Download PDF
Six environmental organizations submitted an April 15th Petition to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission to amend Ala. (ADEM) Admin. Code Chap. 335-6-10, Appendix A.
The six environmental organizations include:
- Environmental Defense Alliance.
- Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc.
- Cahaba Riverkeeper.
- Mobile Baykeeper.
- Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper, Inc.
- Coosa Riverkeeper, Inc.
(Collectively, “Mobile Baykeeper”).
The Petition notes that Appendix A contains toxicity values that are used in the calculation of water quality criteria to protect human health. The amendment is describes as proposing to revise the toxicity values in Appendix A for the following priority toxic pollutants:
- Cyanide, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene.
- 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol.
- Ethylbenzene.
- Toluene.
- 1,3-Dichloropropylene.
- Hexachloroethane.
- Pentachorophenol.
- Trichoroethylene, Arsenic.
- 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene.
WQC are ambient water quality conditions deemed protective for the use established for a waterbody. They must specify maximum concentrations of pollutants that may be present in the water without impairing its suitability for certain uses.
The WQC represents a judgment as to what levels, concentrations, or conditions can support a desired use for a waterbody. States can develop their own WQC if justified by technical data.
The Petition argues that the current toxicity values for toxic pollutants in Appendix A do not reflect new information and scientific methods that have:
…become available which demonstrate that the toxicity values for the abovementioned priority toxic pollutants are not sufficient to protect human health.
The stated purpose of the proposed amendment is to revise the toxicity values to reflect what Mobile Baykeeper believes reflects the best available science and scientific judgment and protect public health.
A copy of the Petition can be downloaded here.
