Today, Washington state Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson issued a statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to roll back the water quality standards for Washington state that the agency approved in 2016:
“The EPA’s decision flies in the face of Washington state’s wishes. EPA ignored state and tribal objections to roll back water quality standards in Washington. It is disappointing that EPA continues to see states as obstacles instead of partners.
“It is unconscionable that EPA would diminish water quality standards aimed at protecting human health in the middle of a public health crisis. EPA’s decision is bad for Washingtonians, and is especially hard on tribal nations and communities who rely on fishing for traditional diets and work.
“It is also illegal. EPA’s repeal of Washington’s existing standards violates the federal Clean Water Act. We have challenged this illegal action in court.”
Background
Washington’s water quality standards for Human Health Criteria regulate pollution in marine and fresh waters to prevent adverse, long-term effects for consumption of fish such as salmon and trout. Washington’s current standards have been in effect for more than three years. In that time, Ecology has worked with businesses and local governments, environmental groups, and treaty tribes, on implementation of the complex matrix of standards.