The Clean Water Act requires states to periodically review and revise water quality standards and hold a public hearing about those proposed changes. The purpose of revising the standards is to incorporate new environmental scientific information, meet federal requirements or improve clarity and program implementation. The Triennial Review itself doesn't result in changes to water quality standards, but prioritizes the projects the water quality standards program will complete or initiate over the following three years.
DEQ has completed the 2021 Triennial Review process to review Oregon water quality standards and determine priority projects for the next three years. During this process, DEQ took public input on a draft list of priority water quality standards review and revision needs. The result is a report that outlines the projects that DEQ's water quality standards program will complete or initiate between July 2021 and June 2024. The final report is posted below.
DEQ accepted comment on the draft list of priority water quality standards review and revision needs for the 2021 Triennial Review from Apr. 7, 2021 through May 24, 2021. During this time, DEQ held an informational meeting on Apr. 21, 2021 and a public hearing on May 4, 2021. DEQ received public comment from 22 individuals or organizations, and a summary of comments as well as DEQ's response to comment can be found in the report below. After considering public comment, DEQ adjusted its priority projects and established the final workplan for the water quality standards program from July 2021 through July 2024.
2021 Triennial Review documents