Q What is the purpose of the Pollution Control Standards?

A The Compact authorizes ORSANCO to develop standards for the treatment of sewage and industrial wastes discharged to the Ohio River. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that the water quality of the river is suitable for the uses designated by the Compact; public and industrial water supply (after reasonable treatment), recreational use, and warm water aquatic habitat, as well as other legitimate uses. The standards recommend stream criteria to assure that these uses will be achieved, and set waste water discharge requirements to attain these criteria.

Q How do these standards relate to state and federal standards?

A Each state sets its own pollution control standards which apply only to facilities in that state. The ORSANCO Pollution Control Standards apply to all direct discharges to the Ohio River. Individual states may choose to adopt more stringent regulations, but the ORSANCO standards provide a minimum level of protection for the water quality of the river by which all the Compact states must abide.

Q How do these proposed changes affect my permit?

A All facilities discharging to the Ohio River which are subject to regulation under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) are subject to the ORSANCO Pollution Control Standards.

Q How does ORSANCO go about reviewing its Standards?

A The review process consists of three phases:

1. Initial review and comment period.
2. Consideration of comments received.
3. Presentation of proposed revisions.

The initial review begins with an announcement which is sent to all identified stakeholders, published in newspapers, and posted on the Commission web site. Public workshops are held at several locations along the river during this period.

The Commission reviews all comments received. Many are referred to work groups of state and federal agency personnel to address. After reviewing the comments, the Commission may propose revisions to its Standards. The proposed revisions must be presented at a public hearing. The hearing is publicized in the same manner as the initial review. After considering all comments received through the hearing, the Commission will adopt revisions to its Standards, together with a Responsiveness Summary. Copies of the revised Standards and Responsiveness Summary are sent to all those who submitted comments.

Q How do I submit formal comments?

A You may either attend the public hearing or submit your comments in writing to ORSANCO headquarters, 5735 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45228.