

    persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

    No additional costs are anticipated because the changes to Section R317-2-12 revert back to the 2011 language and the other change is spelling.

    Compliance costs for affected persons:

    Compliance costs are anticipated to remain the same. No additional costs are anticipated because the changes to Section R317-2-12 revert back to the 2011 language and the other change is spelling.

    Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

    These changes are not anticipated to change compliance costs.

    Amanda Smith, Executive Director

    The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

    Environmental Quality
    Water QualityRoom DEQ, Third Floor
    195 N 1950 W
    SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116

    Direct questions regarding this rule to:

    Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

    This rule may become effective on:

    04/01/2012

    Authorized by:

    Walter Baker, Director

    RULE TEXT

    R317. Environmental Quality, Water Quality.

    R317-2. Standards of Quality for Waters of the State.

     

    . . . . . . .

     

    R317-2-12. Category 1 and Category 2 Waters.

    12.1 Category 1 Waters.

    In addition to assigned use classes, the following surface waters of the State are hereby designated as Category 1 Waters:

    a. All surface waters geographically located within the outer boundaries of U.S. National Forests whether on public or private lands with the following exceptions:

    1. Category 2[3] Waters as listed in R317-2-12.2.

    2. Weber River, a tributary to the Great Salt Lake, in the Weber River Drainage from Uintah to Mountain Green.

    b. Other surface waters, which may include segments within U.S. National Forests as follows:

    1. Colorado River Drainage

    Calf Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Escalante River to headwaters.

    Sand Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Escalante River to headwaters.

    Mamie Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Escalante River to headwaters.

    Deer Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Boulder Creek to headwaters (Garfield County).

    Indian Creek and tributaries, through Newspaper Rock State Park to headwaters.

    2. Green River Drainage

    Price River (Lower Fish Creek from confluence with White River to Scofield Dam.

    Range Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Green River to headwaters.

    Strawberry River and tributaries, from confluence with Red Creek to headwaters.

    Ashley Creek and tributaries, from Steinaker diversion to headwaters.

    Jones Hole Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Green River to headwaters.

    Green River, from state line to Flaming Gorge Dam.

    Tollivers Creek, from confluence with Green River to headwaters.

    Allen Creek, from confluence with Green River to headwaters.

    3. Virgin River Drainage

    North Fork Virgin River and tributaries, from confluence with East Fork Virgin River to headwaters.

    East Fork Virgin River and tributaries from confluence with North Fork Virgin River to headwaters.

    4. Kanab Creek Drainage

    Kanab Creek and tributaries, from irrigation diversion at confluence with Reservoir Canyon to headwaters.

    5. Bear River Drainage

    Swan Creek and tributaries, from Bear Lake to headwaters.

    North Eden Creek, from Upper North Eden Reservoir to headwaters.

    Big Creek and tributaries, from Big Ditch diversion to headwaters.

    Woodruff Creek and tributaries, from Woodruff diversion to headwaters.

    6. Weber River Drainage

    Burch Creek and tributaries, from Harrison Boulevard in Ogden to headwaters.

    Hardscrabble Creek and tributaries, from confluence with East Canyon Creek to headwaters.

    Chalk Creek and tributaries, from Main Street in Coalville to headwaters.

    Weber River and tributaries, from Utah State Route 32 near Oakley to headwaters.

    7. Jordan River Drainage

    City Creek and tributaries, from City Creek Water Treatment Plant to headwaters (Salt Lake County).

    Emigration Creek and tributaries, from Hogle Zoo to headwaters (Salt Lake County).

    Red Butte Creek and tributaries, from Foothill Boulevard in Salt Lake City to headwaters.

    Parley's Creek and tributaries, from 13th East in Salt Lake City to headwaters.

    Mill Creek and tributaries, from Wasatch Boulevard in Salt Lake City to headwaters.

    Big Cottonwood Creek and tributaries, from Wasatch Boulevard in Salt Lake City to headwaters.

    Little Willow Creek and tributaries, from diversion to headwaters (Salt Lake County.)

    Bell Canyon Creek and tributaries, from Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir to headwaters (Salt Lake County).

    South Fork of Dry Creek and tributaries, from Draper Irrigation Company diversion to headwaters (Salt Lake County).

    8. Provo River Drainage

    Upper Falls drainage above Provo City diversion (Utah County).

    Bridal Veil Falls drainage above Provo City diversion (Utah County).

    Lost Creek and tributaries, above Provo City diversion (Utah County).

    9. Sevier River Drainage

    Chicken Creek and tributaries, from diversion at canyon mouth to headwaters.

    Pigeon Creek and tributaries, from diversion to headwaters.

    East Fork of Sevier River and tributaries, from Kingston diversion to headwaters.

    Parowan Creek and tributaries, from Parowan City to headwaters.

    Summit Creek and tributaries, from Summit City to headwaters.

    Braffits Creek and tributaries, from canyon mouth to headwaters.

    Right Hand Creek and tributaries, from confluence with Coal Creek to headwaters.

    10. Raft River Drainage

    Clear Creek and tributaries, from state line to headwaters (Box Elder County).

    Birch Creek (Box Elder County), from state line to headwaters.

    Cotton Thomas Creek from confluence with South Junction Creek to headwaters.

    11. Western Great Salt Lake Drainage

    All streams on the south slope of the Raft River Mountains above 7000' mean sea level.

    Donner Creek (Box Elder County), from irrigation diversion to Utah-Nevada state line.

    Bettridge Creek (Box Elder County), from irrigation diversion to Utah-Nevada state line.

    Clover Creek, from diversion to headwaters.

    All surface waters on public land on the Deep Creek Mountains.

    12. Farmington Bay Drainage

    Holmes Creek and tributaries, from Highway US-89 to headwaters (Davis County).

    Shepard Creek and tributaries, from Haight Bench diversion to headwaters (Davis County).

    Farmington Creek and tributaries, from Haight Bench Canal diversion to headwaters (Davis County).

    Steed Creek and tributaries, from Highway US-89 to headwaters (Davis County).

    12.2 Category 2 Waters.

    In addition to assigned use classes, the following surface waters of the State are hereby designated as Category 2 Waters:

    a. Green River Drainage

    Deer Creek, a tributary of Huntington Creek, from the forest boundary to 4800 feet upstream.

    Electric Lake.

     

    . . . . . . .

     

    R317-2-14. Numeric Criteria.

     

    . . . . . . .

     

     

    TABLE 2.14.2
    NUMERIC CRITERIA FOR AQUATIC WILDLIFE(8)


         Parameter              Aquatic Wildlife
                                3A       3B       3C       3D        5     PHYSICAL

         Total Dissolved
           Gases                (1)      (1)

         Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
           (MG/L) (2)(2a)
           30 Day Average       6.5      5.5      5.0      5.0
           7 Day Average        9.5/5.0  6.0/4.0

           Minimum              8.0/4.0  5.0/3.0  3.0      3.0

         Max. Temperature(C)(3) 20       27       27

         Max. Temperature
           Change (C)(3)        2        4        4

         pH (Range)(2a)      6.5-9.0  6.5-9.0  6.5-9.0  6.5-9.0

         Turbidity Increase
           (NTU)                10       10       15       15
         METALS (4)
         (DISSOLVED,
         UG/L)(5)
         Aluminum
         4 Day Average (6)      87       87       87       87
         1 Hour Average         750      750      750      750

         Arsenic (Trivalent)
         4 Day Average          150      150      150      150
         1 Hour Average         340      340      340      340

         Cadmium (7)
         4 Day Average          0.25    0.25      0.25     0.25
         1 Hour Average         2.0     2.0       2.0      2.0

         Chromium
           (Hexavalent)
         4 Day Average          11       11       11       11
         1 Hour Average         16       16       16       16
         Chromium
           (Trivalent) (7)
         4 Day Average          74       74       74       74
         1 Hour Average         570      570      570      570

         Copper (7)
         4 Day Average          9        9        9        9
         1 Hour Average         13       13       13       13

         Cyanide (Free)
         4 Day Average          5.2      5.2      5.2
         1 Hour Average         22       22       22       22
         Iron (Maximum)         1000     1000     1000     1000

         Lead (7)
         4 Day Average          2.5      2.5      2.5      2.5
         1 Hour Average         65       65       65       65

         Mercury
         4 Day Average          0.012    0.012    0.012    0.012
         
         Nickel (7)
         4 Day Average          52       52       52       52
         1 Hour Average         468      468      468      468

         Selenium
         4 Day Average          4.6      4.6      4.6      4.6
         1 Hour Average         18.4     18.4     18.4     18.4

         Selenium (14)
         Gilbert Bay (Class 5A)
         Great Salt Lake
         Geometric Mean over
         Nesting Season (mg/kg dry wt)                            12.5

         Silver
         1 Hour Average (7)     1.6      1.6      1.6      1.6
         
         [Tributyl Tin]Tributyltin
         4 Day Average          0.072    0.072    0.072    0.072
         1 Hour Average         0.46     0.46     0.46     0.46

         Zinc (7)
         4 Day Average          120      120      120      120
         1 Hour Average         120      120      120      120

         INORGANICS
         (MG/L) (4)
         Total Ammonia as N (9)
         30 Day Average         (9a)     (9a)     (9a)     (9a)
         1 Hour Average         (9b)     (9b)     (9b)     (9b)

         Chlorine (Total
           Residual)
         4 Day Average          0.011    0.011    0.011    0.011
         1 Hour Average         0.019    0.019    0.019    0.019

         Hydrogen Sulfide (13)
         (Undissociated,
           Max. UG/L)           2.0      2.0      2.0      2.0
         Phenol(Maximum)       0.01      0.01     0.01    0.01
         RADIOLOGICAL     (MAXIMUM pCi/L)

         Gross Alpha (10)       15       15       15       15

         ORGANICS (UG/L) (4)
         Acrolein
         4 Day Average          3.0      3.0      3.0      3.0
         1 Hour Average         3.0      3.0      3.0      3.0

         Aldrin
         1 Hour Average         1.5      1.5      1.5      1.5

         Chlordane
         4 Day Average          0.0043   0.0043   0.0043   0.0043
         1 Hour Average         1.2      1.2      1.2      1.2

         Chlorpyrifos
         4 Day Average          0.041    0.041    0.041    0.041
         1 Hour Average         0.083    0.083    0.083    0.083

         4,4' -DDT
         4 Day Average          0.0010   0.0010   0.0010   0.0010
         1 Hour Average         0.55     0.55     0.55     0.55

         Diazinon
         4 Day Average          0.17     0.17     0.17     0.17
         1 Hour Average         0.17     0.17     0.17     0.17

         Dieldrin
         4 Day Average          0.056    0.056    0.056    0.056
         1 Hour Average         0.24     0.24     0.24     0.24

         Alpha-Endosulfan
         4 Day Average          0.056    0.056    0.056    0.056
         1 Hour Average         0.11     0.11     0.11     0.11

         beta-Endosulfan
         4 Day Average          0.056    0.056    0.056    0.056
         1 Day Average          0.11     0.11     0.11     0.11

         Endrin
         4 Day Average          0.036    0.036    0.036    0.036
         1 Hour Average         0.086    0.086    0.086    0.086

         Heptachlor
         4 Day Average          0.0038   0.0038   0.0038   0.0038
         1 Hour Average         0.26     0.26     0.26     0.26

         Heptachlor epoxide
         4 Day Average          0.0038   0.0038   0.0038   0.0038
         1 Hour Average         0.26     0.26     0.26     0.26

         Hexachlorocyclohexane
           (Lindane)
         4 Day Average          0.08     0.08     0.08     0.08
         1 Hour Average         1.0      1.0      1.0      1.0

         Methoxychlor
           (Maximum)            0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03
         Mirex (Maximum)        0.001    0.001    0.001    0.001

         Nonylphenol
         4 Day Average          6.6      6.6      6.6      6.6
         1 Hour Average         28.0     28.0     28.0     28.0

         Parathion
         4 Day Average          0.013    0.013    0.013    0.013
         1 Hour Average         0.066    0.066    0.066    0.066

         PCB's
         4 Day Average          0.014    0.014    0.014    0.014

         Pentachlorophenol (11)
         4 Day Average          15       15       15       15
         1 Hour Average         19       19       19       19

         Toxaphene
         4 Day Average          0.0002   0.0002   0.0002   0.0002
         1 Hour Average         0.73     0.73     0.73     0.73

         POLLUTION
         INDICATORS (11)
         Gross Beta (pCi/L)     50       50       50       50
         BOD (MG/L)             5        5        5        5
         Nitrate as N (MG/L)    4        4        4
         Total Phosphorus as P(MG/L) (12)
                                0.05     0.05

    FOOTNOTES:
        (1)  Not to exceed 110% of saturation.
        (2)  These limits are not applicable to lower water levels
    in deep impoundments.  First number in column is for when
    early life stages are present, second number is for when all
    other life stages present.
        (2a) These criteria are not applicable to Great Salt Lake
    impounded wetlands.  Surface water in these wetlands shall be
    protected from changes in pH and dissolved oxygen that create
    significant adverse impacts to the existing beneficial uses.
    To ensure protection of uses, the Executive Secretary shall
    develop reasonable protocols and guidelines that quantify the
    physical, chemical, and biological integrity of these waters.
    These protocols and guidelines will include input from
    local governments, the regulated community, and the general
    public.  The Executive Secretary will inform the Water
    Quality Board of any protocols or guidelines that are developed.
        (3) Site Specific Standards for Temperature
         Ken's Lake: From June 1 st - September 20 th, 27 degrees C.
        (4)  Where criteria are listed as 4-day average and
    1-hour average concentrations, these concentrations should not
    be exceeded more often than once every three years on the
    average.
        (5)  The dissolved metals method involves filtration of
    the sample in the field, acidification of the sample in the
    field, no digestion process in the laboratory, and analysis by
    EPA approved laboratory methods for the required
    detection levels.
        (6)  The criterion for aluminum will be implemented as
    follows:
    Where the pH is equal to or greater than 7.0 and the
    hardness is equal to or greater than 50 ppm as CaC03 in the
    receiving water after mixing, the 87 ug/1 chronic criterion
    (expressed as total recoverable) will not apply, and aluminum
    will be regulated based on compliance with the 750 ug/1 acute
    aluminum criterion (expressed as total recoverable).
        (7)  Hardness dependent criteria.  100 mg/l used.
    Conversion factors for ratio of total recoverable metals to
    dissolved metals must also be applied.   In waters with a
    hardness greater than 400 mg/l as CaC03, calculations will
    assume a hardness of 400 mg/l as CaC03.  See Table 2.14.3 for
    complete equations for hardness and conversion factors.
        (8)  Reserved
        (9)  The following equations are used to calculate Ammonia
    criteria concentrations:
        (9a)  The thirty-day average concentration of total ammonia
    nitrogen (in mg/l as N) does not exceed, more than once every
    three years on the average, the chronic criterion calculated
    using the following equations.
        Fish Early Life Stages are Present:
        mg/l as N (Chronic) = ((0.0577/(1+10 7.688-pH)) + (2.487/(1+
    10 pH-7.688)))  * MIN (2.85, 1.45*10 0.028*(25-T) )
        Fish Early Life Stages are Absent:
        mg/1 as N (Chronic) = ((0.0577/(1+10 7.688-pH)) + (2.487/
    (1+10 pH-7.688)))
      * 1.45*10 0.028* (25-MAX(T,7)))
        (9b) The one-hour average concentration of total ammonia
    nitrogen (in mg/l as N) does not exceed, more than once every
    three years on the average the acute criterion calculated
    using the following equations.
        Class 3A:
        mg/l as N (Acute) = (0.275/(1+10 7.204-pH)) + (39.0/1+10 pH-7.204))
        Class 3B, 3C, 3D:
        mg/l as N (Acute) = 0.411/(1+10 7.204-pH)) + (58.4/(1+10 pH-7.204))
        In addition, the highest four-day average within the 30-day
    period should not exceed 2.5 times the chronic criterion.
    The "Fish Early Life Stages are Present" 30-day average total
    ammonia criterion will be applied by default unless it is
    determined by the Division, on a site-specific basis, that it
    is appropriate to apply the "Fish Early Life Stages are
    Absent" 30-day average criterion for all or some portion of
    the year.  At a minimum, the "Fish Early Life Stages are
    Present" criterion will apply from the beginning of spawning
    through the end of the early life stages.  Early life stages
    include the pre-hatch embryonic stage, the post-hatch free
    embryo or yolk-sac fry stage, and the larval stage for the
    species of fish expected to occur at the site.  The division
    will consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources in making
    such determinations.  The Division will maintain information
    regarding the waterbodies and time periods where application
    of the "Early Life Stages are Absent" criterion is determined
    to be appropriate.
        (10)  Investigation should be conducted to develop more
    information where these levels are exceeded.
        (11)  pH dependent criteria.  pH 7.8 used in table.  See
    Table 2.14.4 for equation.
        (12)  Total Phosphorus as P (mg/l) as a pollution indicator
    for lakes and reservoirs shall be 0.025.
        (13)  Formula to convert dissolved sulfide to un-disassociated
    hydrogen sulfide is:  H 2S = Dissolved Sulfide * e ((-1.92 + pH) + 12.05)
        (14)  The selenium water quality standard of 12.5 (mg/kg dry
    weight) for Gilbert Bay is a tissue based standard using the
    complete egg/embryo of aquatic dependent birds using Gilbert Bay
    based upon a minimum of five samples over the nesting season.
    Assessment procedures are incorporated as a part of this
    standard as follows:

    Egg Concentration Triggers: DWQ Responses

    Below 5.0 mg/kg: Routine monitoring with sufficient intensity
    to determine if selenium concentrations within the Great Salt
    Lake ecosystem are increasing.

    5.0 mg/kg: Increased monitoring to address data gaps,
    loadings, and areas of uncertainty identified from initial Great
    Salt Lake selenium studies.

    6.4 mg/kg: Initiation of a Level II Antidegradation review by the
    State for all discharge permit renewals or new discharge permits
    to Great Salt Lake. The Level II Antidegradation review may
    include an analysis of loading reductions.

    9.8 mg/kg: Initiation of preliminary TMDL studies to evaluate
    selenium loading sources.

    12.5 mg/kg and above: Declare impairment. Formalize and
    implement TMDL.

    Antidegradation
    Level II Review procedures associated with this standard are
    referenced at R317-2-3.5.C.

     

     

    . . . . . . .

     

    KEY: water pollution, water quality standards

    Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [2011]2012

    Notice of Continuation: October 2, 2007

    Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 19-5

     


Document Information

Effective Date:
4/1/2012
Publication Date:
02/15/2012
Filed Date:
01/31/2012
Agencies:
Environmental Quality,Water Quality
Rulemaking Authority:

Section 19-5-105

Authorized By:
Walter Baker, Director
DAR File No.:
35359
Related Chapter/Rule NO.: (1)
R317-2. Standards of Quality for Waters of the State.