ID H0042

Amends Section 39-3602, Idaho Code to renumber and reorganize definitions related to water quality, including terms such as "designated agency," "designated use," "director," "discharge," and "existing use."

Removes the definition of "lower water quality" that required measurable adverse change to be determined by statistically significant difference using 95% confidence limits, replacing it with the term "degradation" for antidegradation review purposes.

Adds new definition of "outstanding resource water" as high quality water in national and state parks, wildlife refuges, and waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance that requires protection from point and nonpoint source activities.

Approves rules relating to outstanding resource waters adopted by the board of environmental quality on November 9, 2010, contained in IDAPA 58.01.02.010.71, 58.01.02.010.72, 58.01.02.051.03 and 58.01.02.052.09.

Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.