Whereas, Section 402(p)(6) of the Clean Water Act authorizes responsible agencies to designate impairment sources that require regulation to protect water quality and to develop a comprehensive storm water program to regulate discharges; and
Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its designee, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), have established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL’s) of various impairments in waterways around the State specified on the 303(d) list (impaired waterways); and
Whereas, the EPA has recently added trash to the national list of impairment categories used by states to report on impaired waterways; and
Whereas, the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) Title 33, Part IX, Chapter 11 establishes water quality standards to protect or enhance the quality of all state waters for recreational use and requires that they be maintained in an aesthetically attractive condition, free from objectionable deposits and floating debris [trash] that form nuisances or negatively impact aesthetics; and
Whereas, Title 33, Part IX, Section 2517 states that municipal storm water runoff continues to harm the nation’s waters and may contain or mobilize high levels of contaminants, such as sediment, suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals, pathogens, toxins, oxygen-demanding substances, and floatables [trash].
Therefore be it resolved that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports efforts by individual organizations to control the proliferation of trash in all waterways.
be it FURTHER resolved that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation hereby petitions the LDEQ to add trash to the list of impairments that are used to compile the Louisiana 303(d) list (impaired waterways) for approval by the EPA, to assess Louisiana waterways for trash impairment, and to determine allocations and trash TMDLs for waterways determined to be impaired by trash.
Resolution No. 12D, 2013 – ADDITION OF TRASH-WATERWAY IMPAIRMENTS, Page 2
be it FURTHER resolved that the Louisiana Legislature should consider action in support of the above proposals as necessary to support achievement of the goals defined above.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, February 24, 2013 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with more than 8,500 members and 25 affiliate groups. Established in 1940, it is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and represents a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, fishers, campers, birders, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.