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DRAFT INTERIM
1995 INDICATORS REPORT
Background Material for
Annual Planning Meeting
U 8. EPA Headquarters Library
Mail code 3201. .
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
1' WaSin^on DC 20450 .
Prepared for:
Environmental Results Branch
Office'of Policy Planning and Evaluation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
April 1995
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INTRODUCTION
Since its inception, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sought to improve the
quality of the information used to design, implement, and evaluate environmental programs. To
meet the goal of protecting the environment against human-induced stresses or pressures, the
Agency needs environmental data that relate to the problem being addressed, are readily available,
and are presented in a manner that is meaningful to decision makers. The Agency generally refers
to these types of data as environmental indicators.
Assembling and presenting environmental data in a way that assists the implementation of
environmental programs, supports EPA!s strategic planning efforts, and reports national trends, is
a continuing challenge. .In recent years, EPA has been involved in several efforts to bring
environmental data together in a more comprehensive manner. Individual program offices have
developed their own environmental indicator analyses, examining available data on the basis of its
relevance and availability. Some offices have continued to update and improve their environmental
indicator databases, using the information to plot future activities and examine historical trends.
In 1992, EPA's Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation (OPPE) coordinated the Agency's
production of Strategies. Goals, and Environmental 'Results, a comprehensive assessment of
environmental information. That report, and several related reports produced by EPA program
offices, placed indicators in a framework that classified data as reflecting administrative measures
(such as EPA activities)'or, more directly, reflecting changes in environmental quality. This is
illustrated in Figure 1, which shows six types of indicators. While recognizing the value of all
information for various specific purposes and for helping to establish links between pollution sources
and environmental effects, the Agency generally views data that more directly measure
environmental results (e.g,. measures 4-6) as being more meaningful environmental indicators. At
the .same time, the Agency recognized that it was much more difficult to gather this information than
to gather data on administrative measures.
More recently, OPPE produced a compilation of environmental data that was organized
around~a slightly different framework. The Compendium of National Environmental Statistics will
be electronically available in 1995, It summarizes data on environmental conditions and natural
resources relevant to EPA's work as well as the work of other agencies. The Compendium follows
an international convention of characterizing each measure as reflecting human-induced pressures
on the environment (such as discharges and emissions of environmental contaminants); as pressure-
induced changes in the state of the environment (e.g., changes in ambient conditions or biological
diversity); or as societal responses to reduce or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. The
framework thus implies a feedback loop where societal responses, such as state or local actions,
reduce the pressure on the environment and allow for improvement in the observed state. Figure
2 illustrates the relationship between the EPA continuum and this framework.
Environmental indicators have been used to support several planning efforts at EPA,
including comparative risk assessments conducted by each Region and many states,'and were an
integral part of Agency efforts to develop strategic plans at the office and regional level. Recently,
the Agency has embarked on a new planning effort that also relies on the.collection and evaluation
of environmental data. That effort, the National Environmental Goals Project, has employed input
from the business community, government officials, environmental advocates, and other interested
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parties to define 13 goals that will guide EPA's-strategic planning and budgeting activities in the
decade ahead. The compilation and identification of environmental indicators that characterize
current conditions and can be used to help track progress in reaching the goals "constitutes an
important part of this planning and management process. The report includes, for each goal, a
number of "benchmarks" which the Agency believes can, with minor exceptions, be met within the
next ten years with existing federal legislation and current resources,
.*
ORGANIZATION OF THIS REPQRT
This report consists of a compilation of readily available environmental indicators, organized
and presented according to the goals identified in the February 2, 1995 draft National
Environmental Goals report. We understand that the goals and associated benchmarks are still
being developed and will likely change over time; future versions of this report will reflect those
changes. Within each major section, indicators are grouped according to the pressure-state-response
framework described above. In addition, we flag each indicator identified as a benchmark by the
National Environmental Goals project. When the data are available, we also show the year 2005
target for that benchmark. Please note however that we have not included each benchmark, only
, those for which we had information.
Figure 3 shows the relationship of EPA's new draft National Environmental Goals to one
another (goals are related if they overlap or are connected by an arrow) and to a continuum of types
of measures. The goals range from reducing emissions (at the .bottom of the figure) to goals for
achieving measured improvement in ambient environmental quality or human and ecological health
(at the top of the figure). .
' ' '"''' ' ' '
Figure 4 presents an overview of the distribution, for each goal, of the indicators within the
pressure-state-resrxmse framework. As can be seen, significant data gaps still remain. To some
extent, the gaps can be filled with available information that we hope to receive from reviewers of
this document. On'the other hand, there is clearly a need for new indicator development to collect
and organize information in a manner that can help respond to these gaps. In addition, figure 4
contains an assessment, in the opinion of OPPE staff, of the availability of national environmental
indicator information that addresses each goal. - . .
At the beginning of each goal section, we 'list the indicators that are included in that section,
arranged in relation to the pressure-state-response framework. The presentation of each indicator
includes a graph, a brief discussion of what it shows, and additional information on the underlying
data.. In some instances, indicators relate to more than one of the goals and are included in two
sections of the report. Each of these measures is designated with an asterisk on the section's cover
sheet. ' ' ,
NOTE TO REVIEWERS
As you review this, draft report, please keep in mind and comment on the following:
Have we, chosen the right indicators? ,
Are there other measures that should be included?
Is there additional information that we should include in our descriptions?
What type of summary information should be presented at the beginning of
each goal section?
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DRAFT
3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
II.
1
1
GOAL
All people will be able to swim in nearby1 waters
without.fear of disease from pollution, fish will be
safe to eat, and fresh waters will be safe for
drinking water supplies. Jjealthy communities of
plants and fish will" ' "
Remaining,
hat havei
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Pressures on the Environment
Pollutants Frorr, Wastewater Treatment Plants
* Cropland Ero'jion*
Waterbody Contamination by Source
Sources of River Water Quality Problems 1988-1992
Causes of Water Quality Problems 1968-1992
Environment
Waterbody Contamination by Pollutant -
Causes of River Water Quality Problems 1988-1992
Waters Meeting Designated Uses (Benchmark)
Changes in River and Stream Assessment . .
Causes of Fish Consumption Advisories
Status of Shellfish Beds
Sediment Contaminants by Type
Wetland Loss in the United States (Benchmark)'
Status of Threatened and Endangered Aquatic Species (Benchmark)
Species at Risk
Biological Health of Rivers and Streams 1994
' Societat Response \ . . '
The Use of Biological Integrity Assessments in State Programs
* Percent of Total Stream Mites Analyzed Using Biological Integrity Assessment
Changes in Total Waters Assessed
State Groundwater Protection Program: Degree of Implementation
~\ ' .
* Also cited in Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems
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1
9 Clean Waters
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
1
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
E
f - . .-.-
POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
«- .
j -r.TT| f
'°l!S?SS?fj I
m. ' :-'--: w W
1
' 8000
| 7000
I 6000
>--
1 5 5000
^ o
r 4000
1 °
| £ 3000
- | 2000
1 UJ
" 1000
1 . . '
1 , .
' This g
1 BOD in rr
During th
50 n.;n;A«
J trtT* . j | stoatnt
"**>* 1 "^t^f^ 1 ' 'ttamT* 1 EnUMM I
, ____
....**"""""
\
i i ' i r
950 1955 1960 1965
Efflue
A 1 1 M ~r* M w^ ».
mfffftftt )_, 5ourc«: U.S. EPA, Draft National Envtmnmen
' ~~ . Secondary Tn
AcnmM
cSSSA
'
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^""^ ^^^~^
i ' "i t ( j
tat Benefits of
etment. 1993'.
150
3 ' Ol -*
. -° § -
Population Served (Millions)
1970 -1975 1980 1985 1990"
int BOO Population
raph is based on data collected to the years 1950. 1962, 1972. and 1988. Based on this information
lunicipal wastewater has decreased from 7,521 metric tons in 1950 to 4,347 metric tons in 1990.
e same period, the population served by secondary wastewater treatment plants has increased from
*»
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DRAFT i- 3 April 1995 - DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
11.
CROPLAND EROSION
Source: US. Department of Agriculture, Summary
.Report 1992 National Resources Inventory
3.5
25
2
m
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'35
£
0:5
3.13
1982
1987
1992
I Sheet & Rill
Erosion
Wind
Erosion
-t
As the graphic indicates, both water (sheet and rill) and wind erosion have each been reduced by
approximately 500 million tons annually between 1982 and 1992. The. combined water and wind erosion
reductions translate to a savings of more than one billion tons of soil per year on the nation's cropland.
This graph presents data on the erosion of soil from cropland, as reported in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's National Resources Inventory; a comprehensive database on the status and condition of ,
land, soil, and water resources on non-federal land in the United States.
CW-2
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DRAFT. 3April 1995 - DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
WATERBODY CONTAMINATION BY SOURCE
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Percent of Assessed River Miles Impaired by Sources of Pollution
indust. Point Source
Resource Extraction
Urban RunafPStorm
Muni. Point Source*
Agriculture
Habitat Modification
Natural
Silviculture
^72%
LAKES 0% 20% 40% 60% 60% 100%
Percent of Assessed Lake Acres Impaired by Sources of Pollution
Indus! Point Source
Resource Extraction
Urban Runoff/Storm
Muni. Point Sources
Agriculture
Habitat Modification
Natural
Onsrte Wastewatar
Flow Modification
Contaminated Sed
0% 20% 40% 60% 90% 100%
ESTUARIES
Percent of Assessed Estuary Square Miles Impaired by Sources of Pollution
Indust. Point Source
Resource Extraction
Urban Runoff/Storm
Muni. Point Source*
Agriculture
Habitat Modification
Natural
* Construction
Atmospheric Oepo
Contaminated Sad.
mi12*'
13**
36%
Source: US. EPA. National Water Quality
Inventory, 1992.
The graphs presented here identify the
most prominent sources of pollution
affecting the nation's rivers, lakes, and
estuaries. The data show that nonpoint
sources, such as agriculture and urban and
storm runoff, pose a larger problem than
point sources (although point sources
continue to contribute to water body
impairment across .the country). Since
there are many potential sources, it is often
difficult and costly for states to identify and
address those responsible for water qualify
impairment States lack funding for
monitoring, and therefore Aid it difficult to
identify all but the most apparent sources of
waterbody degradation. Accordingly, the.
data reported in the state 305(b) reports
and reflected in these tables apply only to a
subset of the nation's impaired waterways.
0%
20%
40%
60%
60%
100%
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DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
CleaftWatem^
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
II,
SOURCES OF RIVER WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
1988-1992
Source: US. EPA, Notional Water'Quniitv ("vnfwy,
1988. 1990, 19SZ.
120
100
80
I «
40
v 20
. Sources of River Impairment
Expressed as a Percent of Assessed River Miles
jriculture
9 Municipal
Urban
Q Res. Extract.
Industrial
iJ Silviculture
Hydro. Mod.
1988
1990
1992
The data presented hero are from state 30S(b) reports as summarized in EPA's National Water Quality
inventory, and supply a breakdown of sources of river impairment from 1988 to 1992. As the graph shows,
agricultural activity is by far the most common source of impaired water quality in rivers, and in 1992 was
cited as a source of impairment for 72 percent of assessed miles. (Totals may exceed 100 percent since a
given river mile may be affected by multiple impairment sources.) ,
CW-4
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DRAFT, 3April 1995 . DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
WATERBODY CONTAMINATION BY POLLUTANT
Source: US. EPA. National Water Quality
Inventory. 1992.
RIVERS
Percent of Assessed River Mites Impaired by Typa of Pollution
, Dissolved Oxygen
Pesticides
Pathogens
Nutrients
Metals
Suspended Solids
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
LAKES
Recent of Lake Acres Impaired by Typa of Pollution
Dissolved Oxygen
Pesticides
Pathogens
Nutrients
Siltation
Metals
Suspended Solids
Priority Organics
20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
ESTUARIES
Percent of Assessed Estuary Square Man Impaired by Typa of Pofcifion
Dissolved Oxygen
Pesticides
Pathogens
Nutrients
- Siltation
Metals
Suspended Solids
Priority Organics
.^J55»
The graphs presented here identify
the most common types of
impairments in our nation's waters. As
is evident in the graphs, each
waterbody type is impacted by
differing combinations of pollutants:
One commonalty, however, is that
nutrients play a large role across all
waterbody types. Other common
causes of impairment include Siltation
in rivers, metals 4n lakes, and
pathogens and dissolved oxygen in
estuaries.
0% 20% . 40% 60% 80% 100%
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.1 1
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
CAUSES OF RIVER WATF.R QUALITY PROBLEMS
1988-1992
Source: U.S. SPA, National Water Qualify Inventory.
1988, 1990. 1992.
120
"100
80
<° ««
y 60
0)
a.
40-
. 20
0
Causes of River Impairment
Expressed as a Percentage of Assessed River Mites
Siltation
H Nutrients
Organic
8 Pathogens
Metals
B Habitat Modification
Pesticides
D Suspended Solids
Flow Alteration
H Salinity
1988
1990
1992
Rivers can become impaired by pollutants -or human activity. EPA's National Water Quality Inventory
indicates that siltation was the most common cause of riverine water quality impairment in 1988,1990, arid
1992, followed by excessive levers of nutrients. Other causes of impairment, including pathogens, metals.
and pesticides, change in relative importance over the reporting period. Of note, however, is the general
increase in several causes of impairment between 1988 and 1992. (Totals may exceed 100 percent since a
given river mile may be affected by multiple impairment causes.)
CW-6
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DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ii.
WATERS MEETING DESIGNATED USES
Benchmark
Sourcs: US. EPA, National Water Quality /m*n*vv
1*92 Report to Congress
1
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RIVERS
Percent of Assewed River Mile* Meeting Designated U*M
4MES
Percent of An
0% 20% 40% 80% 80% 100%
0% 20% 40%* 60% 80% 100%
ESTUARIES
Percent of ASMMW* Ettuaiy Square Mitoa MMtfng OerignaM U»«
OAswssed
Unassessed
Designated use support is a standard
measure of meeting water quality
standards reported by the states in their
Section 305(b) reports. Waters in rivers
and streams, lakes, and estuaries are
assessed, and the degree to which they
support the uses for which the states have
designated them-e.g.. bass or trout .
fisheries, recreation, or drinking water
supply - is reported along a continuum
ranging from non-supporting to partially _
supporting, threatened, or fully supporting"
The graphs on this page show the
itage of assessed waters that am
iu«y supportive of their designated use.
(The pi* chart Insets snow the proportion
of each waterbody type that has been
assessed.)
Note that states have adopted different
water quality criteria, standards, and .
assessment methodologies. Furthermore.
these methods and criteria, as well as (he
specific waterbodies assessed, may
,
within a given state over time.
Therefore, the information presented here
is only a snapshot of water quality
conditions, and direct comparisons with
previous years are of limited value.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
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DRAFT 3Aprfl1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
CHANGES IN RJVER AND STREAM ASSESSMENT
Source: U.S. EPA, National Water Quality Inverter?
1986, 1988, 1990. T99?
40
.".V
3
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200
Impaired B Untmpaired [
1992
From 1986 to 1990, the number of river mites designated a? impaired by EPA's National Water Quality
inventory increased from approximately 94,000 to 171,000. This change is largely due to an increase in 1
number of river miles that have been assessed, rather than to a decline in water quality in previously
assessed streams. To provide a more balanced picture, tine insert presented above analyzes the change
impairment as a percentage of assessed mites. In this light impaired river mitesvremaiimil mUiDHy M.iliti
hrfcflfrrn 198fl nnti 1TKT fhnhVrnn ?fi fl nmil "27 7 p-T? ** M*imnii watanr m thn »mrt shows, however,
1992 the percentage of assessed waters classified as impaired increased to 34.5 percent
in
CW-8
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DRAFT 3 April 1995 ~ DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
II.
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CAUSES OFFISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
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Source: Research Triangle Institute, Results of the
1989 Census of State Fish/Shellfish Consumption
Advisory Programs.
The primary mechanism used by states to alert consumers about contaminated non-commercial
fish is the fish consumption advisory. State issued advisories can range from restrictions on
consumption to warnings not to eat (Ish at atf. The graph above illustrates the number of states that
have issued advisories because of contamination from the listed pollutants. EPA is currently
developing an indicator that presents the percentage of river miles and lake acres in a state
covered by advisories. Once complete; this wift serve as a better measure of risk posed and
problems caused by contaminated fish. "J
CW-!
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DRAFT 3ApriM995
DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
STATUS OF SHELLFISH BEDS
Source: National Oceanic t.
Administration. 1991. as reported in Propo'?^ ly.
Water Environmental Indicators, Decemfw
1985
16,626,000 Classified Acres
1990
17,152,000 Classified Acres
68.0%
13.0%
11.0%
19.0%
23.0%
66.0%
d Approved For Consumption Under Certain Conditions or After Purification .
No Harvest For Human Consumption At Any Time /
Q Approved For Human Consumption-
This indicator presents the results of a survey conducted by NOAA to classify shellfish-producing
waters in the nation's coastal states. Between 1985 .and 1990, the percentage of classified acres
closed to shellflsMng increased from 19 to 23 percent and the percentage of classified acres closed or
open only under certain conditions - including areas from which shellfish can be marketed only after
purification - increased from 32 to 34 percent. However, it is extremely difficult to assess actual
changes in the conditions of shellfish areas from year to year using these data because the same sites
are not evaluated each year. In addition, classifications are not always based on environmental criteria
There is an effort currently underway to improve the data so that it reflects actual pollutant
contamination.
CW-10
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DRAFT 3 April 1995 -^ DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
SEDIMENT CONTAMINANTS BY TYPE
Source: National Sediment Inventory. June 199*.
Peificidee
PAHi
Organic*
Metals
^$:^?^;;fe|^ j
33-8*
2*-3*
12*
0%
20% 40* 5 60*
ftrctntap of Site* WWi Contamination Above Reference Conditions
This indicator
I MW HivMw»-
presented above are percentages of me rorai nunwi u. a,»,v ,.
Inventory with chemical concentrations above reference condition levels.
demonstrates, pesticides are the moat common constituent to exceed re1
followed by metals and PCBs.. r
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DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
li.
WETLAND LOSS IN THE UNITED STATES
Benchmark
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1900.
as reported in Proposed OWe* n' WnK*r
Environmental Indicators. Decsmhcr
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service estimates that over 200
millidh acres of wetlands existed in
what is now the 48 contiguousu
states.during colonial times. Today,
due to conversion to farmland or loss
to urban development less than half
of those original wetlands remain.
While the rate of loss ha* been
slowing in recent decades, the graph
to the right shows thai as of the mid
1980s, 290,000 acres per year still
were disappearing. EPA has set a
target of reducing the rate of loss to
zero acres per year by 2005.
This indicator only tells part of the
story, however. Perhaps equally as
vital an issue is the condition of the
wetlands that remain. Unfortunately,
monitoring programs to determine
the health of existing wetlands are
still in their infancy.
1,000,000
vraOtoMUSOs MdMttoMUTOs MM 70» to MM 80s . 2005
The map betow pinpoints the states that have suffered the greatest percentage loss of wetlands since the late
1780s. Twenty-two states have tost at least SO percent of their original wetlands; of these, seven have lost 80 perc
or more. - . -..,; - / . ' .
Historical Wetland Loss by State
Less than 50% wetland
loss since 1780
50% to 79% wetland loss
since 1780
80% or greater wetland
loss since 1780
GW-12
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| Clean Waters
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
I
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ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
STATUS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED AQUATIC SPECIES
Benchmark
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Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992
Report to Congress.
O Crustaceans
EH Bivalvf,s
Fish
A total of 140 aquatic species
are listed as either threatened or
endangered, according to U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service's 1992
Report to Congress. Of these, 88
are classified as fish, 42 as
bivalves, and 10 as crustaceans.
The status of the listed species in
each of these three groups
appears in the graph to the right
Of the 140 aquatic species, only
35 percent (49 species) are
known to have either stable or
improving conditions. EPA has
set a provisional target, pending
review by implementing agencies,
of stable or improving populations
by 2005 for 50 percent of the
aquatic species currently listed as
threatened or endangered.
Extinct ' Declining Stable Improving Unknown
Threatened or Endangered Aquatic Species Goal for 2005
. -. Other 50.0%
Declining 42.9%
Extinct 3.6%
Unknown 16.6%
Improving 5.0%
Stable 30.0%
Current
Stable or Improving 50.0%
2005
CW-13
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Clean Waters
DRAFT 3ApriM995 DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS _»J
ft]
SPECIES AT RISK
Oi«tHfg«*/ j
F-noMKin*
nss
Source: TTw Nalun Conservancy. «??«
as reported in Proposed Offic- nf vv-if"
BwironmimfaJ Ind/cators, Oecsmh^
S. 0
73
Birds Marmwls ReptBw Are
-Terrestrial Species -
i' Fishes. Crayfishes Mussels
Freshwater Aquatic Species ->
This indicator presents, in 1990 and 1994, the percentage of native species that are extinct or at risk
in the United Stales. The data come from the Nature Conservancy and rank species as being extinct.
critically imperiled- imperiled, rare, apparently secure, and demonstratty secure. The Conservancy
uses criteria for ranking that include the estJms
nated number of individuals within the species, population
trends, size of (he habfet of the spedes, and threats to the species. The indicator shows a greater
proportion of the nation's spedes at risk to be dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Species need
adequate ecosystems to reproduce and thrive, otherwise they will be replaced with more tolerant and
less desirable spedes. Although data are provided for both 1990 and 1994, observed changes do not
reflect trends, but rather are the result of modifications in evaluation and assessment methods.
CW-14
-------
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL HEALTH OF RIVERS AND STREAMS 1994
AMMMfci I
HllllMlfl I
c«iMM*rl
Source: State Btoasaessmsnt Programs For Streams
DRAFT Table Summary. Match 1995.
35
15
10
28.64
Impaired
(Not Healthy)
Unimpaired
(Healthy)
The graphic presented above is based on biological assessment of rivers and streams; and
shows the percentage of assessed rivers and streams that, according to biological assessment,
were designated as impaired and unimpaired in 1994. Btotogical assessment methods provide
better indications of water body health man traditional assessment techniques. Consequently,
EPA Is encouraging states to implement biological assessment methodologies to compliment the
other methodologies used in evaluating their aquatic ecosystems. For example, chemical analysis
of water quality indicate that 66 percent of stream mites designated as aquatic life use support
meet the designated uses (see CW-7). However, me biological integrity data presented above.
which Is based on a smaller but more accurate percentage of river miles, shows only 52% of
streams are adequately protecting aquatic life. These results demonstrate the need for more, and
better, biological integrity information in state water quality management programs.
CW-15
-------
ORAFT 3ApriH995 DRAFT
Clean Watere
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
ASSESSMENTS IN STATE PROGRAMS
Source: State Bloaasesament Programs For Streams:
DRAFT Tatto Summary, March »995.
Unknown
Under
Development
Implemented
WaterRescMgrnt Aquatic LHe Use NarrativeWQS NumerteWQS
Bioassessment programs are categorized by their use in state programs. The first level in the
assessment hierarchy includes water resource management (WRM) programs, followed by states
with biological assessment programs used to determine aquatic life use attainment Finally,
programs may be formalized into state law through narrative or numeric water quality standards
(WQS). The graph presented above, shows the status of state bioassessment programs based on
this hierarchy.
In 1995,39 states and the District of Columbia had water resource management bioassessment
programs in place for torritorial streams and rivers, while seven other states had WRM programs
under development In addition, 30 states had aquatic life use bioassessment programs in place or
under development Narrative water quality standards for bioassessment were in place or under
development in 34 states, while 15 states had implemented or were considering numeric WQS.
CW-16
-------
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Clean Waters
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
PERCENT OF TOTAL STREAM MILES ANALYZED USING
BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT
Source: State Bioassesstnent Programs F,nr ^tmun
DRAFT r«W* Summary. March »9°5
0-10%
11-50%
Under Development or
Pilot Study
Not Applicable or
Unknown
The graphic presented above illustrates, by state, the
percentage of total assessed stream miles that were evaluated
using btoassessment methodologies. Twenty-seven states and
the District of Columbia actively assessed some of their rivers and
streams using biological assessment. Of these, seventeen
assessed less than 10 percent of their river miles with biological
techniques while ten states assessed between 11 and 50 percent
of their river miles. The District of Columbia reported biological
assessment of 95 percent of total river miles. Eleven more states
have pilot studies In place or programs under development
Another eleven states either do not have biological assessment
programs or did not report their status to EPA.
CW-17
-------
DRAFT 3 April 1995 ,~ DRAFT
Clean Waters
lENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
n.
CHANGES IN TOTAL WATERS ASSESSED
Sourca: U.S. EPA, National Water Quality Inventory.
'-.'' . 1988, 1990, 1992.
RIVERS
1988
1990
1992
8 Assessed
Unassessed
1,000,000
3.000,000
River Mites
3,000.000
4,000,000
LAKES
1988
1990
1992
0 10
ESTUARIES
20 30
MflUon Acres
40
50
1988
1990
1992
16.000
. 20,000
Square MHes
30,000
40.000
Every other year, states are required to
assess the water quality of their streams.
rivers, lakes, estuaries,,and oceans. Given
the vast water resources of many states and
the limited funding available for assessment
activities, each state assesses only a
portion of their total waters.
The graphs presented at left aggregate
the state data and show on a national level.
the proportion of rivers, lakes, and estuaries
assessed for the years 1988,1990, and
1992. Over this period, there has been a
gradual increase in the number of miles
reported to be assessed. However, as a
proportion of total miles, assessment activity
has actually declined for rivers and lakes.
Much of this can be explained by expanded
definitions of rivers and lakes. For instance,
between 1990 and 1992, there was a large
increase in total river miles because states
began to include intermittent streams,
canals, and ditches in the river category.
Similar changes occurred in total lake acres
between 1988 and 1990. An additional
complication arises in interpreting trends in
assessed waters because states are not
obligated to assess the same waterbodies
each year. Because of these factors, it is
difficult to draw clear conclusions regarding
changes in assessed waters over time
CW-18.
-------
DRAFT 3 April! 995 DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
GOAL
Our natural lands will be preserved and our
degraded lands restored to support a broader
diversity of plants and wildlife, increasing the
prospects for long, healthy,vand economically
secure lives for people in the future.
Pressures on the Environment
n«ch«(Mi
Cropland Erosion"
Estimated Quantity of Pesticide Active Ingredient Applied to Major U.S. Crops (Selected Years)
Estimated Quantity of Pesticide Applied by Industrial. Commercial, and Government Sectors
State of the Environment
Ambwnl
Romfifioit*
Major Land Uses in '.he Contiguous United States (Selected Years)
Wetland Loss in the United States*
U.S. Forest Land Area (Selected Years) >
Listed Species (Aquatic and Terrestrial) With Stable or Declining Populations (Benchmark)
Trends in North American Duck Populations 1960-1992
Societal Response
Threatened Wildlife and Plants in the United States 1980-1992
""*"* Endangered Wildlife and Plants in the United States 1980-1992
J.S. Farmland Under Conservation Tillage
I Community 1
* Also cited in Clean Waters
-------
1
DRAFT. 3 April 1995 DRAFT
I
1
I
1
i
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
I
i
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
I h
CROPLAND EROSION
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Summary
Report 1992 National Resources Inventory.
3.5
I"
I 2
ffl
0.5
0
3.13
1932
1987
1992
I Sheet & Rill
Erosion
(Wind
I Erosion
This graph presents data on the erosion of sofl from cropland, as reported in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's National Resources Inventory, a comprehensive database on the status and condition of
land, soil, and water resources on non-federal land in the United States. As the graph indicates, both
water (sheet and rill) and wind erosion have each been reduced by approximately 500 million tons
annually between 1982 and 1992. The combined water and wind erosion reductions translate to a
savings of more than one billion tons of soil per year on trie nation's cropland.
1
HTE-1
-------
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF PESTICIDE ACTIVE INGREDIENT
APPLIED TO MAJOR U.S. CROPS (Selected Years) .__
Source: Agricultural Resounds arrt
Environmental Indicators.
U.S. Department of*Aorfcutfwre. 1994
Application Rale Per Acre
EPA Estimate of Total
\ Agricultural Pesticide Use
USOA Estimate of P»sticM«
on Eleven Major Field Oops
1964
1966
1971
1976
1982
1990
1991
1992
1993
Herbicides Insecticides Fungicides Dfher Pesticides ,7?^'F°r
. Major Crop
Pesticides contribute to increased agricultural productivity, but their use is also associated with
potential human health, wildlife; and environmental risks. The graph above presents data on active
ingredient use trends for alt pesticides use and major pesticide subcategories on eleven major U.S.
crops. Pesticide use on the crops included in tile U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data grew from
233 million pounds of active ingredient in 1964 to 612 million pounds In the peak year, 1982. This
. increase is attributed to three main factors: greater cropland acreage, larger proportions of acres treated
with pesticides, ana higher application rates per treated acre. Herbicides were the largest component of
the total increase. Since 1982, annual pesticide use has declined to 574 million pounds of active
ingredient Part of this decline can be explained by a reduction in planted acreage. Since a subset of
. crops are not included in the USDA data (see below), the graph also includes, an EPA estimate of total
agricultural pesticide use.
The insert provides data on the application rate of pesticides per planted acre. This serves as an
indication of the intensity of pesticide use over time. Between 1964 and 1976, the application rate
increased substantially. Since 1976, the rate has remained relatively stable at about 2.2 pounds of
active ingredient per acre; however, a slight upward trend to 2.3 pounds occurred in 1992.
The information obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is from pesticide use surveys for
eight benchmark years. The surveys focus on major field crops which account for the bulk of pesticide
use in U.S. agriculture. In addition, these crops account for the majority of planted cropland (between 60
and 72 percent over the reporting period). The crops measured in each of the reported years include
com, cotton, soybeans, wheat! rice, sorghum, peanuts, fall potatoes, other vegetables, citrus, and
apples.
HTE-2
-------
- 3Apfff199i5;'_ DRAFT
'' .. - ' K~j
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL wprcATORs IK
. OF PESTICIDE ACTIVE INGREDIENT APPLIED BY
INDUSTRIAL. COMMERCIAL. AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS
, , Sourc*: U.S. EPAX3PP/BEAD estimates -fl
'Publications. .1979-
250.000
|200,000
I
I 150,000
3 100,000
Q. ' "
Q
c-
n
I 50,000
1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
nd Other
ToW
are also i
I in the industrial,
In addition to agriculture} i
commercial, and government sectors. Since 1979, the total amountof active ingredient applied by these
sectors has increased by 40 percent, from 140 million pounds to 197 million pounds. The total increase over
the period of record is comprised of increases in herbicide application of 35 percent, insecticides of 16
percent, and fungicides and other pesticides of 130 percent
HTE-3
-------
i
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
TAtrestriai Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
MAJOR LAND USES IN THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES,
Selected Years
Source: Agricultural Resources >wrt
Environment*! tmjicatet s..
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 19°*
700
600
500
2,400
o
= 300
200
100
Cropland
*
Grassland
Forest
. ' -
Special Use
1954
1059
1964
1969
1974
1978
1982
1987
Since the contiguous U.S. contains approximately 1 .9 billion acres, land use shifts with demonstrable
effects occur slowly over time. Yet trends in land use provide insight into long-term correlations between
management decisions and environmental Impacts. As the graph demonstrates, grassland pasture and
comprise the largest land use ih the 48 contiguous states. However, grassland pasture and rangeiand have
declined fairly consistently since the 1960s, with the net loss between 1964 and 1987 equali
uent rah, has also experienced net de
land
range
re an
equaling 44 million
ntly since the 1960s, with the net loss eween
acres. Forest land, which is discussed in a subsequent graph, has also experienced net declines. Cropland,
unlike other uses, has remained fairly constant, with most variations occurring within the segment as
he secial use classification includes urban are
commod
and indu
s
increase
or ,
her uses, has remained fairly constant, with most variations occurrng
ity prices and support systems change. The special use classification includes urban areas, defense
strial areas, wildlife areas, rural parks, rural transportation areas, and farm roads. A net increase in
eriod, with an increase of about 75 percent. Despite this large
nd industrial areas, wildlife areas, rural parks, rural transpora as, an arm r.
pecial use area was seen over the reporting period, with an increase of about 75 percent. Despite this large
ncrease, these areas only account for about 10 percent of total land area in the 48 contiguous states,
-------
e*
Ml
.^- ^ "- .-:?"-?.' - >-.; *" ' -"_ "*" .;; ~""'V"
^v. §^' rjRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS I.M
II
WETLAND LOSS IN THE UNITED STATES
Source:' U.S. Fish and VWdlife ?«?«>».
as reported in Proposed Offfc*
Environmental Indicators. December
1.000,000
623.000
Wetlands help regular and maintain
the hydrology of rivers; lakes, and
streams by storing and slowly releasing
floodwaters. In addition, they help
maintain water quality by storing nutrients,
reducing sediment loads, and reducing
erosion. Wetlands are also important .
habitats for fish and wildlife, including.
several threatened or endangered
species and large numbers of migratory
birds. Because wetlands provide such a
wide range of natural resource services,
trends in wetland area serve as valuable ,
indicators of terrestrial environmental
conditions.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
estimates that over 200 million acres of
wetlands existed in what is now the 46 '
contiguous states during colonial times. .
Today, due to conversion to farmland or
loss to urban development less than half
of those original wetlands remai.r
While the rate of loss has txien slowing in recent decades, the graph above shows that as of the mid 1980s,
290,000 acres per year still were disappearing. EPA has set a target of reducing the rate of loss to zero by
2005. This Indicator only teHs part of trie story, however:- Perhaps equally as vital of an issue is the condition
of the wetlands that remain: Unfortunately, monitoring programs to determine the health of existing wetlands
are stiIMn their infancy, .v-L,r.-:~: ' , ^ ..-' ,
800,000
600.000
400,000
200,000
290,000
ITaOttUUSDt MdSOttoMdTO* MM 70m to MM 80*
ZOOS
Historical Wetland Loss by State
' '
This map pinpoints
the states that have
suffered the greatest
percentage loss of
wetlands since the fate
1780s. Twenty-two
states have lost at least
50 percent of their
original wetlands; of
these, seven have lost
80 percent or more.
Less than 50% wetland
(oss since 1780 *
50% to 79% wetland loss
sine* 1780
80% or greater wetland
toss since 1780
HTE-5
-------
DRAFT 3 April 1995 DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
-------
DRAFT 3April 1995 DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
ii.
LISTED SPECIES (AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL) WITH STABLE
OR DECLINING POPULATIONS
Benchmark
Source: Environmental Quality. 23ttf Annual R
. ". '1*. '
14V
13
1*
14.
Amphibians
.-'tv. 4- '-
i'' '. 4; ' .
.' "4.
4
5
4
Fish
30
25
25
25
34
30
Crustaceans
r 1
1
1
1 . .
2
2
Snails
5
5
6
.6
6
6
Insects
7
7
7
. 7
9
9
Arachnids
0 .
0
0
0
0
0
Clams
0
0
o;
0
2
2
Plants
44
31
42
48
61
62
TOTAL
126
125
112
111
' 157
142
cnosnf
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
Mammals
50
28
32
33
55
37"
Birds
78
61
61
60
73
57
Reptiles
15
8
9
8
16
8
Amphibians
5
5
6
6
6
6
Fish
47
41
49
49
54
52
ereo WIKJIITB a rianis <
Crustaceans
7
5
8
8
8
8
Snails
3
3
3
3
7
7
Insects
10
8
10
10
13
13
A ' tm S^
Aracnnios
3
0
, 3
3
3
3
Clams
30
29
34
35
40
40
Plants
158
139
163
163
229
274
TOTAL
404
397
378
"376
511
505
(The figures above were taken from the CEQ report referenced above. The rows do not. however, add up to the totals reflected in the
totals column. We are in the process of resolving this discrepancy and will do so in the next version of this report. J
HTE-7 ,
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"V31
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