Assimilative capacity is the ability of a river basin to safely absorb pollutants.
Basinwide planning should ensure that this capacity is used in a way that sustains long-term growth. However, planning for long-term growth also must consider how secondary impacts such as runoff from new roads will affect water quality. The Division will review existing permits to determine how much of the utilizable capacity has been distributed. The Division will not issue a permit if it is determined that a discharge will result in loss of any existing use or result in violations of established water quality standards in receiving waters. The success of this action can be determined by documented improvements in water quality and continued environmentally sound economic growth in each of the basins.