Document xjO2DMVR7r0dOQb5EpONX131E

Water Quality Improvement Partnership Act H.R. 6465 Legislative Summary: Water Quality Improvement Partnerships Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(s) Water Quality Improvement Partnerships. --A permit program administered under this section may incorporate a water quality improvement program that, consistent with the requirements of this Act, encourages investment by publicly owned treatment works and MS4s in watershed projects to improve water quality." W ater Quality Standards and Implementation Section 303 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C 1251) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(i): Watershed Based Restoration Work. --Water quality improvement partnerships may be used to achieve and maintain water quality standards by publicly owned treatment works and MS4s consistent with the requirements of this Act." Policy Objectives: 1. Improve water quality through enhanced investments in and acceptance of watershed based projects, partnerships and programs 2. Provide those entering into watershed based projects and partnerships with greater certainty that investments in water quality improvement are reflected in future permits 3. Provide States and the regulated community with an unambiguous signal from Congress that improving water quality through watershed based projects and partnerships is an acceptable and important method of improving water quality under the Clean Water Act. Policy Imperatives: 1. Water quality improvement partnerships should be administered by the States without triggering a lengthy and costly EPA Rule Making 2. Legislation must command broad bipartisan Congressional support 3. Legislation must be acceptable to Municipal, Agriculture and Conservation interests 4. Water Quality Improvement Partnerships must be voluntary Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 7 ED 002061 00096073-00001