EPA versus Colorado: national unity versus state flexibility
- Resource Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Source
- Natur. Res. Environ.; (United States); 1:4
- Subject
- 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY CLEAN WATER ACT
IMPLEMENTATION
COLORADO
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
US EPA
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
HYDROLOGY
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
PERMITS
STATE GOVERNMENT
WATER QUALITY
CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LAWS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION LAWS
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA 520600* -- Environment, Aquatic-- Regulations -- (-1989)
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment, Health, & Safety
- Language
- English
When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed Colorado's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under the federal Clean Water Act, it found a conflict between federal and state perspectives on how much flexibility from national norms is allowable for state peculiarities. Colorado's hydrology and geography seemed to justify a water quality program providing for various opportunities to review water quality decisions before requiring advanced waste treatment (AWT), and to avoid AWT when justified. Conflict arose because few streams in Colorado provide mixing zones or dilution that Eastern streams enjoy. The author reviews the legal developments as EPA argued for national uniformity and Colorado for flexibility. States might be tempted to return permitting programs to EPA if they cannot retain enough flexibility in the law to protect their interests.