Arsenic Standards and Arsenic Reduction Plan Revised by ODEQ

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing to change Oregon’s water quality standards for arsenic. Public comments on the proposed change are due by February 23, 2011. The proposal revises criteria established to protect human health and adds a requirement for certain wastewater dischargers to develop Arsenic Reduction Plans.

DEQ originally proposed revisions to the state’s arsenic, iron and manganese standards for public comment in August 2010. DEQ subsequently revised the proposed arsenic criteria based on comments received. DEQ has reopening public comment and is requesting public comment on the revised proposed arsenic criteria. The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission adopted the iron and manganese standards revisions in December 2010.

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