Basic Standards Implementation Work Group


Meeting Summary
November 29, 2001

The work group meeting started with a discussion of the status of the issue regarding species of special concern and antidegradation designations. Bob McConnell provided a summary of the approach to this issue set forth in the Division’s memo to the Commission for the November 13, 2001 Issues Formulation Hearing for the Arkansas and Rio Grande basins. There was considerable discussion of what is known regarding the relationship between the presence of species of special concern and water quality conditions, and how this relates to the basis for a use-protected designation.

There was agreement that this issue will be discussed further at the January 30, 2002 work group meeting, after everyone has a chance to think more about the issues and perspectives raised in today’s discussion. Anyone who may wish to advance recommendations regarding how to address these issues is encouraged to circulate them to the work group prior to the next meeting.

The work group then began a discussion of the issue regarding domestic water supply wells and surface water quality classifications. Two separate issues were addressed: (1) Whether private wells should continue to be a basis for a water supply classification of surface water where a hydrological connection exists? and (2) What evidence is required to show that a hydrological connection exists? The Division agreed that prior to the next work group meeting it would research how the concept of "ground water under the influence of surface water" is applied in the drinking water program. These issues will be discussed further at the next work group meeting, if time permits.

The next work group meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2002, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room at CDPHE. The first agenda item for that meeting will be discussion of the Division’s new draft of recreation classification guidance, which will be circulated in early January.

Persons attending the November 29 meeting: Paul Frohardt, Dave Moon, Sarah Johnson, Bob McConnell, Mark Pifher, Maureen Dudley, Barbara Biggs, Steve Glazer, Tad Foster, Jerry Raisch, Nettie Rosenthal, John Van Royen, Vicki Card, Annette Quill, Tony Trumbly, Dave Holm, Jill McConaughy, Chuck Wanner, Tom Blickensderfer, Max Grimes, Krista Scherff-Norris, John Woodling and Dave Merritt.