The latest information on Regulation 2 is that the ADEQ Triennial Review Workgroup was reconvened by the new Director, Teresa Marks, on June 4. The purpose of the meeting was to review the proposed language changes on Regulation 2, to propose additional changes, refine the language and to strive for concensus among the 50 plus participants. (The group represented interested state and federal agencies, most main stream conservation groups and many private individuals. Following final comments, ADEQ then writes its "responsive summary" to all comments.

The revisions greatly improved the language but we still prefer the "original" language as better public policy and the only proposal that does not violate the Clean Water Act. Of greatest interest, ADEQ did not challenge our comments on legal issues, i.e. that this violates the Clean Water Act's antidegradation policy. Further, ADEQ confirmed that ERWs are "designated" uses - a major point critical to our position.

The proposed language now goes to Legislative Committees - Rules and Regulations July 5, 9 AM and Public Health July 19, 10 AM. The Public may attend. If interested in attending, call the Governor's office for Room numbers and exact times. Since ADEQ, the Governor's Office and River Valley Regional Water District support the current language, it is unlikely to encounter any problem in Committee.

We are much closer to having this matter settled, I hope, in our favor. Stay tuned!