Document Rpa21vmEYRaORR6L0B6md0NzV

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 7 1L1e2n0e1xaR,eKnannesr aBsou6l6e2v1a9rd OFFCS or THE REOWNAF ADMINISTRATOR Ms, Stephanie Grom, Director Office for State-Federal Relations Slate o f Iowa 4(F) North Capitol Street, Suite 359 Washington, D.C, 20001 Dear Ms. Grom: I am writing to follow-up on Doug HoelscherA letter of January 29, 2013, regarding the l 5 Environmental Protection Agency's decision on Iowa A Antidegradation Water Qualify Rules, As promised m our initial February 1Ai: response, the EPA career leadcs dup in the Office of Water in Washington, D M and in Region 7 engaged Administrator PruittA teas a casher in April. hr the EPA A decision letter of January 19*. the agency provided several options to the Iowa Department o f Natural Resources that would result in Iowa A approach being approvahle consistent with the Clean A .,v A .. i n had w o n e ainig data from past alternate e\ .m,:C -o- s s the D m e, 00'. use o f the 115 pCK'ei ` mu > p w o the specific circumstances in low a. 1he 1 P \ n k\< seAm in t wet with the IDNR to disem - uDmri.il o f information to the agency providing the EPA the opportunity to consider new or add if t <ta` -.uppwung documentation, allowing for thorough review and consideration consistent with the (IAEA and Administrative Procedures Act, Renewed discussion between the EPA and the IDNR may also present other options to provide the regulated community with, the certainty envisioned by the IowaN Antidegradation Water Qualify Rules, Additionally, such discussions will ensure dtat the IDNR A submittal contains all of the information necessary for a timely and definitive evaluation, The IDNR and EPA Region 7 have worked closely together on this issue. We remain committed to working with yon in accomplishing the state's interest in applying die law consistently and transparently. The EPA values die important work o f die professionals at the IDNR, If you have any further questions, please contact myself or Karen Flournoy, Acting Regional Deputy Administrator, at (9131) 551-7782, Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Edward II. Chu Acting Regional .Administrate: Tier 1 W/W VV of: B:.;v :.W:W P o o so ED 002061 00067443-00001