West River Eagle

DENR seeks comments on Waterbody Report


The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking public comments on the draft 2020 Integrated Report. Required under the federal Clean Water Act, this report is used by the state to identify impaired waterbodies in South Dakota. The draft 2020 Integrated Report also includes the National 303(d) Program Vision.

Comments from the general public, interested parties and organizations will be accepted through March 6, 2020. Comments can be submitted online at DENR’s One-Stop Public Notice page at denr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx, emailed to Anine Rosse at Anine.Rosse@state.sd.us, or submitted in writing to:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Surface Water Quality Program

523 East Capitol Avenue – Joe Foss Building

Pierre, South Dakota 57501-3181

A copy of the draft 2020 Integrated Report is available on DENR’s One-Stop Public Notice page at: denr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx.Those persons desiring to only review the Vision can access the document individually at the same web address. Copies of the 2020 Integrated Report can also be obtained by emailing Anine Rosse at Anine.Rosse@state.sd.us, by contacting DENR at the above address, or by phone at 1-800-438-3367.

“Because this list drives state water quality programs, it is important that people in South Dakota see the draft report and provide us comments before it is finalized and sent to EPA for approval,” said DENR Secretary Hunter Roberts.

The draft 2020 Integrated Report contains an assessment of the surface water quality of South Dakota’s waters, a description of South Dakota’s water quality monitoring programs, pollutants causing impairments of the water bodies and identification of waters targeted for total maximum daily load development. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a determination of the amount of pollution a waterbody can receive and still maintain water quality standards.

The draft 2020 report lists 170 waterbodies or waterbody segments needing a total maximum daily load. Of those listed, 97 are stream or river segments and 73 are lakes that periodically do not meet water quality standards.

The National 303(d) Program Vision serves as a planning tool for states to implement effective strategies to meet water quality goals. The Vision contains six elements considered important to the process. The Vision defines prioritization for TMDL development with consideration for alternative or protection approaches. South Dakota’s original Vision strategy was first made available in the 2016 Integrated Report.  In 2018, EPA offered and open season to provide states with the opportunity to make changes to the Vision. South Dakota made changes and updated the Vision for the 2020 reporting cycle.

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