Rulemaking: Water Quality Standards Revision for West Division Main Canal Near Hermiston, Oregon

The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission adopted new water quality standards for the West Division Main Canal near Hermiston, in northeastern Oregon, at their meeting on Apr. 26, 2012. The rule corrects previous standards, establishing designated beneficial uses and associated water quality criteria  that are appropriate for and feasibly attainable in the canal.

Please note: These revised water quality standards are not effective until they have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. DEQ expects EPA approval by late summer or early fall of this year. DEQ will update this website when the revised standards are effective.

For more information, see the following:

• EQC Meeting Agenda, Apr. 25-27, 2012
• EQC Staff Report and Attachments (Item I) PDF

Public Involvement

DEQ worked with a variety of stakeholders throughout the draft rule development. Information on public involvement is contained in the EQC staff report. DEQ accepted public comment from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15, 2011 and held a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston, Oregon.

Contact Information

For questions, contact:

• Debra Sturdevant, DEQ's Water Quality Standards Program, Portland, at 541-229-6691, toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011, ext. 6691 or by email.
• Don Butcher, DEQ's local project coordinator, Pendleton, at 541-278-4603 or by email.