&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Science and
Technology (4301)'
Washington, DC 20460
823-N-94-001
APRIL 1994
Water
NEWSLETTER
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
ECOLOGICAL RISK: NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE WATER PROGRAM The Office
of Water is incorporating watershed management into regulatory
and non-regulatory programs. To help ensure the success of
watershed management, OST initiated an Agency-wide effort in 1993
to develop a scientific process and guidance for conducting
watershed level ecological risk assessments.
National Guidance for Ecological Risk Assessment. A Technical
Panel, jointly sponsored by the Office of Water and Risk
Assessment Forum and chaired by Suzanne
Marcy from HECD, was established to
develop watershed level ecological risk
assessment case studies. The Technical
Panel includes five workgroups composed
of EPA staff from ORD labs, Regions and
program offices plus professionals from
other federal, state and local
organizations. Watersheds selected for
development include the Middle Platte
River Wetlands, NE (featured below). Big
Darby Creek, OH, Clinch River, VA, Snake
River, ID and Waquoit Bay Estuary, MA.
The watershed ecological risk assessments
will both follow, and expand, the
principles established in the U.S. EPA
Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment.
Guidance based on the case studies will
support ecological risk assessments on a
landscape scale in watersheds of different type and size, and
those containing a variety of stressors and ecological resources
of concern. The potential benefits and limitations of using
ecological risk assessments in OW programs will be illustrated
using the case studies.
All case study workgroups are completing problem formulation in
preparation for a scheduled review by the Risk Assessment Forum
Ecorisk Oversight Group in April 1994. Problem formulation is
the initial phase of the risk assessment where the goals, breadth
and focus of the assessment is established. Major factors
considered during this process include stakeholder values,
ecosystem and stressor characteristics, observed ecological
effects, and ecological endpoints of concern. This evaluation
results in the development of conceptual models that include
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hypotheses about potential risks to ecological resources within
the watershed ecosystem. Drafts of the completed case studies
are anticipated in autumn 1994 when they will undergo outside
peer review through the Risk Assessment Forum. Final publication
is planned for December 1995.
Featured Case Study: Middle Platte River Wetlands. SASD is
playing a major role in one of the case
studies. The Middle Platte workgroup is
being chaired by Annette Huber, from SASD
along with Donna Sefton, Region 7
coordinator for the Watershed Protection
program. The Middle Platte River was
selected as a case study watershed because
of its importance to the migratory bird
flyway, presence of endangered species,
diversity of wetland types, and the
influence of human activities on these
resources. Samples of endpoints selected
for this case study include sandhill
cranes, western prairie fringed orchids,
and the community integrity of wetland
types including wet meadow, aquatic and
sandbar. Direct destruction of wetlands,
water withdrawal for irrigation and use of pesticides are
important stressors. To reduce impacts from these activities a
variety of management practices are being implemented. These
practices will be reviewed as part of the risk assessment
process. The case study was met with enthusiasm by organizations
active in Nebraska resource management. The Middle Platte
workgroup includes professionals from USGS, USFWS, Nebraska DEQ,
NE Game and Parks Commission, NE Natural Resources Commission,
Platte River Whooping Crane Habitat Maintenance Trust, local
Natural Resource Districts and the University of
Nebraska. However, farmers have expressed concern that
the case study will result in new regulations to
control water use. The workgroup is making special
efforts with local groups to communicate that the
purpose of the project is to learn how to conduct ecological risk
assessments, not regulate at the local level. Two public
meetings were held on March 16 and 17, 1994 to discuss local
concerns and build the risk management team.
Outcome. OW guidance should be available in December 1995. The
case studies and guidance documents will be used as the basis for
outreach, training modules and videotapes to help local, state
and federal risk managers. Watershed management plans based on
ecological risk assessments will help risk managers to prioritize
risk from multiple stressors and target limited environmental
dollars to achieve desired outcomes. Using this approach will
support the integration of current command and control regulatory
tools with non-traditional approaches (e.g., watershed protection
approach, biocriteria, sediment criteria, TMDLs).
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Contacts: For those interested in participating or receiving
additional information on the Technical Panel and case studies,
contact Suzanne Marcy at (202) 260-0689. For information or
participation on the Middle Platte workgroup contact Annette
Huber (202) 260-9843.
L
/
E.
DIRECTOR,
& APPLIED
TROVATO
STANDARDS
SCIENCE DIVISION
MARGARET J. STASIKOWSKI
DIRECTOR, HEALTH &
ECOLOGICAL CRITERIA DIVISION
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MEETING NOTICE - 4th
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
AND STANDARDS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
sponsoring the 4th National Conference on Water
Quality Criteria and
Standards for the 21st
Century, from Tuesday,
September 13 through
Thursday, September 15,
1994 at the Doubletree
Hotel in Pentagon City,
Arlington Virginia.
The purpose of the
Conference is to provide a
forum to discuss how to strengthen the role of
water quality criteria and standards in protecting
the nation's human health and aquatic resources.
Previous meetings have helped shape national
program and budget priorities, exchanged ideas,
and increased understanding of the implications of
new or emerging science and policy. The range of
issues discussed at the Conference will be
especially useful to State, Tribal, and Federal
regulatory authorities and members of industries,
professional and environmental groups, academic
researchers, and consultants. There is no
registration fee for the Conference. Registration
information may be obtained from: Betty
Peterson, Science Applications International
Corporation (SAIC), 7600-A Leesburg Pike, Falls
Church, VA 22043, Phone: (703) 734-3142, FAX:
(703) 821-4784.
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
DAVE SABOCK
(202) 260-1315
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
ACADEMY
Sessions of the "Water Quality Standards
Academy" have been scheduled in various
locations in FY 94. The "Water Quality Standards
Academy" is a basic introductory course designed
for those with fewer than six months experience
with the water quality standards and criteria
programs. Others may also benefit, including
veterans of the water quality standards and
criteria programs who may want a refresher
course.
Locations and dates are as follows:
Kansas City, Missouri
Albuqeurque, New Mexico
Sacramento, California
Atlanta, Georgia
Washington, D.C.
March 28-April 1
April 4-April 8
May 2-6
May 16-20
August 22-26
Contact Michele Vuotto, Dynamac Corporation,
for registration information at 301-417-6090.
The Office of Science and Technology (OST) has
entered into a cooperative venture with the U. S.
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service. A separate session of the "Water Quality
Standards Academy" will be held for employees of
the SCS later this year. The contact is Frances
Desselle (202) 260-1320.
MULTI-REGIONAL MEETINGS
ON WATER QUALITY
STANDARDS/CRITERIA AND
RELATED PROGRAMS
Planning for the Office of Science and
Technology's (OST) three multi-regional meetings
on water quality standards/criteria and related
programs is underway. The purpose is to provide
technical and policy information to States, Indian
Tribes, Regional Office personnel, environmental
groups, municipalities, industrial groups and
others. Meetings will be hosted by Regions 4, 5
and 10 and will be held in the following locations.
Knoxville, Tennessee
August 2 - 5, 1994
Chicago, Illinois
August 8 - 12, 1994 (This meeting will be
preceded by a half-day field trip.)
Seattle, Washington
August 29 - September 1, 1994
Details about specific agenda topics, registration
and other pertinent information will appear in
future issues of this Newsletter. Contact Frances
A. Desselle ( 202-260-1320) for information.
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INTERIM WATER-EFFECT
RATIO GUIDANCE COMPLETED
On February 22, 1994 we released a document
entitled "Interim Guidance on the Determination
and Use of Water-effect Ratios for Metals." This
guidance fulfills a commitment made by EPA in
the National Toxics Rule (57 FR 60848, December
22, 1992) to provide additional guidance on
developing site-specific criteria through the use of
the indicator species (or water-effect ratio)
procedure. Copies of this guidance can be
obtained from the following:
Education Resource Information
Center/Clearinghouse for Science,
Mathematics and Environmental
Education
1929 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1080 (Telephone:
(614) 292-6717)
Document No. D769
Cost: $19.75
National Technical Information Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161 (Telephone: (800)
553-6847)
Document No. PB94-140951
Cost: $27.00 paper; $12.50 microfiche
(U.S. domestic and Canada) plus, $3.00
handling charge with pre-payment
(American Express, Visa, and Mastercard
accepted)
The document can also be
downloaded from EPA's
Nonpoint Source
Electronic Bulletin Board
System (in a WordPerfect
5.1 file). To access the
Bulletin Board, a personal computer,
telecommunications software, a modem (1200,
2400, or 9600 baud), and a phone line that can
accommodate modem communications are needed.
The phone number for the Bulletin Board is
(301) 589-0205; the telecommunication parameters
are no parity, 8 bits, and 1 stop-bit (N-8-1).
To receive a copy of the guidance on diskette (3.5"
or 5.25" floppy for IBM compatible computers),
send a formatted diskette to Karen Gourdine,
Standards & Applied Science Division (430S),
USEPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC
20460.
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
HANDBOOK
All the copies of the Water Quality Standards
Handbook - Second Edition from the first printing
have been distributed. It is now available from
the following sources:
Education Resource Information
Center/Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics
and Environmental Education
1929 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1080
Telephone: (614) 292-6717
Document No: D338
Cost: $75.40 (VISA, MasterCard and purchase
order numbers from schools and businessess
accepted)
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 1-800-553-6847
Cost: $84.00 paper; $27.00 microfiche (U.S.
domestic and Canada) plus, $3.00 handling charge
with pre-payment (American Express, VISA and
MasterCard accepted).
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
BOB APRIL
(202) 260-7441
SEDIMENT QUALITY CRITERIA
PROGRAM
The first five sediment quality criteria (dieldrin,
endrin, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, and
phenanthrene) were noticed in the Federal
Register on January 18, 1994, as available for
public comment. The comment period which was
scheduled to end on April 18, 1994, is being
extended by 30 days to May 18, 1994. Copies of
the criteria documents and supporting materials
are available from the Office of Water Resource
Center (202)260-7786. Leave your name, phone
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number, address, and document request on the
tape. Documents should be received in
approximately one week. Questions other than
document requests can be directed to Mary Reiley
at 202-260-9456.
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT BRANCH
RUSS KINERSON
(202) 260-1330
QUAL2E WATER QUALITY
MODELING WORKSHOP
The Office of Science and Technology is
sponsoring a workshop on QUAL2E to be held at
the University of Colorado Engineering Center, in
Boulder, Colorado, from May
25 to May 27,1994. Dr. Steve
Chapra will be the course
coordinator and principal
instructor. He has taught
over thirty workshops on
water quality modeling and
has written four text books on
modeling and computer
engineering.
applications in
The Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model
QUAL2E has been widely used for establishing
TMDLs and NPDES permit limits. It provides
simulation of several water quality constituents in
a branching stream system using a finite difference
solution. The model includes the major
interactions of the nutrient cycles, algal
production, benthic carbonaceous oxygen demand,
atmospheric reaeration, and their effect on the
dissolved oxygen balance. In addition, the
computer program includes a heat balance for the
computation of temperature and mass balances for
conservative minerals, coliform bacteria, and
nonconservative constituents such as radioactive
substances. Chlorophyll a is modeled as the
indicator of planktonic algae biomass. The
workshop will be broken into six lectures and
hands-on sessions.
Questions concerning the course content should be
directed to Dr. Chapra (303) 492-7573.
Information on registration, transportation, and
lodging can be obtained from Sandi Braithberg
(303) 492-3972.
MIXING ZONE MODELING
WORKSHOP
The OST is also sponsoring a workshop on the
theory and application of mixing zone models,
which will be held at the University of Portland
Multnomah School of Engineering, in Portland,
Oregon, from May 2 to May 4, 1994. Dr. Robert
Doneker, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering,
will be the course coordinator and principal
instructor. He has actively participated in mixing
zone model development.
In order to assess the near-field impacts of toxic
and thermal discharges to lakes, rivers and
estuaries, the Office of Science & Technology
developed a series of mixing zone assessment
models. CORMIX and EPA PLUME are two of
the most important mixing zone models. The
CORMIX model consists of three similar models
(CORMIX 1, CORMIX 2, CORMIX 3) for
assessing impacts of discharges in shallow waters.
CORMIX 1 and CORMIX 2 models are used to
assess subsurface single and multi-port discharges,
respectively. CORMIX 3 can be used to assess
surface discharges. The EPA PLUME model is
used to assess impacts in relatively deep waters.
Questions concerning the course content should be
directed to Dr. Doneker (503) 283-7316.
Information on registration, transportation, and
lodging can be obtained form Lorraine Yoder
(503) 283-7314.
SWMM Modeling Workshop
The EPA, University of
Colorado, and Federal
Emergency Management
Agency are sponsoring a
5-day workshop on the
Storm Water
Management Model
(SWMM), to be held in
the new computer
laboratory at the
Engineering Center of the
University of Colorado in Boulder, from June 27
to July 1, 1994. The first three days will be a
SWMM computer workshop, taught by Dr Wayne
Huber, from Oregon State University, Dr. James
Heaney, at the University of Colorado, and Mike
Schmidt, with Camp Dresser McKee. The last
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two days will be a conference on the application of
SWMM and other storm water quality models.
SWMM is a comprehensive model for simulating
urban runoff quantity and quality in storm and
combined sewer systems. All aspects of the urban
hydrologic and quality cycles are simulated,
including surface and subsurface runoff, transport
through the drainage network, storage and
treatment. Questions concerning the course
content should be directed to Dr. James Heaney
(303) 492-7315. Information on registration,
transportation, and lodging can be obtained from -
Ms. Debbie Cook at (303) 492-5151. Her address
is: University of Colorado, Office of Conference
Services, 500 30th Street, Campus Box 454,
Boulder, CO 80309-0454.
GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY
INITIATIVE
FRED LEUTNER
(202) 260-152
EPA has received comments from over 5,000
respondents totalling over 23,000 pages on the
proposed Water Quality Guidance for the Great
Lakes System. EPA staff
in Headquarters, Region
5, and other offices are in
the process of reviewing
and assessing the issues
raised in the comments.
EPA is under a court
order to sign the final rule
on or before March 13,
1995.
EPA has scheduled a
public meeting on the proposed Water Quality
Guidance for the Great Lakes System for April
26, 1994, in Chicago EL. The purpose of the
meeting is to provide an opportunity to members
of the public to express views on the written
comments of other parties submitted during the
public comment period. Interested parties who
provided comments on the proposal should not,
and do not need to, restate their views at the April
26, 1994, meeting. All comments received in the
August 1993 public hearing and all written
comments received during the public comment
periods will be considered by the Agency in the
final rulemaking. EPA also invites elected officials
and other representatives of State, local, and
Tribal governments to attend the meeting. EPA
encourages such participation, in accordance with
Executive Order 12875, Enhancing the
Intergovernmental Partnership, issued October 26,
1993.
MANAGEMENT CHANGES
You will have noticed by now a new name on the
cover note for this quarter's Newsletter. On
February 22,1994, we welcomed Ramona Trovato
as the new director of the Standards and Applied
Science Division. Ramona has extensive
management experience in EPA, most recently as
director of the Ground Water Protection Division.
We look forward to working with her.
Bill Diamond is now applying his leadership skills
as the new director of the Drinking Water
Standards Division. We wish him well hi his new
position.
On March 7 another familiar presence in the
Office of Water for many years, Martha Prothro,
left her position as Deputy Assistant Administrator
for Water to serve on the Administrator's staff as
Director of the Tribal Operations Team.
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