Variances

Definition

Variances are exceptions or alterations granted to a specific regulation or standard, allowing for deviations from established rules, often due to unique circumstances. In the context of water quality, variances enable entities to operate under modified conditions while still working towards compliance with overall environmental goals. This flexibility can be crucial for industries facing economic hardships or technical challenges in meeting strict standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Variances are typically issued by state regulatory agencies and must align with federal guidelines to ensure they do not compromise water quality protection.
2. To obtain a variance, entities usually need to demonstrate that compliance with existing standards is infeasible due to factors such as technological limitations or economic constraints.
3. Variances are not permanent; they are granted for a specified period and often require a plan for achieving compliance with water quality standards in the future.
4. The process for obtaining a variance includes public notice and comment periods, allowing community members to express concerns about potential environmental impacts.
5. Monitoring requirements are often included with variances to ensure that entities maintain certain levels of performance even while deviating from strict standards.

Review Questions

• How do variances function as a regulatory tool in managing water quality standards?
  • Variances act as regulatory tools by providing flexibility in the enforcement of water quality standards, allowing entities to temporarily deviate from strict compliance requirements. They are particularly useful in situations where achieving compliance is economically or technically unfeasible. By granting variances, regulatory agencies can still ensure progress toward environmental protection goals while acknowledging the realities faced by different industries or municipalities.
• Discuss the criteria that must be met for an entity to successfully obtain a variance from water quality standards.
  • To successfully obtain a variance from water quality standards, an entity must demonstrate that strict compliance is not achievable due to specific circumstances such as technological limitations or severe economic hardship. The application process typically involves providing evidence of efforts made toward compliance and outlining the steps that will be taken during the variance period to improve conditions. Regulatory agencies will also consider public input and potential environmental impacts when evaluating these requests.
• Evaluate the implications of granting variances on long-term water quality management and community health.
  • Granting variances can have significant implications for long-term water quality management and community health. While they offer immediate relief to entities facing compliance challenges, they may also delay necessary improvements in water quality and potentially expose communities to harmful pollutants. Thus, it's essential for regulatory agencies to monitor variance holders closely and ensure that they adhere to conditions set forth during the variance period, ultimately working towards sustainable solutions that balance economic needs with environmental protection.

Related terms

Water Quality Standards: Criteria established to protect water resources, specifying the acceptable levels of pollutants and conditions necessary for various uses such as drinking, recreation, and aquatic life.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES):

A permitting system under the Clean Water Act that regulates discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters, requiring facilities to obtain permits that may include specific limits and monitoring requirements.

Compliance Schedule: A timeline set by regulatory authorities that outlines when a facility must achieve compliance with water quality standards or other environmental regulations.