Title
Consider recommendation from the Aquifer Management Planning Committee to approve Proposed Rules amending Chapter 702 (Definitions) and 713 (Water Quality) of the EAA Rules.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve Proposed Rules amending Chapters 702 (Definitions) and 713 (Water Quality), Subchapters B (General Provisions), F (Storage of Regulated Substances), and G (Aboveground and Underground Storage Tanks) and direct the General Manager to take all necessary legal steps to process the Proposed Rules.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an Aquifer Management Planning Committee recommendation to consider Proposed Rules that would amend the EAA's water quality regulations. The Proposed Rules were created in response to direction from the committee and board that was given at the Spring 2016 Board of Directors Work Session on water quality. The Proposed Rules address changes to the EAA's manner of regulating facilities, and aboveground and undergound storage tanks that store regulated substances over the Recharge Zone. Specifically, the Proposed Rules help to create a water quality program that facilitates protection of the Edwards Aquifer through increased inspections, outreach, and education. Secondary containment requirements for facilities storing regulated substances over the Recharge Zone and portions of the Contributing Zone have been removed and replaced with more information-sharing requirements. Tertiary containment for underground storage tanks remains a requirement of the rules; however, secondary, rather than tertiary containment, is proposed to be required for aboveground storage tanks. Increased inspections and EAA staff presence at facilities with such tanks is also facilitated by the Proposed Rules.
"Red-lined" and "clean" versions of the Proposed Rules, which have been reviewed by legal counsel, are attached to this agenda item.
At the August 23 meeting, the Aquifer Management Plannin...
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