75-5-308. Short-term water authorizations -- water quality standards. The department may authorize short-term exemptions from the water quality standards or short-term use that exceeds the water quality standards for the purposes of allowing construction, emergency environmental remediation, pesticide application, elimination of undesirable and nonnative aquatic species, and treatment of water for the protection of public health. The authorization must include conditions that minimize to the extent possible the magnitude of any standard violation and the length of time during which any standard violation may occur. The authorization conditions must maximize the protection of state waters by ensuring the maintenance of beneficial uses immediately after the term of the authorization. Authorizations issued under this section may include conditions that require water quality or quantity monitoring and reporting. In the performance of its responsibilities under this section, the department may negotiate operating agreements with other departments of state government that are intended to minimize duplication in review of activities eligible for authorizations under this section.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 340, L. 1993.