Southeastern Water Pollution Biologists Association

Presented by David MelgaardNovember 2012

Water Quality Monitoring, Standards, and Assessments

STANDARDS, MONITORING, ASSESSMENT, AND LISTING

A.K.A.: Federal: CWA§303 [(a),(b),(c),(d)], CWA§305(b), CWA§106(e), Numerous CFRs; Many State Rules and Regulations; Multiple Guidance documents - both Federal and State

Topic Description

A discussion of the approaches that states are currently considering in assessing impairment for water quality parameters

Water Quality Standards Most are not developed with

specific monitoring requirements included

Exceptions- Bacteriological- Fish consumption- Toxics – “shall not exceed”- State specific requirements (e.g., FL NNC (proposed), others??)

Lack of standards to address flow related issues

Monitoring Strategies

Elements of Monitoring and Assessment Program Strategy Objectives Design Indicators QA Data Management (WQX/STORET, ADB, State systems) Data Analysis/Assessment Reporting (IR, State Reports) Programmatic Evaluation General Support and Infrastructure Planning References

Assessment and Listing Methodologies for Waterbody Condition

Determination EPA’s Consolidated and Listing Methodology Guidance,

2002

http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/calm.cfm

Each state has an Assessment and Listing Methodology- Must be consistent with state’s WQS

EPA’s Integrated Report Guidance http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm

Current Status

Great progress has been made in data management

Great progress has been made in developing CALMs that are directly related to WQS

Very few issues with assessment and impairment calls in 303(d) listings/delistings

Issues with Assessment and Listing Inadequate resources for monitoring Dealing with small data sets Lack of data for toxics Lack of biological data Flow monitoring resources (USGS, internal) Insufficient data for determining causes of

impairment Many unassessed waters Time constraints Other

Issues with CALMs vs. 303(d)

Small datasets Uses of the binomial with small datasets Toxics Inconsistencies with standards Interpretation of biological data Interpretation of narrative criteria 4b determinations – Reasonable Assurance Natural condition determinations (4c) Bacteriological (shellfish vs. recreational) Other

Current Approaches States are Considering in Assessments

Funding- Reverse recent budget cuts- Seek new sources

Toxics - metals

Emerging contaminants- Pharmaceuticals- Personal care products – soaps, fragrances, cosmetics- Water treatment byproducts e.g., brominated THMs

Third party data- when and how to use- QA/QC

Current Approaches States are Considering in Assessments

(continued) Sedimentation - qualitative vs.

quantitative measures Habitat Alteration – how to measure

and document Natural condition determinations Periphyton Fish IBI Estuary bioassessment Flow

FLOW

FLOW

Flow Concerns

USGS found that human alteration of waterways has impacted the magnitude of minimum and maximum stream flows in more than 86% of monitored streams nationally.

Flow Concerns Must balance the needs of water

quantity and water quality Competing interests to use GW and

SW for: Drinking water Industrial uses – power generation Municipal needs Agriculture Etc.

Flow Concerns (cont.) Water use conflicts

complicated by:

Droughts Floods Climate Change Interbasin Transfers Water Diversion

The Effect of Groundwater Withdrawals on Surface Water

USGS Circular 1139

Groundwater discharge to a gaining stream can be affected by a pumping well. A well close to a gaining stream could decrease the amount of groundwater discharging to the stream. Further pumping of the well could cause the gaining stream to become a losing stream.

EPA R4: Addressing Flow Issues Under the CWA

Discussions with State Water Division Directors

Working with EPA HQ, USGS, FWS, and other Regions

Water division Flow Workgroup tasked to look at instream flow issues in all program areas including monitoring and assessment

Encouraging all states to adopt explicit flow WQS(TN,KY, Seminole already have)

Questions, Comments, Discussion