EPA determination options and subsequent actions.

EPA Review: Promulgating Federal Standards

To promulgate Federal water quality standards to replace disapproved State/Tribal standards, EPA conducts a rulemaking action in accordance with Federal rules and congressionally mandated administrative procedures.

The process involves EPA Headquarters and the Regional office collaborating in the preparation of the proposed rule, and then:

• Sending the proposed rule to the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
• Publishing the proposed rule in the Federal Register with a request for public comment.
• Providing an opportunity for a public hearing.
• Addressing comments received during the hearing and publishing the final rule.

If during the promulgation process the State or Tribe adopts EPA's changes to its water quality standards, EPA terminates the promulgation process. If the State/Tribe adopts the changes after EPA has published a final rule, EPA initiates withdrawal of the Federal rule.

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