ACTION ALERT: Protect Impaired Streams
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management posted a public notice on September 1, regarding the listing of impaired streams on the State’s 303(d) list. (This is the list of impaired and threatened waters that the Clean Water Act requires all states to submit for EPA approval every two years on even-numbered years.)
The notice warrants two types of action from two different audiences:
For Scientists, Techies, and Wonks: the Department is accepting comments on the 303(d) listing methodology they will use to assess the waters of the state. This is your chance to comment on the science that ADEM is using to determine whether our waters are impaired. If there are better policies or ways of doing things, this is your opportunity to get that information in front of the Department
For the rest of us: the Department is soliciting data and information for consideration during preparation of the actual 303(d) list. This means that, if you know of streams in your watershed that are impaired and not meeting their designated uses this is your opportunity to submit data to ADEM to have the streams listed on the 303(d) list.
How to take action
Data, information, and comments should be submitted to Joseph Roy, Water Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463 (street address: 1400 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36110-2059). Mr. Roy’s phone number is 334-270-5635. His email address is [email protected].
The clock is running!
Data, information, and comments must be received by the Department prior to 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2013.