WATER

Triennial Review

What is the Triennial Review?

Federal regulations require that states hold public hearings at least once every three years to review applicable surface water quality standards and, as appropriate, adopt new or modified standards, taking into consideration public concerns, EPA guidance, and new scientific and technical information. This process is called a triennial review. The triennial review also provides an opportunity to discuss the priorities and commitments the agency makes with EPA and others regarding surface water quality standards.

The Environmental Regulatory Code version of LAC 33:IX, Water Quality, Subpart 1. Water Pollution Control, Chapter 11 Surface Water Quality Standards, can be accessed electronically at: 

https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/resources/category/regulations-lac-title-33

 

The Current Triennial Review

The current triennial review cycle starts on March 20, 2024. Updates related to this triennial review cycle will be posted on this webpage and in the Louisiana Register. The notice of public hearing and request for comments can be found here: https://www.doa.la.gov/media/iwjh5xvb/2403.pdf

A public hearing will be held via Zoom on April 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Interested persons are invited to attend and submit oral comments via PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at https://deqlouisiana.zoom.us/j/9373792954?omn=82375904166 or by telephone by dialing 636-651-3182 and entering conference code 725573. Interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and submit oral comments on any aspect of applicable surface water quality standards which they would like the Department to consider.

Interested persons may also submit written comments. Comments should include the name of the commenter and (if appropriate) the organization that they are representing, are due no later than 4:30 p.m., May 7, 2024, and should be addressed to: Jamie Phillippe, Office of Environmental Assessment, Water Planning and Assessment Division, P.O. Box 4314, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4314. Electronic comments may be submitted via e-mail to WQ.Standards@la.gov.

At a later date, the Department will review and address all submitted comments and issue a Report of Findings document.  This document will provide the status of all water quality standards efforts and specify whether revisions to Louisiana Surface Water Quality Standards are needed. After completion of this document, the Department will issue a potpourri notice in the Louisiana Register to announce its finalization and this webpage will be updated to include a link it to.

Please e-mail WQ.Standards@la.gov if you have any questions related to the triennial review.