 |
Oklahoma Administrative Code (Last Updated: March 11, 2021) |
 |
TITLE 155. Oklahoma Conservation Commission |
|
Chapter 40. Water Quality Programs |
SECTION 155:40-1-4. Nonpoint Source Management Plan
Latest version.
- Oklahoma Statutes, §27A-1-3-101, Subsection F assigns to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) multiple jurisdictional areas of environmental responsibility. Several of these delegations deal with nonpoint source pollution (NPS). The purpose of this chapter is to declare the plan whereby the OCC will conduct its assigned responsibilities for the state's NPS program.(1) The OCC is declared the state's technical lead agency for NPS categories as defined in Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act (319 program) or other subsequent federal or state nonpoint source programs, except for activities related to industrial and municipal stormwater or as otherwise provided by state law. As such, the OCC is responsible to monitor, evaluate, and assess waters to determine the condition of streams and rivers being impacted by NPS pollution and conduct NPS management programs and activities to abate it.(2) Section 319(h) of the CWA authorizes funding support to implement an NPS program. States must have an EPA approved NPS Management Program Document to receive this funding, and this document must clearly describe the elements and activities of the NPS Program. Pursuant to its statutory assignments and in accordance with the 319 program mandate, the OCC drafted and hereby adopts by reference Oklahoma's Nonpoint Source Management Program and Nonpoint Source Assessment Report which describes the processes by which the State addresses NPS pollution in its waters. This document is on file and available via the OCC website, the OCC office, and the OCC Water Quality Division office.(3) Oklahoma's Nonpoint Source Management Program document is amended periodically as needed and includes participation and review by the State NPS Working Group, a broader instate review and comment period by state environmental agencies, a public review and comment period, and a final review and approval by EPA necessary to obtain 319 funding.