General Information

Government Type

State Agency

Entity

Department of Environmental Quality

Public Body

Division of Water Quality

Notice Information

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Notice Title

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PUBLIC NOTICE FOR RULEMAKING TO ADOPT E. COLI TMDLS

Notice Tags

Water Quality

Notice Type(s)

Notice

Event Start Date & Time

July 15, 2025 08:00 AM

Event End Date & Time

August 14, 2025 05:00 PM

Description/Agenda

July 15, 2025 DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PUBLIC NOTICE FOR RULEMAKING TO ADOPT E. COLI TMDLS PURPOSE OF PUBLIC NOTICE The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is seeking public comment on adoption of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for E. coli - Castle, Mill, and Pack Creeks into Utah Administrative Code R-317-1-7. The draft TMDL document is available for review and comment. BACKGROUND The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to develop TMDLs for waters that do not meet water quality standards for their designated beneficial uses. Waterbodies that do not protect their beneficial uses are added to the 303(d) list of impaired waters, which is updated every two years as part of the DWQ Integrated Report. The purpose of a TMDL is to establish an allowable amount of a pollutant to a waterbody and use data to determine why a waterbody is not meeting its beneficial use. Although not required by EPA, DWQ includes an implementation plan with each TMDL that acts as a guide for projects, financial assistance, and to foster community support for improving water quality. The Castle Creek-1, Mill Creek-1-Moab, and Pack Creek Assessment Units (AU) were listed for an E. coli impairment on the 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies with a high priority to receive a TMDL. These listings, in conjunction with input from local stakeholders and the Moab Area Watershed Partnership (MAWP), triggered a targeted data collection effort that culminated in the completion of a TMDL for each waterbody in 2025. DWQ coordinated and collaborated with the Moab Area Watershed Partnership (MAWP) and other stakeholders throughout the development of the TMDLs. Results from this study determined that E. coli reductions are needed to protect recreational beneficial uses for all three waterbodies: 4% in Castle Creek, 45% in Mill Creek, and 87% in Pack Creek. Data shows E. coli concentrations peak in late summer and decrease in the fall in all Assessment Units. The analysis determined that the main sources of E. coli pollution are failing onsite wastewater systems and agricultural practices. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments are invited from July 15, 2025, to August 14, 2025. Public comments can be submitted using the google public comment form. For more information regarding the public comment form or for details regarding the TMDL contact Samuel Taylor by email: sgtaylor@utah.gov or by phone (385)499-1707. After considering public comments, the TMDL will be presented to the Utah Water Quality Board for adoption to UAC R317-1-7. LINK: Total Maximum Daily Loads for E. coli - Castle, Mill, and Pack Creeks LINK: Public Comment Form

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Emily Canton at 801-536-4342.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

195 N 1950 W
Division of Water Quality 3rd Floor
S.L.C., UT 84114-4870
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Contact Name

Emily Canton

Contact Email

ercanton@utah.gov

Contact Phone

(801)536-4342

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

July 16, 2025 01:30 PM

Notice Last Edited On

July 16, 2025 01:30 PM

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