dEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water 4304 EPA 822-B-00-008 December 2000 Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations Information Supporting the Development of State and Tribal Nutrient Criteria Lakes and Reservoirs in Nutrient Ecoregion VI ------- EPA-822-B-00-008 AMBIENT WATER QUALITY CRITERIA RECOMMENDATIONS INFORMATION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATE AND TRIBAL NUTRIENT CRITERIA FOR LAKES AND RESERVOIRS IN NUTRIENT ECOREGION VI CORN BELT AND NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS including all or parts of the States of: South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and the authorized Tribes within the Ecoregion U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OFFICE OF WATER OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL CRITERIA DIVISION WASHINGTON, D.C. DECEMBER 2000 ------- FOREWORD This document presents EPA's nutrient criteria for Lakes and Reservoirs in Nutrient Ecoregion VI. These criteria provide EPA's recommendations to States and authorized Tribes for use in establishing their water quality standards consistent with section 303(c) of CWA. Under section 303(c) of the CWA, States and authorized Tribes have the primary responsibility for adopting water quality standards as State or Tribal law or regulation. The standards must contain scientifically defensible water quality criteria that are protective of designated uses. EPA's recommended section 304(a) criteria are not laws or regulations - they are guidance that States and Tribes may use as a starting point for the criteria for their water quality standards. The term "water quality criteria" is used in two sections of the Clean Water Act, Section 304(a)(l) and Section 303(c)(2). The term has a different impact in each section. In Section 304, the term represents a scientific assessment of ecological and human health effects that EPA recommends to States and authorized Tribes for establishing water quality standards that ultimately provide a basis for controlling discharges or releases of pollutants or related parameters. Ambient water quality criteria associated with specific waterbody uses when adopted as State or Tribal water quality standards under Section 303 define the level of a pollutant (or, in the case of nutrients, a condition) necessary to protect designated uses in ambient waters. Quantified water quality criteria contained within State or Tribal water quality standards are essential to a water quality-based approach to pollution control. Whether expressed as numeric criteria or quantified translations of narrative criteria within State or Tribal water quality standards, quantified criteria serve as a critical basis for assessing attainment of designated uses and measuring progress toward meeting the water quality goals of the Clean Water Act. EPA is developing section 304(a) water quality criteria for nutrients because States and Tribes consistently identify excessive levels of nutrients as a major reason why as much as half of the surface waters surveyed in this country do not meet water quality objectives, such as full support of aquatic life. EPA expects to develop nutrient criteria that cover four major types of waterbodies - lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, estuarine and coastal areas, and wetlands - across fourteen major ecoregions of the United States. EPA's section 304(a) criteria are intended to provide for the protection and propagation of aquatic life and recreation. To support the development of nutrient criteria, EPA is publishing Technical Guidance Manuals that describe a process for assessing nutrient conditions in the four waterbody types. EPA's section 304(a) water quality criteria for nutrients provide numeric water quality criteria, as well as procedures by which to translate narrative criteria within State or Tribal water quality standards. In the case of nutrients, EPA section 304(a) criteria establish values for causal variables (e.g., total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and response variables (e.g., turbidity and chlorophyll a). EPA believes that State and Tribal water quality standards need to include quantified endpoints for causal and response variables to provide sufficient protection of uses and to maintain downstream uses. These quantified endpoints will most often be expressed as numeric water quality criteria or as procedures to translate a State or Tribal narrative criterion into a quantified endpoint. ------- EPA will work with States and authorized Tribes as they adopt water quality criteria for nutrients into their water quality standards. EPA recognizes that States and authorized Tribes require flexibility in adopting numeric nutrient criteria into State and Tribal water quality standards. States and authorized Tribes have several options available to them. EPA recommends the following approaches, in order of preference: (1) Wherever possible, develop nutrient criteria that fully reflect localized conditions and protect specific designated uses using the process described in EPA's Technical Guidance Manuals for nutrient criteria development. Such criteria may be expressed either as numeric criteria or as procedures to translate a State or Tribal narrative criterion into a quantified endpoint in State or Tribal water quality standards. (2) Adopt EPA's section 304(a) water quality criteria for nutrients, either as numeric criteria or as procedures to translate a State or Tribal narrative nutrient criterion into a quantified endpoint. (3) Develop nutrient criteria protective of designated uses using other scientifically defensible methods and appropriate water quality data. Geoffrey H. Grubbs, Director Office of Science and Technology in ------- DISCLAIMER This document provides technical guidance and recommendations to States, authorized Tribes, and other authorized jurisdictions to develop water quality criteria and water quality standards under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to protect against the adverse effects of nutrient overenrichment. Under the CWA, States and authorized Tribes are to establish water quality criteria to protect designated uses. State and Tribal decision-makers retain the discretion to adopt approaches on a case-by-case basis that differ from this guidance when appropriate and scientifically defensible. While this document contains EPA's scientific recommendations regarding ambient concentrations of nutrients that protect aquatic resource quality, it does not substitute for the CWA or EPA regulations; nor is it a regulation itself. Thus it cannot impose legally binding requirements on EPA, States, authorized Tribes, or the regulated community, and it might not apply to a particular situation or circumstance. EPA may change this guidance in the future. IV ------- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Nutrient Program Goals EPA developed the National Strategy for the Development of Regional Nutrient Criteria (National Strategy) in June 1998. The strategy presents EPA=s intentions to develop technical guidance manuals for four types of waters (lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, estuaries and coastal waters, and wetlands) and produce section 304(a) criteria for specific nutrient ecoregions by the end of 2000. In addition, the Agency formed Regional Technical Assistance Groups (RTAGs) which include State and Tribal representatives working to develop more refined and more localized nutrient criteria based on approaches described in the waterbody guidance manuals. This document presents EPA=s current recommended criteria for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll a, and turbidity for lakes and reservoirs in Nutrient Ecoregion VI (Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains) which were derived using the procedures described in the Lakes and Reservoirs Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual (U.S. EPA, 2000a). EPA's ecoregional nutrient criteria are intended to address cultural eutrophication- the adverse effects of excess nutrient inputs. The criteria are empirically derived to represent conditions of surface waters that are minimally impacted by human activities and protective of aquatic life and recreational uses. The information contained in this document represent starting points for States and Tribes to develop (with assistance from EPA) more refined nutrient criteria. In developing these criteria recommendations, EPA followed a process which included, to the extent they were readily available, the following elements critical to criterion derivation: ! Historical and recent nutrient data in Nutrient Ecoregion VI Nutrient Data from Legacy STORET (from 1990-1998) were used to assess historical and recent nutrient conditions and develop reference conditions in Ecoregion VI ! Reference sites/reference conditions in Nutrient Ecoregion VI Reference sites/reference conditions in Nutrient Ecoregion VI were based on the lake population distribution approach using a representative sample of all lakes within the Ecoregion (see Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual-Lakes and Reservoirs, April 2000, EPA-822-BOO-001. States and Tribes are urged to determine their own reference sites for lakes and reservoirs within the ecoregion at different geographic scales and to compare them to EPA's reference conditions. ! Models employed for prediction or validation EPA did not identify any specific models used in the ecoregion to develop nutrient criteria. States and Tribes are encouraged to identify and apply appropriate models to support nutrient criteria development. v ------- ! RTAG expert review and consensus EPA recommends that when States and Tribes prepare their nutrient criteria, they obtain the expert review and consent of the RTAG. ! Potential Downstream effects EPA encourages the RTAG to assess the potential effects of the proposed criteria on downstream water quality and uses. In addition, EPA followed specific QA/QC procedures during data collection and analysis: All data were reviewed for duplications. All data are from ambient waters that were not located directly outside a permitted discharger. The following States indicated that their data were sampled and analyzed using either Standard methods or EPA approved methods: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio and Michigan. The following tables contain a summary of Aggregate and level III ecoregion values for TN, TP, water column chl a, and turbidity: BASED ON 25th PERCENTILE ONLY Nutrient Parameters Total phosphorus (|ig/L) Total nitrogen (mg/L) Chlorophyll a (|ig/L) (Fluorometric method) Secchi depth (meters) Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion VI Reference Conditions 37.5 0.781 8.59 1.356 For subecoregions 46, 47, 48, 54, 55, and 57 the ranges of nutrient parameter reference conditions are: BASED ON 25th PERCENTILE ONLY Nutrient Parameters Total phosphorus (|ig/L) Total nitrogen (mg/L) Chlorophyll a (|ig/L) (Fluorometric method) Secchi depth (meters) Range of Level III Subecoregions Reference Conditions 10-90 0.63-1.43 4-14.4 0.87-2.6 VI ------- NOTICE OF DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY This document is available electronically to the public through the INTERNET at: (http://www.epa.gov/OST/standards/nutrient.html). Requests for hard copies of the document should be made to EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP), 11029 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 or (513) 489-8190 or toll free (800) 490-9198. Please refer to EPA document number EPA-822-R-00-008. vn ------- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors thankfully acknowledge the contributions of the following State and Federal reviewers: EPA Regions 5, 7, and 8; The States of South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio and the Tribes within the Ecoregion. EPA Headquarters personnel from the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Wastewater Management, Office of General Counsel, Office of Research and Development, and the Office of Science and Technology. EPA also acknowledges the external peer review efforts of Eugene Welch (University of Washington), Robert Carlson (Kent State University), Steve Heiskary (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), Greg Denton and Sherry Wang (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation), and Gerhard Kuhn (U.S. Geological Survey). Vlll ------- Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4a Figure 4b Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3a-f LISTS OF TABLES AND FIGURES Aggregate Ecoregion VI 7 Aggregate Ecoregion VI with level III ecoregions shown 9 Sampling locations within each level III ecoregion 11 Illustration of data reduction process for lake data 20 Illustration of reference condition calculation 21 Lake and reservoir records for Aggregate Ecoregion - Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains 12 Reference conditions for Aggregate Ecoregion VI lakes 14 Reference conditions for level III ecoregion lakes 15 IX ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword ii Disclaimer iv Executive Summary v Notice of Document Availability vii Acknowledgments viii List of Tables and Figures ix Table of Contents x 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Best Use of this Information 4 3.0 Area Covered by This Document (waterbody type and ecoregion) 6 3.1 Description of Aggregate Ecoregion Vl-Corn Belt and N. Great Plains 6 3.2 Geographical Boundaries of Aggregate Ecoregion VI 6 3.3 Level III Ecoregions within Aggregate Ecoregion VI 7 4.0 Data Review for Lakes and Reservoirs in Aggregate Ecoregion VI 9 4.1 Data Sources 10 4.2 Historical Data from Aggregate Ecoregion VI (TP, TN, Chi a, Turbidity) 10 4.3 QA/QC of Data Sources 10 4.4 Data for All Lakes/Reservoirs within Aggregate Ecoregion VI 10 4.5 Statistical Analysis of Data 13 4.6 Classification of Lake/Reservoir Type 19 4.7. Summary of Data Reduction Methods 19 5.0 Reference Sites and Conditions in Aggregate Ecoregion VI 22 6.0 Models Used to Predict or Verify Response Parameters 22 7.0 Framework for Refining Recommended Nutrient Criteria for Lakes and Reservoirs in Aggregate Ecoregion VI 22 7.1 Example Worksheet for Developing Aggregate Ecoregion and Subecoregion Nutrient Criteria 23 7.2 Tables of Refined Nutrient Water Quality Criteria for Aggregate Ecoregion VI and Level III Subecoregions 24 7.3 Setting Seasonal Criteria 25 7.4 When Data/Reference Conditions Are Lacking 25 ------- 7.5 Site-Specific Criteria Development 26 8.0 Literature Cited 26 9.0 Appendices 27 XI ------- 1.01 INTRODUCTION Background Nutrients are essential to the health and diversity of our surface waters. However, in excessive amounts, nutrients cause hypereutrophication, which results in overgrowth of plant life and decline of the biological community. Excessive nutrients can also result in potential human health risks, such as the growth of harmful algal blooms - most recently manifested in the Pfiesteria outbreaks of the Gulf and East Coasts. Chronic nutrient overenrichment of a waterbody can lead to the following consequences: low dissolved oxygen, fish kills, algal blooms, overabundance of macrophytes, likely increased sediment accumulation rates, and species shifts of both flora and fauna. Historically, National Water Quality Inventories have repeatedly shown that nutrients are a major cause of ambient water quality use impairments. EPA's 1996 National Water Quality Inventory report identifies excessive nutrients as the leading cause of impairment in lakes and the second leading cause of impairment in rivers (behind siltation). In addition, nutrients were the second leading cause of impairments reported by the States in their 1998 lists of impaired waters. Where use impairment is documented, nutrients contribute roughly 25-50% of the impairment nationally. The Clean Water Act establishes a national goal to achieve, wherever attainable, water quality which provides for the protection and propagation offish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water. In adopting water quality standards, States and Tribes designate uses for their waters in consideration of the Clean Water Act goals, and establish water quality criteria that contain sufficient parameters to protect those uses. To date, EPA has not published information and recommendations under section 304(a) for nutrients to assist States and Tribes in establishing numeric nutrient criteria to protect uses when adopting water quality standards. In 1995, EPA gathered a set of national experts and asked the experts how to best deal with the national nutrient problem. The experts recommended that the Agency not develop single criteria values for phosphorus or nitrogen applicable to all water bodies and regions of the country. Rather, the experts recommended that EPA put a premium on regionalization, develop guidance (assessment tools and control measures) for specific waterbodies and ecological regions across the country, and use reference conditions (conditions that reflect pristine or minimally impacted waters) as a basis for developing nutrient criteria. With these suggestions as starting points, EPA developed the National Strategy for the Development of Regional Nutrient Criteria (National Strategy), published in June 1998. This strategy presented EPA's intentions to develop technical guidance manuals for four types of waters (lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, estuaries and coastal waters, and wetlands) and, thereafter, to publish section 304(a) criteria recommendations for specific nutrient ecoregions. Technical guidance manuals for lakes/reservoirs and rivers/streams were published in April 2000 and July 2000, respectively. The technical guidance manual for estuaries/coastal waters will be published in spring 2000 and the draft wetlands technical guidance manual will be published by December 2001. Each manual presents EPA's recommended approach for developing nutrient criteria values for a specific waterbody type. In addition, EPA is committed to working with States and Tribes to develop more refined and more localized nutrient criteria based on approaches described in the waterbody guidance manuals and this document. 1 ------- Overview of the Nutrient Criteria Development Process For each Nutrient Ecoregion, EPA developed a set of recommendations for two causal variables (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and two early indicator response variables (chlorophyll a and some measure of turbidity). Other indicators such as dissolved oxygen and macrophyte growth or speciation, and other fauna and flora changes are also deemed useful. However, the first four are considered to be the best suited for protecting designated uses. The technical guidance manuals describe a process for developing nutrient criteria that involves consideration of five factors. The first of these is the Regional Technical Assistance Group (RTAG), which is a body of qualified regional specialists able to objectively evaluate all of the available evidence and select the value(s) appropriate to nutrient control in the water bodies of concern. These specialists may come from such disciplines as limnology, biology, natural resources management- especially water resource management, chemistry, and ecology. The RTAG evaluates and recommends appropriate classification techniques for criteria determination, usually physical within an ecoregional construct. The second factor is the historical information available to establish a perspective of the resource base. This is usually data and anecdotal information available within the past ten-twenty five years. This information gives evidence about the background and enrichment trend of the resource. The third factor is the present reference condition. A selection of reference sites chosen to represent the least culturally impacted waters of the class existing at the present time. The data from these sites is combined and a value from the distribution of these observations is selected to represent the reference condition, or best attainable, most natural condition of the resource base at this time. A fourth factor often employed is theoretical or empirical models of the historical and reference condition data to better understand the condition of the resource. The RTAG comprehensively evaluates the other three elements to propose a candidate criterion (initially one each for TP, TN, chl a, and some measure of turbidity). The last and final element of the criteria development process is the assessment by the RTAG of the likely downstream effects of the criterion. Will there be a negative, positive, or neutral effect on the downstream waterbody? If the RTAG judges that a negative effect is likely, then the proposed State/Tribal water quality criteria should be revised to ameliorate the potential for any adverse downstream effects. While States and authorized Tribes would not necessarily need to incorporate all five elements into their water quality criteria setting process (e.g., modeling may be significant in only some instances), the best assurance of a representative and effective criterion for nutrient management decision making is the balanced incorporation of all five elements, or at least all elements except modeling. ------- Because some parts of the country have naturally higher soil and parent material enrichment, and different precipitation regimes, the application of the criterion development process has to be adjusted by region. Therefore, an ecoregional approach was chosen to develop nutrient criteria appropriate to each of the different geographical and climatological areas of the country. Initially, the continental U.S. was divided into 14 separate ecoregions of similar geographical characteristics. Ecoregions are defined as regions of relative homogeneity in ecological systems; they depict areas within which the mosaic of ecosystem components (biotic and abiotic as well as terrestrial and aquatic) is different than adjacent areas in a holistic sense. Geographic phenomena such as soils, vegetation, climate, geology, land cover, and physiology that are associated with spatial differences in the quantity and quality of ecosystem components are relatively similar within each ecoregion. The Nutrient ecoregions are aggregates of U.S. EPA=s hierarchal level III ecoregions. As such, they are more generalized and less defined than level III ecoregions. EPA determined that setting ecoregional criteria for the large scale aggregates is not without its drawbacks - variability is high due to the lumping of many waterbody classes, seasons, and years worth of multipurpose data over a large geographic area. For these reasons, the Agency recommends that States and Tribes develop nutrient criteria at the level III ecoregional scale and at the waterbody class scale where those data are readily available. Data analyses and recommendations on both the large aggregate ecoregion scale as well as more refined scales (level III ecoregions and waterbody classes), where data were available to make such assessments, are presented for comparison purposes and completeness of analysis. Relationship of Nutrient Criteria to Biological Criteria Biological criteria are quantitative expressions of the desired condition of the aquatic community. Such criteria can be based on an aggregation of data from sites that represent the least-impacted and attainable condition for a particular waterbody type in an ecoregion, subecoregion, or watershed. EPA's nutrient criteria recommendations and biological criteria recommendations have many similarities in the basic approach to their development and data requirements. Both are empirically derived from statistical analysis of field collected data and expert evaluation of current reference conditions and historical information. Both utilize direct measurements from the environment to integrate the effects of complex processes that vary according to type and location of waterbody. The resulting criteria recommendations, in both cases, are efficient and holistic indicators of water quality necessary to protect uses. States and authorized Tribes can develop and apply nutrient criteria and biological criteria in tandem, with each providing important and useful information to interpret both the nutrient enrichment levels and the biological condition of sampled waterbodies. For example, using the same reference sites for both types of criteria can lead to efficiencies in both sample design and data analysis. In one effort, environmental managers can obtain information to support assessment of biological and nutrient condition, either through evaluating existing data sets or through designing and conducting a common sampling program. The traditional biological criteria variables of benthic invertebrate and fish sampling can be readily incorporated to supplement a nutrient assessment. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this tandem approach, EPA has initiated pilot projects in both freshwater and marine environments to investigate the ------- relationship between nutrient overenrichment and apparent declines in diversity indices of benthic invertebrates and fish. 2.0 BEST USE OF THIS INFORMATION EPA recommendations published under section 304(a) of the CWA serve several purposes, including providing guidance to States and Tribes in adopting water quality standards for nutrients that ultimately provide a basis for controlling discharges or releases of pollutants. The recommendations also provide guidance to EPA when promulgating Federal water quality standards under section 303(c) when such action is necessary. Other uses include identification of overenrichment problems, management planning, project evaluation, and determination of status and trends of water resources. State water quality inventories and listings of impaired waters consistently rank nutrient overenrichment as a top contributor to use impairments. EPA's water quality standards regulations at 40 CFR § 131.11 (a) require States and Tribes to adopt criteria that contain sufficient parameters and constituents to protect the designated uses of their waters. In addition, States and Tribes need quantifiable targets for nutrients in their standards to assess attainment of uses, develop water quality-based permit limits and source control plans, and establish targets for total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). EPA expects States and Tribes to address nutrient overenrichment in their water quality standards, and to build on existing State and Tribal initiated efforts where possible. States and Tribes can address nutrient overenrichment through establishment of numerical criteria or through use of new or existing narrative criteria statements (e.g., free from excess nutrients that cause or contribute to undesirable or nuisance aquatic life or produce adverse physiological response in humans, animals, or plants). In the case of narrative criteria, EPA expects that States and Tribes establish procedures to quantitatively translate these statements for both assessment and source control purposes. The intent of developing ecoregional nutrient criteria is to represent conditions of surface waters that are minimally impacted by human activities and thus protect against the adverse effects of nutrient overenrichment from cultural eutrophi cation. EPA's recommended process for developing such criteria includes physical classification of waterbodies, determination of current reference conditions, evaluation of historical data and other information (such as published literature), use of models to simulate physical and ecological processes or determine empirical relationships among causal and response variables (if necessary), expert judgement, and evaluation of downstream effects. To the extent allowed by the information available, EPA has used elements of this process to produce the information contained in this document. The values for both causal (total nitrogen, total phosphorus) and biological and physical response (chlorophyll a, turbidity) variables represent a set of starting points for States and Tribes to use in establishing their own criteria in standards to protect uses. In its water quality standards regulations, EPA recommends that States and Tribes establish numerical criteria based on section 304(a) guidance, section 304(a) guidance modified to reflect site-specific conditions, or other scientifically defensible methods. For many pollutants, such as toxic chemicals, EPA expects that section 304(a) guidance will provide an appropriate level of ------- protection without further modification in most cases. EPA has also published methods for modifying 304(a) criteria on a site-specific basis, such as the water effect ratio, where site-specific conditions warrant modification to achieve the intended level of protection. For nutrients, however, EPA expects that, in most cases, it will be necessary for States and authorized Tribes to identify with greater precision the nutrient levels that protect aquatic life and recreational uses. This can be achieved through development of criteria modified to reflect conditions at a smaller geographic scale than an ecoregion such as a subecoregion, the State or Tribe level, or specific class of waterbodies. Criteria refinement can occur by grouping data or performing data analyses at these smaller geographic scales. Refinement can also occur through further consideration of other elements of criteria development, such as published literature or models. The values presented in this document generally represent nutrient levels that protect against the adverse effects of nutrient overenrichment and are based on information available to the Agency at the time of this publication. However, States and Tribes should critically evaluate this information in light of the specific designated uses that need to be protected. For example, more sensitive uses may require more stringent values as criteria to ensure adequate protection. On the other hand, overly stringent levels of protection against the adverse effects of cultural eutrophication may actually fall below levels that represent the natural load of nutrients for certain waterbodies. In cases such as these, the level of nutrients specified may not be sufficient to support a productive fishery. In the criteria derivation process, it is important to distinguish between the natural load associated with a specific waterbody and current reference conditions, using historical data and expert judgement. These elements of the nutrient criteria derivation process are best addressed by States and Tribes with access to information and local expertise. Therefore, EPA strongly encourages States and Tribes to use the information contained in this document and to develop more refined criteria according to the methods described in EPA's technical guidance manuals for specific waterbody types. To assist in the process of further refinement of nutrient criteria, EPA has established ten Regional Technical Advisory Groups (experts from EPA Regional Offices and States/Tribes). In the process of refining criteria, States and authorized Tribes need to provide documentation of data and analyses, along with a defensible rationale, for any new or revised nutrient criteria they submit to EPA for review and approval. As part of EPA's review of State and Tribal standards, EPA intends to seek assurance from the RTAG that proposed criteria are sufficient to protect uses. In the process of using the information and recommendations contained in this document, as well as additional information, to develop numerical criteria or procedures to translate narrative criteria, EPA encourages States and Tribes to: • Address both chemical causal variables and early indicator response variables. Causal variables are necessary to provide sufficient protection of uses before impairment occurs and to maintain downstream uses. Early response variables are necessary to provide warning signs of possible impairment and to integrate the effects of variable and potentially unmeasured nutrient loads. • Include variables that can be measured to determine if standards are met, and variables that can be related to the ultimate sources of excess nutrients. • Identify appropriate periods of duration (i.e., how long) and frequency (i.e., how often) of occurrence in addition to magnitude (i.e., how much). EPA does not recommend ------- identifying nutrient concentrations that must be met at all times, rather a seasonal or annual averaging period (e.g., based on weekly measurements) is considered appropriate. However, these seasonal or annual central tendency measures should apply each season or each year, except under the most extraordinary of conditions (e.g., a 100 year flood). 3.0 AREA COVERED BY THIS DOCUMENT The following sections provide a general description of the aggregate ecoregion and its geographical boundaries. Descriptions of the level III ecoregions contained within the aggregate ecoregion are also provided. 3.1 Description of Aggregate Ecoregion VI- Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains The rolling plains and flat lake beds of Region VI are dominated by extensive, highly productive cropland. Moist, fertile soils are characteristic and are often more nutrient-rich than those of Regions IV, VII, VIII, and IX. Perennial streams, lakes, and concentrations of seasonal wetlands occur. Corn, soybean, and livestock farming is common and feedlots occur. Many urban, suburban, and industrial areas are also found in Region VI. This land use mosaic differs from the rangeland of Region IV, the winter wheat, grain sorghum, and feedlots of Region V, the dairying and silage corn of Region VII, and the forest, cropland, and pastureland of Region IX. The regions nutrient-rich soils significantly influence surface and subsurface water quality. Elevated concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus are significant water quality problems in many basins and are a byproduct of nutrient-rich agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment effluent; dissolved oxygen depletion occurs in sluggish, warm rivers that have high nutrient levels. Pesticides are widely used on cropland in the Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains (VI) and have contaminated surface waters. High concentrations of suspended sediment are found in many streams especially those in flat, agricultural areas with clayey soils and artificial drainage. Fecal coliform bacteria levels in streams have been elevated by feedlots, municipal wastewater effluent, urban runoff, and livestock operations. Lakes occur especially in the northern part of the region; they are used for fishing and recreation and are important wildlife habitat. Those that are found in Region VI range from mildly eutrophic to hypereutrophic. Eutrophic conditions are also found in southwestern portions of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. 3.2 Geographical Boundaries of Aggregate Ecoregion VI As this ecoregion's name suggests, it encompasses areas of the northern midwest where corn production dominates land usage. The eastern portions of North and South Dakota and Nebraska form the northwest boundary of the ecoregion. A small corner of northeast Kansas is included in the region. Also, most of Iowa, the northern half of Illinois, central Indiana, the southern and western portions of Minnesota and western Ohio are included in ecoregion VI. In addition, very small segments of Wisconsin and Michigan are included in this ecoregion. ------- Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Figure 1. Aggregate Ecoregion VI. 3.3 Level III Ecoregions Within Aggregate Ecoregion VI 46. Northern Glaciated Plains The Northern Glaciated Plains ecoregion is characterized by a flat to gently rolling landscape composed of glacial till. The subhumid conditions foster a transitional grassland containing tallgrass and shortgrass prairie. High concentrations of temporary and seasonal wetlands create favorable conditions for waterfowl nesting and migration. Though the till soils are very fertile, agricultural success is subject to annual climatic fluctuations. 47. Western Corn Belt Plains Once covered with tallgrass prairie, over 75 percent of the Western Corn Belt Plains is now used for cropland agriculture and much of the remainder is in forage for livestock. A combination of nearly level to gently rolling glaciated till plains and hilly loess plains, an average annual precipitation of 63 - 89 cm which occurs mainly in the growing season, and fertile, warm, moist soils make this on of the most productive areas of corn and soybeans in the world. The region is also one of major environmental concerns regarding surface and groundwater contamination from fertilizer and pesticide applications as well as livestock concentrations. 48. Lake Agassiz Plain Glacial Lake Agassiz was the last in a series of proglacial lakes to fill the Red River valley in the three million years since the beginning of the Pleistocene. Thick beds of lake sediments on top of glacial till create the extremely flat floor of the Lake Agassiz Plain. The historic tallgrass prairie 7 ------- has been replaced by intensive row crop agriculture. The preferred crops in the northern half of the region are potatoes, beans, sugar beets and wheat; soybeans, sugar beets, and corn predominate in the south. 54. Central Corn Belt Plains Extensive prairie communities intermixed with oak hickory forests were native to the glaciated plains of the Central Corn Belt Plains; they were a stark contrast to the hardwood forests that grew on the drift plains of ecoregions to the east. Ecoregions to the west were mostly treeless except along larger streams. Beginning in the nineteenth century, the natural vegetation was gradually replaced by agriculture. Farms are now extensive on the dark, fertile soils of the Central Corn Belt Plains and mainly produce corn and soybeans; cattle, sheep, poultry, and especially hogs are also raised, but they are not as dominant as in the drier Western Corn Belt Plains to the west. Agriculture has affected stream chemistry, turbidity, and habitat. 55. Eastern Corn Belt Plains The Eastern Corn Belt Plains is primarily a rolling plain with local end moraines; it had more natural tree cover and has lighter colored soils than the Central Corn Belt Plains. The region has loamier and better drained soils than the Huron/Erie Lake Plain, and richer soils than the Erie/Ontario Hills and Lake Plain. Glacial deposits of Wisconsin age are extensive. They are not as dissected nor as leached as the pre-Wisconsin till which is restricted to the southern part of the region. Originally, beech forests were common on Wisconsin soils while beech forests and elm-ash swamp forests dominated the wetter pre-Wisconsin soils. Today, extensive corn, soybean, and livestock production occurs and has affected stream chemistry and turbidity. 57. Huron/Erie Lake Plain The Huron/Erie Lake Plain is a broad, fertile, nearly flat plain punctuated by relic sand dunes, beach ridges, and end moraines. Originally, soil drainage was typically poorer than in the adjacent Eastern Corn Belt Plains, and elm-ash swamp and beech forests were dominant. Oak savanna was typically restricted to sandy, well-drained dunes and beach ridges. Today, most of the area has been cleared and artificially drained and contains highly productive farms producing corn, soybeans, livestock, and vegetables; urban and industrial areas are also extensive. Stream habitat and quality have been degraded by channelization, ditching, and agricultural activities. ------- Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Ecoregion ID Figure 2. Aggregate Ecoregion VI with level III ecoregions shown Suggested Ecoregional subdivisions or adjustments. EPA recommends that the RTAG evaluate the adequacy of EPA nutrient ecoregional and subecoregional boundaries and refine them as needed to reflect local conditions. 4.0 DATA REVIEW FOR LAKES AND RESERVOIRS IN AGGREGATE ECOREGION VI The following section describes the nutrient data EPA has collected and analyzed for this Ecoregion, including an assessment of data quantity and quality. The data tables present the data for each causal parameter- total phosphorus and total nitrogen (both reported and calculated from TKN and nitrite/nitrate), and the primary response variables— some measure of turbidity and chlorophyll a. These are the parameters which EPA considers essential to nutrient assessment because the first two are the main causative agents of enrichment and the two response variables are the early indicators of system enrichment for most of the surface waters (See Chapter 5 of the Lakes and Reservoirs Nutrient Criteria Guidance Manual (U.S. EPA, 2000a) for a complete discussion on choosing causal and response variables.) ------- 4.1 Data Sources Data sets from Legacy STORET were used to assess nutrient conditions from 1990 to 1999. The following States submitted nutrient data to Legacy STORET: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kansas. This data is from January 1990 to September 1998. EPA recommends that the RTAGs identify additional data sources that can be used to supplement the data sets listed above. In addition, the RTAGs may utilize published literature values to support quantitative and qualitative analyses. 4.2 Historical Data from Aggregate Ecoregion VI ( TP, TN, Chlor a and Secchi Depth) EPA recommends that States/Tribes assess long-term trends observed over the past 50 years. This information may be obtained from scientific literature or documentation of historical trends. To gain additional perspective on more recent trends, it is recommended that States and Tribes assess nutrient trends over the last 10 years (e.g., what do seasonal trends indicate?) 4.3 QA/QC of data sources An initial quality screen of data was conducted using the rules presented in Appendix C. Data remaining after screening for duplications and other QA measures (.e.g., poor or unreported analytical records, sampling errors or omissions, stations associated with outfalls, storm water sewers, hazardous waste sites,) is the data used in statistical analyses. States within Ecoregion VI were contacted regarding the quality of their data. The following States provided information on the methods used to sample and analyze their waters: Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, and Michigan. In all cases, States indicated a Standard method or an approved EPA method was used. S. Dakota, North Dakota and Kansas did not provide information prior to the publication of this document. 4.4 Data for all lakes/reservoirs within Aggregate Ecoregion VI The map in Figure 3 shows the location of the sampling stations within each sub ecoregion. Table 1 presents all data records for all parameters for Aggregate Ecoregion VI and subecoregions within the Aggregate Ecoregion. The map indicates that stations are present in all subecoregions and somewhat uniformly scattered within the subecoregions. There is a degree of concentration of stations near what are presumed to be population centers. 10 ------- Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Lake and Reservoir Stations I . f ""-^ ,* « % • V »H f '* '" * ** Level III ] 48 54 1 55 I 57 100 0 100 2W | US Stations Figure 3. Map of sampling locations within each level III ecoregion 11 ------- Table 1. Lake records for Aggregate Ecoregion VI - Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains # of Lakes # of Lake Stations Key Nutrient Parameters (listed below) - # of records for Secchi depth - # of records for Chlorophyll a (all methods) - # of records for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) - # of records for Nitrate + Nitrite (NO2 + NO3) - # of records for Total Nitrogen (TN) - # of records for Total Phosphorus (TP) Total # of records for key nutrient parameters Aggregate Ecoregion IV 531 1320 33, 073 8741 8277 10,455 74 11,139 71,759 Sub ecoR 46 103 172 2463 302 1166 898 67 1440 6336 Sub ecoR 47 125 208 6060 1892 2088 2704 0 2770 15,514 Sub ecoR 48 18 23 134 18 170 145 7 190 664 Sub ecoR 54 224 813 24,114 5378 4014 5660 0 5672 44,838 Sub ecoR 55 58 93 301 1151 780 989 0 1008 4229 Sub ecoR 57 10 11 1 0 59 59 0 59 178 12 ------- Definitions used to complete Table 1: 1. # of records refers to the total count of observations for that parameter over the entire decade (1990-1999) for that particular aggregate or subecoregion. These are counts for all seasons over that decade. 2. # of lake stations refers to the total number of lake and reservoir stations within the aggregate or subecoregion from which nutrient data were collected. Since lakes and reservoirs can cross ecoregional boundaries, it is important to note that only those portions of a lake or reservoir (and data associated with those stations) that exist within the ecoregion are included within this table. 4.5 Statistical Analysis of Data/Potential Reference Conditions EPA's Technical Guidance Manual for Developing Nutrient Criteria for Lakes and Reservoirs describes two ways of establishing a reference condition. One method is to choose the upper 25th percentile (75th percentile) of a reference population of lakes. This is the preferred method to establish a reference condition. The 75th percentile was chosen by EPA since it is likely associated with minimally impacted conditions, will be protective of designated uses, and provides management flexibility. When reference lakes are not identified, the second method is to determine the lower 25th percentile of the population of all lakes within a region. The 25th percentile of the entire population was chosen by EPA to represent a surrogate for an actual reference population. Data analyses to date indicate that the lower 25th percentile from an entire population roughly approximates the 75th percentile for a reference population. See case studies for Minnesota lakes in the Lakes and Reservoirs Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Document (U.S. EPA, 2000a) and the case study for Tennessee streams in the Rivers and Streams Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Document (U.S. EPA, 2000b), and the letter from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to Geoffrey Grubbs [TNDEC, 2000]). New York State has also presented evidence that the 25th percentile and the 75 percentile compare well based on user perceptions of water resources (NYSDEC., 2000) The following tables 2 and 3a-f, present the potential reference conditions for both the aggregate ecoregion and the subecoregions using both methods. However, the reference lake column is left blank because EPA does not have reference data and anticipates that States will provide information on reference lakes. Appendix A provides a complete presentation of all descriptive statistics for both the aggregate ecoregion and the level III subecoregion. 13 ------- Table 2. Reference conditions for aggregate ecoregion VI lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) NO2 + NO3 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - F Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 313 368 NA 3 393 387 1 224 164 Reported values Min .0945 0 .0945 1.68 2.5 .089 18.8 .32 0.66 Max 4.355 9.513 13.867 2.445 1000 5.03 18.8 147.45 134.97 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + .765 .016 .781 1.68 37.5 1.356 18.8 8.59 17.26 Reference Lakes * * P75 all seasons P25: 25th percentile of all data P75: 75th percentile of all data ** as determined by the Regional Technical Assistance Groups (RTAGs) + Median for all seasons' 25th percentiles. E.g. this value was calculated from four seasons' 25th percentiles. If the seasonal 25th percentile (P25) TP values are - spring lOwg/L, summer l5ug/L, fall 12wg/L, and winter 5ug/L, the median value of all seasons P25 will be llug/L. ++ N = largest value reported for a decade / Season. TN calculated is based on the sum of TKN + NO2+NO3 TN reported is actual TN value reported in the database for one sample. F Chlorophyll a measured by Fluorometric method with acid correction. S Chlorophyll a measured by Spectrophotometric method with acid correction. T Chlorophyll a b c measured by Trichromatic method. NA Not Applicable Table(s) 3a.-f. present the potential reference conditions for lakes and reservoirs in the Level III subecoregions within the Aggregate Ecoregion. The footnotes for Table 2 apply to tables 3a-f. 14 ------- Table 3a. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 46 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) N02 + N03 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - F Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 66 58 NA 2z 69 55 24 Iz Reported values Min 0.69 .003 0.69 1.83 15 0.2 2.84 19 Max 3.89 .635 4.525 2.45 970 3.0 40.63 19 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 1.41 .022 1.43 1.83 90 1.46 6.5 19 zz Reference Lakes * * P75 all seasons Table 3b. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 47 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) N02 + N03 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - F Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 81 79 NA 92 108 Iz 57 16 Reported values Min 0.15 0 0.15 15 0.175 18.8 3.25 4.0 Max 4.23 5.76 9.99 847.5 4.195 18.8 129.5 128 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 0.957 .0065 .9635 55 1.23 18.8 14.6 14 Reference Lakes * * II P75 all seasons 15 ------- Table 3c. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 48 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) N02 + N03 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S No. of Lakes N++ 8 8 NA Iz 11 6 3z Reported values Min 0.59 .006 .60 2.14 22.5 0.61 4 Max 1.76 .06 1.82 2.14 325 2.75 15.5 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 0.62 .007 .63 2.14zz 51.25 1.98 4 Reference Lakes * * P75 all seasons Table 3d. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 54 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) N02 + N03 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TP (wg/L) Secchi (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 102 167 NA 165 197 133 133 Reported values Min 0.18 .003 0.18 5.75 0.114 0.57 0.66 Max 2.3 7.85 10.15 656.25 4.43 134.6 125.9 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 0.62 0.015 0.63 20 1.44 7.85 7.64 Reference Lakes * * II P75 all seasons 16 ------- Table 3e. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 55 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) NO2 + NO3 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - F Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 47 47 NA 47 20 7 14 Reported values Min 0.188 0.025 0.213 3.75 0.229 2.75 1.4 Max 1.83 6.197 8.03 455.88 1.06 21.66 28.89 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 0.525 0.257 0.782 35 0.87 5.27 5.45 Reference Lakes * * P75 all seasons Table 3f. Reference conditions for level III ecoregion 57 lakes. Parameter TKN (mg/L) NO2 + NO3 (mg/L) TN (mg/L) - calculated TN (mg/L) - reported TP (Kg/L) Secchl (meters) Chlorophyll a («g/L) - F Chlorophyll a («g/L) - S Chlorophyll a («g/L) - T No. of Lakes N++ 9 9 NA 9 Iz Reported values Min 0.4 0.025 0.425 8 2.6 Max 1.05 9.13 10.18 140 2.6 25th Percentiles based on all seasons data for the Decade P25* all seasons + 0.5 0.535 1.04 10 2.6 zz Reference Lakes * * P75 all seasons 17 ------- Definitions used in filling Tables 2 and 3 - Reference Condition tables 1. Number of Lakes in Table 2 refers to the largest number of lakes and reservoirs for which data existed for a given season within an aggregate nutrient ecoregion. 2. Number of Lakes in Table 3 refers to the number of lakes and reservoirs for which data existed for the summer months since summer is generally when the greatest amount of nutrient sampling is conducted. If another season greatly predominates, notification is made (s=spring, f=fall, w=winter). 3. Medians. All values (min, max, and 25th percentiles) included in the table are based on waterbody medians. All data for a particular parameter within a lake for the decade were reduced to one median for that lake. This prevents over- representation of individual waterbodies with a great deal of data versus those with fewer data points within the statistical analysis. 4. 25th percentile for all seasons is calculated by taking the median of the 4 seasonal 25th percentiles. If a season is missing, the median was calculated with 3 seasons of data. If less than 3 seasons were used to derive the median, the entry is flagged (z). 5. A 25th percentile for a season is best derived with data from a minimum of 4 lakes/season. However, this table provides 25th percentiles that were derived with less than 4 lakes/season in order to retain all information for all seasons. In calculating the 25th percentile for a season with less than 4 lake medians, the statistical program automatically used the minimum value within the less-than-4 population. If less than 4 lakes were used in developing a seasonal quartile and or all-seasons median, the entry is flagged (zz). Preferred data choices and recommendations when data is missing 1. Where data are missing or are very low in total records for a given parameter, use 25th percentiles for parameters within an adjacent, similar subecoregion within the same aggregate nutrient ecoregion or when a similar subecoregion can not be determined, use the the 25th percentile for the Aggregate ecoregion or consider the lowest 25th percentile from a subecoregion (level III) within the aggregate nutrient ecoregion. The rationale being that without data, one may assume that the subecoregion in question may be as sensitive as the most sensitive subecoregion within the aggregate. 2. TN calculated: When reported Total Nitrogen (TN) median values are lacking or very low in comparison to TKN and Nitrate/Nitrite-N values, the medians for TKN and nitrite/nitrate-N were added, resulting in a calculated TN value. The number of samples (N) for calculated TN is not 18 ------- filled in since it is represented by two subsamples of data: TKN and nitrite/nitrate-N. Therefore, N/A is placed in this box. 3. TN reported: This is the median based on reported values for TN from the database. 4. Chlorophyll a: Medians based on all methods are reported, however, the acid corrected medians are preferred to the uncorrected medians. In developing a reference condition from a particular method, it is recommended that the method with the most observations be used. Fluorometric and Spectrophotometric are preferred over all other methods. However, when no data exist for Fluorometric and Spectrophotometric methods, Trichromatic values may be used. Data from the variance techniques are not interchangeable. 5. Periphyton: Where periphyton data exist, record them separately For periphyton-dominated streams, a measure of periphyton chlorophyll is a more appropriate response variable than planktonic chlorophyll a. See Table 4, p. 101 of the Rivers and Streams Nutrient Technical Guidance Manual (U. S. EPA, 2000b) for values of periphyton and planktonic chlorophyll a related to eutrophy in streams. 6. Secchi depth: The 75th percentile is reported for Secchi depth since this is the only variable for which the value of the parameter increases with greater clarity. (For lakes and reservoirs only.) 7. Turbidity units: All turbidity units from all methods are reported. FTUs and NTUs are preferred over JCUs. If FTUs and NTUs do not exist, use JCUs. These units are not interchangeable. Turbidity is chosen as a response variable in streams since it can be an indicator of increasing algal biomass due to nutrient enrichment. See pages 32 -33 of the Rivers and Streams Nutrient Technical Guidance Manual for a discussion of turbidity and correlations with algal growth. 8. Lack of data: A dash (-) represents missing, inadequate, or inconclusive data. A zero (0) is reported if the reported median for a parameter is 0 or if the component value is below detection. 4.6. Classification of Lake/Reservoir Type It is anticipated that assessing the data by lake type will further reduce the variability in the data analysis. There was no readily available classification data in the National datasets used to develop these criteria to make this assessment for this ecoregion and set of subecoregions, but it is strongly encouraged that this assessment be made before a State or Tribe develops a final criterion. 4.7. Summary of Data Reduction Methods All descriptive statistics were calculated using the medians for each lake within ecoregion VI, for which data existed. For example, if one lake had 300 observations for phosphorus over the decade or one year's time, one median resulted. Each median from each lake was then used in calculating the percentiles for phosphorus for the aggregate nutrient ecoregion/subecoregion (level III ecoregion) by season and year (Figure 4a & b). 19 ------- Observations for All Lakes/Reservoirs Ecoregion Winter Spring Data Reduced to Median Value for each Lake/Reservoir by Season Summer Rainy Lake Median Fish Reservoir Median Swan Lake Median Moon Lake ... Timber... Rainy Lake Median Fish Reservoir Median Swan Lake Median Moon Lake ... Timber... Rainy Lake Median Fish Reservoir Median Swan Lake Median Moon Lake ... Timber... Fall Rainy Lake Median Fish Reservoir Median Swan Lake Median Moon Lake ... Timber... Figure 4a. Illustration of data reduction process for lake data. 20 ------- Select 25th Percentile from Distribution of Median Values 25th Winter 25% 25% Spring Summer 25% Fall TP TN TKN N02+N03 DO SECCHI Calculate Median Value of the 25th Percentiles for the Four Seasons JHalfvalues -^J Below Median ^~~^ 25% 1 1 )25% 25% Season A Season B 75% L, Halfvalues i-"""^ Above Median 1 1 25% 25% Season C Season D Median = Reference Condition for the Ecoregion Figure 4b. Illustration of reference condition calculation. 21 ------- 5.0 REFERENCE SITES AND CONDITIONS IN AGGREGATE ECOREGION VI Reference conditions represent the natural, least impacted conditions or what is considered to be the most attainable conditions. This section compares the different reference conditions determined from the two methods and establishes which reference condition is most appropriate. A priori determination of reference sites. The preferred method for establishing reference condition is to choose the upper percentile of an a priori population of reference lakes. States and Tribes are encouraged to identify reference conditions based on this method. Statistical determination of reference conditions (25th percentile of entire database.) See Tables 2 and 3a-f in section 4.0. RTAG discussion and rationale for selection of reference sites and conditions in Ecoregion VI. The RTAG should compare the results derived from the two methods described above and present a rationale for the final selection of reference sites. 6.0 MODELS USED TO PREDICT OR VERIFY RESPONSE PARAMETERS The RTAG is encouraged to identify and apply relevant models to support nutrient criteria development. The following are three scenarios under which models may be used to derive criteria or support criteria development. • Models for predicting correlations between causal and response variables • Models used to verify reference conditions based on percentiles • Regression models used to predict reference conditions in impacted areas 7.0 FRAMEWORK FOR REFINING RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT CRITERIA FOR LAKES AND RESERVOIRS IN AGGREGATE ECOREGION VI Information on each of the following six weight of evidence factors is important to refine the criteria presented in this document. All elements should be addressed in developing criteria, as is expressed in our nutrient criteria technical guidance manuals. It is our expectation that EPA Regions, States, and Tribes (as RTAGs) will consider these elements as States/Tribes develop their criteria. This section should be viewed as a work sheet (sections are left blank for this purpose) to assist in the refinement of nutrient criteria. If many of these elements are ultimately unaddressed, EPA may rely on the proposed reference conditions presented in Tables 3a-f and other literature and information readily available to the HQ nutrient team to develop nutrient water quality recommendations for this ecoregion. 22 ------- 7.1 Example Worksheet for Developing Aggregate Ecoregion and Subecoregion Nutrient Criteria Literature sources Historical data and trends Reference condition • Models RTAG expert review and consensus Downstream effects 23 ------- 7.2 Tables of Refined Nutrient Water Quality Criteria for Aggregate Ecoregion VI and Level III Subecoregions for TP, TN, Chi a, Turbidity (where sufficient data exist) Aggregate Ecoregion VI- Corn Belt and N. Great Plains Total Phosphorus (|ig/L) Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Chlorophyll a (|ig/L or mg/m2) Secchi depth (meters) Other (Index; other parameter such as DO) Proposed Criterion Literature sources • Historical data and trends Reference condition Models RTAG expert review and consensus 24 ------- Downstream effects Ecoregion #46-Northern Glaciated Plains Total Phosphorus (|ig/L) Total Nitrogen (mg/L) Chlorophyll a (|ig/L or mg/m2) Secchi depth (meters) Other (Index; other parameter such as DO) Proposed Criterion 7.3 Setting Seasonal Criteria The criteria presented in this document are based in part on medians of all the 25th percentile seasonal data (decadal), and as such are reflective of all seasons and not one particular season or year. It is recommended that States and Tribes monitor in all seasons to best assess compliance with the resulting criterion. States/Tribes may choose to develop criteria which reflect each particular season or a given year when there is significant variability between seasons/years or designated uses that are specifically tied to one or more seasons of the year (e.g., recreation, fishing). Using the tables in Appendix A and B, one can set reference conditions based on a particular season or year and then develop a criterion based on each individual season. Obviously, this option is season-specific and would also require increased monitoring within each season to assess compliance. 7.4 When Data/Reference Conditions are Lacking When data are unavailable to develop a reference condition for a particular parameter(s) within a subecoregion, EPA recommends one of three options: 1. Use data from a similar neighboring subecoregion. E.g., If data are few or nonexistent for the northern cascades, consider using the data and reference condition developed for the cascades; or 2. Use the 25th perecentiles for the Aggregate ecoregion or 3. Consider using the lowest of the yearly medians for that parameter calculated for all the subecoregions within the Aggregate Ecoregion. 25 ------- 7.5 Site-specific Criteria Development Criteria may be refined in a number of ways. The best way to refine criteria is to follow the critical elements of criteria development as well as to refer to the Lakes and Reservoirs technical guidance manual (U. S. EPA, 2000a). The Lakes and Reservoirs Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual presents sections on each of the following factors to consider in setting criteria - refinements to ecoregions (Chapter 3) - classification of waterbodies (Chapter 3) - setting seasonal criteria to reflect major seasonal climate differences (Chapter 7) accounting for significant or cyclical rainfall events - high flow/low flow conditions (Chapter 7) setting criteria for reservoirs only (The technical guidance manual recommends that data be separated for lakes and reservoirs and treated independently if possible because of differing physical conditions that occur in lakes and reservoirs. In this document all data from both reservoirs and lakes were considered together since STORET does not allow for the differentiation of data except by waterbody name.) 8.0 LITERATURE CITED NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environment and Conservation). 2000. Memorandum from Scott Kishbaugh to Jay Bloomfield, September 26, 2000, regarding reference lakes for nutrient criteria. TNDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation). 2000. Letter to Geoff Grubbs, October 5, 2000, containing comments on draft nutrient criteria recommendations. U.S. EPA. 2000a. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Lakes and Reservoirs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. EPA-822-BOO-001. U.S. EPA. 2000b. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Rivers and Streams, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. EPA-822-BOO-002. 26 ------- 9.0 APPENDICES A. Descriptive Statistics Data Tables for Aggregate Ecoregion B. Descriptive Statistics Data Tables for Level III Subecoregions within Aggregate Ecoregion C. Quality Control/Quality Assurance Rules 27 ------- APPENDIX A Descriptive Statistics Data Tables for Aggregate Ecoregion ------- Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER SEASON FALL SPRING N 17D 13b EE4 Efl MEAN 15-3 ED.5 lfi.fi 15 13 MEAN 3E-3 E3-5 3E-1 IS-7 MIN IS-3 ED-S lfi.fi MIN • 31D • ESD • 73D • ESD Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Fluo_ug_L_Median MAX 1S-ES ED-SD lfl.75 STDDEV STDERR CV PS IS-3 ED.5 lfi.fi Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Phyto_Spec_A_ug_L_Median MAX 1SE-SD 14E-4D ISS-Sb bfl.DD STDDEV El.3 Eb-3 Efi.fi IS-3 STDERR E-E4 E-Eb 1.13 E.fifi Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Tric_U_ug_L_Median PES IS-3 ED.5 lfi.fi CV 11 HE flfl 17 P5 3-bE 1 • 7b 3.74 D-fll PES 11-3 5- flS 13-1 4-D1 MEDIAN IS-3 ED.5 lfi.fi MEDIAN E3-S 13-1 E3-3 13-1 P7S IS-3 ED.5 lfi.fi Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter DO_mg_L_Median MEAN 1-3D 1D-D MIN 4-45 4-flD MAX 14.4D 13-ID STDDEV E-D1 1-73 STDERR D-El D-lfl CV EE 17 PS 5-bD 7-3D PES 7-IS I.ED MEDIAN 1-3S LID P7S 4E. 33. 44. E3-D P7S ID-4 11.D PIS IS-3 ED.5 lfi.fi PIS flD-l 14-3 43-fl SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER N 13E IDE Ib4 11 MEAN 33-5 E3-b 34- S ID- 7 MIN • DSD • 44D • fifiD LEI MAX 133- DD 137- DD 13b-14 EL 11 STDDEV 3D.fl Et.fi 3D-E fl.ED STDERR E. bfl E-bS E-3b l.fifi CV IE 113 flfl 77 PS 3- IS E-lfl 3-flD LEI PES 1D-1 t, . 3b 11. E E-fll MEDIAN E3-1 14-7 E4-b 7-fll P7S 4b-7 33- S 4fl-l 17-1 PIS 1D3 7E-1 1fl.fi E1-E PIS 13-E 13-4 ------- SUMMER WINTER 13fl fl3 7-flb fl.Efl • 750 • 45D 13.4D 14.3D E.DD 3-fl7 D-17 D-43 E5 4-flD 47 D.flS b-SS 5-4D 7-flfl I.DD 11.1 11-3 13-D SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER N EflS Eb7 3bfl 17 MEAN D.ES l-4b D-b7 D-54 MIN • DDD • DDD • DDD • DDD Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter NOE_N03_mg_L_Median MAX 1.13 1.1D 1D-D4 fl.ED STDDEV D-77 E-lfl l-3b 1-31 STDERR D-DS D-13 D-D7 D-13 CV 3Db 141 EDE E4E PS D-DD D.DD D.DD D.DD PES D.DI D-D3 D.DI D-D7 MEDIAN D-D3 D-3E D-D3 D-lfl P7S D-IE E.ID D. to D-34 PIS 1-55 4fl flD 4-45 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter SECCHI m Median SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER N 3E3 3D4 3fl7 MEAN D 1 D • Ifl LEI 11 Ifl MIN • IDE • ED3 MAX 5.El 4-flfl 4-75 5-Ifl STDDEV D. bfl D.IE D-73 STDERR D-D4 D-D5 D-D4 CV 75 7fl 74 P5 D-E5 D-3D D-Efl D-3D PES D-4b D-S3 D-Sl D. bl MEDIAN D-71 D-TD D-7T P7S 1-11 1-SE i.n 1. bS PIS 3-Dfl 3-bb SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER N E3b E1S 313 113 MEAN LED 1-D7 1-3D 1-bE MIN • 11D • DES • D7D Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TKN_mg_L_Median MAX 3-7b 3-b7 4-TS 5-15 STDDEV D-71 D-57 D-7D 1-14 STDERR D-D5 D-D4 D-D4 D-11 CV 54 54 7D P5 D-E7 D-3D D-45 D-E4 PES D-7D D. tfl D-fl4 D.11 MEDIAN 1-Db 1-13 LED P75 1. tD 1-3D 1-7D E.ID PIS 3-71 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TN_mg_L_Median SEASON MEAN MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PES MEDIAN P75 PIS ------- FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER N 31fl EH 313 E-Db 1-74 1.71 3-D1 MEAN US fl7-E 1E1 Ifl4 1-74 1-Db E-44 MIN 5.DD • DDD E.SD E.SD E.SD 1-74 E-31 3-bE D. bE D-bD D-44 D-31 D-3S 3D 3fl 11 1-74 LDt E-44 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TP_ug_L_Median MAX 17D-DD 77S-DD 1D3D-DD IflSD-DD STDDEV 13S 17-4 144 Eflfl STDERR 7-SI S-71 7-E7 ES-7 CV llfl HE 111 1S7 PS 1D-D LSD 1D-D 1D-D 1-74 LDt E-44 PES 3S-D ES-D 4D-D 4D-D E-Dt 1-74 LIE 3-EE MEDIAN 7S-D SS-D flD-D fl7-S E.SD 1-74 E-31 3-bE P7S 14S 11D Itfl EES E.SD 1-74 E-31 3-bE PIS 3E3 E7D 315 7ES ------- APPENDIX B Descriptive Statistics Data Tables for Level III Subecoregions within Aggregate Ecoregion ------- Eco_ Level, III Eco_ Level, III SEASON 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER D D D D 1 1 1 D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D SEASON MEAN 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi MEAN Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Fluo_ug_L_Median MIN 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi MAX 15-E5 ED-5D lfl.75 STDDEV STDERR CV P5 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Phyto_Spec_A_ug_L_Median MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi PE5 MEDIAN 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi MEDIAN P75 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi P75 P15 15-3 ED-5 lfi.fi P15 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 13 1 E4 E 35 31 57 1 E E 3 33-1 5-31 E3-1 1-Efl 31.1 3E-4 34-1 Efl.5 13- D 3-b3 11. D 4-13 1-lfl 3-71 • 115 1-E5 l-7b E-5D 4-DD ID- 5 • E5D 4-DD 141. 11. 7D. 1. 15E. 1E1. 1E1. bfl. 15. 7. EE. 5D DD E5 57 5D 5D 5D DD 5D DD as 3fl-l 3-5D lb-1 D-41 Efl-7 33-1 EL 4 11-3 3-54 4-77 ID- 4 ID 1. 3- D. 4- 5- 3- b. E. 3- 5- . t 17 45 El as 3D fll 45 5D 3fl Ifl 115 tt 73 3E 73 IDE fl4 bfl E7 13E 15 4-13 1-lfl 5-5D 1-DD 11. b LIE 3-5D 4-DD ID- 5 D-E5 4-DD 1D-D 3-DD IE- 5 1-DD El-E fl.SE 14- fl 14-4 ID- 5 D-E5 4-DD 11-4 3-54 El- 3 1-Efl 33- D 11. E E4-1 E7-b 13- D 3-b3 b-DD 3fl-7 fi.fiD Eb-D 1-57 45-3 43- D 44- E 3E-D 15-5 7-DD EE-1 14E 11. D bl-D 1-57 1b-3 1ED 113 tfl.D 15-5 7-DD EE-1 ------- 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER D 114 flD 133 It t t 7 1 D D D 31 EE 35 11 15 ID 11 D. • 3 .7 • 4 • E . t .7 • 1 E5 • 31D • 41D • 73D • fllD l.b? 4-75 3-flE • E5D lEb. 14E. 155. E4. 31. Eb. 17. D. fl3 4D 5b D3 13 Dfl E5 E5 Efl-1 E3-4 3D- 4 7-43 ID- 5 fl.El 5-41 E. E. E. 1. 4. 3. E. 71 bE b4 at 3D 35 D7 IE 1D3 fit tt b7 7b 4b 3. 1. 3. D. 1. 4. 3. D. 5b bl 74 fll b7 75 flE E5 Lb3 b-Dfl IE- 7 4- bfl ID. fl 5-b5 4. fll D-E5 El- 5 15-1 E5-4 ID- 4 13- E 7-D3 13-4 D-E5 44.4 33.7 41.D 17-3 E3-D 13-1 Ib-E D-E5 1D1 7D-1 15-5 E4-D 31.1 Eb-1 17-E D-E5 Eco_ Level, III SEASON MEAN Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter Chla_Tric_U_ug_L_Median MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 MEDIAN P75 P15 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 1 1 1 D 11 13 It E D D D D 114 flD 133 It t fl 14 1 D D D ED 5- n tE 37 41 11 31 EE 35 11 11 ID IE 1. .4 33 • D .5 .fl . t • 1 . t • 1 • 1 • 1 .4 • E .4 El ED- 4 5-33 11. D 1E-D 3-DD 5-DD E-fll • DSD • 44D • flflD 1. b4 E-3D LSD 1-DD LEI ED. 5. 11. 133. 137. 1E3. ED. 115. 13t. 13b. EL 3fl. 3D. E7. 1. 4D 33 DD DD DD DD ID Efl 55 14 11 as E7 5D El ED- 4 5-33 11. D 4t.fi 4E-1 3fl-7 lE-fl Efl. 3 E4-E EL 5 7-17 13-1 1-4E 7-53 14 11 1. 1. E. E. E. 1. 5- 3- E. • 1 • 7 b7 D5 ts 7D 55 11 35 33 Dl 75 HE 7fl IDfl ID IDt fl4 7E b7 IE tl 1E-D 3. 5. E. 3. 1. 3. 1. E. 1. 1. 1. DD DD fll 15 17 4t t4 3D 5D DD El ED- 4 5-33 11. D ED-D 1-DD 11. D E-fll a. at t.m 1E-1 3- ID 13-1 4-B7 b-DE LEI ED- 4 5-33 11. D 43- b EE-D 3b-5 11-1 E3-1 14-7 E5-1 1D-E 15-1 b-14 11-5 LEI ED 5- 11 .4 33 • D HE 43 flE ED 45 33 4fl It 3D 13 Ifl 1. • 3 • D • 1 .5 • 1 • 1 • 1 .4 • 1 .fl El ED- 4 5-33 11. D 133 137 1E3 ED-1 1b-1 71-4 flfl.fl E1-E 3fl.fl 3D- 3 E7-5 LEI ------- Eco_ Level, III Eco_ Level, III SEASON SEASON Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter DO_mg_L_Median MEAN MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 MEDIAN Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: vi Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter NOE_N03_mg_L_Median MEAN MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 MEDIAN P75 P75 PIS 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 3b El 51 44 5E 51 73 3E 7 5 b 7 D D D D D D D D D D D 1. 1. 7- 7- 1. ID fl. 1. 1. 1. b • 1. b7 7E 47 EE DE • E 3D 4D 4fl 41 4D fib 4- flD fl.SD • 75D • 7DD 4- 45 4- flD 1-Sfl • 45D 7- 3D fl.SD 4- flD E-bD 13. 11. ID. 14. 14. 13. 13. 13. ID. ID. 1. 13. bD flD bD 3D 4D ID 4D DD 75 ID DS b5 1. D. 1. 4. E. E. E. 3. 1. D. 1. 3. bS fll 74 IE 4D D5 IE ID 4b 11 SD .17 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 1. E7 Ib E3 bE 33 E7 E5 55 55 44 bl 5D 17 1 E3 57 E7 ED Eb 33 15 ID E3 4D b. fl. 4. D. 5. 5. 5. D. 7. fl. 4. E. 75 5D 7D as 3D 15 D5 flD 3D 5D flD bD fl. 1. b. 3. 7. 1. 7. 1. 7. fl. 5. 7. flD ED 4D ED 5D E5 DD D5 bD 7D ED 4D 1. 1. 7- fl. fl. ID fl. ID 1. 1. b. ID b4 5D flD 15 15 • 3 Ifl • 3 flD 3D Efl • b ID- 4 1D-D fl.55 1D-1 1D-D 11. b 1-bD 11. E ID- 7 ID-l b.flD 13- E IE- 5 11. b 1D-D 1E-E 13-4 13- fl 1E-E 13- D ID-fl 1D-1 1-D5 13-7 PIS 4t 4t 4t 4t 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING E4 n 5fl E5 tE b7 7T 3T fl 3 D. D. D. D. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D7 ID IE 15 Ifl DE tfl 35 DE DE • DDE • DDfl • DDE • DD3 • DDD • DDD • DDD • DDD • DD3 • DDb D. D. D. D. 4. 7. t. 4. D. D. 31 73 75 55 DD ED Tfl 55 D5 D4 D. D. D. D. D. 1. 1. D. D. D. D7 17 EE 13 tD fl4 44 7b DE DE D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • Dl • D4 • D3 • D3 • Dfl • EE • It • IE • Dl • Dl 1DD Ib5 IflD fl4 3ET 17T Ell Elfl 11 lib D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • DD • Dl • DD • Dl • DD • DD • DD • DD • DD • Dl D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • DE • DE • Dl • Dl • DD • Dl • DD • D4 • DD • Dl D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • D5 • D3 • DE .11 • Dl • E5 • Dt • IE • DE • Dl D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • ID • ID • ID • E3 • Dfl • flfl .44 • E5 • D3 • D4 D. D. D. D. D. 5. 4. 1. D. D. 14 73 7D 41 tE 1b T5 47 D5 D4 ------- 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER a 4 151 13D It7 E7 3t 3fl 47 E 4 ID 1 D. D. D. 1. D. 1. D. E. 1. 3. 4. E. E. DE .11 15 57 tE DE 51 Efl E7 4t Ifl ID 51 • DD5 • D7D • DD3 • DD3 • DD3 • DD3 • DID • DE5 • DE5 • 4DD l.flt • DE5 • DE5 D. D. 3. 1. 7. fl. E. t. 5. t. 1. 7. ID. Dt 3fl 7D ID 5D ED 4t 11 flfl 5E 13 Ifl D4 D. D. D. E. 1. 1. D. E. 1. 4. 3. E. 3. DE 14 43 31 Efl IE t7 El 4E 33 37 75 11 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 3. 1. D. 1. Dl D7 D4 ED ID 37 11 3t El Dt tfl fl7 D4 1ED 74 Efll 147 ED7 Ifll 131 17 HE 1E5 fll 15 1E4 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 1. D. D. Dl D7 DD DD DD D3 D3 D3 D3 4D at D3 D3 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. E. D. D. • Dl • D1 • DD • D3 • DD • ID • D3 .41 .11 • 4D .Dt .54 • D3 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 1. D. 3. E. E. E. Dl 15 D3 3fl D3 E7 E4 El 7D 4t at 37 33 D. D. D. E. D. D. D. 3. 1. t. t. 4. E. Dl Efl ID ID 5D ID 75 at IE 5E 3D 4D 14 D. D. 1. 7- 3- 5- E. t. 4- t. 1. 7- ID Dt 3fl DD 4D flD Ifl 14 E4 53 5E 13 Ifl • D Eco_ Level, III SEASON Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter SECCHI m Median MEAN MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 MEDIAN P75 P15 4t 4t 4t 4t 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 43 3t 55 El IE IE IDfl 54 t 4 t 1 171 Itl 117 31 11 11 ED 1 D D 1 D. 1. D. 1. D. 1. D. 1. 1. E. 1. D. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. D. D. D. E. fl3 It It 47 bl Ifl flD E7 3fl ED 75 71 D4 11 Dl Et t3 flD t3 74 to • 111 • Elb • E5D • ED3 • 15D • EDD • 1E7 • ED3 . tlD • 5D5 . tlD • 711 • D7b • D7b • 15E • EflD • 3D5 • 15E • IDE • 737 E. to E. 3. 3. 3. 3. 4. 3. 5. E. 3. E. D. 5. 4. 4. 3. 1. 1. 1. D. E. St D5 DD tt 35 flfl 51 Ifl 5E fll Ifl 71 El IE 75 1b D5 b5 D7 74 to D. D. D. 1. D. 1. D. 1. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 53 75 53 D5 Mt DE St DE 73 37 7fl 71 ID fl3 14 El 41 E7 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • Dfl .13 • D7 • E3 • D5 .11 • D5 .14 • 3D . ta • 3E • Dt • D7 • Dt .15 • D1 • IE • Dt tM ts St 71 tt fl7 71 flD 53 tE 44 7t 7t 7t 74 4t 51 43 D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. E. • E7 • 3D .33 • E3 • ED • 3D • E5 • 3D . tl .51 . tl .71 .31 • 3D .31 .31 .31 .15 • IE .74 . tD D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 1. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. E. 45 t3 St 7t 3t 5D 4D t3 fl4 E4 37 71 51 57 55 51 41 4t 43 74 tD D. D. D. 1. D. D. D. 1. 1. E. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. E. 75 IE at Dfl tE 71 tt D4 Ifl E4 77 71 fl4 11 fll 11 5D flD t7 74 tD 1. 1. 1. E. D. 1. 1. 1. 1. 3. 1. D. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. 1. D. D. E. IE ta E4 5D ID 5D D7 4D 17 It Ifl 71 E3 5D 37 74 11 D4 fl3 74 tD 1. E. 1. 3. 1. 3. 1. 3. E. 3. E. D. E. 3. E. 3. 1. 1. 1. D. E. fl3 ID 71 5t 5D E3 flD It 5E fll Ifl 71 t4 31 tE 7D D5 ts DD 74 tD ------- Eco_ Level, III SEASON MEAN Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TKN_mg_L_Hedian niN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV PES MEDIAN P75 PIS 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 37 E5 bb 4E bb b7 fll 43 fl 3 fl fl &5 7E IDE 11 3b 3fl 47 1 4 ID 1 1. 1. 1. E. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. D. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. Ifl as flE 5E 41 E3 41 E5 Dl 13 5D bl 15 ID D4 flfl 7b bfl fl7 IE 53 bb fl7 • 3flD 1-14 • SflS • flDD • in • EDD • Ib3 • 13fl • 35D • fl3D • fl75 • D7D • 17D • 11D • DE5 • EDD • 175 • EDD • 1DD • TED • 3DD • 4DD • 4DD 3. 3. 4. 5. 3. 3. 4. 5. 1. 1. E. 1. E. 1. 3. 1. E. 1. E. D. D. 1. 1. 7b b7 D3 15 15 5D 15 DD 77 5D 54 7b 7D ID 15 7D 15 b5 DD IE ID D5 ID D. D. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 75 b5 bl 11 b3 54 bl fl4 b3 34 5E bb 51 3fl 55 44 45 34 4b Eb EE 4b D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. • IE .13 • Dl .17 • Dfl • D7 • Dfl .13 • EE • ED .11 • E3 • D5 • D4 • D5 • ID • D7 • D5 • D7 .13 • D7 .15 3fl 35 3fl 44 45 44 4b b7 b3 3D 35 Tb 53 4E 53 5D 51 41 5E 5D 33 53 D. 1. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. ID Ib IE Db 74 7E flD 55 35 fl3 flfl D7 E4 E7 4D ED E5 E4 3D IE 3D 4D 4D 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. 1. D. D. D. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. 47 35 35 53 DD IE Dl 75 4D fl3 13 IE bD b5 7D 5D 4fl 41 5fl IE 35 5D 54 1. 1. 1. E. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. 1. 1. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. as fll 7D E5 E5 13 3D D3 17 D7 44 5D ID as 11 IE b5 b5 flD IE 45 b3 75 E. E. E. 3. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. D. 1. D. D. D. 1. 5fl IE Efl 45 77 3fl fll 54 bD 5D 74 EE 15 Ifl 11 ED flfl as ID IE 7D as DD 3. E. 3. 4. E. E. E. E. 1. 1. E. 1. 1. 1. E. 1. 1. 1. 1. D. D. 1. 1. 5D ID D4 31 fl4 Dfl 4fl bD 77 5D 54 7b 7D 55 D5 7D 75 55 75 IE ID D5 ID Eco_ Level Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: vi Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TN_mg_L_Median II 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl SEASON FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL N E 1 E E D D D D D MEAN E. 1. E. 3. Db 74 Ib D3 MIN 1. 1. 1. E. b3 74 IE 44 MAX STDDEV E. 1. E. 3. 5D D-bE 74 31 D-33 bE D.flM STDERR CV D-44 3D D-E3 15 D-51 Efl P5 PES MEDIAN 1. 1. 1. E. b3 74 IE 44 1. 1. 1. E. b3 74 IE 44 E. 1. E. 3. Db 74 Ib D3 P75 E-5D 1-74 E-31 3-bE P15 E-5D 1-74 E-31 3-bE ------- 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER D 1 1 D D D D D D D D D D D Eco_ Level, III l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE l.Db 3-EE SEASON Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion: VI Lakes and Reservoirs Descriptive Statistics by Decade and Season Parameter TP_ug_L_Median MEAN MIN MAX STDDEV STDERR CV P5 PE5 MEDIAN P75 l.Db 3-EE P15 4b 4b 4b 4b 47 47 47 47 4fl 4fl 4fl 4fl 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 57 57 57 FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER WINTER FALL SPRING SUMMER 43 3E bl 45 75 75 IE 43 ID 5 11 1 151 131 Ib5 E7 35 3fl 47 E 4 ID 1 HE Ifl4 EE1 331 141 1D1 13b 1D4 Ib-D 13-5 17fl i4b flS. 3 Sfl-D 14-7 fit. 5 77- fl flfl.b 1fl.4 53-1 E1D SD-fl 43-3 ED-D 1D-D ED-D E-5D E5-D • DDD E5-D 5-DD 5-DD 4D-D 5D-D 5-DD 5-DD b-5D 5-DD 1D-D 5-DD E-5D E-5D 4D-D 1D-D fl.DD 4-75 11D. 5DD. 1D3D. IflSD. 135. 775. TED. 3fl5. EflD. IbD. 37D. IflD. 74D. 57E. flDS. 47D. 545. 4ED. 411. bb. 17D. 14D. 11D. DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD DD 5D DD DD DD DD 75 E5 DD DD DD 17D 1E5 lib 4Dfl 13E 11. S 111 IDE fll-7 4fl-7 114 315 IDS 75-7 1E7 1D1 11. E 13. b 11-4 Ifl.b 4bD 4E-3 35-4 E5-1 EE-E E3-b bD.fi 15-3 11-5 IE- 4 15-5 Efl-4 El-fl 34- E IDS fl.51 b-bE l.flfl 11-4 Ib.fl 1S-E 14-5 13-1 E3D 13-4 11. fl fll bfl fib 1E3 14 11 fl7 17 13 SE b4 E15 1E3 131 134 117 lEfl IDb 1D1 35 15fl fl3 flE E5-D ED-b 3D-D 3D-D 3E-5 E5-D 3D-D EE-5 5-DD 4D-D 5D-D 5-DD 1D-D LSD 1D-D 1D-D 5-75 E-5D 5-DD 4D-D 1D-D fl.DD 4-75 ID ID flD ID b5 5D bD 4D 5D 5E flS 5- E5 ED ED IE ED 3D 4D 4D ID ID ID • D • D • D • D • D • D • D • D • D • 5 • D DD • D • D • D • 5 • D • D • D • D • D • D • D 17D 15D IflD 11D 1DD flD-D IDb 7D-D 57-5 1DD 135 45- D bD-D 3D-D 45- D 7D-D bD-D 57-5 7D-D 53-1 1D-D 4D-D 4D-D E35 E7D E1D 3fl5 175 11D 155 1ED 15D 115 E15 75- D 11D 7D-D 11D 11D 1D-D 11D 13D bb-3 57D 7D-D bS-D 4bD 41D b7D 1DDD 335 Eb3 34D 33D EflD IbD 37D IflD EflS EDD 375 3DD EbD EflD E15 bb-3 17D 14D 11D ------- APPENDIX C Quality Control/Quality Assurance Rules ------- Support for the Compilation and Analysis of National Nutrient Data 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters Prepared for: Robert Cantilli Environmental Protection Agency OW/OST/HECD Prepared by: INDUS Corporation 1953 Gallows Road Vienna, Virginia 22182 Contract Number: 68-C-99-226 Task Number: 04 Subtask Number: 4 August 8, 2000 ------- CONTENTS 1.0 BACKGROUND 1 1.1 Purpose 1 1.2 References 1 2.0 QA/QC PROCEDURES 2 2.1 National Data Sets 3 2.2 State Data 3 2.3 Laboratory Methods 4 2.4 Waterbody Name 4 2.5 Ecoregion Data 5 3.0 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORTS 5 3.1 Data Source Reports 6 3.2 Remark Code Reports 7 3.3 Median of Each Waterbody 7 3.4 Descriptive Statistic Reports 7 3.5 Regression Models 8 4.0 TIME PERIOD 8 5.0 DATA SOURCES AND PARAMETERS FOR THE AGGREGATE NUTRIENT ECOREGIONS 9 5.1 Lakes and Reservoirs 9 5.1.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 9 5.1.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 10 5.1.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 10 5.1.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 8 11 5.1.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 12 5.1.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 12 5.1.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 13 5.1.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 13 13 5.2 Rivers and Streams 14 5.2.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 14 5.2.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 3 15 5.2.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 16 5.2.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 16 5.2.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 17 5.2.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 18 5.2.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 19 5.2.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 14 20 ------- APPENDIX A Process Used to QA/QA the Legacy STORE! Nutrient Data Set APPENDIX B Process for Adding Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregions and Level III Ecoregions APPENDIX C Glossary in ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 1.0 BACKGROUND The Nutrient Criteria Program has initiated development of a national Nutrient Criteria Database application that will be used to store and analyze nutrient data. The ultimate use of these data will be to derive ecoregion- and waterbody-specific nutrient criteria ranges. EPA converted STOrage and RETrieval (STORET) legacy data, National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) data, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) data, and other relevant nutrient data from universities and States/Tribes into the database. The data imported into the Nutrient Criteria Database will be used to develop national nutrient criteria ranges. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this deliverable is to provide EPA with information regarding the data used to create the statistical reports which will be used to derive ecoregion- and waterbody-specific nutrient criteria ranges for Level III ecoregions. There are fourteen aggregate nutrient ecoregions. Each aggregate nutrient ecoregion is divided into smaller ecoregions referred to as Level III ecoregions. EPA will determine criteria ranges for the waterbody types and Level III ecoregions within the following aggregate nutrient ecoregions: Lakes and Reservoirs Aggregate Nutrient ecoregions: 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 • Rivers and Streams Aggregate Nutrient ecoregions: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14 1.2 References This section lists documents that contain baselines, standards, guidelines, policies, and references that apply to the data analysis. Listed editions were valid at the time of publication. All documents are subject to revision, but these specific editions govern the concepts described in this document. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Lakes and Reservoirs (Draft). EPA, Office of Water, EPA 822-D-99-001, April 1999. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Rivers and Streams (Draft). EPA, Office of Water, EPA 822-D-99-003, September 1999. Guidance for Data Quality Assessment: Practical Methods for Data Analysis. EPA, Office of Research and Development, EPA QA/G-9, January 1998. ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 2.0 QA/QC PROCEDURES In order to develop nutrient criteria, EPA needed to obtain nutrient data from the states. EPA requested nutrient data from the states and forwarded the data sets to INDUS via e-mail and/or US mail. In addition, EPA tasked INDUS to convert data from three national data sets. EPA provided INDUS with a Legacy STORET extraction to convert into the database. The United States Geologic Survey (USGS) sent INDUS a CD-ROM with NASQAN data to convert. INDUS downloaded NAWQA files from the USGS Web site to convert the data. In total, INDUS converted and imported the following national and state data sets into the Nutrient Criteria Database: Legacy STORET NAWQA NASQAN • Region 1 • Region 2 - Lake Champlain Monitoring Project • Region 2 - NYSDEC Finger Lakes Monitoring Program • Region 2 - NY Citizens Lake Assessment Program • Region 2 - Lake Classification and Inventory Survey Region 2 - NYCDEP (1990-1998) Region 2 - NYCDEP (Storm Event data) Region 2 - New Jersey Nutrient Data ( Tidal Waters) • Region 5 • Region 3 • Region 3 - Nitrite Data • Region 3 - Choptank River files • Region 4 - Tennessee Valley Authority • Region 7 - Central Plains Center for BioAssessment (CPCB) Region 7 - REMAP • Region 2 - Delaware River Basin Commission (1990-1998) • Region 3 - PA Lake Data • Region 3 - University of Delaware • Region 10 • University of Auburn As part of the conversion process, INDUS performed a number of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) steps to ensure that the data was properly converted into the Nutrient Criteria Database. Section 2 explains the steps performed by INDUS to convert the data. ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 2.1 National Data Sets INDUS converted three national data sets into the Nutrient Criteria Database: Legacy STORET data, NASQAN data, and NAWQA data. A previous EPA contractor performed the extraction of Legacy STORET data and documented the QA/QC procedures used on the data. This documentation is included in Appendix A. INDUS performed minimal QA/QC on the Legacy STORET data set because the previous contractor completed the steps outlined in Appendix A. INDUS and EPA also agreed to convert the NAWQA and NASQAN data sets with minimal QA/QC on the assumption that the source agency, the USGS, QA/QC'd the data. For each of the three national data sets, INDUS ran queries to determine if 1) samples existed without results and 2) if stations existed without samples. Per Task Order Project Officer (TOPO) direction, these records were deleted from the system. For analysis purposes, EPA determined that there was no need to keep station records with no samples and sample records with no results. INDUS also confirmed that each data set contained no duplicate records. In addition, INDUS deleted all composite results from the Legacy STORET data. Per TOPO direction, it was decided that composite sample results would not be used in the statistical analysis. 2.2 State Data Each state data set was delivered in a unique format. Many of the data sets were delivered to INDUS without corresponding documentation. INDUS analyzed each state data set in order to determine which parameters should be converted for analysis. INDUS obtained a master parameter table from EPA and converted the parameters in the state data sets according to those that were present in the EPA parameter table. INDUS converted all of the data elements in the state data sets that mapped directly to the Nutrient Criteria Database; data elements that did not map to the Nutrient Criteria Database were not converted. In some cases, state data elements that did not directly map into the Oracle database were inserted into a comment field within the database. Also, INDUS maintained an internal record of which state data elements were inserted into the comment field. As part of the data clean-up efforts, INDUS determined whether or not there were any duplicate records in the state data sets and deleted the duplicate records. INDUS checked the waterbody, station, and sample entities for duplicate records. In addition, INDUS deleted station records with no samples and sample records with no results. INDUS also deleted waterbody records that were not associated with a station. In each case, INDUS maintained an internal record of how many records were deleted. If INDUS encountered referential integrity errors, such as samples that referred to stations that did not exist, or if INDUS was unsure of whether a record was a duplicate, INDUS contacted the agency directly via e-mail or phone to resolve any issues that arose. INDUS saved an electronic ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 copy of each e-mail correspondence with the states to ensure that a record of the decision was maintained. INDUS also contacted each agency to determine which laboratory methods were used for each parameter. Finally, INDUS examined the remark codes of each result record in the state data sets. INDUS mapped the remark codes to the STORET remark codes listed in Table 2 of Appendix A. If any of the state result records were associated with remark codes marked as "Delete" in Table 2 of Appendix A, the result records were not converted into the database. 2.3 Laboratory Methods Many of the state data sets did not contain laboratory method information. In addition, laboratory method information was not available for the three national data sets. In order to determine missing laboratory method information, EPA tasked another contractor to contact the data owners to obtain the laboratory method. In some cases, the data owners responded and the laboratory methods were added to the database. 2.4 Waterbody Name and Class Information A large percentage of the data did not have waterbody-specific information. The only waterbody information contained in the three national data sets was the waterbody name, which was embedded in the station 'location description' field. Most of the state data sets contained waterbody name information; however, much of the data was duplicated throughout the data sets. Therefore, the waterbody information was cleaned manually. For the three national data sets, the 'location description' field was extracted from the station table and moved to a temporary table. The 'location description' field was sorted alphabetically. Unique waterbodies were grouped together based on name similarity and whether or not the waterbodies fell within the same county, state, and waterbody type. Finally, the 'location description' field was edited to include only waterbody name information, not descriptive information. For example, 110 MILE CREEK AT POMONA DAM OUTFLOW, KS PO-2 was edited to 110 MILE CREEK. Also, if 100 MILE CREEK was listed ten times in New York, but in four different counties, four 100 MILE CREEK waterbody records were created. Similar steps were taken to eliminate duplicate waterbody records in the state data sets. If a number of records had similar waterbody names and fell within the same state, county, and waterbody type, the records were grouped to create a unique waterbody record. Most of the waterbody data did not contain depth, surface area, and volume measurements. EPA needed this information to classify waterbody types. EPA attempted to obtain waterbody class ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 information from the states. EPA sent waterbody files to the regional coordinators and requested that certain class information be completed by each state. The state response was poor; therefore, EPA was not able to perform statistical analysis for the waterbody types by class. 2.5 Ecoregion Data Aggregate nutrient ecoregions and Level III ecoregions were added to the database using the station latitude and longitude coordinates. If a station was lacking latitude and longitude coordinates or county information, the data were not included in the statistical analysis. Appendix B lists the steps taken to add the two ecoregion types (aggregate and Level III) to the Nutrient Criteria Database. The ecoregion names were pulled from aggregate nutrient ecoregion and Level III ecoregion Geographical Information System (GIS) coverages. In summary, the station latitude and longitude coordinates were used to determine the ecoregion under the following circumstances: The latitude and longitude coordinates fell within the county/state listed in the station table. The county data was missing. The county centroid was used to determine the ecoregions under the following circumstances: The latitude and longitude coordinates were missing, but the state/county information was available. The latitude and longitude coordinates fell outside the county/state listed in the station table. The county information was assumed to be correct; therefore, the county centroid was used. If the latitude and longitude coordinates fell outside the continental US county coverage file (i.e., the point fell in the ocean or Mexico/Canada), the nearest ecoregion was assigned to the station. 3.0 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORTS Aggregate nutrient ecoregion tables were created by extracting all observations for a specific aggregate nutrient ecoregion from the nutrient criteria database. Then, the data were reduced to create tables containing only the yearly median values. To create these tables, the median value for each waterbody was calculated using all observations for each waterbody by Level III ecoregion, year, and season. Tables of decade median values were created from the yearly median tables by calculating the median for each waterbody by Level III ecoregion by decade and season. ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 The Data Source and the Remark Code reports were created using all observations (all reported values). All the other reports were created from either the yearly median tables or the decade median tables. In other words, the descriptive statistics and regressions were run using the median values for each waterbody and not the individual reported values. Statistical analyses were performed under the assumption that this data set is a random sample. If this assumption cannot be verified, the observations may or may not be valid. Values below the 1st and 99th percentile were removed from the Legacy STORET database prior to the creation of the national database. Also, data were treated according the Legacy STORET remark codes in Appendix A. The following contains a list of each report and the purpose for creating each report: Data Source Created to provide a count of the amount of data and to identify the source(s). Remark Codes Created to provide a description of the data. • Median of Each Waterbody by Year This was an intermediate step performed to obtain a median value for each lake to be used in the yearly descriptive statistics reports and the regression models. Median of Each Waterbody by Decade This was an intermediate step performed to obtain a median value for each lake to be used in the decade descriptive statistics. Descriptive Statistics Created to provide EPA with the desired statistics for setting criteria levels. Regression Models Created to examine the relationships between biological and nutrient variables. Note: Separate reports were created for each season. 3.1 Data Source Reports Data source reports were presented in the following formats: • The number and percentage of data from each data source were summarized in tables for each aggregate nutrient ecoregion by season and waterbody type. The number and percentage of data from each data source were summarized in tables for each Level III ecoregion by season and waterbody type. The 'Frequency' represents the number of data values from a specific data source for each parameter by data source. The 'Row Pet' represents the percentage of data from a specific data source for each parameter. ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 3.2 Remark Code Reports Remark code reports were presented in the following formats: • The number and percentage of data associated with a particular remark code for each parameter were summarized in tables by Level III ecoregion by decade and season. The number and percentage of data associated with a particular remark code for each parameter were summarized in tables by Level III ecoregion by year and season. The 'Frequency' represents the number of data values corresponding to the remark code in the column. The 'Row Pet' represents the percentage of data that was associated with the remark code in that row. In the database, remark codes that were entered by the states were mapped to Legacy STORET remark codes. Prior to the analysis, the data were treated according to these remark codes. For example, if the remark code was 'K,' then the reported value was divided by two. Appendix A contains a complete list of Legacy STORET remark codes. Note: For the reports, a remark code of'Z' indicates that no remark codes were recorded. It does not correspond to Legacy STORET code 'Z.' 3.3 Median of Each Waterbody To reduce the data and to ensure heavily sampled waterbodies or years were not over represented in the analysis, median value tables (described above) were created. The yearly median tables and decade median tables were delivered to the EPA in electronic format as csv (comma separated value or comma delimited) files. 3.4 Descriptive Statistic Reports The number of waterbodies, median, mean, minimum, maximum, 5th, 25th , 75th , 95th percentiles, standard deviation, standard error, and coefficient of variation were calculated. The tables (described above) containing the decade median values for each waterbody for each parameter were used to create descriptive statistics reports for: • Level III ecoregions by decade and season Aggregate nutrient ecoregions by decade and season In addition, the tables containing the yearly median values for each waterbody for each parameter were used to create descriptive statistics reports for: • Level III ecoregions by year and season ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 3.5 Regression Models Simple linear regressions using the least squares method were performed to examine the relationships between biological and nutrient variables in lakes and reservoirs, and rivers and streams. Regressions were performed using the yearly median tables. Chlorophyll(s) in micrograms per liter (ug/L), secchi in meters (m), dissolved oxygen in milligrams per liter (mg/L), turbidity, and pH were the biological variables in these models. When there was little or no data for chlorophyll, then pH or dissolved oxygen was substituted for chlorophyll. Secchi data were used in the lake and reservoir models, and turbidity data were used in the river and stream models. The nutrient variables in these models include: total phosphorus in ug/L, total nitrogen in mg/L, total kjeldahl nitrogen in mg/L, and nitrate and nitrite in mg/L. Regressions were also run for total nitrogen and total phosphorus for ecoregions where both these variables were measured. Note: At the time of creation of this document only regressions for aggregate nutrient ecoregion 7 for lakes and reservoirs were delivered to the EPA. Regressions for the remaining aggregate nutrient ecoregions will be delivered in August 2000. 4.0 TIME PERIOD Data collected from January 1990 to December 1999 were used in the statistical analysis reports. To capture seasonal differences, the data were classified as follows: Aggregate nutrient ecoregions: 6, 7, and 8 Spring: April to May Summer: June to August Fall: September to October Winter: November to March • Aggregate nutrient ecoregions: 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Spring: March to May Summer: June to August Fall: September to November Winter: December to February ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 5.0 DATA SOURCES AND PARAMETERS FOR THE AGGREGATE NUTRIENT ECOREGIONS This section provides information for the nutrient aggregate ecoregions that were analyzed by waterbody type. Each section lists the data sources for the aggregate nutrient ecoregion including: 1) the data sources, 2) the parameters included in the analysis, and 3) the Level III ecoregions within the aggregate nutrient ecoregions. Note: For analysis purposes, the following parameters were combined to form Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP): Phosphorus, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) Phosphorus, Dissolved (DP) Phosphorus, Dissolved Reactive (DRP) Orthophosphate, dissolved, mg/L as P Orthophosphate (OPO4_PO4) 5.1 Lakes and Reservoirs 5.1.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 Data Sources: Legacy STORE! EPA Region 10 Parameter: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total Reactive (ug/L) SECCHI (m) pH ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Level III ecoregions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 41, 77, 78 5.1.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Data Sources: Legacy STORE! Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 46, 47, 48, 54, 55, 57 5.1.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 Data Sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NYCDEP EPA Region 1 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) 10 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 51, 52, 53, 56,60,61, 83 5.1.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 8 Data Sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NYCDEP NYCDEC EPA Region 1 EPA Region 3 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B (ug/L) Chlorophyll C (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 49, 50, 58, 62, 82 11 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 5.1.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 Data Sources: Auburn University Legacy STORE! EPA Region 4 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Pheophytin (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 29, 33, 35, 37, 40, 45, 64, 65, 71, 72, 74 5.1.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 Data Sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NYSDEC EPA Region 3 EPA Region 4 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Pheophytin (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) 12 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 36, 38, 39, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 5.1.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 Data Sources: Legacy STORET Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 75 5.1.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 13 Data Sources: Legacy STORET 13 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 76 5.2 Rivers and Streams 5.2.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 Data Sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 10 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) Reactive (ug/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) 14 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 41, 77, 78 5.2.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 3 Data Sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 10 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 79, 80, 81 15 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 5.2.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Data Sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) Nitrogen, Total (TN) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) Organic, Phosphorus Phosphorus, Total (TP) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P Turbidity Turbidity Turbidity Level III ecoregions: 46, 47, 48, 54, 55, 57 5.2.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 Data Sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA NYCDEP August 8, 2000 (ug/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (ug/L) (FTU) (JCU) (NTU) 16 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 51, 52, 53, 56,60,61, 83 5.2.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 Data Sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 3 EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) August 8, 2000 17 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 29, 33, 35, 37, 40, 45, 64, 65, 71, 72, 74 5.2.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 Data Sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 3 EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) August 8, 2000 18 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 36, 38, 39, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 5.2.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 Data Sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: August 8, 2000 75 19 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 5.2.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 14 Data Sources: Legacy STORE! NASQAN NAWQA NYCDEP EPA Region 1 EPA Region 3 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 59, 63, 84 20 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 APPENDIX A Process Used to QA/QA the Legacy STORE! Nutrient Data Set A-l ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 1. STORET water quality parameters and Station and Sample data items were retrieved from USEPA's mainframe computer. Table 1 lists all retrieved parameters and data items. TABLE 1: PARAMETERS AND DATA ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM STORET Parameters Retrieved (STORET Parameter Code) TN - mg/1 (600) TKN - mg/1 (625) Total Ammonia (NH3+NH4) - mg/1 (610) Total NO2+NO3 - mg/1 (630) Total Nitrite -mg/1 (6 15) Total Nitrate - mg/1 (620) Organic N - mg/L (605) TP - mg/1 (665) Chlor a - ug/L (spectrophotometric method, 32211) Chlor a - ug/L (fluorometric method corrected, 32209) Chlor a - ug/L (trichromatic method corrected, 32210) Secchi Transp. - inches (77) Secchi Transp. - meters (78) +Turbidity JCUs (70) +Turbidity FTUs (76) +Turbidity NTUs field (82078) +Turbidity NTUs lab (82079) +DO - mg/L (300) +Water Temperature (degrees C, 10/degrees F, 11) Station Data Items Included (STORET Item Name) Station Type (TYPE) Agency Code (AGENCY) Station No. (STATION) Latitude - std. decimal degrees (LATSTD) Longitude - std. decimal degrees (LONGSTD) Station Location (LOCNAME) County Name (CONAME) State Name (STNAME) Ecoregion Name - Level III (ECONAME) Ecoregion Code -Level III (ECOREG) Station Elevation (ELEV) Hydrologic Unit Code (CATUNIT) RF1 Segment and Mile (RCHMIL) RF ION/OFF tag (ONOFF) Sample Data Items Included (STORET Item Name) Sample Date (DATE) Sample Time (TIME) Sample Depth (DEPTH) Composite Sample Code (SAMPMETH) + If data record available at a station included data only for this or other such marked parameters, data record was deleted from data set. The following set of retrieval rules were applied to the retrieval process: Data were retrieved for waterbodies specified only as 'lake', 'stream', 'reservoir', or 'estuary' under "Station Type" parameter. Any stations specified as 'well,' 'spring,' or 'outfall' were eliminated from the retrieved data set. Data were retrieved for station types described as 'ambient' (e.g., no pipe or facility discharge data) under the "Station Type" parameter. Data were retrieved that were designated as 'water' samples only. This includes 'bottom' and 'vertically integrated' water samples. A-2 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Data were retrieved that were designated as either 'grab' samples and 'composite' samples (mean result only). No limits were specified for sample depths. Data were retrieved for all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The time period specified for data retrieval was January 1990 to September 1998. No data marked as "Retired Data" (i.e., data from a generally unknown source) were retrieved. Data marked as "National Urban Runoff data" (i.e., data associated with sampling conducted after storm events to assess nonpoint source pollutants) were included in the retrieval. Such data are part of STORET's 'Archived' data. Intensive survey data (i.e., data collected as part of specific studies) were retrieved. Any values falling below the 1st percentile and any values falling above the 99th percentile were transformed into 'missing' values (i.e., values were effectively removed from the data set, but were not permanently eliminated). Based on the STORET 'Remark Code' associated with each retrieved data point, the following rules were applied (Table 2): TABLE 2: STORET REMARK CODE RULES STORET Remark Code blank - Data not remarked. A - Value reported is the mean of two or more determinations. B - Results based upon colony counts outside the acceptable ranges. C - Calculated. Value stored was not measured directly, but was calculated from other data available. D - Field measurement. Keep or Delete Data Point Keep Keep Delete Keep Keep A-3 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 E - Extra sample taken in compositing process. F - In the case of species, F indicates female sex. G - Value reported is the maximum of two or more determinations. H - Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate. I - The value reported is less than the practical quantification limit and greater than or equal to the method detection limit. J - Estimated. Value shown is not a result of analytical measurement. K - Off-scale low. Actual value not known, but known to be less than value shown. L - Off-scale high. Actual value not known, but known to be greater than value shown. M - Presence of material verified, but not quantified. Indicates a positive detection, at a level too low to permit accurate quantification. N - Presumptive evidence of presence of material. O - Sample for, but analysis lost. Accompanying value is not meaningful for analysis. P - Too numerous to count. Q - Sample held beyond normal holding time. R - Significant rain in the past 48 hours. S - Laboratory test. T - Value reported is less than the criteria of detection. Delete Delete Delete Delete Keep, but used one-half the reported value as the new value. Delete Keep, but used one-half the reported value as the new value. Keep Keep, but used one half the reported value as the new value. Delete Delete Delete Delete Delete Keep Keep, but replaced reported value with 0. A-4 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 U - Material was analyzed for, but not detected. Value stored is the limit of detection for the process in use. V - Indicates the analyte was detected in both the sample and associated method blank. W - Value observed is less than the lowest value reportable under remark "T." X - Value is quasi vertically-integrated sample. Y - Laboratory analysis from unpreserved sample. Data may not be accurate. Z - Too many colonies were present to count. Keep, but replaced reported value with 0. Delete Keep, but replaced reported value with 0. No data point with this remark code in data set. Delete Delete If a parameter (excluding water temperature) value was less than or equal to zero and no remark code was present, the value was transformed into a missing value. Rationale - Parameter concentrations should never be zero without a proper explanation. A method detection limit should at least be listed. 4. Station records were eliminated from the data set if any of the following descriptors were present within the "Station Type" parameter: MONITR - Source monitoring site, which monitors a known problem or to detect a specific problem. HAZARD - Site of hazardous or toxic wastes or substances. ANPOOL - Anchialine pool, underground pools with subsurface connections to watertable and ocean. DOWN - Downstream (i.e., within a potentially polluted area) from a facility which has a potential to pollute. IMPDMT - Impoundment. Includes waste pits, treatment lagoons, and settling and evaporation ponds. STMSWR - Storm water sewer. LNDFL - Landfill. CMBMI - Combined municipal and industrial facilities. CMBSRC - Combined source (intake and outfall). Rationale - these descriptors potentially indicate a station location that at which an ambient water sample would not be obtained (i.e., such sampling locations are potentially A-5 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 biased) or the sample location is not located within one of the designated water body types (i.e, ANPOOL). 5. Station records were eliminated from data set if the station location did not fall within any established cataloging unit boundaries based on their latitude and longitude. 6. Using nutrient ecoregion GIS coverage provided by USEPA, all station locations with latitude and longitude coordinates were tagged with a nutrient ecoregion identifier (nutrient region identifiers are values 1 - 14) and the associated nutrient ecoregion name. Because no nutrient ecoregions exist for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, stations located in these states were tagged with "dummy" nutrient ecoregion numbers (20 = Alaska, 21 = Hawaii, 22 = Puerto Rico). 7. Using information provided by TV A, 59 station locations that were marked as 'stream' locations under the "Station Type" parameter were changed to 'reservoir' locations. 8. The nutrient data retrieved from STORET were assessed for the presence of duplicate data records. The duplicate data identification process consisted of three steps: 1) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved; 2) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved except for their station identification numbers; and 3) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved except for their collecting agency codes. The data duplication assessment procedures were conducted using SAS programs. Prior to initiating the data duplication assessment process, the STORET nutrient data set contained: 41,210 station records 924,420 sample records Identification of exactly matching records All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly. For two records to match exactly, all variables retrieved had to be the same. For example, they had to have the same water quality parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and have the same station data item and sample data item information. Exactly matching records were considered to be exact duplicates, and one duplicate record of each identified matching set were eliminated from the nutrient data set. A total of 924 sample records identified as duplicates by this process were eliminated from the data set. Identification of matching records with the exception of station identification number All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly except for their station identification number (i.e., they had the same water quality A-6 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and the same station and sample data item information with the exception of station identification number). Although the station identification numbers were different, the latitude and longitude for the stations were the same indicating a duplication of station data due to the existence of two station identification numbers for the same station. For each set of matching records, one of the station identification numbers was randomly selected and its associated data were eliminated from the data set. A total of 686 sample records were eliminated from the data set through this process. • Identification of matching records with the exception of collecting agency codes All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly except for their collecting agency codes (i.e., they had the same water quality parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and the same station and sample data item information with the exception of agency code). The presence of two matching data records each with a different agency code attached to it suggested that one agency had utilized data collected by the other agency and had entered the data into STORET without realizing that it already had been placed in STORET by the other agency. No matching records with greater than two different agency codes were identified. For determining which record to delete from the data set, the following rules were developed: > If one of the matching records had a USGS agency code, the USGS record was retained and the other record was deleted. > Higher level agency monitoring program data were retained. For example, federal program data (indicated by a " 1" at the beginning of the STORET agency code) were retained against state (indicated by a "2") and local (indicated by values higher than 2) program data. > If two matching records had the same level agency code, the record from the agency with the greater number of overall observations (potentially indicating the data set as the source data set) was retained. A total of 2,915 sample records were eliminated through this process. As a result of the duplicate data identification process, a total of 4,525 sample records and 36 individual station records were removed from the STORET nutrient data set. The resulting nutrient data set contains the following: 41,174 station records 919,895 sample records A-7 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 APPENDIX B Process for Adding Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregions and Level III Ecoregions B-l ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Steps for assigning Level III ecoregions and aggregate nutrient ecoregion codes and names to the Nutrient Criteria Database (performed using ESRI's ARCView v 3.2 and its GeoProcessing Wizard). This process is performed twice; once for the Level III ecoregions and once for the aggregate nutrient ecoregions: Add the station .dbf data table, with latitude and longitude data, to project by 'Add Event Theme' Convert to the shapefile format Create 'stcojoin' field, populate the 'stcojoin' field with the following formula: 'County.LCase+State.LCase' Add field 'stco_flag' to the station shapefile Spatially join the station data with the county shapefile (cntysjned.shp) Select 'stcojoin' (station shapefile) field = 'stcojoin2' (county shapefile) field Calculate stco_flag = 0 for selected features Step through all blank stco_flag records, assign the appropriate stco_flags, see list on the following page Select all stco_flags = 4 or 7, switch selection Calculate ctyfips (station) to cntyfips (county) Stop editing and save edits, remove all joins Add in 2 new fields 'x-coordl' and 'y-coordl' into station table Select all stco_flags =1,2, and 6 Link county coverage with station coverage Populate 'x-coordl' and 'y-coordl' with 'x-coord' and 'y-coord' from county coverage Select all stco_flags = 1, 2, and 6, export to new .dbf file Add new .dbf file as event theme Convert to shapefile format Add the following fields to both tables (original station and station!26 shapefiles): 'eco_omer', 'name_omer', 'dis_aggr', 'code_aggr', 'name_aggr' Spatially join station 126 and eco-omer coverage Populate the 'eco_omer' field with the 'eco' value Repeat the previous step using the nearest method (line coverage) to determine ecoregion assignment for the line coverage, if some records are blank Spatially join the ecoregion line coverage to station coverage, link the LPoly# (from the spatially joined table) to Poly# (of the ecoregion polygon coverage) Populate the Eco fields with the appropriate information. Follow the same steps to the Rpoly# Remove all table j oins Link the useco-om table with station!26 table and populate 'name-omer' field Spatially join station aggr coverage and populate the rest of the fields. Follow the same procedures as outlined above Remove all joins Make sure the new Eco field added into the station 126 shapefile are different than B-2 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 the ones in the original station shapefile Join station 126 and station coverage by station-id Populate all the Eco fields in the original station coverage Remove all joins Save table Make sure that all ctyfips records are populated; the county shapefile may have to be joined to populate the records, if the stco_flag = 4 Create 2 new fields, 'NewCounty' and 'NewState' Populate these new fields with a spatial join to the county coverage Select by feature (ecoregion shapefile) all of the records in the station shapefile Switch selection (to get records outside of the ecoregion shapefile) If any of the selected records have stco_flag = 0 (they are outside the ecoregion shapefile boundary), calculate them to stco_flag = 3 stco_flags (state/county flags in order of importance) 0 The state and county values from the data set matched the state and county values from the spatial join. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) 1 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join, but the point was inside the county coverage boundary. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) 2 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join because the point was outside the county coverage boundary; therefore, there was nothing to compare to the point (i.e., the point falls in the ocean/Canada/Mexico). This occurred for some coastal samples. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) 3 The state and county values from the data set matched the state and county from the spatial join, but the point was outside the ecoregion boundary. (Ecoregions were assigned to the closest ecoregion to the point.) (No ecoregions were assigned to AK, HI, PR, BC, and GU.) 4 Latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, but there was no county information. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) 5 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join due to spelling or naming convention errors. The matches were performed manually. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) 6 No latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, only state and county information was available. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) 7 No latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, only state information was available; therefore, no matches were possible. (Ecoregions were not assigned. Data is not included in the analysis.) B-3 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 APPENDIX C Glossary Coefficient of Variation- Equal to the standard deviation divided by the mean multiplied by 100. Maximum- The highest value. Mean- The arithmetic average. Median- The 50th percentile or middle value. Half of the values are above the median, and half of the values are below the median. Minimum- The lowest value. Standard Deviation- Equal to the square root of the variance with the variance defined as the sum of the squared deviations divided by the sample size minus one. Standard Error- Standard error of the mean is equal to the standard deviation divided by the square root of the sample size. C-l ------- INDUS CORPORATION Knowledge-Based Sol Lilians Support for the Compilation and Analysis of National Nutrient Data 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters .. Prepared for: Robert Cantilli Environmental Protection Agency OW/OST/HECD Prepared by: . INDUS Corporation 1953 Gallows Road Vienna, Virginia 22182 Contract Number: 68-C-99-226 Task Number: . 04 Subtask Number: . 4 August 8, 2000 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/ Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 , CONTENTS 1.0 BACKGROUND 1 1.1 Purpose 1 1.2 References .1 2.0 QA/QC PROCEDURES 2 2.1 National Data Sets 3 2.2 State Data 3 2.3 Laboratory Methods 4 2.4 Waterbody Name '. 4 2.5 Ecoregion Data 5 3.0 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORTS 5 3.1 Data Source Reports 6 3.2 Remark Code Reports 7 3.3 Median of Each Waterbody 7 3.4 Descriptive Statistic Reports 7 3.5 Regression Models 8 4.0 TIME PERIOD 8 5.0 DATA SOURCES AND PARAMETERS FOR THE AGGREGATE NUTRIENT ECOREGIONS 9 5.1 Lakes and Reservoirs 9 5.1.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 9 5.1.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 10 5.1.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 10 5.1.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 8 11 5.1.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 12 5.1.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 12 5.1.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 .- 13 5.1.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 13 13 5.2 Rivers and Streams 14 5.2.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 14 5.2.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 3 15 5.2.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 16 5.2.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 16 5.2.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 17 5.2.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 18 5.2.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 19 ii ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8, 2000 5.2.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 14 20 APPENDIX A Process Used to QA/QA the Legacy STORE! Nutrient Data Set APPENDIX B Process for Adding Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregions and Level m Ecoregions APPENDIX C Glossary in ------- 15 Nutnem EcoreziotvWaierbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8.2000 1.0 BACKGROUND The Nutrient Criteria Program has initiated development of a national Nutrient Criteria Database application that will be used to store and analyze nutrient data. The ultimate use of these data will be to derive ecoregion- and waterbody-specific nutrient criteria ranges. EPA converted STOrage and RETrieval (STORET) legacy data, National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) data, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) data, and other relevant nutrient data from universities and States/Tribes into the database. The data imported into the Nutrient Criteria Database will be used to develop national nutrient criteria ranges. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this deliverable is to provide EPA with information regarding the data used to create the statistical reports which will be used to derive ecoregion- and waterbody-specific nutrient criteria ranges for Level HI ecoregions. There are fourteen aggregate nutrient ecoregions. Each aggregate nutrient ecoregion is divided into smaller ecoregions referred to as Level HI ecoregions. EPA will determine criteria ranges for the waterbody types and Level HI ecoregions within the following aggregate nutrient ecoregions: • Lakes and Reservoirs Aggregate Nutrient ecoregions: 2,6,7, 8,9,11,12,13 • Rivers and Streams - Aggregate Nutrient ecoregions: 2,3,6, 7,9, 11, 12, 14 1.2 References This section lists documents that contain baselines, standards, guidelines, policies, and references that apply to the data analysis. Listed editions were valid at the time of publication. All documents are subject to revision, but these specific editions govern the concepts described in this document. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Lakes and Reservoirs (Draft).- EPA, Office of Water, EPA 822-D-99-001, April 1999. Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual: Rivers and Streams (Draft). EPA. Office of Water. EPA 822-D-99-003, September 1999. Guidance for Data Quality Assessment: Practical Methods for Data Analysis. EPA, Office of Research and Development, EPA-QA/G-9, January 1998. ------- 15 Nutrient Ecorcgion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8, 2000 2.0 QA/QC PROCEDURES In order to develop nutrient criteria, EPA needed to obtain nutrient data from the states. EPA requested nutrient data from the states and forwarded the data sets to INDUS via e-mail and/or US mail. In addition, EPA tasked INDUS to convert data from three national data sets. EPA provided INDUS with a Legacy STORET extraction to convert into the database. The United ' States Geologic Survey (USGS) sent INDUS a CD-ROM with NASQAN data to convert. INDUS downloaded NAWQA files from the USGS Web site to convert the data. In total, INDUS converted and imported the following national and state data sets into the Nutrient Criteria Database: Legacy STORET NAWQA NASQAN • Region I • Region 2 - Lake Champlain Monitoring Project Region 2 - NYSDEC Finger Lakes Monitoring Program • Region 2 - NY Citizens Lake Assessment Program • Region 2 - Lake Classification and Inventory Survey Region 2 - NYCDEP (1990-1998) Region 2 - NYCDEP (Storm Event data) • Region 2 - New Jersey Nutrient Data (Tidal Waters) • RegionS • RegionS. • Region 3 - Nitrite Data • Region 3 - Choptank River files • Region 4 - Tennessee Valley Authority ' Region 7 - Central Plains Center for BioAssessment (CPCB) Region 7 - REMAP Region 2 - Delaware River Basin Commission (1990-1998) Region 3 - PA Lake Data • RegionS-University of Delaware • Region 10 . • University of Auburn As part of the conversion process, INDUS performed a number of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) steps to ensure that the data was properly convened into the Nutrient Criteria Database. Section 2 explains the steps performed by INDUS to convert the data. ------- ! 5 Nutrient Ecoregiorv Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TOtt 04 August 8. 2000 2.1 National Data Sets INDUS converted three national data sets into the Nutrient Criteria Database: Legacy STORET data, NASQAN data, and NAWQA data. A previous EPA contractor performed the extraction of Legacy STORET data and documented the QA/QC procedures used on the data. This documentation is included in Appendix A. INDUS performed minimal QA/QC on the Legacy STORET data set because the previous contractor completed the steps outlined in Appendix A. INDUS and EPA also agreed to convert the NAWQA and NASQAN data sets with minimal QA/QC on the assumption that the source agency, the USGS, QA/QC'd the data. For each of the three national data sets, INDUS ran queries to determine if 1) samples existed without results and 2) if stations existed without samples. Per Task Order Project Officer (TOPO) direction, these records were deleted from the system. For analysis purposes, EPA determined that there was no need to keep station records with no samples and sample records with no results. INDUS also confirmed that each data set contained no duplicate records. In addition, INDUS deleted all composite results from the Legacy STORET data. Per TOPO direction, it was decided that composite sample results would not be used in the statistical analysis. 2.2 State Data Each state data set was delivered in a unique format. Many of the data sets were delivered to INDUS without corresponding documentation. INDUS analyzed each state data set in order to determine which parameters should be converted for analysis. INDUS obtained a master parameter table from EPA and converted the parameters in the state data sets according to those that were present in the EPA parameter table. INDUS converted all of the data elements in the state data sets that mapped directly to the Nutrient Criteria Database; data elements that did not , "map to the Nutrient Criteria Database were not converted. In some cases, state data elements that did not directly map into the Oracle database were inserted into a comment field within the database. Also, INDUS maintained an internal record of which state data elements were inserted into the comment field. As part of the data clean-up efforts, INDUS determined whether or not there were any duplicate records in the state data sets and deleted the duplicate records. INDUS checked the waterbody, station, and sample entities for duplicate records. In addition, INDUS deleted station records with no samples and sample records with no results. INDUS also deleted waterbody records that were not associated with a station. In each case, INDUS maintained an internal record of how many records were deleted.- If INDUS encountered referential integrity errors, such as samples that referred to stations that did not exist, or if INDUS was unsure of whether a record was a duplicate, INDUS contacted the ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8, 2000 • agency directly via e-mail or phone to resolve any issues that arose. INDUS saved an electronic copy of each e-mail correspondence with the states to ensure that a record of the decision was maintained. INDUS also contacted each agency to determine which laboratory methods were used for each parameter. Finally, INDUS examined the remark codes of each result record in the state data sets. INDUS mapped the remark codes to the STORET remark codes listed in Table 2 of Appendix A. If any of the state result records were associated with remark codes marked as "Delete" in Table 2 of Appendix A, the result records were not converted into the database. 2.3 Laboratory Methods Many of the state data sets did not contain laboratory method information. In addition, laboratory method information was not available for the three national data sets. In order to determine missing laboratory method information, EPA tasked another contractor to contact the data owners to obtain the laboratory method. In some cases, the data owners responded and the laboratory methods were added to the database. 2.4 Waterbody Name and Class Information A large percentage of the data did not have waterbody-specific information. The only waterbody information contained in the three national data sets was the waterbody name, which was embedded in the station 'location description' field. Most of the state data sets contained waterbody name information; however, much of the data was duplicated throughout the data sets. Therefore, the waterbody information was cleaned manually. For the three national data sets, the 'location description' field was extracted from the station table and moved to a temporary table. The 'location description' field was sorted alphabetically. Unique waterbodies were grouped together based on name similarity and whether or not the waterbodies fell within the same . county, state, and waterbody type. Finally, the 'location description' field was edited to include only waterbody name information, not descriptive information. For example, 110 MILE CREEK AT POMONA DAM OUTFLOW, KS PO-2 was edited to 110 MILE CREEK. Also, if 100 MILE CREEK was listed ten times in New York, but in four different counties, four 100 MILE CREEK waterbody records were created. Similar steps were taken to eliminate duplicate waterbody records in the state data sets. If a number of records had similar waterbody names and fell within the same state, county, and waterbody type, the records were grouped to create a unique waterbody record. Most of the waterbody data-did not contain depth, surface area, and volume measurements. EPA needed this information to classify waterbody types. EPA attempted to obtain waterbody class ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8,2000 information from the states. EPA sent waterbody files to the regional coordinators and requested that certain class information be completed by each state. The state response was poor; therefore, EPA was not able to perform statistical analysis for the waterbody types by class. 2.5 Ecoregion Data Aggregate nutrient ecoregions and Level HI ecoregions were added to the database using the station latitude and longitude coordinates. If a station was lacking latitude and longitude coordinates or county information, the data were not included in the statistical analysis. Appendix B lists the steps taken to add the two ecoregion types (aggregate and Level HI) to the Nutrient Criteria Database. The ecoregion names were pulled from aggregate nutrient ecoregion and Level HI ecoregion Geographical Information System (GIS) coverages. In summary, the station latitude and longitude coordinates were used to determine the ecoregion under the following circumstances: The latitude and longitude coordinates fell within the county/state listed in the station table. The county data was missing. • The county centroid was used to determine the ecoregions under the following circumstances: • The latitude and longitude coordinates were missing, but the state/county information was available. • The latitude and longitude coordinates fell outside the county/state listed in the station table. The county information was assumed to be correct; therefore, the county centroid was used. . If the latitude and longitude coordinates fell outside the continental US county coverage file (i.e., the point fell in the ocean or Mexico/Canada), the nearest ecoregion was assigned to the station. 3.0 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORTS Aggregate nutrient ecoregion tables were created by extracting all observations for a specific aggregate nutrient ecoregion from the nutrient criteria database. Then, the data were reduced to create tables containing only the yearly median values. To create these tables, the median value for each waterbody was calculated using all observations for each waterbody by Level III ecoregion, year, and season. Tables of decade median values were created from the yearly median tables by calculating the median for each waterfaody by Lsvel IE ecoregion by decade and seasonv ------- 15 Numem Ecoregion/Waierfaody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8,2000' The Data Source and the Remark Code reports were created using all observations (all reported values). All the other reports were created from either the yearly median tables or the decade median tables. In other words, the descriptive statistics and regressions were run using the median values for each waterbody and not the individual reported values. Statistical analyses were performed under the assumption that this data set is a random sample. If this-assumption cannot be verified, the observations may or may not be valid. Values below the 1st and 99th percentile were removed from the Legacy STORET database prior to the creation of the national database. Also, data were treated according the Legacy STORET remark codes in Appendix A. The following contains a list of each report and the purpose for creating each report: • Data Source—Created to provide a count of the amount of data and to identify the source(s). • Remark Codes—Created to provide a description of the data. Median of Each Waterbody by Year—This was an intermediate step performed to obtain a median value for each lake to be used in the yearly descriptive statistics reports and the regression models. • Median of Each Waterbody by Decade—This was an intermediate step performed to obtain a median value for each lake to be used in the decade descriptive statistics. • Descriptive Statistics—Created to provide EPA with the desired statistics for setting criteria levels. • Regression Models—Created to examine the relationships between biological and nutrient variables. Note: Separate reports were created for each season. t 3.1 Data Source Reports Data source reports were presented in the following formats: • The number and percentage of data from each data source were summarized in tables for each aggregate nutrient ecoregion by season and waterbody type. • The number and percentage of data from each data source were summarized in tables for each Level III ecoregion by season and waterbody type. The 'Frequency' represents" the number of data values from a specific data source for each parameter by data source. The 'Row Pet' represents the percentage of data from a specific data source for each parameter. ------- 15 Nutnent Ecoregion/ Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8.2000 3.2 Remark Code Reports Remark code reports were presented in the following formats: • The number and percentage of data associated with a particular remark code for each parameter were summarized in tables by Level HI ecoregion by decade and season. • The number and percentage of data associated with a particular remark code for each parameter were summarized in tables by Level in ecoregion by year and season. The 'Frequency' represents the number of data values corresponding to the remark code in the column. The 'Row Pet' represents the percentage of data that was associated with the remark code in that row. In the database, remark codes that were entered by the states were mapped to Legacy STORET remark codes. Prior to the analysis, the data were treated according to these remark codes. For example, if the remark code was 'K,' then the reported value was divided by two. Appendix A contains a complete list of Legacy STORET remark codes. Note: For the reports, a remark code of 'Z' indicates that no remark codes were recorded. It does not correspond to Legacy STORET code 'Z.' 3.3 Median of Each Waterbody To reduce the data and to ensure heavily sampled waterbodies or years were not over represented in the analysis, median value tables (described above) were created. The yearly median tables and decade median tables were delivered to the EPA in electronic format as csv (comma separated value or comma delimited) files. 3.4 Descriptive Statistic Reports The number of waterbodies, median, mean, minimum, maximum, 5th, 25th, 75th, 95th percentiles, standard deviation, standard error, and coefficient of variation were calculated. The tables (described above) containing the decade median values for each waterbody for each parameter were used to create descriptive statistics reports for: • Level IE ecoregions by decade and season • Aggregate nutrient ecoregions by decade and season ------- 15 Nument Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract tt 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 In addition, the tables containing the yearly median values for each waterbody for each parameter were used to create descriptive statistics reports for: • Level El ecoregions by year and season 3.5 Regression Models Simple linear regressions using the least squares method were performed to examine the relationships between biological and nutrient variables in lakes and reservoirs, and rivers and streams. Regressions were performed using the yearly median tables. Chlorophyll(s) in micrograms per liter (ug/L), secchi in meters (m), dissolved oxygen in milligrams per liter (mg/L), turbidity, and pH were the biological variables in these models. When there was little or no data for chlorophyll, then pH or dissolved oxygen was substituted for chlorophyll. .Secchi- data were used in the lake and reservoir models, and turbidity data were used in the river and stream models. The nutrient variables in these models include: total phosphorus in ug/L, total nitrogen in mg/L, total kjeldahl nitrogen in mg/L, and nitrate and nitrite in mg/L, Regressions were also run for total nitrogen and total'phosphorus for ecoregions where both these variables were measured. Note: At the time of creation of this document only regressions for aggregate nutrient ecoregion 7 for lakes and reservoirs were delivered to the EPA. Regressions for the remaining aggregate nutrient ecoregions will be delivered in August 2000. 4.0 TIME PERIOD Data collected from January 1990 to December 1999 were used in the statistical analysis reports. To capture seasonal differences, the data were classified as follows: • , • Aggregate nutrient ecoregions: 6, 7, and 8 - Spring: April to May - Summer: June to August - Fall: September to October - Winter: November to March • Aggregate nutrient ecoregions: 1,2. 9. 10, 11,12, and 13 - Spring: - March to May - Summer: June to August Fall: September to November Winter: December to February ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/ Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract» 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8,2000 5.0 DATA SOURCES AND PARAMETERS FOR THE AGGREGATE NUTRIENT ECOREGIONS This section provides information for the nutrient aggregate ecoregions that were analyzed by waterbody type. Each section lists the data sources for the aggregate nutrient ecoregion including: 1) the data sources, 2) the parameters included in the analysis, and 3) the Level HI ecoregions within the aggregate nutrient ecoregions. Note: For analysis purposes, the following parameters were combined to form Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP): Phosphorus, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) Phosphorus, Dissolved (DP) Phosphorus, Dissolved Reactive (DRP) Orthophosphate, dissolved, mg/L as P Orthophosphate (OPO4JPO4) 5.1 Lakes and Reservoirs 5.1.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 Data Sources: Legacy STORE! EPA Region 10 Parameter: i Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous. Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus. Total (TP) (ug/L) Phosphorus. Total Reactive (ug/L) SECCHI " (m) PH ------- 15 Nument Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8.2000' Level in ecoregions: 1, 2,4, 5, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 41, 77, 78 5.1.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Data Sources: Legacy STORE! Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level Hf ecoregions: 46,47,48,54,55,57 5.1.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 » Data Sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NYCDEP EPA Region I Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton. Spectrophotometric. Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) 10 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8. 2000- Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level HI ecoregions: 51,52,53,56,60,61,83 5.1.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 8 Data sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NYCDEP NYCDEC EPA Region 1 EPA Region 3 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotorhetric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A. Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncbrrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Unconnected (ug/L) Chlorophylls . (ug/L) Chlorophyll C (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) • Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level III ecoregions: 49, 50, 58, 62. 82 11 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8.2000 5.1.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 Data sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET EPA Region 4 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Pheophytin (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate. (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kj'eldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level in ecoregions: 29,33,35,37,40,45,64,65,71,72,74 5.1.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 Data sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NYSDEC EPA Region 3 EPA Region 4 Parameters: Chlorophyll A. Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A. Pheophytin (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) 12 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 • Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level HI ecoregions: 36,38,39,66,67,68,69,70 5.1.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 Data sources: Legacy STORET Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) .Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) ' . Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level in ecoregions: 75 5.1.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 13 Data sources: Legacy STORET 13 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8. 2000 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) SECCHI (m) Level in ecoregions: 76 5.2 Rivers and Streams 5.2.1 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 2 Data sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 10 Parameters: • . ' Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Phosphorus. Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) Reactive (ug/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) " (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) 14 ------- i 5 Nutrient Ecoregion/ Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level IB ecoresions: 1, 2,4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19,21, 23,41, 77, 78 5.2.2 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 3 Data sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN " NAWQA EPA Region 10 Parameters: » Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) . (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) . Level IE ecoregions: 6, 10, 12,13. 14. 18.20,22, 24, 79, 80, 81 15- ------- 15 Numcnt Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO* 04 August 8, 2000 5.2.3 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 6 Data sources: Legacy STORE! NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) • Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Turbidity . (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity " (MTU) Level III ecoregions: 46, 47, 48. 54, 55, 57 5.2.4 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 7 Data sources: LCMPD Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA NYCDEP 16 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8. 2000 • Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level IH ecoregions: 51,52,53,56,60,61,83 5.2.5 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 9 Data sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA EPA Region 3 EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 . Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) 17 ------- 15 Nutnent Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8. 2000 Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (JCTJ) Turbidity (NTU) Level III ecoregions: 29, 33,35,37, 40, 45, 64, 65, 71, 72, 74 5.2.6 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 11 Data sources: Auburn University Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA • EPA Region 3 • , EPA Region 5 EPA Region 7 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected . (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected . (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, chromotographic- fluorometric (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DEP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Organic, Phosphorus (ug/L) 18 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecorcgion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity . (FTU) Turbidity (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) Level HI ecoregions: 36, 38, 39, 66, 67,68,69, 70 5.2.7 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 12 Data sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll B, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric (ug/L) Phosphorous. Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) ' Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2-f-NO3) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity (NTU) Level HI ecoregions: 75 19 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8, 2000 • 5.2.8 Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion 14 Data sources: Legacy STORET NASQAN NAWQA NYCDEP EPA Region 1 EPA Region 3 Parameters: Chlorophyll A, Fluorometric, Corrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric Acid (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Phytoplankton, Spectrophotometric, Uncorrected (ug/L) Chlorophyll A, Trichromatic, Uncorrected (ug/L) Phosphorous, Dissolved Inorganic (DIP) (ug/L) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) Nitrite and Nitrate, (NO2+NO3) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total as P (ug/L) Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN) (mg/L) Nitrogen, Total (TN) (mg/L) Phosphorus, Total (TP) (ug/L) Turbidity (FTU) Turbidity . (JCU) Turbidity (NTU) • Level HI ecoregions: 59,63,84 20 ------- 15 Nutnent Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000 APPENDIX A Process Used to QA/QA the Legacy STORET Nutrient Data Set ------- 15 Nutnent Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8,2000 I. STORET water quality parameters and Station and Sample data items were retrieved from USEPA's mainframe computer. Table 1 lists all retrieved parameters and data items. TABLE 1: PARAMETERS AND DATA ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM STORET Parameters Retrieved (STORET Parameter Code) TN - mg/1 (600) TKN - mg/1 (625) Total Ammonia (NH3+NH4) - mg/1 (6 1 0) Total NO2+NO3 - mg/1 (630) Total Nitrite -mg/I (6 1 5) Total Nitrate - mg/1 (620) Organic N - mg/L (605) TP - mg/1 (665) Chlor a - ug/'L (spectrophotometric method. 32211) Chlor a - ug/L (fluorometric method corrected. 32209) Chlor a - ug/L (trichromatic method corrected, 32210) Sccchi Transp. - inches (77) Secchi Transp. - meters (78) +Turbidity JCUs (70) ^•Turbidity FTUs (76) i-Turbidiry NTUs field (82078) -Turbidity NTUs lab (82079) -DO - mg/L (300) + Water Temperature (decrees C, 10/degrees F, 11) Station Data Items Included (STORET Item Name) Station Type (TYPE) 'Agency Code (AGENCY) Station No. (STATION) Latitude - std. decimal degrees (LATSTD) Longitude - std. decimal degrees (LONGSTD) Station Location (LOCNAME) County Name (CONAME) State Name fSTNAME) Ecoregion Name - Level III (ECONAME) Ecoregion Code -Level III (ECOREG) Station Elevation (ELEV) Hydrologic Unit Code (CATUNIT) RF1 Segment and Mile (RCHMIL) RF1 ON/OFF tag (ONOFF) Sample Data items Included (STORET Item Name) Sample Date (DATE) Sample Time (TIME) Sample Depth (DEPTH) Composite Sample Code (SAMPMETH) - If data record available at a station included data only for this or other such marked parameters, data record was deleted from data set. The following set of retrieval rules were applied to the retrieval process: • Data were retrieved for waterbodies specified only as 'lake', 'stream', 'reservoir', or 'estuary' under "Station Type" parameter. Any stations specified as 'well,' 'spring,' or 'outfall' were eliminated from the retrieved data set. • Data were retrieved for station types described as 'ambient' (e.g., no pipe or facility discharge data) under the "Station Type" parameter. • Data were retrieved that were designated as 'water' samples only. This includes "bottom' and 'vertically integrated' water samples. A-l ------- 15 Nutrient Ecorcgion/Waierbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract * 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8, 2000" • Data were retrieved that were designated as either 'grab' samples and 'composite' samples (mean result only). • No limits were specified for sample depths. • Data were retrieved for all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. • The time period specified for data retrieval was January 1990 to September 1998. • No data marked as "Retired Data" (i.e., data from a generally unknown source) were retrieved. • Data marked as "National Urban Runoff data" (i.e., data associated with sampling conducted after storm events to assess nonpoint source pollutants) were included in the retrieval. Such data are part of STORET's 'Archived' data. • Intensive survey data (i.e., data collected as part of specific studies) were retrieved. Any values falling below the 1st percentile and any values falling above the 99th percentile were transformed into 'missing' values (i.e., values were effectively removed from the data set, but were not permanently eliminated). Based on the STORET 'Remark Code' associated with each retrieved data point, the following rules were applied (Table 2): TABLE 2: STORET REMARK CODE RULES » STORET Remark Code blank - Data not remarked. A- B- C- D- E- F- G- Value reported is the mean of two or more determinations. Results based upon colony counts outside the acceptable ranges. Calculated. Value stored was not measured directly, but was calculated from other data available. Field measurement. Extra sample taken in compositing_process. In the case of species. F indicates female sex. Value reported is the maximum of two or more determinations. Keep or Delete Data Point Keep Keep Delete Keep Keep Delete Delete Delete A-2 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8. 2000 TABLE 2: STORET REMARK CODE RULES H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z- Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate. The value reported is less than the practical quantification limit and greater than or equal to the method detection limit. Estimated. Value shown is not a result of analytical measurement. Off-scale low. Actual value not known, but known to be less than value shown. Off-scale high. Actual value not known, but known to be greater than value shown. Presence of material verified, but not quantified. Indicates a positive detection, at a level too low to permit accurate quantification. Presumptive evidence of presence of material. Sample for, but analysis lost. Accompanying value is not meaningful for analysis. Too numerous to count. Sample held beyond normal holding time. Significant rain in the past 48 hours. Laboratory test. Value reported is less than the criteria of detection. Material was analyzed for, but not detected. Value stored is the limit of detection for the process in use. Indicates the analyte was detected in both the sample and associated method blank. Value observed is less than the lowest value reportable under remark "T." Value is quasi vertically-integrated sample. Laboratory analysis from unpreserved sample. Data may not be accurate. Too many colonies were present to count. Delete Keep, but used one-half the reported value as the new value. Delete Keep, but used one-half the reported value as the new value. Keep Keep, but used one half the reported value as the new value. Delete Delete 4 Delete Delete Delete Keep Keep, but replaced reported value with 0. Keep, but replaced reported value with , 0. Delete Keep, but replaced reported value with .0. No data point with this remark code in data set. Delete Delete A-3 ------- 15 Numem Ecoregion/'Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract tt 68-C-99-226. TOtt 04 August 8. 2000 TABLE 2: STORET REMARK CODE RULES If a parameter (excluding water temperature) value was less than or equal to zero and no remark code was present, the value was transformed into a missing value. Rationale - Parameter concentrations should never be zero without a proper explanation. A method detection limit should at least be listed. 4. Station records were eliminated from the data set if any of the following descriptors were present within the "Station Type" parameter: * MONITR - Source monitoring site, which monitors a known problem or to detect a specific problem. * HAZARD - Site of hazardous or toxic wastes or substances. >• ANPOOL - Anchialine pool, underground pools with subsurface connections to watertable and ocean. > DOWN - Downstream (i.e., within a potentially polluted area) from a facility which has a potential to pollute. »• IMPDMT - Impoundment. Includes waste pits, treatment lagoons, and settling and evaporation ponds. »• STMSWR-Storm water sewer. > LNDFL - Landfill. »• CMBMI - Combined municipal and industrial facilities. »• CMBSRC - Combined source (intake and outfall). Rationale - these descriptors potentially indicate a station location that at which an ambient water sample would not be obtained (i.e., such sampling locations are potentially biased) or the sample location is not located within one of the designated water body types (i.e, ANPOOL). 5. Station records were eliminated from data set if the station location did not fall within any established cataloging unit boundaries based on their latitude and longitude. 6. Using nutrient ecoregion GIS coverage provided by USEPA. all station locations with latitude and longitude coordinates were tagged with a nutrient ecoregion identifier (nutrient region identifiers are values 1-14) and the associated nutrient ecoregion name. Because no nutrient ecoregions exist for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, stations located in these states were tagged with "dummy" nutrient ecoregion numbers (20 = Alaska, 21 = Hawaii, 22 = Puerto Rico). A-4 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract tt 68-C-99-226. TO# 04 August 8. 2000 7. Using information provided by TV A, 59 station locations that were marked as 'stream' locations under the "Station Type" parameter were changed to 'reservoir' locations. 8. The nutrient data retrieved from STORET were assessed for the presence of duplicate data records. The duplicate data identification process consisted of three steps: 1) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved; 2) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved except for their station identification numbers; and 3) identification of records that matched exactly in terms of each variable retrieved except for their collecting agency codes. The data duplication assessment procedures were conducted using SAS programs. Prior to initiating the data duplication assessment process, the STORET nutrient data set contained: 41,210 station records 924,420 sample records • Identification of exactly matching records All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly. For two records to match exactly, all variables retrieved had to be the same,' For example, they had to have the same water quality parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and have the same station data item and sample data item information. Exactly matching records were considered to be exact duplicates, and one duplicate record of each identified matching set were eliminated from the nutrient data set. A total of 924 sample records identified as duplicates by this process were eliminated from the data set. • Identification of matching records with the exception of station identification number All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly except for their station identification number (i.e., they had the same water quality parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and the same station and sample data item information with the exception of station identification number). Although the station identification numbers were different, the latitude and longitude for the stations were the same indicating a duplication of station data due to the existence of two station identification numbers for the same station. For each set of matching records, one of the station identification numbers was randomly selected and its associated data were eliminated from the data set. A total of 686 sample records were eliminated from the data set through this process. • Identification of matching records with the exception of colleoting aeencv codes All data records were sorted to identify those records that matched exactly except for their collecting agency codes (i.e., they had the same water quality parameters, parameter results and associated remark codes, and the same station and sample data item information with the exception of agency code). The presence of two matching A-5 ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8,2000 data records each with a different agency code attached to it suggested that one agency had utilized data collected by the other agency and had entered the data into STORET without realizing that it already had been placed in STORET by the other agency. No matching records with greater than two different agency codes were identified. For determining which record to delete from the data set, the following rules were developed: *• If one of the matching records had a USGS agency code, the USGS record was retained and the other record was deleted. >• Higher level agency monitoring program data were retained. For example, federal program data (indicated by a "1" at the beginning of the STORET agency code) were retained against state (indicated by a "2") and local (indicated by values higher than 2) program data. »• If two matching records had the same level agency code, the record from the agency with the greater number of overall observations (potentially indicating the data set as the source data set) was retained. A total of 2,915 sample records were eliminated through this process. As a result of the duplicate data identification process, a total of 4,525 sample records and 36 individual station records were removed from the STORET nutrient data set. The resulting nutrient data set contains the following: 41,174 station records 919,895 sample records A-6 ------- 15 Nutrient EcoregionAVaterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8. 2000 APPENDIX B Process for Adding Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregions and Level in Ecoregions ------- 15 Nutrient Ecoregion/Waterbody Type Summary Chapters, Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO* 04 August 8. 2000 Steps for assigning Level EH ecoregions and aggregate nutrient ecoregion codes and names to the Nutrient Criteria Database (performed using ESRI's ARCView v 3.2 and its GeoProcessing Wizard). This process is performed twice; once for the Level HI ecoregions and once for the aggregate nutrient ecoregions: Add the station .dbf data table, with latitude and longitude data, to project by 'Add Event Theme1 Convert to the shapefile format Create 'stcojoin1 field, populate the 'stcojoin1 field with the following formula: 'County.LCase+State.LCase' Add field 'stco_flag' to the station shapefile Spatially join the station data with the county shapefile (cntysjned.shp) Select 'stcojoin' (station shapefile) field = 'stco Join2' (county shapefile) field Calculate "stco_flag = 0 for selected features Step through all blank stco_flag records, assign the appropriate stco_flags, see list on the following page Select all stco_flags = 4 or 7, switch selection Calculate ctyfips (station) to cntyfips (county) Stop editing and save edits, remove all joins Add in 2 new fields 'x-coordl1 and 'y-coordl' into station table Select all stco_flags =1,2, and 6 Link county coverage with station coverage Populate 'x-coordl' and 'y-coord I' with 'x-coord* and 'y-coord' from county coverage Select all stco_flags =1,2, and 6, export to new .dbf file Add new .dbf file as event theme Convert to shapefile format Add the following fields to both tables (original station and station 126 shapefiles): 'ecojamer1, Iname_omer', Idis_aggr1, 'code_aggrl, lname_aggrl Spatially join station!26 and eco-omer coverage Populate the 'eco^mer1 field with the 'eco' value Repeat the previous step using the nearest method (line coverage) to determine ecoregion assignment for the line coverage, if some records are blank Spatially join the ecoregion line coverage to station coverage, link the LPoly# (from the spatially joined table) to Poly# (of the ecoregion polygon coverage) Populate the Eco fields with the appropriate information. Follow the same steps to the Rpolytf Remove all table joins Link the useco-om table with stationl26 table and populate 'name-omer1 field Spatially join station aggr coverage and populate the rest of the fields. Follow the same procedures as outlined above Remove all joins B-l ------- 15 Nutrient EcoregioivWaierbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract» 68-C-99-226, TOO 04 August 8,2000 Make sure the new Eco field added into the station 126 shapefile are different than the ones in the original station shapefile Join station!26 and station coverage by station-id Populate all the Eco fields in the original station coverage Remove all joins Save table Make sure that all ctyfips records are populated; the county shapefile may have to be joined to populate the records, if the stco_flag = 4 Create 2 new fields, "NewCounty1 and 'NewState1 Populate these new fields with a spatial join to the county coverage Select by feature (ecoregion shapefile) all of the records in the station shapefile Switch selection (to get records outside of the ecoregion shapefile) If any of the selected records have stco_flag = 0 (they are outside the ecoregion shapefile boundary), calculate them to stco_flag = 3 stco_flags (state/county flags in order of importance) 0 The state and county values from the data set matched the state and county values from the spatial join. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) 1 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join, but the point was inside the county coverage boundary. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) 2 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join because the point was outside the county coverage boundary; therefore, there was nothing to compare to the point (i.e., the point falls in the ocean/Canada/Mexico). This occurred for some coastal samples. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) ' 3 The state and county values from the data set matched the state and county from the spatial join, but the point was outside the ecoregion boundary. (Ecoregions were assigned to the closest ecoregion to the point.) (No ecoregions were assigned to AK, HI, PR, BC, and GU.) 4 Latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, but there was no "county information. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) 5 The state and county values from the data set did not match the state and county values from the spatial join due to spelling or naming convention errors. The matches were performed manually. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the latitude/longitude coordinates.) B-2 ------- 15 Nutneiu'Ecoregion/Waierbody Type Summary Chapters. Contract # 68-C-99-226, TO# 04 August 8.2000 6 No latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, only state and county information was available. (Ecoregions were assigned based on the county centroid.) 7 No latitude/longitude coordinates were provided, only state information was available; therefore, no matches were possible. (Ecoregions were not assigned. Data is not included in the analysis.) B-3 ------- |