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The U.S. EPA Seeks Public Comments on Pharmaceutical Disposal Methods
and the Ohio EPA on Water Quality Regulations
Charles Waterman
Bricker & Eckler LLP
September 2008
Pharmaceutical Disposal Methods
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) on pharmaceutical disposal methods by:
The agency is interested in increasing its understanding of disposal practices
and the risks associated with pharmaceuticals in the nation's waters. The results of the U.S. EPA's work may affect the future regulatory framework for the above listed entities.
The U.S. EPA is commissioning the National Academy of Sciences to advise the agency on the technical aspects of this issue. The National Academy of Sciences plans to hold a workshop of scientific experts December 11-12.
More information is available on the EPA website.
Water Quality Standards
The Ohio EPA is releasing the following four rule packages regulating water quality standards:
Water Quality Standards Rules Package
Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rules Package
Antidegradation Rule Package
Mitigation Protocol Rules Package
The "Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rules Package" is currently out for public review. Comments are due October 27, 2009.
The "Water Quality Standards Rules Package" is currently out for public review. Comments are due October 30, 2009.
The changes in the draft water quality standards rules package include:
"new beneficial use designations for aquatic life, recreation, agricultural drainage and navigation;
new human health criteria for about 135 chemicals;
revised criteria for bacteria; and
new and revised aquatic life criteria for seven chemicals . . . [and]
new provisions for regulating agricultural ditches and primary headwater habitat streams."
The Ohio EPA plans to propose the rule revisions in the early part of 2009. At that time, the Ohio EPA plans to hold a second public comment period.
More information is available on the Ohio EPA website.
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