“Rejection of this proposed variance is an opportunity for decision makers to finally say, ‘enough is enough,’ ” Suttles said. “It’s time we enforce our water quality standards and protect Oklahoma’s scenic rivers.”

The proposed rule change achieves just what the groups want, said Monty Porter, OWRB Water Quality Programs Division assistant chief.

“Variances are one more tool to allow us to reduce pollution,” he said. “Our existing rules have such restrictive parameters they are to the point of being useless and have a three-year limit that can’t be renewed.”

Porter said rules now are so limited it is hard to shoehorn a real-life scenario into them. The new rules allow the agency to be flexible, proactive and help an entity immediately reduce pollution with an enforceable schedule to reach compliance.

Although the new process is more flexible, it still would be carried out under a strict process that includes public comment and approval from the legislature and the EPA, he said.

“It sets temporary criteria that is enforceable and set on a temporary time frame,” he said. “It is not issued in perpetuity.”

The Water Resources Board convenes at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at 3800 N. Classen Blvd. in Oklahoma City. Comments on the rule should be mailed to the same address with Zip Code 73118 and must be received by Thursday. A vote is not expected until the board’s February meeting, and then the rule change will need legislative approval and the governor’s signature.

Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @KellyBostian

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