While there is no federal counterpart regulation for this rule, EPA does propose “recommended criteria” for water quality standards through 40 CFR Parts 405–471, and the states can either adopt those recommended criteria or establish their own criteria based on conditions specific to each state. To see a comparison of specific of EPA recommended criteria to WV standards, go here: http://dep.wv.gov/pio/Documents/Settlements and Orders/WQS Analysis.pdf
Similar Federal Regulation: § 303 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1313)
The scope of this rule is as follows:
These rules establish requirements governing the discharge or deposit of sewage, industrial wastes and other wastes into the waters of the state and establish water quality standards for the waters of the State standing or flowing over the surface of the State. It is declared to be the public policy of the State of West Virginia to maintain reasonable standards of purity and quality of the water of the State consistent with (1) public health and public enjoyment thereof; (2) the propagation and protection of animal, bird, fish, and other aquatic and plant life; and (3) the expansion of employment opportunities, maintenance and expansion of agriculture and the provision of a permanent foundation for healthy industrial development. (See W. Va. Code §22-11-2.)
