I
PRO*
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS CRITERIA DIGEST
A COMPILATION OF FEDERAL/STATE CRITERIA ON
-NITRATES-
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
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August 1972
INTRODUCTION
This digest was compiled ..in order to provide general information to the
public as well as to Federal, State, and local officials. It contains excerpts
from the individual Federal-State water quality standards establishing nitrate
criteria for interstate waters. The water quality standards program is directed
by the Environmental Protection Agency, an independent regulatory agency which has
responsibility for approving State-adopted standards for interstate waters, evaluating
adherence to the standards, and overseeing enforcement of standards compliance.
Standards, the first nationwide strategy for water quality management, contain
four major elements: the use (recreation, drinking water, fish and wildlife pro-
pagation, industrial, or agricultural) to be made of the interstate water; criteria
to protect those uses; implementation plans (for needed industrial-municipal waste
treatment improvements, among others) and enforcement plans; and an antidegradation
statement to protect existing high quality waters.
Minimum water quality criteria, or numerical specifications of physical,
chemical, temperature, and biological levels, are stated in the National Technical
Advisory Committee report to the Secretary of the Interior, Water Quality Criteriaf
dated April 1, 1968, and published by the Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. Unavailability of the NTAC report before June 30, 1967--the date set by the
Water Quality Act of 1965 for formal adoption of State standards--resulted in
significant variations between the state-adopted and the NTAC minimum criteria.
Some standards were adopted and approved ;before the NTAC report became available.
Also, the Water Quality Criteria report is subject to updating in light of new
scientific and technical information.
Nitrate standards are set to control the amount of nitrates discharged into
the water. Nitrates and phosphates in wastes contribute to excess amounts of
nutrients in our water. Artifically nutrient-enriched waters are over fertilized,
altering aquatic systems. Quite often algae blooms occur in lakes and slow-moving
streams. Certain algae can make public water supplies and fish flesh unpalatable.
Aquatic growths stimulated by nutrients can trap silt and organic matter, providing
ideal breeding spots for bacteria, and can choke up streams. Such growths can
reduce the oxygen concentrations in the water, killing fish and greatly reducing the
stream's ability to purify itself. Organic enrichment is a primary factor in over-
aging or eutrophication, the process causing the "death" of Lake Erie.
The National Technical Advisory Committee in Water Quality Criteria did not make
specific fixed recommendations limiting nutrients.However, nitrates were limited as
follows: "The naturally occurring ratios and amounts of nitrogen (particularly N03
and Nfy) to total phosphorus should not be radically changed "by artificial means.
They recommended that phosphate levels in flowing streams should not exceed "100 ug/1
or more than 50 ug/1 where streams enter lakes or reservoirs.
Since water quality standards experience revisions and upgrading from time to
time, following procedures set forth in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
individual entries in this digest may be superseded. As these revisions are
accomplished, this digest will be updated and reissued. Because this publication
is not intended for use other than as a general information resource, for the
latest information, and for special purposes and applications, refer to the existing
approved water quality standards which can be obtained from the State water pollution
control agencies or EPA Washington, D.C. or regional offices.
Individual State-adopted criteria follow:
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Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
There are no specific criteria or narrative statements
limiting nitrate or any other nutrient in the aquatic
environment.
There is no specific criteria and no narrative statement
directed at the limitation of such nutrients as nitrate.
Unless the toxic material standards or the taste and
odor standards could be applied to nitrate problems there
is only one other possibility. That is the following Policy
Statement of the State of Alaska: Alaska Statutes Title
46, Chapter 05, Section 46, 05, 01Ol"It is the public
policy of the state to maintain reasonable standards
of purity of the waters of the state consistent with public
health and public enjoyment, the propagation and protection
of fish and wildlife, including birds, mamals and other
terrestrial and aquatic life, and the industrial develop-
ment of the state, and to require the use of all known
available and reasonable methods to prevent and control the
pollution of the waters of the state." The State Standards
include an approved nondegradation statement which could be
used to protect existing high quality waters from harmful
amounts of nitrates.
Policy statement: "Other methods and degrees of treatment
will be required, as appropriate, to remove nutrients, oily
constituents and other polluting materials from wastes
before discharge."
"All waters of the State shall be free from materials
attributable to domestic or industrial waste or other
controllable sources in amounts sufficient to produce
taste or odor in the water or detectable off-flavor in the
flesh of fish, or in amounts sufficient to change the
existing color, turbidity or other conditions in the
receiving stream to such degree as to create a public
nuisance, or in amounts sufficient to interfere with any
beneficial use of the water." The State Standards include
an approved nondegradation statement which could be used to
protect existing high quality waters from harmful amounts of
nitrates.
No nitrate statement or criteria. The State Standards include
an approved nondegradation statement which could be used to
protect existing high quality waters from harmful amounts of
nitrates.
They define "Hater Quality Control as the control of any
factor which adversely and unreasonable impairs the
quality of the waters of the State for beneficial use.
(California Water Control Act, Section 13005.) Pollution
control is an important part of water quality control."
Goose Lake narrative statement regarding plankton indicates
that if nutrients including nitrates accumulated to the
degree that they cause plankton blooms they would be subject
to control. "The Total Plankton Population Shall be Main-
tained Below Bloom Level. This objective is designed to
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California protect fishlife and recreational use of the lake by
(Cont'd) limiting the concentration of plankton below the bloom
lev.el which is defined as that plankton concentration
which causes significant nuisance conditions, or signifi-
cantly affects desirable fish populations."
Sacramento-.San Juan Delta Nitrogen Criteria: "Total
Nitrogen Content of Delta Waters shall not exceed:
"A. 1.0 mg/1 in the Central Delta."
"B. 2.0 mg/1 in the Western Delta."
"C. 3.0 mg/1 in the Eastern Delta."
Nitrogen content, as used in this objective is considered
to be the sum of Nitrogen present in the wgter in all
forms including Nitrate (NO ), Nitrite (NO ), Ammonia (NH3
or NH4), organically combined nitrogen.
"Materials Stimulating Algal Growth." "Materials stimulating
algal growth shall not be present in concentrations sufficient
to cause objectionable algal densities." "Plankton Blooms
are encouraged by the presence, in sufficient concentrations
of several nutrient materials. Among these are nitrogen,
phosphorus, silica, vitamins, iron and other metals and
dissolved salts."
Tidal Waters Inland From the Golden Gate Within The San
Francisco Bay Region: "Total nitrogen concentration shall
not exceed 2.0 mg/1 as nitrogen at any point within the
Region easterly of Carquinez Strait/ in no case shall
nutrients be present in concentrations sufficient to cause
deleterious or abnormal biotic growths except when factors
which are not controllable cause greater concentrations
(Note A)."
West Fork Carson River; "Nitrates: A mean annual concen-
tration less than 2.0 mg/1, and a maximum concentration not
to exceed 3.0 mg/1 at any time."
Truckee River; "Nitrates: A mean annual concentration less
than 1.0 mg/1, and a maximum concentration not to exceed
2.5 mg/1 at any time."
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California East Fork Carson River; "Nitrates; A mean annual
(Cont'd) concentration less than 1.5 mg/1, and a maximum concen-
tration not to exceed 2.0 mg/1 at any time."
West Walker River and Lake Topaz : "Nitrates: A mean
annual concentration less than 1.5 mg/1, and a maximum
concentration not to exceed 2.0 mg/1 at any time."
East Walker River: "Nitrates; A mean annual concentra-
tion less than 3.0 mg/1, and a maximum concentration not
to exceed 4.5 mg/1 at any time."
New River; No narrative statement or specific criteria
concerning nitrates.
Colorado River in California; The only statement that
might be applicable to nitrate problems is: "The waters
shall be free from materials attributable to domestic
or industrial waste or other controllable sources, which
may produce taste or odor in the water or detectable
off-flavor in the flesh of fish, that may alter the water's
existing color or turbidity, or that may adversely affect
other conditions in the river." "Allowable limits of
annual average of analyses under the surveillance schedule
for Nitrate is 5.0 mg/1 and for Ammonia (NHo) 1.0 mg/1."
Lake Tahoe: "Total Soluble Nitrogen: A mean annual concen-
tration of the sum of soluble nitrate-N, nitrite-N, and
ammonia-N not greater than 24 micrograms N per liter at
any point in the lake."
A plankton count criteria related to nutrients including
nitrates is included; "Plankton Count: A mean seasonal
concentration not greater than 100 per milliliter and a
maximum concentration not greater than 500 per milliliter
at any point in the lake."
Another plankton standard related to nutrients is: "Plankton
Growth Potential: A mean annual growth potential at any
point in the lake not greater than twice the mean annual
growth potential at the limnetic reference station."
They have stringent narrative statements on foreign materials
and taste and odor which would include nitrates and other
nutrients.
"1. Foreign Material: None which impairs the natural
beauty, clarity, or purity of the lake."
"2. Taste and Odor Causing Substances; None which
imparts foreign taste or odor to the lake waters."
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California Coastal Waters, Point Pedras Blancas to Pecadero Point:
(Cont'd) Nitrates and other nutrients are not covered by these
standards.
Coastal Waters, Rincon Point to Point Arguello: Nitrates
and other nutrients are not covered by these standards.
Coastal Waters, Point Arguello to Point Piedras Blancas:
Nitrates and other nutrients are not covered by these
standards.
Pacific Ocean Pescadero Point to Mouth of Tomales Bay,
Bolinas Lagoon, Drakes Estero, Limatour, Estero, Portions
of Tomales Bay and tidal portions of coastal streams ;
Nutrients which include nitrates and others are covered
by the following narrative statement: "None in concentra-
tions sufficient to cause deleterious or abnormal biotic
growths except when factors which are not controllable
cause greater concentrations."
Humboldt-Del Norte Coastal Waters; The following narrative
statement on Toxic or other Deleterious substances applies
to nitrates, and other nutrients: "Toxic or Other Deleteri-
ous Substances: There shall be no organic or inorganic
substances in concentrations ...u....which cause deleterious
growths of algae or other plant life."
Pacific Ocean Coastal Waters, Rincon Point to San Gabriel
River: The only, standard that might be applicable is the
following narrative statement: "Other Materials; Other
materials shall not be present in concentrations that
would be deleterious to fish, plant or aquatic wildlife."
Mendocino Coast: The following narrative statement applies
to nitrates, and other nutrients: "Toxic or Other Deleteri-
puse Substances: There shall be no organic or inorganic
substances in concentrations which are toxic or detrimental
to human, animal, plant, or aquatic life, which impart
undesirable tastes or odors to species of commercial or
sport importances, or which cause deleterious growths of
algae or other plant life."
Pacific Ocean San Gabriel River to Drainage Divide Between
Muddy Canyon and Moro Canyon; Under objective rationale
they state: "Nutrients; The research to date has not
been able to develop satisfactory criteria for nutrient
levels in open sea water that will not over-stimulate
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California plankton production. Thus, a standard for nutrients is
(Cont'd) omitted until a basis for such can be found."
HumboIt Bay: The following narrative statement covers all
the nutrients including nitrates : "There shall be no
organic or inorganic substances in concentrations....which
cause deleterious growths of algae or other plant life."
Sonoma - Marin Coast: The following narrative statement
covers all the nutrients including nitrates. "There shall
be no organic or inorganic substances in concentrations....
which cause deleterious growths of algae or other plant
life."
San Diego Bay: The following narrative statement applies
to all nutrients including nitrates. "Nutrient levels
"shall be limited to those levels necessary to minimize
phytoplankton blooms, thus preventing unsightliness^
turbidity, color, and oxygen depression."
Harbors, Marinas and Tidal Prisms in Los Angeles and Ventura
Counties!The following narrative statement appliesto
all nutrients including nitrates: "Nutrients; Nutrients
of other than natural origin shall not be present in con-
centrations capable of causing proliferation of plankton
or other undesirable biotic growths."
Klamath River in California: The following narrative
statement applies to all nutrients including nitrates:
"Concentrations of dissolved nutrients shall be maintain-
ed at levels below those which may cause undesirable algae
blooms, slime or bacterial growth, or other ypdesirable
biological growths."
Tijuana River Basin in California: "Concentrations of
nitrates and phosphates of waste origin, by themselves or
in combination with naturally occurring nutrients, shall
be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae
and emergent plant growth."
Smith River: The following narrative statement covers
all nutrients including nitrates: "There shall be no
organic or inorganic substances in concentrations
which cause undesirable algae blooms, slime or bacterial
growth, or other undesirable biolOQical growths."
Mission Bay Including Tidal Prism of San Diego River and
Agua Hedionda Lagoon: "Nutrients; Concentrations of
nitrates and phosphates of waste origin, by themselves
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California
(Cont'd)
Colorado
Connecticut
or in combination with naturally occurring nutrients
shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate
algae ana emergent plant growth."
San Gabriel River Tidal Hrism: "Nutrients,-of other than
natural origin, snail not be present in concentrations
capable of causing proliferation of undesirable biotic
growths."
Coastal bays, Marinas and sloughs Between the San Gabriel
River and the Brainaue Divide Between Muddy Canyon and/
Moro Canyon:"Nutrients!Nutrients (nitrogen, silicate,
and phosphate shall not be present except trom natural
conditions, in amounts that will cause deleterious or
abnormal growchs to occur on the substrate or trie foster
biotic growths that are harmful to beneficial uses."
Tne State Standards include an approved nonuegradatiun
scatement which could be used to protect existing high
quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
There are no specific criteria for any of the nutrients.
The narrative statement concerning toxic materials might
restrict nitrates at levels Delow where damage to aquatic
life occurred. This statement is an follows: "Toxic
material: Free from biocides, toxic or other deleterious
substances attributable to municpal, domestic, or industrial
wastes, or other controllable sources in levels, concen-
trations or combinations sufficient to be harmful to
aquatic life." The State Standards include an approved non-
degradation statement which could be used to protect existing
high quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
The narrative statements concerning taste and odor and
chemical constituents are the only standards that could
apply to nitrates. "Taste and Odor:" For water supply:
"None in such concentrations that would impair any usages
specifically assigned to this Class nor cause taste and
odor in edible fish." Class D: "None in such concentra-
tions that would impair any usages specifically assigned
to this class." For coastal and marine waters: Class A:
"None allowable." Class SB, SC, SD: "None in such concen-
trations that would impair any usages specifically assign-
ed to this Class and none that would cause taste and odor
in edible fish or shellfish."
Chemical Constitutents (freshwater^; Class A, B, C, and P.
"Waters shall be free from chemical constituents in
concentrations or combinations which would be harmful to
human, animal, or aquatic life for the appropriate, most
sensitive and governing considerations and approved limits
have not been established, bioassay shall be performed as
required by the appropriate agencies. For public drinking
water supplies the raw water sources must be of such a
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Connecticut
(Cont'd)
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
quality that United States Public Health Service limits, or
State limits it more striggent, for finished water can oe
met after conventional water treatment."
Chemical Constituents (coastal and marine): Class SA: "None
in concentrations or combinations wnich would oe harmful to
human, animal, or aquatic life or which would make the waters
unsare or unsuitable for fish or shellfish or their propagation,
impair the palatability of same, or impair the waters tor any
other use." "Class SB, SC, ana SD: None in concentrations
or combinations which would be harmful to human, animai, or
aquatic life or wnicn would make the waters unsafe or un-
suitable for fish or shellfish or their propagation, or impair
the water for any other usage assigned to this Class."
The State Standards include an approved nondegradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts of nitrates.
The following declaration of policy in 63ul, Chapter 6j,
Water Pollution, Title 7, Part VII, Delaware Code is
"U) It is declared to be the public policy of the btate to
maintain within its jurisdiction a reasonable quality of
water consistent with public health and public enjoyment
thereof, the propagation and protection of fish ana wildlife,
including birds, mammals, and other terrestrial and aquatic
life, and the industrial development of the btate. (b) it
is the purpose of this chapter to safeguard the quality of
state waters against pollution by (1; preventing new pollution
in such waters and (e) controlling any existing pollution.
The adopted standards approved by the Secretary with certain
exceptions ana recommenaations that could apply to nitrates
are those concerned with toxic substances and taste, odor,
and color causing substances: "Toxic Substances: None in
concentrations harmful (synergistically or otherwise) to humans,
fish, shellfish, wildlife, and aquatic life. The State Standards
include an approved nondegradation statement which could be used
to protect existing high quality waters from harmful amounts
of nitrates.
There are no specific criteria for nutrients such as nitrates
and no narrative statement directly applicable to nutrients
such as nitrates. The only item in the water standards
of Florida, as approved, that might be used to protect that
States waters from excessive amounts of phosphates and their
accompanying problems would be the antidegradation statement.
There are no specific criteria for nutrients such as nitrates
nor is there a narrative statement directly concerned with
nitrates or other nutrients.
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Hawaii "Nutrient Materials: Applicable to:
Total nitrogen, not greater tnan Class AA
O.lu mg/1.
Total nitrogen, not greater than Class A
0.15 mg/1.
Total nitrogen, not greater than Class B
0.20 mg/1.
"Control of Nutrients:
Nutrient discharges were pointed out in testimony as being
a potential problem in several water areas such as Kaneohe
Bay and pearl Harbor. The Agency in cognizant of this
potential problem ana nutrient limits have been included
in the water quality criteria. At present the Agency knows
of no practicable methods for the control of nutrients. The
Agency will devise and implement control measures when the
means to do so become available."
Agency knows of no practicable methods for the control
of nutrients. The Agency will devise and implement control
measures when the means to do so become available. The
State Standards include an approved non-degradation
statement which could be used to protect existing high
quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
idano Under the section titled "GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
FOR INTERSTATE STREAMS" is the narrative statement:rrfnter-
state waters shall not contain . . . Excess nutrients of other
than natacal origin that cause visible slime growths or other
nuisance aquatic growths."
There is no specific criteria for nutrients sucn as nitrates
and Idaho does have an approved antidegradation statement to
protect existing high quality waters from excessive amounts
of nutrients such as nitrates.
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Illinois Under General Standards, except as otherwise provided,
all waters of the State shall meet the requirement that
the following level shall not be exceeded:
Ammonia Nitrogen (as N) 1.5mg/l
Lake Michigan
Ammonia Nitrogen not to exceed (D.02 mg/1
Effluent standards describe the maximum concentration of
nitrogen that may be discharged to the waters of the State,
as follows:
Ammonia Nitrogen as N. No effluent from any source which
discharges to the Illinois River, the Chicago River System,
or the Calumet River system, and whose untreated waste
load is 50,000 or more population equivalents shall contain
more than 2.5 mg/1 of ammonia nitrogen as N during the
months of April through October, or 4 mg/1 at other times,
after December 31, 1977.
The State Standards include an approved nondegradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts of nitrates.
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Indiana There are no specific criteria or narrative statement limiting
nitrates or other nutrient substances in the Indiana water
quality standards for any of the interstate basins other than
Lake Michigan drainages unless the antidegradation statement
could be applied for existing high quality waters.
Nitrate criteria applicable to Lake Michigan Basins.
Lake Michigan Open Waters:
Total Nitrogen (N) mg/1 0.4
Lake Michigan Shore Waters:
Ammonia Nitrogen (N) - mg/1
Annual average not more than 0.05.
Single daily value or average not more than 0.12.
Indian Harbor Canal:
Ammonia Nitrogen (N) - mg/1
Annual average not more than 1.0.
Single daily value or average not more than 1.5.
Grand Calumet River:
Ammonia Nitrogen (N) - mg/1
Single value not more than 5.0.
Little Calumet River:
Single daily value or average not more than 1.5.
Wolf Lake:
Ammonia Nitrogen (N) - mg/1
Annual average not more than 0.05.
Single daily value or average not more than 0.12.
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1 owa
The following narrative statement could in my opinion be
used to limit the amount of nitrates and other nutrients
in the aquatic environment.
1. Public Water Supply
All substances detrimental to treatment processes shall be
limited to non-detrimental concentrations in the surface waters,
Kansas
Kentucky
2. Aquatic: Life
All substances detrimental to aquatic life shall be limited
to non-detrimental concentrations in the surface waters.
Specific criteria for interstate waters classified for Aquatic
Life:
1. Ammonia Nitrogen (N) mg/1 not more than 2.0.
They have approved antidegradation statement that could be
used to protect existing high quality waters.
The only standards regarding the limiting of nitrates in the
aquatic environment are as follows:
1. Antideqradation statement--Existing high quality waters
could be protected from damages resulting from discharge of
effluents containing high nitrate concentration to the
aquatic environment.
2. The general criteria assigned to all Kansas Interstate
Basins- "Pollution substances will be maintained below maxi-
mum permissible concentrations which would be detrimental for
public water supplies, recreation requirements, and other
established beneficial uses."
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation state-
ment which could be used to protect existing high quality waters
from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Two of four freedoms narrative statements in Kentucky water
quality standards could be used to limit nitrates in inter-
state waters. They are:
"Free from materials attributable to municipal, industrial
or other discharges producing color, odor or other
conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance."
"Free from substances attributable to municipal, industrial
or other discharges in concentrations or combinations which
are toxic or harmful to human, animal, plant or aquatic
life."
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Lou Lsiana
Maine
All interstate waters of Louisiana are assigned a general
criteria which could be used to protect such waters from
excessive concentrations of nitrates or other nutrients.
This statement with slight variations of use classification
is :
"Wastes after discharge... shall not create conditions which
adversely affect public health or use of the water for
the following purposes: domestic or industrial water
supply, propagation of aquatic life, agricultural water,
recreation, and other legitimate uses."
I he State Standards include an approved nondegradation statement
which could be used to protect existing nigh quality waters from
harmful amounts or nitrates.
The following narrative statements could be used to limit
nitrate discharges to the interstate waters of Maine:
Class A Waters: "There shall be no discharge of sewage
of other wastes into water of this classification and no
deposits of such material on the banks of such waters in
such a manner that transfer into the water is likely..."
Class B-l Waters: "There shall be no disposal of sewage,
industrial wastes or other wastes in such waters, except
those which have received treatment for the adequate
removal of waste constituents including, but not limited to,
solids, color, turbidity, taste, odor or toxic material,
such, that these treated wastes will not lower the standards
or alter the usages of this classification, nor shall such
disposal of sewage or waste be injurious to aquatic life
or render such dangerous for human consumption.
Class B-2 Waters: Same as Class B-l.
Class C Waters: Same as Class B-l.
Class SA Waters; "There shall be no toxic wastes, deleterious
substances, colored or other waste or heated liquids dis-
charged to waters of this classification either singly or in
combinations with other substances or wastes in such amounts
or at such temperatures as to be injurious to edible or
shellfish or to the culture or propagation thereof, or which
in any manner shall adversely affect the flavor, color, odor
or sanitary condition thereof; and otherwise none in sufficient
amounts to make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for bathing
or impair the waters for any other best usage as determined
for the specific waters assigned to this class..."
Class SB-1: Same as Class SA.
Class SB-2: Same as Class SA.
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Maine
(Cont'd)
Maryland
Massachusetts
Class SC: Essentially the same as Class SA. The State Standards
include an approved non-degradation statement which could be
used to protect existing high quality waters from harmful
amounts of nitrates.
The following narrative statement could be used to limit
excessive nitrates affecting the uses of the interstate
waters:
"Materials attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or
other waste which produce taste, odor, or change the
existing color or other physical and chemical conditions
in the receiving stream to such degree as to create a nuisance,
or that interfere directly or Indirectly with water uses. . ."
The following narrative statement could be used to limit
excessive nitrates affecting the uses of the interstate waters:
"Materials attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other
waste which produce taste, odor, or change the existing color
or other physical and chemical conditions in the receiving
stream directly or indirectly with water uses; . . . ."
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts of nitrates.
"Water quality parameters not specifically denoted shall
not exceed the recommended limts on the most sensitive and
governing water class use."
Class A Waters: Chemical constituents: "None in concentrations
or combinations which would be harmful or offensive to
humans, or harmful to animal, or aquatic life."
C3ass B Waters:
of 0.5 mg/1 . .
"Ammonia as (N) not to exceed an average
, during any monthly sampling period."
Class C Waters: "Ammonia as (N) not to exceed 1.0 mg/1 . . .
during any monthly sampling period."
Class D Waters: "Chemical constituents "None in concentrations
or combinations which would be harmful to human, animal, or aquatic
life for the designated water use."
Class SA Waters (Coastal and Marine): "Ammonia as (N) not to
exceed an average of 0.2 mg/1 . . . during any monthly sampling
period."
Class SB Waters: "Ammonia as (N) not to exceed an average of
. . . during any monthly sampling period."
Class SC Waters: "None in concentrations or combinations which
would be harmful to human, animal, or aquatic life or which would
make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish or shellfish or
their propagation, imparir the palatability of same, or impair
the water for any other usage." The State Standards.include an
approved non-degradation statement which could be used to protect
existing high quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
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Michigan
Minnesota
Water Supply Domestic: "Nitrate (N03) should not exceed
45 mg/1 at the intake."
Nutrients (Phosphorus, ammonia, nitrates and sugars)
"Nutrient:; orginating from industrial, municipal or domestic
animal sources shall be limited to the extent necessary to
prevent adverse effects on water treatment processes or the
stimualtion of growths of algae, weeds and slimes which are
or may become injurious to the designated uses."
Industrial Water Supply: Nutrients (Phosphorus,. ammonia,
nitrates and sugars): "Nutrients orginating from industrial,
municipal or domestic animal sources shall be limited to the
extent necessary to prevent the stimulation of growths of
algae, weeds and slimes which are or may become injurious to
the designated use."
Recreation; Nutrients (Phosphorus, ammonia, nitrates and
sugars): "Nutrients orginating from industrial, municipal,
or domestic animal sources shall be limited to the extent
necessary to prevent the stimulation of growths of algae,
weeds and slimes which are or may become injurious to the
designated use."
Fish Wildlife and Other Aquatic Life: Same as for Recreation.
Agriculture: "Nutrients (Phosphorus, ammonia, nitrates and
sugars): "Nutrients originating from industrial, municipal,
or domestic animal sources shall be limited to the extent
necessary to prevent the stimulation of growths of algae,
weeds and slimes which are or may become injurious to the
designated use. NO^ concentrations shall conform to USPHS
Drinking Water Standards."
Commercial Water Use: Same as Industrial Water Supply
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation state-
ment which could be used to protect existing high quality waters
from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Has approved antidegradation statement to protect existing high
quality wates. a
The following narrative statement would limit damaging amounts
of nitrates: "It is the intention of the Agency to require
removal of nutrients from all sources to the fullest practicable
extent whenever sources of nutrients are considered to be
actually or potentially inimical to preservation of enhance-
ment of the designated water uses."
Specific criteria limiting nitrates for certain class waters is
as follows:
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Minnesota
(Cont'd)
Mississippi
Missouri
Domestic Consumption:
Class A (Public Water Supply): Nitrates (NC>3) 45 mg/1
None for Class B, C,£> D.
Fisheries £> Recreation:
Class A: Ammonia (N) Not to exceed a trace
Class B: Ammonia (N) Not more than 1 mg/1
Class C: Ammonia Not more than 2 mg/1
Industrial, Agriculture £» Wildlife, and Navigation £> Waste
Disposal Classifications; None
The only direct reference to nutrients in the State's water
quality standards is: "It is the plan of the Commission to
work with Soil and Wastes Conservation Districts to effect
control oi nutrients....pollution contributed by agricultural
run off increase where this is a problem.
Does not have an approved antidegradation statement.
One of the "Freedom" statements would limit nutrients i "Free
from substances atributable to municipal, industrial, agricul-
tural or ether discharge producing color, odor, or other
conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance."
This State's water quality standards include no specific
criteria limiting nitrates.
One of the "Freedom" statements could be used to limit
nitrates in problem areas. It is applicable to all Missouri
interstate waters and states: "Substances attributable
to municipal, industrial, agricultural, mining or other
effluents shall not have a harmful effect on human or animal
life."
These are narrative statements included in early interstate
river basin standards that could be applicable in limiting
nitrates. They are by River:
White River Basin- Interstate Stream Table Rock Reservoir, Bull
Sholes Reservoir, Norfolk Reservoir, Clearwater Reservoir.
Lake Tanecamo, North Fork River and Spring River, Eleven Point
River, Current River, & Black River (From the Headwaters to
Clearwater Reservoir), Black River (Clearwater Reservoir to
Mo. - Ark. State Line)
15
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Missouri "Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife detrimental
(Cont'd) to agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitmate uses shall be limited to nontoxic or nondetrimental
concentrations in the Stream."
Grand and Chariton River Basin - Interstate Streams
Grand and Chariton Rivers
"d. Substances Potentially Toxic or detrimental Substances
toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimental to
agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the stream."
East Fork Grand, Thompson, Little and Weldon Rivers
"d. Substances Potentially Toxic or detrimental Substances
toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimental to
agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Mississippi - Des Moines River Basin Interstate Streams
"d. Substances Potentially Toxic or Detrimental Substances
toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimental to
agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Osage River Basin - Interstate Streams
Osage - Marais des Cygnes River and Marmaton River
"Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimental
to agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the lake."
Lower Missouri River Basin - Interstate Streams
Nishnabotno River
"d. Substances Potentially Toxic or Detrimental Substances
toxic to fish or detrimental to industrial or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Tarkio River, West Tarkio River, Nodaway River, Platte River
and One Hundred an<^ Two River
"d. Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or
detrimental to agricultural, mining, industrial, recrea-
tional or other legitimate uses shall be limited to non-
16
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Missouri toxic or non-detrimental bpncentrations in the stream "
(Cont'd)
Lower Mississippi River Basin - Interstate Streams
St. Francis River (Excluding Wappapello Reservoir),
Wappapello Reservoir, Little River, Buffalo Ditch
(St. Francis River Basin)
"d. Substances Potentially Toxic or Detrimental Substances
toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimental to
agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational or other
legitimate uses shall be limited to non-toxic or non-
detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Mississippi River
Mississippi River (Zone 1 - Des Moines River to Alton Lock
and Dam, and Mississippi River (Zone 2 - Alton Lock and Dan
to the Missouri-Arkansas State Line)
"Substances Potentially Toxic or Detrimental
d. Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimen-
tal to agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational,
navigational, or other legitimate uses shall be limited to non-
toxic or non-detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Missouri River
"Substances Toxic or Detrimental
d. Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimen-
tal to agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational,
navigational, or other legitimate uses shall be limited to non-
toxic or non-detrimental concentrations in the stream."
Grand (Neosho) River Basin
Spring River, Shoal Creek, Turkey Creek, Buffalo Creek, Lost
Creek
"Substances Toxic or Detrimental
d. Substances toxic to humans, fish and wildlife or detrimen-
tal to agricultural, mining, industrial, recreational,
navigational, or other legitimate uses shall be limited to
non-toxic or non-detrimental concentrations in the stream."
17
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Missouri
(Cont'd)
Montana
Nebraska
Missouri has an approved antidegradation statement which
could be used to protect existing high quality waters
from damaging amounts of nitrates.
The requirements for Class B, C, D, Dl, D2, and D3
are:
"... No excess nutrients which cause nuisance
aquatic growths . . . ."
Class A(clesed() "None allowed in addition to concentrations
naturally present."
Class A(open) "Concentrations of chemical constituents shall
conform with the 1962 U.S. Public Health Service Drinking
Water Standards. Induced variations within these standards
snail be limited to an increase of not more than lu% of
the concentration present in the receiving water."
Class B "Concentrations of chemical constituents shall con-
form witn the 1962 U.S. Public Health service Drinking Water
Standards after treatment. No floating suspended dissolved /
or settleable matter, creating nuisance conditions, not attripu-
table $o natural cause.. No excess nutrients which cause
nuisance aquatic growths . . . ."
Class C "Concentrations of cnemical constituents shall be main-
tained below levels known to be (or demonstrated to be) of
Public Healtn Significance." ". . .No excess nutrients which
cause nuisance aquatic growth . . . ."
Class Dl "Maximum allowable concentrations shall be less than
acute or chronic problem levels as revealed by bio-assay or
other appropriate methods. No excess nutrients which cause
nuisance aquatic growths . . . ."
Class D2 Same as Dl
Class D3 Same as Dl
Class E "Concentrations shall be less than those demonstrated
to be deleterious to livestock or plants or their subsequent-
consumption by humans."
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation
statement which could be used to protect existing high quality
waters from harmful amounts of nitraits.
The following narrative statement protects waters from
excessive nutrients including niteates:
". . . These waters shall be tree of substance attributable to'
18
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Nebraska
(Cont'd)
Nevada
(By Interstate
Waters)
discharge or wastes having substances and conditions
or combinations thereof in concentrations which produce
undesirable aquatic life."
There is specific criteria for Class C waters. It is:
"Same as Water Supply -4- Plus ammonia nitrogen concentra-
tions shall not exceed 1.4 mg/1 in trout streams nor exceed
3.5 mg/1 in warm water streams where the pH in these streams
does not exceed a pH value of 8.3. If the pH of the
streams exceeds 8.3, the imdissociated ammonium hydroxide
as nitrogen shall not exceed one-tenth mg/£ in trout streams
nor exceed 0.25 mg/1 in warm water streams "
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation
statement which could be used to protect existing high quality
waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
West Fork Carson River
Total Nitrates (N03) -
Single value-not more than 3.0.
Leviathan Creek
No criteria or statement .
East Fork Carson River
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Carson River (At Muller Lane)
Total Nitrates (N03)
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Carson River (Highway 395, So. of Carson)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l (Tentative)
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Carson River (Near New Empire)
Total Nitrates (NOQ -mg/1 (Tentative)
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Carson River (At Weeks)
19
-------
Nevada (Cont'd) Total Nitrates (NOQ-mg/1
Single value-not more than Oo50.
Lake Lahontan
Total Nitrates(N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 4.0.
West Walker River (Above diversion to Topaz Lakej
Total Nitrates
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Topaz Lake
Total Nitrates (NOQ-mg/1
Single value-not more than 2.0.
West Walker River (Near Wellington)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 2.0.
West Walker River (Above confluent with East Walker River)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Sweetwater Creek
Has approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed PHS
Drinking Water Standards 1962. *
East Walker River (At State Line)
Total Nitrates (NO-Q-mg/l
Single value-not more than 4.5.
East Walker River (South of Yerington and above confluent
with W. Vfalker River.)
20
-------
Nevada Total Nitrates (N03)-mQ/l
(Cont'd)
Single volue-not more than 3.0:
Walker River (At J.J. Ranch)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mq/l
Not to exceed PHS Drinking Water Standards 1962,*
Desert Creek
Antidegradation statement approved. Not to exceed PHS
Drinking Water Standards 1962.*
Chiatovich Creek
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Indian Creek
Total Nitrates (NO3)-mq/l
Antidegradation statement. Not to exceed 1962 PHS
*
Drinking Water Standards.
Leidy Creek (Above Hydoelectric Plant)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mq/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Virgin River
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Beaver Dam Wish (Above Schroeder Reservoir)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Snake Creek(Above Fish Hatchery)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
21
-------
Nevada Big Goose Creek (At Ranch)
(Cont'd)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Salmon Falls Creek (Highway 93, South of Jackpot
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0
Shosphone Creek
Approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed PHS
Drinking Water Standards 1962.
East Fork Jarbidge River
Approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed 1962
PHS Drinking Water Standards.
Jarbidge River (Upstream from Jarbidge)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
Jarbidge River (Downstream of Jarbidge)
Total Nitrates (NC-3)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
West Fort Bruneau (Diamond "E" Road)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
East Fork Owyhee River (Above Mill Creek)
Approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed the
1962 PHS Drinking Water Standards. *
22
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Nevada East Fork iVyhee River (South of Cvyhee)
(Cont'd)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
East Fork Owyhee River (State Line)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 1.0.
South Fork Ouyhee River
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 3.0.
Smoke Creek (Approx. 30 mi. East of Susanville, California.)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mq/l
Single value-not more than 5.0.
Bronco Creek (At Hirschdale Road)
Approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed 1962
*
PHS Drinking Water Standards.
Gray Creek (At Hirschdale Creek)
Approved antidegradation statement. Not to exceed 1962
PHS Drinking Water Standards. *
Truckee River (At Farad, California)
Total Nitrates (NO-Q-mq/l
Single value-not more than 2.5.Annual average not more
than 1.0.
Truckee River (At Idlewild)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mq/l
Single value-riot more than 2.0.
Truckee River (At Boynton Lane)
-------
Total Nitrat-es (NO.-Q-mg/l
(Cont'd) * •" B—
Single value-not more than 2.0.
Truckee River (Lagomansine Bridge)
/
Total Nitrates (NQ-Q-mg/l
Single value-not more than 5.0.
Truckee River (At Cenrsola Ranch)
Total Nitrates (N03)-mg/l
Single value-not more than 5.0
Lake Tahoe (All points)
Total soluable inorganic Nitrogen ug/1.
Annual average-not more than 25.0.
Colorado River
No specific criteria.
* " 10 rag nitrate nitrogen (or 45 mg nitrate) per
liter of water is a limit which should not be exceeded."
The State Standards include approved non-degradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters
from harmful amounts of nitrates.
New Hampshire No specific criteria. No applicable narrative statement.
Have approved antidegradation statement.
N
-------
New Mexico The following narrative statement under the heading of
"General Standards" seems to offer a vehicle to use in
limiting nitrates and other nutrients:
"Toxic Substances
Toxic substances such ass but not limited to, pesticides,
herbicides9 heavy metals, and organics, shall not be present
in receiving waters in concentrations which will fchange the
ecology of receiving waters to an extent detrimental to
existing forms of life or which are toxic to human, plants fish
and animal life. Toxicities of substances in receiving waters
will be determined by appropriate bioassay techniques, or other
acceptable means, for the particular form of aquatic life which
is to be preserved with the concentrations of the toxic materials
not to exceed 10 per cent of the 48-hour median tolerance limit."
The State Standards include an approved non^degradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts of nitrates.
New York New York does not have specific criteria limiting the amount
of nitrates in interstate waters. It does have a toxic substance
statement for each class of waters which is the same or similar
to the following example: Class AA (Public Water Supply): "None
alone or in combination with other substances or wastes in
sufficient amounts or at such temperatures as to be injurious
to fish life, make the waters unsafe or unsuitable as a
source of water supply for drinking, culinary or food processing
purposes or impair the waters for any other best usaije as
determined for the specific waters which are assigned to this
class."
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation statement
which could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts of nitrates.
North Carolina Norfcf) Carolina does not have specific numerical criteria to
protect its interstate waters from nitrates. It does have an
approved antidegradation statement that dJQuld be used to
limit nitrates in existing high quality waters.
Section II (Rules Applicable to Classes and Standards)
contains several narrative statements that could be used
to limit nitrates where damage is occuring as a result of
their discharge to interstate waters. These are:
1. "The quality of any waters receiving sewage, industrial
waste or other waste discharges shall be such that no impair-
ment of the best usage of waters in any other class shall
occur by reason of such sewage, industrial waste or other
waste disfcharges."
2. "The maximum limits for toxic and other deleterious
substances in receiving waters shall not exceed the values
25
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North Carolina recommended in the most recent edition of the "Report
(Cont'd) of the NotionaJ Technical Advisory Committee on Water
Quality Criteria" where stated and in cases where such
values aro not included in the report, bio-assays will
be conducted according to the standard techniques recom-
mended therein to determine safe levels for such substances
on the ba:;is of the discharge and characteristics of the
waters under consideration."
There are narrative statements for each class of water use
that could possibly be used to limit harmful amounts of
nitrates. These are:
Class A-l: In determining the safety or suitability of
waters in this class for use as a source of water supply
for drinking, culinary or food-processing purposes after
approved disinfection, the Board will be guided by the
physical, chemical and bacteriological standards specified
in the 1962 edition of the "Public Health Service Drinking
Water Standards" and the requirements of the State Board of
Health as set forth in Section 5, "Protection of Unfiltered
Public Water Supplies", of the Rules and Regulations Pro-
viding for the Protection of Public Water Supplies, as
adopted October 6, 1960, and amended May 9, 1962, August 26,
1965, and October 12, 1967." The 1962 "Public Health Service
Drinking Water Standards" recommend that nitrates shall not
exceed 45 mg/1.
Class A-II; "Only such amounts, whether alone or in combin-
ation with other substances or wastes as will not render the
waters unsafe or unsuitable as a source of water supply for
drinking, culinary or food processing purposes, injurious to
fish and wildlife or adversely affect the palatability of
same, or impair the waters for any other best usage estab-
lished for this class."
Class B; "Only such amounts, whether alone or in combination
with other substances or wastes as will not render the waters
unsafe or unsuitable for bathing, injurious to fish and
wildlife or adversely affect the palatability of same or
impair the waters for any other best usage established for
this class."
Class C; "Only such amounts, whether alone or in combination
with other substances or wastes as will not render the waters
injurious to fish and wildlife or adversely affect the
palatability or same, or impair the waters for any other
best usage established for this class."
Class D: "Only such amounts attributable to sewage, industrial
wastes or other wastes as will not render the waters unsuitable
for agriculture, industrial cooling purposes, navigation, or
fish survival, or cause offensive conditions."
Class SA Waters: Only such amounts, whether alone or in
26
-------
North Carolina
(Cont'd)
North Dakota
Ohio
combination with other substances or wastes as will not
make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish and shell-
fish or their propagation, impair the palatability of same,
or impair the waters for any other best usage established for
this class."
Class SB: "Only such amounts, whether alone or in combination
with other substances or wastes as will not make the waters
unsafe or unsuitable for bathing, injurious to fish or shell-
fish, or adversely affect the palatability of same, or impair
the waters for any other best usage established for this
class."
Class SC: "Only such amounts, whether alone or in combination
with other substances or wastes as will not render the waters
injurious to fish and shellfish, adversely affect the palata-
bility of same, or impair the waters for any other best usage
established for this class."
No specific criteria.
as follows:
Section II, C promises such criteria
"C. The maximum practical reduction of nutrients, including
nitrogen, phosphorus and sugars, in sewage, industrial, and
other wastes shall be accomplished as soon as a practical
method is developed."
North Dakota has an approved antidegradation statement that
should provide protection to existing high quality inter-
state waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
A narrative statement could be used on nutrient problems
including nitrates. It is: "None in concentrations or
combinations that interfere with, or prove hazardous to,
the intended water usage." This applies to all interstate
waters.
Ohio has two narrative statements in their standards that
could be applicable in limiting nitrates to less than harm-
ful or nuisance amounts. These are:
"1. Free from substances attributable to municipal,
industrial or other discharges in concentrations or combin-
ations which are toxic or harmful to human, animal or
aquatic life."
"2. Free from materials attributable to municipal, industrial,
or other discharges producing color, odor or other conditions
27
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Ohio
(Cont'd)
Oklahoma
Oregon
in such degree as to create a nuisance;" Ohio has approved
antidegradation statement that could be used to protect
high quality waters.
No specific criteria limiting nitrogen compounds. Have an
approved antidegradation statement which could be used to
limit harmful amounts of nitrogen compounds being discharged
to interstate waters. The standards for each of the inter-
state streams in Oklahoma contain four narrative statements
that could be used to limit harmful amounts of nitrogen
compounds being discharged into interstate waters. These
are :
"All tributary streams and all waste effluents shall be in
such condition that when discharged to the stream reaches
as defined, and Interstate Tributaries, they shall not create
conditions which will adversely affect public health, or use
of the water for beneficial purposes."
"Taste and Odor Producing Substances - Taste and odor pro-
ducing substances shall be limited to concentrations that
will not interfere with the production of potable water by
modern treatment methods or impart off color or unpalatable
flavor to flesh of fish, or result in offensive odors in the
vicinity of the water, or otherwise interfere with beneficial
uses."
"Toxic Substances - Toxic substances shall not be present in
such quantities as to cause the waters to be toxic to human,
animal, plant, or aquatic life. For aquatic life, using
bioassay techniques, the toxic limit shall not exceed one-
tenth of the 48-hour median tolerance limit, except that other
limiting concentrations may be used in specific cases when
justified on the basis of available evidence and approved by the
regulatory authority."
"Other Substances - The control of other substances not hereto-
fore mentioned will be guided by the U.S. Public Health
Service Drinking Water Standards of 1962, or latest revision
thereof, and accumulated scientific data on limits above
which injury to use occurs. Pollutional substances will
be maintained below maximum permissible concentrations for
public water supplies, recreation requirements, agricultural
needs and other beneficial uses.(c)*"
Oregon has no specific criteria limiting nitrates. They do
have an approved antidegradation statement to protect existing
high quality interstate waters from damaging amounts of
28
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Oregon
(Cont'd)
P enn sy1va nia
Rhode Island
nitrates. They have included two narrative statements in
their general standards for .interstate waters that could
be used to limit the amount of nitrates in such waters
should problems arise. These are:
"No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be
conducted which either alone or in combination with other
wastes or activities will cause in any waters of the State :
(4) The development of fungi or other growths having a
deleterious effect on stream bottoms, fish or other
aquatic life or which are injurious to health, recrea-
tion or industry.
(5) The creation of tastes or odors or toxic or other
conditions that are deleterious to f ish or other
aquatic life or affect the potability of drinking
water or the palatability of fish or shellfish."
Pennsylvania water quality standards do not contain specific
criteria for nitrates. Approved antidegradation statement
could be used to protect existing high quality waters from
harmful amounts Of nitrates. The narrative statement
contained under Section 4, General Criteria could be used
to limit nitrates in interstate waters where problems from
such nutrients occur. The statement is:
"The water shall not contain substances attributable to
municipal, industrial or other waste discharges in concentra-
tion or amounts sufficient to be inimical or harmful to the
water uses to be protected or to human, animal, plant or
aquatic life. Specific substances to be controlled include,
but are not limited to, floating debris, oil, scum and other
floating materials; toxic substances; substances that pro-
duce color, tastes, odors or settle to form sludge deposits."
No specific criteria to limit nitrates. Approved antidegra-
dation statement that could be used to protect existing high
quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates. The water
quality standards assigned the freshwater classification of
Class A, B, C, and D each include the following narrative
statement that could be used in limiting the amount of nitrates
being discharged into interstate waters having nutrient
problems: "Waters shall be free from chemical constituents;
in concentrations or combinations which would be harmful to
human, animal, or aquatic life for the appropriate, most
sensitive and governing water class use. In areas where fisher-
ies are the governing considerations and approved limits have no1
been established, bio-assays shall be performed as required
by the appropriate agencies. For public drinking water
29
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Rhode Island
(Cont'd)
South Carolina
supplies the limits prescribed by the United States Public
Health Service may be used where not superseded by more
stringent signatory State requirements."
The water quality standards assigned to saltwater classifi-
cations SA, SB, SC, and SD have the following narrative state-
ment that could be used to limit where problems arise': "None
in concentrations or combinations which would be harmful to
human, animal, or aquatic life or which would make the waters
unsafe or unsuitable for fish or shellfish or their propaga-
tion, impair the palatability of same, or impair the waters
for any other uses."
No specific criteria limiting the nitrate content of inter-
state waters. They have an approved antidegradation statement
that could be used to protect existing high quality waters
from harmful amounts of nitrate. They also have the following
narrative statements that could be applicable in limiting
nitrates in problem areas :
"Source of water supply for drinking, culinary or food pro-
cessing purposes shall mean any source, either public or private
the waters from which are used for domestic consumption, or
used in connection with the processing of milk, beverages,
food or for other purposes which require finished water meeting
U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards."
"The waters of the State shall be free from: Materials
attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other waste
which produce taste, odor, or change the existing color or
other physical and chemical conditions in the receiving stream
to such degree as to create a nuisance, or that interfere
directly or indirectly with water uses/ and high-temperature,
toxic, corrosive or other deleterious substances attributable
to sewage, industrial waste, or other waste in concentrations
or combinations which interfere directly or indirectly with
water uses, or which are harmful to human, animal, plant or
aquatic life."
Class SA water quality standards contains the following
narrative statement that could be used to limit nitrates
where problems exist: "Toxic wastes, deleterious substances,
colored or other wastes. None alone or in combination with
other substances or wastes in sufficient amounts as to be
injurious to edible fish or shellfish or the culture or propa-
gation thereof, or which in any manner shall adversely affect
the flavor, color, odor, or sanitary condition thereof
30
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South Carolina
(Cont'd)
South Dakota
Tennessee
or impair the waters for any other best usage as determined
for the specific waters which are assigned to this class."
The following narrative statement could be used to limit
nitrates 1 or all clEses of water other than Domestic Water
Supply and Recreation which have specific criteria:
"Toxic Materials. No materials shall be discharged to any
surface water or watercourse in the State which produce con-
centrations of chemicals toxic to humans, animals or the most
sensitive stage or form of aquatic life greater than 0.1 times
the 96-hour median tolerance limit for short residual compounds
or 0.01 times the median tolerance limit for accumulative
substances or substances exhibiting a residual life exceeding
30 days in the receiving waters."
"Median tolerance concentrations shall be based on the results
of the most recent research results for the material being
studied or, in case of disagreement, by bioassay tests simu-
lating actual stream conditions run in accordance with
procedures outlined in latest edition of'Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Wastewater1 published by the
American Public Health Association and using test animals or
organisms specified by the Committee."
"Concentrations specified for toxic materials shall be based on
daily averages, but the concentrations shall not exceed 125%
of the value specified at any time or in any section of the
receiving water."
Waters classed for Domestic Water Supply and Recreation have
the following specific criteria limiting nitrates :
Domestic Water Supply
Nitrates not more than 10 mg/l(as N) or 45 mg/1 as (1*103)
Recreation
Nitrates as (N03) not more than 50 mg/1
Have approved antidegradation statement that could be used
to limit nitrates causing problems in existing high quality
waters.
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation state-
ment whddh could be used to protect existing high quality
waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Does have an.antidegradation statement to protect existina
high quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrdles There
are no specific criteria limiting the amount of nitrates in
interstate waters.
The following narrative statements under use classifications
could be used to restrict nitrates in problem areas:
."Domestic Raw Water Supply
K. Other Pollutants - other pollutants shall not be added
31
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Tennessee
(Cont'd)
Texas
Utah
to the water in quantities that may be detrimental to public
health or impairs the usefulness of the water as a source
of domestic wat-er supply."
"industrial Water Supply
J. Other Pollutants-Other pollutants shall not be added to the
waters in quantities that may adversely affect the water for
industrial processing."
"Fish and Aquatic Life
H. Other Pollutants - other pollutants shall not be added to
the waters that will be detrimental to fish or aquatic life."
"Recreation
I. Other Pollutants - other pollutants shall not be added to
the water in quantities which may have a detrimental effect on
recreation."
No specific criteria. A narrative statement that could be
used to protect waters from excessive nitrate concentrations is
"Taste and odor producing substances shall be limited to con-
centrations in the waters of the state that will not interfere
with the production of potable water by reasonable water
treatment methods, or impart unpalatable flavor to food fish
including shellfish, or result in offensive odors rising from
the waters or otherwise interfere with the reasonable use of
the waters."
Approved antidegradation statement.
No specific criteria. Narrative statements:
Class A
"It shall be unlawful to discharge or place any wastes or
other substances in such a way as to interfere with the stated
Class "A" Water uses,. . ."
Class B
"It shall be unlawful to discharge or place any wastes or
other substances in such a way as to interfere with the
stated Class "B" water uses, ..."
Class C
"It shall be unlawful to discharge or place any wastes or
other substances in such a way as to interfere with the
stated Class "C" water uses, ..."
Have approved antidegradation statement.
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Vermont Have an approved antidegradation statement to protect
existing high quality water from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Rules 8 and 9 of the Vermont water quality standards concern-
ing discharge requirements for Class A and B waters limit the
discharge of nutrients including nitrates as follows:
"RULE 8: Discharges Prohibited - Class A Waters
In accordance with the antidegradation provisions of Rule 2
there shall be no discharge of wastes into Class A waters that
does not meet or exceed the technical and other requirements
for such waters nor shall there be any new discharges of
wastes containing any form of nutrients which would encourage
eutrophication or growth of weeds or algae from the date of the
adoption of this rule.
RULE 9; Discharges Restricted - Class B Lakes and Ponds
In accordance with the anti-degradation provisions of Rule
2 there shall be no new discharge of wastes into any lake,
pond or reservoir, natural or artificial, lying wholly
within the state's boundaries, or into the tributaries thereto
which does not meet the technical and other requirements for
Class B waters nor shall there be any new discharge of wastes
containing any form of nutrients which would encourage
eutrophication or growth of weeds and algae from the date of
adoption of this rule. Any existing waste discharge contain-
ing soluble or other nutrients, which would encourage eutro-
phication or growth of weed and algae, shall be treated so as
to remove such nutrients to the extent that such removal is or
may become technically and reasonably feasible."
The narrative statement, Rule 12 of the Vermont water quality
standards, should be applicable to limit nitrates doing
damage to interstate waters, according to the interpretation
made in Martin L. Johnson's letter of July 27, 1971,
to Mr. Klashman, Acting Regional Director of Region 1.
Mr. Johnson is Commissioner of Water Resources for the
State of Vermont. The statement and interpretation are as
follows:
"RULE 12; Chemical, Radiological Constituents
Wastes shall be free of 'chemical and radiological constituents
which would be harmful to the governing water class use. In
areas where fisheries are the governing consideration and
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Vermont approved 1 units have not been established, bio-assays shall
(Cont'd) be performed as required by the appropriate state agencies.
"The new regulations are very strict with regard to the dis-
charge of chemical or radiological constituents. In inter-
preting tht; narrative criteria, we will not permit the
concentrations of these constituents due to effluent dis-
charges to exceed those numerical limits set forth in the
Public Health Service Drinking Water Standard."
Public Health Drinking Water Standards limit nitrates to
less than 45 mg/1.
Virginia "1.05 In addition to other standards established for the
protection of public or municipal water supplies, the following
standards vdll apply at the raw water intake point:
Nitrates pJus Nitrites 10 mg/1"
Has an approved antidegradation statement to protect existing
high quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Have special standards applicable to specific interstate waters
and or as assigned that limit the amount of nutrients in
effluents, including nitrates.
Have special standards limiting nutrients, including nitrates
in specific interstate waters as assigned. They are:
"h. Objective for Nutrients - The cumulative total of nitrogen
as N from all sources in the effluent shall not be greater
than 0.5 mg/1 at any time; phosphorus as P from all sources
in the effluent shall not be greater than 1.0 mg/l+ at any
time.
i. The State Water Control Board has directed and/or ordered
the following:
•i
1. That all existing discharges in accordance with h above
shall substantially remove the nutrients in their effluents on
or before -.such time as central facilities (The Hampton Roads
Sanitation District Commission Chesapeake-Elizabeth System)
become available or connect to central facilities, (i.e. The
Chesapeake-Elizabeth System).
2. That it will consider approving small discharges to this
watershed to facilitate the elimination of potential public
health hazards provided central facilities (Chesapeake-
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Virginia Elizabeth System) are not available, and
(Cont'd)
3. That it will not allow additional significant new
discharges to this watershed, which do not provide for
nutrient removal facilities in accordance with h above.
j. The following, from Minute 73 of the proceedings of the
Board at its meeting on July 11-12, 1966, will also apply:
For discharge to the Chickahominy River and its tributaries
below Bottoms Bridge, effluent quality obtainable with
conventional secondary sewage treatment plants with approved
plans is acceptable, except that the following specifications
shall be met:
Constituent Analysis Schedule Concentration
2 Inorganic Once/week on a com- Nitrate (as N) not
Nutrients posite sample to exceed .5 ppm.
Total phosphate
(as PC>4) not to
exceed 1.5 ppm
In lieu of the above requirements, conventional secondary
sewage treatment plants may ordinarily be used anywhere in
the Chickahominy River Basin, provided holding ponds, capable
of retaining the entire plant effluent during low flow criti-
cal conditions, are constructed. "Low flow" is construed to
mean less then 15 cubic feet per second in the main stem of
the Chickahominy River itself at the (1) point of waste
discharge to the main stem, or (2) confluence of a tributary
below the point of waste discharge to the tributary. Below
Bottoms Bridge, holding ponds with at least 60-day retention
capacity (August 14 to October 13) may be required, if in the
opinion of the Board's staff it is deemed necessary.
k. The following from Minute 73 of the proceedings of the
Board at its meeting on July 11-12, 1966, will also apply:
Constituent Analysis Schedule Concentration
5 Ammonia Same as bio-chemical Not to exceed 2.0
oxygen demand on PPm as N
specially preserved
samples
Inorganic Once/week on a Nitrate (as N) not
Nutrients composite sample to exceed .3 ppm,
total phosphate
(as P04.) not to
exceed .6 ppm (mean
values in the
Ch i ckahomi ny)
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Virginia In lieu of the above requirements, conventional secondary
(Cont'd) sewage treatment plants may ordinarily be used anywhere in
the Chickahominy River Basin, provided holding ponds,
capable of retaining the entire plant effluent during low
flow critical conditions, arc constructed. "Low f.low"
in construed to mean less than li> cubic feet per second in
the main s i-em of the Chickahom my River itself at the (1)
point of wciste discharge to tho main stem, or (2) confluence
of a tributary below the point of waste discharge to the
tributary. Above Bottoms Bridge the holding ponds are to
retain the entire plant effluent for at least 90 days
(July 15 to October 13).
r. The following will also apply to the Occoquan Creek Water-
shed :
(1) It was willing to permit the discharge of treated sewage
effluent from an additional 25,000 persons with the stipulation
that:
(a) nutrient removal facilities be constructed in each case.
s. The following, from Minute 20 of the proceedings of the
Board at its meeting on January 16, 1969, will also apply to
the Powhatnn Creek Watershed:
1. A.I 1 proposals for treated waste discharges to the Powhatan
Creek Watershed will in the future be approved only after:
(a) Engineering data has been submitted indicating the
capability of the proposed treatment facilities to remove
all phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.
(b) Owners with facilities existing at the time of this
action will, in a period not to exceed 60 days, submit to the
Board, engineering reports and pollution abatement schedules
indicating the maximum concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen
compounds which they can remove from waste waters prior to
discharge. No schedule providing a time period exceeding three
years will be approved. Modification or replacement of exist-
ing treatment facilities may be necessary.
2. It will entertain from owners in the area a proposal for
development of:
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Virgin!a
(Cont'd)
Washington
(a) A central facility to treat all wastes at a point
outside the Watershed, where phosphorus and nitrogen
removal will probably not be necessary, or
(b) Treatment facilities inside the Watershed which
include complete removal of all phosphorus and nitrogen
compounds."
Have an approved antidegradation statement that could be used
to limit nitrates in existing high quality waters.
The Toxic, Radioactive or Deleterious Material Concentra-
tions and the Aesthetic Values statements for each water use
classification could possibly be used to limit the amount of
nitrates in interstate waters. They are:
"Class AA
Toxic, Radioactive or Deleterious Material Concentrations^
shall be less than those which may affect public health, the
natural aquatic environment, or the desirability of the
water for any usage.
Aesthetic Values shall not be impaired by the presence of
materials or their effects, excluding those of natural origin,
which offend the senses of sight, smell, touch or taste."
"Class A
"Toxic Radioactive or Deleterious Material Concentrations
shall be below those of public health significance, or which ma^
cause acute or chronic toxic conditions to the aquatic biota, o~
which may adversely affect any water use.
Aesthetic Values shall not be impaired by the presence of
materials or their effects, excluding those of natural origin,
which offend the senses of sight, smell, touch or taste."
"Class B
''Toxic, Radioactive or Deleterious Material Concentrations
shall be below those which adversely affect public health
during the exercise of characteristic usages, or which may
cause acute or chronic toxic conditions to the aquatic biota,
or which may adversely affect characteristic water uses.
Aesthetic Values shall not be reduced by dissolved, suspended,
floating or submerged matter, not attributable to natural
causes, so as to affect water usage or taint the flesh of
edible species."
"Class C
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Washington
(Cont'd)
West Virginia
"Toxic, K. i 1 o o c i i vc o t Do 1 o t c i i.ous Me. ti-rial Concentrations
sha] 1 be l-^Jow those v.-hich ad^ersely affect public health
during the exercise of charac!eristic usages, or which
may cause acute or chronic t. \-ic conditions to the aquatic
biota, or which may adversely affect characteristic
water uses..
Aesthetic Valuer: shall not be interfered with by the
presence of: obnoxious wastes, slimes, or aquatic growths
or by materials that will taint the flesh of edible species."
All of the interstate waters of West Virginia are assigned
criteria wiich limits nitrates as (^3) to less than 45 mg/1.
Have approved antidegradation statement that could be used
to limit nitrates causing trouble in existing high quality
waters.
Wisconsin
Have an approved antidegradation statement that could be used
to limit nitrates causing problems in existing high Duality
waters.
These are several narrative statements that could be used to
limit problems causing nitrates. These are:
1. "Minimum Standards. Regardless of the water quality stand-
ards and water use, untreated or inadequately treated wastes
may not impair a designated use nor may standards be inter-
preted to permit a lower quality within a water sector than
that existing or required by outstanding orders..."
2. "Substances in concentrations or combinations which are
toxic or harmful to humans shall not be present in amounts
found to be of public health significance, nor shall sub-
stances be present in amounts, which by bio-assay and other
appropriate tests, indicate acute or chronic levels harmful to
animal, plcnt or aquatic life."
The only specific criteria is provided by a statement applying tc
interstate waters used for public water supplies„ That is:
11 (d) The intake water supply will be such that by appropriate
treatment end adequate safeguaids it will meet the Public
Health Service Drinking Water Standards, 1962.,."
Public Hea]th Service Drinking Water Standards state that
nitrate as (N03) should not exceed 45 mg/1.
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Wyomi ng
District or
Columbia
Guam
Have no specific criteria limiting nitrates in interstate
waters.
No narrative statement that could be used to limit nitrates
in interstate waters where such substances are caasing
problems.
The state Standards include an approved non-degradation state-
ment which could be used to protect existing high quality
waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
I hey have no specific criteria limiting nitrates in interstate
waters.
The following narrative statement from the District of Columbia
water quality standards could be used to limit nitrates where
problems attributable to them exist in the interstate waters:
"Materials attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other
waste which produce taste, odor, or appreciably change tne
existing color or other physical and chemical conditions in trie
receiving streams to such degree as to create a nuisance, or
that interfere directly or indirectly with water uses . . . ."
The State Standards include an approved non-degradation
statement which could be used to protect existing high
quality waters from harmful amounts of nitrates.
Have an approved antidegradation statement that could be
used to limit nitrates causing problems in existing high
quality waters.
The two following freedom statements could be used to limit
nitrates causing problems in interstate waters:
"Free from substances and conditions thereof attributable to
sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes, or other wastes
that will induce undesirable aquatic life.
Free from suostances and conditions thereof attributable to
sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes toxic or irritant
to humans, animals, plants, and aquatic life."
Waters classed as Domestic Water bupply have both specific
criteria and a narrative statement. Tney are:
"Treated surrace waters used for public or domestic water
supply shall meet the recommendations or the Public Health
Service Drinking Water Standards."
They recommend not more than 4t> mg/1 as
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Guam
(Cont'd)
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
"Ammonia nitrogen shall be less than .01 mg/1 as N."
Waters classed for the Propagation of Fish and Other Aquatic
Life limit nutrients such as nitrates as follows:
"The naturally occurring ratio and concentrations of nitro-
gen and phosphorus will be maintained in near shore waters and
fresh waters."
The water quality standards of Puerto Rico have no specific
criteria limiting nitrates in interstate waters.
Have an approved antidegradation statement that could be
used to restrict the amount of nitrates causing problems in
existing high quality waters.
Contains a narrative statement that could be used to limit ni-
trates in interstate waters where problems arising from them
exist. It is:
"1. Class SA
Existing natural conditions shall not be altered."
"2. Class SB
e. Toxic wates or deleterious substances alone or in
combination with other substances or wastes in
sufficient amounts , which in any way obviously
affect the flavor, color, odor, or sanitary
conditions of the waters...."
Have no specific criteria to limit nitrates in interstate
water.
Have no narrative statement that could be used to limit nitrates
in problem areas.
Have an approved antidegradation statement that could be used
to limit nitrates causing problems for existing high quality
waters.
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