Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water
122 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-644-2001

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2008 10:46:34 EST

Surface Water Rules - Draft and Proposed

Go to "Rules Update Mailing List Subscription" on the Ohio EPA Rules Index page to sign up for updates on Division of Surface Water rule revisions.

During the Ohio rule-making process, rules are in one of three phases: draft, proposed or final.

Ohio EPA distributes draft rules to interested parties for review and comment before they are filed with the Ohio General Assembly's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). Ohio EPA considers comments received from this preliminary review and makes changes to the rules as appropriate.

Ohio EPA then files proposed rules with JCARR and other agencies as required by Ohio Revised Code 119.03. Another opportunity for public comment is offered.  More information about proposed rules is on the Register of Ohio Web site.

After Ohio EPA considers public comments and makes additional changes to the rules as appropriate, and after the review by JCARR is completed, the agency adopts final rules. Final rules are the enforceable requirements found in the Ohio Administrative Code. Final DSW rules can be found here.

The following Division of Surface Water rules 
have recently been adopted or are under review.

  • Draft Water Quality Standards Use Designation Rules (OAC 3745-1)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on revisions to water quality standards rules containing the beneficial use designations for specific water bodies throughout the state.

    The comment deadline is December 23, 2008.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Antidegradation Rule (OAC 3745-1-05)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to the water quality standards antidegradation rule.

    The comment deadline is to be determined.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rules (OAC 3745-32 and 45)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to rules addressing the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification program.

    The comment deadline is to be determined.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Water Quality Standards Rules (OAC 3745-1)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to rules addressing water quality standards for surface waters of the state.

    The comment deadline is to be determined.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Sewage Sludge Rules (OAC 3745-40)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to rules addressing the disposal, use, storage, or treatment of sewage sludge.

    Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 10, 2008.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Permit to Install Rules (OAC 3745-42)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to rules addressing wastewater permit to install requirements.

    Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 2, 2008.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Implementation of Water Quality Standards Rules (OAC 3745-2) and Ohio NPDES Permits Rules (OAC 3745-33)

    At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft revisions to rules addressing procedures to implement surface water quality standards and Ohio NPDES permit requirements.

    Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 26, 2008.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft Beneficial Use of Industrial Waste Rules (OAC 3745-525)

At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft rules addressing the beneficial use of industrial waste.

Comments must be submitted by February 6, 2007.  Go here for more information.

  • Draft 401/Wetland/Stream Mitigation Rules (OAC 3745-1, 3745-32 and 3745-45)

At this time the Agency is soliciting comments on draft amended and new rules that would improve wetland mitigation procedures and add new guidelines to evaluate streams for mitigation.

Comment deadline has been extended to May 31, 2006.  Go here for more information.

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