United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Policy, Planning,
And Evaluation
(PM-222B)
EPA-230-B-93-001
February 1993
v/EPA
Guide to Federal Water Quality
Programs and Information
^ VH •
Printed on paper that contains
at least 50% recycled liber
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&ERA
Guide to Federal Water Quality
Programs and Information
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Acknowledgements
The Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information has been prepared by the Interagency Work
Group on Water Quality under the leadership of Tim Stuart, Chair of the Work Group, and N. Phillip Ross, Director
of the Environmental Statistics and Information Division (ESID) for the Office of Strategic Planning and
Environmental Data (OSPED) in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with assistance from, in alphabetical
order:
John Belshe, ESID and Army Corps of Engineers
RiduirdCotIiern,ESID
Carroll Curtis, Consultant
Judy English, VIGYAN Inc.
Sandra Gehring, VfGYAN Inc.
Luis Hernandez, ViGYAN Inc.
Eleanor Leonard, ESID
James Morant, ESID
Ingrid Schultz, ESID
Jolm Williams, JRW Associates
David Zoellner, Consultant
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328
ISBN 0-16-041708-2
PAGE I!
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Foreword
The overall goal of the Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information is to help make key
Federal information on water quality available to environmental analysts. In this time of increased environmental
awareness it is vital to share as much information as possible, avoid duplication of effort, and limit the resources
used to identify and collect necessary data.
' Many factors are important in assessments of water quality. Specifically, the Guide includes information
on 1) underlying demographic pressures; 2) the use of land, water, and resources; 3) pollutant loadings; 4) ambient
water quality; 5) other effects of water pollution; and 6) a listing of programs established to preserve, protect and
restore water quality. This encompasses statistics from the Bureau of the Census oh demographic data, statistics from
EPA's Toxics Release Inventory, statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on pesticide use on crop lands,
statistics on ambient water quality from several NOAA and USGS programs, information from the Centers for
Disease Control on waterborne diseases, information from such control programs as EPA's Permitting and
Enforcement programs, and other sources. An appendix includes information on additional sources of information
such as directories, selected databases, individual water quality studies, clearinghouses, and analytical tools. The
Guide also contains an index of keywords and phrases that can be used to locate desired programs.
The entries in this Guide are arranged by the six categories of information described above. Included are
programs that use documented procedures to collect statistics in a way that is consistent across the Nation and publish
those statistics. Those programs can be identified by their two-column format and by the following special
identification box.
:..Y....:.
f
Datatype: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
The Guide references a number of programs which also appear in the Guide to Selected National
Environmental Statistics in the U.S. Government (EPA, 1992). These entries are marked with the following special
identification box. These programs have been included in this Guide as a convenience for the reader in locating
programs with relevant information for water quality analyses.
us.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
The Guide also includes water related program entries. They appear in one-column format and are marked
by the following special identification box.
TP =.
Datatype; Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Comments and suggestions concerning the Guide are welcomed. A comment/recommendation form is
provided following the Keyword Index.
For additional copies of the printed version of the Guide, please contact:
Public Information Center (PIC)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
In addition to the printed version, a limited number of copies of the Guide will be available in an electronic
version that can be viewed on an IBM-compatible personal computer with 640K of RAM memory, hard disk drive,
DOS 3.0 or higher, and an EGA or VGA monitor. If you would like a copy of the electronic version of the Guide,
please contact:
Tim Stuart, Ph.D.
Environmental Statistics and Information Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (PM-222B)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
PAGE Jv
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Guide to Federal Water Quality
Programs and Information
A Guide with Computer Software
Developed by the Interagency Work Group on Water Quality
Chair: Tim Stuart, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Members:
Frank Skidmore and Charles Herrick
Council on Environmental Quality
Michael LeBlanc and Merritt Padgitt
Economic Research Service
Dean Knighton, Dick Cline and
Warren Harper
Forest Service
Sam Rives and Van Johnson
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Wildon Fontenot and Peter Tidd
Soil Conservation Service
Charles Alexander and Gerald Barton
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Jesse Havard
Bureau of the Census
Earl Eiker and Pete Juhle
Army Corps of Engineers
Anita Highsmith and Anne Moore
National Centers for Disease Control
Ron Huntsinger
Bureau of Land Management
Keith Eggleston
Bureau of Reclamation
Jim Andreasen
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tim Smith, Cliff Haupt and Don Bingham
U.S. Geological Survey
Bill Jackson
National Park Service
John Belshe/Rick Cothern
Eleanor Leonard
Wendy Blake-Coleman
Kim Devonald/Ruth Chemrys
Tom Dixon
Elizabeth Jester-Fellows/Jack Clifford
Dave Wolf/Joel O'Connor
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ted Engman and Jim Ormsby
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mike Hines and Richard Shane
Tennessee Valley Authority
Claude Magnuson
Department of Energy
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGEv
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ii
Foreword iii
Title Page and Interagency Work Group Members v
Introduction xiii
I. Population Pressures l
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 3
Decennial Census of Population 3
National and Subnational Population Estimates and National and State Population
Projections 5
II. Use of Land, Water and Resources 7
A. Land Use 9
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 11
Major Uses of Land in the United States 11
National Resources Inventory 13
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 15
National Land Use and Land Cover Mapping Program 15
B. Water Use 17
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 19
Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting 19
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 20
Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey 20
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 21
Major Water Projects and Their Characteristics 21
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 22
National Water Conditions Reporting System 22
National Water Use Information Program 24
Water Supply Conditions for the Western United States 26
C. Resource Use 27
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 29
Resource Planning Act Assessments 29
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR 31
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) Assessments 31
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation 33
in. Pollutant Loadings 35
INTERAGENCY PROGRAMS 37
National Acid Deposition Program/National Trends Network 37
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 39
1989 Cotton Water Quality Database 39
Agricultural Chemical Use on Field Crops 40
Agricultural Chemical Use on Fruits and Nuts 41
Agricultural Chemical Use on Vegetables 42
Chemical Use Surveys 43
Fertilizer Use and Price Statistics 44
Water Quality and Farm Chemical Studies 45
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 46
National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory Program 46
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 48
Highway Statistics 48
Marine Pollution Retrieval System 50
National Transportation Statistics 51
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY < 52
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Information System 52
National Air Pollution Control Program 53
Toxics Release Inventory 54
Other Items of Interest 55
Month and State Current Emissions Trends 57
National Energy Information Center 57
Hazardous Waste Surveys 58
Non-Hazardous Waste Surveys 60
IV. Ambient Surface and Ground Water Quality 61
A. General 63
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 65
Watershed Management and Rehabilitation Research Program 65
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 66
National Status and Trends Program 66
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 68
National Contaminant Bipmonitoring Program 68
Colorado River Salinity Program 70
National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network Program 71
National Stream Quality Accounting Network 73
National Water-Quality Assessment Program .. 75
Watershed Protection Program: Park-Based Water Quality Data Management
System 76
Water Resources Assessment Program 78
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY .... 80
Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program 80
National Surface Water Survey 81
National Water Quality Monitoring Program 83
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY 86
Water Resources and Ecological Monitoring 86
B. Ecological 89
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 91
Fisheries Statistics Program 91
Living Marine Resources 92
National Coastal Wetlands Inventory 94
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 95
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program 95
National Wetlands Inventory 97
North American Breeding Bird Survey 100
Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey 101
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 102
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) 102
V. Other Effects of Water Pollution 103
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 105
Classified Shellfishing Waters 105
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 107
Waterbome Disease Outbreak Surveillance 107
VI. Preservation, Protection, and Restoration Programs 109
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Ill
Forest Service Water Quality Program Ill
SCS Water Quality Programs 112
Working Group on Water Quality 113
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 115
Annual Surveys of Government Finances and Government Employment 115
Survey of Pollution Abatement Costs and Expenditures 117
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 119
Defense Environmental Restoration Program . 119
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY .121
Environmental Restoration Program 121
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 122
National Irrigation Water Quality Program 122
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System 123
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands 124
Bureau of Land Management Initiatives 125
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 127
Construction Grants/State Revolving Fund Programs .. . 127
National Clean Lakes Program 130
National Effluent Guidelines Program 132
National Marine and Estuarine Programs 134
National Nonpoint Source Program 136
National Public Water Supply Supervision Program 138
National Water Quality Standards, Water Quality Criteria, and Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) Programs 140
National Wetlands Program 143
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance Permits Program ......... 145
Wellhead Protection Program/Comprehensive State Ground Water Protection
Program (CSGWPP) 147
APPENDICES 149
A. Individual Water Quality Studies 151
1982 National Fisheries Survey 153
Environmental Investments: The Cost of A Clean Environment 153
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index . . . 154
National Pesticide Survey 154
National Study of Chemical Residues in Fish 155
National Urban Runoff Program 155
Nitrate Occurrence in U.S. Waters 156
Pollutant Loadings and Impacts From Highway Stormwater Runoff 156
B. Analytical Tools 157
Environmental Display Manager 159
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program 159
Water Quality Modeling 161
C. Clearinghouses, Data Centers, and Additional Directories 163
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 165
Annual Report to Congress .165
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 165
Water Quality Information Center 165
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 166
Climate Analysis Center I66
Earth System Data Directory 167
National Climate Data Center 168
National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) . 169
National Geophysical Data Center 171
National Oceanographic Data Center . 173
National Weather Service . 174
Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network 176
Office of Hydrology 177
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 178
Earth Science Data Directory 178
Global Land Information System (GLIS) 179
National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX) .. 179
National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE) 180
National Water Information Clearinghouse 180
National Water Information System 181
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 181
ACCESS EPA 181
Guide to Selected National Environmental Statistics in the U.S. Government .... 182
INFOTERRA/USA Directory of Environmental Sources . 183
Office of Water Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium 184
STOrage RETrieval (STORET) 184
Waterbody System • 185
INTERAGENCY EFFORT 186
Intergovernmental Task Force on Monitoring Water Quality (ITFM) 186
Inventory of Exposure-Related Data Systems Sponsored by Federal Agencies ... 187
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 188
Global Change Master Directory 188
Keyword Index 191
Following the Keyword Index:
Comment / Recommendation Form ,
Entry Updating Procedures
New Entry Submission Information ;
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE xi
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Introduction
The Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information is designed to direct the reader to Federal
programs with useful information on water quality programs and conditions. The Guide does not contain actual water
quality data; instead it provides descriptions of programs and names, addresses, and phone numbers for program
contacts. The program contacts generally will provide access to the actual data. Although the primary audience for
the Guide is water quality analysts in the Federal Government, the Guide also should prove of interest to a much
larger audience.
The Guide was developed by the Interagency Work Group on Water Quality through a series of meetings
and discussions as an attempt to inventory all significant Federal water quality programs and information of a
national scope or interest. We recognize that some important activities may have been overlooked and, as noted
below, we would welcome suggestions for changes to the Guide.
In line with the Clean Water Act and recent EPA Policy1, the Interagency Work Group took the approach
that water quality includes the chemical, physical and biological/ecological integrity of the receiving waters. The
definition of "water quality," as used in this Guide, thus includes habitat for aquatic life as well as the chemical
quality of the sediment and water column. The Guide contains information on programs dealing with surface and
ground waters in freshwater, estuarine and marine environments.
The Guide is divided into six sections. Each section consists of a brief discussion followed by a listing of
one or more Federal programs. The first three sections address Federal programs with information on factors that
affect water quality, i.e., underlying demographic pressures; the use of land, water and resources; and pollutant
loadings. The fourth section contains information on ambient water quality, while the fifth section discusses other
effects of water pollution such as waterborne disease. The final section includes information on Federal programs
established to preserve, protect and restore water quality. The Appendix contains information on additional sources
of information, including: individual studies; analytical tools; and clearinghouses, data centers, and additional
directories.
In addition to the information on loadings and water quality impacts referenced in the Guide, additional
estimates on pollutant loadings and water quality impacts can be developed by using the analytical tools, e.g., water
quality models, referenced in the Appendix. For example, the Environmental Display Manager2 will allow mapping,
display, analysis support, and information management capabilities, and will provide estimates of water quality
conditions using a number of national water quality databases at local, regional and national scales.
For this first edition of the Guide the focus is on national-level programs and information. Over time, the
Guide may be expanded to provide more comprehensive coverage of water quality programs and information at
Regional and State levels. As resources allow, we expect to update the Guide in the future. Therefore, we would
welcome suggestions for changes to the Guide, including suggestions for additional Federal programs that should
be included. A comment/recommendation form is provided following the Keyword Index.
1 Policy on the Use of Biological Assessments and Criteria in the Water Quality Program, Office of Water, Environmental
Protection Agency, June, 1991. Also see Technical Support Document for Water Quality-based Toxics Control, Environmental
Protection Agency, Office of Water, 1991.
2 See "The Environmental Display Manager: A Tool for Water Quality Data Integration." Water Resources Bulletin, Volume
27, Number 6, 1991.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE xiii
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Section I
Population Pressures
This Section provides information on several Bureau of the Census programs that track
and project human population in the U.S. Such statistics are important in water quality
assessment since some types of water pollutants, e.g., sewage, are directly related to population
and population centers that produce urban runoff from streets and parking lots. Thus, changes
in population and population density generally lead to changes in water quality. Of course, the
water quality impact from a particular population level depends upon a number of factors
discussed in later sections of this Guide. These factors include land use, water use, treatment and
prevention programs, and the characteristics of the receiving waters. For example, a large urban
area located on a small stream will most likely produce larger water quality impacts than a small
town located on a large river.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Decennial Census of Population
OFFICE:
Bureau of the Census
Population Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The decennial census provides a comprehensive set of
population statistics for the United States. Basic
demographic characteristics are collected on a
100-percent basis. Social and economic characteristics
are collected from a large sample of all households
and persons in group quarters.
DATA COVERAGE:
The decennial census provides demographic (e.g., age,
race, sex, relationship, Hispanic origin), social (e.g.,
education, migration, ancestry, language), and
economic (e.g., occupation, industry, income, place of
work) characteristics of the population of the United
States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, the Northern Marinas, and Palau.
Trend data are available from previous decennial
censuses.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Basic demographic data are collected from 100
percent of the population. Social and economic
characteristics are collected from a large sample -
approximately one-in-six in 1980 and 1990.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Decennial.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The 50 States, the District of Columbia, and substate
areas such as counties, county subdivisions, cities,
towns, villages, and census tracts. Also covers Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Northern Marinas, and Palau.
U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data "type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
CONTACT:
Philip N. Fulton
Assistant Division Chief for Census Programs
Population Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-7890
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
The results of the Census of Population are issued in
various forms; printed reports, computer tape files,
CD-ROM, and microfiche. Computer tape files are
designed to provide statistics with greater detail than
is feasible or desirable to provide in printed and
microfiche reports. Many computer tape files also are
released on CD-ROM. The following is a brief
summary of 1990 census data releases:
P.L. 94-171, Population Counts - In accordance with
Public Law (P.L.) 94-171, the Census Bureau has
provided population tabulations to all States for
legislative reapportionment/redistricting.
Summary Tape Files (STFs) 1A, IB, and 1C, and 2A,
2B, and 2C - Complete count population and
housing data summarized for a wide range of
census geography (United States, metropolitan
areas, urbanized areas, American Indian and
Alaska Native areas, States, county subdivisions,
places, census tracts, block numbering areas,
block groups, and block).
Summary Tape Files (STFs) 3A and 3C - Sample
population and housing data summarized for a
wide range of census geography (as shown above
- but excluding blocks).
Census/Equal Employment (EEO) Special File -
Sample census data to support affirmative action
planning.
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Summary Population and Housing Characteristics
(CPH-1) reports - Complete count population and
housing data derived from STF 1.
Summary Social, Economic, and Housing
Characteristics (CPH-5) reports - Sample
population and housing data for local
governments, including American Indian and
Alaska Native areas.
General Population Characteristics (CP-1) reports -
Detailed statistics on age, sex, race, and/or
Hispanic origin, martial status and household
relationship presented for States, counties, places
of 1,000 or more inhabitants, etc.
The Census Bureau is in the process of releasing STF
1-B U.S. Summary File, and STF 2 Census Tracts
and soon will begin releasing General Population
Characteristics STF 1-C. STF 3, which presents
social, economic, and detailed housing characteristics
for geographic areas comparable to STF 1-A, and
STF 4, which is the geographic counterpart to STF 2.
STF-4 will be released in early 1993.
Customized special tabulations of census data may be
obtained on a cost reimbursable basis.
DATABASE(S):
CENDATA
CENDATA is the Census Bureau's online
information service. It is available through two
information vendors, CompuServe and DIALOG.
For more information, contact:
Data User Services Division
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-2074
PAGE 4
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National and Subnational Population Estimates and
National and State Population Projections
OFFICE:
Bureau of the Census
Population Division
Population Estimates and Projections Branches
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Population Estimates and Projections Branches
produce current estimates of the U.S. population (the
50 States, the District of Columbia, the counties,
incorporated areas, Puerto Rico, and the territories)
and project the future population.
DATA COVERAGE:
Statistics include: estimates of the total, resident, and
civilian population of the United States by State, with
components of change; estimates of national and State
population by age, sex, race, and/or Hispanic origin;
projections of future population by age and sex for
States and by age, sex, race, and/or Hispanic origin
for the United States; yearly estimates of county
population; biennial estimates of the population of
incorporated places and functional minor civil
divisions; and estimates of populations of
metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; population
migration by religion; population density; and
population growth rate.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Estimates of the U.S. population are derived by
updating the total population including Armed Forces
overseas at the time of the last census, year by year,
through the components of population change. State
population totals are estimated using vital statistics,
school enrollment, internal migration (based on
Federal income tax data), net internal migration, and
Medicare enrollment. State estimates for age and sex
are developed by a procedure that carries forward the
decennial census data for each single year of age by
State, and allows for births, deaths, and net migration.
Net migration is estimated using school enrollment to
obtain a school-age migration rate, which is then
converted to rates for single years of age. The
methodology to develop household estimates is based
on national trends and estimated State trends in adult
per household, and on estimates of adult population
for States. For detailed descriptions of specific
methodologies, see reports referenced in Publications.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Continuous.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
CONTACT:
For national estimates:
Frederick W. Hollmanh
National Projections Branch
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-7950
For national projections:
Jennifer Day
National Projections Branch
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-1902
For subnational estimates:
Edwin Byerly
Subnational Estimates Branch
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-5072
For state projection statistics:
Paul Campbell
Demographic Statistician
Population Division
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-1902
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Byerly, E. 1990. State Population and Household
Estimates: July 1, 1989. Current Population
Reports, Series P-25, No. 1058. U.S. Department
of Commerce. Washington, DC.
Day, J. 1992. Population Projections of the United
States, by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin:
1992 to 2050. Current Population Reports,
Publication Series P-25, No. 1092. U.S.
Department of Commerce. Washington, DC.
Hollman, F.W. 1992. U.S. Population Estimates, by
Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin: 1980 to
1991. Current Population Reports, Series P-25,
No. 1095. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, DC.
Stamisinc, D.E. & R.L. Forstall. 1989. Patterns of
Metropolitan Area and County Population
Growth: 1980-1987. Current Population
Reports, Series P-25, No. 1039. U.S. Department
of Commerce. Washington, DC.
Bureau of the Census. 1990. Population Estimates
for Metropolitan Statistical Areas, July 1,1988,
1987, and 1986. Current Population Reports,
Series P-25, No. 1088-B. U.S. Department of
Commerce. Washington, DC.
—. Estimates of the Population of the United States
to August 1 (annual). Current Population
Reports, publication Series P-25. U.S.
Department of Commerce. Washington, DC.
Wetrogen, S.I. 1990. Projections of the Population of
States, by Age, Sex, and Race: 1989-2010.
Current Population Reports, Publication Series P-
25, No. 1053. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE^):
CENDATA
The Census Bureau's online information service
is available through two information vendors,
CompuServe and DIALOG, and on tape and
diskette.
For more information contact:
Data User Services Division
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-2074
PAGE 6
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Section II
Use of Land, Water and Resources
The programs in this section have information on land use, water use, and resource use. These
uses are important factors in determining water quality, since, as discussed earlier, they interact
with human populations to determine pollutant loadings. For example, different types of land
use usually provide different types and levels of pollutants; the amount of water in a stream
affects its water quality, including its ecology. Resource uses such as timber harvesting often
alter the quality and quantity of the runoff from the resource area.
Analytical tools, such as water quality models (see Appendix B), can be used to estimate the
loadings and resulting water quality impacts associated with different population levels and land,
water, and resource uses.
Additional information on precipitation records is provided in Appendix B. Information on
land use as related to wetlands can be found in entries for the National Wetlands Inventory and
the National Coastal Wetlands Inventory in Section IV, Ambient Surface and Ground Water
Quality.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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A. Land Use
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Major Uses of Land in the United States
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Land and Capital Assets Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
For more than 50 years, the Economic Research
Service and its predecessor agencies have estimated
acreage and maintained an inventory of the major
uses of land in the United States at intervals
coinciding with the Census of Agriculture.
DATA COVERAGE:
Estimates are made for major land use classes:
cropland; grassland pasture and range; forest land;
special use; and unclassified use. Each major class is
further classified by specified uses and some by
ownership. Land uses are also designated as
agricultural and nonagricultural.
Agricultural land uses include: cropland (cropland
harvested, cropland failure, cultivated summer fallow,
and idle cropland); grazing lands (cropland pasture
and permanent pasture and range); grazed forest land;
and miscellaneous agricultural uses (farmsteads, farm
roads, and farm lanes).
Special land uses include: forest land not grazed;
intensive uses (highways and roads, railroads, and
airports); and extensive uses (national parks, State
'parks, wilderness areas, Federal wildlife areas, State
wildlife areas, national defense areas, and Federal
industrial facilities). Unclassified other land uses
include: urban and other special uses not inventoried
and other miscellaneous areas such as marshes, open
swamps, bare rock areas, deserts, and tundra. Data are
analyzed for trends.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data from the Bureau of the Census, agencies of the
Department of Agriculture, public land management
and conservation organizations, and other sources are
assembled, analyzed, and synthesized to estimate
State, regional, and national land use acreage. Barnard
and Hexem (1988) describe how the statistical series
on acreage of cropland and other land in the United
States are constructed and used; they also identify
sources of current and historical data and information
used in constructing the series.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
The major uses of land are inventoried every 5 years
coinciding with years in which the Census of
Agriculture is completed. The inventories generally
have been comparable in format and coverage since
1945. The series on "cropland used for crops" dates
back to 1909.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
All 50 States.
CONTACT:
Arthur B. Daugherty
Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1301 New York Ave., NW, Room 408
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0424
Economic Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1301 New York Ave., NW Room 408
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0424
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contacts.
PUBLICATIONS:
Barnard, C.H. and R.W. Hexem. 1988. Land Values
and Land Use. Agricultural Handbook No. 671.
Vol. 6, Major Statistical Series of the U.S.
. Department of Agriculture. Resources and
Technology Division, Economic Research
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
. Washington, DC.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 11
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Daugherty, A.B. 1991. Major Uses of Land in the
United States: 1987. Agricultural Economic
Report (AER) No. 643. Resources and
Technology Division, Economic Research
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
Frey, H.T. and R.W. Hexem. 1985. Major Uses of
Land in the United States: 1982. Agricultural
Economic Report (AER) No. 535. Resources and
Technology Division, Economic Research
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE^):
Major Land Uses Database (MLU) #89003
The MLU database contains State, regional, and
national estimates of 15 major land use classes
for Census of Agriculture years between 1945
and 1987. The MLU database is available on one
5.25" diskette in LOTUS 1-2-3 (Release 2) for
$25. It is also available on magnetic medium.
For information, contact:
ERS-NASS
341 Victoria Drive
Hemdon, Virginia 22070
Phone: (800) 999-6779
PAGE 12
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
National Resources Inventory
OFFICE:
Soil Conservation Service
Resources Inventory Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: '
For 50 years, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has
been conducting periodic inventories of the Nation's
soil, water, and related resources. The National
Resources Inventory (NRI), which is an extension and
modification of earlier inventories, provides data on
the status, condition, and trends of these resources of
nonfederal land in the United States.
DATA COVERAGE:
The many types of data collected by the NRI process
are organized into eight general categories: soil
characteristics and interpretations (including
agricultural land capability); land cover, land use
(including irrigated and non-irrigated cropland, grazed
and ungrazed forest land, prime farmland, etc.);
erosion (such as sheet and rill, wind, and ephemeral
gullies); land treatment (such as irrigation, tillage, and
windbreaks); conservation treatment needs; vegetative
conditions (such as wetlands, rangeland condition and
species, and pasture management); and potential for
conversion to cropland.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The NRI is a multi-resource inventory based on soils
and related resource data collected at scientifically
selected random sample sites. The NRI sample design
was developed by the Iowa State University (ISU)
Statistical Laboratory at Ames. It uses census area
and point methods for data collection. Data collection
involves both field investigation and remote sensing
(photo-interpretation).
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected on a 5-year cycle. Recent surveys
were conducted in 1977, 1982, and 1987.
$£
'
us.
Guide
Entry
Datal^pc: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The 1987 NRI data were collected from nearly
300,000 sample sites from all counties of the United
States except those in Alaska, and in Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands. Most of these samples were part of
the 1982 NRI which had nearly 1 million sample
sites. The 1987 NRI data has a high degree of
reliability at the State level and the 1982 NRI
provides a high degree of reliability at the
multi-county level. Data estimates can be made by
Major Land Resources Areas; SCS Administrative
Areas; Water Resources Council Aggregated
Subareas; and other multi-county geographic
subdivisions.
CONTACT:
Jeff Goebel
Resources Inventory and Geographic Information
Systems Division
Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 2890
South Agricultural Building, Room 6175
Washington, DC 20013
Phone: (202) 720-4530
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Soil Conservation Service. 1984. Basic Statistics 1977
National Resources Inventory. Statistical Bulletin
No. 686. Department of Agriculture, SCS/ISU.
Washington, DC.
--. 1987. Basic Statistics 1982 National Resources
Inventory, Statistical Bulletin No. 756.
Department of Agriculture, SCS/ISU.
Washington, DC.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 13
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--. 1989. Summary Report 1987 National Resources
Inventory. Statistical Bulletin No. 790.
Department of Agriculture, SCS/ISU.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
National Resources Inventory Database
The database contains 1977, 1982 and 1987
National Resources Inventory data sets.
For more information contact:
Iowa State University Computation Center
Ames, IA 50010
,Phone: (515) 294-3402
PAGE 14
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Land Use and Land Cover Mapping Program
OFFICE: CONTACT:
Guide
Entry
Data'type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Geographic and Cartographic Research
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
As part of its National Mapping Program, the USGS
produces and distributes land use and land cover maps
and digitized data. Land use refers to human activities
that are directly related to the land. Land cover
describes the vegetation, water, natural surface, and
artificial constructions at the land surface. Associated
maps display information on political units,
hydrologic units, census county subdivisions, and in
some cases, Federal land ownership.
DATA COVERAGE:
Land use and land cover areas are classified into nine
major classes: urban or built-up land; agricultural
land; rangeland; forest land; water areas; wetland;
barren land; tundra; and perennial snow or ice. Each
major class is subdivided into several minor classes,
for 37 minor classes total. For example, forest lands
are further classified as deciduous, evergreen, or
mixed forest land, and water is further classified as
streams and canals, lakes, reservoirs, or bays and
estuaries.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Remote sensing methods are used, including satellite
imagery, high-altitude imagery, medium-altitude
remote sensing (1:20,000), and low-altitude imagery.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data were collected hi the late 1970s and early 1980s.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
1:250,000 maps are available for the continental
United States. Digitized data at 1:250,000 scale are
available for most of the East, Midwest, West Coast,
and parts of the Rocky Mountain States and Texas. A
few areas, including Hawaii, are available at
1:100,000 scale.
Richard L. Kleckner
Office of Geographic and Cartographic Research
U.S. Geological Survey
590 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5741
Kathy F. Lins
Office of Geographic and Cartographic Research
512 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-4535
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Earth Sciences Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6045
To order maps, call 1-800-USA-MAPS.
PUBLICATIONS:
Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
1986. Land Use and Land Cover Digital Data from
1:250,000 and 1:100,000 Scale Maps, U.S. Geodata
Users Guide 4. Washington, DC: Department of the
Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
DATABASE(S):
U.S. GeoData
The U.S. GeoData database contains digitized data on
land use and land cover (see above description),
elevation models, digital line graphs for planimetric
data, and geographic names information. Land use
and land cover data are produced in two formats: the
vector polygon and the composite theme grid cell and
are available in ASCII character or in IBM binary
format from the Earth Sciences Information Center.
Summary land use data for census county
subdivisions, hydrologic units, and political units are
available on microfiche from the Earth Sciences
Information Center.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 15
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B. Water Use
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 17
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
^.y.....
*
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Soil Conservation Service
Resources Inventory Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Snowpack and other hydrometeorological data are
collected and analyzed to produce seasonal water
supply forecasts and related conservation planning
products.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Variables estimated monthly for about 600 river
forecast points include: most probable seasonal water
supply, exceedance probabilities, and the 25-year
seasonal average.
Variables measured daily for about 560 SNOTEL
Automated Data Collection Sites include: accumulated
snow water content, accumulated precipitation,
average air temperature, maximum air temperature,
minimum air temperature, and measurements by
various sensors at select SNOTEL sites.
Trend data available include: western basin snow pack
summaries provided monthly from January 1 through
May 1 (in a few basins June 1). Mid-month data are
made for some basins. Daily data are available by
computer access. Comparative base in both cases is
the 25-year average.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
Measurements at manual snow courses are made by
trained snow surveyors using a line of about 10
sampling points of approximately 50 to 100 feet
spacing to represent a particular area. Snow density is
used to test consistency between points in a course.
Automated SNOTEL sites report data from a variety
of sensors. Sensor performance standards and ground
truthing are monitored regularly. Correlations are
made to test the effectiveness of data collection sites.
Forecast accuracy is evaluated against measured
seasonal flows.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected monthly during the snow season at
approximately 1,500 manual snow courses (twice a
month in a few basins). Data from the 560 SNOTEL
sites are measured throughout the year every 15
minutes and reported daily (or more frequently in
some cases).
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Eleven (11) western States: Alaska, Arizona,
California (Great Basin only), Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming.
CONTACT:
David E. Johnson
Snow Survey Program Manager
USDA, Soil Conservation Service
511 N.W. Broadway, Room 248
Portland, OR 97209-3489
Phone: (503) 326-2843
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Soil Conservation Service. (Annual). Water Supply
Outlook for the Western U.S., January 1 through
May 1. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
--. (Annual). Water Supply Forecasts -- Individual
Basins in Western States, January 1 through May
1 (some basins June 1). U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC.
--. (Annual). Annual Data Summary (with map of
data collection sites). U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Centralized Forecasting System (CFS)
The CFS contains data and products described above
as well as related information.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 19
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey
OFFICE:
Bureau of the Census
Agriculture Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey is conducted
on a sample of the farms and ranches reporting
irrigation in the Census of Agriculture to provide
detailed data relating to on-farm irrigation practices.
DATA COVERAGE:
The survey generates statistics on: total acres of farm
and ranch land irrigated; acres irrigated by category of
land use; acres and yield of irrigated and nonirrigated
crops; quantity of water applied; method of
application to selected crops; acres irrigated and
quantity of water used by source; acres irrigated by
type of water distribution systems; and number of
irrigation wells and pumps.
Also reported are irrigation expenditures for
maintenance and repair of irrigation equipment and
facilities; purchase of energy for on-farm pumping of
irrigation water; investment in irrigation equipment,
facilities, and land improvement; and cost of water
received from off-farm water suppliers.
Additional information is provided on the number of
irrigated farms; depth and pumping capacity of wells
used; the number of pumps and quantity of energy
used in irrigation; application of chemicals in
irrigation; timing of irrigation; and crop yields from
irrigated farms.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The survey is a probability sample of all irrigated
farms and ranches identified in the Census of
Agriculture, except farms in Alaska and Hawaii,
horticultural specialty and abnormal farms. The
survey is conducted by questionnaire. Two types of
statistical estimation procedures are used to account
for selection of survey sample and for nonresponse to
the questionnaire. Methodologies are more generally
described in the publications listed below.
~~s
U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Farm and Ranch Irrigation Surveys were conducted in
1979, 1984, and 1988. The next survey is scheduled
for 1993. Selected irrigation data for on-farm
irrigation have been collected in the Census of
Agriculture since 1890.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Estimates are made for the 27 leading irrigation
States, 18 water resource areas, and the entire
conterminous United States.
CONTACT:
Dave Peterson
Special Surveys Branch, Agriculture Division
Bureau of the Census
Room 436, Iverson Mall
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-8260
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Public Information Office
Phone:(301)763-1113
PUBLICATIONS:
Bureau of the Census. 1979, 1984, 1988. Farm and
Ranch Irrigation Survey U.S. Department of
Commerce. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey
Data are available on flexible diskettes, computer
tapes, compact disk read-only memory
(CD-ROM), and online access.
For information on these services and published
reports, contact Data User Services Division,
Customer Services, Bureau of the Census,
Washington, DC 20233 or call (301) 763-4100.
PAGE 20
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Major Water Projects and Their Characteristics
—fj
*y?~
^ ' -
DataTVpe: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Hydraulic and Hydrology Branch
Engineering Division
Directorate of Civil Works
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Listing of major Corps of Engineers projects and non-
Corps projects which have Federal flood control or
navigation storage.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Data collected include: location, stream, purpose,
storage, operating range, owner, legislation, year
completed, hydraulic head, regulation capacities,
hydropower capacities, drainage area, normal annual
precipitation, average annual flow, and 100-year flow.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
None provided.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are updated every 3 to 5 years or as necessary.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire U.S. and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT:
David Wingard
Hydraulic Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-EH-W
20 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Phone: (202) 272-8510
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Charles Sullivan, Chief
Water Control/Quality Section
HQ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-EH-W
20 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Phone: (202) 272-8509
PUBLICATIONS:
None provided.
DATABASE(S):
Major Water Projects Database (ER240)
For more information contact David Wingard (address
above).
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 21
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Conditions Reporting System
*yj£
U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Office of Scientific Information Management
Hydrologic Information Unit
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program collects and analyzes streamflow data
from 190 sites in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico;
ground water levels from about 200 sites in the
conterminous U.S.; reservoir contents from 100
reservoirs in the U.S. and Canada; and limited
water-quality data from five sites on major rivers.
These data, or summaries thereof, are published in the
free monthly newsletter, "National Water Conditions."
DATA COVERAGE:
Slreamflow data include maximum, minimum, and
mean monthly discharge, and also maximum and
minimum daily discharges for the period of record.
Classed data (quartiles) for the current 30-year
reference period (1951-80 at this time) include
monthly, quarterly, and annual (water-year and
calendar year) means. Period-of-record monthly
averages, maximums and minimums are available for
ground water levels, reservoirs, and water quality
data.
Data reveal trends in stream flow and volume (for
example, effects of droughts, floods, and reservoirs on
discharges). Spatial data (e.g. maps) and descriptive
text are generated from the data.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Sampling locations and rivers sampled are selected so
as to provide an overall picture of conditions in the
Nation. Selection criteria depend upon purpose (e.g.,
major rivers are chosen by streamflow). The data
collection design is based on professional judgement
that data are representative; a statistical design was
not developed or implemented.
Data parameters are measured by recording
instrumentation and stored in the WATSTORE
database. USGS personnel extract the data from
WATSTORE and the external source listed under
"Databases" (below) and conduct statistical analyses
to produce trends in national water conditions.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Frequency includes: monthly means for all streamflow
with highest, lowest, and last available day of month
for some sites; month end reservoir contents; and
month end ground water levels.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States, Puerto Rico, and southern
Canada. Streamflow sites were selected to provide
enough data to define maps of streamflow conditions
on a monthly basis. Reservoirs were selected to
provide a general picture. Ground water network
provides data on areas of significant ground water
use.
CONTACT:
Thomas G. Ross, Chief
Hydrologic Information Unit
U.S. Geological Survey
419 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6814
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Water Conditions Newsletter (monthly; since
1944.) Subscription free upon request.
DATABASE(S):
Water Data .Storage and Retrieval System
(WATSTORE)
WATSTORE contains surface water data and other
water quality and water resource data from the
National Hydrologic Benchmark Network. Data are
available on magnetic medium and as hard copy.
PAGE 22
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
-------
Information about the -data system and computer-
related matters can be obtained from:
USGS Branch of Computer Technology
440 National Center
Reston, Virginia 22092
Phone: (703)648-5605
Additional information used in the National Water
Conditions Report is furnished by the Bureau of
Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers, the National
Ocean Service, the NOAA/USDA Joint Agricultural
Weather Facility, and other sources.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 23
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Use Information Program
OFFICE:
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Program Coordination and Technical Support
Branch of Water Use Information
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Water Use Information Program is a
Federal-State cooperative program designed to collect,
store, analyze, and disseminate water-use information
both nationally and locally. The program began in
1978 to meet the need for a single source of uniform
information on water use. The water-use information
from the program complements long-term USGS data
on the availability and quality of the Nation's water
resources.
The objectives of the program are to determine, on a
national level, how much fresh and saline surface
water and ground water are withdrawn and for what
purposes; how much of this water is consumed during
use; and how much water is returned to the source
after use.
DATA COVERAGE:
Water withdrawals from surface and ground water
sources and consumptive use estimates are compiled
by State and water resources regions for the following
water-use categories: public supply, domestic,
commercial, industry, mining, irrigation, livestock,
thermoelectric power generation, and hydroelectric
power generation. Instream use is estimated for
hydroelectric power generation. Trend data are
available at 5-year intervals from 1950 to 1990.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Water-Use data are based on direct measurements or
estimation, depending on whether the parameter is
metered or not. The data are compiled through a
census, primarily mail surveys or permit reports
required to meet State regulations. Personnel of
cooperating States collect water-use data and
aggregate these data by county and hydrologic unit.
The point data are stored on State-level databases; the
aggregated data are compiled by the USGS for
incorporation into the national Aggregated Water Use
Data System (AWUDS).
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
National compilations of Estimated Use of Water in
the United States have been published by the USGS
since 1950 at 5-year intervals. Many States compile
and publish monthly or annual water use data as part
of the cooperative program.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Water use estimates are compiled for all 50 States,
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the District of
Columbia. Data are available for 1985 by county and
four-digit hydrologic subregion.
CONTACT:
Wayne Solley, Chief
Branch of Water Use Information
U.S. Geological Survey
414 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5670
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Sandra Holmes
Technical Information Specialist
U.S. Geological Survey
419 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6815
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Geological Survey. Estimated Use of Water in
the United States. 1950, 1955,1960, 1965, 1970,
1975, 1980, 1985, 1990. U.S. Department of
Interior. Reston, VA.
—. 1992. Preliminary Estimates of Water Use in the
United States, 1990. U.S. Geological Survey
Open-File Report 92-63. U.S. Department of
Interior. Reston, VA.
PAGE 24
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DATABASE(S):
Aggregated Water Use Data System (AWUDS)
AWUDS contains estimates by source for various
water-use categories. The database contains over
120 data elements for all 50 States, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC Latest
information available is for 1985. The database is
maintained in the USGS district office in
Doraville, GA State Water Use Data System.
State Water Use Data System (SWUDS)
SWUDS provides specific water use information
for each State. Databases are maintained by
USGS in district offices in each State.
For more information, contact:
Robert Pierce, Hydrologist
U.S. Geological Survey
6481-B Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Doraville, GA 30360
Phone: (404) 986-6860
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 25
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Water Supply Conditions for the Western
United States
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Bureau of Reclamation
Earth Science Division
Surface Water Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program does not collect any water quality data directly. However, some water quality information can be
inferred due to expected runoff conditions. The program publishes monthly water supply forecasts during the spring
runoff period when most western reservoirs are filled. The reports are based on many sources of data. These
sources are the Palmer Drought Severity Index, spring and summer stream flow forecasts (Soil Conservation Service
and National Weather Service) and Reclamation reservoir storage.
This summary information on water supply is based on a percentage of the normal water supply expected for the
irrigation season. This allows the irrigation districts and irrigators to plan their operations to utilize the expected
water supply. The acre feet of runoff and reservoir storage is measured. Snow pack data is measured in inches of
water. Available 8 1/2- by 11-inch maps in a report show data in the 17 western United States.
Collection methods for this program are set by the agency collecting the basic data and represents professional
judgement. The agency personnel collect the data under established procedures. The raw data has been collected
for many years. The recent drought caused the need for providing the data to irrigation districts and irrigators so
they would not plant more acres than could be irrigated. Direct measurements are made of precipitation, snow water
content, reservoir storage and stream flow which are then analyzed statistically to predict the irrigation water supply.
QA\QC measures are established by the agency collecting the data. Data is collected daily and monthly for the 17
western States.
CONTACT:
Dave King
Hydrologist
P.O. Box 25007 (D-5750)
Denver, CO 80225
Phone: (303) 236-3813
FAX: (404) 776-0199
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Monthly report starting in January through runoff period, then quarterly. The November report is a summary and
outlook for the next year.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
PAGE 26
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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C. Resource Use
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 27
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Resource Planning Act Assessments
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
U.S. Forest Service
Resources Program and Assessment Staff
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment includes an analysis of present and anticipated uses, demand for,
and supply of the renewable resources of forest, range, and other associated lands with consideration of the
international resource situation, and an emphasis on pertinent supply, demand and price relationship trends. The 1989
RPA Assessment Summary Document presents an overview analysis of the present situation and an outlook for the
land base, outdoor recreation and wilderness, wildlife and fish, forest-range grazing, minerals, timber and water.
Complete analyses for each of these resources are contained in seven supporting technical documents. The supporting
appendix for water, entitled "An Analysis of the Water Situation in the United States: 1989-2040," discusses the
environmental, social and economic effects of projected water withdrawals and consumption, and the implications
and opportunities for water resource management. The supporting appendix for wildlife and fish, entitled "An
Analysis of the Wildlife and Fish Situation in the United States: 1989-2040," discusses current status and recent
trends in wildlife and fish resources, including habitat, populations, harvests, and use. The appendix also discusses
projected inventories and uses of wildlife and fish and the implications and opportunities for wildlife and fish
management.
This assessment is required by law once every 10 years. Information is derived from published literature and other
information sources.
RPA legislation directed the Forest Service to follow two principles in conducting assessments. First, assessments
were to analyze the resource situation from a national perspective-including all ownerships, public and private.
Second, the Forest Service was to use, to the extent practicable, information collected by other public agencies on
the resources studied.
Data are collected every 10 years for the entke U.S.
CONTACT:
Director
Resource Program and Assessment Staff
USDA, Forest Service
PO Box 96090
Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phonfc: (202) 205-1235
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 29
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PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Forest Service. The Resource Planning Act Assessment for 1989. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington,
DC.
-. 1989. An Analysis of the Water Situation in the United States: 1989-2040: A Technical Document Supporting
the 1989 USDA Forest Service RPA Assessment. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. An Analysis of the Wildlife and Fish Situation in the United States: 1989-2040. U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
PAGE 30
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Land Policy and Management Act
(FLPMA) Assessments
T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Bureau of Land Management
Soil, Water and Air Program Staff
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act established as a national policy that land use plans and programs be
developed to manage natural resources on public lands based on the principles of multiple use and sustained yield.
The lands are to be managed in the public interest in a manner that will protect the quality of the water resource,
among other values. The Act directs that an inventory of all public lands and their resources be prepared and
maintained on a continuing basis. In carrying out this direction, the BLM conducts baseline inventories of surface
water quality to assist in evaluation of resource condition and capability for the development of management plans
and programs. Samples also are taken periodically to determine the impacts of resource use and development
activities. Water quality records are maintained at BLM field offices, as well as being stored in the EPA STORET
database. The BLM is in the process of developing an agency-wide database for water quality data, as well as
working with the EPA and the USGS on the expansion and improvement of national databases.
Public Water Supply Assessments
Water quality samples are taken at BLM facilities providing potable water sources to the public. This program is
conducted under agreements with State public health agencies, and data collected are submitted to the State agencies
as well as being stored by the responsible BLM field office.
Wilderness Monitoring Program
The BLM has established 19 monitoring stations in designated wilderness areas in the western United States which
monitor water quality among other parameters. This is a long-term effort which is designed to assist in the
assessment of condition and trend of these special designation, high priority areas on a continuing basis. Data from
these stations are also being used as a part of the information base for the global climate change assessment effort,
and these stations contribute to a nationwide, interagency monitoring network.
CONTACT:
Hydrologist
DOI/BLM
Washington Office (222)
18th and C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 653-9202
FAX: (202)653-9118
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 31
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PUBLICATIONS:
Bureau of Land Management. 1992. Annual Report of Accomplishments for FY92. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
PAGE 32
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting,
and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Aid Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation has been conducted
about every 5 years since 1955. It is one of the oldest
and most comprehensive continuing recreation
surveys.
The purpose of the survey is to gather information on
the number of anglers, hunters, and nonconsumptive
wildlife recreation participants in the United States, as
well as how often they participate and how much
money they spend on these activities.
Nonconsumptive recreationists are those who enjoy
photographing, observing, and feeding wildlife.
DATA COVERAGE:
Numerical data include: number of participants in
different types of hunting, fishing, and
wildlife-associated recreation activities; days of
participation and trips; species hunted and fished;
types of expenditures; and selected socioeconomic
characteristics of participants.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The 1985 survey was conducted in two phases. In the
first phase, a sample of almost 110,000 households
nationwide was screened, mostly by telephone, to
determine who in the household had participated in
wildlife activities. The second phase of the survey
consisted of detailed in-person interviews conducted
with subsamples of anglers, hunters, and non-
consumptive wildlife participants who were identified
in the screening phase. Sample sizes were designed to
provide statistically reliable results at the State level
for the surveyed activities. In 1985, a total of 33,973
anglers and hunters and 30,177 non-consumptive
users were in the detailed sample.
Data'type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
Some changes have been made in the 1991 survey
design. For example, telephone interviews were
conducted three times during the year (as opposed to
once) and interviewees were asked to recall hunting,
fishing, and non-consumptive activities for the
previous four months (as opposed to one-year recall).
Despite these changes, data from the 1991 survey will
be comparable with previous survey results.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Five year intervals (except between the 1985 and
1991 surveys because additional time was required to
revise survey design). The 1991 survey will be
available in May 1993.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The entire United States.
CONTACT:
Sylvia Cabrera
Federal Aid Division
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mailstop 322 ARLSQ
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (703) 358-2156
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Richard Aiken
Federal Aid Division
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mailstop 322 ARLSQ
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (703) 358-2156
PUBLICATIONS:
Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. 1985 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-associated Recreation (and earlier reports
in this series). U.S. Department of the Interior.
Washington, DC.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 33
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—. 1988. Net Economic Recreation Values for Deer,
Elk, and Waterfowl Hunting and Bass Fishing,
1985. Fish and Wildlife Service Report 85-1.
U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
--. 1988. Net Economic Values of Non-Consumptive
Wildlife-Related Recreation, 1985. Fish and
Wildlife Service Report 85-2. U.S. Department of
the Interior. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Wildlife Related Recreation on Public
Lands, 1985. Fish and Wildlife Service Report
85-3. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Hunting on Wetlands, 1985. Fish and
Wildlife Service Report 85-4. U.S. Department of
the Interior. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Black Bass Fishing in the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Report 85-6. U.S. Department of
the Interior. Washington, DC.
—. 1989. Trout Fishing in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Report 85-7. U.S. Department of the
Interior. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
The database provides the statistics described under
Data Coverage. Public access by data tape or diskette
is available.
PAGE 34
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Section III
Pollutant Loadings
This section references programs with information on pollutant loadings from both point
sources of pollution, e.g., factories and sewage treatment plants, and nonpoint source of pollution
such as sheet runoff from farms and cities. As noted earlier, information on loadings can be used
with analytical tools such as water quality models to assess and project water quality conditions.
The programs in this section of the guide provide information useful in estimating loadings from
a number of source types, including agricultural lands, factories, sewage treatment plants, air
deposition, hazardous waste sites, transportation activities and energy production. Also see the
entries for the EPA Office of Wastewater and Permits and the National Effluent Guidelines
Program in Section VI for additional information on loadings from point sources of water
pollution. See the entry on the National Nonpoint Source Program in Section VI for additional
information on loadings from nonpoint sources of water pollution.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 35
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-------
INTERAGENCY PROGRAMS
National Acid Deposition Program/
National Trends Network
OFFICE:
•3*
P£-H
'
U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
Interagency Effort
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The National Acid Deposition Program/National
Trends Network (NADP/NTN) was the first, and
continues to be the only, U.S. network to monitor
precipitation chemistry on a national scale. The
current network consists of 196 sites in the
conterminous U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and
American Samoa. Sites are located in predominantly
rural areas to avoid the localized influences of large
point sources and major urban centers. Nearly 14
years of continuous data are available from the sites
with the greatest longevity; many of these sites are
associated with State Agricultural Experiment
Stations.
The primary objective of the NADP/NTN network is
the determination of geographical patterns of temporal
trends in chemical deposition. The program provides
scientists, managers and policy-makers with weekly
precipitation chemistry data and information on
geographical patterns and temporal trends in
concentrations and deposition of hydrogen (H), sulfate
(SO,,), nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NtQ, calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and
chloride (Cl), and ortho-phosphate (PO4) ions in
precipitation. Final, quality assured data are available
to a multitude of data users upon request, within six
months of sample collection.
DATA COVERAGE:
Principal constituents monitored in precipitation and
analyzed for trends are pH, specific conductance,
hydrogen ions, sulfate and nitrate ions, ammonium
and calcium ions, and chloride, magnesium, sodium,
and potassium ions.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The NADP/NTN monitoring program has developed
criteria and protocols which ensure uniformity in
siting, sampling methods, analytical techniques, data
handling, and overall network operations. Precipitation
is collected by wet/dry precipitation collectors and
rain gages. Analytical methods for the chemical
variables measured are: laboratory pH; field pH;
laboratory conductivity; electrometric detection of
hydrogen (also reported as Ph); automated
colorimetric detection of ammonium; atomic
absorption spectrophotometric detection of calcium,
magnesium, sodium, and potassium; and ion
chromatographic detection of sulfate, nitrate, and
chloride. Methodologies are described in National
Atmospheric Deposition Program (1988) - See
Publications. This interagency program involves
participation by many Federal agencies.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Samples are collected weekly. Data from some sites
are available from 1979.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The entire United States; however, not all States have
stations located within their boundaries. The trend
analysis report covers 19 stations located mainly in
the eastern United States.
CONTACT:
Ranard J. Pickering
U.S. Geological Survey
416 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6875
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Carol Simons
NADP/NTN Coordinator
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
Colorado State University
Ft. Collins, CO 80523
Phone: (303) 491-5580
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 37
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PUBLICATIONS:
National Atmospheric Deposition Program. 1988.
NADPINTN Site Operation Instruction Manual.
Colorado State University, Natural Resource
Ecology Laboratory. Ft. Collins, CO.
--. 1991. NADPINTN Annual Data Summary:
Precipitation Chemistry in the United States,
1990. Colorado State University, Natural
Resource Ecology Laboratory. Ft. Collins, CO.
Sehertz, T.L. and R.M. Hirsch. 1985. Trend Analysis
of Weekly Acid Rain Data, 1978-83. U.S.
Geological Survey Water Resources
Investigations Report WR185-4211. Reston, VA.
Sisterson, D.L., V.C. Bowersox, A.R. Olsen, T.P.
Meyers and RJ. Vong. 1990. Deposition
Monitoring - Methods and Results. Report 6,
Acidic Deposition: State of Science and
Technology. National Acidic Precipitation
Assessment Program. Washington, DC:
DATABASE(S):
The Acid Deposition System (ADS)
The ADS database contains all data from the
NADP/NTN precipitation chemistry monitoring
program along with data from several other North
American precipitation chemistry networks.
For more information, see Contact.
PAGE 38
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
1989 Cotton Water Quality Database
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Indicators Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The USDA conducted a survey of cotton producers in
1989 to provide a comprehensive accounting of
pesticide and fertilizer use along with benchmark
information about pest management, soil conservation,
tillage, and water management practices. The survey
provided an opportunity to pilot test chemical use and
other data collection procedures prior to applying
them to other crops.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Available pesticide and fertilizer statistics include
share of acres treated, average number of treatments,
and application rate for each pesticide material or
nutrient applied. Nonchemical pest management
practices, irrigation conservation and management
practices applied, soil characteristics including
erodibility, general farm size, and operator
characteristics were also a part of the survey
questions.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
A statistical survey, using a combination of list and
area frames, was designed by the National
Agricultural Statistics Service to represent the
commodity acreage in each State surveyed. Personal
interviews were conducted with farm operators to
obtain the information about the specific field selected
for the survey. Local offices of the Soil Conservation
Service provided the soils information.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
The survey was conducted as a pilot survey for the
1989 production year.
^y--
f
Datatype: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Cotton production region included the States of
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North
Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and
Texas.
CONTACT:
Merritt Padgitt, Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 528
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0433
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Crutchfield, Stephen R. December 1990. Cotton
Agricultural Chemical Use and Farming
Practices in 1989, An Overview of Survey
Results. ERS Staff Report AGES 9076.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
The database is administratively confidential and is
not accessible to outside users. Inquiries should be
addressed to contacts.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 39
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Chemical Use on Field Crops
*&£
•"Y-™
u
Data "type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Indicators Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The USDA conducts annual surveys of producers of
major field crops to provide a comprehensive
accounting of the pesticides, fertilizers, and tillage
practices. This information is being linked to specific
soils, water quality, and other data sources using the
geographic identifiers for the sample points. The
survey program began in 1990 and included wheat,
com, soybeans, cotton, rice, and potatoes. In 1991 it
was expanded to include grain sorghum and peanuts.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Available statistics include share of acres treated,
average number of treatments, and application rate for
each pesticide material or nutrient applied. Statistics
are also available on yields, plant density, tillage
types, seeding, and pest management practices used.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
A statistical survey, using a combination of list and
area frames was designed by the National Agricultural
Statistics Service to represent the commodity acreage
in each State surveyed. Personal interviews were
conducted with farm operators to obtain the
information about the specific field selected for the
survey.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Annual. The specific crops and States included in the
survey may change from year to year.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The survey includes all the dominate production
States for each crop and is designed to represent
about 80 to 90 percent of the U.S. acreage. The 1990
survey included 47 States and the 1991 and 1992
surveys include 35 States.
CONTACTS:
Merritt Padgitt
Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 528
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0433
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic
Research Service, March 1991. Agricultural
Chemical Usage, 1990 Field Crop Summary
AgChl(91). U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
National Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic
Research Service, March 1992. Agricultural
Chemical Usage, 1991 Field Crop Summary.
AgChl(91). U.S. Department of Agriculture.
DATABASE(S):
The database is administratively confidential and is
not accessible to outside users. Inquiries should be
addressed to contacts.
PAGE 40
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Chemical Use on Fruits and Nuts
_*^J
iffi—
u •
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Indicators Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The USDA conducted a survey of fruit and nut
producers in 1990 to provide a comprehensive
accounting of pesticide and fertilizer use along with
information on nonchemical pest management and
other cultural practices used in fruit and nut
production. Information was also obtained about farm
sales and income, production expenditures, farm size,
and other characteristics of fruit and nut farms and
operators. USDA plans to conduct a similar survey
in 1993 and at 2-year intervals thereafter.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Available pesticide and fertilizer statistics include
share of acres treated, average number of treatments,
and application rate for each pesticide material or
nutrient applied. Fruit and nut acreage and
production along with acreage using non-chemical
pest management practices, irrigation, and other
applied practices are included. Information on farm
sales and income, expenditures for purchased inputs,
labor, assets and liabilities, and general characteristics
of the farm operators are also a part of the database.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
A statistical survey was designed by the National
Agricultural Statistics Service to represent the fruit
and nut acreage in each State or region surveyed. A
personal interview with the farm operators was
conducted at the end of the growing season to obtain
the information on acreage, production, applied
pesticides and nutrients, and practices. A second
personal interview was conducted to obtain the
economic information.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
The first survey was conducted in 1991 and will be
conducted every other year.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Fourteen predominant fruit and nut producing States
were included in the 1991 survey.
CONTACT:
Merritt Padgitt
Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 528
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0433
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic
Research Service, June 1992. Agricultural
Chemical Usage, 1991 Fruits and Nuts Summary.
AgChl(92). U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
The database is administratively confidential and is
not accessible to outside users. Inquiries should be
addressed to contacts.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 41
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Chemical Use on Vegetables
1
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Indicators Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The USDA conducted a survey of vegetable producers
in 1990 to provide a comprehensive accounting of
pesticide and fertilizer use along with information on
nonchemical pest management and other cultural
practices used in vegetable production. Information
was also obtained about farm sales and income,
production expenditures, farm size, and other
characteristics of vegetable farms and operators.
USDA plans to conduct a similar survey in 1992 and
at 2-year intervals thereafter.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Available pesticide and fertilizer statistics include
share of acres treated, average number of treatments,
and application rate for each pesticide material or
nutrient applied. Vegetable acreage and production
along with acreage using non-chemical pest
management practices, irrigation, soil conservation,
and other applied practices are included. Information
on farm sales and income, expenditures for purchased
inputs, labor, assets and liabilities, and general
characteristics of the farm operators are also a part of
the database.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
A statistical survey was designed by the National
Agricultural Statistics Service to represent the
vegetable acreage in each State or region surveyed.
A personal interview with the farm operators was
conducted at the end of the growing season to obtain
the information on acreage, production, applied
pesticides and nutrients, and practices. A second
personal interview was conducted to obtain the
economic information.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
The first survey was conducted in 1990 and will be
conducted every other year.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The predominate vegetable production States of
Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, and Texas,
were included in the 1990 survey. The 1992 survey
will include 14 States.
CONTACT:
Merritt Padgitt
Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 528
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0433
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic
Research Service, June 1991. Agricultural
Chemical Usage, 1990 Vegetables Summary.
AgChl(91). U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
The database is administratively confidential and is
not accessible to outside users. Inquiries should be
addressed to contacts.
PAGE 42
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Chemical Use Surveys
OFFICE:
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
Research and Applications Division
Environmental Statistics Group
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
State level statistics on agricultural chemical usage for
major field crops, fruits, nuts, and vegetables in the
largest producing States.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Beginning in 1990, chemical usage statistics for field
crops, fruits and vegetables for major producing
States. The time frame covered by these statistics is
from 1990 through 1991.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
NASS field offices collect the data. Chemical use
data were collected on winter wheat beginning in late
May 1990, while data collection for com, cotton, rice,
soybeans, and other spring wheat, and durum wheat
begin in late July 1990. The potato data collection
period varied by State but most activity occurred in
early fall. A total of 15,025 sample fields were
included in the 1990 survey program.
A random sample of fields was selected for each crop
so that the probability of selecting a particular field
was directly proportional to the total acres planted to
that crop in the State. Thus, each acre planted to a
crop had exactly the same chance of selection. For
winter wheat, the selection was based on acres
standing for harvest rather than acres planted.
Farmers operating the sample fields were contacted
and they supplied information on chemical
applications made to those specific fields.
The lists of fields and crops from which the sample
fields were selected came from information obtained
through two surveys of farm operators conducted
earlier in the year. The survey for winter wheat
acreage was conducted in March and the survey for
other crops in June. In each case, all areas of land,
called segments, were screened throughout the
XSfir.
u
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
country to determine which crops were growing. For
winter wheat, rice, and potatoes, these area segments
were supplemented with lists of farm operators to
increase sampling efficiency.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected yearly.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
This depends a great deal on funding, specific studies,
etc. but generally, the surveys cover the major field
crops, fruits, nuts, and vegetable States.
CONTACT:
Van Johnson
Survey Statistician
USDA/NASS
14th and Independence Ave. SW
Room 4801 South Building
Washington, DC 20250-2000 ,
Phone: (202) 720-7492 ,
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Agricultural Statistics Service. 1990.
Agricultural Chemical Usage: 1990 Field Crops
Summary. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC.
--. 1990. Agricultural Chemical Usage: 1990
Vegetables Summary. U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Summarized data available at the State level.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 43
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Fertilizer Use and Price Statistics
OFFICE:
USDA, Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Indicators Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
A spreadsheet of annual statistics of fertilizer nutrients
applied to field crops and fertilizer prices. The data
are available as an ERS electronic data file.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
U.S. fertilizer use and prices and nutrients applied per
acre for major farm States, 1964 to 1991, for corn,
cotton, soybeans, and wheat.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
None provided.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Annual
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Predominant States which produce the field crops.
The States differ for each crop and may slightly differ
between years.
CONTACT:
Harold Taylor, Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 428
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0464
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
n-V,n/n!£
*?~"
^
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
PUBLICATIONS:
Vroomen, Harry. February 1987. Fertilizer Use
Statistics and Price Statistics, 1960-85. SB 750.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Data are available as an ERS electronic data product.
The file is a LOTUS 1-2-3 (release 2) spreadsheet.
It can be ordered from the contact person or from the
ERS-NASS order desk (1-800-999-6779). Order No.
86016. Price $25
PAGE 44
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Water Quality and Farm Chemical Studies
_^,_-/V^
f
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Economic Research Service
Resource and Technology Division
Resource Policy Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This study is part of a national program to develop
reliable information about water quality and related,
agricultural activities. The data collection effort
provides information needed to understand the
relationships among farming activities; resource
characteristics such as soil type, terrain, and climate;
and ground water quality. This is part of an inter-
departmental activity in response to the Presidential
Water Quality Initiative.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
The information includes detailed survey
measurements on pesticide and fertilizer use, pest and
nutrient management practices, cropping history,
livestock enterprises, and other activities' that may
help determine the extent a ground water quality
problems and potential solutions. The information is
obtained at the same point used to develop a national
inventory of soil resources (National Resource
Inventory) by the Soil Conservation Service, and also
coordinated with the ground water inventory efforts of
the U.S. Geologic Survey.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
Personal enumeration of farm producers within
selected study areas.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
One-time data collection effort.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
A total of 12 sites plus an initial pilot study are to be
conducted. The pilot study was conducted in 1990
for the DelMarVa Drainage area. In 1991 data
collection was for the Lower Susquehanna Basin,
White River Basin (Indiana), Central Nebraska Basin,
and Columbia River Basin (Washington). The 1992
studies are the Albemarle-Pamlico Basin, South
Georgia, Iowa/Illinois, Snake River (Idaho).
CONTACT:
Merritt Padgitt, Agricultural Economist
Economic Research Service, RTD
1301 New York Ave, NW, Rm 528
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone:(202)219-0433
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
None provided.
DATABASE(S):
The database is administratively confidential and is
not accessible to outside users. Inquiries should be
addressed to contacts.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 45
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Coastal Pollutant Discharge
Inventory Program
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and
Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessments Division
Pollutant Source Characterization Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory
(NCPDI) Program is a series of database development
and analytical activities within the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's Strategic
Assessment Program of coastal and estuarine areas.
The cornerstone of the program is a comprehensive
database and computational framework that has been
developed over the last 9 years. The database contains
pollutant loading estimates for all major categories of
point, nonpoint, and riverine sources located in coastal
counties or the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone
that discharge to the estuarine, coastal, and oceanic
waters of the contiguous U.S. (excluding the Great
Lakes).
DATA COVERAGE:
The pollutant discharge estimates in the NCPDI are
made for the following base years for each coastal
component: East Coast - 1982; West Coast - 1984;
and Gulf Coast - 1987. The estimates can be
considered to approximate pollutant discharge
conditions for a 5-year period around the base year.
Estimates are made for 9 major source categories and
17 pollutants. Source categories include: point
sources, urban nonpoint sources, nonurban nonpoint
sources, irrigation return flow, oil and gas operations,
marine transportation operations, accidental spills, and
dredging operations. Pollutant parameters include:
flow (wastewater flow or surface runoff);
oxygen-demanding materials (BOD); paniculate
matter; nutrients (total nitrogen and phosphorus);
metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron,
lead, mercury, and zinc); petroleum hydrocarbons (oil
and grease); pesticides (35 compounds); pathogens
(fecal coliform bacteria); and wastewater treatment
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
sludges. The pollutant estimates can be aggregated by
county, USGS hydrologic cataloging unit, or estuarine
watershed.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Estimates are based on a combination of computed
methodologies and actual monitored observations.
Data sources include EPA's Permit Compliance
System, Industrial Discharge file, and Construction
Grants Needs Survey, USGS Land Use/Land Cover
Database, and USDA's National Resource Inventory
and SOILS-5 Database. For detailed descriptions of
the methodologies, the reader is directed to the
various reports listed under Publications.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Estimates are seasonal (winter, spring, summer, and
fall) for a base year. Updated discharge estimates for
1987 for the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and
for 1989 for the East Coast are being prepared.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Coastal areas of the continental United States,
excluding the Great Lakes.
CONTACT:
Daniel R. Farrow, Chief
Pollutant Sources Characterization Branch
NOAA
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 220
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-0454
FAX: (301)468-6675
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PAGE 46
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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PUBLICATIONS:
Arnold, F.D. and D.G. Farrow. 1987. The National
Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Pollutant
Discharge Concentrations for Industrial Point
Sources. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
Arnold, F.D., J.A. Lowe and D.G. Farrow. 1988. The
Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Analysis
of Pollutant Dischargers from West Coast Point
Sources (DRAFT). National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Rockville, MD.
Basta, D.J., B.T. Bower, C.N. Ehler, F.D. Arnold,
B.P. Chambers, and D.G. Farrow. 1985. The
National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD
Farrow, D.G., F.D. Arnold, M.L. Lombardi, M.B.
Main and P.D. Eichelberger. 1986. The National
Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Estimates
for Long Island Sound. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Rockville, MD.
DATABASE^):
The National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory
Agricultural Pesticide Use in Coastal Areas
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 47
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Highway Statistics
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Highway Information Management
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The program includes the collection, analysis,
summary, and dissemination of a broad range of data
related to the physical characteristics of the Nation's
highway system, as well as the traffic/travel and
related performance activity which occurs on those
systems.
DATA COVERAGE:
Data are compiled by the State highway and
transportation agencies, using guidelines prepared by
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and
approved by the Office of Management and Budget.
Data reported to FHWA include characteristics such
as: traffic volumes; travel estimates (for example,
miles traveled and fuel consumption per vehicle and
per capita); vehicle speeds; distribution of vehicle
types and weights by highway category; vehicle fuel
efficiency ratings and motor fuel consumption; vehicle
registrations and driver licensing (including revenues
related to latter variables); State and local highway
finance; Federal Highway Trust Fund status; highway
mileage; pavement condition; and accidents. Data
also include personal travel characteristics collected as
part of the Nationwide Personal Transportation Study
(NETS). Trend data for many of the characteristics
date back to the early 1990s.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data collection methods vary by program. Some data
are collected by a full census whereas other data are
collected using statistical sample basis, such as
collection of travel data. Methodologies are generally
described in reference publications listed below.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Highway statistics have been published annually since
1945. Most data are reported on an annual basis with
the exception of speed data which are reported
quarterly and traffic volumes/fuel consumption data
which are reported monthly. NPTS data are available
for 1969, 1977, 1983, and 1990.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
National coverage with further stratification by State
and functional highway category.
CONTACT:
Frank E. Jarema, Chief
National Data Management
and Dissemination Division
Federal Highway Administration, HPM-40
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: (202) 366-0160
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Federal Highway Administration, Office of Highway
Information Management. 1992. Highway
Statistics 1991. U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington, DC.
—. 1992. Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey
- Summary of Travel Trends 1990. FHWA-PL-
92-027. U.S. Department of Transportation.
Washington, DC.
—. 1992. New Perspectives in Commuting. U.S.
Department of Transportation. Washington, DC.
—. Our Nations Highways: Selected Facts and
Figures. U.S. Department of Transportation.
Washington, DC.
PAGE 48
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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—. Research and Special Programs Administration.
1992. National Transportation Statistics (Annual
Report). VOLPE National Transportation
Systems Center. Washington, DC.
--. Selected Highway Statistics and Charts 1991.
FHWA-PL-93-001. U.S. Department of
Transportation. Washington, DC.
-. 1992. Travel Behavior Issues in the 90's. U.S.
Department of Transportation. Washington, DC.
Federal Highway Administration. 1985. Highway
Statistics: Summary to 1985. U.S. Department of
Transportation. Washington, DC.
--. 1992. Highway Statistics 1991 (and earlier annual
reports in this series). FHWA-PL-90-003. U.S.
Department of Transportation. Washington, DC.
--. 1991. Selected Highway Statistics and Charts
1989 (and earlier reports in this series). FHWA-
PL-91-001. U.S. Department of Transportation.
Washington, DC.
--. 1986. Personal Travel in the United States; 1983-
1984 Nationwide Personal Transportation Study.
(2 Vols.) U.S. Department of Transportation.
Washington DC.
--. Driver Licenses (annual). FHWA-PL-(year)-002.
U.S. Department of Transportation. Washington,
DC.
-. Motor Fuel Reported by States (monthly). U.S.
Department of Transportation. Washington, DC.
DATABASE^):
Highway Statistics Information Retrieval System
(HSIRS)
The HSIRS database contains "Highway Statistics
Summary to 1985" and "Highway Statistics" for
years 1986-1991.
For more information, contact:
Walter Hagan
Federal Highway Administration (HPM-40)
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: (202)366-3208
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 49
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Marine Pollution Retrieval System
vs.
Guide
Entry
Data "type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guid«
OFFICE:
U.S. Coast Guard
Pollution Response
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Marine Pollution Retrieval System contains
details of pollution incidentals in the coastal zone
where the Coast Guard is the on-scene coordinator
and in the inland zone where Coast Guard personnel
assist an on-scene coordinator for the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
DATA COVERAGE:
Records are kept on: oil spills (number, volume, date,
substance, costs for Federally-funded responses, and
case histories); spills of hazardous substances
(substance name, CHRIS ID code, physical/chemical
properties); geographic information (latitude and
longitude and/or river mile number, waterbody name,
city, State, and, where applicable, vessel name and
ID); facility information (name, address, ID codes);
and transportation information (air, land, inland, and
coastal waterways).
COLLECTION METHODS:
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended
(Section 311), and Executive Order 11735 require that
any discharge of an oil or a hazardous substance in a
harmful quantity be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Data are reported for actual spills only, i.e.,
discharges which 'entered the water. Incidentals
which are reported to EPA and occurred in waters
under Coast Guard jurisdiction also are compiled. A
sample data reporting form is provided in the Coast
Guard publication listed below.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected when spills occur.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
CONTACT:
Commandant (G-MEP-2)
Marine Information Branch
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second St., SW
Washington, DC 20593
Phone: (202)267-2611
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
United States Coast Guard. 1989. Polluting Incidents
In and Around U.S. Waters, 1984, 1985, and
1986 (and earlier reports in this series).
COMDTINST M16450 series. United States
Coast Guard. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Marine Pollution Retrieval System (MPRS)
MPRS is a computer-based system developed by the
Coast Guard to support Pollution Response. Initially
designed for the Collection and Maintenance of
discharge data, subsequent modifications have been
made to permit the inclusion of additional data
describing clean-up (response) activities and penalty
actions. MPRS is available to Congress, government
agencies, academia, and private interests.
PAGE 50
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Transportation Statistics
OFFICE:
Research and Special Programs Administration
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Center for Transportation Information
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The program includes the collection, analysis, and
summary of selected national transportation statistics
from a wide variety of government and private
sources.
DATA COVERAGE:
Statistics are generated for various transportation
modes including air carrier, general aviation,
automobile, bus, truck, local transit, rail, water, oil
pipeline, and natural gas pipeline. For example, data
are reported for passenger travel by automobile,
airplane, bus, and railroad, and freight miles of travel
by truck, railroad, airplane, pipeline, and waterway.
Basic descriptions of U.S. transportation, such as
operating revenues and expense, and vehicle and
passenger miles, are provided. Supplementary data
include transportation and the economy, and energy in
transportation. Data show 10-year trends and, in
some instances, extend back to 1955.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data are abstracted from government and private data.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected on an annual basis.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
,.„...„ F
U.S.
Guide
Enlry
Data "type: Statistks
Source: U.S. Guide
CONTACT:
Kathleen Bradley
Transportation Data Specialist
Volpe National Center for Transportation
Information
Transportation Systems Center
55 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: (617) 494-2614
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Research and Special Programs Administration.
1990. National Transportation Statistics Annual
Report, 1990. DOT-TSC-ESPA-90-7. U.S.
Department of Transportation. Cambridge, MA.
—. 1990. Transportation Safety Information Report,
1989 Annual Summary. DOT-TSC-RSPA-90-4.
Department of Transportation, Volpe National
Transportation Systems Center. Cambridge, MA.
--. 1990. U.S. International Air Travel Statistics, CY
1989. Department of Transportation, Volpe
National Transportation Systems Center.
Cambridge, MA.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 51
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System
==g
~^~~
us.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System
(CERCLIS) contains information on abandoned or
uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
DATA COVERAGE:
The CERCLIS database contains information on the
location of over 30,000 sites. In addition, the
database contains information on pre-remedial actions
such as the discovery date and the completion date of
a preliminary assessment, site inspection, and the date
of final hazardous ranking determination. Of the
sites, over 1,200 are listed on the National Priority
List (NPS). CERCLIS also contains information such
as: description of NPL site (predominant land uses,
waste treatment storage and disposal, distance to
nearest population); owner/generator information;
regulatory and response history; waste description
(physical state, predominant waste type and quantity
of waste); environmental impact information; water
use information; and the remedial events occurring at
the NPL sites, including planned and actual starts and
completions, prior year obligations, current
obligations, and outlays to date.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data are collected during inventory, assessment, and
cleanup of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. EPA
Regional Offices maintain the data in CERCLIS
databases.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
On-line updating.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Sites throughout the entire United States and the
territories.
CONTACT:
For telephone inquiries concerning the database, call
(703) 538-7234.
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Written requests for information should be addressed
to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
1991. Superfund NPL Characterization Project:
National Results. EPA/540/8-91/069. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
DATABASE(S):
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System
(CERCLIS)
PAGE 52
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Air Pollution Control Program
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Data Analysis Section
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Air Pollution Control Program collects and
analyzes data on ambient air quality and air pollution
levels and compares them to National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS).
DATA COVERAGE:
Ambient concentrations of the following criteria air
pollutants are monitored and analyzed for 10-year
trends and recent changes: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, total suspended
particulates, ozone, and lead.
Emission estimates are available for particulates,
sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, reactive volatile
organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lead. Data
are broken down by the following emission sources:
transportation (e.g., motor vehicles, aircraft);
stationary fuel combustion (e.g., coal, natural gas);
industrial processes (e.g., copper, pulp mills); solid
waste disposal; and miscellaneous sources (e.g., forest
fires, agricultural burning). Air quality trends for
major urban areas are provided.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Ambient air quality conditions are based upon actual
direct measurements. The data are analyzed for
trends and these trends are supplemented with trends
for nationwide emissions, which are based upon best
available engineering calculations. Data are collected
and reported to EPA by State and local agencies.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected hourly and daily. Estimates are
provided for 1940, 1950, 1960, and 1970 to give a
historical perspective on national air quality and
pollutant emissions and for 1975 to present as an
indication of recent trends.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
All 50 States, with metropolitan statistical areas
(population greater than 500,000) more heavily
analyzed.
CONTACT:
Thomas C. Curran, Chief
Data Analysis Section
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Environmental Protection Agency, MD-14
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919) 641-5558 or (919) 541-5467
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1992. National
Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report, 1991
(and earlier reports in this series). EPA-450-R-92-
013. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Research Triangle Park, NC.
—. 1992. National Air Pollutants Emissions Estimates
1900-1991 (and earlier reports in this series). EPA-
450-R-92-013. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Research Triangle Park, NC.
DATABASE(S):
Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS)
The AIRS contains data on air quality and pollution
collected from State and local agencies.
For more information, contact:
Andrea Kelsey
National Ah- Data Branch
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919) 541-5549 "
Howard Wright
National Air Data Branch
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919) 541-5584
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 53
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Toxics Release Inventory
zzzzy
$£
V.S.
Guide
Entry
Dcila Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Office of Toxic Substances
Economics and Technology Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is a mandatory
annual inventory of the release of 328 toxic chemicals
to air, water, land, and off-site disposal from more
than 17,000 manufacturing facilities across the
country.
DATA COVERAGE:
Data collected include: facility information, including
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
permit numbers; pounds/year emissions information
for air, water, and land disposal, and off-site transfers
of wastes; treatment processes and efficiencies; and
waste reduction data.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act requires manufacturers to report
on the EPA and the States for amounts of over 300
toxic chemicals that they release directly to air, water,
or land, or that they transfer to offsite facilities that
treat or dispose of wastes. Facilities are required only
to report data that are already known or reasonably
ascertainable to them, e.g., engineering estimates.
They are not required to measure or otherwise verify
the data they submit. Survey submissions on forms
are tabulated and stored by EPA on computer tape or
disk, and the data are compiled into an annual
inventory of releases and transfers.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected yearly through mandatory industry
reporting.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
CONTACT:
Samuel Sasnett
Environmental Protection Specialist
Economics & Technology Division (TS-792A)
Office of Toxic Substances
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-1821
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1991. The
Toxics Release Inventory: National and Local
Perspectives. EPA 560/4-91-014. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
--. 1992.1990 Toxic Release Inventory: Public Data
Release. EPA-700-S-92-002. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
TOXNET/Toxic Release Inventory
All data from the Toxic Release Inventory
include more than 74,000 reports filed by 17,000
manufacturing facilities on 328 toxic chemicals.
Data are also available on disk, CD-ROM, tape,
and microfiche.
For more information, contact:
National Library of Medicine
Phone: (301) 496-6531
PAGE 54
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
-------
Other Items of Interest
Pollutant Loadings
The following entries were believed to be of less direct interest to most water quality analysts.
More detail for the items marked with the "U.S. Guide Entry" identification box can be found
in the Guide to Selected Environmental Statistics in the U.S. Government (EPA, 1992).
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION PAGE 55
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Month and State Current Emissions Trends
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
Argonne National Laboratory
Energy and Environmental Systems Division
Policy and Economic Analysis Group
Energy Policy Section
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Month and State Current Emission Trends
(MSCET) program provides emissions estimates for
nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and nonmethane
volatile organic compounds. The data set can be used
to monitor regional and/or seasonal emissions trends
or trends for specific emission source groups.
National and sectoral emissions estimates for nitrogen
oxides, sulfur dioxide, and nonmethane volatile
organic compounds are generated for all 48 States in
the contiguous United States and Washington, DC.
The database contains emissions data estimated by
month and State for 68 emission source groups. Six
general emission categories are:
electric utilities, industrial fuel combustion,
commercial/residential fuel combustion, industrial
processes, transportation, and miscellaneous. The
database has been updated to include the National
Acid Precipitation Assessments Program's emissions
inventory.
CONTACT:
Dan Miller
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439-4815
Phone: (708) 252-5775
National Energy Information Center
OFFICE:
Energy Information Administration
National Energy Information Center
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the
Department of Energy's independent statistical and
analytical agency, with a mandate to collect and
publish data and prepare analyses on energy
production, consumption, prices, and resources, and
projections of energy supply and demand.
EIA collects and disseminates data on the following:
energy sources; energy reserves; total production;
consumption by source, by end use sector, per capita,
and per GNP dollar; energy imports and exports; and
related economic and statistical information, both
historical and forecasted (e.g., energy efficient
indicators). Also available are data on the production
of specific fuel types (e.g., coal, oil and natural gas
plant liquids, and natural gas); production of nuclear
and hydroelectric power; and use of certain renewable
energy sources - such as solar, geothermal, wood, and
wind; and production of electricity by source.
CONTACT:
National Energy Information Center
U.S. Department of Energy
Forrestal Building, 1F-048
Washington, DC 20585
Phone: (202) 586-8800
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 57
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Hazardous Waste Surveys
OFFICE:
Office of Solid Waste
Communications, Analysis and Budget Division
Information Management Staff
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The office of Solid Waste manages two major
national information systems to support the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C
program: the Resource Conservation and Recovery
System (RCRIS) and the Biennial Reporting System
(BRS).
DATA COVERAGE:
RCRIS is a national program management and
inventory system of RCRA hazardous waste handlers.
Handlers are characterized as fitting one or more of
the following categories: Treatment, storage and
disposal facilities (TSDFGs); large quantity generators
(LQGs); small quantity generators (SQGs); and
transporters. RCRIS captures identification and
location on TSDFs regarding permit/closure status,
compliance with Federal and State regulations, and
cleanup activities.
BRS is a national system that collects data on the
generation, management, and minimization of
hazardous waste. BRS captures detailed data on the
generation of hazardous waste from LQGs and data
on waste management practices from TSDFs. These
data are collected every other year and provide the
ability to perform trend analysis.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data are collected through the Biennial Hazardous
Waste Report, EPA Forms (Notification and Part A
Permit Application), other data submittals by
hazardous waste facilities (Part B Permit
Applications) as well as inspections and assessment of
RCRA sites.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data maintained in the BRS are collected every 2
years. Data maintained in the RCRIS are collected as
the event or activity occurs (i.e.,. as the Notification of
Hazardous Waste Activity Form is submitted or as
inspections are performed).
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
CONTACT:
For RCRIS:
Kevin Phelps
OSW/Information Management Branch (OS-312)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202)260-4697
For BRS:
John Fogarty
OSW/Information Management Branch (OS-312)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202)260-4697
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
Liza Heams
OSW/Information Management Branch (OS-312)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-4697
PAGE 58
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Solid Waste. 1991.1987 National Biennial
RCRA Hazardous Waste Report. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
--. 1992. Hazardous Waste FOIA Reports Catalog.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Biennial Reporting System (1989)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Information
System (RCRIS)
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 59
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Non-Hazardous Waste Surveys
OFFICE:
Office of Solid Waste
Office of Policy, Planning and Information
Information Management Staff
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Data are collected through survey and reporting
mechanisms on non-hazardous ("solid") wastes
generation and management. Various capabilities are
available for retrieving and analyzing these data.
Generally, the information available consists of
regulated entities and waste volumes generated and
managed.
DATA COVERAGE:
National statistics are available for wastes generated
and managed. The data covers the industrial sector
and the municipal landfill sector.
Industrial: Statistics are available on the amounts of
non-hazardous waste by type of industry (e.g., textile,
pulp and paper, water treatment), management
practices (e.g., landfills, surface impoundments,
incineration, recycling), and by size of establishment.
Municipal Landfills: Trend data are available on:
quantity of materials generated in the municipal waste
stream (including paper, glass, metal, and plastics,
rubber, leather, textiles, wood, and other nonfood
waste, and food, yard, and miscellaneous inorganic
waste); quantity and type of waste accepted and
refused (e.g., household, commercial, construction);
size and capacity of facility, monitoring systems;
types of liners and covers; hydrological
characteristics and proximity to drinking water
supplies; and number of persons using these sources.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data are collected by survey methods and direct
reporting.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data collection and reporting frequency range from
once to every 2 years.
TYV
SE_.
us.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
CONTACT:
Myra Galbreath, Chief
OSW/Information Management Branch (OS-312)
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-4697
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Solid Waste and Office of Emergency
Response. 1988. National Survey of Solid Waste
(Municipal) Landfill Facilities. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
--. 1990. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste
in the United States: 1990 Update. EPA-530-
SW-90-042. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1992. Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste
in the United States: 1992 Update. EPA-530-R-
92-019. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Industrial Subtitle D Survey
Municipal Landfill Subtitle D Survey
PAGE 60
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Section IV
Ambient Surface and Ground Water Quality
This section provides information on programs which assess ambient surface and ground
water quality. The programs in the general section, while they may collect biological data,
primarily assess the chemical aspects of water quality, while the programs in the ecological
section focus on biological and ecological conditions, including the extent of wetlands. Measures
of ambient water quality are useful for assessing current conditions, changes in water quality over
time, and as a baseline for developing projections of future conditions. As discussed in the
Introduction, water quality assessments increasingly include measures of toxicity and
biological/ecological integrity to complement the classical chemical/physical parameters. Of
course, biological and ecological conditions are influenced by factors other than water pollution,
e.g., drought, disease, introduction of exotic species and harvesting pressures. :
Several of the studies in Appendix A, e.g., the 1982 National Fisheries Survey and the USDA
Nitrate Study, also address ambient water quality conditions.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 61
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A. General
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 63
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T =
Data T^pe: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Watershed Management and Rehabilitation Research
Program
OFFICE:
U.S. Forest Service
Forest Environment Research Staff •
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Nationwide program of site-specific research related to watershed management problems. The program was initiated
in 1910 with the Wagon Wheel Gap studies in Colorado and has continued to the present. The present program
encompasses research at 27 locations nationwide.
Statistics are site specific but are often continuous over long periods of time (i.e., Conesta Hydrologic Laboratory -
continuous hydrologic research since 1934). Measurements vary depending on research objectives at each location.
The data collected is national in scope.
CONTACT:
Staff Specialist (Watershed Research Program)
Forest Environment Research ,
USDA, Forest Service .
PO Box 96090
Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: (202) 205-1524
FAX: (202) 205-1530
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
See Contact.
DATABASE^):
None provided.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 65
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Status and Trends Program
vs.
Guide
Entry
Data*fype: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Resource Conservation and
Assessment
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Beginning in 1984, NO A A undertook the task of
providing information on the status and trends of
environmental quality in estuarine and coastal areas.
The program defines the geographic distribution of
contaminant concentrations in tissues of marine
organisms and in sediments.
DATA COVERAGE:
Status and trends data are available from the Mussel
Watch and Benthic Surveillance for 4 major elements,
12 trace elements, DDT and its metabolites, selected
chlorinated pesticides, selected PCB congeners,
approximately 22 polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and
ancillary sediment and tissue parameters.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Samples have been collected since 1984 at about 50
Benthic Surveillance sites and since 1986 at about
150 Mussel Watch sites. Sediment samples are
collected at all sites. At Benthic Surveillance sites,
benthic fishes are collected and their livers excised
and stored for subsequent chemical analysis. At
Mussel Watch sites, bivalve mollusks are collected for
analysis.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected annually.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
National coverage of all coasts including Alaska and
Hawaii.
CONTACT:
Thomas P. O'Connor, Manager
National Status and Trends Program
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
6001 Executive Blvd.
Ocean Assessments Division
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-8655
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
1991. National Status and Trends Program for
Marine Environmental Quality Progress Report.
Second summary of chemical contaminants in
sediments from the National Status and Trends
Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS
OMA 59. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, DC.
—. 1990. Coastal Environmental Quality in the United
States, 1990. Chemical contamination in
sediments and tissues. A special NOAA 20th
Anniversary Report. U.S. Department of
Commerce. Washington, DC.
--. 1990. "The Potential for Biological Effects of
Sediment-sorbed Contaminants Tested in the
National Status and Trends Program." NOAA
Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle,
WA.
-. 1989. "National Status and Trends Program for
Marine Environmental Quality Progress Report.
A Summary of Data on Tissue Contamination
from the First Three Years (1986-1988) of the
Mussel Watch Project." NOAA Technical
Memorandum NOS OMA 49. U.S. Department
of Commerce. Washington, DC
PAGE 66
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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-. 1988. "National Status and Trends Program for
Marine Environmental Quality Progress Report.
A Summary of Selected Data on Chemical
Contaminants in Sediments Collected During
1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987." NOAA Technical
Memorandum NOS OMA 44. U.S. Department
of Commerce. Washington, DC.
--. 1988. "PCB and Chlorinated Pesticide
Contamination in U.S. Fish and Shellfish: A
Historical Assessment Report." NOAA Technical
Memorandum NOS OMA 39. U.S. Department
of Commerce. Washington, DC.
--. 1987. National Status and Trends Program for
Marine Environmental Quality Progress Report.
A Summary of Selected Data on Chemical
Contaminants in Tissues Collected During 1984,
1985, and 1986. NOAA Technical Memorandum
NOS OMA 38. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
National Status and Trends Database
This database contains all data for site and station
information and chemical concentrations of all
matrices for the Mussel Watch and Benthic
Surveillance programs.
For more information contact:
National Status and Trends Program
NOAA
6001 Executive Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-8655
Note: In the latest version of A Guide To Selected National Environmental Statistics in the U.S. Government, this
entry has been divided into the Benthic Surveillance Project and the Mussel Watch Project entries.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 67
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish and Wildlife Enhancement
Division of Environmental Contaminants
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program
(NCBP) is maintained by the Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS) to document temporal and geographic
trends in concentrations of certain persistent
environmental contaminants that may threaten fish
and wildlife. The Program originated as the FWS
segment of the National Pesticide Monitoring
Program, a multi-agency monitoring effort by the
member agencies of the Federal Committee on Pest
Control. Since 1965, FWS periodically has determined
concentrations of potentially toxic elements and
selected organochlorine chemicals in fish and wildlife
collected from a nationwide network of stations. The
NCBP is being phased out with the implementation of
the broader Biomonitoring of Environmental Status
and Trends (BEST) Program.
DATA COVERAGE:
Organochlorine chemical residues measured in
freshwater fish, starlings, and waterfowl samples and
analyzed for trends include: p,p'-DDT and
DDT-metabolites p.p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD (TDE);
PCBs (aroclor 1242, 1248, 1254, 1260); aldrin,
dieldrin, endrin; heptachlor; heptachlor epoxide;
chlordane (five isomers); toxaphene; benzene
hexachloride; lindane; hexachlorobenzene;
methoxychlor, mirex; pentachloranisole; and dacthal.
In addition, freshwater fish are analyzed for elemental
contaminants, including: arsenic, cadmium, copper,
lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Composite samples of whole freshwater fish are
collected in replicate from 112 stations in major rivers
throughout the United States and in the Great Lakes.
Preferred fish species, methods of collecting,
shipping, archiving, and preparing samples, and data
analysis procedures are described in Ribick et al.,
1983; Lowe et al., 1985; Schmitt et al., 1990;
Schmidtt and Brumbaugh, 1990. (See Publications.)
Quality control samples are analyzed to estimate
accuracy and precision of results.
Starlings are collected in replicate from 139 terrestrial
sites in the contiguous 48 States. Chemical and
statistical methodologies are described in Bunck et al.,
1987.
Wings of mallards and black ducks shot by hunters in
the continental United States are collected to assess
body burden of organochlorine compounds in
migratory birds. Procedures for collecting, pooling,
sample preparation, chemical analysis, and statistical
analysis are described in Cain, 1981 and Prouty and
Bunck, 1986.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
This monitoring program has continued at 2- to 4-year
intervals since 1965.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The fish monitoring network covers the major rivers
of the United States and the Great Lakes. Starling
collection sites are located within each 5-degree block
of latitude and longitude in the contiguous 48 States.
Mallards are collected throughout the continental
United States and black ducks are collected from the
Atlantic Flyway.
CONTACT:
0
Chief
Division of Environmental Contaminants
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
Suite 330
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2148
PAGE 68
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Fish data:
Christopher J. Schmitt
Fishery Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Fisheries Contaminant Research Center
4200 New Haven Road
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (314) 875-1800
All data:
James K. Andreasen
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Environmental Contaminants
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 330
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2148
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Bunck, C.M-, R-M. Prouty, and A.J. Krynitsky. 1987.
"Residues of Organochlorine Pesticides and
Polychlorobiphenyls in Starlings (Sturnus
vulgaris) from the Continental United States,
1982." Environ. Mon. Assess. 8:59-75.
Cain, B.W. 1981. "Nationwide Residues of,
Organochlorine Compounds in Wings of Adult
Mallards and Black Ducks, 1979-80." Pesticide
Mon.J. 15:128-134.
Lowe, T.P., T.W. May, W.G. Brumbaugh, and D.A.
OKane. 1985. "National Contaminant
Biomonitoring Program: Concentrations of Seven
Elements in Freshwater Fish, 1978-1981." Arch.
Environ. Contam. Toxcol. 14:363-388.
Prouty, R.M. and C.M. Bunck. 1986. "Organochlorine
Residues in Adult Mallard and Black Duck
Wings, 1981-82." Environ. Mon. Assess. 6:49-57.
Schmitt, CJ. and W.G. Brumbaugh. 1990. "National
Contaminant Biomonitoring Program:
Concentrations of Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper,
Lead, Mercury, Selenium, and Zinc in U.S.
Freshwater Fish, 1976-1984." Arch. Environ,
Contam. Toxicol 19:731-747.
Schmitt, C.J., M.A. Ribick, J.L. Ludke, and T.W.
May. 1983. Organochlorine Residues in
Freshwater Fish, 1976-1979. U.S. Fish and.
Wildlife Service Publication 152. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Washington, DC.
Schmitt, C.J., J.L. Zajicek and M.A. Ribick. 1985.
"National Pesticide Monitoring Program:
Residues of Organochlorine Chemicals in U.S.
Freshwater Fish, 1980-81." Arch. Environ.
Contam. Toxicol. 14:225-260.
Schmitt, CJ., J.L. Zajicek and P.H. Peterman. 1990.
"National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program:
Residues of Organochlorine Chemicals in U.S.
Freshwater Fish, 1976-1984." Arch. Environ.
Contam. Toxicol. 19:748-782.
Schmitt, CJ. 1990. "Persistent Organochlorine and
Elemental Contaminants in Freshwater Fish of,
the United States." Environmental Monitoring,
Restoration, and Assessment: What Have We
Learned? Proceedings of the 28th Hanford
Symposium. R. Gray, Ed. Pp. 5-14. Battelle
Press. Columbus, OH.
DATABASE(S):
Environmental Contaminant
System (ECDMS)
Data Management
ECDMS is the cataloging, sample management,
and data storage system for residue data from
field studies conducted by the Fish and Wildlife
Service. Data are from sample matrices
consisting of animal and plant tissues, sediments,
soils and water. The system contains data on
pesticides, elements, PCBs and other compounds.
Requests for information from the database
should be directed to:
James K. Andreasen
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Environmental Contaminants
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 330
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2148
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 69
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Colorado River Salinity Program
T — ""
Datatype: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Bureau of Reclamation
Assistant Commissioner-Resources Management
Colorado River Salinity Program Coordinator
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program uses historical salinity data, collects current data, and evaluates programs designed to reduce salinity
of the main stem Colorado River in the lower basin States below Lee Ferry. Biennial reports are submitted showing
program status. The reports were started in 1963. Reclamation is required by law to implement this program and
provide the progress reports.
Salinity of Colorado River - Total dissolved solids are monitored at various points in the Colorado River Basin and
are compared to the model generated values based on predicted salt load removal for each project implemented or
being considered for implementation.
Data collection for this program are conducted by the agency personnel under established procedures. General water
quality data which include total dissolved solids have been collected since about 1940. The preconstruction data are
used to establish baseline conditions. QA\QC measures are established by the agency collecting the data. Data is
collected daily and monthly for the 17 western States. Modeling is used to evaluate impacts of salinity control
projects which reduce salt loading from both naturally occurring and man-induced salt inputs to the river. Control
projects are selected based on predicted improvements to the river and cost of implementation. The most cost
effective projects are selected for construction.
CONTACT:
Stan Gappa
Colorado River Salinity Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 25007 (D-003)
Denver, CO 80225
Phone: (303) 236-6782
FAX: (303)236-6763
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Individual project planning report/environmental impact statements and biennial progress reports are published. The
progress reports give program status and progress in meeting program goals.
DATABASES):
None provided.
PAGE 70
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network Program
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Office of Water Quality
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network
Program was initiated in 1964 to provide a nationally
uniform basis for assessing long-term trends in the
physical and chemical characteristics of surface waters
largely unaffected by land use activities. Water
quality monitoring is carried out in basins where there
are generally no man-made storage, regulation, or
diversion. Ground water in hydrologic benchmark
basins is not affected by pumping, and the probability
is small that human activity would increase within the
basin.
DATA COVERAGE:
Principal constituents monitored in freshwater and
analyzed for trends are pH, alkalinity, siilfate, nitrate,
phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium,
chloride, suspended sediment, fecal coliform bacteria,
fecal streptococcal bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and
dissolved oxygen deficit. Trace elements monitored
in freshwater and analyzed for trends are arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, iron^ lead, manganese, mercury,
selenium, and zinc. The following radionuclides are
also monitored but have not been analyzed for trends:
gross alpha, gross beta, radium-226, and uranium.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data-collection stations are maintained at selected
locations to provide standardized records on surface-
and ground water conditions. A variety of automated
instruments are used to measure and record water
conditions.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected monthly at 4 percent of the sites,
bimonthly at 18 percent of the sites, and quarterly at
78 percent of the sites. Trace element collection is
quarterly only, and radionuclides are only collected
semiannually.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Coverage includes 58 locations in 37 States.
CONTACTS:
Richard A. Smith, Hydrologist
Water Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey
410 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6870
Richard B. Alexander, Hydrologist
Water Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey
410 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6869
Timothy Miller
National Networks Coordinator
Water Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey
412 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6868
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
For general information about the USGS water data
program, contact the National Water Information
Clearinghouse at (800) 426-9000.
For State-level information about the USGS water
data program, contact the District Chief of the USGS
District Office in the State of interest. Addresses and
telephone numbers for each District office are given
in the Water Resources Division Information Guide.
For information about the USGS water data program
networking, contact Timothy Miller (see Contacts
above).
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 71
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For information about the USGS water data program
administration, contact:
Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Operations
U.S. Geological Survey
441 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703)648-5031
FAX: (703)648-5295
PUBLICATIONS:
Data on streamflow, ground water levels, and water
quality of surface and ground water are available for
each State by water year in a publication series
entitled U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Reports.
These reports may be purchased from the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS), U.S.
Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Reference copies can be inspected at appropriate
USGS offices nationwide. Data are also available in
tables, charts, and machine-readable files.
DATABASES):
Water Data Storage and Retrieval System
(WATSTORE)
WATSTORE contains surface water data and
other water quality and water resource data from
the National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network.
Data are available on magnetic medium and as
hard copy.
Information about the data system and computer-
related matters can be obtained from:
USGS Branch of Computer Technology
440 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5605
PAGE 72
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Stream Quality Accounting Network
^
'
as.
Guide
Entry
Data'fype: Statistks
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Office of Water Quality
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Stream Quality Accounting Network
(NASQAN) program, started in 1972, provides a
nationally uniform basis for assessing large-scale and
long-term trends in the physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics of the Nation's surface
waters. Water quality monitoring is carried out at the
stations which are generally located on major rivers at
the downstream end of the accounting unit.
DATA COVERAGE:
Principal constituents monitored in freshwater and
analyzed for trends are pH, alkalinity, sulfate, nitrate,
phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium,
chloride, suspended sediment, fecal coliform bacteria,
fecal streptococcal bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and
dissolved oxygen deficit.
Trace elements monitored in freshwater and analyzed
for trends are arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron, lead,
manganese, mercury, selenium, and zinc.
Operating within NASQAN is the Radio Chemical
Surveillance Network consisting of 46 sampling sites.
The following radionuclides are also monitored at 46
sites but have not been analyzed for trends: gross
alpha, gross beta, radium-226, and uranium.
Additional radiochemical data are collected from the
tritium Network, which monitors Tritium
concentrations at 13 streamflow and 9 atmospheric
precipitation sampling sites throughout the United
States.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data-collection stations are maintained at selected
locations to provide standardized records on surface-
and ground water conditions. A variety of automated
instruments are used to measure and record water
conditions. Standard laboratory analyses are
performed on samples according to the substance
being measured. Quality control procedures are
carried out in the laboratory.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected bimonthly at 58 percent of sites
and quarterly at 42 percent of sites. Trace element
collection is quarterly and radionuclides are collected
semiannually. Annual data summaries are available
for each state.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Coverage includes: 21 water resource regions, 213
water resource subregions, 411 monitoring stations,
and the 50 States plus Puerto Rico.
CONTACTS:
Richard A. Smith, Hydrologist
Water Resources Division '
U.S. Geological Survey
410 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6870
Richard Alexander, Hydrologist
Water Resources Division'
U.S. Geological Survey
410 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703)648-6869
Timothy Miller
National Networks Coordinator
Water Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey
412 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6868
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 73
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
For general information about the USGS water data
program, contact the National Water Information
Clearinghouse at (800) 426-9000.
For State-level information about the USGS water
data program, contact the District Chief of the USGS
District Office in the State of interest. Addresses and
telephone numbers for each District office are given
in the Water Resources Division Information Guide.
For information about the USGS water data program
networking, contact Timothy Miller (see contacts
above).
For information about the USGS water program
administration, contact:
Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Operations
U.S. Geological Survey
441 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5031
PUBLICATIONS:
Alexander, R.B. and R.A. Smith. 1988. 'Trends in
Lead Concentrations in Major U.S. Rivers and
Their Relation to Historical Changes in
Gasoline-Lead Consumption." Water Resources
Bulletin. 24:557-569.
Gilliom, R.J., R.B. Alexander, and R.A. Smith. 1985.
Pesticides in the Nation's Rivers, 1975-1980 and
Implications for Future Monitoring. U.S.
Geological Survey Water Supply Paper No. 2271.
U.S. Department of the Interior. Reston, VA.
Hirsch, R.M., J.R. Slack, and R.A. Smith. 1982.
'Techniques of Trend Analysis for Monthly
Water Quality Data." Water Resources Research
18:107-121.
Smith, R.A., R.B. Alexander, and G. Wolman. 1987.
"Water Quality Trends in the Nation's Rivers."
Science 235: 1607-1615.
—. 1987. Analysis and Interpretation of Water-Quality
Trends in Major U.S. Rivers, 1974-81. U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper No. 2307.
U.S. Department of the Interior Reston, VA.
Smith, R.A. and R.B. Alexander. 1985. 'Trends in
Concentrations of Dissolved Solids, Suspended
Sediment, Total Phosphorus, and Inorganic
Nitrogen at U.S. Geological Survey National
Stream Quality Accounting Network Stations."
In: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper
No. 2275. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Reston, VA.
—. 1983. A Statistical Summary of Data from the U.S.
Geological Survey's National Water Quality
Networks. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File
Report No. 85-533. U.S. Department of the
Interior. Reston, VA.
—. 1982. A Study of Trends in Dissolved Oxygen and
Fecal Coliform Bacteria at NASQAN Stations.
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report No.
82-1019. U.S. Department of the Interior. Reston,
VA.
Smith, R.A., R.M. Hirsch, and J.R. Slack, 1982. A
Study of Trends in Total Phosphorus
Measurements at NASQAN Stations. U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper No. 2190.
U.S. Department of the Interior. Reston, VA.
DATABASE^):
WATSTORE
WATSTORE contains surface water data and
other water quality and water resource data from
the National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network.
Data are available on magnetic medium and as
hard copy. Information about the data system and
computer-related matters can be obtained from:
Branch of Computer Technology
USGS
440 National Center
Reston, Virginia 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5605
PAGE 74
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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EE&?
\t*=\
Data T^pe: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Quality Assessment Program
Note: The following program is now being implemented. Only limited data is available at this time.
The long-term goals of the NAWQA program, administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, are to describe the status
and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface and ground water resources and to
provide a sound, scientific understanding of the primary natural and human factors affecting the quality of these
resources. In meeting these goals, the program will produce a wealth of water quality information that will be useful
to policy makers and managers at the national, State, and local levels. A major design feature of the NAWQA
program will enable water quality information at different scales to be integrated. The program consists of two major
components: study unit investigations and national assessment activities.
The principal building blocks of the NAWQA program are the study unit investigations of hydrologic systems that
include parts of most major river basins and aquifer systems. The program will be accomplished through
investigations of 60 study areas that are distributed throughout the Nation and that incorporate about 60 to 70 percent
of the Nation's water use and population served by public water supply.
The NAWQA program will focus on integrating results from the study unit investigations and other programs to
provide information at regional and national scales. The national assessment component of the program will address
specific water quality issues that are of concern in many areas of the Nation. A framework has been established to
ensure nationwide consistency in approach to each study, in field and laboratory methods, in water quality
measurements, and in supporting data requirements.
CONTACT:
Patrick Leahy
Deputy Assistant Chief Hydrologist for NAWQA
U.S. Geological Survey
414 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 22092 '
Phone: (202) 648-5012
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 75
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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
T1 — —
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
Watershed Protection Program: Park-Based Water
Quality Data Management System
OFFICE:
National Park Service
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: * . .
The Watershed Protection Program was initiated in 1991 to: (1) expand the professional water quality expertise in
the National Parks Service; (2) integrate the appropriate technical, legal, and regulatory water quality methodologies
to resolve critical part-based water quality issues; (3) assist in the development and initiation of park-based water
quality issues; and (4) assist in the development and initiation of park-based water quality inventorying and
monitoring and data acquisition programs. The Watershed Protection Program also coordinates and promotes
interagency communication and coordination for water quality planning, regulation, and applied research, and
wetlands inventorying, monitoring, and restoration.
The Park-Based Water Quality Data Management System is a major 1992 initiative of the Watershed Protection
Program to develop an interactive national park-based water quality data storage, retrieval, and management system.
The cornerstone of the system is a PC-based water quality data shell that is highly user oriented, and permits park
staff to create, from a parameter pick list, a database tailored to park needs. The system also is designed to be
interactive with STORET; thus, park specific water quality data can be uploaded, archived, and retrieved by the
Water Resources Division for national-level statistical summaries.
Initially, databases for 30 parks will be established in 1993 by downloading existing STORET data into a water
quality shell. This process will entail the creation of digital descriptions of park boundaries to define the scope of
the STORET retrieval, downloading of all physical, chemical, and biological data that reside in STORET for each
park, reformatting of the data for the NFS data management system, and the completion of a basic statistical analysis
of the data. Ultimately, the data management program will incorporate data from about 300 units of the National
Park System.
CONTACTS:
Dean Tucker
Water Resources Programmer/Analyst
Water Resources Division
National Park Service
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 250
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (303) 225-3516
Gary Rosenlieb
Hydrologist
Water Resources Division
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 250
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (303) 225-3518
PAGE 76
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Chief, Water Resources Division
National Parks Service
1201 Oakridge Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (303) 225-3501
PUBLICATIONS:
User's Guide under development and scheduled for completion by the end of 1993.
DATABASE(S):
Under development for 1993.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 77
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1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Water Resources Assessment Program
OFFICE:
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Office of Water Assessment and Data Coordination
Branch of National Water Summary
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The principal goal of the program is to develop summary level statistics on water resources at the State and national
levels appropriate for the preparation of USGS's biennial report, National Water Summary. Each report is oriented
toward a specific water resource theme (e.g., ground water quality).
Statistics for major subjects covered at the national and State levels include: water availability (e.g., surface and
ground water potential, use, and development); water quality (e.g., point and nonpoint sources of pollution,
eutrophication, bottom sediment contamination, saline-water intrusion, hazardous wastes, radioactive wastes, and
acidic precipitation); hydrologic hazards and land use (e.g., flooding, land subsidence, sinkholes, erosion,
sedimentation, wetlands, and resource development); and institutional and management activities. Also covered are
seasonal hydrologic conditions and hydrologic events such as precipitation, streamflow, floods, and storms.
Data summarized in the National Water Summary are compiled from existing U.S. Geological Survey and other
agency data files and cover the entire United States, Puerto Rico, and Trust Territories.
CONTACT:
Richard W. Paulson, Chief
Branch of National Water Summary
U.S. Geological Survey
407 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6851
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Publications are for sale and can be acquired by contacting:
Books and Open File Reports Section, USGS
Federal Center, Box 25425
Denver, CO 80225-0425
Phone: (303) 236-7476
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Geological Survey. 1991. National Water Summary 1988-89, Hydrologic Events and Floods and Droughts.
Water Supply Paper No. 2375. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1990. National Water Summary 1987 - Hydrologic Events and Water Supply and Use.
Water-Supply Paper No. 2350. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
PAGE 78
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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-. 1988. National Water Summary 1986 - Hydrologic Events and Ground Water Quality. Water-Supply Paper No.
2325. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
-. 1986. National Water Summary 1985 - Hydrologic Events and Surface Water Resources, Water-Supply Paper No.
2300. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
- 1985. National Water Summary 1984: Hydrologic Events, Selected Water-Quality Trends, and Ground Water
Resources. Water-Supply Paper No. 2275. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
--. 1984. National Water Summary 1983 - Hydrologic Events and Issues. Water-Supply Paper No. 2250. U.S.
Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Because this program uses existing U.S. Geological Survey and other agency databases, it is not a database source.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 79
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
'^£m.
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Great Lakes National Program Office
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program collects lake trout, rainbow smelt, and
Chinook salmon in the Great Lakes and analyzes the
fish for contamination.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
For lake trout and rainbow smelt, measured variables
include age, length, weight, PCB (as A1254), DDT
and metabolites, chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, and
mirex (Lake Ontario only). Annual data on DDT and
PCB are available back to 1970. Dioxins, furans, and
other special studies are done periodically. For fillets
of coho (even number years) and chinook (odd
number years), the above variables are measured as
well as hexachlorobenzene, dacthal, endrin, lindane,
heptachlor epoxide, and pentachlorophenyl methyl
ether. Trend data are available for each lake (e.g.,
Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake
Erie, and Lake Ontario).
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
Described in Publications (see below).
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Most data are collected annually, some biennially.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Great Lakes.
CONTACT:
David DeVault, Coordinator
Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Great Lakes National Program Office 5GL
230 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 353-1375
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
DeVault, D.S. 1985, "Contaminants in Fish from
Great Lakes Harbors and Tributary Mouths."
Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 14:587.
—. et al. 1986. "Contaminant Trends from the Upper
Great Lakes." Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.
15:349.
-. 1989. "Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans and
Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins in Great Lakes
Fish: A Baseline and Interlake Comparison."
Environ. Contam. Toxicol. and Chem.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
PAGE 80
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Surface Water Survey
OFFICE:
Office of Ecological Processes and Effects Research
Environmental Research Laboratory
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The National Surface Water Survey consists of two
parts: the National Lake Survey and the National
Stream Survey.
The purpose of the National Lake Survey is to
quantify, with known statistical confidence, the
current status, extent, and chemical and biological
characteristics of lakes in regions of the United States
that are potentially sensitive to acidic deposition.
The purpose of the National Stream Survey (NSS) is
to determine the percentage, extent, and location of
streams in the United States that presently are acidic
or have low acid-neutralizing capacity and may,
therefore, be susceptible to future acidification, as
well as to identify streams that represent important
classes in each region for possible use in more
intensive studies or long-term monitoring. The NSS
provides an overview of stream water chemistry in
regions of the United States that are expected, on the
basis of previous alkalinity data, to contain
predominantly low acid-neutralizing capacity waters.
DATA COVERAGE:
Variables monitored include: acid neutralizing
capacity (ANC), aluminum, ammonium, base cations,
conductance, major ions, metals, nitrate, organics, pH,
and sulfate.
COLLECTION METHODS:
A randomly selected subset of lakes was sampled
using appropriate methods. The sample results were
then weighted to estimate the chemical compositions
of lake populations with known confidence.
Uncertainties with time of sampling, spatial
variability, and population definition are included in
specific research projects to improve confidence in
estimates.
U.S.
Guide
Entry
DolaTjpe: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
The NSS employed a randomized, systematic sample
of regional stream populations and used rigorous
quality assurance protocols for field sampling and
laboratory chemical analysis.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
"Index" sample taken at the time of the fall overturn
for lakes and high and low flow for streams.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Northeastern, Southeastern, Upper Midwest, and
Western United States for lakes, and Middle Atlantic,
Southeast, and Southern Blue Ridge Province for
streams.
CONTACT:
Dixon Landers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Research Laboratory
200 SW 35th St.
Corvallis, OR 97333
Phone: (503) 754-4427
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Brakke, D.F., D.H. Landers and J.M. Eilers. 1988.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes
in the Northeastern United States." Environ. Sci.
Technol. 22:155-163.
Brakke, D.F., D.H. Landers and J.M. Eilers. 1987.
"Hydrologic and Chemical Characteristics of
Darkwater, Clearwater, and Acidic Lakes in the
United States." Proceedings of UNESCO/IMP
Symposium.
Eilers, J.M., D.F.Brakke, D.H. Landers and P.E.
Kellar. 1988. "Characteristics of Lakes in
Mountainous Areas of the Western United
States." Verh. Internal. Verein. Limnol.
23:144-151.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 81
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Eilers, J.M., D.H. Landers and D.F. Brakke. 1988.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes
in the Southeastern United States." Environ. Sci.
Technol 22:172-177.
Eilers, J.M., D.F. Brakke and D.H. Landers. 1987.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes
in the Upper Midwest, United States." Environ.
Sci. Technol. 22:164-172
Eilers, J.M., P. Kanciruk, R.A. McCord, W.S.
Overton, L. Hook, D.J. Blick, D.F. Brakke, P.E.
Lellar, M.S. DeHan, M.E. Silverstein and D.H.
Landers. 1987. "Characteristics of Lakes in the
Western United States." Vol. 2, Data
Compendium for Selected Physical and Chemical
Variables. EP/600/3-86-054b. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Herlihy, A.T., P.R. Kaufmann and M.E. Mitch. 1991.
"Chemical Characteristics of Streams in the
Eastern United States: II. Sources of Acidity and
Low ANC Streams." Water Resources Research.
27:624-642.
Herlihy, A.T., P.R. Kaufmann, M.E. Mitch and D.D.
Brown. 1990. "Regional Estimates of Acid Mine
Drainage Impacts on Streams of the Mid-Atlantic
and Southeastern United States." Water, Air, and
Soil Pollution. 50:91-107.
Kaufmann, P.R., A.T. Herlihy, M.E. Mitch and W.S.
Overton. 1991. "Chemical Characteristics of
Streams in the Eastern United States: I. Synoptic
Survey Design, Acid Base Status, and Regional
Patterns." Water Resources Research.
27:611-627.
Kaufmann, P.R., A.T. Herlihy, J.W. Elwood, M.E.
Mitch, W.S. Overton, MJ. Sale, J.J. Messer,
K.A. Cougan, D.V. Peck, K.H. Reckhow, A.J.
Kinney, SJ. Christie, D.D. Brown, C.A. Hagley,
and H.I. Jager. 1988. "Chemical Characteristics
of Streams in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern
United States." Vol. 1, Population Descriptions
and Physio chemical Relationships.
EPA/600/3-88/021 a. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Landers, D.H., W.S. Overton, R.A. Linthurst and D.F.
Brakke. 1988. "Eastern Lake Survey: Regional
Estimates of Lake Chemistry." Environ. Sci.
Technol. 22:128-135.
Landers, D.H., J.M. Eilers, D.F. Brakke, W.S.
Overton, P.E. Kellar, M.E. Silverstein, R.D.
Schonbrod, R.E. Crowe, R.A. Linthurst, J.M.
Omernik, S.A. Teague and E.P. Meier. 1987.
"Characteristics of Lakes in the Western United
States." Vol. 1, Population Descriptions and
Physi co chemical Relationships.
EPA/600/3-86/054a. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Linthurst, R.A., D.H. Landers, J.M. Eilers, D.p.
Brakke, W.S. Overton, E.P. Meier and R.E.
Crowe. 1986. "Characteristics of Lakes in the
Eastern United States." Vol. 1, Population
Descriptions and Physicochemical Relationships.
EPA/600/4-86/007a. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Mitch, M.E., P.R. Kaufmann, A.T. Herlihy, W.S.
Overton, and MJ. Sale. 1990. National Stream
Survey Database Guide. EPA/600/8-90/055.2.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
Overton, W.S., P. Kanciruk, L.A. Hook, J.M. Eilers,
D.H. Landers, D.F. Brakke, DJ. Blick, Jr., R.A.
Linthurst, M.D. DeHaan and J.M. Omemik.
1986. "Characteristics of Lakes in the Eastern
United States." Vol. 2, Lakes Samples and
Descriptive Statistics for Physical and Chemical
Variables. EPA/600/4-86/007b. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
Sale, M.J., P.R. Kaufmann, H.I. Jager, J.M. Coe,
K.A. Cougan, A.J. Kinney, M.E. Mitch and W.S.
Overton. 1988. "Chemical Characteristics of
Streams of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern
United States." Volume 2, Streams Sampled,
Descriptive Statistics, and Compendium of
Physical and Chemical Data.
EPA/600/3-88/021b. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
The database is available: see Contact, and Mitch, et
al. (1990) under Publications.
PAGE 82
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Water Quality Monitoring Program
T -—
DalaType: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Monitoring Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The mission of the Monitoring Program is to develop and implement national surface water quality assessment and
monitoring guidelines, protocols, and programs as well as develop and manage the associated database and analysis
programs.
Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act requires States to report to EPA on the extent to which their waters are
meeting the goals of the Act and to recommend how these goals can be achieved. States enter information on the
status of specific waterbodies, including causes and sources of water quality impairments, into a national database
system known as the Waterbody System (WBS). The Waterbody System ties data to an individual, geographically-
defined waterbody and produces assessment reports on specified dates. A waterbody may be any discrete
hydrogeologic entity that is useful for assessment and management purposes, such as a river, lake, estuary, ocean,
or wetland with a boundary that remains constant over time. EPA compiles information from State reports and
transmits this biennially as a National Water Quality Inventory report to Congress. The 1992 report summarizes the
States' 1990 and 1991 data collection activities and analyses.
Water quality is reported as attainment or non-attainment of water quality standards as well as through indicators
of environmental conditions. States use fixed-station network data, surveys, ecological and habitat assessment,
remote sensing, modeling, and other data and estimating techniques to prepare assessments for the entire United
States and territories.
In addition, the Office of Water, Monitoring Programs jointly manages, with the Office of Information Resources
Management, one of the Nation's largest water information systems, STORET (Storage and Retrieval of U.S.
waterways parametric data). This system contains water and related resource data from various Federal, State, local
and private sources.
As the Office of Water continues to expand and strengthen its water monitoring programs, EPA is providing new
guidance for the States on effective biological habitat and watershed monitoring as well as developing local volunteer
monitoring programs. National conferences and workshops and other technical tools support these activities.
CONTACT:
Policy:
Mary L Belefski, Chief
Monitoring Section
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-553
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7061
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 83
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Information Management:
Robert King, Chief
Information Services Section
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-553
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7028
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1992. National Water Quality Inventory: 1990 Report to Congress. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. 1991. Guidelines for the Preparation of the 1992 State Water Quality
Assessments (305(b) reports). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1990. National Water Quality Inventory: 1988 Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Guidelines for the Preparation of the 1990 State Water Quality Assessments. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
—.1989. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Rivers: Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
~. 1992. PC Waterbody System User's Guide. 3rd edition., (version 3.0). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
--. 1988. National Water Quality Inventory: 1986 Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection 'Agency.
Washington, DC.
--. 1987. Guidelines for the Preparation of the 1988 State Water Quality Assessments. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
STORET (STOrage and RETrieval of U.S. waterways parametric data):
STORET is one of the oldest and largest water information systems in use. The Office of Water and the Office
of Information Resources Management jointly manage STORET. STORET has three main information areas:
Water Quality System (WQS), Biological System (BIOS), and Daily How System (DPS). The WQS contains
chemical and physical information; BIOS contains information on the distribution, abundance, and physical
condition of aquatic organisms; and DPS contains daily observations of flow and water quality parameters
collected at the gaging stations belonging to the U.S. Geological Survey. There are over 800,000 sampling
stations which have detailed locational information and more than 180 million parametric observations covering
13,000 water quality parameters. EPA is restructuring and improving STORET so that it can be more responsive
to Agency data needs.
PAGE 84
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Oceatv Data Evaluation. System (ODES):
EPA designed ODES in 1985 to support managers and analysts in meeting regulatory objectives of the Office
of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. ODES contains over two million records from a wide range of EPA
programs including the 301(h) sewage discharge program, the National Pollutant Discharge Program (NPDES),
the ocean dumping program, and the National Estuary Program (NEP). Records include information on water
quality, oceanographic description, sediment pollutants, physical/chemical/biological characteristics, and estuary
information.
For more information on STORET or ODES contact:
Robert King
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-553
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460 '.
Phone: (202)260-7028
For more information on ODES contact:
Kevin Perry
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-556F
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-6833
Waterbody System (WBS);
The Waterbody System includes a software package and database to manage State water quality assessment and
related information. The WBS facilitates State preparation of the biennial report of water quality status required
by Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. It does not store or analyze raw monitoring data but does include
information on water quality, user support, status, causes of impairment, and sources of pollution for each
waterbody. A waterbody is defined as any discrete hydrologic entity that is useful for assessment purposes, such
as a river, lake, estuary, ocean, or wetland.
For more information on WBS contact:
Jack Clifford
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-553
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-3667
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 85
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TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Water Resources and Ecological Monitoring
^TX.
QtZZ.
f
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Water Resources Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
TVA conducts a continuing program of water
resource quality monitoring to evaluate ecological
health and suitability for body-contact recreation of
reservoirs and major streams in the Tennessee Valley,
and to evaluate the suitability for human consumption
of the fish in those water bodies.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
The program includes systematic measurement of
physical, chemical and biological variables. Physical
variables monitored include streamflow, water clarity,
turbidity and suspended solids, depth profiles of
temperature and conductivity, habitat evaluation, and
sediment particle size distribution. Chemical
measurements include depth profiles of dissolved
oxygen and pH, nutrients, major cations and anions,
hardness, selected metals in water, sediments, and fish
tissue, and selected toxic organics in sediments and
fish tissue. In addition to fish tissue contaminants,
biological variables include chlorophyll, benthic
invertebrate abundance and community structure,
fisheries abundance and community structure
(fisheries Indes of Biotic Integrity), fish biomass
estimates, autopsy-based evaluation of health of
largemouth bass, and toxicity screening bioassays
using sediment pore water and overlying lake/stream
water.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
Depth profile data are collected using Hydrolab or
comparable field instruments, and clarity is measured
using secchi disks. Water is collected using peristaltic
pumps for depth-integrated photic zone samples and
either Kemmerer or Van Dorn bottles for near-bottom
samples and stream samples (collected at mid-depth).
Sediment samples for chemical analysis and particle
size consist of composites of the upper 3 cm. from 10
or more gravity cores collected along a transverse
transect. Benthic invertebrates in lakes are collected
using Eckman, Petersen, or Ponar dredges. Stream
invertebrates are collected using Surber and Hess
samplers, and D-nets for sampling along the shoreline.
Electroshocking is used to collect fish in streams and
near-shore areas of lakes, and various nets in the
pelagic zone of lakes. Biomass estimates are based
on hydroacoustic data calibrated with trawling to
validate species and size.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
In streams, physical/chemical data are collected
bimonthly; sediments and. biological samples are
collected annually. In lakes, physical/chemical and
chlorophyll samples and data are collected once in
winter (fully mixed conditions), then monthly from
April through September or October. Sediments and
biological samples are collected annually in mqst
cases.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Tennessee Valley streams and reservoirs: 12 major
tributary streams, 9 mainstem Tennessee River
reservoirs (forebay, transition zone, and inflow), and
22 tributary reservoirs (1 to 4 stations each).
CONTACT:
Any of the following:
Dr. Neil E. Carriker
Mr. Ronald W. Pasch
Mr. Donald L. Dycus
Mr. Dennis L. Meinert
Mr. Donald W. Anderson
(615) 751-7330
(615) 751-7309
(615) 751-7322
(615) 751-8962
(615) 751-7329
at the following address:
HB-2C
TVA-Water Resources Division
1101 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PAGE 86
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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PUBLICATIONS:
Public Information Documents:
Tennessee Valley Authority. 1992. RiverPulse-1991.
20pp.
Tennessee Valley Authority. 1990-1992. Reservoir
Status Report series. Includes monographs on
Cherokee, Norris, Wheeler, Blue Ridge, Chatuge,
and Melton Hill reservoirs, and on the three
Ocoee River projects.
Technical Reports:
Dycus, D.L and D.L Meinert. 1992. Reservoir Vital
Signs Monitoring-1991; Summary of Vital Signs
and Use Impairment Monitoring on Tennessee
Valley Reservoirs. TVA/WR-92-8. Tennessee
Valley Authority, Water Resources Division.
Chattanooga, TN.
Meinert, D.L. and J.P. Fehring. 1992. Reservoir Vital
Signs Monitoring-1991; Physical/Chemical
Characteristics of Water and Sediment.
TVA/WRD-92-1. Tennessee Valley Authority,
Water Resources Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Moses. J. and DC Wade. 1992. Reservoir Vital Signs
Monitoring-1991; Acute Toxicity Screening of
Reservoir Water and Sediment. TVA/WR-92-2.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Water Resources
Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Wilson, W.K. 1992. Reservoir Vital Signs
Monitoring-1991; Hydroacoustic Estimates of
Fish Abundance. TVA/WR-92-4. Tennessee
Valley Authority Water Resources Division.
Chattanooga, TN.
Masters, A.E. 1992. Reservoir Vital Signs
Monitoring-1991; Benthic Macroinvertebrate
Community Results. TVA/WR-92-3. Tenneessee
Valley Authority, Water Resources Division.
Chattanooga, TN.
Scott, E.M., G.D. Hickman, and A.M. Brown. 1992.
Reservoir Vital Signs Monitoring-1991; Fish
Community Results. TVA/WR-92-5. Tennessee
Valley Authority, Water Resources Division.
Chattanooga, TN.
Bates, J.A., G.E. Hall, and D.L. Dycus. 1992.
Reservoir Monitoring-1991; Fish Tissue Studies
in the Tennessee Valley in 1990. TVA/WR-92-7.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Water Resources
Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Fehring, J.P. 1992. Reservoir Monitoring-1991,
Bacteriological Conditions in the Tennessee
Valley: Third Annual Report. TVA/WR-92-6.
Tennessee Valley Authority, Water Resources
Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Parr, K.P.. 1991. Water Quality of the TV A
Fixed-Station Monitoring Network.
TVAAVR-91-13. Tennessee Valley Authority,
Water Resources Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Fehring, J.P. 1992. Upper Hiwassee River Basin
Reservoirs- 1989 Water Quality Assessment..
TVA/WR-92-1. Tennessee Valley Authority,
Water Resources Division. Chattanooga, TN.
Dierberg, F.E. 1991. Feasibility of Using Remote
Sensing Platforms as an Aid to Water Quality
Monitoring in the Tennessee Valley-Capabilities
and Costs. TVA/WR-91-8. Tennessee Valley
Authority, Water Resources Division.
Chattanooga, TN.
Dierberg. F.E. 1992. Remote Sensing for Water
Quality Monitoring in the Tennessee
Valley-Field Tests of Two Systems.
TVA/WR-92-17. Tennessee Valley Authority,
Water Resources Division. Chattanooga, TN.
DATABASE(S):
None provided.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 87
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B. Ecological
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 89
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Fisheries Statistics Program
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Office of Research and Environmental Information
Fishery Statistics Division, F/RE1
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Fishery Statistics Division develops and
maintains a national collection of statistics (biological,
economic, and sociological) on domestic commercial
and recreational fisheries, as well as joint ventures
and foreign catch in the U.S. Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ). It maintains data files on the processing,
freezing, and holding of fishery products, and monthly
information on imports and exports of fishery
products. The Division also aids in developing
policies and operational guidelines for the coordinated
collection and publication of basic fishery statistics. It
develops, implements, and manages computerized data
systems for handling, archiving, and retrieving
statistical databases.
DATA COVERAGE:
The following data are collected: monthly and annual
commercial landings (catch) in pounds and value by
species. State, county, year, waterbody, and distance
from shore; annual operating units and number of
vessels and fishermen by State, year, and country;
annual processed products data by State, county,
plant, species, and type of processing; annual world
catch by species, country, and area; weekly shrimp
imports by country and count size; and recreational
finfish saltwater catch by species and geographic area.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Commercial data are obtained through census of first
buyers of seafood, review of logbooks, intercept
surveys, and reporting by observers. Recreational data
are collected through extensive telephone and
intercept surveys designed as a stratified random
sample. Approximately 44,000 households in coastal
counties are contacted for the telephone survey.
On-site interviews are conducted with as many as
56,000 marine recreational anglers for an intercept
survey.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected daily, monthly, and/or yearly
depending on subject and area covered.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
All commercial catch by U.S. flag-vessels landed in
the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and other
50 ports outside the 50 states. Recreational
information covers marine waters only.
CONTACT:
Mark Holliday
Fishery Statistics Division, F/RE1
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1335 East West Highway., Rm. 8313
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-2328
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
National Marine Fisheries Service. 1984. Marine
Recreational Fishery Statistic Survey, Pacific
Coast, 1979-1980. Current Fishery Statistics No.
8392. U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, DC.
1987. Marine Recreational Fishery Statistic
Survey, Pacific Coast, 1986. Current Fishery
Statistics No. 8393. U.S. Department of
Commerce. Washington, DC.
--. 1992. Fisheries of the United States 1991 (and
earlier reports in this series.) Current Fishery
Statistics No. 8900. U.S. Department of
Commerce. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Databases are maintained by field offices of the
National Fisheries Service, Fisheries Statistics
Division in Silver Spring, MD.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Living Marine Resources
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and
Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Living Marine Resources Program gathers data
from published sources on spatial and temporal
distributions of marine species (invertebrates, fishes,
seabirds, and mammals). Information includes
distributions by life stage, statistics on commercial
harvest, and status of seabird colonies. In 1990,
additional information was gathered on sampling
programs.
DATA COVERAGE:
Gulf of Mexico: spatial and temporal distributions for
adult, juvenile, and reproductive life stages of 73
species of invertebrates and fishes.
Gulf of Mexico shrimp harvest: 1960-1988 (by
month) harvest weight for seven shrimp species.
Gulf of Mexico estuaries: spatial and temporal
distributions for adult, juvenile, reproductive, larval
and egg life stages of 44 species of invertebrates and
fishes in 25 estuaries.
Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas: spatial and
temporal distributions for adult and juvenile stages of
102 species of invertebrates, fishes and marine
mammals.
West Coast: spatial and temporal distributions for
adult, juvenile, and reproductive life stages of 130
species of invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals.
Southeast estuaries: spatial and temporal distributions
for adult, juvenile, reproductive, larval and egg life
stages of 40 species of invertebrates and fishes in 20
estuaries.
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Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
COLLECTION METHODS:
Alaska seabird colonies: populations of 30 species of
seabirds within 1,300 individual colonies.
Data are compiled from published literature and
agency databases.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Ongoing.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire U.S., Exclusive Economic Zone including
Alaska, excluding Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and
protectorates.
CONTACTS:
Tom LaPointe, Operations Research Analyst
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 220
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-0453
Robert Wolotira, Fisheries Biologist
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 220
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-0453
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contacts.
PUBLICATIONS:
Bulger, A.J., B.P. Hayden, M.E. Monaco, and M.G.
McCormick-Ray. 1989. Towards a Biogeographic
Estuarine Salinity Classification. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Rockville, MD.
Monaco, M.E., T. Czapla, D.M. Nelson, and M.
Pattilo. 1989. Estuarine Living Marine Resources
Project: Texas Component. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Rockville, MD.
PAGE 92
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Monaco, M.E. and R.L. Emmett. 1988. Living Marine
Resources Program: Estuarine Living Marine
Resources Project: Washington State Component.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
Monaco, M.E. 1986. National Estuarine Inventory:
Living Marine Resources Component Preliminary
West Coast Study. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Rockville, MD.
Ray, G.C., M.G. McCormick-Ray, J.A. Dobbin, D.N.
Ehler, and DJ. Basta. 1980. Eastern United
States Coastal and Ocean Zones Data Atlas.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Strategic Assessment Branch. 1989. Bering,
Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas Coastal, and Ocean
Zones Strategic Assessment: Data Atlas.
Government Printing Office. Washington, DC.
—. Strategic Assessment Branch and Northwest and
Alaska Fisheries Center. 1988. West Coast of
North America Strategic Assessment: Data Atlas,
Marine Mammal Volume, Pre-Publication Edition
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
—. Strategic Assessment Branch and Southeast
Fisheries Center. 1986. Gulf of Mexico Coastal
and Ocean Zones Strategic Assessment: Data
Atlas. Government Printing Office. Washington,
DC.
DATABASE(S):
Computer Mapping and Analysis System (CMAS)
CMAS is a geo-referenced database. It requires
a Macintosh microcomputer. For more
information, see Contacts.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 93
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Coastal Wetlands Inventory
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Conservation and Assessment
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The program is developing a database to estimate the
distribution and abundance of coastal wetlands in the
conterminous United States.
STATISTICAL COVERAGE:
Estimates of areas are summarized for 12 wetland
habitats and 3 non-wetland habitats. The database was
completed in October 1989 and contains information
from 5,290 NWI maps, most of which are 1:24,000
scale.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS:
The data are generated by using a grid sampling
technique on maps produced by the National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI) of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The grid sampling procedure is a
stratified systematic sampling technique. On a
1:24,000 scale map, there are approximately 850-900
sampling points. The grid cell size associated with
each sampling point is equal to 45 acres.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data were collected on a one-time basis.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
All coastal counties and estuaries as described in
NOAA's National Estuarine Inventory program, on
the East, West and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
CONTACT:
Don Field
Marine Resource Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Conservation and Assessment
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 300 (N/OMA31)
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Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-0453
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Alexander, C.E., M.A. Broutman, and D.W. Field.
1986. An Inventory of Coastal Wetlands of the
USA. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
Field, D.W., C.E. Alexander, and M.A. Broutman.
1988. "Towards Developing an Inventory of
Coastal Wetlands of the USA." Marine Fisheries
Review. 50(1): 40-46.
Reyer, A.J., D.W. Field, J.E. Cassells, C.E.
Alexander, and C.L. Holland. 1988. National
Coastal Wetlands Inventory-the Distribution and
Areal Extent of Coastal Wetlands in Estuaries of
the Gulf of Mexico. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Rockville, MD.
Office of Ocean Conservation and Assessments. 1989.
National Estuarine Inventory: Data Atlas. Vol 3,
Coastal Wetlands - New England Region.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
--. 1989. National Estuarine Inventory: Data Atlas.
Vol. 5, Coastal Wetlands - Gulf of Mexico
Region. National Oceanic and Atmoshperic
Administration. Rockville, MD.
--. 1988. National Estuarine Inventory: Data Atlas.
Vol. 4, Public Recreation Facilities in Coastal
Areas. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Rockville, MD.
DATABASE(S):
National Coastal Wetlands Inventory
Data are now being loaded into SPANS Geographic
Information System.
PAGE 94
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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i^E:
y
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends
(BEST) Program
Note: The following program is now being implemented. Only limited data is available at this time.
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Environmental Contaminants
Branch of Contaminant
Investigations and Monitoring
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The BEST Program will monitor and respond to the effects of contemporary environmental contaminant problems
associated with fish and wildlife resources. When fully operational, the BEST Program will identify the extent,
magnitude, and location of contaminant-related ecosystem degradation and will provide information to answer many
questions, some of which include:
• What are the major contaminant threats to FWS trust resources?
• Are contaminant impacts to FWS trust resources increasing or decreasing?
• Which trust resources are degrading or improving on a national, regional and local level?
• What contaminants are affecting National Wildlife Refuges and what are the probable contaminant sources
and exposure pathways?
The BEST Program is the only Federal biomonitoring program that will document the current level of contaminant
impacts to the Nation's fish and wildlife resources in a predictive and action-oriented manner. The information it
produces, in conjunction with other Federal biomonitoring programs, will support numerous Federal, State, and local
efforts to evaluate and protect fish and wildlife from contaminant-related impacts.
The BEST Program will use a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach to address the transport, fate, and effects
of environmental contaminants on trust resources. An integrated biomonitoring network will be established to
evaluate contaminant impacts at the tissue, organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels.
To determine the status, trends, and effects of contaminants on fish and wildlife resources, the BEST Program will
use bioassessment techniques from four broad categories.
• Ecological Surveys will be used to assess changes in composition, structure, and function of plant and
animal communities.
• Organism health or biomarkers such as physiological anomalies will be used to measure fish and wildlife
exposure to contaminants.
• Bioassays and toxicity tests will measure the relative species responses to contaminant exposure in natural
systems.
• Residue analysis will determine the ecological pathways and prevalence of various contaminants.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 95
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Collection methods development is still underway at this time. Pilot studies to be conducted during FY94 will test
proposed methods.
The specific frequency of data collection has not been determined at this point in the development process.
The BEST Program's sampling approach has been designed around two major components, trust resources on FWS
lands (primarily National Wildlife Refuges) and trust species found outside of Service lands. Distinct sampling
designs will be implemented for each component.
CONTACT:
Chief
Division of Environmental Contaminants
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 330
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2148
PAGE 96
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Wetlands Inventory
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish and Wildlife Enhancement
Branch of Coastal and Wetland Resources
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
In 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
established the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) to
develop technically sound and comprehensive
information on the characteristics and extent of
wetland resources in the United States.
DATA COVERAGE:
Status and trends information is available for selected
wetland types including: estuarine wetlands; palustrine
wetlands; lacustrine wetlands; and deepwater habitats
in the lower 48 States. In addition, statistical data are
available for coastal waters and bay bottoms, coastal
marshlands and mangroves, recent changes in inland
vegetated wetlands, recent changes in lacustrine
deepwater habitats, estimates of current annual
wetland losses, estimates of wetland losses by
flyways, States with significant changes in wetland
resources, indicators of development pressures on
wetland resources, and causes of wetland losses. The
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 requires
that updates of the wetland status and trends be
produced on a 10-year cycle with reports due in 1990,
2000, 2010, etc.
COLLECTION METHODS:
A stratified random sample is used with the basic data
strata being formed by State boundaries and the 35
physical subdivisions described by E.H. Hammond
(1970). Additional strata specific to the study are
special coastal strata encompassing the Marine
Intertidal category, the Estuarine System, and other
strata encompassing the Great Lakes. This results in
over 200 strata for the study. Sample units are
allocated to strata in proportion to the expected
amount of wetland and deepwater habitat acreage as
estimated by earlier work. Each sample unit is a
4-square-mile area, 2 miles on each side. After the
units are selected at random within strata and plotted
on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, aerial
photography is obtained for the new time period. All
wetland and deepwater habitat changes are marked as
to cause, either natural or human induced. The
photointerpreted data for each unit is then prepared
for computer analysis. Several quality control checks
are routinely made to eliminate errors.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected continuously with updates on a
ten-year cycle. The 1990 update provides trend data
on wetlands losses and gains between the 1970s and
the 1980s.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The wetland mapping phase of the project has
produced map coverage for approximately 70 percent
of the lower 48 States, 22 percent of Alaska, and all
of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Wetland status
and trends information is designed to provide
statistical estimates on a national basis (lower 48 '
States). In addition, regional intensification studies are
available for the Chesapeake Bay Region (Delaware,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia),
and the Central Valley of California. Other statewide
status information is available for the States of
Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington,
Maryland, and Connecticut. Status reports covering
the coastal wetlands of Alaska and the Prairie Pothole
Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota) are
also available.
CONTACTS:
Thomas E. Dahl - for wetlands status and trends
information
Linda Shaffer - for digital wetland map information
National Wetlands Inventory
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
9720 Executive Center Drive
Suite 101 Monroe Bldg.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2440
Phone: (813) 893-3624
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 97
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
DATABASE(S):
Earth Sciences Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston,VA 22092
Phone: (703)860-6045
National Wetland Inventory maps can be obtained by
calling: 1-800-USA-MAPS. In Virginia, call (703)
648-6045.
PUBLICATIONS:
Dahl, T.E. and H.R. Pywell. 1989. "National Status
and Trends Study: Estimating Wetland Resources
in the 1980s." Wetlands: Concerns and
Successes. American Water Resources Assoc.
Dahl, T.E. and C.E. Johnson. 1991. Status and Trends
of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States,
1970s to 1980s. U.S. Department of the Interior,
Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, DC.
Prayer, W.E., TJ. Monahan, DC Bowden, and F.A.
Graybill. 1983. Status and Trends of Wetlands
and Deepwater Habitats in the Coterminous
United States 1950s to 1970s. Colorado State
University: Department of Forest and Wood
Science.
Hammond, E.H. 1970. "Physical Subdivisions of the
United States." National Atlas of the United
States. U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA.
Hefner, J.M. and J.D. Brown. 1985. Wetland Trends
in the Southeastern United States. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA.
Tiner, R.W. Jr. 1984. Wetlands of the United States:
Current Status and Recent Trends. Department of
the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Washington, DC.
Wilen, B.O. and W.E. Prayer. 1988. "Status and
Trends of U.S. Forested Wetlands." Proceedings
of the International Forested Wetlands Resource:
Identification and Inventory. Baton Rouge, LA.
--. and R.W. Tiner Jr. 1989. "The National Wetlands
Inventory - the First Ten Years." Wetlands:
Concerns and Successes. American Water
Resources Assoc.
Wetland Plant Species Database
The database is a listing of plants occurring in
wetlands, as defined by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service's wetland definition and
classification system. It lists scientific and
common names and distribution of 6,728 plant
species. It can be accessed by family, scientific,
or common name, region, State, and wetland
indicator status. The database is updated as
additional information is received.
State and regional subdivisions of the Wetland
Plant Species Database are available on floppy
disks from:
BIODATA, Inc.
13950 W. 20th Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 278-1046
Books
Books contains bibliographic citations for almost
300 sources such as national, regional, and State
floras, checklists, and botanical manuals used to
compile the Wetland Plant Species Database.
Wetland Values Citation Database
This is a bibliographic database with over 12,000
listings of worldwide published scientific
literature on wetland functions and values. It has
an extensive number of searchable fields,
including geographic descriptors, hydrological
units, ecological regions, and wetlands types, as
well as subject, title, and abstract fields. It
includes literature from the 1950s to the present.
Information on the Wetlands Values Citation
Database is available from:
Paul Alford
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wetlands Inventory
9720 Executive Center Drive
Monroe Blvd., Suite 101
St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2440
Phone: (813) 893-3624
PAGE 98
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Wetland Geographic Information System
The National Wetlands Inventory is constructing
a geo-referenced wetland database using
geographic information system (GIS)
technologies. Three systems comprise the GIS:
(1) The Wetlands Analytical Mapping System
(WAMS);
(2) The Map Overlay and Statistical System
(MOSS); and
(3) The Cartographic Output System (COS). To
date, more than 7,746 NWI maps
representing 12.8 percent of the continental
United States have been digitized. Statewide
databases have been built for New Jersey,
Indiana, Washington, Illinois, Delaware, and
Maryland, and are in progress for Virginia,
Minnesota, South Dakota, and South
Carolina. NWI digital data are also available
for portions of 33 other States. Wetland GIS
database files may be purchased from The
National Wetlands Inventory office in St.
Petersburg, FL (see Contacts).
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 99
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
North American Breeding Bird Survey
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Migratory Bird Management
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Breeding Bird Survey Program, started in 1966,
provides a uniform basis for assessing long-term
trends in avian populations throughout North America.
DATA COVERAGE:
Total number of individuals recorded by species,
survey route, and State are available. Long-term trend
analyses are performed every 2 years.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Held procedures provide uniform sampling of bird
populations by major physiographic regions across the
continent. The data collection methods, which involve
censusing of birds by sight and sound for specified
periods of time along established survey routes during
the breeding season (usually the month of June), and
methods for data processing and analysis are
described in Robbins, Bystrak and Geissler (1986).
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data are collected annually.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Randomly distributed roadside routes have been
established within each one degree block of latitude
and longitude in the conterminous United States and
the roaded areas of Alaska and Canada.
CONTACT:
Bruce Peterjohn, Ornithologist
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of the Interior
Laurel, MD 20708
Phone: (301) 498-0330
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Droege, S. and J.R. Sauer.' 1990. "North American
Breeding Bird Survey Annual Summary 1989."
Stud. Avian Biol. 90(8). U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Washington, DC.
Robbins, C.S., D. Bystrak and P. Geissler. 1986. The
Breeding Bird Survey: Its First 15 Years,
1965-1979. Resource Pub. No. 157. Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
; Washington, DC.
DATABASE^):
Breeding Bird Survey Database
This database contains raw counts, weather
information, route histories, and observer
information.
PAGE 100
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey
Data Type: Statistks
Source: U.S. Guide
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Migratory Bird Management
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION;
This survey is designed to provide annual breeding
population estimates and measure breeding habitat
changes over a major portion of the duck breeding
range in North America.
DATA COVERAGE:
Variables measured include number of breeding
waterfowl by species (for example, northern pintail
and mallard, Canada goose, canvasback and redhead,
and Tundra swan) and number of waterbodies (ponds)
available during the breeding season. Annual
comparisons and long-term trend information are
available.
COLLECTION METHODS:
This survey is an aerial plot survey. Individual duck,
goose, and swan populations by species and ponds are
counted on strip transects that total 71,110 kilometers
for an approximately one percent sample of the total
surveyed area. Detectability bias is corrected through
the use of a double-sampling scheme. Waterfowl
along a small portion of the transect lengths are
counted from the ground. These counts represent a
census, allowing the correction of the aerial counts by
using ratio estimators. The number of breeding
waterfowl for each species and the number of
waterbodies is the target population.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data collected on an annual basis.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Includes the 50 States, Yukon Territory, Northwest
Territories, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, western
Ontario, North and South Dakota, and Montana.
CONTACT:
Dr. Robert J. Blohm, Chief
Branch of Operations
Office of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mailstop 634 ARLSQ
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Phone:(703)358-1838
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Canadian Wildlife
Service. 1987. Standard Operating Procedures
for Aerial Waterfowl Breeding Ground
Population and Habitat Surveys in North
America. Washington, DC.
—. Trends in Duck Breeding Populations (annual).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of
Migratory Bird Management. Laurel, MD.
—. Status of Waterfowl and Fall Flight Forecast
(annual). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office
of Migratory Bird Management. Laurel, MD.
DATABASE(S):
For data information, see Contact.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 101
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*£££
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Data Type: Statistics
Source! Program Contact
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
(EMAP)
Note: The following program is now being implemented. Only limited data is available at this time.
In 1988, EPA's Science Advisory Board recommended implementing a program within EPA to monitor the status
and trends of ecological conditions and to develop innovative methods for anticipating emerging problems before
they become crises. In response, EPA initiated EMAP. EMAP objectives include:
• estimation of the current status, changes, and trends in indicators of the conditions of the Nation's
ecological resources on a regional basis;
• monitoring of indicators of pollutant exposure and habitat condition;
• identification of associations between human-induced stresses and ecological conditions;
• and generation of periodic statistical summaries and interpretive reports on status and trends to
resource managers and the public.
When fully implemented, in cooperation with other agencies that share resource monitoring responsibilities, this
coordinated research and monitoring effort will provide the information needed to document the current condition
of our ecological resources, understand why that condition exists, and predict what it may be in the future under
various management alternatives. Such information will enable EPA to take proactive steps that will minimize future
risk or to revise current efforts that fall short of their intended results.
CONTACT:
Tom Dixon
Office of Research and Development (RD-680)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7238
FAX: (202) 260-4346
PAGE 102
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Section V
Other Effects of Water Pollution
In addition to the direct effects of water pollution evident in assessments of ambient water
quality, water pollution has other impacts such as increased incidence of waterborne disease and
interference with the beneficial uses of the ambient waters. This section describes programs that
track waterborne disease outbreaks and shellfish bed closures. Additional information on impacts
upon beneficial uses, including fishing bans and beach closures, is provided by the National
Water Monitoring Program described in Section IV.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 103
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Classified Shellfishing Waters
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and
Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Classified shellfishing waters are monitored as an
indicator of bacterial water quality nationwide. Waters
are classified for the commercial harvest of oysters,
clams, and mussels based on the presence of actual or
potential pollution sources and coliform bacteria
levels in surface waters. Each shellfish-producing
State classifies its waters in accordance with
guidelines established by the National Shellfish
Sanitation Program.
DATA COVERAGE:
Approximately 2,000 classified shellfishing areas are
defined by name, location (nautical chart number,
estuary, State, region), classification (approved,
prohibited, conditionally approved, or restricted), size,
and pollution sources (identified for all non-approved
areas).
Trends in classification by region from 1966 to 1990
and by selected estuaries in the Northeast, Southeast,
Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific from 1971 to 1990 are
available. Areas that were reclassified because of
improved or diminished water quality are
distinguished from those that were reclassified as a
result of improved monitoring.
Data also are collected on administration of State
programs, including: identification of State agencies
responsible for monitoring waters, assigning
classification, analyzing water samples, etc.; number
of personnel; budgets; number of sampling stations;
frequency of sampling; and other factors that may
influence classification.
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U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data 'type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
COLLECTION METHODS:
Data are collected by questionnaire and followed by
interviews. Classifications are noted on 265 Nautical
Charts (NOS 1:80,000).
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data were compiled in 1966,1971,1974,1980,1985,
and 1990. The next survey is scheduled for 1995.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
East, West, and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
CONTACT:
Sharon Adamany
Environmental Analysts
NOAA, N/ORCA
6001 Executive Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-8843
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Strategic Assessment Branch, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. 1989. The Quality
of Shellfish Growing Waters on the West Coast.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Department of Commerce.
Rockville, MD.
--. 1991. The 1990 National Shellfish Register of
Classified Estuarine Waters. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, Department of
Commerce. Rockville, MD.
Leonard, D.L., M.A. Broutman, and K.E. Harkness.
1989. The Quality of Shellfish Growing Waters
on the East Coast of the United States. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Rockville, MD.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
PAGE 105
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Broutman, M.A. and D.L. Leonard. 1988. National
Estitarine Inventory: The Quality of Shellfish
Crowing Waters in the Gulf of Mexico. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Rockville, MD.
—. 1986. National Estuarine Inventory: Classified
Shellfish Crowing Waters by Estuary. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Rockville, MD.
DATABASE(S):
National Shellfish Register
This database contains shellfish area name, size,
classification, chart number, State, and region.
Also included are pollution sources, contact
persons, budget data, and sampling stations.
PAGE 106
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Waterborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance
T —
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health Service
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Division of Parasitic Diseases
Parasitic Diseases Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Since 1971, in collaboration with EPA, CDC has tabulated data concerning waterborne disease outbreaks in the
United States and has compiled the data in surveillance summaries. The summaries include data about a) outbreaks
associated with water intended for drinking, b) outbreaks associated with water used for recreational purposes, and
c) outbreaks of gastroenteritis (whether food or waterborne) on ocean-going passenger vessels that call on U.S. ports.
A goal of the surveillance systems is characterization of the epidemiology of waterborne diseases. Other goals
include the identification of water system deficiencies and identification of etiologic agents associated with outbreaks,
so that improved water systems can be designed.
Summary information data is collected on outbreaks associated with water intended for drinking and water used for
recreational purposes. Outbreaks are characterized by location (State), date, number of cases, etiologic agent, water
source, type of water supply (e.g., community, noncommunity, or private), and water system deficiency. Information
about the type of water treatment will be available starting in 1991. Data collection is ongoing from 1971.
A largely passive surveillance system is used and therefore relies on voluntary reporting to CDC by State health
departments. The extent of under-reporting is unknown. The likelihood that individual cases of illness will be linked
epidemiologically to a water source varies among locations and depends upon consumer awareness, physician interest,
and surveillance of State health and environmental agencies. Large outbreaks and those involving community water
systems are most likely to be reported. Therefore, the data cannot be used to determine the true incidence of
waterborne disease outbreaks. However, the data may be useful for looking at regional and year-to-year trends.
Local and State health departments carry out epidemiologic investigation of disease outbreaks. Analysis of water
samples is carried out by local and State laboratories. Analysis of clinical samples may be carried out by local,
State, or private laboratories. Most of the data provided are directly measured or observed, i.e., etiologic agents have
been identified by laboratory analysis and cases have been identified by clinical or laboratory criteria. However, for
large outbreaks, the numbers reported are generally estimates based on the epidemiology. The method and accuracy
of the approximations vary among outbreaks.
The quality of the data implicating water varies widely among outbreaks. Factors influencing the quality of the data
include the financial resources of health department, laboratory resource, and the timing of the investigation with
respect to the course of the outbreak. Reports by the States to CDC use a standardized form.
Samples are collected when a potential outbreak is identified. Reporting of outbreaks occurs after epidemiologic
investigation. Surveillance is ongoing for the entire U.S.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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CONTACT:
Waterbome Disease Outbreak Surveillance Coordinator
Parasitic Disease Branch, F-13
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: (404) 488-4050
FAX: (404) 488-4492 ' '
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Statistics are available as surveillance summaries published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
The summaries include tables and charts and are published every 2-3 years.
Centers for Disease Control. 1992. 'Water-Borne Disease Outbreaks, 1989-1990." MMWR 40(SS-3): 1-21. Centers
for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services. Atlanta, GA.
-. 1990. "Water-Borne Disease Outbreaks, 1986-1988. MMWR 30(SS-1): 1-13. Centers for Disease Control,
Department of Health and Human Services. Atlanta, GA.
-. 1988. "Water-Borne Disease Outbreaks, 1985." MMWR 37(SS-2): 15-24. Centers for Disease Control,
Department of Health and Human Services. Atlanta, GA.
Craun G.F., ed. 1986. Water-Borne Diseases in the United States. CRC Press. Boca Raton.
Craun G.F. 1988. "Surface Water Supplies and Health." J. American Water Works Assoc. 80:4-0-52.
Hayes E.B., Matte T.D., O'Brien T.R., et al. 1989. "Large Community Outbreak of Cryptosporidosis Due to
Contamination of a Filtered Public Water Supply." New England Journal of Medicine 320 1372-1376.
DATABASES):
None provided.
PAGE 108
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Section VI
Preservation, Protection, and Restoration Programs
This section references programs carried out by a number of Federal Agencies (and in many
cases, the States). These programs collect and present water pollution data, control existing
sources, protect existing water quality, construct needed treatment facilities, assess ambient
conditions, estimate the costs and benefits of abatement efforts, and clean up existing problems.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Water Quality Program
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Watershed and Air Management
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Forest Service is responsible for managing approximately 191 million acres of public lands that have been
reserved from the public domain for the purpose of ensuring favorable conditions of water flow, and to furnish a
continuous supply of timber. In addition, Congress has directed that these lands are to be managed for multiple use
purposes including timber, range, recreation, minerals, wildlife, fish, soil and water.
Nonpoint source pollution management program: Nonpoint source pollution that may result from land management
activities is controlled by designing practices that are expected to meet water quality objectives, monitoring to ensure
that such practices are implemented, monitoring to ensure practices are effective, mitigation to correct for unexpected
problems, and adjustment in land management design criteria where necessary. This program is coordinated with
individual States to ensure compliance with State water quality requirements.
Watershed restoration program: The Forest Service Watershed Improvement Program targets over 35,000 acres
annually, treating those National Forest lands adversely affected by past uses and events. Significant improvements
in water quality and watershed condition are attained through this program.
In addition the Forest Service has an affirmative program to protect, wisely use, and improve valuable wetlands in
the National Forests. The Forest Service provides leadership in research on forested wetlands, and provides technical
assistance to private landowners through the State foresters.
Forest Service wetlands policy recognizes wetlands as specific management areas in the National Forests. The goal
is to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands, and to avoid adverse impacts which may
be associated with their destruction, loss, or degradation.
CONTACT:
Director, Watershed and Air Management
Forest Service - USDA
201 14th Street, SW, Auditors 3S
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: (202)205-1473
FAX: (202)205-1096
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SCS Water Quality Programs
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Soil Conservation Service
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) provides leadership and administers programs to help people conserve, improve,
and sustain our natural resources and environment. SCS is expanding and improving technical assistance for water
quality utilizing the Agency's extensive field delivery system through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
As a part of USDA's Water Quality Initiative, SCS is providing increased technical assistance for selected
agricultural watersheds or acquifer-recharge areas called "Nonpoint Source Hydrologic Unit Areas" (HUA's). This
assistance is being provided to address agricultural nonpoint pollution concerns identified by States under Section
319 of the Water Quality Act of 1987. SCS also is supporting demonstration projects to encourage the application
of effective and efficient conservation practices to benefit water quality programs and designated estuaries of national
significance. SCS provides assistance to State agencies in developing both surface and ground water practices,
programs, and policies.
SCS is implementing new programs and accelerating ongoing programs to address agriculture-related water quality
concerns. SCS has developed and is implementing a 5-year Water Quality Plan in support of the USDA initiative.
The principal objective of the USDA initiative is to provide farmers and ranchers the educational, technical, and
financial means to respond voluntarily and independently to on-farm environmental concerns and related State water
quality requirements. SCS objectives are to:
• Increase technical assistance in areas with concerns about water quality and quantity and demonstrate available
technology that will protect or improve water quality.
• Help State water quality management agencies and appropriate State soil and water conservation agencies to
develop and implement programs to manage nonpoint source pollution.
• Evaluate pollutant loads (sediment, pesticides, nutrients, animal waste, salts, and trace elements) to determine
the level of contribution from agricultural sources relative to other sources.
• Plan and implement a system of conservation practices to improve water quality and quantity affected by
agricultural operations.
* Evaluate the effects of conservation systems and conservation practices in reducing or preventing agricultural
nonpoint source pollution.
CONTACT:
Peter Tidd
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
P.O. Box 2890, Room 6002-S
Washington, DC 20013-2890
Phone: (202) 720-1870
FAX: (202) 720-0630
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Working Group on Water Quality
T1
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Working Group on Water Quality
Office of the Secretary ,
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
President Bush proposed an initiative in 1989 to protect ground water and surface water from contamination by
fertilizers and pesticides. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) U S Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were
given definitive roles under the initiative. The USDA, as the lead agency, released its Water Quality Program in
July 1989 a multiyear plan to guide its agencies in implementing activities designed for and directed to protecting
water quality A USDA Working Group on Water Quality was established, made up of 11 Agency administrators,
who in turn organized four program committees: Education and Technical/Financial Assistance, Research and
Development; Database and Evaluation; and Information. USDA is cooperating with other federal agencies in
defining water quality problems.
Under the joint leadership of USDA's ASCS, ES, and SCS, 74 hydrologic unit areas were selected in FY'90 and
FY'91 and provided with increased technical, information and education, and financial assistance to solve agricultural
non-point source pollution problems identified in State water quality plans. In addition, 16 demonstration projects
were selected to show the economic and environmental effectiveness of conservation practices in reducing non-point
source pollution problems.
By 1995 USDA is to have identified areas where the agricultural threat to water quality is most serious and to have
taught farmers and ranchers in those areas how to use agricultural chemicals in ways that are safe to the environment,
yet economically practical. These methods will reduce the loss of agricultural chemicals that leach into ground water
or run off to surface water, ensuring that agricultural impacts on water quality are minimized. The USDA is
evaluating the progress of Agency programs to identify strengths or weaknesses and make shifts in programs, where
needed to increase their effectiveness. NASS and ERS have published the results of a chemical use and cropping
practices survey on corn, cotton, potatoes, rice, soybeans, and wheat in the major producing States. The results of
a Vegetable Chemical Use Survey in the five major vegetable-producing States was published in June 1991. A Fruit
and Nut Chemical Usage Survey was begun during 1991. A second annual Field Crops Chemical Use Survey is
being planned A comprehensive evaluation strategy was developed to identify key questions that each Initiative
component should address and outlines a process for collecting data. The Working Group is using this strategy to
assess progress and to make corrections to present activities.
Water quality monitoring for the USDA water quality projects is done by USGS, EPA, and the States through various
agreements and the data are analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the control measures being implemented.
Monitoring results are analyzed annually. USDA agencies involved collect data on crops, acres, animal units, etc.,
and these data are used to assess the progress of programs. The data collection is ongoing, year-round for the entire
U.S. where projects/activities are located.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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CONTACT:
Fred N. Swader
U.S. Department of Agriculture
14th and Independence Ave. SW
Room 324-A Admin. Bldg.
Washington, DC 20250-0100
Phone: (202) 720-4751
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Numerous technical and research documents-
Contact:
Water Quality Information Center
National Agricultural Library
Room 1402
1301 Baltimore Blvd.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301)504-6077
DATABASES:
Agricultural Chemical Use Database
PAGE 114
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Annual Surveys of Government
Government Employment
OFFICE:
Bureau of the Census
Governments Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
These parallel surveys of State and local government
finances and employment cover all aspects of State
and local government activities and contain detailed
data for some specific activities that relate to the
environment.
DATA COVERAGE:
The finance survey variables include: functions and
services such as health, sanitation, environmental
services (natural resources, parks and recreation,
sewerage, and solid waste management), housing and
community development, and water utilities; character
and object items such as current operations,
construction, and land and equipment; and revenue
items.
The employment survey variables are: employees —
full-time, part-time, and full-time equivalent; payroll;
and functions that are the same as those described
under the finance survey.
The finance survey produces detailed data for
expenditures for both current operations and capital
outlay. The employment survey contains data for
these same functions, showing number of employees
and monthly payroll.
Both the finance and employment surveys are
designed primarily to generate data on the total
activity of State and local governments. This provides
analysts with the ability to determine the relationships
among the various functions of government - for
example, comparing education or police expenditures
with sewerage outlays or the percentage any specific
function is of the total.
Trend data for both series are available in national
summations that go back to the early 1950s for
employment and early 1900s for finance data.
Finances and
U.S.
Guide
Entry
Data'type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
Individual government data for the largest units of
government (cities greater than 50,000 population,
counties greater than 100,000 population, and all the
State governments) follow relatively consistent
patterns for about the past 30 years.
COLLECTION METHODS:
The sample is the same for both surveys. It is a
stratified random sample of local governments in the
United States. Units include: all State governments;
all county governments with a population of 50,000
or more; all municipalities with a population of
25,000 or more; and other units of local government
that meet specified financial or functional criteria.
Estimates of major U.S. totals, such as total revenue
or total expenditures, are subject to a computed
sampling variability of less than one-half of one
percent. Other local government totals, such as
functional expenditures, are generally subject to
sampling variability of less than one percent.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Surveys are conducted annually.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The data are aggregated to national totals and to totals
for each of the 50 States and the District of
Columbia. The surveys also publish data for large
individual governments such as county governments
(population greater than 100,000), municipal
governments (populations greater than 75,000), and
each of the State governments.
CONTACT:
Gerald T. Keffer
Finance and Taxation Branch
Governments Division
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-5356
FAX: (301)763-8290
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Concerning purchase of tapes, microfiche or
publications, call or write:
Customer Services
Data User Services Division
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-4100
FAX: (301) 763-4794
PUBLICATIONS:
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
State Government Finances, (annual).
—. City Government Finances, (annual).
--. Government Finances, (annual).
--. County Government Finances, (annual).
—. Public Employment, (annual).
--. City Employment, (annual).
--. County Government Employment, (annual).
DATABASE(S):
Annual Survey of Government Finance
File A is a data file for a sample of
approximately 35,000 individual units of
government containing revenue, expenditures,
debt, and assets for each unit. File B is a data file
for U.S. and State area aggregations. The totals
of each State area are divided into eight different
records (State and local summation, State
government only, local government summation,
county government summation, municipal
government summation, township government
summation, special district government
summation, and school district summation). This
file contains 416 records.
Annual Survey of Government Employment
This is a single data file for a sample of
approximately 23,000 individual units of
government containing employment and payroll
data for the month of October. (Note: The
samples for the Annual Finance and Annual
Employment Surveys are the same. The
difference in the counts between Finance File A
and the Employment File is that the former
includes additional units in States where it was
possible to obtain universe data annually instead
of relying on the sample.)
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Survey of Pollution Abatement
Costs and Expenditures
OFFICE:
Bureau of the Census
Industry Division
Special Surveys Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The survey collects information on annual operating
costs and capital expenditures for pollution abatement
activities in manufacturing industries. The survey was
started in 1973 and has been conducted annually
except for 1987. The survey provides estimates of
pollution abatement spending for detailed levels of
industrial classification.
DATA COVERAGE:
Estimates of pollution abatement operating costs and
capital expenditures are made for manufacturing
plants with 20 employees or more (except the apparel
group). Detailed estimates are provided by pollution
type and for the following three-digit standard
industrial classification (SIC) industries: food and
kindred products; tobacco manufacturers; textile mill
products; lumber and wood products; furniture and
fixtures; paper and allied products; printing and
publishing; chemicals and allied products; petroleum
and coal products; rubber and miscellaneous plastics
products; leather and leather products; stone, clay, and
glass products; primary metal industries; fabricated
metal products; machinery, except electrical; electric
and electronic equipment; transportation
equipment; instruments and related products; and
miscellaneous manufacturing industries. Detail also is
provided for expenditures by sector, for industries by
four-digit SIC codes, and for States by two-digit SIC
codes. Capital expenditures are provided for air and
water pollution abatement by abatement technique
(changes-in-production processes and end-of-line
techniques), for air pollution abatement by type of
pollution abated, and for hazardous and nonhazardous
solid waste management. Operating costs include
labor, depreciation, materials and supplies, services,
equipment leasing, and other costs. Costs recovered
by manufacturing plants from their pollution
abatement activities also are given.
JS-I DotaT^pe: Statistics
ggg[ Source: U.S. Guide
COLLECTION METHODS:
The probability sample includes about 20,000
manufacturing plants. The sample is selected as a
subsample of the Annual Survey of Manufacturers
which represents about 360,000 plants in the country.
The probability of selection is based on the plant size
in terms of total value of shipments. Response to the
survey is about 90 percent. .
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Except for 1987, when no survey was conducted, data
have been collected annually since 1973.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The sample is selected to represent the entire United
States. Estimates are given also for States and
regions, but with less detail.
CONTACT:
Jesse Havard
Industry Division
Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301)763-1755
Gretchen Dickson
Industry Division
Bureau of the Census
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-1755
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Bureau of the Census. 1991. Manufacturers' Pollution
Abatement Capital Expenditures and Operating
Costs. Current Industrial Reports MA200(91)-1
(and earlier reports in this series.) Bureau of the
Census, Department of Commerce. Washington,
DC.
DATABASE(S):
None available for public access.
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Environmental Restoration Program
T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) was established in 1984 to promote and coordinate efforts
for the evaluation and cleanup of contamination at Department of Defense (DoD) installations. The program
currently includes:
(1) The Installation Restoration Program (IRP), where potential contamination at DoD installations and formerly
owned or used properties is investigated and, as necessary, site cleanups are conducted; and
(2) Other Hazardous Waste (OHW) Operations, through which research, development, and demonstration
programs aimed at improving remediation technology and reducing DoD waste generation rates are
conducted.
The IRP conforms to the requirements of the National Oil Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP).
EPA guidelines are applied in conducting investigation and remediation work in the program. The initial stage, a
Preliminary Assessment, is an installation-wide study to determine if sites are present that may pose hazards to public
health or the environment. The next step, a Site Inspection, consists of sampling and analysis to determine the
existence of actual site contamination. Contaminated sites are investigated fully in the Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study. After agreement is reached with appropriate EPA and/or State regulatory authorities
on how to clean up the site, Remedial Design/Remedial Action work beings. During this phase, detailed design plans
for the cleanup are prepared and implemented.
By the end of FY 1991, a total of 17,660 sites at 1,877 installations were included in the IRP, and 90 DoD
installations were listed on or proposed for the NPL (National Priorities List).
By the end of FY 1991, 6,336 projects were underway at sites throughout the Nation. The end point for IRP sites
is closeout - when no further actions are considered appropriate and no further response action is planned. At the
end of FY 1991, DoD components had identified 6,736 sites as closed out.
CONTACT:
For copies of the report contact:
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
Phone: (800) 553-6847 or (703) 487-4650
1991 Annual Report Document # ADA 244196
PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
Each step in the IRP process is thoroughly documented in reports available to the general public. Individuals or
organizations can obtain copies of these documents by contacting the Public Affairs Offices at the installations in
which they are interested.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Department of Defense. February 1992. Defense Environmental Restoration Program, Annual Report to
Congress for Fiscal Year 1991. U.S. Department of Defense.
DATA BASES:
None provided.
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Environmental Restoration Program
T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
Office of Environmental Restoration
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Environmental Restoration is responsible for reducing and/or eliminating risks to human health and
safety and the environment posed by past Department of Energy (DOE) practices which have resulted in radioactive
waste, hazardous waste, and mixed waste contamination at DOE facilities. The goal of this program is the cleanup
of the current inventory of contaminated and legislatively authorized sites within 30 years (by the year 2019) in
accordance with the Department's policy of compliance with Federal, State, and local health, safety and
environmental statutes. The strategy of the environmental restoration program is to first clean up the highest risk
situations and then turn to the long-term contamination problems on a priority basis.
Program requirements are derived primarily from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended. In addition, the Department's
remediation efforts are conducted in full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The scopes,
schedules, and cleanup standards for these activities are negotiated with the Environmental Protection Agency and
the States, and are the subject of RCRA permits, Consent Orders and Compliance Agreements, and CERCLA Federal
Facility Agreements.
CONTACT:
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
Office of Environmental Restoration (EM-40)
Washington, DC 20585-0002
Phone: (202) 586-6331
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
January 1993. Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 1994-1998.
Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, U.S. Department of Energy. Washington, DC.
May 1992. Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, U.S. Department of Energy. CERCLA
Section 120(e)(5) Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 1991. Office of Environmental Restoration and
Waste Management, U.S. Department of Energy. Washington. DC.
DATABASES (S):
None available for public access.
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1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Irrigation Water Quality Program
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of the National Irrigation Water Quality Program (NIWQP) is to determine from existing information
and reconnaissance investigations whether irrigation drainage has caused or has the potential to cause harmful effects
on human health, fish and wildlife, or reduce the utility of return flow from other uses. When problems are identified,
detailed studies are conducted to: (1) determine the geographical extent and severity of existing and potential
irrigation-induced water quality problems; and (2) provide the scientific understanding for development of reasonable
alternatives to remediate problems.
In December 1985, a Department of the Interior (DOI) Interbureau Task Group developed the NIWQP management
strategy which created NIWQP and committed the program to addressing irrigation-induced contamination problems
in the following areas: (1) project irrigation or drainage facilities constructed or managed by DOI; (2) National
Wildlife Refuges that receive irrigation drainage water from DOI projects; and (3) other migratory bird or endangered
species management areas that receive water from Department-funded projects.
CONTACT:
For further information concerning NIWQP and reports contact:
Richard A. Engberg
Manager, National Irrigation WQ Program
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
MS 6640-MIB
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 208-4367
Fax: (202) 371-2815
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATION:
As of October 1992, the NIWQP has published reconnaissance investigation reports for 19 areas in 14 western States
and 4 interpretive or data reports for 3 areas. A list of publications is available from the Contact.
DATABASES):
All data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey are stored in the survey's WATSTORE system and in EPA's
STORET system.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
OFFICE: CONTACT:
vs.
Guide
Entry
DntnTjpe: Statislics
Source: U.S. Guide
National Park Service
Park Planning and Protection Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program is designed to collect data on wild, free-
flowing, scenic rivers of the Nation which have
outstanding natural, recreational, or cultural values
and that provide for public enjoyment without
destroying those values.
DATA COVERAGE:
The basic statistics are: number of rivers in National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System; river miles in the
system, including miles by agency administration and
classification (wild, scenic, and recreational); number
of rivers formally studied pursuant to congressional
direction; and number of rivers and river mileage
potentially eligible for designation as listed on the
Nationwide Rivers Inventory.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Inventory of designated and proposed wild and scenic
rivers.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Data for the Nationwide Rivers Inventory were
collected in the late 1970s and early 1980s. National
Wild and Scenic River designations are updated
biennially or as designations occur.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
Entire United States.
John Haubert
Outdoor Recreation Planner
National Park Service
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, DC 20013-7127
Phone: (202) 208-4290
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
For Nationwide Rivers Inventory contact:
Chris Brown
Outdoor Recreation Planner
National Park Service
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, DC 20013-7127
Phone: (202) 343-3765
PUBLICATIONS:
National Park Service. 1982. The Nationwide Rivers
Inventory. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Washington, DC.
Olson, W.K. 1988. Natural Rivers and the Public
Trust. Washington, DC.
Watanabe, A. 1988. Two Decades of River
Protection: A Report on the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
River Mileage Classification for Components of the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands
OFFICE:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Realty
Branch of Operations
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Two primary data series are compiled and reported to
the general public: the Annual Report of Lands Under
Control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Annual
Report.
DATA COVERAGE:
The following data are collected: unit number and
acreage, acquisition type, and location of FWS
properties, including National Wildlife Refuges,
Waterfowl Production Areas, National Fish
Hatcheries, coordination areas, and administrative
sites.
COLLECTION METHODS:
Inventories of property are conducted for the Real
Property Management Information System.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY:
Updated annually since 1945.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE:
The contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and
associated governments and possessions.
CONTACT:
Olivia A. Short
Chief, Branch of Operations
Division of Realty
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mailstop 622 ARLSQ
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Phone:(703)358-1811
us.
Guide
Entry
Data Type: Statistics
Source: U.S. Guide
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Annual Report of
Lands Under Control of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as of September 30, 1990. U.S.
Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
--. 1990. Migratory Bird Conservation Commission:
1990 Annual Report. U.S. Department of the
Interior. Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Real Property Information System (using Paradox
software).
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il
Dal:
Sou
Type: Program
Information
-ce: Program Contact
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Initiatives
OFFICE:
Bureau of Land Management
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
These programs are major BLM initiatives and have non-point source control benefits.
Recreation 2000
The principal goal of the BLM's recreation policy is to ensure the availability of public lands for a variety of outdoor
activities. Specific goals include the following: improve information and interpretive services to visitors; protect vital
recreation resources; publicize the BLM's recreation management and support programs; distribute information about
recreation opportunities through Federal, State, local and private partnerships; and expand public outreach initiatives.
The BLM contracted with a national computer recreation information service to distribute data to home computer
users and the travel industry. The system is scheduled to be expanded to give up-to-date information on recreation
events and volunteer opportunities.
The BLM continues to publish and broadcast in-house information through its bulletins, program notes, catalogs, and
videos. The agency also sponsors interpretive training courses and workshops.
Fish and Wildlife 2000
This initiative seeks to improve the management of fish and wildlife habitat on all BLM-administered public lands.
Pertinent natural resource data, including that for water resources, is gathered to support this initiative.
An automated information system is being developed to track and analyze accomplishments which will enable the
BLM to prepare accomplishment reports in a more timely and efficient manner.
Riparian-Wetlands Initiative for the 1990's
This initiative was developed as a blueprint to manage and restore riparian-wetland ares covering 23.7 million acres
managed by the BLM. The initiative recognizes that riparian-wetland areas are biologically, economically, and
environmentally valuable and sets a series of goals and strategies to meet healthy conditions on the riparian-wetlands
managed by the BLM. The initiative establishes four general goals: (1) restoration and maintenance, (2) protection
and expansion, (3) information and education, and (4) coordination and cooperation.
Forestry Program
Forest Management Support for Improving Water Quality
The maintenance and improvement of water resources in association with the timber harvest program begins at
elevations far above the stream bed and continues down through the sale area and beyond in association with road
construction, use, and maintenance. Disturbance of vegetation and soil resources is closely monitored and Best
Management Practices (BMPs) are used to maintain and enhance water quality. Baseline watershed monitoring
programs are frequently being established to determine long range trends. Due regard is given to improvements
necessary to conserve waters for the propagation of fish and aquatic life as well as other forms of wildlife.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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CONTACT:
Hydrologist
DOI/BLM
Washington Office (222)
18th and C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 653-9202
FAX: (202) 653-9118
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Bureau of Land Management. 1988. The Annual Report of Accomplishments for Fish and Wildlife 2000. U.S.
Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
Bureau of Land Management. September 1991. Meeting the Challenge in 1991, Recreation 2000, Fish and Wildlife
2000, Riparian-Wetland Initiative for the 1990's. U.S. Department of the Interior. Washington, DC.
Bureau of Land Management. Riparian-Wetland Initiative for the 1990's. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Washington, DC.
DATABASES:
None provided.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Construction Grants/State Revolving Fund Programs
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
Municipal Support Division
Program Management Branch
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Construction Giants Program provided grant assistance to municipalities for the building of wastewater treatment
projects. Construction Grants Program objectives were to ensure that the highest priority treatment facilities were
expeditiously constructed to achieve the maximum environmental benefit. EPA's State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF)
program replaced the Construction Grants Program. It is designed to give individual States the responsibility for
developing and operating their own programs, including providing financial assistance for POTW construction and
other eligible activities. Financial assistance provided by SRFs can include loans and various forms of credit
enhancements, but not grants. A key element of SRFs is their "revolving" nature-loan repayments to the fund are
used to provide assistance to additional recipients. The SRF program is a significant step in restoring the
responsibility for financing wastewater treatment facilities to the States and Municipalities. SRF assistance can be
used for a broader range of water quality management activities than construction grants assistance, such .as the
implementation of nonpoint source management programs and the development and implementation of comprehensive
conservation and management plans under the National Estuary Program.
Construction Grants Program data consists of administrative, financial, technical, and project status information pn
each construction grant funded by EPA. Construction grants data are analyzed to determine the number of projects
awarded; number of projects that have initiated operation; the number of projects closed out, and other appropriate
program information.
The State Revolving Fund capitalization grant data consists of identification and financial information on
Capitalization Grants funded by EPA. SRF project data consists of administrative, financial, technical, and limited
project status information on each SRF project. SRF capitalization grant and project data is analyzed to track progress
of the SRF program from a national perspective; to provide aggregate level information to identify patterns and
trends or to make comparisons among Regions or States which will serve to guide program judgements; to assist
in assessing the financial status and operation of the SRF program; and to provide information on the implementation
of the States' SRF progress to assist in the Annual Review.
Grants Information and Control System (GICS) reports provide detailed information on the characteristics and status
of individual projects and can be used to compare, analyze, monitor, and evaluate information on a large number
of projects. GICS is used to generate lists, tables, and summary reports.
Data is entered directly into the Grants Information and Control System (GICS) by the Regions and States. National
data entry screens and instruction manuals are developed by EPA Headquarters Office of Water and Office of
Information Resources Management staff. Program is monitored on a monthly basis through the use of GICS
national reports generated through the GICS database. There is also an annual review process conduced at the
regional office by the headquarters staff. " , " •
Data is updated continuously in the GICS system for Construction Grants Projects and twice a year for SRF
programs. The data covers the entire United States.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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CONTACT:
Jannie Latta, Chief
Systems Management Section (WH-547)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:(202)260-5831
FAX: (202)260-1827
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Computer generated GICS national reports programmed in ADABAS in the Natural 2 environment are available.
Other publications published by EPA:
Construction Grants and State Revolving Fund GICS Users Guides.
SRF Instructional Manual.
State Revolving Fund Report to Congress-Financial Status and Operations of Water Pollution Control Funds. 1991.
Funding of Expanded Uses Activities by State Revolving Fund Programs-Examples and Program Recommendations.
1990.
GICS Reports Library for the Construction Grants and State Revolving Fund Programs.
State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Management Manual.
Construction Grants and SRF Data Element Dictionaries.
DATABASES):
Grants Information and Control System (GICS)
The system contains administrative, financial, technical, and project status information for the Construction Grants
and State Revolving Fund Programs. Access can be provided by the GICS ADABAS Administrator. Database
resides on an IBM-3090 computer at the EPA National Computer Center.
For GICS information contact:
Connie Dwyer
Office of Information Resources Management (PM-218)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5300
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Needs Survey
The Needs Survey is an automated inventory, maintained by the Office of Wastewater, Enforcement and Compliance
(OWEC), of all existing or proposed Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) that need construction or
renovation to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The 1990 database contains over 27,000 records, each
of which includes over 230 data elements organized by 19 subject areas. Among the information included is:
location and characteristics of POTWs, construction cost estimates and how they were documented, population served
by collection, and treatment, flow capacity, effluent characteristics, and treatment processes. All past Needs Survey
information is open to the public. Current Needs Survey information is only accessible to authorized EPA and State
users.
Contact:
Len Fitch
Office of Wastewater, Enforcement and Compliance
Municipal Support Division
Phone: (202) 260-5858
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Clean Lakes Program
T =
Datatype: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Clean Lakes Program, established under Section 314 of the Clean Water Act, is committed to supporting total
lake and watershed management from initial diagnosis through post-restoration monitoring. Continuing its grass-roots
orientation as the Federal partner in State lake restoration and protection programs, the Clean Lakes Program consists
of four phases: 1) State/Tribal Lake Water Quality Assessments must be performed biennially by States or Tribes
to attain or maintain eligibility for Clean Lakes Program funding. In submitting their 1990 Clean Water Act section
305(b) reports, States were to include the information required by section 314; 2) Diagnostic/Feasibility Studies
(phase I) must be completed to determine the actual work that needs to be accomplished in phase II; 3)
Restoration/Implementation Projects (phase II) put into effect the recommendations of the phase I studies; and 4)
Post-restoration Monitoring Studies (phase in) determine through monitoring the longevity, progress, and success
of the phase II project. Data coverage and collection frequency are specific to each project and include the entire
United States.
CONTACT:
Frank Lapensee
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water, Clean Lakes Program (WH-553)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7105
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991. Clean Lakes Demonstration Program: 1990 Annual Report to
Congress. Draft. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1991. Clean Lakes Program: 1991 Annual Report (Distributed by Terrene Institute). U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
-. 1990. Lake and Reservoir Restoration Guidance Manual. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
-. 1990. Monitoring Lake and Reservoir Restoration. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
-. 1989. Clean Lakes Demonstration Program: 1989 Annual Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
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DATABASE(S):
Clean Lakes Clearinghouse
Description of Services: Collects, organizes, and disseminates information on lake issues: restoration,
management, and protection. The database includes citations and abstracts of technical reports, conference
papers, journal articles, and other publications, indexed by keywords, title, author, State/region, and date. The
database currently is maintained on the U.S EPA mainframe, with periodic downloads for use on computerized
bulletin boards and user PCs. The Clearinghouse staff responds to inquires and provides printed bibliographies
on lake topics.
For more information, contact:
Terrain Institute
Phone: (800) 726-LAKE
Fax: (202)466-8554
Clean Lakes Grants Management System
Provides extensive information on grants awarded under Section 314 of the CWA, including: type of grant
(LWQA, Phase I, II, and III), basic financial information, description of the project and project goals.
For more information, contact:
Susan Ratcliffe
Phone: (202)260-5404
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Effluent Guidelines Program
1 =
Datatype: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Science and Technology
Engineering and Analysis Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The major objective of this regulatory program is the development of national technology-based effluent regulations,
e.g., the national categorical effluent limitations guidelines and standards required under Sections 306,307, and 304
of the Clean Water Act. These limitations and standards are established by this program for industrial facilities
which discharge or may discharge directly into waterways of the United States, or which discharge or may discharge
into publicly owned treatment works. The national guidelines and standards specify the achievable effluent pollution
reduction attainable based upon performance or treatment technologies actually employed within an industrial
category. Effluent guidelines have been promulgated for 51 categories. Twenty new or revised regulations will be
promulgated between 1993 and 2003.
Summary information is available of information collected by the Office of Science and Technology on an industry-
by-industry basis to support development of technology-based effluent guidelines, as required by the Clean Water
Act. Information collection includes questionnaires covering engineering and economic information on individual
plants. The questionnaires are supplemented by sampling and analyses from wastewater discharge points, and
secondary engineering and economic information. Information collected includes: plant name and location, plant size
(by production and/or employment), wastewater characteristics, wastewater controls, treatment technologies, plant
age, types of products/services, water use, costs of wastewater treatment, and pollution prevention practices.
Information is collected on an as-needed basis to develop or revise effluent guidelines on an industry-specific basis.
Wastewater samples are collected by contractors. Although the basic information collected is generally similar across
studies, there is great variation of the particular parameters. Efforts are underway to standardize data definitions and
collection and analysis methods. Most information is collected at one time only, although wastewater sampling for
some industries may include short-term series. Over the last 10 years, all sample and analysis information has been
managed by a sample control center, where the information is checked for accuracy and consistency. Questionnaires
are usually sent to a stratified sample of the population; for some industries a census may be conducted.
CONTACT:
Eric Strassler
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Science and Technology
Engineering and Analysis Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7120
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
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PUBLICATIONS:
None provided. • _ . .. ,
DATABASE(S):
Effluent Guidelines Studies (EGS). Databases vary from study to study.
EGS are a collection of information collected by the Office of Science and Technology on an industry-by-
industry basis to support development of technology-based effluent guidelines, as required by the Clean Water
Act. These guidelines are designed to control discharges into waterways and publicly owned treatment works
resulting from the industrial processes. Regulations are set for both direct and indirect 'dischargers based on
available technology.
See Contact above.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Marine and Estuarine Programs
T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division (OCPP) implements EPA's program to protect the Nation's oceans and
coastal waters OCPP carries out the following activities: establish and oversee regulatory and monitoring policies
for ocean disposal activities; support the development and implementation of comprehensive management plans for
estuaries of national importance; support the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay Programs; coordinate marine research
activities- provide a coordination point for interagency and international ocean and coastal actions and issues, and
implement the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 301(h) and 403 programs related to the control of point source
discharges to marine waters.
Information is available on several programs, including OWOW's Ocean Dumping Program, the objective of which
is to minimize any impacts of ocean disposal through permitting, site designation, monitoring, and enforcement
programs and actions; the Aquatic Debris program, the objective of which is to minimize the impact of floating
persistent debris on the marine environment; point source control activities, the objective of which is to ensure
protection of the marine ecosystem through controls on point source discharges; Near Coastal Water program, the
objective of which is to prevent the further degradation of estuaries and other near coastal waters; and the National
Estuary Program, the purpose of which is to protect and restore the environmental quality of estuanne water through
the development and implementation of local planning and demonstration programs.
A wide variety of monitoring programs is conducted by EPA to determine whether the waste disposal is causing any
unexpected adverse effects, and to assess other anthropogenic impacts on coastal biological communities.
EPA has designed and conducted programs for monitoring environmental conditions at disposal and discharging sites.
EPA also operates an Ocean Survey Vessel, the Peter W. Anderson, for ocean monitoring and other field studies.
Monitoring is being conducted and data are collected on an ongoing, year-round basis at load sites in all eight of
EPA's Coastal Regions.
CONTACT:
Kevin Perry
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-6833
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
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PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Estuary Program Report. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
-. 1992. Implementation of Section 403(c), Phase I (Point source discharges into the marine environment). U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1990. Harbor Studies Program: Final Data Report for the Study of Floatable Debris in U.S. Waters. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
-. 1989. Marine and Estuarine Protection: Program and Activities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
—. 1989. Near Coastal Waters Program: Restoring and Protecting the Nation's Coastal Areas. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Ocean Disposal Monitoring Programs in Response to the Ocean Dumping Ban Act: Report to Congress.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
-. 1990. Progress in the National Estuary Program, Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
DATABASE(S):
Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES):
EPA designed ODES in 1985 to support managers and analysts in meeting regulatory objectives of the Office of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. ODES contains over two million records from a wide range of EJPA programs
including the CWA 301(h) program, the Ocean Dumping Program, and the National Estuary Program (NEP).
Records include parametric data on water quality, oceanographic description, sediment pollutants,
physical/chemical/biological characteristics, and permit conditions.
For more information on ODES contact:
Kevin Perry
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WH-556F
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-6833
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Nonpoint Source Program
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
In 1987, Congress enacted section 319 of the Clean Water Act, which established a national program to control
nonpoint sources of water pollution. EPA's Office of Water provides guidance for the States to use in
developing/updating their nonpoint source assessments and management programs. EPA also provides guidance and
oversight to EPA Regions in making annual section 319 grant awards to the States for the purpose of implementing
approved nonpoint source management programs. The Office of Water sponsors national conferences and workshops
and issues technical and programmatic guidance to assist States and localities in implementing effective nonpoint
source control and prevention activities.
Section 319 requires States to develop nonpoint source assessment reports describing their nonpoint source pollution
problems and to adopt nonpoint source management programs to control pollution. EPA issued guidance in
December 1987 that established the submission and approval process for .assessment reports and management
programs. All States have approved assessment reports and approved management programs.
CONTACT:
Dov Weitman
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Nonpoint Source Program (WH-553)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7085
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Environmental Protection Agency. 1991. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution. Nonpoint Source Program Report
to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
—. 1991. The National Clean Water Program; A Report. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
—. 1991. Monitoring Guidelines - Forest Streams in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Region 10. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
—. 1990. Share the Costs - Share the Benefits: Agricultural Nonpoint Source Cost Share Programs. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
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-. 1990. Livestock Grazing on Western Riparian Areas. Region 8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
-. 1990. Urban Targeting and Best Management Practice Selection. Region 5. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Selecting Priority Nonpoint Source Projects: You Better Shop Around. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1988. Creating Successful Nonpoint Source Programs: The Innovative Touch. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC. •
DATABASE(S):
Nonpoint Source Bulletin Board System.
This system provides an active national center for the exchange of information and environmental education
concerning the nature of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, NPS management techniques and methods, and
institutional arrangements for the planning and implementation of NPS management, including financial
arrangements. The system is used to obtain timely and relevant NPS information by Federal, State and local
agencies; private organizations; businesses; and individuals. It also is used to exchange computer text and
program files and as an information resource and forum for open discussions: Several "mini-bulletin boards"
allow parties with specialized interests to share information. The Clean Lakes Clearinghouse and NPS News-
Notes database also are available on-line.
Contacts: Hal Wise or Elaine Bloom - (202).260-3665.
Nonpoint Source Grants Reporting and Tracking System
This system provides information on all grants awarded under Section 319 of the CWA, including basic financial
information and descriptive information on how States plan to expend funds by NPS category.
For more information, contact:
Don Kunkowski
Phone: (202) 260-7103
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Public Water Supply Supervision Program
T1 z=:
Data Type; Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW) is responsible for the implementation of the Public
Water Supply Supervision (PWSS) program established under the auspices of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
of 1974, Public Law 93-523. Two of OGWDW's major responsibilities under the Act are to set national standards
for drinking water quality and to ensure that States that have assumed primary enforcement responsibility (primacy)
are complying with these standards. The program publishes a Yearly Compliance Report and data on violation of
maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and enforcement actions. Contaminants that exceed the MCL are reported
as violations of the SDWA. Data is collected and reported quarterly. Individual States collect the data, which covers
all States, territories, and Indian lands.
CONTACT:
Abe Seigel
Senior Systems Analyst
Data Management Section (WH-550E)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-2804
FAX: (202) 260-3464
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1991. Drinking Water Publications List. Includes information on available
Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIA), Health Advisories and Drinking Water Criteria are available for various
pollutants, as well as the following:
—. 1984. National Statistical Assessment of Rural Water Conditions. Volumes I-IV. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1990. National Survey of Pesticides in Drinking Water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
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DATABASE(S):
Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS)
Information on public water supply systems inventory, violations of the MCL and enforcement actions for public
water systems. User aids include: FRDS Interactive Users Guide, FRDS Data Entry Instructions,-FRDS Data
Entry Package, FRDS Data Element Dictionary.
For more information, contact:
Abe Seigel
Phone: (202) 260-2804
Hazardous Waste Injection Well Database
Automated inventory of Class I - Hazardous Waste injection wells as defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The system stores information that was obtained during a special study to collect information for the 1985
Report to Congress on Injection of Hazardous Waste. Information in the system includes: facility or well
owner/operator, identification and well class codes, chemical information concerning the injectate, well
construction information, hydrogeological information about the area where injection occurs, waste information,
and RCRA codes and volumes. The database is maintained on a PC and is not directly accessible. Users can
obtain information from the national manager in disk and report form.
For more information, contact:
Mario Salazar
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Ground Water Protection Division
Phone: (202)260-5530
Summary of State/Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
j
This system contains the results of the 1989 survey of State and Federal drinking water standards and guidelines
as of January 1, 1989, conducted by the Federal/State Toxicology and Regulatory Alliance Committee
(FSTRAC). The database contains information on existing and planned standards, descriptions of State drinking
water programs, and State recommendations on contaminants for which there should be future Federal standard
development.
For more information, contact:
Bruce Mintz
Phone: (202)260-9569
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Water Quality Standards, Water Quality
Criteria, and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Programs
T =
Data Types Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Science and Technology; and Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Standards: Section 303 of the Clean Water Act authorizes the water quality standards program. In establishing water
quality standards, States define the water quality goals for their water by designating uses for the water bodies and
adopting water quality criteria to protect the designated uses. Standards are set taking into consideration the use and
value of the water body for public water supply, propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife and for recreational,
agricultural, industrial, and navigational purposes. Water quality standards also contain an antidegradation policy
that, at a minimum, ensures the maintenance and protection of existing uses and water quality necessary to protect
those uses, provides for the protection of high quality waters, and maintains water quality in waters that are
outstanding natural resources. By establishing the goals for a water body, water quality standards provide the
regulatory and legal basis for point source and non-point source water quality-based controls beyond those required
by the uniform minimal technological requirements of the CWA. Water quality standards are enforced through the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for point source discharges and through non-point
source control programs.
Criteria: Under the authority of the CWA section 304(a), EPA has developed methodologies and specific criteria to
protect aquatic life and human health. EPA criteria are guidance to be used in the adoption of formal water quality
standards. The EPA criteria methodologies are intended to provide protection for all surface water on a national basis.
The methodologies have been subject to public review, as have the additional criteria documents. Additionally, the
methodologies have been reviewed by EPA's Science Advisory Board.
An aquatic life criterion derived using EPA's Section 304(a) method represents an estimate of the highest
concentration, of a pollutant in water that does not present a significant risk to aquatic organisms, per se, or to their
use. The combination of a criteria maximum concentration (CMC), a one-hour average acute limit, a criteria
continuous concentration (CCC), and a 4-day average concentration chronic limit, provides protection from acute and
chronic toxicity to animals and plants, and from bioconcentration by aquatic organisms, without being as restrictive
as a one-number criterion would have to be. EPA's section 304(a) criteria for human health are based on two types
Of biological endpoints: 1) carcinogenicity, and 2) systemic toxicity (i.e., all other adverse effects other than cancer).
A TMDL is a tool for implementing State water quality standards and is based on the relationship between
pollution sources and in-stream water quality conditions. The TMDL establishes the allowable chemical loadings
and pollution reductions necessary to attain water quality standards for a water body. It thereby provides the basis
for States to establish water quality-based controls in discharge permits and implement other pollution control
measures.
Section 303(d) of the CWA established the TMDL process to provide for more stringent water quality-based controls
when technology based controls are inadequate to achieve State water quality standards. The TMDL process can
broaden the opportunity for public participation, expedite water quality-based NPDES permitting, and lead to
technically sound and legally defensible decisions for attaining and maintaining water quality standards.
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Like water quality standards, TMDLs are established by the State, with EPA having responsibility if a State fails
to act.
States have data for activities within their borders. The Program covers the entire United States and territories.
CONTACT:
Standards: David K. Sabock, Chief
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Water Quality Standards Branch
Office of Science and Technology
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-1315
Criteria: Robert April, Chief
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Health and Ecological Criteria Division
Office of Science and Technology
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5389
TMDL Program: Bruce Newton, Chief
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Watershed Branch
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7074
TMDL Modeling: Russel Kinerson, Chief
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Watershed Branch
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Wetlands, Oceans acid Watersheds
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-1330
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1991. Technical Support Document for Water Quality-Based Toxics Control.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1991. Guidance for Water Quality-Based Decisions: The TMDL Process. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
--. 1990. Reference Guide to Water Quality Standards for Indian Tribes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC. ,
--. September 1988. Introduction to Water Quality Standards. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington,
DC.
--. 1988. Water Quality Standards Criteria Summaries: A Compilation of State/Federal Criteria. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1988. Guidance for State Implementation of Water Quality Standards for CWA Section 303(c)(2)(B). U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC. ,
--. 1988. State Water Quality Standards Summaries. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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-. 1986. Quality Criteria for Water. (Also called the "Gold Book"). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC.
--. 1983. Water Quality Standards Handbook. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASE^):
Technical Guidance Document Database
This database is an automated inventory of the technical guidance documents which are presently distributed
by the Exposure Assessment Branch through the OST/OGWDW Resource Center. This database is in dBase
in format with 8 fields of information. It currently is distributed in xeroxed form and is expected to be
accessible through the TMDL special interest group (SIG) for the NFS Bulletin Board System (NPS/BBS) by
January 1993.
Watershed Model Database
This database serves to highlight the many tools and applications used in the development of TMDLs. It
includes over 20 water quality models, interfaces and subroutines. The database is compiled in dBase HI format
with 15 fields of information. It serves as a quick guide for determining the application of each model as it
pertains to a particular watershed or ecosystem. It currently is distributed in xeroxed form and is expected to
be accessible through the TMDL special interest group (SIG) for the NPS Bulletin Board System (NPS/BBS)
by January 1993.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Wetlands Program
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water ..-..,:
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Wetlands Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Environmental Protection Agency protects wetlands through a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools.
The cornerstone of these efforts is the section 404 program of the Clean Water Act, which EPA jointly administers
with the Army Corps of Engineers. EPA has primary roles in the development of the environmental guidelines by
which permit applications must be evaluated; review of proposed permits; prohibition of discharges with unacceptable
adverse impacts; approval and oversight of State assumption of the program; establishment of jurisdiction^ scope
of waters of the United States; and interpretation of section 404 exemptions. Enforcement authority is shared
between EPA and the Corps. . .-..•-.-
EPA also pursues a variety of nonregulatory activities to take advantage of other opportunities to protect wetlands.
These efforts include influencing Federal agency policies and programs; information and educational
materials/curricula; promoting and influencing international activities; integrating consideration of wetlands into EPA
programs and developing strategies; and improving the scientific information base. Some specifics under these
programs include: floodplain management, wetlands management on public lands, agricultural policy, multiobjective
river corridor management, section 401 certification, State assumption of section 404, international coordination,
Superfund and nonpoint source coordination, stormwater management, coastal zone management, and water quality
standards development.
CONTACT:
Wetlands and Aquatic Resources Regulatory Branch (A-104F)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-1799
Wetlands Strategies and State Programs Branch (A-104F)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-9043
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
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PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Water, Wetlands Division. July 1990. Beyond the Estuary: The Importance of Upstream Wetlands in
Estuarine Processes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Office of Water. February 1988. America's Wetlands: Our Vital Link Between Land and Water. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Office of Water. July 1990. Water Quality Standards for Wetlands (National Guidance). U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Office of Water. April 1989. Wetlands and 401 Certification: Opportunities and Guidelines for States and Eligible
Indian Tribes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
Office of Water. Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASES):
None provided.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
Permits Program
T =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance at EPA is responsible for administering the programs aimed
at reducing and eliminating pollution to the Nation's water from point sources. This is accomplished through
implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, pretreatment and sludge
programs, and aggressive enforcement of these program requirements. The States have joined with the Federal
government to implement these control programs.
Each discrete source of wastewater (known as "point source") must obtain a NPDES permit which regulates the
facility's discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. This approach to control and eliminate water
pollution is focused on the pollutant source determined to be harmful to receiving waters.
Responding to the problem of polluted storm water runoff, Congress amended the Clean Water Act in 1987
establishing specific schedules for EPA to develop controls for storm water discharges associated with industrial
activity and discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems as part of the NPDES program. This covers
over 100,000 industrial facilities and municipal separate storm sewers located in 173 cities and 47 counties identified
by EPA. A more complete definition of these terms is located in 40 CFR Part 122. Storm water discharge permits
will provide a mechanism for monitoring the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States and for
establishing source controls where necessary.
The National Pretreatment Program, a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and local officials is implementing the
practice of "pretreatment," removing or eliminating pollutants from industrial wastewater before discharging them
into the municipal sewage treatment system, on a nationwide basis. By reducing the level of pollutants discharged
by industry into municipal sewage systems, the program ensures that industrial development vital to the well-being
of a community will be compatible with a healthy environment.
The Nation's success in treating its wastewater has given rise to another challenge-proper management and disposal
of sludges (the solids that are removed from wastewater during treatment) which may contain concentrations of toxic
and nonconventional pollutants. EPA's primary responsibility is to develop and enforce the technical standards and
oversee State programs. In 1987, Congress amended Section 405 of the CWA to emphasize EPA's role in sludge
management. The new provisions made it clear that NPDES permits (or other permits affording equivalent
regulation) are to be used to regulate the use and disposal of sewage sludge to protect public health and the
environment and to promote beneficial use of sludge.
The ultimate goal of the water enforcement program is to improve environmental quality through compliance with
environmental laws. More specifically, EPA's water enforcement program is designed to accomplish four major
objectives: identify instances of noncompliance, return the violator to compliance; recover any economic advantage
obtained by the violator's noncompliance; and deter other regulated facilities from noncompliance.
The permittees report self-monitored data on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) and submit it to either the
appropriate State agency or EPA regional office. The data covers point sources discharging to waters of the U.S.
in all States, territories and Indian lands.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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CONTACT:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance (WH-540)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance. 1992. Storm Water Overview. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
-. 1991. Guidance Manual for the Preparation of NPDES Permit Applications for Storm Water Discharges
Associated with Industrial Activity. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1991. Technical Support Document for Water Quality-Based Toxics Control. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1991. National Pretreatment Program Report to Congress. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington
DC.
-. July 1986. Environmental Regulations and Technology. The National Pretreatment Program (available through
NTIS) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
DATABASES):
Permit Compliance System (PCS)
PCS is a computerized management information system which contains data on the NPDES permit-holding
facilities. PCS keeps extensive records on more than 65,000 active water-discharge permits nationwide. There
are 13 types of data within PCS: permit facility, permit event, compliance schedule violation, outfall schedule,
permit limits, discharge monitoring reports, inspection, single event violation, enforcement action, pretreatment
compliance inspection/audit, pretreatment performance summary, and evidentiary hearing. Each permit record
contains many types of information including that which identifies and describes the facility to which the permit
has been granted, specifies the pollutant discharge limits for that facility, records the actual amounts of pollutants
measured in the facility waste water discharges, and tracks the facility's compliance schedule and violations.
Two levels of edit checking are used. The first level verifies the completeness and validity of data in each
transaction. Required fields are checked for values, numeric fields are checked to ensure that the value entered
was numeric; and code fields are checked against valid PCS values. The second level verifies the transaction's
relationship to existing data for that facility (for example, an outfall schedule cannot be added unless the facility
record exists).
The system resides on ADABAS NATURAL software and there are no retrieval access restrictions for EPA and
state water organizations. Available user documentation includes the following: Inquiry User's Guide,
Generalized Retrieval User's Guide, Data Entry, Edit and Update User's Guide, Data Element Dictionary, PCS-
PAL User's Guide, and Guide to National Computing Center Services.
For more information contact:
PCS User's Support Line (202) 260-8529 (CML) 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) Monday-Friday
PAGE 146
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Wellhead Protection Program/Comprehensive State
Ground Water Protection Program (CSGWPP)
T =
Data Type: Program
Ihfonnation
Source: Program Contact
OFFICE:
Office of Water
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Ground Water Protection Division
SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Ground Water Protection Division has responsibility for Federal administration and oversight of the Wellhead
Protection Program and currently is providing support for EPA's implementation of the Agency's new Ground Water
Protection Strategy for the 1990s. GWPD is assisting EPA and the States in defining Comprehensive State Ground
Water Protection Programs, the Strategy's key approach to protecting the Nation's ground water.
Authorized by the 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Wellhead Protection Program was
established to protect supplies of ground water used as public drinking water from contamination. The program is
based on the concept that development and application of land-use controls and other preventive measures can protect
ground water. States develop and implement Wellhead Protection Programs and submit program plans for EPA
approval.
EPA's new Ground Water Protection Strategy, released in 1991, established CSGWPPs as the Agency's overall
approach to adequately protect ground water from contamination. EPA is working with the States to define the
program. States will have the primary role in designing and implementing CSGWPPs in accordance with distinctive
local needs and conditions.
CONTACT:
Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline (800) 426-4791
FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES:
See Contact.
PUBLICATIONS:
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. 1991. Protecting the Nation's Ground-Water: EPA's Strategy for the
1990s. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, DC.
--. 1989. Wellhead Protection Program: Tools for Local Governments. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Washington, DC. :
DATABASE(S):
There is no national ground water database. Some States place ground water data in STORET.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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APPENDICES
These appendices reference selected Federal sources of information on water quality
conditions and programs not discussed in the previous sections of the Guide.
Appendix A - Individual Water Quality Studies
Appendix B - Analytical Tools
Appendix C - Clearinghouses, Data Centers, and Directories
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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A. Individual Water Quality Studies
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
1982 National Fisheries Survey
The National Fisheries Survey was an assessment of the biological condition of the Nation's waters conducted jointly
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Sport fish
species, Federally-designated threatened and endangered fish species, and State-designated fish species of special
concern were used as indicators of biological status. For the purposes of this survey, the Nation's waters were
defined as all flowing waters in the contiguous 48 United States, including main stem impoundments but excluding
the Great Lakes, estuaries, coastal waters, and wetland areas. The survey was based on a statistically selected sample
of 1,303 river segments from across the Nation using a questionnaire developed by the EPA, FWS, and their
contractors. The respondents were State fish management experts with an average of nine years of experience in
the selected cataloging units or watersheds. An assessment of the fisheries information collected shows that 40
percent of the reaches had been quantitatively or qualitatively sampled. Sampling occurred in surrounding cataloging
units for an additional 33 percent of the reaches. Twelve hundred and eighty-five questionnaires, 98.5 percent of
the total distributed, were completed and returned to the survey project team. The survey design, the probability
structure used to select the sample reaches, the experience level of the respondents, and the high response rate
combine to provide reliable estimates of the status of the Nation's waters, accurate appraisals of their ability to
support fish communities, and informed judgements on limiting factors affecting those fish communities.
CONTACT:
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Investments: The Cost of A Clean Environment
This report to Congress is in response to Section 312(a) of the Clean Air Act and Section 516(b) of the Clean Water
Act. Unlike previous such reports, however, it goes beyond the requirements of these sections, by presenting a
broader picture of environmental pollution control expenditures reflecting the Environmental Protection Agency's
broad mandate. In general, this report presents data on environmental pollution control costs during the period 1972
to 1987, projects these costs for each subsequent year to the year 2000 under a number of assumptions, and breaks
them down in a variety of ways. These ways include differentiating among capital, operating, and annualized costs,
as well as the medium where the pollution is controlled, the sector (e.g., public, private) from which the control is
funded, new versus existing regulations, whether the control is primarily a result of a Federal mandate or the result
of local initiative, and to the extent permitted by the data, by pollutant controlled.
CONTACT:
Alan Carlin
Economic Analysis and Innovations Division
Office of Policy Analysis
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5499
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index
The Environmental Modeling Methods Index system (EMMI) is an automated inventory of information on
environmentally significant analyses monitored by EPA and methods for their analysis. The EMMI database includes
information on more than 2,600 analyses from over 80 regulatory and non-regulatory lists and more than 900
analytical methods. EMM includes analyses from the Clean Water Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act, Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Air Act, as well as from analyses from other Agency and State lists.
The database provides a comprehensive cross-reference between analyses and analytical methods, and contains
information on related laws and organizations and additional databases for further information.
CONTACT:
EMMI User Support
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sample Control Center
P.O. Box 1407
Alexandria, VA 22313
FAX: (703) 684-0610
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Pesticide Survey
The National Pesticide Survey was a one-time survey to determine the national occurrence of pesticides and nitrates
in domestic (private) and public community water supply wells currently used for drinking water, and assess the
relationships between patterns of contamination and aquifer vulnerability and agricultural activity such as pesticide
use.
Data were collected on the occurrence of 126 pesticides and nitrates in water supply wells. In order to assess the
relationship between patterns of contamination and aquifer vulnerability and agricultural activity, the following data
were collected at each level: hydro-geologic vulnerability; well construction; pesticide use patterns; and other sources
and causes for contamination.
Stratified random sampling, involving 3 ground water vulnerability strata and 4 "pesticide use" strata, was used.
Community water supplies using ground water were randomly chosen from the Federal Reporting Data System
database. Domestic water supplies were chosen randomly from counties that met strata criteria.
CONTACT:
Jeanne Briskin, Director
National Pesticide Survey
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (WH-550)
401 M. Street, SW '.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5508
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Phone: 1-800-426-4791
In Washington, DC Phone: (202) 260-5533
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Study of Chemical Residues in Fish
The report for EPA's National Study of Chemical Residues in Fish was prepared by the Office of Science and
Technology, Standards and Applied Science Division. The Study was a one-tune screening investigation to determine
the prevalence, concentration, and sources of selected bioaccumulative pollutants in fish, which may not be detected
in routine water monitoring. In addition, estimates were made of human health risks for those pollutants studied for
which cancer potency factors and/or reference doses have been established. Initiated in 1986, this study contains
analysis for 60 pollutants including PCBs, dioxins, furans, pesticides/herbicides, mercury, biphenyl, and other organic
compounds. The sites sampled included 314 "targeted" sites thought to be contaminated by various point and
nonpoint pollutant sources. Targeted sites included pulp and paper mills (using chlorine and non-chlorine bleaching
processes, wood preserving operations, certain refineries, Superfund sites, publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs),
sites near industrial complexes, and sites that could be contaminated by runoff from urban or agricultural areas.
Other sites included 35 background locations and 39 United States Geological Survey National Stream Quality
Accounting Network (NASQAN) sites. To obtain a copy of the report, interested parties should submit a written
request to: Office of Water Resources Center (RC-4100), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20460. Phone: (202) 260-7786. Please provide your name, mailing address, and the EPA
document numbers, EPA-823-R-92-008A (Volume 1) and EPA-823-R-92-008B (Volume 2).
CONTACT:
Richard Healy (WH-585)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Standards and Applied Science Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202)260-7812
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Urban Runoff Program
The National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) investigates the nature of urban nonpoint source pollution and
preventive measures that might reduce impacts on water quality. The program consists of 28 component studies
carried out in the early 1980s. Each study focused on an urban runoff problem for which one or more approaches
could be evaluated. Data on water quality and quantity were collected for 19 cities. There are 2,000 site-events at
70 sites. All land uses except heavy industrial were monitored. The complete data set has over three million
observations. Fixed-site data include catchment area, land use, drainage type and coverage, soil moisture data, and
USGS quad map name. Water quality data include rainfall/runoff, solids loading, oxygen demand, pH, nutrients,
metals, and priority pollutants. Management data include surface loading data, particle size distribution, nutrient
loads, priority pollutants, and load removed by management practice. Basin maps showing location, land use,
topography, drainage also are available. Data were collected hourly during storm events for 19 cities nationwide.
Summary reports are available for these 19 cities.
CONTACT:
Illinois State Water Survey
Environmental Protection Agency
2204 Griffith Drive
Champaign, EL 61820
Phone: (217) 333-9544
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Nitrate Occurrence in U.S. Waters
Development of this reference summary of published information on nitrate occurrence in U.S. waters and related
questions was undertaken in 1990 by the USDA Working Group on Water Quality. The summary is intended to
provide the USDA a broad perspective on the proportions of the problem of ground and surface water and estuary
contamination associated with nitrate from agricultural sources. This summary largely is based on the published data,
analyses, and reports available in the U.S. literature. The information from these diverse sources is not strictly
additive due to differences in methodology and study designs. Nor does it fully reflect the dimensions of the
problem of nitrate contamination in U.S. waters. Nevertheless, the amount of quantitative information available is
substantial and reflects what is known of the distribution and levels of nitrate contamination and the factors
influencing its occurrence in U.S. waters and water wells.
The formal assessment of water quality conditions is primarily the role of USGS and EPA at the Federal level and
primarily of the States at the local level. However, the USDA uses the information from such assessments along
with its own research to establish the dimension of the problem and to shape the direction of programs and project
priorities.
CONTACT:
Office of Budget and Program Analysis
Office of the Secretary
US Department of Agriculture
Washington, DC 20250
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Pollutant Loadings and Impacts From Highway Stormwater Runoff
The primary purpose of this investigation was to develop a probabalistic procedure to estimate pollutant loadings
from highway Stormwater runoff. Based on this procedure, the study also developed methods to determine whether
receiving water sites for highway runoff water are adversely impacted, the significance of these impacts, and
guidance to deal with the impacts. The procedure is available in both a practical workbook format and an interactive
user interface system available on personal computer software.
CONTACT:
Fred G. Bank, Ecologist
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Quality Branch, (HEP-42)
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: (202)366-5004
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B. Analytical Tools
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Display Manager
The Environmental Display Manager (EDM) is a development system on an IBM 3090 mainframe at the U S EPA
National Computer Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. EDM provides mapping, display, analysis
support and information management capabilities to workstations located across the United States, and is connected
to bPA through Federal, State, academic, and private communications networks. Through interactive software EDM
can support analyses quickly, create maps and graphics, and generate reports that integrate millions of pieces of
environmental data. The concept of EDM is to provide easy access to environmental information, to provide
automated environmental analyses and reports, and then to provide data, graphics, images, text, and documents that
can be used by numerous output devices, software packages, and computers. EDM is described in more detail in
W.B. Samuels, et al., Water Resources Bulletin, Vol. 27, Number 6, 1991.
CONTACT:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-7046
MULTIPLE AGENCY
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program
EPA GIS Program
^0gltaPniC If ?T? ^ SyStT iS a SedeS °f software/hard™ "tools" combining multiple map layers or themes,
with spatially related data or attnbutes, to produce a variety of cause and effect scenarios for improved environmental
deveTnn^nt1116" ? h ^^ ** .^^^ at & raPid rate in Fede^ Agencies, aided by recent technical
developments, e.g., high powered yet inexpensive work stations with CD-ROM.
EPA's GIS Program was established by the Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM), to provide the
Agency with advanced computer capabilities to analyze complex environmental issues in a common geographic
framework. The most important components of EPA's GIS program are the environmental analysts and managers
who operate and support the technology. The National GIS Program is comprised of multidisciplinary teams within
UFA s regions and laboratories and is coordinated by OIRM's Program Systems Division.
r/T fv ™ Summarized in Wamecke, L., et al., State Geographic Information Activities
Compendium, Lexington, KY: The Council of State Governments. 1992.
CONTACT:
Thomas Dewald
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3405 R)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (703) 557-3083
FAX: (703) 557-3186
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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rmatoa sysem is a computer system designed to allow users to collect, manage and analyse
of spatially referenced data. The use of GIS technology has revolutionary implications for the way
h and presents the results. As the Nation's primary producer of cartographic,
gWQgcal data, ifae Geological Survey is using advanced GIS technologies to improve
SX aSy to perform Lditional missions of earth science data collection, research, and information delivery.
The Geological Survey and other bureaus and offices of the Department of the Interior have created a number of
wSwto**^**«bei<*usedin*e0graphiCinf0rmatrSyStT TATl^'^dT' d Cover1 Mapping
Data Base, the Federal Mineral Land Information System, the Land Use and Land Cover Mapping
NaSmal Coal Resources Data System, the National Uranium Resources Evaluation System, the Rock
torage System, and the National Water Data System. The Geological Survey is increasingly ^ W> £
a central repository as well as the Federal authority on information regarding such critical_i sues as he
and mineral potential, the assessment of risks from natural hazards, and questions of the quantity
s^plies. Because" GIS technology allows scientists to process and interrelate many more: kinds
previously feasible. GIS applications research can provide new scientific understanding of these
issues.
CONTACT:
James VanDriel
USGS National Center 586
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-4185
Public Inquiries: 1-800-USA-MAPS
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MULTIPLE AGENCY
Water Quality Modeling
CONTACT:
Policy Aspects:
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Technical Aspects:
Exposure Assessment Branch
Standards and Applied Science Division
Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling
Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
College Station Road
Athens, GA 31613
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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C. Clearinghouses, Data Centers,
and
Additional Directories
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Annual Report to Congress
The Council on Environmental Quality is required, by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to report on
the status and the condition of the environment; current and foreseeable trends in the quality, management and
utilization of the environment; and the effects of environmental trends. The Council reports to Congress in an annual
report and maintains an archive of national environmental statistics, which it updates and publishes periodically in
the annual report as statistical tables, and in environmental trends reports as charts, graphs, and maps.
CONTACT:
Chuck Herrick
Council on Environmental Quality
722 Jackson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20503
Phone: (202) 395-5750
FAX: (202) 395-3744
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Water Quality Information Center
The Water Quality Information Center is part of the National Agricultural Library (NAL), which is an agency of the
U.S Department of Agriculture. As the focal point of NAL's water quality efforts, the Center collects, organizes
and disseminates information on the scientific, educational, and public policy aspects of water quality and agriculture!
The Water Quality Information Center manages the Water Information Network (WIN)-a computer conference on
NAL s electronic bulletin board, the Agricultural Library Forum. Examples of information found on WIN include
bib hographies on water quality topics, announcements of upcoming meetings, and a directory of water-related
hotlines. Contact the Center for a WIN user's guide.
Other activities of the Center include producing bibliographies, performing brief literature searches, and
recommending additions to NAL's collection. In carrying out its functions, the Center often collaborates with
individuals and organizations with similar interests.
CONTACT:
Joe Makuch
NAL, Water Quality Information Center
10301 Baltimore Boulevard, Room 1402
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6077
FAX: (301) 504-7098
Modem, via ALF, (301) 504-5497
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Climate Analysis Center
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service/National Meteorological Center
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
CONTACT:
David Miskus
NOAA/NWS/NMC
Climate Analysis Center
World Weather Building, Room 811, W/NMC53
Washington, DC 20233
Phone: (301) 763-8071
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Earth System Data Directory
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The NOAA Earth System Data Directory (NOAADIR) is an on-line computer guide to environmental data held by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It serves two major purposes:
1. It provides NOAA with a common system for documenting data held in NOAA offices.
2. It provides the general research and scientific community with a way to locate NOAA data sets that are
useful for their studies.
This directory is part of an international network of Data Directories based on the NASA Master Directory. Most
of the directories on the network use identical software developed for the NASA Master Directory system.
The cornerstone for the NOAADIR and the Master Directory is the Directory Interchange Format or DIP, that was
developed by the NASA/NOAA/USGS team as the standard for documenting high level information about space
and environmental data sets. All of the directories in the Master Directory system use the DIP layout or can
exchange data using the DIP.
A wide variety of earth science dataset descriptions is included in the directory. The fields represented in the
directory include: meteorology, oceanography, marine biology, fisheries, and geology. You can search by scientific
discipline, measured parameters, time period, geographic location, sensor and source, project, and other criteria.
Any user in the United States can access NOAADIR using computer terminal dial-in telephone lines, including a
toll free 800 number, the NASA Dec-Net (formerly SPAN), and the Internet Networks. The user connects to
NOAADIR using a controlled VAX account called NOAADIR. This account enables the user to search only the
NOAA directory, not any other software on the VAX, thus keeping the system secure. The NOAADIR contains only
descriptions, not the actual data, and refers the user to the holder of the data. The referenced data have a wide
variety of classification schemes, standards, formats, reference systems, resolutions, and are of varied degrees of
accuracy and currentness. They are drawn from many sources of meteorological, oceanographical, marine biological,
and geological data.
Data descriptions are displayed on the user's terminal in a screen oriented presentation. The user may request off
line printer listings from the NOAADIR office.
SYSTEM CONTACT:
Gerald S. Barton
Environmental Information Services
NOAA/NESDIS EX2, Room 506
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20235
Phone: (202)606-4548
FAX: (202) 606-0509
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Climatic Data Center
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Climatic Data Center
Climate Services Division
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) collects and maintains all United States weather records and is the
largest climatic data center in the world. It is a unique central source of historical weather information and related
products. NCDC holds all weather records routinely collected by the U.S. Federal Government, as well as large
quantities of data acquired from foreign sources and from cooperative exchanges with State or local agencies and
various research activities. These data include surface observations from land stations, ocean weather stations, and
moving ships. Daily climatological observations from cooperative observing stations, upper air observations, and
radar observations are also archived at NCDC. NCDC's archive of historical weather data includes observations from
the 1800s to the present. National weather service products such as forecasts, warnings and analyses, are archived
at NCDC through a system known as the Service Records Retention System. A component of NCDC is the Satellite
Data Services Division located in Washington, DC. They handle requests for meteorological satellite and satellite
derived data. In addition to providing data, NCDC provides analysis and preparation of statistical summaries of
archive holdings, library search services, publications, (including reference manuals), catalogs of holdings, data
reports, atlases, and certification of records and publications for litigation.
Precipitation parameters related to water quality include: amounts, days with, rate, and duration of liquid and frozen
precipitation; drizzle; hail; ice crystals; ice pellets; rain; snow; snow grains; snow pellets; and convective
precipitation. Evaporation parameters include: humidity; dewpoint; water vapor; and vapor pressure. Ice parameters
include: forms of; stages of development; and thickness on water. Soil/crop moisture parameters include: supply and
demand, drought and wet spills. Satellite parameters include: ocean color Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS);
radiance Synthetic Apature Radar (SAR); water vapor, and sea ice Selected Microwave Mapping Radiometer
(SMMR).
CONTACT:
National Climatic Data Center
Climate Services Division
NOAA/NESDIS E/CC3
Federal Building
Asheville, NC 28801-2696
Phone: (704) 259-0682
FAX: (704)259-0876
National Climatic Data Center
Satellite Data Services Division
NOAA/NESDIS E/CC6
Princeton 100 Camp Springs
Laurel, MD
Phone:(301)763-8111
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES)
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The National Environmental Data Referral Service, NEDRES, is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) program. Users may access a broad range of environmental information through the NEDRES on-line
computer directory. The NEDRES database is a computer catalog of environmental data that identifies the existence,
location, characteristics, and availability of environmental data.
NEDRES is a unique database on a major commercial information service computer system, BRS Information
Technologies. Most of the databases on these information systems contain bibliographic descriptions of literature
such as the National Technical Information Service Database, or contain the entire text such as the New York Times
Database. NEDRES is the only database on a commercially operated system with worldwide, public access that
describes environmental data. With NEDRES, the user can locate and then obtain the data from the contact given
in the data description.
The database documents environmental data from the sun through the atmosphere to the earth and the oceans. Solar
and upper atmosphere physics, satellite remote sensing, oceanography, climatology, meteorology, pollution, toxic
substances, geophysics and geology, geochemistry, and freshwater and marine fisheries are some of the areas
included. It contains only descriptions, not the actual data, and refers the user to the holder of the data. The
database documents several types of environmental information descriptions, It includes:
1. Data centers, programs and organizations;
2. data files not in published form;
3. serial publications of data;
4. published data sets;
5. atlases or published data in graphic or analog form;
6. publications containing extensive compilations, analyses or applications of data; --•".-.
7. manuals, user guides, or documentations .of data sets; and ,
8. data catalogs, inventories, or bibliographies.
A search of the NEDRES database provides a complete description of available data sources that satisfy the search
specifications. The resulting information describes the data in sufficient detail, allowing the user to decide whether
to contact the data holder for specific details or to arrange to acquire the data.
The BRS system offers a variety of powerful text searching capabilities for the database. Every word hi a data
description is indexed so a user can record, or can be limited to specific fields such as CO, the contact, or GE, the
Geographic Place Name. The full range of Boolean operations is supported. Complete citations or selected
paragraphs may be viewed on the user's terminal, and off-line listings can be printed and mailed to the user.
Anyone may use the database who has an account with BRS Information Technologies, a commercial information
service, telephone 1-800-289-4BRS. Most users are from the United States, but there are users from all over the
world who use the international telecommunications networks to connect with BRS. Researchers and scientists who
use the NEDRES database are from all disciplines including users from academic, private, corporate, and government
organizations.
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CONTACT:
Gerald S. Barton
Environmental Information Services
NOAA/NESDIS EX2, Room 506
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20235
Phone: (202) 606-4548
FAX: (202) 606-0509
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Geophysical Data Center
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Geophysical Data Center
Information Services Division
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) combines, in a single data center, the fields of seismology,
geomagnetism, marine geology and geophysics, solar phenomena, the ionosphere, and snow and ice. NGDC collects,
organizes, archives, publishes, and disseminates solid earth, solar terrestrial physics, paleoclimate, and snow and ice
data from worldwide sources. The National Snow and Ice Data Center is co-located with NGDC. Earthquake and
tsunami data are also part of NGDC's holdings. Geomagnetic data consist primarily of worldwide geomagnetic, and
aeromagnetic survey measurements, observatory magnetograms, digital values of various sample ratings, and indexes
of magnetic activity. Holdings include more than one million magnetograms, most held on 35-mm microfilm, and
hundreds of magnetic tapes containing digital data derived from magnetograms and survey, measurements. Solid
earth geophysics data include a large number of files pertaining to common depth point, seismic data, gravity, and
topography data. Geothermic holdings include data and maps on volcanoes, geothermal energy, and global heat flow.
In the marine geology and geophysics area, users can access gravimetric, magnetic, bathymetric, and seismic data,
along with geotechnical textural, petrologic, and paleontologic analyses and descriptions of sediment and rock
samples. The solar-terrestrial data division includes data on solar flares, solar radio emission events, sudden
ionospheric disturbances and satellite measurements of the solar wind, ultraviolet, x-ray, and particle emissions.
The National Snow and Ice Center holds data on all forms of snow and ice: one million transparencies and negatives
of DMSP imagery; 400 magnetic tapes containing sea ice, snow cover, lake ice and ice core data; 200 microfiche
and film reels of lake ice, climatological and snow cover data; and 10,000 historical glacier photos. The marine
geology and geophysics holdings include 10.2 million track miles of underway geophysical data, 35.5 million
National Ocean Survey hydrographic records, information on 132,000 ocean bottom geologic core samples, and
geochemical analyses of over 5,100 marine samples. NGDC can supply specialized data services on a reimbursable
basis utilizing geographic information systems and tabular database processing.
Marine geophysical parameters related to water quality include: depths, hazardous features, bottom characteristics,
SESAT gridded gravity, marine gravity survey, seismic reflection, seiche, sea level and lake level variations, and
tsunamis.
Marine geological parameters include: geological composition; oil; gas; well velocity; split well cores; time, velocity,
and depth; shotpoint location; stacking velocities; marine well logs; manganese nodules; heavy minerals; calcium
carbonate; phosphorites; polymetallic sulfides; and paleomagnetic intensity, inclination and declination.
Geothermal parameters include: thermal springs, world heat flow, and geothermal resources.
Snow and ice data include: sea ice coverage; sea ice extent and concentration; sea ice position; snow ice thickness;
thickness on water, slush ice thickness; ice condition; ice characteristics; ice form; ice type; ice profile; ice pattern;
ice transect width; total ice area; ice drift and velocity; icebergs; glaciers; melting stage; polar ice soundings; Oxygen-
18; Great Lakes ice; lake ice concentration; and SSM/I satellite data (sea ice extant, sea ice concentration, and multi-
year fraction).
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CONTACT:
National Geophysical Data Center
Information Services Division
NOAA/NESDIS E/GC4
325 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80303-3328
Phone: (303) 497-6958
FAX: (303) 497-6513
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanographic Data Center
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanographic Data Center
User Services Division
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) maintains and stores a large, multidisciplinary marine scientific
database, through activities that include acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval of Oceanographic data. The
principle types of data stored at NODC are serial Oceanographic station data, bathythermograph, current, biological
and sea surface observations. About 1,500 marine scientific publications, reports and articles are also received by
NODC. NODC maintains several data inventory systems to answer detailed inquiries about data availability. Users
can be supplied with various types of data inventory products. Data can be provided to users in a number of forms
from simple magnetic tape copies of data to complicated computer-generated data summaries, statistical analyses,
and graphic plots. Components of NODC beside the operating divisions include the following: Ocean Pollution Data
and Information Network (OPDIN), the NOAA Library Information Network (NLIN), and Coastwatch.
Water pollution parameters archived at NODC include: hydrocarbons, heavy metals, organochlorides, pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls, sediments, and marine samples.
Chemical parameters include: chlorophyll, phaeopigment, C-14 assimilation, phosphate, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite,
silicate, salinity, secchi depth, oxygen, pH, turbidity, and transmissivity, water color and transparency, clay and mud
fraction, paniculate matter, sediment color and size, suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and paniculate
organic carbon.
Land/Ocean property parameters include: snow cover depth, melt stage, ice bearing, ice characteristics, ice coverage,
ice deformation, ice form, ice level, ice pattern, ice transect width, ice type, water level, and discharge.
Meteorological variables: include precipitation amount, humidity, and dewpoint.
The NODC Users Guide is a document that describes the data available from NODC.
CONTACT:
National Oceanographic Data Center
User Services Division
NOAA/NESDIS E/OC21
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20235
Phone: (202) 606-4549
FAX: (202) 606-4586
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Weather Service
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains a constant watch for life-threatening situations from weather such
as hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, and floods. This service is carried out by field offices and supported by
national centers that serve the entire U.S. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, the Pacific hurricane office in
Honolulu, the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City, Missouri and a number of River Forecast
Centers are on round-the-clock vigil for dangerous weather situations. In addition, NOAA has tsunami warning
centers in Alaska and Hawaii.
NOAA collects weather observations from hundreds of stations across the U.S. These data include: surface and
upper air data collected by weather radar, ocean data buoys, ships, satellites, and volunteer observers. At the National
Meteorological Center (NMC) in Maryland, more than 100,000 weather observations are ingested in the numerical
physical models of the atmosphere that produce forecasts out to 10 days in advance. Monthly and seasonal forecasts
are produced by the Climate Analysis Center (CAC) in Camp Springs, Maryland. NMC guidance is transmitted
electronically to all regions of the U.S., where local meteorologists prepare forecasts using this information.
Presently, the National Weather Service is undergoing a modernization plan that will replace the outdated equipment
of the 1960's with the most modem technological advances, which include Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD),
Automated Surface Observing Stations (ASOS), more sophisticated weather satellites, and a computerized system
for the processing and communication of weather information. These tools will enable the operational forecaster to
pinpoint more accurately the location and timing of severe storms.
International agreements, both bilateral and through the United Nations specialized agencies (particularly the World
Meteorological Organizations), provide access to foreign weather data which helps NOAA provide global analyses
and forecast services.
The main components of the National Weather Service are the Office of Hydrology, Office of Meteorology, the
National Meteorological Center, Office of Systems Development, Office of Systems Operations, the NOAA Data
Buoy Data Center, and the NWS Training Centers.
CONTACT:
Office of Hydrology:
Charles Schauss
Hydrological Operations Division, Room 8440
Silver Spring Metro Center n
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-0624
Office of Meteorology:
Andrew Horvitz
Systems Requirement Branch, Room 13228
Silver Spring Metro Center n
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-1867
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Mike Uhart
Marine Services Branch, Room 14472
Silver Spring Metro Center II
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-1677
The National Meteorological Center:
Paul Julian
Quality Assurance, Room 301
World Weather Building
5200 Auth Road
Camp Springs, MD
Phone: (301) 763-4409
Office of Systems Development:
David Kitzmiller
Techniques Development Laboratory, Room 10390
Silver Spring Metro Center n
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-1774
Office of Systems Operations:
Tom Blackburn
Observing Systems Branch, Room 17318
Silver Spring Metro Center II
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-1724
NWS Training Centers:
Don Burgess
Operation Support Facility (OSF)
1200 Westheimer Drive
Norman, OK 73069
Phone: (405) 366-6510
Richard Mcnulty
Chief, Hydrometeorology and Management Division
617 Hardesty St., Bldg. 9
Kansas City, MO 64124-3097
Phone: (816) 374-6324
Tim Spangler
COMET
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307
Phone: (303) 497-8475
NOAA Data Buoy Data Center
Eric Meindl
Stennis Space Center
SSC, MS 39529-6000
Phone: (601) 688-1717
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network
OFFICE:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The NODC established the Ocean Pollution Data and Information Network (OPDIN) in response to the National
Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. OPDDSf's goals are to facilitate access to Federal ocean and Great Lakes
pollution data and information, and to enhance communication and coordination among Federal agencies conducting
ocean and Great Lakes activities related to pollution. During 1991, OPDIN staff developed a new, user-friendly
desktop information delivery system, AESOP (Automated Electronic System for Ocean Pollution), that links together
4 major databases. AESOP is PC-based and operates in a WINDOWS environment. At present, AESOP's
component databases include:
• National Marine Pollution Information System (NMPIS) - searchable inventory of Federally funded
pollution projects, including information on project research, geographic area, pollution type,
funding, oceanographic zone, and principal investigator,
• Handbook of Federal Systems and Services - inventory of Federal systems and services which
house ocean and Great Lakes pollution data or information, like EPA's ODES, STORET, and
USGS's NAWDEX,
• Pollution Literature - almost 5,000 citations from ASFA (Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstracts),
BIOSIS, MPA (Marine Pollution Abstracts), NTIS (National Technical Information Service),
CCOD (Current Contents on Diskette) are included in this database,
• Guide to Marine Pollution-Related Data - database of selected NMPIS projects including
information about types of data generated, data location, and data access.
All of the databases except the literature are available in hardcopy form as well.
OPDIN provides information on Federal ocean and Great Lakes pollution activities and information on access to data
generated by these activities. The NMPIS database is updated annually and extends back to 1978. This time series
could be searched to provide summary statistics on trends in Federal pollution research (pollutants studied,
geographic areas, funding, etc.).
CONTACT:
Roz Cohen, Chief OPDIN
NOAA/NESDIS/NODC E/OC24
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20235
Phone: (202) 606-4539
FAX: (202) 606-4586
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Office of Hydrology
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Hydrology serves as the primary interface between the National Weather Service Headquarters and
the field service programs on all operating matters and technical aspects of hydrologic service programs and,
procedures. The Office is responsible for handling all hydrologic matters at a national level within NWS in
cooperation with other NWS headquarters offices and for representing NWS on all interagency matters concerning
hydrology. The Office establishes policies and develops plans for hydrologic procedures, including the collection
and processing of hydrologic data for river, flood, and water-supply forecasts and warnings. It supports the integrity
and operational readiness of technological support systems employed by the hydrology program of NWS( and
conducts research and development programs for improving field services. It manages overall hydrologic field
operations and coordinates functions supporting these activities. The Office conducts surveys and policy-review
studies to determine the effectiveness of hydrologic field programs. It serves as advisor and consultant to the
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services on hydrology, both nationally and internationally.
CONTACT:
Earl Laws
NOAA/NWS/Office of Hydrology :
SSMC2, Room 8232, W/OHX2
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910 ,
Phone: (301) 713-1660
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Earth Science Data Directory
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Earth Science Data Directory (ESDD) is being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey as a system for readily
determining the availability of specific earth science and natural resource data. It offers online access to a USGS
mainframe computer repository of information about earth science and natural resource databases. The referenced
databases are both automated and non-automated, and they belong to many different entities. ESDD participants
include governmental agencies, academic institutions, and those from the private sector.
The term "earth science and natural resource data" as used for the ESDD, is an all-embracing term referring to any
systematic body of knowledge, automated or not, relating to the Earth, its environment and its energy, mineral, water,
land, plant, animal and other resources. The ESDD can enable users to locate everything from complex computerized
indices, systems, and files to paper records, maps and files.
Databases referenced in the ESDD include those concerned with the geologic, hydrologic, cartographic and biologic
sciences. References to databases that support the protection and management of natural resources are also included.
Geographic, sociologic, economic, and demographic databases are among those cataloged. Arctic region database
entries are included in the Arctic Environmental Data Directory as an ESDD subset. The ESDD is also the USGS
repository of information on databases related to interagency Global Change activities. Many of this full range of
data sources offer potential as leads to base and/or overlay input for geographic information system (GIS)
applications.
CONTACT:
ESDD Project Manager
U.S. Geological Survey
801 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone:(703)648-7112
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Global Land Information System (GLIS)
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The GLIS is an interactive computer system developed by the U.S. Geological Survey,(USGS) providing sources
of information about the Earth's land surfaces. GLIS contains metadata - descriptive information about data sets-
arranged in 3 levels of detail: directories, user guides, and inventories. Through GLIS, researchers can evaluate data
sets, determine their availability, and place online requests for products. Users can bring up outlines of the
geographic areas covered by the data sets. Using digital browse functions to manipulate data, they can determine
such information as the amount of cloud coverage or the quality of individual scenes. Online requests can be placed
via GLIS for the earth science data. The producing organization will receive the request and provide the researcher
with price and ordering information.
GLIS contains references to regional, continental, and global land information including land use, land cover, and
soils data; cultural and topographic data; and remotely sensed satellite and aircraft data. Continual updates of
information, and the addition of new data set descriptions as they are contributed by the global change scientific
community, will allow GLIS to remain current.
CONTACT:
For system access information, please contact GLIS User Assistance:
U.S. Geological Survey
EROS Data Center
GLIS User Assistance
Sioux Falls, SD 57198 USA
1-800-252-GLIS (1-800-252-4547)
Commercial: (605)594-6099
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX)
The National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX) is a national confederation of water-oriented organizations working
together to improve access to water data. Its primary objective is to assist users of water data in the identification,
locations and acquisition of needed data. NAWDEX consists of member organizations from the water data
community. The members are linked so that their water data holdings may be readily exchanged for maximum use.
A central Program Office coordinates this linkage and provides overall management of the program. The office
provides data exchange policy and guidelines to all participants in the NAWDEX Program. It encompasses 4 major
areas of operation: (1) maintaining an internal data center, including access to automated data processing facilities
for maintenance and use of its information files; (2) indexing water data held by participating organizations; (3)
providing facilities and personnel for responding to requests for water data; and (4) formulating recommended water
data handling and exchange standards.
CONTACT:
National Water Data Exchange
U.S. Geological Survey
421 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6848
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE)
The National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE) was established in 197,1 to modernize the
Geological Survey's existing water data processing procedures and techniques and to provide for more effective and
efficient management of its data releasing activities. The system is operated and maintained on the central computer
facilities of the Survey at its National Center in Reston, VA.
The WATSTORE system consists of several files in which data are grouped and stored by common characteristics
and data collection frequencies. The system also is designed to allow for the inclusion of additional data files as
needed. Currently, files are maintained for the storage of (1) surface water, quality-of-water, and ground water data
measured on a daily or continuous basis; (2) annual peak values for streamflow stations; (3) chemical analyses for
surface and ground water sites; (4) water data parameters measured more frequently than daily; (5) geologic and
inventory data for ground water sites; and (6) summary data on water use. In addition, an index file of sites for
which data are stored in the system also is maintained.
CONTACT:
WATSTORE Program Office
Branch of Computer Technology
USGS
440 National Center
Reston, Virginia 22092
Phone: (703) 648-5605
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Water Information Clearinghouse
The National Water Information Clearinghouse (NWTC) is a new and emerging program designed to manage and
coordinate the exchange of water resources information with Federal, State, and local governmental agencies,
academia, industry, and the general public. Clearinghouse activities include education outreach and training;
information/data dissemination, including water-data indexing and literature abstracting; and data-systems
modernization. The NWIC will be decentralized with regional centers located across the country. It will not be a
data repository but will operate primarily as a referral center to other Federal and State data and information systems.
When practical, however, the Clearinghouse will provide information directly to requestors so as to streamline the
exchange of information. A Federal and non-Federal advisory committee will be established to provide guidance
relative to clearinghouse services. Two Clearinghouse pilot centers are in operation. One center in Reston, VA, is
focusing on developing linkages with Federal agencies and the technical and general user communities in the
Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The Sacramento, CA, pilot is focusing on developing computerized interfaces
with State and local agencies and creating an automated tracking system for Clearinghouse requests. A nationwide
toll-free number, 1-800-H2O-9000 (1-800-426-9000) has been established to promote easy access to the
Clearinghouse.
CONTACT:
Chief, National Water Information Clearinghouse
U.S. Geological Survey
423 National Survey
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: 1-800-426-9000 or (703) 648-6832
FAX: (703)648-5704
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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
National Water Information System
The U.S. Geological Survey is in the process of designing and developing a new National Water Information System
(NWIS). The goal of the NWIS effort is to develop and implement a highly flexible hydrologic data management
and processing system; one that can be easily changed and expanded in a rapidly changing technological
environment. The NWIS will replace the National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE) and
the National Water Data Exchange System (NAWDEX), both of which reside on the mainframe computer at USGS
headquarters in Reston, Virginia. NWIS will be a single integrated system that will have the functionality of current
data systems plus expanded capability for processing and managing additional chemical constituent, sediment,
biological and spatial data.
CONTACT:
TomYorke
Chief, National Water Information System
U.S. Geological Survey
437 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703)648-5659
FAX: (703)648-5295
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ACCESS EPA
ACCESS EPA is a guide to EPA information resources, services and products. Its purpose is to make environmental
information useful for citizens, environmental organizations and businesses, as well as EPA staff.
Each chapter in ACCESS EPA begins with a brief introduction and a table of contents. In some instances,
supplementary material is provided at the end of the chapter. ACCESS EPA includes information on EPA
clearinghouses, hotlines, bulletin boards, dockets, records programs libraries, scientific models, major environmental
databases and state environmental libraries. The publication includes a list of acronyms that appear throughout
ACCESS EPA, a state information index and a name/title/subject index.
ACCESS EPA is updated annually and is available for reference at Federal Depository Librarian and Public Libraries
nationwide. ACCESS EPA is available in paper copy for $21.00 at the addresses listed below.
CONTACT:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
Phone: (202)783-3298
FAX: (202)512-2250
Online Access is now available through the following:
(GPO) Federal Bulletin Board System (202) 512-1387
EPA Library Online Library System (OLS) (919) 549-0720
INTERNET: EPA.IBM.RTPNC.GOV "Public Access"; "OLS"
For additional information contact ACCESS EPA (202) 260-2049
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Phone: (703)487-4650
FAX: (703)321-8547
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY INTERAGENCY EFFORT
Guide to Selected National Environmental Statistics in the U.S.
Government
A Guide to Selected National Environmental Statistics in the U.S. Government is a reference to national-level,
time-series environmental statistics that are compiled and distributed by the U.S. Government on a regular basis.
It is a guide to statistical programs and the primary and secondary summary statistics they generate, not a guide to
raw data or databases. The Guide is a starting point to learning more about various environmental statistical
programs of the U.S. Government. It is not meant to supplant information that can be obtained directly from the
Government agencies. Furthermore, it is not an inclusive guide to U.S. environmental statistical programs, but one
to selected programs that produce frequently sought-after, national-level statistics.
The development of the Guide was an effort requiring input from seven U.S. Government Agencies including:
Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of
Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Contents of the Guide include: statistical programs on environmental quality such as ambient air and water quality
and on natural resources such as water resources and land use; statistical programs on energy, mining, agriculture,
manufacturing, transportation, and other human activities that have direct impacts on the environment; and statistical
programs on activities and expenditures to prevent or control pollution, establish parks and protected areas, protect
critical ecosystems, fight forest fires, and manage fisheries.
The statistical programs in the Guide are arranged by Government department and agency. Each entry contains
information about a separate statistical program (e.g., program purpose, data coverage and collection methods,
geographic coverage, agency contacts, pertinent publications, and database access options). Information in the
records was prepared and provided by Government agencies in response to a questionnaire.
The Guide also contains an index of over 150 keywords and phrases and an index of 55 databases that can be used
to locate desired records.
In addition to the hardcopy version, the Guide is available in an electronic version that can be viewed on an
IBM-compatible personal computer with 640K of memory, DOS version 3.0 or higher, and an EGA or VGA monitor.
CONTACT:
Brand Niemann
Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation
Environmental Statistics and Information Division (ESID)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (PM-222B)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-2680
FAX: (202) 260-4968
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
INFOTERRA/USA Directory of Environmental Sources
INFOTERRA is the international environmental information exchange network coordinated by the United Nations
Environment Programme. INFOTERRA was established in 1975 following recommendations from the Stockholm
Conference. At present, the INFOTERRA network comprises a partnership of 140 countries which have designated
national focal points to promote the exchange of environmental information.
Each national focal point prepares a 'Who's Who" of environmental information sources in its country and selects
the best sources for inclusion in the INFOTERRA International Directory of Environmental Sources. Several
countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Guyana, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, and the United States publish their
own national directories. These together with the international directories serve as a primary reference tool for the
INFOTERRA network in its mission to provide reliable, comprehensive and timely environmental information to
requestors.
The INFOTERRA/USA Directory of Environmental Sources lists 445 national information sources which have agreed
to provide environmental information free or at a minimal fee to international requestors. Each entry contains contact
information, fields of environmental enterprise, and a description of services.
CONTACT:
INFOTERRA/USA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (PM-211A)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5917
FAX: (202)260-3923
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Water Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium
The Federal Statutes that govern water programs convey a unique stewardship role to EPA and its State counterparts:
protecting and restoring the integrity of the Nation's water resources. In order to carry out this mission, the Agency
and its partners collect and manage large amounts of information. The type of information collected ranges from
site-specific information on water and sediment chemistry, biota, and hydrogeology to national summary information
on water programs implementation. The purpose of this Compendium is to increase the awareness of water program
managers about the kinds of information available for their use as they make policy and program decisions. This
is accomplished with a combined text and graphic profile of 20 key Office of Water information systems. These
profiles highlight the type of information contained in the 20 systems and the management tools (statistical, graphical,
and linkage packages) associated with each.
CONTACT:
Wendy Blake-Coleman
U.S. EPA
Office of Water (WH-556)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-5680
FAX: (202)260-0732
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
STOrage RETrieval (STORET)
STORET is an information system that contains information on ambient water quality, the results of intensive
surveys, information on effluents, and biological water quality monitoring data. Data is contributed by a number
Of Federal, State, and private organizations (approximately 800 organizations). Each organization is responsible for
its own data. There are over 800,000 sampling stations in STORET, which have locational information, and more
than 180 million parametric observations covering 13,000 water quality parameters.
For additional information, see the entry in Section V above for the EPA National Water Quality Monitoring
Program.
CONTACT:
Bob King
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency (WH-553)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202)260-7028
FAX: (202)260-7024
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Waterbody System
The Waterbody System was designed to simplify the management of assessment information at the State level and
provide a systematic way to process assessment data in a more standard form for national analysis. WBS includes
PC and Mainframe versions. The system includes provisions for geo-referencing by indexing waterbodies to Reach
File 3 using PCRF3, but this feature was not yet implemented widely in 1992. Information is available on counts
and size estimates of categories of designated use support for each assessed waterbody, counts and indications of
magnitude of non-support attributable to various source and causes of water pollution for each assessed waterbody,
various CWA parameters (e.g., TMDLs, Toxic) for each waterbody. The time frame covered by this information
varies by State, but information entered in 1988, 1990, and 1992, most clearly corresponds to the current guidelines
for preparation of the 305(b) report and includes information collected to meet the requirements of the 1987
amendments to the CWA.
For additional information, see the entry in Section V above for the EPA National Water Quality monitoring
Program.
CONTACT:
Jack Clifford ;
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 260-3667 . . . .,..., ,...,.
FAX: (202)260-7024
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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INTERAGENCY EFFORT
Intergovernmental Task Force on Monitoring Water Quality (ITFM)
The Intergovernmental Task Force on Monitoring Water Quality (ITFM) is a 3-year effort to design and arrange
implementation of an intergovernmental strategy to link individual water monitoring activities into a comprehensive
nationwide effort. This integrated monitoring will support effective decision making with quality information and
will use resources most effectively.
The ITFM includes 20 members: 10 Federal agencies (EPA, USGS, USDA, USFWS, NOAA, the Corps, DOE,
TVA, NFS, and OMB) and 10 State and Interstate agencies (Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware River Basin
Commission, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin, and a vacancy to be filled).
The Task Force is chaired by EPA, with USGS as vice-chair and executive secretariat. The ITFM operates under
USGS Water Information Program established under OMB memorandum M-92-01.
Five Task Groups address: the nationwide institutional framework, environmental indicators, data collection methods,
data management and information sharing, and assessment and reporting. Over 80 Federal and State staff sit on the
four Task Groups.
The effort began in April 1991 and will disband in favor of full implementation activities in December 1994. The
ITFM produces reports and recommendations in December of each year.
The ITFM also produces "building block products" they and other monitoring programs can use. Draft products to
date include a national monitoring vision and principles, an optimal monitoring program outline, a matrix for
choosing environmental indicators and environmental indicator selection criteria.
During its first year, the ITFM recommended the development of a nationwide monitoring strategy built upon the
existing monitoring players and stations. The strategy would result in status and trends information of water resource
quality across the nation. This information would be collected using consistent or comparable monitoring methods
and common parameters. The data would be stored so as to allow use by others, and would be used in an integrated
nationwide water quality report.
Other recommendations will result in a methods Comparability Council, standard, data descriptions to allow system
to share data easily, and links between data systems for data transfer.
CONTACT:
Bernard Malo
ITFM Executive Secretary
Office of Data Coordination
U.S. Geological Survey
417 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703)648-5017
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INTERAGENCY EFFORT
Inventory of Exposure-Related Data Systems Sponsored by Federal
Agencies
The Inventory of Exposure-Related Data Systems Sponsored by Federal Agencies report (May 1992), was a result
of a combined effort among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Health Research; Centers for
Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, Office of Analysis and Epidemiology; and Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Health Studies.
This report is a compilation of information on Federally-managed data systems that contain exposure information.
These systems access collections of analytical related to environmental media such as air, soil, or water, as well as
analytical results from food, human samples, or bulk chemicals. The inventory focuses on data systems that: (1)
contain information on a large geographic area (national, State, regional); (2) have data or summary documents that
generally are available for research or other purposes; and (3) are supported, at least in part, by public funds.
The report consists of a brief overview of the purpose, scope, method, limitations, organization, and findings of the
inventory, followed by detailed summaries of each data system. This inventory includes detailed descriptions of 67
data collection systems managed by 17 lead Government agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme, and
the World Health Organization. Twelve data handling systems are also included. The majority (54) of the data
systems contain environmental concentration measurements. The geographic coverage of most of the included data
collection systems was national (44). The primary objective of the data collection systems was monitoring (36).
The primary focus of other systems was regulatory support (19), and research (29).
CONTACT:
The report (EPA document # EPA/600/R-92/078) can be obtained by contacting:
EPA-ORD Publications
Center for Environmental Research Information
26 Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Phone: (513) 569-7562
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Global Change Master Directory
OFFICE:
National Space Science Data Center
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) is a free, on-line, multidisciplinary directory of data sets that are of
potential interest to the earth and space sciences research community. The primary contents of the Master Directory
are descriptions of data sets - not the data sets themselves. The GCMD is intended to be an initial reference to a
wide variety of data. Every entry names a person or institution to contact for more information. As a source of
leads to datasets over a very broad area, the GCMD is unprecedented.
The MD's descriptions are indexed by a variety of keywords as well as by spatial and temporal coverage, instrument,
investigator, and data center (when such information is available for the data set). In addition, supplementary
information is available for other data systems and archives, campaigns and projects with significant data collections,
data-gathering sensors, and sources (such as spacecraft) which carry sensors.
The MD is more than just a directory, however. In order to simplify the process of finding more detailed
information or accessing on-line data, the MD provides automatic connections - called LINKs - to a number of data
systems such as NOAA's National Climate Data Center (NCDC), the NASA Climate Data System (NCOS), and
the Pilot Land Data System (PLDS), and others; as of late 1991, 47 such systems were LINKed to the MD. It
represents the first major step in the Catalog Interoperability Project, whose objective is to enable researchers to
identify, obtain information about, and get access to space and earth sciences data quickly and efficiently.
CONTACT:
Angelia Bland
Master Directory User Support Office
National Space Science Data Center
Code 633
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Grcenbelt, MD 20771
Phone: (301)513-1687
FAX: (301)513-1608
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GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER ^p_ITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Keyword Index
Acid deposition 37, 38
Agriculture 11-14, 19, 20, 29, 30, 39-45, 65,
111-114, 155, 165, 182
Alkalinity 71, 73, 81
Aquifer 75, 154
Argonne National Laboratory 57
B
Benthic Surveillance 66, 67
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends
(BEST) Program 68,95
Bird 100, 101, 122, 124
Bureau of Land Management 31, 32, 125, 126
Bureau of Reclamation 23, 26, 70
Bureau of the Census 1, 3-6, 11, 20, 115-118
Census 1, 3-6, 11-13, 15, 20, 24, 48, 91, 101,
115-118, 132
Centers for Disease Control 107, 108, 187
Chemical studies 45
Chemical use 39-43, 113, 114
Chemicals 20, 54, 68, 69, 113, 117, 161, 187
Clean Water Act 83, 85, 129, 130, 132-134, 136,
140, 143, 145, 153, 154, 161
Climate 31, 45, 166, 168, 174, 188
Coast(s) 15, 46, 47, 50, 66, 91-94, 105
Coastal areas 46, 47, 66, 94, 135
Coastal pollutant discharge 46, 47
Colorado River Basin 70
Conservation 11, 13, 19, 26, 39, 42, 45, 46, 54, 58,
59, 66, 92, 94,105,112, 113, 121, 124, 127,
154
Contamination 66, 67, 78, 80, 108, 113, 119, 121,
122, 147, 154, 155
Corn 40,43, 44, 113
Cotton 39, 40, 43, 44, 113
Cropland 11, 13
Crops 11, 20, 39, 40, 43, 44, 113
D
Demographic 3, 5, 178
Department of Agriculture 11-14, 19, 29, 30, 39-45,
65, 111-114, 155, 165, 182
Department of Commerce 3, 5, 6, 20, 46, 66, 67, 72,
91, 92, 94,105,115-118,166-169,171,173,
174, 176, 177, 182
Department of Defense 21, 119, 120
Department of Energy 57, 121
Department of Health and Human Services
107, 108, 182
Department of the Interior 15, 22, 24, 26,
31-34, 68, 70, 71, 73-75,
78, 79, 95, 97, 98, 100,
101, 122-126, 160,
178-180
Department of Transportation 48-51,182
Discharge 22, 46, 47, 50, 54, 85, 132, 140,
145, 146, 161, 173
Drainage 21, 45, 82, 122, 155
Duck breeding 101
E
Economic Research Service 11, 12, 39-42,
44,45
Emission(s) 53-54, 57, 171
Energy 20, 35, 51, 57, 121, 160, 166, 171,
178, 182
Energy Information Administration 57
Enforcement 127, 129, 134, 138, 139, 143,
145, 146
Environmental Protection Agency 50,
52-54, 58-60, 80-85, 102,
113, 121, 127, 128, 130,
132, 134-138, 140-147,
153-155, 159, 161,
181-187
Estuaries 15, 92, 94, 105, 112, 134,153,
161
Estuarine 46, 66, 92-94, 97, 105, 106, 134,
135, 144
Farm 11,20,39-45
Federal Highway Administration 48, 49,
156
Federal Land Policy and Management Act
31
Fertilizer(s) 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 113
Fish 29, 30, 33, 34, 67-69, 80, 84, 86, 87,
94-98, 100, 101, 111, 122,
124-126, 140, 153
Fish monitoring 68, 80
Fisheries 61, 69, 86, 91-94, 153, 167, 169,
176, 182
Fishing 33, 34, 103
Fruits 41, 43
GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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G
Grazing 11,29, 137
Great Lakes National Program Office 80
Ground water 7, 22, 24, 45, 61, 71, 75, 78,
79, 112, 113, 138, 139,
147, 154, 180
H
Hazardous waste 35, 52, 58-60, 119, 121,
139
Health 31, 86,95, 107, 108, 115, 119, 121,
122, 138, 140, 141, 145,
182, 187
Highways 11,48
Hydrogeology 184
Hydrology 21, 174, 177
Industry 3, 24, 54, 60, 117, 125, 132, 133,
145, 180
Irrigation 13, 20, 24, 26, 39, 41, 42, 46, 70,
122
Lakes 15, 46, 68, 80-82, 86, 97, 130, 131,
134, 137, 153, 171, 176
Land use 1, 7, 9, 11-13, 15, 20, 31, 46, 71,
78, 155, 160, 179, 182
Lead 1, 46, 53, 68, 69, 71, 73, 74, 113,
140, 166, 187
M
Major Water Projects Database 21
Manufacturing 54, 117, 182
Marine organisms 66
Marine pollution 50, 176
Minerals 29, 111,171
Mussel Watch 66,67
N
National Acid Deposition Program 37
National Agricultural Statistics Service
39-43
National Contaminant Biomonitoring
Program 68,69
National Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network
Program 71
National Irrigation Water Quality Program
122
National Mapping Program 15
National Ocean Service 23, 46, 66, 92, 94,
105
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration 46,47,66,
91-94, 105, 106, 113,
166-169, 171, 173, 176
National Park Service 76, 123
National Pesticide Monitoring Program 68,
69
National Resources Inventory 13, 14
National Stream Quality Accounting
Network 73, 74
National Surface Water Survey 81
National Water Quality Monitoring Program
83, 184, 185
National Water Summary 78, 79
National Weather Service 26, 166, 168,
174, 177
National Wetlands Inventory 7, 94, 97-99
Nitrate 37, 61, 71, 73, 81, 155, 173
Non-chemical pest management 41, 42
Nonpoint source 35, 111, 112, 127, 136,
137, 143, 155
Nuts 41,43
o
Ocean(s) 23, 46, 66, 83-85, 92-94, 103,
105, 107, 134- 136, 140,
141, 143, 159, 168, 169,
171, 173, 174, 176
Ocean pollution 173, 176
Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards Data 53
Office of Ecological Processes and Effects
Research 81
Office of Emergency and Remedial
Response 52
Office of Environmental Restoration and
Waste Management 121
Office of Hydrology 174, 177
Office of Solid Waste 52, 58-60
Office of Toxic Substances 54
Office of Water 71, 73, 78, 83, 84, 127,
130, 132, 134, 136, 138,
140, 141, 143-147, 153,
161, 184, 185
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
140
Oil 46,50,51,57, 119, 171
Oil spills 50
Oxygen 46, 71, 73, 74, 86, 155, 171, 173
Palmer Drought Severity Index 26
Permits 35, 76, 121, 140, 143, 145, 146
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Pesticide(s) 39-42, 45, 46, 47, 66, 69, 74,
112, 113, 138, 154, 173
Plants 35,98, 117, 132, 140
Point source 113, 125, 134, 135, 140
Pollution 35, 50, 53, 54, 61, 78, 82, 85,
103, 105, 106, 109,
111-113, 117-119, 128,
132, 136, 137, 140, 145,
153, 155, 169, 173, 176,
182, 185
Population Estimates 5, 6, 101
Population Projections 5,6 .
Precipitation 19, 21, 26, 37, 38, 57, 70, 73,
78, 168, 173
Public water supply 31, 75, 108, 138-140
R
Ranch 20
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) 58
Resources 7, 11-14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 31, 38,
45,46,57,70,71,73-79,
82-84, 86, 87, 92, 93,
95-98, 102, 105, 107, 112,
• 115, 125, 127, 128, 140,
143, 159, 160, 166, 171,
178, 180-182, 184
Rivers 22, 68, 73, 74, 84, 123
Salinity 70, 92, 173
Sediment 66, 71, 73, 74, 78, 85-87, 112,
135, 171, 173, 181, 184
Sediments 66, 67, 69, 86, 173
Sewage 1, 35, 85, 145
Sewage treatment 35, 145
Shellfish 67, 103, 105, 106, 140
Shellfishing waters 105
Sludge 145
Snow 15, 19, 26, 70, 168, 171, 173
Soil 13, 19, 26, 31, 39, 42, 45, 82, 111,
112, 125, 155, 161, 168,
187
Soil Conservation Service 13, 19, 26, 39,
45, 112
Solid waste 52, 53, 58-60, 115, 117
Soybeans 40, 43, 44, 113
Stormwater runoff 156
Streamflow 22, 72, 73, 78, 86, 180
Streams 15, 81, 82, 84, 86, 136
Superfund 52, 121, 143, 154
Surface water 22, 24, 26, 31, 72, 74, 79,
81,83,108,113,140,155,
180
Tennessee Valley Authority 86, 87
Timber 7,29, 111, 125
Toxics Release Inventory 54
Transportation 35, 46, 48-51, 53, 57, 117,
182
Treatment 1, 13, 35, 46, 52, 54, 58, 60,
107, 109, 127, 129, 132,
133, 145
. U
U.S. Coast Guard 50
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
52-54, 58-60, 80-85, 102,
128, 130, 132, 134-138,
141-144, 146, 147, 153,
154, 159, 161, 182, 183,
187
U.S. Fish and Wildlife 33, 34, 68, 69,
94-98, 100, 101, 124, 153
U.S. Forest Service 29, 30, 65
U.S. Geological Survey 15, 22, 24, 25, 37,
38, 71-75, 78, 79, 84, 97,
98, 122, 178-181
Urban runoff 1, 155
Vegetables 42, 43
Volpe National Transportation Systems
Center 49, 51
W
Waste 35, 52-54, 58-60, 112, 115, 117,
119, 121, 134, 139, 146
Waste treatment 52
Wastewater treatment 46, 127, 132
Water Data Storage and Retrieval System
(WATSTORE) 22, 72,
180, 181
Water pollution 35, 50, 61, 103, 109, 117,
128, 136, 145, 173, 185
Water quality 1, 7, 22, 26, 31, 35, 39, 40,
45,55, 61, 71-76,78, 79,
83-85, 87, 103, 105, 109,
111-114, 122, 125, 127,
130, 135, 138, 140-144,
146, 149, 151, 155, 161,
165, 168, 171, 182, 184,
185
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Water Quality Information Center 114,165
Water supply 19, 26, 31, 70, 74, 75, 78,
107, 108, 138-140, 154
Water use 1, 7, 17, 22, 24, 25, 52, 75, 132,
180
Waterbome disease 103, 107, 108
Waterfowl 34, 68,101, 124
Watershed 46, 65, 76, 83, 111, 125, 130,
141, 142, 153, 159, 161,
184, 185
Watershed management 65,130
Weather 23, 26, 100, 166, 168, 174, 175,
177
Wcll(s) 19, 20, 31, 33, 48, 58, 80, 81, 83,
91,98,125,138,139,145,
153, 154, 155, 160, 168,
171, 176, 181, 187, 188
Wetlands 7, 13, 34, 61, 76, 78, 83-85, 94,
97-99, 111, 125, 130,
134-136, 140, 141, 143,
144, 159
Wheat 40,43,44, 113
Wilderness 11,29,31
Wildlife 11, 29, 30, 33, 34, 68, 69, 94-98,
100, 101, 111, 122,
124-126, 140, 153
Working Group on Water Quality 113, 155
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GUIDE TO FEDERAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION
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Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
Comments / Recommendations Form
Please circle one number per question (scale l=low rating, 5=highest rating)
1. How would you rate overall usefulness of the Guide? 12 34 5
2. How would you rate the usefulness of the Key word Index? 123 45
To aid us in identifying the users of the Guide, briefly describe your work/goals and your
agency/organization.
Comments / Recommendations:
Return the Comments /
Recommendations Form
to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
OPPE
ESID (PM-222B)
Attn: Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
FAX: (202)260-4968
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Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
Entry Updating Procedures
We would like to keep this Guide current. To update an entry you may photocopy the entry and
mail or fax a marked-up version to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
OPPE
ESID (PM-222B)
Attn: Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
401M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
FAX: (202)260-4968
Please identify a contact person and phone number with the update, in case clarification of the
edits/fax is necessary.
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Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
New Entry Submission Information
We realize with the first print of this guide that water-related programs and information may have been
overlooked. Please help to make the Guide complete by sending in entries on additional water-related
programs and information that should be included in the Guide.
Individual programs to be included in the Guide should provide National statistics or summary
information on water quality. For this Guide, National statistics are defined as collections of quantitative
data computed on a National basis using a consistent methodology for either a defined sample or a
complete census. An example of National statistics would include median level of chemical contami-
nants found in samples from aNational water quality monitoring network orthe number of pulp and paper
mills in the U.S. (census). Summary information is defined as nonquantitative information (or
quantitative information that has not been collected using a consistent methodology on aNational basis)
Examples of summary information would include a listing of chemicals with EPA water quality criteria!
or National estimates of the number of stream miles meeting designated uses.
While the focus of the Guide is on water quality statistics and information on a National level, some
regional information (e.g., Great Lakes) can be of National importance due to the key nature of the
resource. This type of information is of recognized importance and will be included in the Guide to the
extent resources allow.
The National statistics and summary information included in the Guide should relate to (1)
underlying demographic and socio-cultural pressures such as population growth, (2) resulting proximate
or direct effects such as pollution loadings, (3) the state of the environment such as levels of chemicals
in the water column, (4) resulting impacts on society such as beach closures and water-borne disease, and
(5) societal responses such as regulatory actions.
National statistics included in the Guide should (1) reflect meaningful conditions or variations
related to water quality, (2) allow for aggregation of data to display National trends in water quality
related conditions, and (3) be measurable and of sufficient coverage to reveal trends over time or
conditions at a point in time.
National statistics included in the Guide should also describe conditions or trends using some
numerical measure. Although it is recognized that few environmental data sets meet the requirements
for inferential statistical testing, the measures should be suitable for developing descriptive measures that
summarize the data in various ways, e.g., spatially or temporally.
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Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
New Entry Submission Information (continued)
Please use the entries in the Guide as a sample format for the information to be included for
each entry. The categories of information needed for the two types of entries is summarized
below:
Statistical Entry:
Statistical entries are defined throughout the Guide
by the box below:
W f
_A f •
v\/
»
i
Data Type: Statistics
Source: Program Contact
These entries contain statistical information. Please
include the following items:
• OFFICE
• SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
• STATISTICAL COVERAGE
• DATA COLLECTION METHODS
• COLLECTION FREQUENCY
• GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
•CONTACT
• FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES
•PUBLICATIONS
•DATABASE(S)
Program Entry:
Program entries are defined throughout the Guide
by the box below:
1 =
Data Type: Program
Information
Source: Program Contact
These entries contain a brief program description.
Please include the following items:
• OFFICE
• SUMMARY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
• CONTACT
• FOR PUBLIC INQUIRES
• PUBLICATIONS
•DATABASE(S)
Please submit the entry to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
OPPE
ESID (PM-222B)
Attn: Guide to Federal Water Quality Programs and Information
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
FAX: (202)260-4968
Please identify a contact person and phone number, so that
we can contact you concerning your proposed Guide entry.
•ti US. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFRCE: 1993 346-069
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