Or. Admin. R. 340-041-0305

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 340-041-0305 - Water Quality Standards and Policies for South Coast Basin

(1) pH (Hydrogen ion concentration) pH values may not fall outside the following ranges:

(a) Estuarine and fresh waters: 6.5-8.5.

(b) Marine waters: 7.0-8.5.

(2) Total Dissolved Solids. Guide concentrations listed below may not be exceeded unless otherwise specifically authorized by DEQ upon such conditions as it may deem necessary to carry out the general intent of this plan and to protect the beneficial uses set forth in OAR 340-04l-0300: 100.0 mg/l.

(3) Minimum Design Criteria for Treatment and Control of Sewage Wastes:

(a) During periods of low stream flows (approximately May 1 to October 31): Treatment resulting in monthly average effluent concentrations may not exceed 20 mg/l of BOD and 20 mg/l of SS or equivalent control;

(b) During the period of high stream flows (approximately November 1 to April 30) and for direct ocean discharges: A minimum of secondary treatment or equivalent control and unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Department, operation of all waste treatment and control facilities at maximum practicable efficiency and effectiveness so as to minimize waste discharges to public waters.

(4) Outstanding Resource Waters of Oregon (ORWs)

(a) The North Fork Smith River and its tributaries and associated wetlands. These streams include but are not limited to the North Fork Smith River, Chrome Creek, Spokane Creek, Fall Creek, Cedar Creek, Horse Creek, Packsaddle Creek, Baldface Creek, Taylor Creek, Biscuit Creek, Wimer Creek, McGee Creek, Cabin Creek, Diamond Creek, and the North Fork Diamond Creek.

(b) The current high water quality, exceptional ecological values, and existing and designated uses of the ORWs identified in this rule ("these waters") must be maintained and protected except as altered by natural causes.

(c) No new NPDES discharge or expansion of an existing discharge to these waters may be allowed.

(d) No new NPDES discharge or expansion of an existing discharge to waters upstream of or tributary to these waters may be allowed if such discharge would degrade the water quality within these waters.

(e) No activities may be allowed that would degrade the existing water quality and ecological characteristics and values of these waters.

Or. Admin. R. 340-041-0305

DEQ 17-2003, f. & cert. ef. 12-9-03; DEQ 8-2017, f. & cert. ef. 7/18/2017

Stat. Auth.: ORS 468.020, 468B.030, 468B.035 & 468B.048

Stats. Implemented: ORS 468B.030, 468B.035 & 468B.048