RULES: Water Quality Trading Rules (OAC Chapter 3745-5) - Interested Party Review
What does OAC Chapter 3745-5 cover?
Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-5 provides the administrative requirements for the development and implementation of water quality trading programs in Ohio. Water quality trading is a voluntary program that allows a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holder (point source) to meet its regulatory obligations by using pollutant reductions generated by another wastewater point source or non-point source. Water quality trading is a tool for achieving water quality improvements, and under the right circumstances, has the potential to yield both environmental and economic benefits, while promoting increased interaction among watershed stakeholders.
What changes are being considered?
This rulemaking is being undertaken to complete the required five-year rule review for the chapter. Only minor changes were considered necessary, include updating references, broadening methods for announcing a public hearing, adding a reference to credible data collectors, making minor language changes to make the rules more clear and concise for users, and removing some language that is no longer in use.
What does OAC Chapter 3745-5 cover?
Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-5 provides the administrative requirements for the development and implementation of water quality trading programs in Ohio. Water quality trading is a voluntary program that allows a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holder (point source) to meet its regulatory obligations by using pollutant reductions generated by another wastewater point source or non-point source. Water quality trading is a tool for achieving water quality improvements, and under the right circumstances, has the potential to yield both environmental and economic benefits, while promoting increased interaction among watershed stakeholders.
What changes are being considered?
This rulemaking is being undertaken to complete the required five-year rule review for the chapter. Only minor changes were considered necessary, include updating references, broadening methods for announcing a public hearing, adding a reference to credible data collectors, making minor language changes to make the rules more clear and concise for users, and removing some language that is no longer in use.
Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday October 16, 2026.
What if I have questions?
For more information about the rulemaking, please contact Walter Ariss at walter.ariss@epa.ohio.gov by phone at (614) 644-3075.
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