Standards of water quality.

In furtherance of sections 6111.01 to 6111.08 of the Revised Code, the director of environmental protection shall adopt standards of water quality to be applicable to the waters of the state. Such standards shall be adopted pursuant to a schedule established, and from time to time amended, by the director, to apply to the various waters of the state, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. Such standards shall be adopted in accordance with section 303 of the "Federal Water Pollution Control Act" and shall be designed to improve and maintain the quality of such waters for the purpose of protecting the public health and welfare, and to enable the present and planned use of such waters for public water supplies, industrial and agricultural needs, propagation of fish, aquatic life, and wildlife, and recreational purposes. Such standards may be amended from time to time as determined by the director. Prior to establishing, amending, or repealing standards of water quality the director shall, after due notice, conduct public hearings thereon. Notice of hearings shall specify the waters to which the standards relate, and the time, date, and place of hearing.Standards of quality for the waters of the state, or any amendment or repeal thereof, become effective upon adoption by the director. The director shall implement the standards so established in the issuance, revocation, modification, or denial of permits.