EPA approves Kansas’ list of ‘impaired waters’

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced it has approved Kansas’ list of 1,330 “impaired waters,” which represents a decrease from two years ago.

“KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) should be commended for the progress that has been made to improve Kansas lakes and streams,” said Karl Brooks, EPA regional administrator.

KDHE submitted its impaired waters list to EPA for review and approval as required by the Clean Water Act. The act requires EPA to review the state’s list of impaired waters to determine if the state reasonably considered available water quality-related data, and identifies waters to be listed.

A water body is placed on the impaired waters list when monitoring finds that pollution levels prevent the lake, river, or stream from attaining its beneficial uses. In Kansas, beneficial uses include human recreation, agricultural water supply, and maintaining healthy aquatic life.

EPA has approved Kansas’ list of impaired waters, which removes 561 waters from the previous impaired waters list and adds 121 waters.

One of those de-listed is Perry Lake because a plan is in action to address concerns with the waters, EPA officials said.

“The state of Kansas is pretty darn good at addressing impaired waters,” said John DeLashmit, chief of the water quality management branch at the regional EPA.