On January 3, 2012, Advocates for the West filed a complaint on behalf of Idaho Conservation League against EPA for failing to comply with its duty under the Clean Water Act to either approve or disapprove Idaho water quality standards which aim to protect people who consume fish caught in Idaho's lakes and rivers from toxins. The State of Idaho adopted the water quality standards in 2006, and the standards reflect an increase in the estimated fish consumption rate in Idaho. Until EPA takes action, people who consume large amounts of fish caught in Idaho risk excessive exposure to toxins.
Idaho Water Quality Standards
Advocates for the West represents Idaho Conservation League (ICL) in this lawsuit against EPA for failing to timely approve or disapprove important water quality standards in Idaho.
In 2006, Idaho adopted a new fish consumption rate, which estimates the amount of fish people catch and eat from Idaho’s lakes and rivers. Idaho uses the fish consumption rate to develop water quality standards and set limits on toxic pollution that may be discharged to Idaho’s waterbodies. These limits aim to protect people from exposure to toxins from eating fish.
In 2008, Advocates for the West notified EPA that it failed to meet the Clean Water Act’s 60 and 90-day deadlines for approving or disapproving Idaho’s water quality standards. In settlement, ICL agreed to give EPA nearly three additional years to take action. Over five years have passed since Idaho adopted the revised water quality standards, and the timeframe EPA agreed to in settlement has expired. However, EPA has yet to take action.
Studies show that fish consumption rates in Idaho are much higher than the rates upon which Idaho’s current standards are based. Until EPA takes action, people who consume high levels of fish in Idaho may not be adequately protected from toxins.
Advocates for the West filed suit in federal district court on January 3, 2012, asking the court to order EPA to follow its duty under the Clean Water Act to either approve or disapprove Idaho’s water quality standards.
Current Status:
Pending
Date Filed:
01/03/2012
Staff Attorney(s):
Clients:
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