Group Memory
November 24, 2003
4500 Cherry Creek Drive South

Agenda

12:30 p.m. Agenda Review, Introductions
12:35 p.m. Legislative Update (Sara Duncan/Barbara Biggs)
12:55 p.m. WQCC Update (Paul Frohardt)
1:10 p.m. Division Update (Mark Pifher)
1:30 p.m. EPA Water Quality Criteria and Standards Strategy (Dave Moon)
2:00 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. CDOT Water Quality Issues Briefing (Teri Tiehan)
3:00 p.m Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Control Regulation Revisions – Wes Carr/Dave Akers
3:30 p.m Proposed revisions on the Human Health-Based Water Quality Criteria and Standards Policy – Sarah Johnson/Greg Naugle
4:00 p.m. Develop and Agree on Next Steps
4:15 p.m. Adjourn

Legislative Update (Barbara Biggs)

For an update on the status and content of current state legislation:

www.leg.state.co.us/2004a/pubhome.nsf/pages/Status+Sheets

WQCC Update: Paul Frohardt

· 303D Lists for 2002 & 2004: In the process of putting the process and proposal notice together for the March hearing. Additional listing proposals from Trout Unlimited for 2 additional segments, and EPA for Fountain Creek and Red Mountain Creek.

· 2002 list: 13 of 18 segments questioned by EPA to be included in the Divisions 2004 list. Most of the remaining issues with the 2002 list have been resolved – submission of 2004 list makes the 2002 list obsolete.

· Next committee meeting on 12/8 and will include EPA briefings on emerging water quality issues and strategies for water quality criteria and standards; human health based quality criteria hearing and triennial review hearing. There will probably be no Commission meeting in January.

· Update on Arid West Water Quality Research Project: Trying to sort out additional research projects. Recalculate procedures: 1) identify/inventory species present in streams; 2) biotic ligand model – western circumstances; 3) Water Environment Federation Wet testing in predicting in-stream results.

· Western States Water Council Water Quality Committee Update: Effluent dependent and dominant streams discussion paper produced. There are a lot of unanswered questions: 1) existing vs. created use; 2) net environmental benefit issues. Sent letter to EPA requesting more focused dialogue regarding these remaining issues.

WQC Division Update – Mike Pifher

· EPA issues a survey regarding permitting program. The permit program is being audited in February.

· SB 276: Completed all six outreach meetings and still getting surveys back. They have identified the next steps: smaller stakeholder meetings on drinking water before the report this spring; new customer survey based on this input that is more focused and pointed. Need additional feedback to formulate recommendations. Also conducting a survey of other states regarding funding of their Water Quality divisions.

· ASIWPCA Board meeting: Key points: key Congressional staff were brought in to discuss issues – said water quality people do a terrible job of putting their issues in front of the public. Funding will be difficult due to other competing federal issues.

· EPA released enforcement priorities in CAFO's, and storm water.

· Working on Environmental Management System Bill to allow those in EMS program to achieve requirements with more flexibility (contact Jill Cooper)

· 309 Report: final edits are being made based on comments. Should be out next week.

· Regulatory hearings:
   · Site Plan review – Reg. 22
   · CAFO Regulations Hearing in February
   · EPA kicking off San Juan Basin initiative.

EPA Water Quality Criteria and Standards Strategy -Dave Moon

· Handouts and PowerPoint presentation available upon request. Final document can be viewed at www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/strategy

CDOT Water Quality Issues Briefing - Teri Tiehan, Gordon McEvoy, Jeff Kullman

CDOT is doing some restructuring: Environment Programs Director is Brad Beckham

CDOT has developed Ten Stormwater Management Programs (BMP’s)
· Construction
· Post-construction
· Illicit discharge
· Industrial facilities
· Public education
· Public involvement
· Facility runoff control
· Herbicides/pesticides
· Public street maintenance
· Maintenance of structural controls

· CDOT conducted a class at Red Rocks Community College on "Stormwater Management during Construction" and are developing an additional 8 hour course geared to maintenance people.

· Jeff Kullman – PowerPoint presentation and handouts on BMP’s on US 40 East Berthoud Pass, Black Gore Creek/I-70 Vail, I-70 Straight Creek, Sediment Control Action Plan, and alternatives for funding future strategies (handouts and presentation available upon request)

Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Control Regulation Revisions – Wes Carr

· Handout available upon request.

Proposed revisions on the Human Health-Based Water Quality Criteria and Standards Policy – Sarah Johnson/Greg Naugle

· Discussed handout on Policy 96-2 (Available upon request)

Next Steps
· Next meeting: Jan 26

· Suggestions for the next agenda:
   · Legislative briefing
   · Work group check-ins
   · Statewide monitoring