Triennial Review

What is the Triennial Review?

Federal regulations require that states hold public hearings at least once every three years to review applicable surface water quality standards and, as appropriate, adopt new or modified standards, taking into consideration public concerns, EPA guidance, and new scientific and technical information.  This process is called a triennial review.  The triennial review also provides an opportunity to discuss the priorities and commitments the agency makes with EPA and others regarding surface water quality standards.

The Environmental Regulatory Code version of LAC 33:IX, Water Quality, Subpart 1. Water Pollution Control, Chapter 11 Surface Water Quality Standards, can be accessed electronically at: 

https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/resources/category/regulations-lac-title-33

The Current Triennial Review

The current triennial review cycle initiated on March 20, 2021 and a public hearing was held on April 28, 2021.  The Department has completed its review of comments submitted for this cycle of the triennial review and finalized a Report of Findings document.  In addition to public comments, all current federal Section 304(a) criteria recommendations, and the Surface Water Quality Standards (LAC 33:IX.Chapter 11) were reviewed.  The Report of Findings identifies priorities for the Department regarding water quality standards revision efforts.  The Report of Findings document and its associated appendices can be found at the following links.

Report of Findings: https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424446

Appendix A (Potpourri Notice): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424449

Appendix B (Public Hearing Transcript): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424450

Appendix C (Review of Public Input): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424451

Appendix D (Review of Surface Water Quality Standards): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424454

Appendix E (Review of Section 304(a) Recommendations): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424455

Appendix F (Derivation of Aquatic Life Criteria): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424456

Appendix G (Derivation of Human Health Criteria): https://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view?doc=13424457

A review of the Surface Water Quality Standards identified multiple items requiring clarity and necessitating rulemaking. A notice of intent for the proposed rule (WQ111) was published in the January 2023 Louisiana Register; the Department received multiple public comments. Comments received during the public comment period recommended verbiage that provided more clear phrasing.  Based on these recommendations, an amended proposed rule will be published in the June 2023 Louisiana Register.  Public comments related to this amendment should cite WQ111S and must be received no later than July 27, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Additionally, a public hearing will be held via Zoom on July 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the following link: at https://deqlouisiana.zoom.us/j/81527125612?pwd=TGgrVHowcGdJZFN2L0F1WG9CbTIBUT09, password 985711or by telephone at (636) 651-3182 using the conference code 725573.

Please e-mail WQ.Standards@la.gov if you have any questions related to the triennial review.