SRBC's Water Quality Powers Limited?

    
Within the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's formal response to the Susquehanna being named the most endangered river in America, there is the following statement:

"Many in the public who oppose or are very wary of this practice believe the overriding concern relates to the potential impacts to water quality, which falls outside of SRBC’s regulatory responsibilities."

The language below was taken directly from the SRBC's compact:

5.2—Policy and Standards.

(a) In order to conserve, protect, and utilize the water quality of the basin in accordance with

the best interests of the people of the basin and the states, it shall be the policy of the commission

to encourage and coordinate the efforts of the signatory parties to prevent, reduce, control, and

eliminate water pollution and to maintain water quality as required by the comprehensive plan.

(b) The legislative intent in enacting this article is to give specific emphasis to the primary

role of the states in water quality management and control.

(c) The commission shall recommend to the signatory parties the establishment, modification, or amendment of standards of quality for any waters of the basin in relation to their reasonable and necessary use as the commission shall deem to be in the public interest.

(d) The commission shall encourage cooperation and uniform enforcement programs and policies by the water quality control agencies of the signatory parties in meeting, the water quality standards established in the comprehensive plan.

(e) The commission may assume jurisdiction whenever it determines after investigation and

public hearing upon due notice given that the effectuation of the comprehensive plan so requires. After such investigation, notice, and hearing, the commission may adopt such rules, regulations, and water quality standards as may be required to preserve, protect, improve, and develop the quality of the waters of the basin in accordance with the comprehensive plan.

I think that just about covers it. There are 8 references to water quality above, and section 5(e) appears to give the SRBC - at minimum - the opportunity to expand its authority if deemed necessary. I, for one, think it's long overdue.

The ripple effect of this "most endangered" designation will only die if we let it.

Time to step up, folks...as in today.