i_wrrc_2018a_2018-08-07t09:03:47z1 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Patrick Pfaltzgraff, Director, Water Quality Control Division in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), introduced himself to the committee.  At the meeting on June 19 representatives from CDPHE presented the Refinance Water Pollution Control Program Act report, as required by House Bill 17-1285.  Nicole Rowan, Clean Water Program Manager CDPHE, introduced herself to the committee and began to review the responses to questions submitted by the committee regarding the June 19 presentation. Ms. Rowan and Mr. Pfaltzgraff distributed a copy of the responses to the committee [Attachment B].  Ms. Rowan discussed Colorado's water quality criteria as it compares to that of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Ms. Rowan responded to questions from the committee regarding natural selenium levels in the water, and how CDPHE takes into account the natural levels when determining water quality criteria.

Ms. Rowan described the ways in which the department is increasing enforcement of water quality standards and discussed the department's efforts in getting stakeholder input on the report.  The department met in May regarding this process and is developing ways to involve stakeholders prior to the submission of the 2019 report.  Ms. Rowan discussed backlogged permits and how the department is addressing the backlog of permits.  Mr. Pfaltzgraff and Ms. Rowan responded to questions from the committee regarding the stakeholders involved in setting water quality standards and best management practices that help to protect drinking water quality standards.  Committee discussion ensued regarding stakeholder programs, rulemaking processes, and best management practices.