Section 355.101  Purpose, Scope and Application

a)         This Part contains procedures to determine water quality based effluent limits for ammonia nitrogen (as N) (ammonia nitrogen WQBELs) that are necessary to prevent waters of the State from exceeding water quality standards pursuant to 40 CFR 122.44(d)(1) and 35 Ill. Adm. Code 309.141(d)(3).  Ammonia nitrogen WQBELs must be sufficient to ensure compliance with the water quality standards for ammonia nitrogen found in the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) regulations at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.202, 302.212 and 304.122.

b)         Ammonia nitrogen WQBELs  are applicable to the general use waters of the State.

c)         There shall be an opportunity for compliance with the ammonia nitrogen water quality standards as provided by the IPCB regulations through application of allowed mixing, mixing zones and zones of initial dilution at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.102.

d)         In addition to water quality based effluent limits, the discharge of ammonia nitrogen from a facility may be limited based on other provisions in the Environmental Protection Act [415 ILCS 5] (Act) and regulations adopted thereunder or the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 USC 1251-1387 (FWPCA) and regulations adopted thereunder.

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 15774, effective September 25, 2003)