Watershed Services

Program Overview

NWCCOG has been the designated regional water quality management agency since 1976. In that capacity, NWCCOG's Watershed Services completes and updates a water quality management plan for the NWCCOG region, in compliance with Section 208 of the Clean Water Act. The Watershed Service program also reviews development applications to determine consistency and compliance with the 208 Plan.

NWCCOG Watershed Services Program is currently working on an Update to the 208 Plan.

Other functions of the program include: 

Regional Permit Reviews:
 - Discharge Permits
 - Environmental Impact Statements
 - Site Applications
 - 401 Permits 

Technical Assistance:
 - Project Development
 - Grant and Loan Applications related to Water Quality
 - Land-Use Issues related to Water Quality Impacts
 - Advocating for Local Interests on Water Quality and Environmental Regulations

NWCCOG has developed Model Water Quality Protection Standards and Definitions to these standards.  

History of the Program

The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments has been the designated regional water quality management agency since 1976. In that capacity NWCCOG completes and updates a water quality management plan for Region XII in compliance with Section 208 of the Clean Water Act.

The 208 Plan assesses regional water quality, proposes stream standards, identifies water quality problem areas, and identifies wastewater treatment plan long term needs. The Plan also includes policy statements which provide a common consistent basis for decision making.

Regional Water Quality Management Plan (208 Plan)

 The Regional Water Quality Management Plan is also called the 208 Plan, as Section 208 of the Federal Clean Water Act requires regional water quality planning and management strategies. Anticipated revision areas of the plan include:

Addition of new water quality data and data analysis;
Recommendations for water quality standards;
A process for approving site applications and expansions of wastewater facilities;
New population projections and wastewater treatment plant needs to meet population demands;
Discussion regarding water quality impacts of septic systems and management/operation recommendations;
Agreements to advance non-point source and storm water management with various entities;
Recommendations for non-point source projects and priorities.

The last update to the plan was in 2002.  

The 2002 Regional Water Quality Management Plan (208 Plan) revision is available below - Sections: