EPA versus Colorado: national unity versus state flexibility
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.
- Research Organization:
- City of Colorado Springs, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 5023698
- Journal Information:
- Natur. Res. Environ.; (United States), Journal Name: Natur. Res. Environ.; (United States) Vol. 1:4; ISSN NRENE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CLEAN WATER ACT
COLORADO
CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HYDROLOGY
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
PERMITS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION LAWS
STATE GOVERNMENT
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER QUALITY