vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Ag«ncy
Office of Water
Regulations and Standards
Washington. DC 20460
EPA 440/5-88/013
September 1988
Water
Turbidity
Water Quality Standards
Criteria Summaries:
A Compilation
of State/Federal Criteria
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Report Nos:
BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
EPA 440/5-38/013
Title: Turbadits
Water Quality Standards Criteria Summaries: A compilation
of St_ate_/Federa1~Cr1ter1a"
Date: September 1988 ; __
Author(s):
Performing Organization: Battelle, 2101Wilson Blvd. Suite 800
Arlington, Va. 22201
Performing Organization Report No: 68-03-3534
Sponsoring Organization: U_. S.Environmental Protection Agency
Of f 1c e o f Bat e'r Reg u 1 a t i on s a nd St a nd artfs
Criteria and Standards Division,
401 H Street. SW (W-585), Washington,
D. C. 20460
Contract/Grant
Project/Task Number: Contract 68-03-3534/Task 7
Type of Report and Period Covered: U p d a te of 19 80 r e p o r t
Supplementary Notes:
Availability: No restriction on distribution. Available from
NationalTechnical Information Service,
'Sp'ringfield. Virginia 22161
Number of Pages: _23
Key Words: State Water Qua! Ity Standards. Hater Poll .uti on_»
St a t e Water Qu a 1 i ty Cr i t e r i cT ~I ~"
Abstract: Conta Insexcerpts fromthe individual State water qua!ity
standards "establ i shijiji pol 1 utant sped f 1 c criteria for 1 nterstatj ~
surface waters. Turbidity 1 n State
water quality standards is the subject of this compilation,. ~
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DISCLAIMER
This publication was prepared by Battelle under contract to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Contract 68-03-3534).
Secondary information sources were used to compile data presented
in this document. Each State was given an opportunity to, review
and provide comments on a draft of this information document. In
no event shall either the United States or Battelle have any
responsibility or liability for any use, misuse, or reliance upon
the information contained herein, nor does either warrant or
otherwise represent in any way the accuracy, adequacy, efficacy,
or applicability of the contents hereof.
The reader should consult the water quality standards of a
particular State for exact regulatory language applicable to that
State. Copies of State water quality standards may be obtained
from the State's Water Pollution Control Agency or its
equivalent.
Additional information may also be obtained from the:
Standards Branch
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
Office of Water Regulations and Standards
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, B.C. 20460
202-475-7315
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INTRODUCTION
This digest is compiled to provide general information to the public as well
as to Federal, State, and local officials. It contains excerpts from the
individual Federal-State water quality standards establishing pollutant
specific criteria for interstate surface waters. The water quality standards
program is implemented by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency where
responsibility for providing water quality recommendations, approving
State-adopted standards for interstate waters, evaluating adherence to the
standards, and overseeing enforcement of standards compliance, has been
mandated by Congress.
Standards, a nationwide strategy for surface water quality management, contain
three major elements: the use (recreation, drinking water, fish and wildlife
propagation, industrial, or agricultural) to be made of the navigable water;
criteria to protect these uses; and an antidegradation statement to protect
existing high quality waters, from degradation by the addition of pollutants.
Guidance for the development of standards by individual States is contained in
two EPA documents entitled ¥ater Quality Standards Handbook (1983) and Quality
Criteria for ¥ater (1986).
Criteria for Turbidity in State water quality standards are the subject of
this digest. The term turbidity is usually used in conjunction with the term
"suspended and settleable solids" which is descriptive of the organic and
inorganic particulate matter in water. Both are important paraneters in
municipal and industrial water supply and treatment technology. Besides
producing undesirable recreational waters, other effects resulting from turbid
waters or water having high suspended solids concentrations include reducing
available food for fish, impeding fish migration and other natural fish
movements, preventing the development of fish eggs and insect larvae, and
decreasing the fishes resistance to disease. The 1986 Quality Criteria for
Vater recommends the following criterion which will prevent the deterioration
of water quality and aquatic life.
Freshwater fish and other aquatic lifet
Settleable and suspended solids should not reduce the
depth of the compensation point for photosynthetic
activity by more than 10 percent from the seasonally
established norm for aquatic life.
Since water quality standards experience revisions and upgrading
from time to tine, following procedures set forth in the Clean Water Act,
individual entries in this digest may be superseded. As these revisions are
accomplished and allowing for the States to revise their standards
accordingly, this digest will be updated and reissued. Because this
publication is not intended for use other than as a general information
resource, to obtain the latest information and for special purposes and
applications, the reader needs to refer to the current approved water quality
standards. These can be obtained from the State water pollution control
agencies or the EPA or Regional Offices.
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REFERENCES
3 Water Quality Boundaries and Standards (Arizona), Article 2. Surface Water
Quality Standards, A.E.S E18.ll, 1987.
5 California Water Quality Standards by River Basins, ca. 1975.
11. Hawaii Administative Rules, Title II, Hawaii Department of Health,
Chapter 54: Water Quality Standards, 1988.
12 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rules and Regulations, Title 1,
Chapter 2, "Water Quality Standards and Wastewater Treatment
Requirements", 1980.
43 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Texas Water Commission, Rule
Change, 1988.
44 Utah Standards of Quality for Waters of the State, Wastewater Disposal
Regulations: Part II, State of Utah Department of Health: Division of
Environmental Health, 1988.
45 Vermont Water Quality Standards, State of Vermont Water Resource Board,
1987.
48 Water Quality Standards, West Virginia Legislative Rules, State Water
Resources Board, 1985.
51 Water Quality Standards for American Samoa, 1984, pp. 20,22,24,25.
53 Revised Guam Water Quality Standards, Guam Environmental Protection
Agency, 1984, pp. 10,11.
54 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Marine and Fresh Water
Quality Standards, Commonwealth Register, Vol. 8., No. 5, 1986, p. 4465.
56 Marine and Fresh Water Quality Standard Regulations, Trust Territory,
1986, p. 7.
57 Environmental Laws and Regulations of the Virgin Islands, 1985.
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. Washington, D.C.
1 Pages 701; 1003-1010, September 5, 1980
2 Pages 70651003-1008, November 7, 1986
4 Page 716-1004, August 30, 1985
6 Page 7 26 -.1009, August 22, 1986
7 Pages 731:1004-1008, May 14, 1982
-3-
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8 Pages 736-.1007-1010, March 28, 1986
9 Page 746:1010,2, September 5, 1986
14 Pages 771:1016-1019, January 10, 1986
15 Page 776:1005, February 13, 1987
16 Page 781:1011, March 27, 1987
18 Page 791:1006, January 18, 1985
20 Page 801:1002, April 19, 1985
21 Pages 806:1002-1003, June 21, 1985
22 Page 811:1003, February 13, 1987
23 Pages 816:1005-1008, June 25, 1982
26 Pages 831:1004-1009, April 19, 1985
28 Pages 841:1014-1073, June 29, 1984
29 Page 846:1005, October 5, 1984
30 Page 851:1020, April 11, 1986
31 Page 856:1002, June 11, 1982
32 Pages 861;1007-1012, November 29, 1985
33 Page 866:1009, August 29, 1986
36 Pages 881:1008-1009, September 26, 1986
37 Page 886:1010, May 9, 1986
38 Page 891:1008, August 9, 1985
39 Pages 901:1002-1004, August 9, 1984
40 Pages 906:1006-1007, November 29, 1985
42 Pages 916:0541-0543, September 7, 1984
47 Pages 941:1003-1005, October 21, 1983
50 Page 956:1005, July 5, 1985
55 Pages 896:1003-1004, December 23, 1983
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State
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Alabama
Public Water Supply. There shall be no turbidity of
other than natural origin that will cause substantial
visible contrast with the natural appearance of waters
or interfere with any beneficial uses which they
serve. Furthermore, in no case shall turbidity exceed
50 Nephelometric units above background. Background
will be interpreted as the natural condition of the
receiving waters, without the influence of man-made or
man-induced causes. Turbidity levels caused by
natural runoff will be included in establishing
background levels.
The following uses require the same turbidity criteria
as described above:
Swimming and Other Whole Body Water-Contact Sports
Shellfish Harvesting
Fish and Wildlife
Agricultural and Industrial Water Supply
Industrial Operations
Navigation
Alaska
FRESH WATER USES:
Water for Drinking, Culinary, and Food Processing.
Shall not exceed 5 NTU above natural conditions when
the natural turbidity is 50 NTU or less, and not have
more than 10% increase in turbidity when the natural
condition is more than 50 NTU, not to exceed a maximum
increase of 25 NTU.
Agriculture, Including Irrigation, and Stock Watering,
Shall not cause detrimental effects on indicated use.
Aquaculture. Shall not exceed 25 NTU above natural
condition level. For all lake waters, shall not
exceed 5 NTU over natural conditions.
Industrial, including any water supplies used in
association with a manufacturing or production
enterprise (other than food processing), including
mining energy production or development. Shall not
cause detrimental effects on established water supply
treatment levels.
Contact Recreation, Shall not exceed 5 NTU above
natural conditions when the natural turbidity is 50
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State . Designated Use and Criteria Values
NTU or less, and not have more than WZ increase in
turbidity when the natural condition is more than 50
NTU, not to exceed a maximum increase of 15 NTU.
Shall not exceed 5 NTU over natural conditions for
lake waters.
Secondary Contact Recreation. Shall not exceed 5 NTU
above natural conditions vhen natural turbidity is 50
NTU or less, and not have more than 20!? increase in
turbidity when the natural condition is more than 50
NTU, not to exceed a maximum increase of 50 NTU, For
all lake waters turbidity shall not exceed 5 NTU over
natural conditions.
Growth and Propagation of Fish, Shellfish anil Other
Aquatic Life, Including Waterfowl and Furbearers.
Shall not exceed 25 NTU above natural condition level.
For all lake waters, shall not exceed 5 NTU over
natural conditions.
MARINE WATER USES:
Aquaculture, Shall not exceed 25 NTU.
Seafood Processing. Shall not interfere with
disinfection.
Industrial, including any water supplies used in
association with a manufacturing or production
enterprise (other than food processing), including
mining, placer mining, energy production or
development. Shall not cause detrimental effects on
established levels of water supply treatment.
Contact Recreation. Shall not exceed 25 NTU.
Secondary Contact Recreation. Shall not exceed 25 NTU.
Growth and Propagation of Fish, Shellfish, Aquatic
Life, and Wildlife Including Seabirds, Waterfowl and
Furbearers. Shall not reduce the depth of the
compensation point for photosynthetic activity by more
than 10%. In addition, shall not reduce the maximum
secchi disk depth by more than 10%.
Harvesting for Consumption of Raw Hollusks or Other
Raw Aquatic Life. Same as above.
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State
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Arizona"
Arkansas
Drinking Water Source. No standard for streams or
lakes.
Pull Body Contact and Incidental Human Contact. No
person shall cause the turbidity to exceed 50 NTU in
streams, or 25 NTU in lakes.
Aquatic and Wildlife. No person shall cause the
turbidity to exceed 50 NTU in streams, or 25 NTU in
lakes.
Aquatic and Wildlife in a Coldvater Fishery. No
person shall cause the turbidity to exceed 10 NTU in
streams or lakes.
Agricultural Irrigation and Livestock Watering. No
standard for streams or lakes.
Unique Waters. Turbidity changes due to man 3 NTU.
There shall be no distinctly visible increase in
turbidity of receiving waters attributable to
municipal, industrial, agricultural, other waste
discharges or instream activities.
Specific turbidity criteria are ecoregion specific.
California"
All Waters - Waters shall be free of changes in
turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect
beneficial uses.
Increase in turbidity attributable to controllable
water quality factors shall not exceed the following
limits?
1. Where natural turbidity is between 0 and 50 JTU,
increases shall not exceed 20 percent.
2. Where natural turbidity is between 50 and 100 JTU,
increases shall not exceed 10 JTU.
3. Where natural turbidity is greater than 100 JTU,
increases shall not exceed 10 percent.
Allowable zones of dilution within which higher
concentrations will be tolerated will be defined for
each discharge in discharge permits.
Ocean Waters - Limiting concentrations are:
75 JTU Monthly (30 day average)
100 JTU Weekly (7 day average)
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State
Designated Use and Criteria Values
225 JTU Maximum at any time
Colorado
The Commission recognizes that excessive salinity and
suspended solids levels can be detrimental to the
vater use classifications. The Commission has
established salinity standards for the Colorado liver
basin ("Water Quality Standards for Salinity including
Numeric Criteria and Plan of Implementation for
Salinity Control11, Commission Regulation 3.9) but has
not established or assigned other standards for
salinity or suspended solids. This section is
reserved for additional salinity and suspended solids
control practices to be developed through 208 plans,
coordination with agricultural agencies, and further
studies of existing water quality.
Connecticut
INLAND WATERS
Class AA. Turbidity shall not exceed 10 JTU over
ambient levels. A secchi disc shall be visible at a
minimum depth of 1 meter. All reasonable controls are
to be used.
Class A. Same as above.
Class B. Turbidity shall not exceed 25 JTU, Be 10
JTUj Be not to exceed 10 JTU over ambient levels. A
secchi disc shall be visible at a minimum depth of 1
meter, Class Bb-criteria may be exceeded, (see Note
14)
Class C. Turbidity shall not exceed 25 JTU.
Class D. Not specified.
COASTAL AND MARINE WATERS
Class SA. None other than of natural origin except as
may result from normal agricultural, road maintenance,
construction activity or dredge material disposal
provided all reasonable controls are used. A secchi
disc shall be visible at a minimum depth of 1 meter,
SAb — criteria may be exceeded, (see Note 6)
Class SB. A secchi disc shall be visible at a minimum
of I meter, SBb — criteria may be exceeded, (see
Note 6)
Class SC. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.
Class SD. Not specified.
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State Designated Use and Criteria Values
GROUNDVATERS
All Classes. None other than natural origin.
Note 14, The use of subscript b in Class Sb is
intended to identify those areas where natural
conditions or conditions which cannot be expected to
be appreciably altered by the control of discharges
may preclude bathing. It may also be used in Classes
Bb and SBb to designate areas in the immediate
vicinity of treated sewage outfalls where bathing is
not advisable.
a
Delaware All. Shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10
Nephelometric or Pormazin Turbidity units.
Q
Florida All. Shall not exceed 29 NTU's above natural
background.
Georgia Not specified
Hawaii Criteria for Streams.
Wet Season
Geometric mean not to exceed 5.0 NTU.
Not-to exceed 15.0 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 25.0 NTU more than 2% of the time.
2
Dry Season
Geometric mean not to exceed 2.0 NTU.
Not to exceed 5.5 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 10.0 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Criteria for Estuaries Except Pearl Harbor.
Geometric mean not to exceed 1.50 NTU.
Not to exceed 3.00 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 5.00 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Criteria for Pearl Harbor.
Geometric mean not to exceed 4.00 NTU.
Not to exceed 8,00 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 15.00 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Criteria for Embayments.
Wet Criteria3
Geometric mean not to exceed 1.50 NTU.
Not to exceed 3.0 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 5.0 NTU more than 2% of the time.
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State Designated Use and Criteria Values
Dry Criteria4
Geometric mean not to exceed 0.40 NTU.
Not to exceed 1.00 NTU more than W% of the time.
Not to exceed 1.50 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Criteria for Open Coastal Waters.
Wet Criteria5
Geometric mean not to exceed 0.50 NTU.
Not to exceed 1.25 NTU more than 10% of the time.
Not to exceed 2.00 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Dry Criteria
Geometric mean not to exceed 0.20 NTU.
Not to exceed 0.50 NTU more than 102 of the time*
Not to exceed 1.00 NTU more than 2% of the time.
Criteria for Oceanic Waters.
Geometric mean not to exceed 0.03 NTU.
Not to exceed 0.10 NTU more than 1QZ of the time.
Not to exceed 0.20 NTU more than 2% of the time.
1 November 1 through April 30.
2 May 1 through October 31.
3 "Wet" criteria apply when the average fresh
water inflow from the land equals or exceeds 1%
of the enbayment volume per day.
4 "Dry" criteria apply when the average fresh
water inflow from the land is less than 1% of
the embayment volume per day.
5 "Wet" criteria apply when the open coastal
waters receive more than three million gallons
per day of fresh water discharge per shoreline
mile.
6 "Dry" criteria apply when the open coastal
waters receive less than three million gallons
per day of fresh water discharge per shoreline
mile.
12
Idaho The wastewater must not increase the turbidity of the
receiving water outside the mixing zone by:
1. More than five (5) NTU over background turbidity,
when background turbidity is fifty (50) NTU or less;
2. More than ten percent (10£) increase in turbidity
when background turbidity is more than fifty (50) NTU,
not to exceed a maximum increase of twenty-five (25)
NTU.
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State
Illinois
Indiana
13
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Not specified
Natural spawning areas or rearing or imprinting areas
for salmonid fishes. No material from other than
natural causes shall be added which will cause the
turbidity of the water to exceed 10 Jackson turbidity
units. (JTU)
Migration routes for salmonid fishes. No material
from other than natural causes shall be added which
will cause the turbidity of the water to exceed 25 JTU.
Iowa
15
All stream uses. The turbidity of the receiving water
shall not be increased by more than 25 NTU by any
point source discharge.
Kansas
There shall be no increase, of other than natural
origin, in the turbidity of waters of the state, that
will cause substantial visible contrast with the
natural appearance of the water.
Kentucky
17
Not specified
Louisiana
18
All. Turbidity other than that of natural origin
shall not cause substantial visual contrast with the
natural appearance of the waters of the state or
impair any designated water use. Turbidity shall not
significantly exceed background where background is
defined as the natural condition of the water.
Determination of background will be on a case-by-case
basis.
As a guideline, maximum turbidity levels,
expressed as NTU, are established and shall apply for
the following named waterbodies and major aquatic
habitat types of the states
(1) Red, Merroentau, Atchafalaya, Mississippi, and
Vermilion Rivers and Bayou Teche: 150 NTU.
(2) Estuarine lakes, bays, bayous and canals: 50 NTU.
(3) Amite, Pearl, Puachita, Sabine, Calcasieu,
Tangipahoa, Tickfaw and Tchefuncte livers: 50 NTU.
(4) Freshwater lakes, reservoirs and oxbows: 25 NTU.
(5) Designated scenic streams and outstanding natural
resource waters: 25 NTU.
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State
DesignatedUse and Criteria Values
(6) For other state waters not included in 1-5 above,
and in stream segments where natural background
turbidity exceeds the values in 1-5 above, turbidity
in NTU caused by any point source discharge shall be
restricted to the appropriate background value plus 10
percent.
The administrative authority may determine to
exempt certain activities for short periods of time
which are permitted under Sections 402 or 404 or
certified under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
such as maintenance dredging of navigable waterways or
other short-term activities determined by the state as
necessary to accommodate legitimate uses or
emergencies or to protect the public health and
welfare.
Maine
19
Not specified
Maryland
20
All.
(i) Turbidity may not exceed levels
detrimental to aquatic life.
(ii) Turbidity in the surface water resulting from any
discharge may not exceed 150 units at any time or 50
units as a monthly average. Units may be measured in
Nephelometer Turbidity Units, Formazin Turbidity Units
or Jackson Turbidity Units.
Massachusetts
21
Class A. None other than of natural origin.
All. Shall not be in concentrations or combinations
that would exceed the recommended limits on the most
sensitive receiving water use.
Michigan
22
All. The waters of the state shall not have any of
the following unnatural physical properties in
quantities which are or may become injurious to any
designated use:
(1) Turbidity.
(2) Color.
(3) Oil films.
(4) Floating solids.
(5) Foams.
(6) Settleable solids.
(7) Suspended solids.
(8) Deposits.
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State
Minnesota
23
DesignatedUse and CriteriaValues
Domestic consumption.
Class A — 5
Class B — 5
Class C — 25
Fisheries and recreation.
Class A — 10
Class B — 25
Class C — 25
Industrial consumption.
Class A — 5
Mississippi
Missouri25
26
Montana
24
Not specified
Not specified
A-l Classification. No increase above naturally
occurring turbidity is allowed except as permitted in
ARM 16.20.633.
B_l, C-l Classifications. The maximum allowable
increase above naturally occurring turbidity is 5 NTU
except as permitted in ARM 16.20.633.
B-2, B-3, C-2, C-3 Classifications. The maximum
allowable increase above naturally occurring turbidity
is 10 NTU except as permitted in ARM 16.20.633.
E Classification. No increase in naturally occurring
turbidity is allowed which will or is likely to create
a nuisance or render the waters harmful, detrimental,
or injurious to public health, recreation, safety,
welfare, livestock, wild animals, birds, fish, or
other wildlife.
Nebraska
2?
Not specified
Nevada
28
Variable. No turbidity which will adversely affect
the beneficial uses of the water; i.e., not to exceed
10 NTU for cold water fishery (salmonids) and 50 NTU
for warm water fishery (other than salmonids).
Turbidity shall not exceed that characteristic
natural conditions by more than 10 Jackson Units.
of
See Nevada State Water Quality Criteria Compilation
1979, for specific stretches of streams.
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State
Designated Use andCriteria Values
Nev Hampshire
29
Class A. Not to exceed 5 standard turbidity units
unless naturally occurring,
Class B. Not to exceed 10 standard turbidity Units in
cold water fisheries. Not to exceed 25 standard
turbidity units in warm water fisheries unless
naturally occurring.
Class C. Same as Class B.
Nev Jersey
30
Classes FW2, SE3. Maximum 30-day average of 15 NTU, a
maximum of 50 NTU at any tine.
Classes SSI, 512. Maximum 30-day average of 10 NTU, a
maximum of 30 NTU at any time.
Classes SC. Levels shall not exceed 10.0 NTU.
Nev Mexico31
All. Turbidity attributable to other than natural
causes shall not reduce light transmission to the
point that desirable aquatic life presently common in
New Mexico waters is inhibited or that vill cause
substantial visible contrast vith the natural
appearance of the vater. Turbidity attributable to
natural causes or the reasonable operation of
irrigation and flood control facilities is not subject
to these standards.
Nev Tork
32
All. No increase except from natural sources that will
cause a substantial visible contrast to natural
conditions. In cases of naturally turbid waters, the
contrast will be due to increased turbidity.
North Carolina
33
All. The turbidity in the receiving vater due to a
discharge shall not exceed 50 NTU in streams not
designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams,
lakes or reservoirs designated as trout waters', for
lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters,
the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU due to
discharge^ if turbidity exceeds these levels due to
natural background conditions, the discharge level
cannot cause any increase in turbidity in the
receiving water.
North Dakota
34
Not specified
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Ohio
Designated Use and Criteria Values
**•
Not specified
Oklahoma
36
All stream uses. Turbidity from other than natural
sources shall be restricted to not exceed the
following numerical limits:
¥arm ¥ater Streams. 50 NTU.
Warm Vater Lakes 25 NTU.
Cold ¥ater Streams.....10 NTU.
In waters where background turbidity exceeds these
values, turbidity from point sources shall be
restricted to not exceed ambient levels. Unless due
to purely natural or non-man induced conditions, the
turbidity levels may reasonably be expected to
decrease as management of man-induced nonpoint sources
occurs.
Numerical criteria listed above apply only to
normal stream flov conditions. Elevated turbidity
levels may be expected during and for several days
after a runoff event.
Oregon
37
All. No more than a 10 percent cumulative increase in
natural stream turbidities shall be allowed, as
measured relative to a control point immediately
upstream of the turbidity causing activity. However,
limited duration activities necessary to address an
emergency or to accommodate essential dredging,
construction or other legitimate activities and which
cause the standard to be exceeded may be authorized
provided all practicable turbidity control techniques
have been applied and one of the following has been
granted:
(i) Emergency activities: Approval coordinated by
DEQ with the Department of Fish and Wildlife under
conditions they may prescribe to accommodate response
to emergencies or to public health and welfare.
(ii) Dredging, Construction or other Legitimate
Activities: Permit or certification authorized under
terms of Section 401 or 404 (Permits and Licenses,
Federal Water Pollution Control Act) or OAR 141-85-100
et seq. (Removal and Fill Permits, Division of State
Lands), with limitations and conditions governing the
activity set forth in the permit or certificate.
Pennsylvania
38
All uses:
Tur. - Not more than 30 NTU during the period 5/30 to
9/1*, nor more than a monthly mean of 40 NTU or a
maximum of 150 NTU during the remainder of the year.
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State Designated Use and Criteria Values
Rhode Island39
Tur~ - Maximum monthly mean 40 NTU, maximum value not
more than 150 NTU.
Tur3 - Not more than 100 NTU,
Tur, - For the period 5/15 to 9/15 of any year, not
more than 40 NTUf for the period 9/16 to 5/14 of any
year, not more than 100 NTU.
e - Maximum monthly mean of 10 NTU, maximum of 150
NTU7
Tur. - Maximum monthly mean of 20 NTU, maximum of 150
NTU:
Tur- - Maximum monthly mean of 30 NTU, maximum of 150
NTU.
Note: See Drainage Lists A through E of Pennsylvania
Water Quality Standards for applicable uses and
streams.
Fresh Waters:
Class A. None other than of natural origin. Not to
exceed 5 Jackson Units (5 JU).
Class B. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this Class.
Not to exceed 10 JU.
Class C. None in such concentration that would impair
any usages specifically assigned to this Class. Not
to exceed 15 JU.
Class D. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this Class.
Sea Waters:
Class SA. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this Class.
Class SB. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.
Class SC. None in such concentrations that would
impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.
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State
4
South Carolina
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Class A-Trout. Not to exceed 10Z above natural
conditions, provided existing uses are maintained.
Class B-Trout. Same as above.
South Dakota
42
Tennessee
41
Not specified
Domestic later Supply. There shall be no turbidity or
color in amounts or characteristics that cannot be
reduced to acceptable concentrations by conventional
water treatment processes,
Industrial Vater Supply. Sane as above.
Pish and Aquatic Life. There shall be no turbidity or
color in such amounts or of such character that will
materially affect fish and aquatic life.
Recreation. There shall be no turbidity or color added
in such amounts or character that will result in any
objectionable appearance to the water.
Texas'
43
All. Waste discharges shall not cause substantial and
persistant changes from ambient conditions of
turbidity or color.
Utah
44
Classes 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. Maximum 10 NTU. At
background levels of 100 NTU's or greater, a 10Z
increase limit will be used instead of the numeric
values listed.
Class 3C and 30. Maximum 15 NTU. At background
levels of 150 NTUs or greater, a 10% increase limit
will be used instead of the numeric value listed.
Short term variances
case-by-case basis.
may be considered on a
Vermont
45
Class A. Public water supply is not to exceed 10 NTU
or background conditions, whichever is lover.
Class B and C. Cold water fish habitat waters are not
to exceed 10 NTU. Warm water fish habitat waters are
not to exceed 25 NTU.
Virginia
46
Not specified
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State
Washington
47
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Class AA (Extraordinary) and Class A (Excellent).
Turbidity shall not exceed 5 NTU over background
turbidity when the background turbidity is 50 NTU or
less, or have more than a 10 percent increase in
turbidity when the background turbidity is more than
50 NTU.
Class B (Good) and Class C (Fair). Turbidity shall
not exceed 10 NTU over background turbidity vhen the
background turbidity is 50 NTU or less, or have more
than a 20 percent increase in turbidity vhen the
background turbidity is more than 50 NTU.
Lake Class. Turbidity
background conditions.
shall not exceed 5 NTU over
¥est Virginia
Categories A, B, & C No point or non-point source to West Virginia's waters
shall contribute a net load of suspended matter such
that the turbidity exceeds 10 NTU over background
turbidity when the background is 50 NTU or less, or
have more than a 10 percent increase in turbidity
(plus 10 NTU minimum) vhen the background turbidity is
more than 50 NTU.
This limitation shall apply to all earth disturbance
activities and shall be determined by measuring stream
quality directly above and belov the area where
drainage from such activity enters the affected
stream. Any earth disturbance activity continuously
or intermittently carried on by the same or associated
persons on the same stream or tributary segment shall
be allowed a single net loading increase.
Categories A,B1,B3» & C This regulation shall not apply to those activities at
which Best Management Practices in accordance with the
State's adopted 208 Water Quality Management Plan are
being utilized, maintained and completed on a site
specific basis as determined by the appropriate 208
cooperative or an approved Federal or State Surface
Mining Permit is in effect. This exemption shall not
apply to trout waters.
Wisconsin
Wyoming
49
Not specified
(a) In all Class I
substances attributable
activities of man
which would result in
than 10 NTU's.
and II waters the discharge of
o«j.e to or influenced by the
shall not be present in quantities
turbidity increase of more
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State ' Designated Use andCriteria Values
(b) In all Class III vaters the discharge of
substances attributable to or influenced by the
activities of man shall not be present in quantities
which vould result in a turbidity increase of more
than 15 NTU's.
(c) An exceptions to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
section shall apply to the North Platte River from
Guernsey Dam to the Nebraska line during the annual
"silt run" from Guernsey Dam.
American Samoa All fresh surface vaters.
Median turbidity not to exceed 5 NTU.
Not to exceed 8 NTU 10% of the tine.
Not to exceed 12 NTO 2% of the time.
Open coastal nearshore vaters.
Median turbidity not to exceed .25 NTU.
Not to exceed .35 NTU 10% of the time.
Not to exceed .45 NTU 2 I of the time.
Oceanic vaters.
Median turbidity not to exceed .20 NTU.
Not to exceed .29 NTU 10% of the time.
Not to exceed .36 NTU 2% of the time.
Embaynents excluding Pago Pago Harbor, Fagatele Bay
and Pala Lagoon.
Median turbidity not to exceed .35 NTU.
Not to exceed .45 NTU 10% of the time.
Not to exceed .60 NTU 2% of the time.
For turbidity criteria in specific harbors, refer to
Water Quality Standards for American Samoa, p. 21 and
23.
District of Columbia Not specified
53
Guam Classes H-l, S-l. Turbidity at any point shall not
exceed 3 NTU over ambient conditions except when due
to natural conditions.
Classes M-2, M-3, S-2, S-3. Turbidity at any point
shall not exceed 5 NTU over ambient conditions except
when due to natural conditions.
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State
North Mariana
Islands
54
Designated Use and Criteria Values
Classes AA,1. Turbidity shall not be greater than 2
MTU at any time.
Classes A, 2. Turbidity shall not be greater than 5
NTU at any time.
Puerto Rico
55
Trust Territory
56
Class SA. Shall not be altered except by natural
causes.
Class SB. Shall not exceed 10 NTU.
Class SC. Shall not exceed 10 NTU.
Class SD. Shall not exceed 50 NTU, except when due to
natural phenomena.
Class SB. Shall not be altered except by natural
causes.
Classes AA, A. Shall not exceed 1 NTU.
Class B. Shall not exceed 2 NTU.
Class 1. Shall not be greater than 5% above natural
conditions.
Class 2. Shall not be greater than 10% above natural
conditions.
Virgin Islands
57
Class A. Existing natural conditions shall not be
changed.
Class B. 3 NTU
Classes B and C. A secchi disk shall be visible at a
minimum depth of one meter.
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