La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § IX-2601

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section IX-2601 - Purpose, Policy, and Authority

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to implement a water quality trading (WQT) program and establish minimum requirements and procedures for entities regulated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) to meet pollution control requirements through water quality trading in Louisiana. This Chapter shall apply to all persons and sources that participate in WQT, and to the generation, registration, use, and trading of credits and all trading activities that occur under this program.

B. Policy.

1. WQT shall be conducted consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the LAC, and other relevant state and federal water quality regulations implemented in a manner that:

a. results in a net improvement of water quality;

b. contributes to meeting water quality standards;

c. does not cause or contribute to violation of water quality standards, or impairment of designated uses;

d. does not create localized adverse impacts on water quality and existing and designated uses;

e. is consistent with the antidegradation policy in LAC 33:IX.1109.A;

f. is consistent with local, state, and federal water quality requirements;

g. results in long term improvement in water quality;

h. increases the pace and scale of restoration and attainment of water quality standards; and

i. assists in implementing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § IX-2601

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Secretary, Legal Affairs and Criminal Investigations Division, LR 451463 (10/1/2019).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2074(B)(9).