I
                                  PRO*
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS CRITERIA DIGEST
 A COMPILATION OF FEDERAL/STATE CRITERIA ON
           -NITRATES-
   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
           WASHINGTON, D.C.


-------
                                                           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:

-------
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

-------
 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."

-------
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."

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
 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.

-------
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.

-------
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.

-------
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.
                                 10

-------
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."

                                          11

-------
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.
                                          12

-------
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.
                                                  13

-------
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:
                                           14

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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

-------
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.
                                       32

-------
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
                                          33

-------
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-
                                                  34

-------
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)

                                     35

-------
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:
                                             36

-------
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
                                         37

-------
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.
                                              38

-------
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
                                          39

-------
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.
                                            40

-------