Pima Association of Governments is the designated agency for regional water quality management. PAG conducts 208 Planning as required under Section 8 of the Clean Water Act. PAG’s 208 Areawide Water Quality Management Plan, which includes all of Pima County except tribal lands, ensures that a regional approach is taken to planning. The 208 Plan provides policy and management direction for control and use of wastewater in Pima County. The current 208 Plan consists of a document written in 1978 and all of its amendments.

You may view a copy or sections of the plan by clicking on Section 208 Plan Update or you may review a copy at Pima Association of Governments, 177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405, Tucson, AZ 85701.

The planning process includes participation from local jurisdictions, the business community, environmental groups, public interest groups and the general public.

Planning for the treatment of municipal wastewater is a key part of 208 Planning. PAG’s 208 Plan identifies all of the existing wastewater treatment facilities in Pima County, as well as any facilities that have been proposed.

PAG’s 208 Plan emphasizes the regionalization of wastewater treatment, and discourages the proliferation of small, privately owned treatment facilities because of potential accessibility issues if adjacent privately owned properties become land-locked. Long-term reliability of small facilities and potential impacts to water quality further lend support to the concept of regionalization of wastewater treatment.

All proposed private wastewater treatment plans require approval of a 208 Plan Amendment. (Info sent separately)

Most 208 Plan Amendments since 1990 have related to proposals to construct wastewater treatment facilities that were not included in the original 208 Plan adopted in 1978. Many 208 Plan Amendments adopted in the 1980s addressed policy changes, pollution source assessments, groundwater quality investigations, and long-range plans for meeting regional wastewater treatment needs.