BRIEF DESCRIPTION

As required by the federal Clean Water Act, every three years the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducts a comprehensive review of the Water Quality Standards (WQS) at
18 AAC 70 (the “triennial review”). The triennial review process provides an opportunity to discuss the priorities and commitments DEC makes with the EPA and others regarding potential updates to surface water quality standards. State WQS are subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to implementation in water pollution control programs. THE TRIENNIAL REVIEW IS A PLANNING PROCESS, NOT A RULE MAKING PROCEEDING AND WILL NOT DIRECTLY RESULT IN NEW REGULATIONS.

You may comment on the potential topics being considered for the 2018-2020 triennial review cycle by submitting written comments to Water Quality Standards Section, DEC Division of Water, at 410 Willoughby Ave, Suite 303. P.O. Box 118000, Juneau, Alaska 99811. Additionally, the Division of Water will accept comments by facsimile at (907) 465-5274 and by electronic mail at dectriennialreview@alaska.gov. Comments may also be submitted electronically through the Alaska Online Public Notice System at http://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices. The comments must be received no later than 5:00p.m. on December 31, 2017.

Oral or written comments also may be submitted at a hearing to be held on December 19, 2017 in the DEC Main Conference Room, Second Floor. 410 Willoughby Avenue, Juneau. The hearing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and might be extended to accommodate those present before 6:00 p.m. who did not have an opportunity to comment. Those individuals who cannot attend the public hearing but wish to participate via teleconference may do so by calling (800) 315-6338. Access Code 51851.

You may submit written questions relevant to the proposed action by electronic mail at dectriennialreview@alaska.gov or 410 Willoughby Ave, Suite 303. P.O. Box 11800, Juneau, Alaska 99811. The questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the public comment period. DEC will aggregate its response to substantially similar questions and make the questions and responses available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/trireview/index.htm. DEC may, but is not required to, answer written questions received after the 10-day cut-off date and before the end of the comment period.

The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person in need of special accommodations in order to participate in this process, please contact  Natalie Wolfe at (907) 269-0291 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 prior to December 31, 2017 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

A copy of the potential topics being considered for the 2018-2020 triennial review cycle is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and by contacting Brock Tabor, brock.tabor@alaska.gov (907) 465-5185. You may also may view a copy of the materials at the agency’s office at DEC-Division of Water, 410 Willoughby Ave, Suite 303, P.O. Box 118000. Juneau, Alaska 99811, or go to the Division of Water Triennial Review web page at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/trireview/index.htm.

After the public comment period ends, DEC will make a determination regarding issues for prioritization during the 2018-2020 triennial review cycle. Rulemaking may occur for multiple issues during the 2018-2020 cycle. DEC will public notice all proposed changes to the WQS regulations. You should comment during the time allowed if your interests could be affected. Written comments received are public records and are subject to public inspection.

DATE: November 1, 2017                             

/s/

Brock Tabor
Environmental Program Specialist IV