To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Letter of Support for the Karuk Tribe’s Application for “Treatment as a State” (TAS) Authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (Supervisor Mike Wilson)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair to sign and send the attached letter.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters to the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972.
Under the CWA, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) has implemented pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standard for the industry. EPA has also developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. Therefore, the CWA and the EPA work in collaboration to protect valuable water resources.
The Karuk Tribe has submitted their application for TAS under sections 303 and 401 of the CWA. The approval of this application would enable the Karuk Tribe to be an active voice on issues related to water. It would allow the Karuk Tribe to work with local government to protect the fisheries and drinking water resources of their community.
The Board of Supervisors would like to send a letter of support to the EPA for the timely approval of the TAS submitted by the Karuk Tribe. This TAS approval will continue the partnership between local tribes and local government on important environmental issues.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board Discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter of Support
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A