Feb 10, 2011

On February 10, USEPA Region released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)
seeking public input on the effectiveness of current water quality programs influencing the health of the San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary, with focus on the Delta-Suisun Bay ecosystem. The ANPR identifies pivotal water quality issues affecting fisheries and other aquatic resources, describes regulatory measures currently underway, and initiates an information-gathering process on how the EPA and the State of California can achieve water quality and aquatic resource protection goals in one of the West Coast’s most ecologically diverse and important aquatic habitats. The ANPR identifies specific issues for which the EPA has regulatory responsibility and solicits comment on topics related to EPA’s regulatory responsibility, such as potential site-specific water quality standards and site-specific changes to pesticide regulation. Aquatic Science Center has been contracted to prepare a summary of public input, develop a follow-up process, and developing an approach for assessing beneficial use attainments. The project will be closely coordinated with the development of the Delta Regional Monitoring Program.