Speak Now for Clean Water

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Other key changes in the designation procedures include the elimination of the passage that requires standards to be upgraded to meet current use . . . the addition of a provision to allow degradation below standards as long as the existing use is maintained . . . the elimination of required public notification when a downgrading is proposed . . . and the removal of no-degradation language with reference to our national and state parks, wildlife refuges, and waters of exceptional ecological significance.

Another very important point in the proposed regulations is a provision for individual discharger variances based on economic hardship. . . such as "likely loss of productivity, jobs, or financial stability". In its loosest sense, this provision could allow a variance in any situation where a polluting industry would have to spend money to meet standards!

These are only the grisly highlights of the changes being proposed for the Clean Water Act . . . but they alone would be sufficient to cripple the legislation's ability to maintain and preserve water quality. Fortunately, these proposals aren't yet the law, and there is a public comment period open through January 27, 1983. If you're concerned, you should seriously consider making your feelings known to the EPA (write to David Sabock, Chief M2818, Criteria Branch, Office of Water Regulations and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460) and to your Congressperson and Senators. Public opinion does make a difference!

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more about water quality, turn to page 190.

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