*On this page: Key memos issued by EPA regarding WQS approval and disapproval decisions under CWA Section 303(c)*
The following memoranda have been issued by EPA Administrators for Water and Directors of EPA Office of Science and Technology specifically regarding the decision-making process for WQS approvals and disapprovals under CWA Section 303(c). For rulemakings, memoranda and guidance related to when new state and authorized tribal WQS become effective (i.e., 40 CFR 131.21, 65 FR 24641, April 27, 2000), please review “The Alaska Rule.”
Not included on this page is the memorandum, “National Coordination of EPA’s Water Quality Standards Actions” (May, 2000, often referred to as “The 2000 Grubbs Memo”). See the WQS Handbook Chapter 6 for related information.
Select memoranda, guidance, and policies related to WQS dating back to 1968 are available on EPA’s webpage, Reference Library of Water Quality Standards Policy and Guidance Documents.
2022 Nagle memo_principles-for-elevation-of-wqs-disapprovals_2022-02-04_signed (002)
2022 AA Fox memo-cwa-rescission-memo-feb2022
2019 Ross memo policy_for_the_epas_review_and_action_on_cwa_program_submittals_0
