Science
SCIENCE lies at the heart of the mission of the U.S. Env/ronmenta/ Protection Agency (EPA). The Agency must rely on cutting edge research, accurate
measurements and effective technology to implement its programs to protect the environment and human health. Without sound science and credible data,
EPA can not wisely set environmental and health standards, dean up contaminated sites, measure ambient air and water quality conditions, or identify the new
technologies or practices that will reduce releases to the environment These fact sheets share with you some of our EPA New England's laboratory capabilities
and exemplify some of the very best science we do to meet our agency mission.
GOAL:
The New England Wadeable Streams study collected chemical, biological and physical data from over 300 streams
across the region with the primary goal of assessing their ecological condition. Specific chemical and biological
indicators were selected for identifying current stresses on stream systems with the intent of guiding future
management strategies for preserving high quality streams and restoring those flowing waters that are
impaired. The study provided an opportunity for EPA and the New England states to compare their monitoring
and assessment methods and subsequently better characterize the ecological health of these water bodies.
KEY CONTACTS:
HILARY SNOOK
Environmental Scientist
(617) 918-8670
snook.hilary@epa.gov
KATRINA KIPP
Chief, Ecosystem Assessment
(617) 918-8309
kipp.katrina@epa.gov
ROBERT HILLGER
Senior Science Advisor
(617) 918-8660
hillger.robert@epa.gov
GENERAL INFO:
EPA NEW ENGLAND
REGIONAL LABORATORY
11 Technology Dr.
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
(617) 918-8300
www.epa.gov/ne/lab
TOLL-FREE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1-800-EPA-7341
PROGRESS:
Starting in 2003, EPA New England, in partnership with
the New England state environmental agencies, EPA
Office of Research and Development's Atlantic Ecol-
ogy Division in Narragansett, Rl, and the New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEI-
WPCQ, initiated the New England Wadeable Streams
(NEWS) study, a multi-year regional study to assess the
current water quality and ecological condition of New
England's wadeable streams. Although most state water
quality monitoring programs have been centered spe-
cifically on targeted monitoring locations, the NEWS
project selected streams utilizing a random probability-
based method. This statistically robust approach allows
statements of water body health to be applied to the
entire population of the region's wadeable streams, and
not just to sites selected for sampling. The study has
provided scientists and the public useful information for
managing the overall health of all streams within New
England watersheds.
EPA and state scientists collected 4,290 water qual-
ity samples which were analyzed for pH, temperature,
dissolved oxygen, total suspended sediment, turbidity,
nutrients, alkalinity, hardness, organic carbon, color, to-
tal phosphorus, total mercury, lead and cadmium. They
surveyed fish and invertebrate communities in 49.500
meters of streams, and at each monitoring site, scientists
evaluated the adjacent stream and riparian habitats
and characterized surrounding land uses within the
watershed, The data provided EPA and the states with
information on the diversity and range of species in the
region, the current ecological health offish communi-
ties, and insight about pervasive stresses impacting the
region's wadeable streams. As part of NEWS, EPA and
state scientists developed and then used specific de-
scriptive ecological criteria for characterizing the bio-
logical condition within the stream sampling segments.
Study results found that most streams were moderate-
ly impaired, with streams showing some replacement
of sensitive aquatic species by more pollution tolerant
ones. The primary stressors impacting New England
stream systems are nutrients, fine sediments from run-
off, alterations of natural streamflow conditions, and
alteration of stream and riparian habitat
BENEFITS:
The NEWS study provided EPA and its partners with
a statistically valid assessment of water quality and eco-
logical health across the region. By sharing this critical
data, stream management decisions are better informed
and more effective, and the states and EPA have formed
stronger and more collaborative working partnerships.
Completed in 2007, the results of the study are available
at www.epa.gov/NE/lab/news.html.
&EPA
L United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
© printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum oF 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks
EPA-901-F-09-022
April 2009
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