The objective in preparing and maintaining the list is to identify, by priority, municipalities in the State with wastewater treatment needs. The priority system is thereby intended to identify those municipalities which currently have the most severe wastewater treatment problems and to provide funds for the most beneficial program of public health protection and water quality improvement. Project Priority Ranking System. A priority number total for a project will be determined by adding the priority points from each of the four priority categories. If the tie cannot be broken on the basis of the above, the project serving the greatest population will be given priority.
All projects receive the highest applicable point level only.
A documented existing substantial health hazard will be eliminated by the project. The elimination of existing substantial health hazards is of highest priority. The determination of the existence of substantial health hazards shall be based upon the investigation, report, and certification of the local health department and the State Division of Water Quality. Such reports and certifications will be forwarded to EPA with the Priority List. The surface water quality standards identified in R317-2 are impaired by an existing discharge.