Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-10-.01

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 335-6-10-.01 - Purpose

(1) Title 22, Section 22-22-1etseq., Code of Ala. 1975, includes as its purpose "to conserve the waters of the State and to protect, maintain and improve the quality thereof for public water supplies, for the propagation of wildlife, fish and aquatic life and for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational and other legitimate beneficial uses; to provide for the prevention, abatement and control of new or existing water pollution; and to cooperate with other agencies of the State, agencies of other states and the federal government in carrying out these objectives."

(2) Water quality criteria, covering all legitimate water uses, provide the tools and means for determining the manner in which waters of the State may be best utilized, provide a guide for determining waste treatment requirements, and provide the basis for standards of quality for State waters and portions thereof. Water quality criteria are not intended to freeze present uses of water, nor to exclude other uses not now possible. They are not a device to insure the lowest common denominator of water quality, but to encourage prudent use of the State's water resources and to enhance their quality and productivity commensurate with the stated purpose of Title 22, Section 22-22-1etseq., Code of Ala. 1975.

(3) Water quality criteria herein set forth have been developed by the Commission for those uses of surface waters known and expected to exist over the State. They are based on present scientific knowledge, experience and judgment. Characteristics or parameters included in the criteria are those of fundamental significance to a determination of water quality and are those which are and can be routinely monitored and compared to data that are generally available. It is the intent that these criteria will be applied only after reasonable opportunity for mixture of wastes with receiving waters has been afforded. The reasonableness of the opportunity for mixture of wastes and receiving waters shall be judged on the basis of the physical characteristics of the receiving waters and approval by the Department of the method in which the discharge is physically made.

Author: James E. McIndoe

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-6-10-.01

Originally Adopted: May 5, 1967. Amended: June 19, 1967. Amended: July 17, 1972. Amended: February 26, 1973. Amended: May 30, 1977. Amended: December 19, 1977. Amended: February 4, 1981. Amended: Filed January 26, 1990; Effective March 2, 1990. Amended: Filed February 27, 1991; Effective April 3, 1991.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-22-9, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6, 22-22A-8.