Hearing to Be Held On Water Quality Standards

Proposed revisions to West Virginia’s water quality standards will be discussed at a public hearing this week in Charleston.

The proposals include revising aquatic life criteria for selenium and aluminum. The Department of Environmental Protection says the revision was prompted by current research that better describes these elements’ toxicity.

The DEP also has proposed water quality standards variances for Martin Creek and Sandy Creek in Preston and Barbour counties. The agency says the variances will help its Office of Special Reclamation take a watershed-based approach to restoring water quality in streams historically affected by mining activities.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the DEP’s headquarters. Written comments will be accepted through 9 a.m. on July 31.