Comment NOW on the Biological Assessment Rule until April 20th

Try this web site: WVrivers.org

From the WV Rivers Coalition, Charleston, WV, April 10, 2020

Spring is a busy time for West Virginia’s water quality standards! There are important rules related to our state’s water protections out for public comment. WV Rivers is here to share the facts and we’ve made it easy for you to submit comments on the proposals through our online commenting tool.

Biological Assessment Rule: Virtual Public Hearing on April 20

The next proposed rule up for public comment is a bit of déjà vu. You might remember commenting on the biological assessment rule last spring when WVDEP initially released the rule change. But after the comment period, WVDEP missed the deadline to file the rule with the Secretary of State, so now WVDEP is collecting public comments on the rule again.

WVDEP will be holding a virtual public hearing on the rule on April 20.

Even if you do not plan to speak during the virtual hearing we encourage you to listen in – your presence shows the WVDEP that West Virginians care about water policy! Learn more about the virtual hearing here.

Click HERE to watch a video of WV Rivers’ staff scientist, Autumn Crowe, breakdown of the biological assessment rule.

Why is the biological assessment rule important? This rule defines how the WVDEP uses the presence of aquatic life to determine whether the stream is meeting the state’s water quality standards, and if it needs help to reduce pollution so it can support a healthy ecosystem. After analyzing WVDEP’s proposed rule, we’re disappointed WVDEP is once again ignoring recommendations to adopt a more scientifically precise method. Learn more about the biological assessment rule here and watch our video fact sheet on the rule here.

We’ve made it easy to submit comments! Click here to send your comments to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP).