United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(WH556F)
EPA840-S-92-001
July 1992
vvEPA Protecting the Nation's Wetlands,
Oceans, and Watersheds:
An Overvintv of Proaranis and Activities
OWOW
Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds
r\
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed on paper that contains
at least 50% recycled fiber
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Protecting the Nation's Wetlands, Oceans, and
Watersheds: An Overview of Programs
and Activities
Table of Contents
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 1
Watersheds, Wetlands, Coastal and Marine Waters:
Valuable Resources at Risk 3
Addressing Environmental Threats 5
Preventing and Controlling Pollution and Habitat
Degradation 5
Ocean Disposal of Wastes 5
Marine Debris 7
Oceans and Coastal Enforcement 7
Nonpoint Source Control Programs 8
The Total Maximum Daily Load Process 9
Wetlands Protection Regulations 9
Promoting Integrated Management of Natural
Resources and Restoration of Degraded Habitats 10
Rural Clean Water and Clean Lakes Programs 10
National Estuary and Near Coastal Waters Programs 11
Wetlands Protection Strategies and Programs 11
Overarching Watershed Protection Approach 12
Improving the Technical Foundation for Water-Based
Ecosystem Protection 15
Surface Water Quality Monitoring and Data
Management 15
Ocean Data Management and Analysis 15
Ocean Surveys and Estuarine Assessments 16
Wetlands Criteria 17
Building Public Awareness and Providing Technical
Assistance 17
Special Outreach Services 19
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water on Earth is ultimately connected in one
vast system. Water that falls as rain or snow
washes down our mountains and hillsides, runs
across the land, percolates through the soil,
swells our rivers and streams, and eventually flows into our
lakes, groundwater aquifers, or the coastal waters and oceans that
surround our continent. Because water always flows with gravity
downhill, the direction of water runoff over land is dictated by
the landscape. The hills that surround a river or stream define its
"watershed," the area from which water drains into a waterbody.
Often, wetlands are found in the transitional zone between land
and water. Wetlands are an integral part of water systems. They
protect the land from erosion, store water to recharge under-
ground water supplies, and filter runoff from the land into nearby
waterways.
Wetlands, oceans, and watersheds are vitally linked; their health
depends on the water quality of the particular watersheds that
feed them. Because of their interconnectedness, an integrated,
cooperative approach engaging the various water programs with-
in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the most
effective way to manage and protect these irreplaceable
resources.
"... common water. Its
substance reaches everywhere;
it touches the past and prepares
the future; it moves under the
poles and wanders thinly in the
heights of the air. It can
assume forms of exquisite
perfection in a snow/lake, or
strip the living to a single
shining bone cast up by the
sea."
— Loren Eisefy —
EPA fs Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) was created in
April 1991 to integrate the protection and management of our Nation's water-
sheds, coastal and marine waters, and wetlands. OWOW combines the
Agency's responsibilities for abating nonpoint source pollution; restoring and
protecting wetlands, lakes, rivers, coastal and marine environments; and
providing leadership for surface water monitoring and water quality assessment
activities.
The three divisions of OWOW carry out a host of international, legislative, and
regulatory directives, including the Clean Water Act; the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act; the Shore Protection Act; the Coastal Zone
Management Reauthorization Act of 1990; the Marine Plastics Pollution
Research and Control Act; and the London Dumping Convention.
OWOW
Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds
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Protecting America's Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds: An Overview of Programs and Activities
Through coordination of
all of its activities, OWOW
strives to provide
integrated, holistic habitat
and watershed protection.
Major Responsibilities of 0WQW IMmw®$/
The Wetlands Division >•
» Develops strategies to assist Stite and local goveftfflienls -|p| piiyate
groups in wetlands protection efforts H;
* Conducts public outreach activities and develop information materials on
wetlands values, function, and protection
* Supports interagency and international wetlands protection activities
» Acts as liaison to the Office of Research and Developffliait on'wetlands
research issues ,
• Generates regulations, policies, and guidance under the Qean Water Act
for operating the program to permit placement of fill in wetlands
* Manages "elevated" permit issues
» "Mainstreams" wetlands protection into other EPA programs
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
• Develops regulations and criteria for ocean dumping, including sewage
sludge and dredged material
* Produces guidance for assessing the environmental impact of ocean dis-
charges
• Supports international efforts to address ocean dumping under the London
Dumping Convention
* Supports coastal protection efforts under the National Estuary Program and
Near Coastal Waters Program
• Identifies and assesses the sources and nature of marine debris to develop a
national marine debris control strategy
• Regulates transportation of waste in coastal areas and marine sanitation
devices (boat toilets) with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Develops enforcement guidance and training for marine programs
• Provides technical and scientific support to local, State, and Federal activi-
ties for ocean and coastal protection
• Fosters public awareness of coastal and marine resources and problems
The Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
• Directs and oversees nonpoint source control programs, including grants
* Designs and conducts surface water monitoring and assessment programs
• Designs and coordinates information systems on water quality
• Compiles data to produce a national water quality inventory
• Provides technical support for water quality planning, including targeting
priority watersheds and establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs)
• Administers the Clean Lakes Program, which provides technical and finan-
cial support for lake restoration and protection projects
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The remainder of this booklet briefly describes the valuable aquatic resources
of concern to the Nation and specific OWOW programs and activities that pro-
tect them. A list of key references and contacts, including hotline numbers and
electronic data bases, is also included on pages 19 and 20.
i fne
; • *r-
/Iff
This Nation relies on our wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas for living,
working, and relaxing. These areas also serve as the home for a wide variety of
birds, fish, shellfish, and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. To protect these
resources, our concern must extend beyond their aquatic boundaries to address
activities in areas surrounding these waterbodies—their watersheds. As water
flows downstream, the quality of the water is affected by those who live j
throughout the watershed and use its water. Pollutants enter the aquatic system |
through direct discharges of sewage and wastewater from industry and munici- i
palities, as well as from nonpoint sources, such as runoff from land. |
i
Wetlands, both inland and coastal, support an amazing diversity of life, ranging j
from waterfowl, fish, and mammals, to shellfish and wild rice. Many plant and j
animal species, including some that are i
endangered, depend on inland or coastal wet-
land habitat for survival, while others rely on
wetlands for food, water, and cover, but not
for primary habitat. Coastal wetlands pro-
vide food, shelter, and spawning grounds for
more than 70 percent of our most valuable
commercial fisheries, including shrimp,
salmon, oysters, blue crab, and finfish.
Wetlands are also important because of their
ability to help maintain and improve the -
water quality of rivers and coastal areas by
removing and transforming nutrients, chemi-
cals, and organic wastes carried in runoff. In
addition, wetlands help absorb peak flows of water during floods by acting as
natural sponges, storing flood waters that overflow riverbanks and releasing
them more slowly, thereby reducing potential damage downstream. Serving as
a buffer against the impact of floods and storms, they also protect shorelines
from erosion. Wetland plant roots bind the soil, and their stems and leaves
slow the velocity of the water, protecting shorelines from erosion.
Important ami why
are we ntuc
abuut t/n-in?
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Protecting America's Wetlands, Oceans and Watershed?' ,4;
of Programs,
Less than half of the wetlaiuh
in this country thai existed
in the 1700s re mean.
1 Adelson, H.R. and Bloomgren,
P.A. 1987. Summary: The Eco-
nomic Value of Water. Depart-
ment of Natural Resources.
Report prepared for the
Legislative Commission on
Minnesota Resources.
2 U.S. Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
Fisheries of the United States.
199 I.Washington, DC.
-^ U.S. Department of Interior, Fish
and Wildlife Service, and Depart-
ment of Commerce, Bureau of the
Census. 1988.1985 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Washington, DC.
Recent assessments, however, show that our Nation's wetlands are disap-
pearing at alarming rates. Less than half the wetlands in this country
that existed in the 1700s remain. Each year, an estimated 290,000 acres
of wetlands are lost to agricultural drainage and urban development.
The greatest losses during the past decade (mid-1970s to mid-1980s)
occurred in forested wetlands of the Southeast. These wetland losses
have greatly diminished the benefits once provided by these irreplaceable
resources. For example, we have recently witnessed increased flood damages
and declining waterfowl populations that are, in part, the result of wetland
destruction.
Our lakes, triers, ami >.!!Ta"n--
play an integral role in support-
ing our Nation's economy.
They provide drinking water to
cities, irrigation water for agri-
culture, and cooling water to
industry. Larger waterways pro-
vide passage for cargo entering
and exiting our coastal and river
ports. We are also attracted to
lakes, rivers, and streams for
their natural beauty and wildlife.
Freshwater recreational activi-
ties also add to our economy.
For example, a 2-year survey
completed in 1986 found that
nearly $1.2 billion was spent
each year by those in pursuit of
water-recreation activities in
Minnesota alone.1
Each year, millions of people also travel to our - ua-,t -. Coastal areas support
industries worth billions of dollars because of commercially valuable fisheries,
trade, and tourism. In 1990, fishermen caught more than 10 billion pounds of
fish in the coastal and marine waters of the United States; these landings had a
total dockside value of $3.5 billion and retail values several times greater.2
Nearly 14 million Americans traveled to our coasts for recreational fishing in
1988 and spent approximately $7 billion in food, lodging, transportation, and
other related activities.3
Significant environmental stresses accompany the steadily increasing popula-
tions and competing demands on aquatic resources. Most of the Nation's near
coastal waters are facing major environmental problems. Their downstream
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locations make coastal areas receptacles for
upstream contaminants from sewage and industrial
effluent, urban and agricultural runoff. As levels of
toxic contaminants, sediments, pathogens, and
nutrients from these sources build up, they degrade
water quality and impair ecological functions.
Activities along coastal areas, such as waterfront
construction and dredging of shipping channels,
also affect the coastal environment.
In addition, U.S. shores are littered with debris.
This debris originates from such diverse sources as
commercial vessels and recreational boats, com-
bined sewer systems, trash from beach users, and
adjacent rivers and streams. The environmental damage caused by aquatic
debris is highly visible and is often perceived as a symptom of a gradually
deteriorating environment. Birds and animals can become entangled in plastics
or other floatables and drown; other animals ingest plastic debris, mistaking it
for food, and starve; and valuable fishery resources go to waste when they are
captured by lost or abandoned fishing nets.
OWOW addresses these threats by carrying out programs designed to:
• Prevent and control pollution and habitat degradation
• Promote integrated management of natural resources and restoration of
degraded habitats ;
• Improve the technical foundation for watershed-based ecosystem j
protection i
• Build public awareness of environmental threats and efforts to address !
them and provide technical assistance. |
OWOW has a number of programs aimed at reducing, controlling, or restrict-
ing various sources of pollutants that impair the quality of the Nation's waters.
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division plays a significant role at regional,
national, and international levels in efforts to restrict or control ocean dumping.
The Division develops regulations for designating ocean dumping sites and
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Protecting America's Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds 4n Oversow c-! Programs 3-?-o 4 :."•/•?;•
evaluating requests for ocean dumping permits under the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act. This includes development of environmental
criteria used by the Army Corps of Engineers in evalu-
ating proposed ocean disposal of dredged material. In
addition, the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
supports field studies to select and designate ocean
dumping sites and designs and conducts surveys to
assess impacts from marine pollution. Internationally,
this Division plays a major role in the London
Dumping Convention to prevent marine pollution by
dumping of wastes and other matter.
With ocean dumping of sewage sludge ending in
1992, the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division will
shift its emphasis toward improving the management
of dredged material and implementing the Agency's
contaminated sediment strategy. In recent years, managing sediments in major
harbors and at offshore disposal sites has become increasingly controversial
and complicated. OWOW's ocean dumping program will continue to play a
significant role in Agency efforts to ensure that ocean disposal of dredged
material is managed in an environmentally sound manner.
In addition to the ocean dumping program, the Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division manages three other regulatory programs aimed at addressing point
source pollution under the Clean Water Act the ocean discharge waiver pro-
gram under Section 301(h); the development of ocean discharge criteria under
Section 403(c); and the marine sanitation device program, which regulates toi-
lets on vessels, under Section 312.
The ocean discharge waiver program under Section 301(h) provides waivers
from the secondary treatment requirements for publicly owned treatment works
discharging to marine and unstressed estuaries. Applicants must demonstrate
that the discharge will not degrade water quality from levels that assure the
protection of public water supplies; the protection and propagation of balanced,
indigenous populations of shellfish, fish and wildlife; and the protection of
recreational activities on or in the water. The Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division develops the criteria used to evaluate such waiver requests.
Section 403(c) requires that all permitted discharges from point sources into
ocean waters cause "no unreasonable degradation" to the marine environment.
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division develops the environmental crite-
ria used under Section 403 to evaluate requests for National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System permits for discharges to ocean waters. Both
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the 403(c) and 301(h) programs evaluate the ecological impacts of direct dis-
charges to the marine environment and provide the Agency with a geographi-
cally targeted approach toward managing risk to sensitive habitats that need the
greatest protection.
The marine sanitation device program under Section 312 of the Clean Water
Act regulates the discharge of sewage from toilets on vessels by establishing
performance standards for toilets on new and existing vessels. The Oceans and
Coastal Protection Division works with the U.S. Coast Guard to promote com-
pliance through educational brochures and activities.
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division works
jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard to regulate the
transportation of municipal and commercial waste
on vessels under the Shore Protection Act. In con-
sultation with the Coast Guard, the Oceans and
Coastal Protection Division is developing waste
handling regulations, including guidance on proce-
dures to be used by waste loading facilities
onshore as well as by vessels that transport the
waste.
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division's
marine debris program assesses and identifies the
sources and nature of marine debris in the marine
environment and works with other Federal pro-
grams, industry, and nonprofit organizations to
control sources of debris that pose threats to
marine life. The marine debris program focuses on
quantifying and analyzing sources and types of
aquatic debris and developing a national strategy
for its control. This strategy will contain regional
and geographically based action plans that focus
on specific areas of our coastal waters.
Marine and coastal enforcement actions are taken to ensure compliance with
permit conditions and site restrictions, promote accurate dumping within sites,
and discourage illegal dumping. Enforcement and compliance require coopera-
tive efforts among EPA, the Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard. The
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division's role includes reviewing data to deter-
mine compliance with permit terms and conditions and providing advice on
appropriate enforcement actions when violations are detected.
Credit American Littoral Society
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The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division also provides training and guid-
ance to assist Regions and States in their enforcement efforts. The purpose of
the training is to build a better understanding of the enforcement roles of EPA,
the Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard under the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act, the Clean Water Act, the Marine Plastics
Pollution Research and Control Act, and the Shore Protection Act. The train-
ing gives basic instruction on recognizing, reporting, and responding to viola-
tions under these statutes.
Nonpoint sources of pollution—those that are diffuse, or otherwise difficult to
trace to a single point of discharge, such as agricultural and urban runoff—are
now understood to be the cause of approximately 50 percent of current water
pollution problems in this country.
The Assessment and Watershed
Protection Division serves as the
national program manager for EPA's
nonpoint source control efforts. The
Assessment and Watershed Protection
Division also assists and guides non-
point source programs that States are
required to develop for the entire
State, under Section 319 of the Clean
Water Act, and specifically for coastal
areas, under Section 6217 of the
Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization
Amendments of 1990.
Under Section 319, EPA has awarded
more than $140 million in grants to
States in 1990 through 1992. States
use these grants to implement programs approved by EPA that include, as
appropriate, nonregulatory and regulatory programs for enforcement, technical
assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, and
demonstration projects. Under Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act
Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, EPA is developing guidance for States
in controlling nonpoint sources of pollution affecting coastal areas. This guid-
ance includes management measures to specify the best available, economical-
ly achievable, pollution control practices, technologies, processes, siting crite-
ria, operating methods, and other alternatives.
8
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In addition, the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division addresses nonpoint
source pollution controls through protection, restoration, and management
efforts under the National Estuary Program and Near Coastal Waters Program.
The Wetlands Division supports nonpoint source control programs that are
related to protection and restoration of wetland and streambank areas.
An extremely challenging task faced by regulators in addressing water pollu-
tion is determining the specific pollution control measures necessary to meet
and maintain water quality goals and standards. Section 303(d) of the Clean
Water Act describes ways to approach this task through the establishment of
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The TMDL is the greatest amount of
pollutants that a waterbody can receive without violating water quality stan-
dards.
The Assessment and Watershed Protection Division oversees State programs
that target watersheds for TMDL calculations. After a watershed has been
identified for priority attention, and the TMDL has been established, individual
waste load allocations (or limits) are designated for point and nonpoint sources
(taking into account natural background levels, as well as a margin of safety).
After implementing any additional pollution control measures that may be nec-
essary to meet the TMDL, monitoring is conducted to assess the effectiveness
of these control actions. EPA is encouraging States to adopt an integrated
water quality-based approach to address both point and nonpoint source control
measures, as well as chemical and nonchemical stressors within targeted water-
sheds.
OWOW is committed to encouraging wetlands protection through a variety of
regulatory and cooperative efforts. EPA's regulatory responsibilities under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act are complemented by efforts to promote
wetlands protection and conservation by State and local governments and pri-
vate groups. OWOW's regulatory responsibilities include reviewing the pro-
posals for the disposal of dredged or fill material under Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act that have been
elevated to EPA Headquarters for decisionmaking. The Wetlands Division
restricts or prohibits the use of discharge sites for these activities, if appropri-
ate. In addition, the Division also develops regulations, policies, and guidance
to provide environmental criteria for discharges of dredged or fill material into
wetlands regulated under Section 404. To create a consistent regulatory
framework, the Wetlands Division coordinates EPA's wetlands programs with
those of other Federal agencies involved in wetlands protection.
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ica s
an
OWOW supports a range of activities that focus on coordinated, integrated
resource management. Efforts to restore freshwater quality have been incorpo-
rated as part of the watershed programs sponsored under the Rural Clean Water
Program and the Clean Lakes Program. Efforts in coastal communities have
been supported through the National Estuary and Near Coastal Waters
Programs. At the same time, OWOW is developing regional strategies for pro-
tecting the Nation's wetlands and promoting watershed protection approaches
in general. Each of these efforts is highlighted in the following paragraphs.
EPA actively sponsors a number of local watershed projects through the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Rural Clean Water Program, which relies on inter-
agency cooperation, existing Federal-State-local partnerships, voluntary partici-
pation, and cost-sharing to control agriculturally generated nonpoint source
pollution at the local level. Since its initiation in 1980, the program has funded
21 watershed projects in 22 States. Many of these projects study the effects of
agricultural best management practices (i.e., measures implemented to control
nonpoint source pollution) on water quality.
One of OWOW's longstanding programs that embodies total lake and water-
shed management is the Clean Lakes
Program. The program supports activities
from initial identification of potential water
quality problems through post-restoration
monitoring. The Assessment and Watershed
Protection Division funds these efforts
through cooperative grants for State or tribal
water quality assessments, diagnostic and
feasibility studies, restoration and implemen-
tation projects, and post-restoration monitor-
ing studies. To give an idea of the program's
size, 44 States, 1 territory, and 15 Native
American tribes received financial assistance
in Fiscal Year 1990, totaling slightly more
than $12 million. More than 300 lakes have
been restored under this program to date.
10
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The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a demonstration program designed to
show how estuaries and their living resources can be protected through com-
prehensive, action-oriented management. The NEP grew out of earlier restora-
tion efforts in the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes. Specifically, stakeholders
associated with NEP-designated sites seek to identify the likely causes of major
environmental problems in estuaries; promote and sustain long-term State,
local, and public commitment to solving problems; and focus existing regulato-
ry, institutional, and financial resources on the identified problems.
Participation in the NEP is limited to estuaries determined by the EPA
Administrator to be of "national significance" after nomination by the
Governor(s) of the State(s) in which the estuaries are located.
Building on valuable experience gained through the National Estuary Program,
EPA initiated the Near Coastal Waters Program to create a broader framework
for promoting coastal protection efforts beyond the limited number of estuaries
addressed by the NEP. The first step was to develop Regional Near Coastal
Waters Strategies that identify needs for near coastal waters management and
geographic as well as specific actions directed at correcting coastal problems.
The major focus of the Near Coastal Waters Program is the implementation of
these strategies in cooperation with State and other Federal agencies.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach toward wetlands protec-
tion, the Wetlands Division provides financial and technical assistance to pub-
lic and private organizations to help them develop specific geographically tai-
lored, locally based strategies for wetlands protection. At the same time, the
Division works with States to develop State Wetlands Conservation Plans. The
purpose of these plans is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of govern-
ment and private sector efforts to protect, restore, and create wetlands. The
State Wetlands Conservation Plans and cooperative regional strategies are
funded in part through the EPA State Wetlands Protection Grant Program. To
assist State and local governments and private groups in their wetlands protec-
tion efforts, the Wetlands Division develops national strategy, guidance, and
outreach materials and works closely with other EPA programs to ensure that
wetland values and functions are adequately considered in their actions. The
Division also works with the international community in their wetlands protec-
tion efforts.
11
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12
Increasingly, EPA is turning to naturally defined hydrological ecosystems—
watersheds—as the primary focus for efforts to protect and restore natural
resources. Our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters reflect the conditions
and activities in their watersheds, and their health depends on the use of the
land that surrounds them. Industrial and municipal waste water, storm water
runoff, and destruction of important habitat areas, such as wetlands, all can
affect water resources and contribute to general environmental degradation.
EPA recognizes that to meet our water quality goals, a comprehensive
approach is needed that takes into account threats to human and ecosystem
health within specific watersheds. To some extent, this approach requires a
departure from EPA's traditional focus on regulating specific pollutants and
pollutant sources and an alignment of traditional regulatory and nonregulatory
programs to support integrated, holistic natural
. resource management. Based on the successes of
; > . comprehensive, aquatic ecosystem-based programs,
such as the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Clean
, Lakes, and National Estuary Programs, EPA is pro-
J , moting similar approaches across the Nation in
watersheds large and small, freshwater and marine,
i . > • ... . urban and rural. We call this the "Watershed
; •; t -. • •}' \-, ';-/ Protection Approach."
"'•«•; , . Each watershed is unique in the natural resources it
• '?? •-.;""•"'•' '-.'-I sustains, the pollution and environmental degrada-
tion problems it faces, and the political and social
forces at play. The Watershed Protection Approach considers these variables
and identifies actions to alleviate and prevent environmental degradation.
These actions meet the particular needs of the communities within watersheds
while, at the same time, preserving our Nation's vital water resources.
Around the country, numerous Federal, State, and local watershed protection
projects are underway, and many more are in various stages of planning.
Although these projects vary in size and focus, the projects commonly share
the philosophy of EPA's Watershed Protection Approach. In different water-
shed projects, EPA's role may vary considerably from convener or coordinator
to approver, promoter, supporter, or implementor. In others, EPA has no direct
role at all. Two watershed projects along the Merrimack River and Canaan
Valley are highlighted as examples. In addition, several State agencies and
EPA Regional offices recently took steps to institutionalize the Watershed
Protection Approach as a cornerstone of their water quality and resource man-
agement activities. Anticipating that they will undertake more of these projects
in the future, these Regions and States have devised watershed protection
frameworks for guidance.
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The
ver
The Merrimack River watershed covers 5,010 square miles in
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. More than 300,000 people rely on
the river for drinking water. The river also provides water for industrial
and agricultural uses and serves to assimilate waste and generate electricity.
Many people use the river and its shores for relaxation and recreation.
Wastewater discharges, toxic contaminants, urban runoff, increased
water withdrawal, and wetlands loss are the primary threats to long-term
water quality and ecological integrity.
Project participants, listed below, tackle both water quality and
water quantity issues by developing data management systems and
striving to balance competing needs within the watershed. A few
projects underway aim to provide decisionmakers with informa-
tion on the extent and condition of wetlands in order to protect
the most valuable areas; help light industries (such as auto
repair shops, dry cleaners, or photofinishers) understand what
steps they can take to prevent pollution; and provide decision-
makers with information about potential contamination of
water supplies, helping them to focus regulatory activities
(such as inspections and permitting) on pre-
venting pollution and planning for emergency
response if spills occur.
Jr'ar'l.%:
* Common wealth of Massachusetts
•' State of New Hampshire
* U»jS,'3tovifDBiBeiital Protection Agency
"V"
laglaiid InieiiitaJe Water Pollution Control Commission
;:l^piPttiHit of the Interior
,of Agriculture
•
agencies
vironmental, recreational, and watershed
industries, and utilities
13
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'Flu?
The 35,000-acre Canaan Valley in West Virginia, designated as a National
Natural Landmark in 1975, encompasses fragile wetlands areas containing
a unique and irreplaceable boreal ecosystem. The Blackwater River, orig-
inating in the valley's southern end, is an important source of drinking
water and the largest stream network in the State with a self-sustaining
brown trout population.
The valley and its resources attract a wide spectrum of interests. For
example, a power company proposes flooding 7,000 acres of the valley;
real estate developers plan to increase the number of vacation homes, golf
courses, ski slopes, and condominiums; a major off-road vehicle race,
; called the Blackwater 100, is held in the valey annualy; and
i natural resource conservationists strive to protect rare plants,
: and wildlife habitat, including wetlands.
-:*£i)i,/3S-
I fa 1990, the partners, listed below, formed the Canaan Valley
Task Force to resolve a variety of issues, ensuring long-term
environmental protection while allowing reasonable, sustain-
able economic growth. Early accomplishments include a
study of the impacts of off-road vehicles; a study of economic
impacts of the proposed Canaan Valley National Wildlife
Rufiige; suspension of certain nationwide general permits for
discharges of dredged or fill material in wetlands in the valley,
advanced identification of wetlands, and establishment of a
wetlands surveillance program; and implementation of a pub-
lic outreach program. Considered a key achievement by the
residents, the task force has established an open, effective, and
regular dialogue among all levels of government, special
interest organizations, and the public.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency * U.S.
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers • U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Soil Conservation Service * Landowner associations
West Virginia Division of Natural
Resources Authority
• Bevelqanent interest organizations . , Coprneroe, " v>
Environmental organizations
*
14
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e
OWOW recognizes the need to have a strong base of scientific information as
the foundation for making regulatory and nonregulatory decisions about
resource protection and management and evaluating program success. The
reorganization that established OWOW also created an Office of Science and
Technology (OST) as the primary technical support arm for all water programs
and liaison with EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD). OWOW
works with OST and ORD to support research and develop technical guidance
for OWOW's programs. OWOW also provides technical support and informa-
tion to citizens, local governments, States, and other Federal agencies regarding
water quality monitoring, assessment, and regulation. The following para-
graphs highlight some of OWOW's technical activities.
The Assessment and Watershed Protection Division prepares technical guid-
ance for assessing water quality and program successes, develops water quality
indicators, and coordinates surface water monitoring programs with related
programs elsewhere in EPA and other Federal agencies. The division currently
chairs an intergovernmental task force on monitoring water quality, through
which eight Federal and eight State agencies work together to improve moni-
toring nationwide. To increase the availability and usability of water quality
data nationwide, the Assessment and Watershed Protection Division operates
and is modernizing water quality data and information systems, including
STORET, the oldest and largest Federal data base of water quality information.
In addition, the Assessment and Watershed Protection Division is establishing
an active Geographic Information System (GIS) center to support water quality
decisionmaking. The Division also prepares the biennial National Water
Quality Inventory, a report to Congress that aggregates and analyzes State
reports of water quality data into a periodic snapshot of water conditions
nationwide. The Assessment and Watershed Protection Division is currently
emphasizing biological monitoring—by developing and publishing protocols
and methods, as well as supporting regional and State efforts—and integrated
monitoring programs to support watershed protection. The Division supports
and prepares guidance to help volunteer monitoring programs contribute infor-
mation to water quality managers and educate citizens of all ages. In addition,
the Division publishes a monthly newsletter, The Water Monitor, which
describes monitoring and assessment activities nationwide.
OWOW operates and maintains the Ocean Data Evaluating System, which is a
menu-driven storage and analytical tool that provides dial-up access from any-
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where in the United States. Users can obtain water quality, sediment quality,
biological, and permit data generated by the Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division's programs.
In the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, studies of environmental condi-
tions at point sources and ocean dumping sites are
used to manage impacts and protect the marine
environment. Field surveys are conducted to sup-
port the designation of ocean dumping sites and to
assess impacts of past and ongoing ocean dump-
ing operations and discharges. In addition, the
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division surveys
the types and distribution of marine debris found
in harbors, on beaches, and offshore.
The OSV Anderson, EPA's only oceangoing sur-
vey ship, supports EPA programs on the east and
gulf coasts of the United States. The Anderson is
fully equipped with three laboratories—a wet lab-
oratory for initial biological sample processing, a
chemistry laboratory, and a microbiology labora-
tory—as well as a computerized center from
which survey operations are directed and coordi-
nated.
Beyond the monitoring studies related to specific
regulatory requirements, OWOW participates in
and sponsors a wide range of environmental
research that focuses on problems affecting specif-
ic geographic areas. For example, as part of the
National Estuary Program, the Oceans and
Coastal Protection Division
supports environmental assess-
ments in coastal areas, such as
San Francisco Bay, Narragan-
sett Bay, and the Albemarle-
Pamlico Sounds, to build a
technical foundation for com-
prehensive environmental
planning and management
strategies for these areas. The
Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division and its partners—
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local interests, States, and other Federal agencies — begin by assembling exist-
ing scientific data on these complex estuarine systems. After identifying data
gaps, they conduct field studies to obtain crucial information. These scientific
investigations include the following:
• Long-term monitoring to characterize the sources of pollution and to deter-
mine impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the
ecosystem
• Data collection and analysis to determine the causes of environmental
problems
• Research on complex estuarine processes, such as pathogen cycles and
nutrient and sediment flow, which influence the effect of human activities
on environmental quality.
OWOW also cooperates and supports environmental monitoring efforts related
to three other major programs: the Chesapeake Bay Program, Gulf of Mexico
Program, and Great Lakes Program.
The Wetlands Division works with other EPA offices to develop technical guid-
ance to support the regulation of disposal of dredged or fill material in wet-
lands. Specifically, the Wetlands Division is developing a technical testing
manual to evaluate proposed discharges of dredged material in waters of the
United States, including wetlands. The Division also works with other State
governments and EPA offices to develop wildlife criteria and water quality
standards for wetlands and guidelines for the use of wetlands in stormwater
management.
In cooperation with ORD, the Wetlands Division plans and coordinates wet-
lands research. Recently, the Wetlands Division and ORD produced a 5-year
wetlands research strategy, which has been used as a model for other areas of
EPA research.
Building public awareness and providing technical assistance are essential com-
ponents of OWOW's efforts to protect wetlands, oceans, and watersheds.
OWOW provides information to the public and interested parties on the values,
functions, and problems facing these resources through a variety of media.
The Wetlands Division advances wetlands protection by supporting activities to
increase the public and scientific understanding of wetlands, their functions,
and values. As part of this effort, the Wetlands Division sponsors the Wetlands
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,^f Program
Protection Hotline, an annual American Wetlands Month celebration, confer-
ences, training workshops, and publications about wetlands values and alterna-
tives for their protection.
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, in conjunction with other OWOW
divisions, provides technical assistance and technology transfer to the National
Estuary Program and Near Coastal Waters Program through training work-
shops; conferences; and guidance, reference, and policy documents. The
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division is also active in technology
transfer through the Clean Lakes Program and Rural Clean Water Program,
which assists communities in implementing best management practices and
other pollution control measures.
OWOW strongly supports volunteer monitoring programs, both as a source of
credible data and as a public education tool, to promote stewardship of the
Nation's water resources. To help advance these efforts, OWOW publishes
guidance on planning volunteer monitoring programs and on monitoring meth-
ods for volunteers; convenes conferences to encourage information exchange
among volunteers; and works with State agencies that use data collected by
volunteer monitors. OWOW also supports the exchange of such information
with the scientific community.
Credil Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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• Special Outreach Services
The Wetlands Protection Hotline operates Monday through Fridays (except
Federal holidays), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to respond to public inquiries
about wetlands regulatory, programmatic, and policy issues. The hotline tele-
phone number is:
1-800-832-7828.
The following newsletters provide periodic reporting on OWOW subjects of
interest to the public:
• Coastlines covers issues related to the National Estuary Program, Near
Coastal Waters Program, and other coastal initiatives. Published periodi-
cally.
• Nonpoint Sources News-Notes reports on various activities related to con-
trolling nonpoint sources of water pollution and announces meetings and
events. Published periodically.
• The Volunteer Monitor provides a forum for volunteer groups that monitor
water quality to express their ideas and exchange practical information.
Published twice a year.
• The Water Monitor summarizes water monitoring activities in the States
and regions, announces technical meetings and publications, and reports on
technical meetings and innovative developments. Published monthly.
• Watershed Events describes the development and use of watershed protec-
tion approaches for improving the environmental quality of aquatic ecosys-
tems. Published quarterly.
Electronic Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) offer those with computers and
modems a vehicle to exchange information arid documents. To access the fol-
lowing bulletin boards, use your telecommunications software and modem to
dial the following numbers:
• Nonpoint Source (NPS) BBS, sponsored by the Assessment and
Watershed Division: 301-589-0205
• COASTNET, sponsored by the Oceans and Coastal Protection Division:
202-260-8482.
The following clearinghouses respond to requests for information and
OWOW documents:
• Nonpoint Source Information Exchange: 202-260-1517 (facsimile
number)
• Clean Lakes Clearinghouse: 202-833-8317.
Hotline
Newsletters
Electronic Bulletin
Board Systems
Clearinghouses
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Protecting America's Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds; 4n Overview of Programs and Activities
OWOW was founded to integrate the protection and management of our
Nation's watersheds, coastal and marine waters, and wetlands. The Office rec-
ognizes that building public awareness and providing technical outreach is only
part of the solution to our water pollution problems. The solution also depends
on a strong technical foundation for decisionmaking, active enforcement of
regulations to protect water resources, and an effective framework to coordi-
nate existing and future activities. Through increased cooperation and
improved coordination with both public and private groups, OWOW seeks to
promote an interwoven management framework to protect, maintain, and
restore our Nation's wetlands, oceans, and watersheds. For further information
about OWOW, or for a list of our publications, please write to the:
Policy and Communications Staff
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Office of Water (WH-556F)
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460.
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