EPA News Release (Region 7): Decision Issued on Missouri’s Water Quality Standards

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219   Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations   Decision Issued on Missouri’s Water Quality Standards   Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov Environmental News   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   (Lenexa, Kan., Sept. 27, 2013) - EPA has approved the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (MDNR) new and revised recreational use designations for 102 water bodies and disapproved MDNR’s designations for 41 water bodies. These designated uses protect Missouri’s waters for purposes of recreational activities.   States must assign fishable and swimmable uses to their waters unless science-based studies show that these uses cannot be attained. The disapprovals occurred when the studies did not show that lowering the use was appropriate.   “Healthy waters provide Missouri communities with safe drinking water, recreational opportunities, environmental benefits and a healthy habitat for fish and wildlife,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “EPA will continue working with the state to protect Missouri’s lakes, rivers and streams."   MDNR submitted these new and revised water quality standards to EPA for review and approval, as required by the Clean Water Act (CWA). The state based its recommendations on site-specific field data gathered from streams and rivers across Missouri.   The CWA assigns EPA the duty to oversee state-agency actions to protect water quality. In partnership with MDNR, EPA works with the public, community leaders, and local and state agencies to meet the growing demands placed on our water resources.   EPA’s Sept. 27, 2013, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA’s review and the basis for this action. The decision letter is available at www.epa.gov/region7/newsevents/legal.   # # #   More information about water-related activities in EPA Region 7   View all Region 7 news releases   Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion7   You can unsubscribe or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355