Basic Course: Key Concepts (Module 6.c)

EPA Review: Focus and Timelines

The focus of the EPA Regional Administrator's review of the State/Tribe's submission is to determine whether the new or revised water quality standards meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act (and the implementing regulations at 40 CFR 131).

Key Point. EPA does not review or act on elements of a State/Tribe's submission that are not subject to the CWA (e.g., groundwater criteria).

EPA must complete its review and approve or disapprove the State/Tribe's submission within specified time frames, which differ depending on the determination. Select the links below to view the time frames:

Approve:

If EPA decides that the submission meets the CWA requirements, the Agency has 60 days from the submission date to issue a letter approving the submission (40 CFR 131.21(a)(1)). At that point, the standards become applicable.

Disapprove:

If EPA decides that the submission does not comply with the CWA requirements, the Agency has 90 days from the submission date to issue a letter disapproving the submission and specifying changes that should be made to bring the standards into compliance (40 CFR 131.21(a)(2)).