Policy Four

On a broad scale, QQ advocates for regional water quality interests during rule makings before the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) and Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), defends the 208 Plan, and insures that water development in the headwaters does not adversely impact water quality. QQ also works to protect local wastewater facilities from increased operational costs caused by hydrologic modifications and trans mountain diversions. QQ assists local governments in adopting QQ’s Water Quality Protection Standards and other measures to protect local water quality.

• 2018, June, Reg. 84 (Reclaimed Water), QQ submits a letter in support of the Denver Water/ Water Quality Control Division joint rebuttal proposed rule.
• Federal definition of “Waters of the US”
• 2015 Obama-era “Clean Water Rule.”
• In 2014, the EPA and Army Corps opened a public comment period on a revised WOTUS definition.
  • QQ issued a memo to members about the proposed rule changes.
  • QQ then provided public comment to the agencies, primarily in support but with specific recommended improvements.
  • In 2015, the agencies finalized a new WOTUS definition, described in this memo to QQ members.
  • This rule was subsequently stayed pending litigation by more than half of US States, including Colorado.
• In 2019 Trump administration 2-part repeal and replace of 2015 WOTUS rule.
  • In 2017 the EPA and Corps under the Trump administration moved to first rescind the 2015 rule, then propose another new WOTUS definition.
  • The 2015 Clean Water Rule was delayed in 2018 through final rulemaking that is also being litigated (see this Sept. 2018 summary).
  • A new rulemaking was announced in the federal register on February 14th with comments due April 15th.
  • QQ prepared a memo for members on this new proposed rule, available here.
  • QQ submitted comments on the proposed rule, available here, based on QQ member direction.
  • On January 20, 2020 a new “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” was announced.