OAC 252:730-3-2
Applications of antidegradation policy
Cite as Okla. Admin. Code § 252:730-3-2
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(a) Application to Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW). Certain waters of the state constitute
an outstanding resource or have exceptional recreational and/or ecological significance. These
waters include streams designated "Scenic River" or "ORW" in Appendix A of this Chapter, and
waters of the State located within watersheds of Scenic Rivers. Additionally, these may include
waters located within National and State parks, forests, wilderness areas, wildlife management
areas, and wildlife refuges, and waters which contain species listed pursuant to the federal
Endangered Species Act as described in OAC 252:730-5-25(c)(2)(A) and OAC 252:740-13-6(c).
No degradation of water quality shall be allowed in these waters.
(b) Application to High Quality Waters (HQW). It is recognized that certain waters of the state
possess existing water quality which exceeds those levels necessary to support propagation of
fishes, shellfishes, wildlife, and recreation in and on the water. These high quality waters shall be
maintained and protected.
(c) Application to Sensitive Public and Private Water Supplies (SWS) and SWS-R. It is
recognized that certain public and private water supplies possess conditions that make them more
susceptible to pollution events and require additional protection. These sensitive water supplies
shall be maintained and protected.
(d) Application to beneficial uses. Except as provided by 27 O.S. § 1-3-101(B), and subject to
the provisions of 85 O.S. § 1085.30, no water quality degradation which will interfere with the
attainment or maintenance of an existing or designated beneficial use shall be allowed.
(e) Application to improved waters. As the quality of any waters of the state improve, no
degradation of such improved waters shall be allowed.
SUBCHAPTER 5. SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS