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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
1

1

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1
I
1
 I
 1
 1
 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
1
*
i
I
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
'
,--'
^•"••"^ ^^^~^
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
     o
     '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
1
1
1
I
•

*
1
1
4
 1
 I
 I
 1
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

1
            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
 o
 i:
    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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f
                                DRAFT —  3 April 1995  ~ DRAFT
        Clean Waters
                                                      ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
                             II.
I

I

I

 1

 I
CAUSES OFFISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
 I
                                  r-L-MfiM*
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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it
!•
h

^^


hi
                                       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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 1
 |     Clean Waters
                                DRAFT  — 3 April 1995 —  DRAFT
 I

 I

 I

 I

 1

 1
                                                      ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
STATUS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED AQUATIC SPECIES
                                    Benchmark
I

I

I
1
I

1
1

1

I
l
                                                                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

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                                 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

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                               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

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                                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

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                                 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.

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                                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

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 1
                               DRAFT.— 3 April 1995 —  DRAFT
 I


 1


 I


 1


 i


 I


 I


1


 I


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  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

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                                  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

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                                    -   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

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                                                                                                    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,

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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

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                               DRAFT  —  3 April 1995  —  DRAFT
Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems    ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

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                               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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