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ORR # 2001-002, 2001-014 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
WATER BUREAU
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Bureau, will conduct a public hearing on proposed administrative rules promulgated pursuant to Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Act 451); R 323.1041 to R 323.1117 (titled Part 4 Water Quality Standards, ORR 2001-002EQ, and R 323.1201 to R 323.1221 (titled Part 8 Water Quality-Based Effluent Limit Development for Toxic Substances, ORR 2001-014EQ). The Part 4 rules establish water quality requirements for surface waters of the state, to protect the public health and welfare, to enhance and maintain the quality of water, and to protect the state’s natural resources. The Part 8 rules establish toxic substance water quality-based controls for the point source discharges that are protective of the designated uses of the surface waters of the state. Modifications to both rule sets are proposed to increase rule clarity, update citations and references, and achieve required consistency with federal regulations. A public hearing on these rules was previously conducted on June 26, 2002. The proposed rules reflect modifications incorporated from comments received in response to the June 26, 2002, hearing and comment period.
The public hearing will be held on September 23, 2004, at 2:00 p.m., in the Forum Auditorium located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 717 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. The DEQ will also be accepting suggestions for modifications to the Part 4 Water Quality Standards and Part 8 Water Quality-Based Effluent Limit Development for Toxic Substances rules as part of the 2003-2005 triennial review of water quality standards required by federal regulation at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 131.20.
Copies of the proposed rules (ORR 2001-002EQ and 2001-014EQ) can be downloaded from the Internet through the Office of Regulatory Reform at http://www.michigan.gov/orr. Copies of the rules may also be obtained by contacting the Lansing Office at:
Water Bureau
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 30273 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773
Phone: 517-373-1320
Fax: 517-373-9958
E-Mail: heatons@michigan.gov
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and present their views. It is requested that all statements be submitted in writing for the hearing record. Anyone unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the address above. Written comments on the proposed rule modifications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2004.
Persons needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Water Bureau at 517-373-1320 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.
This notice of public hearing is given in accordance with Sections 41 and 42 of Michigan’s Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 PA 306, as amended, being Sections 24.241 and 24.242 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Administration of the rules is by authority conferred on the Director of the DEQ by Part 31 of Act 451 and Executive Order 1995-18. These rules will become effective seven days after filing with the Secretary of State.
Richard A. Powers, Chief Water Bureau
