United States	Office of Wetlands,	EPA 841 -N-94-001
Environmental Protection Oceans and Watersheds February 1994
Agency
-&EPA The Water Monitor
based on data collected from Northeast lakes. The
second section was a panel-led discussion focusing on
selection and standardization of sampling methods,
evaluation of candidate metrics, reference site selection
and comparison of indicator requirements for making
region-level (EMAP) versus lake-specific (BCP)
assessments.
For information concerning the workshop, contact
Peter Vaux, Harry Reid Center for Environmental
Studies, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, 4505
Maryland Parkway, Box 454009, Las Vegas, NV
89154-4009, (702) 895-3382, FAX (702) 895-3094.
MAINE: Volunteer Conference: The Maine State
Planning Office and University of Maine Cooperative
Extension will sponsor a fourth annual Water Quality
Monitoring Fair for volunteer monitoring groups,
"Water, Water Everywhere," on March 26,1994 in
Newcastle, Maine. Concurrent workshops will feature
over 30 expert presenters from New England, Colo-
rado and Nova Scotia. Topics at this year's fair
include: organizing and funding a program; incorpo-
rating quality assurance elements; interpreting data;
approaches for watershed protection; and biological
monitoring. There will be displays and resource tables
sponsored by existing monitoring programs.
For more information, contact the Maine State Plan-
ning Office at (207) 287-3261.
RHODE ISLAND: Meeting of New England
Biologists: The Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management (RIDEM) hosted the
18th annual meeting of the New England Associa-
tion of Environmental Biologists (NEAEB) on
March 2-4,1994 in Newport, Rhode Island. Topics
highlighted for discussion included metals contami-
nation and assessment; targeted nonpoint source
programs; watershed permitting and monitoring;
case studies incorporating biological monitoring and
assessments; and wet weather programs.
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Soy/Canola Ink on paper that
contain* at least 50% recycled fiber
Regional and State Actmties
Region 1
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring, 305(b), Volunteer Monitoring: Diane
Switzer (617) 860-4377
Waterbody System: Al Pratt (617) 860-4379
303(dyTMDL: Mark Voorhees (617) 565-4173
Nonpoint Source: Bob Moorehouse (617) 565-3513
Clean Lakes: Warren Howard (617) 565-3515
REGIONAL OFFICE: Workshop on Biological
Indicators for Lakes: The New England Association
of Environmental Biologists (NEAEB) hosted a
workshop, "Developing Fish and Macrobenthos
Indicators for Lake Assessments," at its meeting in
March (see related story below). EPA's Environmen-
tal Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) and
Biological Criteria Program (BCP) are currently
developing a series of biological indicators for assess-
ing the ecological condition of lakes; this workshop
focused on a number of the issues associated with
evaluating the potential of lake fish and benthic
invertebrate assemblages as ecological indicators. The
first section of the workshop included presentations
What's inside ...
On the Bookshelf.	p. 6
Headquarters Activities	p. 8
Calendar Highlights	p. 10
Order and Comment Form	p. 11

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For more information contact Bob Richardson,
RJDEM, Division of Water Resources, 291
Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908-5767,
(401) 277-6519.
• Ne v )‘ork
Region NPeUwO eR O
Virgin islands
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring: Randy Braun (908) 321-6692
305(b), Waterbody System: X n-Mai Tian
(212)264-3188
Volunteer Monitoring: Diane Calesso (908)321-6728
30 d)ITMDL: Rose/la O’Connor (212)264-8479
Nonpoint Souice: Mack Henning (212) 264-2059
Clean Lakes: Terrj Faber (212) 264-8708
REGIONAL OFFICE: 1993 R-EMAP Sampling:
RegIon 2 Environmental Services Division (ESD)
personnel completed the 1993 sampling portion of
their Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assess-
ment Program (R-EMAP), “Sediment Quality Assess-
ment of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex and the Regional
Validation of EMAP-Like Indicators of Sediment
Quality.” EMAP staff assisted the Region in determin-
ing the appropriate random stations for sampling. EPA
staff and the EPA vessels Clean Waters and Anderson
conducted the sampling.
The ESD sampled a total of 85 stations in 6 basins of
the haibor complex and analyzed for chemical param-
eters, toxicity and benthic conununity structure. The 6
basins were: Upper NY Harbor, Jamaica Bay, western
Long Island Sound, Newark Bay, NY Bight Apex, and
Lower NY Harbor/Raritan Bay. Complete results for
the first year of this two-year study are expected by
June 30, 1994. For more information, contact Darvene
Adams at (908) 321-6700.
NEW JERSEY: aean Method Sampling Protocol
for Ambient Trace Metal Monitoring: The Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection and Energy’s
(DEPE) Office of Water Monitoring Management has
developed a draft clean methods monitoring protocol.
Entitled, “Clean Methods Techniques to be Used
When Sampling for Trace Metals in Aqueous
Samples,” its objective is to provide monitoring
accurate to 1 part per billion (ppb).
Method validation is currently underway. The draft
protocol addresses equipment precleaning, source
water, reagent quality, field blanks, sample collection,
filtration (dissolved metals) and atmospheric contami-
nation.
In conjunction with this work, several laboratories are
being evaluated regarding 1 ppb analytical capabilities.
The impetus for the work is the low level monitoring
requirements for trace metals in DEPE’s watershed
management initiative. For more information, contact
Bill Honachefsky at (609) 292-0427.
Nonpoint Stormwater Study: The NJ DEPE and
the US Geological Survey are cooperating on a study
of stormwater pollutant loads in Barnegat Bay, New
Jersey. Participants will conduct storm event
monitoring and base flow monitoring to estimate
annual loads from three distinct land use types.
They will evaluate basic water quality parameters
such as dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, nutri-
ents and fecal coliform bacteria. The state will use
information obtained from this study to estimate the
impact of stormwater on water quality in the Bay.
Techniques developed may be used in future studies
for stonnwater impacts in other estuaries and in the
evaluation of best management practices (BMP)
effectiveness. For more information, contact James
Mumman at (609) 292-1623.
Improving Water Quality Trends in NJ Estuarine/
Marine Waters: The NJ Office of Water Monitoring
Management has found a general improving trend in
the quality of NJ marine and estuarine waters based on
increases in acreages of water from which shellfish can
be harvested. During 1976-1994, the state found an
11% increase in the acreage of harvestable waters.
Shellfish water classifications are based on shoreline,
hydrographic, and bacteriological surveys. The
Bureau of Marine Water Classification and Analysis
has proposed changes to shellfish water classifications
which call for the upgrading of approximately 285
acres. For more information, contact Bill Elsele at
(609) 749-2000.
2

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NEW YORK: Ramapo River Assessment Re-
port: The NY State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) has completed a biological
assessment of the Ramapo River, sampled on August
24, 1993. Compared to sampling in 1991, the study
found that water quality improved substantially
downstream of the main Orange County Sewer
District #1 discharge at Hamman. The discharge
now does not adverse ‘affect instream fauna.
Water quality from Southflelds to Hillburn remains
slightly impaired. Since the Ramapo provides little
dilution to the Orange County Sewer District #1
treated effluent, treatment efficiencies must be
maintained to assure aquatic life health in the
waterbody. This has been difficult to maintain in the
past. For more Information, contact Peter Mack at
(518) 457-3495.
Long Island Sound Study: DEC representatives
participated In the Long Island Sound Study monitor-
ing plan workshop held at the Stony Brook SUNY
campus from November 30 through December 1,
1993. In attendance were representatives from the
states of New York and Connecticut, the Interstate
Sanitation Commission (ISC), New York City Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection
(NYDEP), the Marine Sciences
Research Center at Stony
Brook, Hydroqual, Involved
federal agencies, and Invited
participants from academia.
Workshop participants
developed the outline of a
draft monitoring plan that will
be refined and finalized during
a final workshop to be held
early in 1994. For more information,
contact Peter Mack at (518) 457-3495.
The Waier Monitor Is produced monthly to
exchange surface water assessment informa-
tion among states and other interested parties.
If you would like more Information or want to
be added to the mailing list, please fill out the
order and comment form on page 11.
I
D.iawar.
P.nnayivania
MaiyIand
Virginia
Wait Virginia
Regional Coordinators
Monlto.lng, Voluntair Monitoring: Chtz* Kanetsi y
(215) 597-8176
305(b), Wat.ibody Sy sm: Margaret Passmcre
(215) 597-6149
30 d TMDL: 11xwT s Hen,y (215) 597-8243
Nonpoint Sourc., Clean Laks: Hank Zygmunt
(215) 597-3429
REGIONAL OFFICE: Marine Sediment and
Fish Sampling Project: Region 3, in cooperation
with the Headquarters Office of Research and
Development, conducted an oceanographic survey at
and around three ocean outfalls. This survey was
conducted from January 8 through 11, 1994 using
the U.S. EPA ocean survey vessel Peter W. Ander-
son. Sediment samples and fish samples were
collected at nine stations in a study area extending
from north of the Bethany Beach, DE outfall to
south of the Ocean City, MD outfall, as well as at
five stations in a study area extending from north to
south of the Virginia Beach, VA outfall. The
purpose of this sampling activity was to ascertain the
winter benthic Infaunal and fisheries community
composition In support of the National Biological
Criteria Program. In spite of frigid and windy
weather conditions, all sampling activities were
conducted without any problems. For details on this
sampling program as well as the status of the Na-
tional Biological Criteria Program, contact George
R. Gibson, Jr. at (202) 260-7580.
Presque Isle Bay Sediment Monitoring: EPA
Region 3, the PA Department of Environmental
Resources and the Great Lakes National Program
will be performing some follow-up sediment moni-
toring at 21 sites in Presque Isle Bay to further
delineate the environmental problems in this Great
Lakes Area of Concern. The objective Is to deter-
mine the extent of the pollution problem from
anthropogenic versus background sources and Its
impact on macrolnvertebrates and plankton in the
Region 3
3

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Bay. The monitoring activities will include sedi-
ment toxicity testing, sediment chemistry (pesti-
cides, PCBs, and PAHs), particle size, total organic
carbon, and macroinvertebrate and plankton identifi-
cation. For more information, contact Chuck
Kanetsky at (215) 597-8176.
North Carolina
Kentucky
South Carolina
Tennesee
Georgia
Alabama
Mississippi
Florida
Monltoñng: DavklMelgaard (404) 347-2126
305(b), Watethody System: Larinda Tervelt
(404) 347-2126
303(dyTMDL: Jim Green! leki (404) 347-2126
Volunteer Monitoring: ConnieAlexander (404)347-1740
Nonpolnt SoLute: MaryAnn Gerber (404) 347-2126
Clean Lakes: Howard Marshall (404) 347-2126
REGIONAL OFFICE: Mississippi Flood Waters
Affect Gulf of Mexico and North Carolina Coast:
Last summer’s flood waters in the Upper Mississippi
River Drainage Basin could result in significant
degradation of the water quality of the lower Missis-
sippi River and provide large concentrations of
contaminants and nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico. In
addition. these midwestern flood waters, which joined
the Gulf Stream around the tip of Florida and flowed
up the East Coast, have reduced the salt content of the
water around Cape Lookout in North Carolina.
The Mississippi River carried tons of farm chemicals
into the Gulf during the summer flood. Heavy concen-
trations of the herbicide airazine and nitrates from
fertilizers triggered a huge growth of algae. The algae
settled and decayed, consuming the oxygen necessary
for marine life and creating a dead zone approximately
the size of New Jersey in surface area and running up
to 20 meters thick. Divers who entered this dead zone
found no crabs, shrimp or fish.
The U.S. Geological Survey is sampling at sites that
were also sampled in 1991-92 during a study of
agricultural chemicals in the Mississippi River, and
will compare the concentrations and loads during and
after the flood with the earlier data. For more informa-
Region 4
Regional Coordinators
tion, contact Dr. Nancy Rabalais, Louisiana Universi-
ties Marine Consortium, at (504) 851-2800.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Water Quality Awards
Presented: On January 6, 1994, EPA-Region 4
presented awards for the South Carolina Outstanding
Soil Conservation District and Conservation District
Cooperator for 1993.
The 1993 EPA/Conservation District Water Quality
Award was presented to John Walpole, primary owner
and operator of Sunny Point Farm located on
Wadmalaw Island. This 1,800-acre farm is bounded
by creeks and streams that flow directly into the
marshlands of coastal South Carolina. Fields are
contoured so that any runoff is drained to holding
ponds where it is recycled through the irrigation
system. All water on the farm is channeled, thus
precluding runoff into adjacent streams and creeks.
Fertilization needs are established through soil and
plant tissue tests, and fertilizers are applied directly to
crops through a drip irrigation system.
Sunny Point Farm has been used as a demonstration
site by a number of federal and state agencies, and Mr.
Walpole has been previously recognized by the South
Carolina Land Resources Commission as the State’s
Clean Water Farmer of the Year. For more informa-
tion, contact Mark Gates, EPA-SCS Liaison, at
(404) 347-2126.
Region 5
Regional Coordinators
--a
Illinois
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin
Monitoring: Dave Stoiterberg (312) 353-5784
303(d)/TM DL: Robert Pepin (312)886-1505
Wateibody System: FouadDababneh (312) 353-3944
Volunteer MonitoringI 3O5(b): Donna WI/jams
(312) 353-6175
Nonpoint Souite, Clean Lakes: Tom Davenpo,
(3 12) 886-0209
MINNESOTA: Monitoring Proposals Submitte(J:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
4

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recently submitted two monitoring proposals to the
Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources
(LCMR). The LCMR funds 2-year projects designed
to help maintain and enhance Minnesota’s natural
resources. One project will develop region-specific
biological criteria, using fish and macroinvertebrate
community data collected at stream reference sites.
The other project will develop and pilot test statisti-
cally-based monitoring networks for lakes and streams.
These networks would be developed in consultation
with USEPA Environmental Monitoring and Assess-
ment Program (EMAP) personnel. If funding is
obtained, the projects would begin in July, 1995. For
more information, contact Sylvia McCollor at (612)
296-7249.
Interagency Committee on Nonpoint Source
Monitoring: An interagency committee composed
of representatives from federal, state and local
agencies involved in monitoring in MN has been
formed to revise the monitoring strategy of the
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Management
Plan. Participants have expressed interest in main-
taining this committee on an ongoing basis to
enhance other monitoring coordination activities.
For more information, contact Sylvia McCollor at
(612) 296-7249.
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring: Cha,lie Howel (214) 655-8354
303(d)’TMDL: TroyHill (214) 655-6647
305(b): Russell Nelson (214)655-6846
Waterbody System: Paul Koska (214) 655-9357
VokJnte.r Monitoring: Mke Bka (214)655-6668 and
Paul Koska (214)655-8957
Nonpoint Source: Brad Lamb (214) 655-7140
Clean Lakes: Mike 81 ,-a (214) 655-6668
Region
No material submitted for February.
Arkansas
Loui8iana
Oklahoma
Texas
New Mexico
— Iowa
Nebraska
Region Kansas
.: ::: .:::. . Missouri
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring: JenyAnderson (913) 551-5066
305(b), 303(d)ITMDL: John Houlihan (913) 551-74
Wateibody System: Jerome Pitt (913)551-7766
Volunteer Monitoring: Jerome Pitt (913) 551-7766 and
Donna Sell’on (913) 551-7500
Nonpolnt Source: Julie Elf ving (913) 551-7475
Clean Lakes: Lariy Sheridan (913) 551-7439
KANSAS: Volunteer Monitoring Activities: Pure
Water for Kansas has announced a number of
upcoming volunteer monitoring program activities.
Several cities throughout the state will host work-
shops to train team leaders for monitoring, and Pure
Water for Kansas is scheduling a conference to be
held in 1995 for volunteer groups to meet and
discuss their data and future activities. For more
information, contact Jerome Pitt at (913) 551-7766.
Region 8
Regional Coordinators
Montana
Utah
Wyoming
Colorado
North Dakota
South Dakota
MonItoring, 305(b): Phi/Johnson (303)293-1581
303(d}ITMDL: Brt.ce Zander (303)293-1580
Wateibody System: Toney CYt (303)293-1573
Volunteer Monitoring: Paul Mclver (303)293-1552 and
Phil Johnson (303)293-1573
Nonpolnt Source: Carol Russell (303)293-1449
Clean Lakes: Dave Rathke (303) 293-1703
REGIONAL OFFICE: Adopt-A-Platte Citizens
Monitoring Program: Adopt-A-Platte is a joint
EPA/Audubon Society program designed to collect
biological information on the South Platte River and
stimulate citizen awareness and stewardship of the
5

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the Bookshelf . . .
Clean Waterin Your Watershed: A Citizen ’s • I Using Nonprofit Organizationsto Advance
Guide tO Watershed Protectioit This 90-page .1. Estuary Program Goalé, EPA 842-B-093-008:
guide is designed to help citizen groups work This 50-page paper developed by the EPA
wfth local, state, and federal agencies to plan describes the role nonpibt i t organizations:•
and implement watershed protection /restoration : (NPOs) can play in carrying out the recommen-
projects tailored to the needs of their O wn dations for action identified in the COmprehen-
communities. The guide was deveioped.through sive Conservation and Management Plans that
a cooperative agreement with EPA Region t are being develOped for the 21 estuaries in the
While supplies last, single copies may be . . . . . . National Estuary Prégram. The paper cover
obtained for free by sending a self-addressed . .. the ability of NPOs to attract funding and carry .
adhesive mailing label to Susan Alexander, out implementation, oversight and federal:
6WQS , USEPA, Region 6 1445 Ross Aye, bonsistency activities. Types of NPOs and
Dallas TX 75202.: Copies may also be pur- I . advantages and disadvantages of Using an
chased f or $19.95 plus $3 shipping and handling existing NPO versus a new NPO are also
from the :Terrene lnstitute, .1117 K St N.W., Suite discussed. The issues and recommendations
801, Washington, D C 20006, (202) 833-8317 in this paper are also relevant to most ecosys-
tern and Watershed management prgrams.
:tJkess d ,,......The First Lake Maintenance . . To obtain a free copy write to USEPA NCEP I,
Handbook A new publication on lake mainte 11029 Kenwood Road, Building 5, Cincinnati
nance tools and techniques developed throUgh . OH 45242 or fax your request to NCEPI at
an EPA grant is now available. This B28tpagó I :• (513) 891-6685. Be sure to cite the correct title
“do-it-yourself ’ oriented handbook is written in : and EPA publication number.
hon-technical terms and is filled with practical : . : . . . ..
and affordable techniques for solving lake water : Watershed Protection Techniques: A
quality problems. The handbook is directed : QusterIy Bulletin on Utban Watershed
primarily at lake communities, lake associations H •: Restoration and Protection Tools, v.1 , no.1 ,
and lake. property owners who are interested in . : 1 ; Feb 1994. This 34-page bulletin Includes an
. preserving or restoring water quality. Copies : open forum discussing the pros and cons of
can be obtained for $18.95 plus $3 shipping and. using natural wetlands for stormwater treit-
handlingfrom the Terrene Institute, 1717 K . ment and a series of technical notes on urban
Street. N W, Suite 801, Washington, D C best management practices The technical
20006, (202) 833t8317. . .. : notes cover topics as Yanied as the effective-
ness of vegetated filter strips, pollution preven-
fljrn. Ca Study, LakeCho lan, Washington, . hon practices for service stations, and estab-
EPA 841 -F94 001 This total maximum daily lishment of wildflower cover In stormwater
load case study is the 11th in the senes pub detention basins The bulletin is produced by
$shed by the Watershed Branch of AWPD. it is the Center for Watershed Protection, 1020
available either onthe NPS-BBS TMDL Special : Elcien St., Suite 205, Hemdon, VA 22070 .
lhterOst Group: Forum or through your regional (703 709-0040. Single copies may be ob-
303 (d) coordinator ta med for $14, subscriptions are also available
6

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river, which runs through Denver and out onto the
plains of Colorado. The program began in August,
1992, when volunteers adopted one mile of the river.
Currently concerned citizens have adopted a total of
four miles of the South Platte.
Volunteers are collecting quantitative data on bird
species present; bird population density information
is collected several times a month along each
adopted segment. To date, a total of ninety-two
species of birds have been identified along the
monitored segments. Volunteers also quantify the
recreational use of the river and surrounding river
corridor for each adopted section. Recreational use
of the river is significant, with volunteer monitors
documenting up to 32,000 “user hours” per month
along a single one -mile stretch of river. Future
activities planned include nparian mapping and
aquatic habitat mapping on the South Platte. For
further information contact Bob Erickson, EPA
Region 8, at (303) 293-1566.
Region 9
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring, 305(b), Waterbody System: Chris Faulkner
(4 15) 744-2012
303(d TMDL: C vkI Smith (4 15) 744-2019
Volunteer Monitoring: Cleice Oi n (415) 744-1489 and
Chris Faulkner (415) 744-2012
NonpolntSouice: Jovita E. Pajarillo (415) 744-2011
Clean Lakes: Wendell Smith (415) 744-2018
CALIFORNIA: Citizens’ Meeting to Discuss
Russian River Assessment: On January 26, 1994,
California’s North Coast Regional Water Quality
Control Board convened a meeting with a local
citizens’ group to discuss the state’s Section 305(b)
assessment of the Russian River. According to the
assessment, the river is attaining its designated uses;
however, the citizens’ group believes that uses are
not being met and that the local sewage treatment
facility is causing a nutrient loading problem.
Participants at the meeting agreed that additional
monitoring was needed to better understand the
Russian River Watershed and to adequately prove or
disprove the theory that the facility is responsible for
summer algal blooms. Region 9 staff presented
information on EPA’s integrated assessment ap-
proach, recommended biological monitoring of the
river (to be integrated with chemical data), and
encouraged the formation of a volunteer monitoring
group to assist in the assessment. For more informa-
tion, contact Chris Faulkner at (415) 744-2012.
Region 10
Washington
0regon
Idaho
Alaska
Regional Coordinators
Monitoring, Waterbody System: Gretchen HaysIIo
(206) 553-1685
305(b): Donna Walsh (206)553-1754
303(dyTMDL: Bruce Cleland (206)553-2600
Volunteer Monitoring: Susan Handley (206) 553-1287
Nonpoint Source: EIbe,t Moore (206) 553-4181
Clean Lakes: Krista Mendelman (206) 553-1571
REGIONAL OFFICE: Regional Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment (R-EMAP) Confer-
ence: EPA Region 10 will host a R-EMAP Confer-
ence on March 8, 1994 in Portland, OR. In 1994,
EPA and the states of Oregon and Washington will
undertake a multi-year joint ecological monitoring
and assessment program for the Coast Range
Ecoregion of Oregon and Washington and the
Yakima River Basin. The program will assess the
current ecological status of wadable streams in the
area. The conference objectives are to provide
information on the details of the Region 10 R-EMAP
project; identify the breadth and extent of ongoing
research, monitoring, and assessment in these
geographic areas; and identify the ecological indica-
tors, methods and information systems to be used in
this R-EMAP project. For additional information,
contact Gretchen Hayslip at (206) 553-1685.
IDAHO: Teton Canyon Status Report Published:
The Idaho Division of Environmental Quality
I California
.11
Arizona
Hawaii
Guam
7

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(IDEQ) recently published a water quality status
report for Teton Canyon, Idaho. The Teton River
was identified in the Agricultural Nonpoint Source
Pollution Abatement Plan as a second priority
stream segment for the reduction of agriculture-
related pollutants. In addition, the state conducted
an agricultural planning study in conjunction with
local Water and Soil Conservation Districts. The
objectives of these studies were to: 1) document the
water quality impact of agricultural practices on the
Teton River and its tributaries; 2) determine the
source of the pollution found in the streams and
river; 3) based on the water quality data and analy-
sis, rank each watershed as to the severity of agricul-
tural pollution, and ; 4) recommend, to the Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, areas where pollution
control programs would produce the greatest reduc-
tion in agricultural water pollution. For additional
infonnation, contact Blame Drewes of IDEQ at
(208) 233-6160.
Assessment and Watershed Protection
Division (A WPD)
EPAJNOAA Conduct First Three CZARA
Threshold Reviews: AWPD and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
Coastal Programs Division have completed thresh-
old reviews of coastal nonpoint pollution control
programs for three states: South Carolina, New
York and Maryland. EPA and NOAA established
the threshold review process to assist coastal states
in developing the coastal nonpoint programs re-
quired by the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA). This voluntary
process is intended to provide states with early
feedback on their proposed approaches to their
coastal nonpoint programs. It also encourages early
public participation and promotes direct dialogue
between EPA, NOAA and the state coastal zone and
water quality agencies responsible for program
development and implementation. The two-day
reviews are conducted by a team comprised of staff
from NOAA, EPA Headquarters and the appropriate
EPA Region.
EPA and NOAA expect that most of the 29 states
and territories covered by CZARA will request
reviews over the next year. Final state programs
must be submitted to EPA and NOAA by July of
1995, and approval of the programs must occur
within six months of submittal. For more informa-
tion, contact Stu Tuller at (202) 260-6487.
Ecological Restoration Planning Meeting: In
mid-February, AWIPD’s Watershed Branch, along
with EPA Region 5, co-sponsored a planning
meeting of experts in the field of aquatic ecosystems
restoration. The planning group is focusing on
developing the agenda for a 1995 symposium on
using ecological restoration techniques to help
achieve Clean Water Act goals and meet state water
quality standards. Contact Doug Norton at (202)
260-7017 for further information.
STORET MODERNIZATION: Water Systems
Modernization Activities: Modernization of EPA’s
Water Quality Storage and Retrieval (STORE1)
computer network is proceeding on several fronts:
(1) The logical model is being converted to a physi-
cal model in anticipation of developing up to three
prototypes. AWPD plans to showcase at least one of
these prototypes in selected locations before the
planned national users conference later this calendar
year. (2) Tools available in the present STORET,
Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES), and Bio-
logical System (BIOS) have recently been compiled
to determine which will be supported in the new
system. (3) Parameter codes have been categorized
and grouped in order to propose business rules for
migrating data from the present systems to the new
modernized system. As progress on this project
OFFICE OF WETLANDS, OCEANS
AND WATERSHEDS (OWOW)
B

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continues, AWPD’s Information Management Section
is planning to form subgroups to address each of these
issues and involve the user community. For further
information on STORET modernization, contact Phil
Undenstruth at (202) 260-6549 or (800) 424-9067.
Taxonomy Standards: An effort is underway to
establish interagency standards for taxonomy and a
taxonomic reference system. The USGS, EPA,
NOAA and the National Biological Survey (NBS) are
participating in the development of a relational data-
base that will contain a comprehensive list of taxo-
nomic and common names with additional supporting
information. NOAA’s National Oceanographic Data
Center houses the existing database and will coordinate
update activities. The system will provide a common
reference list for taxonomic data that is consistent,
accessible, and regularly updated. A system is envi-
sioned that will allow users to download information
for selected taxonomic groups via Internet. For
additional information, please contact Charlie Howell
at (214) 655-8354 or Lee Manning at (202) 260-6082.
Midwest Flood Monitoring Activities Update:
The interagency Flood Event Water Quality Moni-
toring (FEWQM) work group held meetings with
State representatives from Missouri and Iowa during
the week of January 24 to learn about any monitor-
ing conducted by the states during the 1993 Midwest
floods and what they would do differently if flood-
ing occurred again. On February 8 and 9, FEWQM
convened to review the states’ results, to plan for
potential spring 1994 flooding, and to work on the
outline for overall guidance for any future flood
events. As a result of the meeting, the group plans
to develop and distribute guidance on water quality
monitoring relating to spring flooding. This special
interest work group is under the Subcommittee on
Water Quality which reports to the ongoing Inter-
agency Advisory Committee on Water Data. For
more information, contact Mary Belefski at (202)
260-7061.
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
(OCPD)
San Francisco Ray-Delta Estuary CCMP Ap-
proval: On December 9, Administrator Carol
Browner approved the San Francisco Bay-Delta
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
(CCMP). Growing public concern for the health of
the San Francisco Bay and Delta led EPA to estab-
lish the San Francisco Estuary Project in 1987. To
address this challenge, the project brought together
over 100 representatives from the private and public
sectors, including government, industry, business,
and environmental interests, as well as elected
officials from all 12 Bay-Delta counties. The Plan
contains 144 specific action items that will foster the
improvement and maintenance of the Bay-Delta
estuary. Many of the actions will be implemented
using funds from section 319 and Titles II and VI of
the Clean Water Act. For more information, contact
Steve Taylor at (202) 260-6578.
Estuarine Biocriteria Workgroup: The Estuarine
Biocriteria Workgroup held a meeting on January 6
and 7 to discuss and reach consensus on elements of
standardized methods which should be included in
technical guidance for developing estuarine
biocriteria. These elements include reference
conditions; community measurements; habitat
assessment; survey design; and specific metrics used
for assessment purposes. Other issues discussed
include how and where biocriteria/bioassessments
interface with current regulatory programs and
approaches. The group, chaired by the Office of
Science and Technology, includes staff from EPA,
NOAA, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Other attendees included representatives from states
and academia. For more information, contact Steve
Glomb at (202) 260-6414 or Brigitte Farren at
(202) 260-9134.
Local Government Workshops on Protecting
Coastal Resources: OCPD staff are planning the
next series of Local Government Workshops. These
workshops are designed to familiarize state and local
decision-makers and planners with the regulatory
tools available to them for protecting their coastal
resource, as well as the financing mechanisms
avail able. To date, five workshops have been held.
The upcoming workshops will be held in Boston,
MA; Norwalk, CT; coastal North Carolina; Orlando,
FL; San Juan, PR; Portland, OR; and Portland, ME.
Specific dates and workshop sites are being ar-
ranged. For more information, contact Macara
Lousberg at (202) 260-9109.
9

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Calendar Highlights
March 1 18-20 7th Annual Virginia Water Resources Conference,
Richmond, VA.. Contact Ann Beli, 11743 Leduta Court,
#204, Reston, VA 22091 (703) 620-8168.
22-24 Annual Region 6 Water Monitoring and Asses eM
• Woi*shop Bandera, TX. Contact Paul Kc ska 19-22 RIvera Without Bounds r1ea Grand Junction, Co.
(214) 655 8357. Contact Denny.Hutfman , American River Management
Society Symposium Chairperson, Dinosaur Nationat
26 Water, Water Everywhere: FourthAnnual water Monument, P.O. Box 210, Dinosaur, CC 81810, (303)
QualftyMon!torlng Fack r Volunteer., Newc t le, 374-2216, FAX (303) 374-2414.
ME. Contact Maine State Planning Office.
(207) 287-3261. Ma
27-30 Second International Conibsenc. on G undwater 2-6 Water Quality Standards Academy,499t Sacra.
Ecology Manta, GA. Contad John Simons, USEPA mento, CA Contact Miche e Vuctto, D ,iwnec Corpoiation,
(4602), 401 M Streets SW , Washu ton, DC 20460. 2276 Ressarth Blvd., Rodt vIle, ) )852 (301)417-6090,
• (202) 260-7091. i
2-3 Wat.,a , $takeIioId.rs: A Training
28 .Apr i t 1 Water Quality Standards Madn y,499t Kansas Workshop, Chicago, IL. Contact Bob Krschner,
Cay , KS Contact Michele Vu to. Dynamac Corpora NE!PC, Natural Resources Department, 222 South
tion, 2215 Reseach Blvd., Rôckv e,MD2085Z •• : Riverside Plaza, Su e 1800, Chicago, II . 60606,
(901) 417-6090 (312)454-0400
• : : Enhancing the StatW Laki Management P o-
A p I .• : g an ; Building Partnerships for Lake and
Watershed P,oteàtlon Chicago, IL. Contact Bob
... . , J.. All. K & , NEIPC, Nati ral Resources Department, 222
nai.i i iiwiiy ‘ lOIlUW IJ ’UI ñW 4 U& : South Riverside Pl O :S ¶ ‘ Ch ” ft. 60606
quo NM. Contact Michele Vuotto , Dynarnac Corpora- ‘312’ 454 “ ‘
don, 2275 Research Blvd Rockv ME) 2085Z ‘ I
(301)4174090 5-8 T.xaa Watch Meeting of the Monitors Getting to
10-13 ToxIc Su andUeHydrclogicSc1inc.a • .hmfb 0ff Watemh,4Gsiveston ,TX Contactl)(
Auatin, TX. Contact A IH, 3416 University Avenue , • Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
Minneapolis, MN 554144328 (612) 379-1030, FAX (512) 475 ’2t66
(612)379 .01w 16.20 WaWQuaNfYSdardsAcadI lWl Mar- ga,
10-14 • Fow*frN*n&VolunWrMonltothig Conference, • • GA. Contact Miohels Vuo1to nacCc*poration ,
Rodney, crr , nis Research Blvd., ROCkVIIIOt:MD 852,:
2405 NE 21st Avenue, Portland, OR 97212. • • • (901) 417 6090.: : •
(503)282 27, FAX (503)335-3632 2427 North American Benthologlcal SocIety, 42nd
17• • The Coast Oankrth.Futw. Charleston, • Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, Contact Rob Mattson,
SC. Coina Leigh Handal, SC Sóa Grail, 287 Meeting . •SUWSfl 5 S Management District, RouteS, Box 84,
Street, Charleston, SC 401. • . .. • : •: • • L ive 08k, FL 32060. •.• . .
10

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