The water quality standards provide tools to help users apply the criteria and designated uses to their work. All of these tools can be implemented in various ways and in different water bodies. Please contact us to discuss if any of these tools may be appropriate for your needs.
Short-term modifications
Short-term modifications allow us to modify the established criteria and special conditions on a short-term basis to accommodate essential activities, respond to emergencies, or to otherwise protect the public interest.
Variance
A variance is a change to the water quality standards that is for a limited time and for a specific parameter. A variance may apply to a specific permitted discharger, a group of permitted dischargers, or a body of water.
Use Attainability Analysis
A use attainability analysis (UAA) is a process that considers the physical, chemical, biological, and economic factors that affect meeting a designated use. The UAA process can result in changing a designated use in the water quality standards.
Contact information
Marla Koberstein
Water Quality Standards Project Manager - Rulemaking
swqs@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6413
Chad Brown
Water Quality Standards Unit Supervisor - Triennial review
swqs@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6128
Bryson Finch
Toxics Water Quality Standards Scientist - Toxic pollutants
bryson.finch@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-7158
For questions about Conventional pollutants (temperature, bacterial indicators):
swqs@ecy.wa.gov