🌊Revised Water Quality Standards for the Delaware River Established by EPA
Water Quality Standards To Protect Aquatic Life in the Delaware River
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing revised water quality standards (WQS) largely as proposed for certain water quality management zones of the mainstem Delaware River under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Specifically, the EPA is promulgating a designated use of protection and propagation of resident and migratory aquatic life and corresponding dissolved oxygen water quality criteria for the mainstem Delaware River in Zone 3, Zone 4, and the upper portion of Zone 5 (in total, river miles 108.4 to 70.0).
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The revised water quality standards (WQS) will likely impose compliance and regulatory requirements on businesses, particularly those discharging pollutants into the Delaware River. Industries, municipalities, and recreational entities must adapt to these standards to avoid penalties and ensure sustainable practices, which may involve financial investments in infrastructure or treatment processes.