vvEPA
United States Office of Water
Environmental Protection Office of Science and Technology 2006
Agency (4304T)
Recommended
Water Quality Criteria
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
8a
8b
Priority Pollutant
1 Antimony
2 Arsenic
6 Copper
7 Lead
Mercury
Methylmercury
9 Nickel
10 Selenium
CAS
Number
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
7440360
7440382 340 A.D.K
7440417
7440508
7439921
7439976
22967926
13 D,E,K,cc
65 D,E,bb,gg
1.4 D,K,hh
7440020 470o,E,K
7782492 L.R-T
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
5 6
640]
150 A.D.K
4 Cadmium
5a Chromium (III)
5h rVirnmiiim fVTl
7440439 2.0D,E,K,bb
16065831 570D.E.K
18WI9QQ Ifinii-
0.25 D,E,K,bl
74 D.E.K
11 r,ic
9.0D,E,K,cc
2.5D,E,bb,gg
^m
0.77D,K,hh
52 D.E.K
5.0 T
69 A,D,bb
40 D,bb
74 D.bb
290 o.bb.dd
36 A,D,bb
8.8o,bb
0.018 C.M.S 0.14c,M,s
FR Cite/
Source
65FR66443
65FR31682
57FR60848
65FR31682
EPA-822-R-01-001
65FR31682
8.2o,bb
71 D.bb.dd
610B
170 z
4,600 B
4200
EPA820/B-96-
001
65FR31682
65FR31682
31682
65FR31682
62FR42160
0.3 mg/kg J EPA823-R-01-
001
65FR31682
62FR42160
65FR31682
65FR66443
11
Silver
7440224
3.2D.E.G
1.9D.G
65FR31682
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
Priority Pollutant
12 Thallium
13 Zinc
Asbestos
16 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin)
17 Acrolein
18 Acrylonitrile
19 Benzene
20 Bromoform
21 Carbon Tetrachloride
22 Chlorobenzene
23 Chlorodibromomethane
24 Chloroethane
CAS
Number
7440280
1332214
1746016
107028
107131
71432
75252
56235
108907
124481
75003
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
7440666 120 D.E.K
57125 22K.Q
120 D.E.K
90 o.bb
Q,bb
81 D,bb
Q,bb
FR Cite/
Source
24
00 u
tOjj
illion
rs/L i
E-9c
90
51 B,C
2 B,C
! B,C
3 B,C
)z,u,
OB.C
0.47
26,000 u
140 jj
5.1E-9c
290
0.25 B,C
51B.C
140 B,C
1.6 B,C
l,600u
13B.C
68FR75510
65FR31682
65FR66443
EPA820/B-96-
001
57FR60848
68FR75510
57FR60848
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
IRIS 01/1 9/00
&65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
68FR75510
65FR66443
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
"
35
36
37
38
Priority Pollutant
2-Chloroethylvinyl Ether
Chloroform
Dichlorobromomethane
1,1 -Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,1 -Dichloroethy lene
1,2-Dichloropropane
1,3 -Dichloropropene
Ethylbenzene
Methyl Bromide
Methyl Chloride
Methylene Chloride
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
1,2-Trans-Dichloroethylene
CAS
Number
110758
67663
75274
75343
107062
75354
78875
542756
100414
74839
74873
75092
79345
127184
108883
156605
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.38 B,C
330
37B,c
7,100
FR Cite/
Source
62FR42160
65FR66443
65FR66443
68FR75510
0.50 B,C
0.34 c
530
15B.C
21 c
2,100
4.6 B,C
0.17B.C
0.69 c
590 B,C
4.0 B,C
3.3 c
1,300 z
15,000
10,000
65FR66443
68FR75510
68FR75510
65FR66443
65FR31682
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
68FR75510
68FR75510
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
43
44
45
46
47
49
51
52
53
Priority Pollutant
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl Chloride
2-Chlorophenol
2,4-Dichlorophenol
2,4-Dimethylphenol
2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitrophenol
2,4-Dinitrophenol
-Nitrophenol
4-Nitrophenol
3 -Methyl-4-Chlorophenol
Pentachlorophenol
54 Phenol
55 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
56 Acenaphthene
CAS
Number
71556
79005
79016
75014
95578
120832
108952
88062
83329
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.59B.C
2.5 c
16B.C
30 c
0.025 c,kk 2.4 c,kk
8lB,U 150 B,U
77 B,U 290 B,U
380 B 850 B,U
FR Cite/
Source
65FR31682
65FR66443
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65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
19F.K
15F.K
13 bb
7.9 bb
0.27 B,C
3.0 B,C,H
21,000 B,U 1,700,000 B,U
1.4B,c 2.4B,c,u
670 B,U 990 B,U
65FR31682
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
67
68
69
70
71
72
Priority Pollutant
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
Benzidine
Benzo(a)Anthracene
Benzo(a)Pyrene
Benzo(b)Fluoranthene
Benzo(ghi)Perylene
Benzo(k)Fluoranthene
Bis(2-Chloroethoxy)Methane
is(2-Chloroethyl)Ether
Bis(2-Chloroisopropyl)Ether
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalatex
4-Bromophenyl Phenyl Ether
Butylbenzyl Phthalatew
2-Chloronaphthalene
4-Chlorophenyl Phenyl Ether
CAS
Number
208968
120127
92875
56553
50328
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
8,300 B 40,000 B
0.000086 B,C 0.00020 B,C
^^^^H
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
FR Cite/
Source
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
330 B,C 0.53 B,C
1,400 B 65,000 B
1.2 B,C 2.2 B,C
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
.
83
84
85
86
Priority Pollutant
Chrysene
Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
1,3 -Dichlorobenzene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
3,3 '-Dichlorobenzidine
Diethyl Phthalatew
Dimethyl Phthalat
Di-n-Butyl Phthalatew
2,4-Dmitrotoluene
2,6-Dmitrotoluene
Di-n-Octyl Phthalate
1,2-Diphenylhydrazine
Fluoranthene
87 Fluorene
88 Hexachlorobenzene
CAS
Number
218019
53703
95501
541731
106467
91941
84662
131113
84742
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
420 1,300
63
190
FR Cite/
Source
65FR66443
65FR66443
68FR75510
65FR66443
68FR75510
0.021 B,C
17,000 B
270,000
2,000 B
^^m
O.llc
0.028 B,C
44,000 B
1,100,000
4,500 B
l-c
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
0.00028 B,C 0.00029 B,C
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
65FR66443
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
Priority Pollutant
CAS
Number
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Hexachlorobutadiene 87683
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474
Hexachloroethane 67721
Ideno(l,2,3-cd)Pyrene 193395
Isophorone 78591
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.44 B,C 18 B,C
l,100u
1.4B,c 3.3 B,C
0.0038 B,C 0.018 B,C
35 B,C 960 B,C
FR Cite/
Source
65FR66443
68FR75510
65FR66443
65FR66443
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99
100
Naphthalene
91203
Nitrobenzene
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
N-Nitrosodi-n-Propylamine
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
101 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
102 Aldrin
103 alpha-BHC
^H
104 beta-BH(
98953
62759
621647
86306
85018
129000
120821
309002
319846
319857
17 B
0.00069 B,C
0.0050 B,C
3.3 B,C
0.000049 0.000050
B,C
0.0026 B,C 0.0049 B,C
0.0091 B,C 0.017 B,C
65FR66443
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
Priority Pollutant
105 gamma-BHC (Lindane)
106 delta-BHC
107 Chlordane
CAS
Number
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
109 4,4'-DDE
110 4,4'-DDD
111 Dieldrin
112 alpha-Endosulfan
113 beta-Endosulfan
114 Endosulfan Sulfate
115 Endrin
58899 0.95 K
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.16G
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
FR Cite/
Source
319868
57749 2.4 G
0.24 K
959988 0.22 G,Y
33213659 0.22 G,Y
1031078
72208 0.086 K
0.056 K,O
0.056 G,Y
0.056 G,Y
0.036 K,O
0.09 G 0.004 G.aa 65FR31682
0.00080 B,C 0.00081 B,C 65FR66443
O.OOlG,aa,u 65FR31682
0.00022 B,C 0.00022 B,C 65FR66443
0.00022 B,C 0.00022 B,C 65FR66443
0.0003 IB.C 0.0003 IB.C 65FR66443
65FR31682
0.000052 0.000054 65FR66443
B,C B,C
0.71 G
0.034 G,Y
0.034 G,Y
0.037 G
0.0019 G,a
0.0087 G,Y
0.0087 G,Y
^
0.0023 G.aa
62 B
89i
62 B
0.059
89 B
0.060
65FR31682
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65FR66443
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
Prioritv Pollutant
CAS
Number
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
117 Heptachlor
118 Heptachlor Epoxide
76448
1024573
0.52 G
0.52 G,V
119 Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PCBs:
120 Toxaphene
8001352
0.73
0.0038 G,a
0.0038 G.V.aa
0.053 G
0.0036 G,a
0.053 G,V 0.0036 G.V.aa
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism Only
( g/L) ( g/L)
0.000079 0.000079
B,C B,C
0.000039 0.000039
FR Cite/
Source
65FR31682
65FR66443
65FR31682
65FR66443
0.014N,aa
0.03 N.aa
0.000064 0.000064
B,C,N B,C,N
0.0002 aa
0.21
0.0002 aa
0.00028B,C 0.00028 B,C
65FR31682
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Footnotes:
A This recommended water quality criterion was derived from data for arsenic (III), but is applied here to total arsenic, which might imply that arsenic (III) and
arsenic (V) are equally toxic to aquatic life and that their toxicities are additive. In the arsenic criteria document (EPA 440/5-84-033, January 1985), Species
Mean Acute Values are given for both arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) for five species and the ratios of the SMAVs for each species range from 0.6 to 1.7.
Chronic values are available for both arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) for one species; for the fathead minnow, the chronic value for arsenic (V) is 0.29 times the
chronic value for arsenic (III). No data are known to be available concerning whether the toxicities of the forms of arsenic to aquatic organisms are additive.
B This criterion has been revised to reflect The Environmental Protection Agency's ql* or RfD, as contained in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
as of May 17, 2002. The fish tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) from the 1980 Ambient Water Quality Criteria document was retained in each case.
C This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10"6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10"5, move
the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right).
D Freshwater and saltwater criteria for metals are expressed in terms of the dissolved metal in the water column. The recommended water quality criteria
value was calculated by using the previous 304(a) aquatic life criteria expressed in terms of total recoverable metal, and multiplying it by a conversion factor
(CF). The term "Conversion Factor" (CF) represents the recommended conversion factor for converting a metal criterion expressed as the total recoverable
fraction in the water column to a criterion expressed as the dissolved fraction in the water column. (Conversion Factors for saltwater CCCs are not currently
available. Conversion factors derived for saltwater CMCs have been used for both saltwater CMCs and CCCs). See "Office of Water Policy and Technical
Guidance on Interpretation and Implementation of Aquatic Life Metals Criteria," October 1, 1993, by Martha G. Prothro, Acting Assistant Administrator for
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
Water, available from the Water Resource center, USEPA, 401 M St., SW, mail code RC4100, Washington, DC 20460; and 40CFR§131.36(b)(l).
Conversion Factors applied in the table can be found in Appendix A to the Preamble- Conversion Factors for Dissolved Metals.
E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. The value given here corresponds to a hardness of
100 mg/L. Criteria values for other hardness may be calculated from the following: CMC (dissolved) = exp{mA [ln(hardness)]+ bA} (CF), or CCC
(dissolved) = exp{mc [In (hardness)]+ bc} (CF) and the parameters specified in Appendix B- Parameters for Calculating Freshwater Dissolved Metals Criteria
That Are Hardness-Dependent.
F Freshwater aquatic life values for pentachlorophenol are expressed as a function of pH, and are calculated as follows: CMC = exp(1.005(pH)-4.869);
CCC = exp(1.005(pH)-5.134). Values displayed in table correspond to a pH of 7.8.
G This Criterion is based on 304(a) aquatic life criterion issued in 1980, and was issued in one of the following documents: Aldrin/Dieldrin (EPA 440/5-80-
019), Chlordane (EPA 440/5-80-027), DDT (EPA 440/5-80-038), Endosulfan (EPA 440/5-80-046), Endrin (EPA 440/5-80-047), Heptachlor (EPA 440/5-80-
052), Hexachlorocyclohexane (EPA 440/5-80-054), Silver (EPA 440/5-80-071). The Minimum Data Requirements and derivation procedures were different
in the 1980 Guidelines than in the 1985 Guidelines. For example, a "CMC" derived using the 1980 Guidelines was derived to be used as an instantaneous
maximum. If assessment is to be done using an averaging period, the values given should be divided by 2 to obtain a value that is more comparable to a CMC
derived using the 1985 Guidelines.
H No criterion for protection of human health from consumption of aquatic organisms excluding water was presented in the 1980 criteria document or in the
1986 Quality Criteria for Water. Nevertheless, sufficient information was presented in the 1980 document to allow the calculation of a criterion, even though
the results of such a calculation were not shown in the document.
I This criterion for asbestos is the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) developed under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
J This fish tissue residue criterion for methylmercury is based on a total fish consumption rate of 0.0175 kg/day.
K This recommended criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was issued in the 1995 Updates: Water Quality Criteria Documents for the
Protection of Aquatic Life in Ambient Water, (EPA-820-B-96-001, September 1996). This value was derived using the GLI Guidelines (60FR15393-15399,
March 23, 1995; 40CFR132 Appendix A); the difference between the 1985 Guidelines and the GLI Guidelines are explained on page iv of the 1995 Updates.
None of the decisions concerning the derivation of this criterion were affected by any considerations that are specific to the Great Lakes.
L The CMC = l/[(f I/CMC 1) + (f2/CMC2)] where f 1 and f2 are the fractions of total selenium that are treated as selenite and selenate, respectively, and CMC1
and CMC2 are 185.9 g/1 and 12.82 g/1, respectively.
M EPA is currently reassessing the criteria for arsenic.
N This criterion applies to total pcbs, (e.g., the sum of all congener or all isomer or homolog or Aroclor analyses.)
O The derivation of the CCC for this pollutant (Endrin) did not consider exposure through the diet, which is probably important for aquatic life occupying
upper trophic levels.
P Although a new RfD is available in IRIS, the surface water criteria will not be revised until the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Stage 2
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR) is completed, since public comment on the relative source contribution (RSC) for chloroform
is anticipated.
Q This recommended water quality criterion is expressed as g free cyanide (as CN)/L.
R This value for selenium was announced (61FR58444-58449, November 14, 1996) as a proposed GLI 303(c) aquatic life criterion. EPA is currently working
on this criterion and so this value might change substantially in the near future.
S This recommended water quality criterion for arsenic refers to the inorganic form only.
10
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
T This recommended water quality criterion for selenium is expressed in terms of total recoverable metal in the water column. It is scientifically acceptable to
use the conversion factor (0.996- CMC or 0.922- CCC) that was used in the GLI to convert this to a value that is expressed in terms of dissolved metal.
U The organoleptic effect criterion is more stringent than the value for priority toxic pollutants.
V This value was derived from data for heptachlor and the criteria document provides insufficient data to estimate the relative toxicities of heptachlor and
heptachlor epoxide.
W Although EPA has not published a completed criteria document for butylbenzyl phthalate it is EPA's understanding that sufficient data exist to allow
calculation of aquatic criteria. It is anticipated that industry intends to publish in the peer reviewed literature draft aquatic life criteria generated in accordance
with EPA Guidelines. EPA will review such criteria for possible issuance as national WQC.
X There is a full set of aquatic life toxicity data that show that DEHP is not toxic to aquatic organisms at or below its solubility limit.
Y This value was derived from data for endosulfan and is most appropriately applied to the sum of alpha-endosulfan and beta-endosulfan.
Z A more stringent MCL has been issued by EPA. Refer to drinking water regulations (40 CFR 141) or Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) for
values.
aa This criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion issued in 1980 or 1986, and was issued in one of the following documents: Aldrin/Dieldrin (EPA
440/5-80-019), Chlordane (EPA 440/5-80-027), DDT (EPA 440/5-80-038), Endrin (EPA 440/5-80-047), Heptachlor (EPA 440/5-80-052), Polychlorinated
biphenyls (EPA 440/5-80-068), Toxaphene (EPA 440/5-86-006). This CCC is currently based on the Final Residue Value (FRY) procedure. Since the
publication of the Great Lakes Aquatic Life Criteria Guidelines in 1995 (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995), the Agency no longer uses the Final Residue
Value procedure for deriving CCCs for new or revised 304(a) aquatic life criteria. Therefore, the Agency anticipates that future revisions of this CCC will not
be based on the FRY procedure.
bb This water quality criterion is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was derived using the 1985 Guidelines (Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National
Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses, PB85-227049, January 1985) and was issued in one of the following criteria
documents: Arsenic (EPA 440/5-84-033), Cadmium (EPA-822-R-01-001), Chromium (EPA 440/5-84-029), Copper (EPA 440/5-84-031), Cyanide (EPA
440/5- 84-028), Lead (EPA 440/5-84-027), Nickel (EPA 440/5-86-004), Pentachlorophenol (EPA 440/5-86-009), Toxaphene, (EPA 440/5-86-006), Zinc
(EPA 440/5-87- 003).
cc When the concentration of dissolved organic carbon is elevated, copper is substantially less toxic and use of Water-Effect Ratios might be appropriate.
dd The selenium criteria document (EPA 440/5-87-006, September 1987) provides that if selenium is as toxic to saltwater fishes in the field as it is to freshwater
fishes in the field, the status of the fish community should be monitored whenever the concentration of selenium exceeds 5.0 g/L in salt water because the
saltwater CCC does not take into account uptake via the food chain.
ee This recommended water quality criterion was derived on page 43 of the mercury criteria document (EPA 440/5-84-026, January 1985). The saltwater CCC
of 0.025 ug/L given on page 23 of the criteria document is based on the Final Residue Value procedure in the 1985 Guidelines. Since the publication of the
Great Lakes Aquatic Life Criteria Guidelines in 1995 (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995), the Agency no longer uses the Final Residue Value procedure for
deriving CCCs for new or revised 304(a) aquatic life criteria.
ff This recommended water quality criterion was derived mAmbient Water Quality Criteria Saltwater Copper Addendum (Draft, April 14, 1995) and was
promulgated in the Interim final National Toxics Rule (60FR22228-222237, May 4, 1995).
gg EPA is actively working on this criterion and so this recommended water quality criterion may change substantially in the near future.
hh This recommended water quality criterion was derived from data for inorganic mercury (II), but is applied here to total mercury. If a substantial portion of the
mercury in the water column is methylmercury, this criterion will probably be under protective. In addition, even though inorganic mercury is converted to
11
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY TOXIC POLLUTANTS
methylmercury and methylmercury bioaccumulates to a great extent, this criterion does not account for uptake via the food chain because sufficient data were
not available when the criterion was derived.
ii This criterion applies to DDT and its metabolites (i.e., the total concentration of DDT and its metabolites should not exceed this value).
jj This recommended water quality criterion is expressed as total cyanide, even though the IRIS RFD we used to derive the criterion is based on free cyanide.
The multiple forms of cyanide that are present in ambient water have significant differences in toxicity due to their differing abilities to liberate the CN-
moiety. Some complex cyanides require even more extreme conditions than refluxing with sulfuric acid to liberate the CN-moiety. Thus, these complex
cyanides are expected to have little or no 'bioavailability' to humans. If a substantial fraction of the cyanide present in a water body is present in a complexed
form (e.g., Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3), this criterion may be over conservative.
kk This recommended water quality criterion was derived using the cancer slope factor of 1.4 (LMS exposure from birth).
12
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS
Non Priority Pollutant
1 Alkalinity
2 Aluminum pH 6.5 - 9.0
3 Ammonia
CAS
Number
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism ( g/L) Only ( g/L)
7429905 750 G,I
20000 F
87 G,I,L
7664417 FRESHWATER CRITERIA ARE pH, Temperature and Life-stage DEPENDENT - SEE
DOCUMENT D
SALTWATER CRITERIA ARE pH AND TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT
FR
Cite/Source
Gold Book
53FR33178
EPA822-R-
99-014
EPA440/5-
88-004
Aesthetic Qualities
Bacteria
Barium
Boron
Chloride
Chlorine
10 Chlorophenoxy Herbicide
(2,4,5,-TP)
NARRATIVE STATEMENT- SEE DOCUMENT
FOR PRIMARY RECREATION AND SHELLFISH USES - SEE DOCUMENT
1,000 A
NARRATIVE STATEMENT- SEE DOCUMENT
16887006 860000 G 230000 G
7782505
19
11
13
7.5
93721
11
12
,3
Chlorophenoxy Herbicide
(2,4-D)
Chloropyrifos
Color
2921882 0.083 G
0.041 G
0.011 G
0.0056 G
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
53FR19028
Gold Book
Gold Book
NARRATIVE STATEMENT- SEE DOCUMENT F
Gold Book
Gold Book
13
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS
Non Priority Pollutant
CAS
Number
14 Demeton
15 Ether, Bis( Chloromethyl)
16 Gases, Total Dissolved
17 Guthion
8065483
542881
86500
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism ( g/L) Only ( g/L)
0.1 F 0.1 F
0.00010 E,H 0.00029 E,H
NARRATIVE STATEMENT - SEE DOCUMENT F
0.01 F 0.01 F
18 Hardness
19 Hexachlorocyclo-hexane- 319868
Technical
20 Iron 7439896
22 Manganese 7439965
24 Mirex 2385855
25 Nitrates 14797558
26 Nitrosamines
27 Dinitrophenols 25550587
NARRATIVE STATEMENT- SEE DOCUMENT
0.0123
1000 F
0.03 F
0.001 F
0.03 F
0.001 F
300 A
50A,O
100 A,C
10,000 A
0.0008
69
0.0414
100 A
1.24
5300
FR
Cite/Source
Gold Book
65FR66443
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
65FR66443
71FR9337
65FR66443
Gold Book
28 Nonylphenol
29 Nitrosodibutylamine,N
30 Nitrosodiethylamine,N
1044051
924163
55185
28
6.6
7.0
1.7
0.0063 A,H
0.0008 A,H
0.22 A,H
1.24A,H
14
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS
Non Priority Pollutant
31 Nitrosopyrrolidine,N
32 Oil and Grease
33
35
36
37
38
39
Oxygen, Dissolved
Freshwater
Oxygen, Dissolved
Saltwater
Diazinon
Parathion
Pentachlorobenzene
pH
Phosphorus Elemental
Nutrients
CAS
Number
930552
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism ( g/L) Only ( g/L)
0.016 H
NARRATIVE STATEMENT - SEE DOCUMENT F
34 H
7782447
WARMWATER AND COLD WATER MATRIX - SEE DOCUMENT N
SALTWATER - SEE DOCUMENT
40 Solids Dissolved and Salinity
'
49
42
43
Solids Suspem
Turbidity
Sulfide-Hydrogen Sulfide
Tainting Substances
See EPA's Ecoregional criteria for Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, Chlorophyll a and
Water Clarity (Secchi depth for lakes; turbidity for streams and rivers) (& Level III
Ecoregional criteria)
250,000 A
NARRATIVE STATEMENT - SEE DOCUMENT F
7783064
44 Temperature
2.0 F 2.0 F
NARRATIVE STATEMENT- SEE DOCUMENT
SPECIES DEPENDENT CRITERIA - SEE DOCUMENT M
FR
Cite/Source
65FR66443
Gold Book
Gold Book
EPA-822R-
00-012
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
15
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS
Non Priority Pollutant
45 Tetrachlorobenzene,l,2,4,5-
46 Tributyltin (TBT)
Trichlorophenol,2,4,5-
CAS
Number
95943
95954
Freshwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Saltwater
CMC CCC
( g/L) ( g/L)
Human Health
For Consumption of:
Water + Organism
Organism ( g/L) Only ( g/L)
0.46 Q 0.072 Q 0.42 Q 0.0074 Q
0.97 E
1,800 B,E
LIE
3,600 B,E
FR
Cite/Source
65FR66443
EPA 822-F-
00-008
65FR66443
Footnotes:
A This human health criterion is the same as originally published in the Red Book which predates the 1980 methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion
BCF approach. This same criterion value is now published in the Gold Book.
B The organoleptic effect criterion is more stringent than the value presented in the non priority pollutants table.
C A more stringent Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) has been issued by EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Refer to drinking water regulations
40CFR141 or Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) for values.
D According to the procedures described in the Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms
and Their Uses, except possibly where a very sensitive species is important at a site, freshwater aquatic life should be protected if both conditions specified in
Appendix C to the Preamble- Calculation of Freshwater Ammonia Criterion are satisfied.
E This criterion has been revised to reflect EPA's ql* or RfD, as contained in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as of May 17, 2002. The fish
tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) used to derive the original criterion was retained in each case.
F The derivation of this value is presented in the Red Book (EPA 440/9-76-023, July, 1976).
G This value is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was derived using the 1985 Guidelines (Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality
Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses, PB85-227049, January 1985) and was issued in one of the following criteria documents:
Aluminum (EPA 440/5-86-008); Chloride (EPA 440/5-88-001); Chloropyrifos (EPA 440/5-86-005).
H This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10"6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10"5, move
the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right).
I This value for aluminum is expressed in terms of total recoverable metal in the water column.
J This value is based on a 304(a) aquatic life criterion that was issued in the 1995 Updates: Water Quality Criteria Documents for the Protection of Aquatic Life
in Ambient Water (EPA-820-B-96-001). This value was derived using the GLI Guidelines (60FR15393-15399, March 23, 1995; 40CFR132 Appendix A); the
differences between the 1985 Guidelines and the GLI Guidelines are explained on page iv of the 1995 Updates. No decision concerning this criterion was
affected by any considerations that are specific to the Great Lakes.
K According to page 181 of the Red Book:
16
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS
For open ocean waters where the depth is substantially greater than the euphotic zone, the pH should not be changed more than 0.2 units from the
naturally occurring variation or any case outside the range of 6.5 to 8.5. For shallow, highly productive coastal and estuarine areas where naturally
occurring pH variations approach the lethal limits of some species, changes in pH should be avoided but in any case should not exceed the limits
established for fresh water, i.e., 6.5-9.0.
L There are three major reasons why the use of Water-Effect Ratios might be appropriate. (l)The value of 87« micro-g/1 is based on a toxicity test with the striped
bass in water with pH= 6.5-6.6 and hardness <10 mg/L. Data in "Aluminum Water-Effect Ratio for the 3M Plant Effluent Discharge, Middleway, West
Virginia" (May 1994) indicate that aluminum is substantially less toxic at higher pH and hardness, but the effects of pH and hardness are not well quantified at
this time. (2) In tests with the brook trout at low pH and hardness, effects increased with increasing concentrations of total aluminum even though the
concentration of dissolved aluminum was constant, indicating that total recoverable is a more appropriate measurement than dissolved, at least when
paniculate aluminum is primarily aluminum hydroxide particles. In surface waters, however, the total recoverable procedure might measure aluminum
associated with clay particles, which might be less toxic than aluminum associated with aluminum hydroxide. (3) EPA is aware of field data indicating that
many high quality waters in the U.S. contain more than 87 g aluminum/L, when either total recoverable or dissolved is measured.
M U.S. EPA. 1973. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA.; U.S. EPA. 1977. Temperature
Criteria for Freshwater Fish: Protocol and Procedures. EPA-600/3-77-061. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA.
N U.S. EPA. 1986. Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen. EPA 440/5-86-003. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA.
O This criterion for manganese is not based on toxic effects, but rather is intended to minimize objectionable qualities such as laundry stains and
objectionable tastes in beverages.
P Lakes and Reservoirs in Nutrient Ecoregion: II EPA 822-B-00-007, III EPA 822-B-01-008, IV EPA 822-B-01-009, V EPA 822-B-01-010, VI EPA 822-B-OO-
008 , VII EPA 822-B-00-009, VIII EPA 822-B-01-015, IX EPA 822-B-00-011, XI EPA 822-B-00-012, XII EPA 822-B-00-013, XIII EPA 822-B-00-014,
XIV EPA 822-B-01-011; Rivers and Streams in Nutrient Ecoregion: I EPA 822-B-01-012, II EPA 822-B-00-015, III EPA 822-B-00-016, IV EPA 822-B-01-
013, V EPA 822-B-01-014, VI EPA 822-B-00-017, VII EPA 822-B-00-018, VIII EPA 822-B-01-015, IX EPA 822-B-00-019, X EPA 822-B-01-016, XI EPA
822-B-00-020, XII EPA 822-B-00-021, XIV EPA 822-B-00-022; and Wetlands in Nutrient Ecoregion XIII EPA 822-B-00-023.
Q EPA announced the availability of a draft updated tributyltin (TBT) document on August 7, 1997 (62FR42554). The Agency has reevaluated this document
and anticipates releasing an updated document for public comment in the near future.
17
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ORGANOLEPTIC EFFECTS
Pollutant
Acenaphthene
Monochlorobenzene
3-Chlorophenol
4-Chlorophenol
^^^m
1,3 -Dichlorophenol
2,5-Dichlorophenol
2,6-Dichlorophenol
3,4-Dichlorophenol
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6-Trichloropehnol
2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol
2-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol
CAS Number
Organoleptic Effect Criteria
(S/L)
FR Cite/Source
13
14
15
i:
18
3 -Methyl-4-Chlorophenol
3 -Methyl-6-Chlorophenol
2-Chlorophenol
Copper
2,4-Dichloropheno
2,4-Dimethylpehnol
83329
108907
Gold Book
Gold Book
dBook
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
old Book
Gold Book
18
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NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR ORGANOLEPTIC EFFECTS
Pollutant
19
20
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Nitrobenzene
I 21 Pentachlorophenol
22 Phenol
23 Zinc
CAS Number
77474
Organoleptic Effect Criteria
(S/L)
1
98953
87865
108952
7440666
30
300
FR Cite/Source
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
Gold Book
45 FR79341
General notes:
1. These criteria are based on organoleptic (taste and odor) effects. Because of variations in chemical nomenclature systems, this listing of pollutants does not
duplicate the listing in Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 423. Also listed are the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry numbers, which provide a unique
identification for each chemical.
19
-------
NATIONAL RECOMMENDED WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
Additional Notes:
1. Criteria Maximum Concentration and Criterion Continuous Concentration
The Criteria Maximum Concentration (CMC) is an estimate of the highest concentration of a material in surface water to which an aquatic community can be
exposed briefly without resulting in an unacceptable effect. The Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) is an estimate of the highest concentration of a
material in surface water to which an aquatic community can be exposed indefinitely without resulting in an unacceptable effect. The CMC and CCC are just two
of the six parts of an aquatic life criterion; the other four parts are the acute averaging period, chronic averaging period, acute frequency of allowed exceedence,
and chronic frequency of allowed exceedence. Because 304(a) aquatic life criteria are national guidance, they are intended to be protective of the vast majority of
the aquatic communities in the United States.
2. Criteria Recommendations for Priority Pollutants, Non Priority Pollutants and Organoleptic Effects
This compilation lists all priority toxic pollutants and some non priority toxic pollutants, and both human health effect and organoleptic effect criteria issued
pursuant to CWA §304(a). Blank spaces indicate that EPA has no CWA §304(a) criteria recommendations. For a number of non-priority toxic pollutants not
listed, CWA §304(a) "water + organism" human health criteria are not available, but EPA has published MCLs under the SDWA that may be used in establishing
water quality standards to protect water supply designated uses. Because of variations in chemical nomenclature systems, this listing of toxic pollutants does not
duplicate the listing in Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 423. Also listed are the Chemical Abstracts Service CAS registry numbers, which provide a unique
identification for each chemical.
3. Human Health Risk
The human health cril
moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10"3, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right).
The human health criteria for the priority and non priority pollutants are based on carcinogenicity of 10~6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by
4. Water Quality Criteria published pursuant to Section 304(a) or Section 303(c) of the CWA
Many of the values in the compilation were published in the California Toxics Rule. Although such values were published pursuant to Section 303(c) of the
CWA, they represent the Agency's most recent calculation of water quality criteria and are thus the Agency's 304(a) criteria.
5. Calculation of Dissolved Metals Criteria
The 304(a) criteria for metals, shown as dissolved metals, are calculated in one of two ways. For freshwater metals criteria that are hardness-dependent, the
dissolved metal criteria were calculated using a hardness of 100 mg/1 as CaCO3 for illustrative purposes only. Saltwater and freshwater metals' criteria that are
not hardness-dependent are calculated by multiplying the total recoverable criteria before rounding by the appropriate conversion factors. The final dissolved
metals' criteria in the table are rounded to two significant figures. Information regarding the calculation of hardness dependent conversion factors are included in
the footnotes.
6. Maximum Contaminant Levels
The compilation includes footnotes for pollutants with Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) more stringent than the recommended water quality criteria in
the compilation. MCLs for these pollutants are not included in the compilation, but can be found in the appropriate drinking water regulations (40 CFR 141.11-
16 and 141.60-63), or can be accessed through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Internet
20
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(http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/drinking/standards/dwstandards.pdf).
7. Organoleptic Effects
The compilation contains 304(a) criteria for pollutants with toxicity-based criteria as well as non-toxicity based criteria. The basis for the non-toxicity based
criteria are organoleptic effects (e.g., taste and odor) which would make water and edible aquatic life unpalatable but not toxic to humans. The table includes
criteria for organoleptic effects for 23 pollutants. Pollutants with organoleptic effect criteria more stringent than the criteria based on toxicity (e.g., included in
both the priority and non-priority pollutant tables) are footnoted as such.
8. Gold Book
The "Gold Book" is Quality Criteria for Water: 1986. EPA 440/5-86-001.
9. Correction of Chemical Abstract Services Number
The Chemical Abstract Services number (CAS) for Bis(2-Chlorisoprpyl) Ether, has been revised in IRIS and in the table. The correct CAS number for this
chemical is 108-60-1. The previous CAS number for this pollutant was 39638-32-9.
10. Contaminants with Blanks
EPA has not calculated criteria for contaminants with blanks. However, permit authorities should address these contaminants in NPDES permit actions using
the States' existing narrative criteria for toxics.
11. Specific Chemical Calculations
A. Selenium
Aquatic Life
This compilation contains aquatic life criteria for selenium that are the same as those published in the proposed CTR. In the CTR, EPA proposed an acute
criterion for selenium based on the criterion proposed for selenium in the Water Quality Guidance for the Great Lakes System (61 FR 58444). The GLI and CTR
proposals take into account data showing that selenium's two prevalent oxidation states in water, selenite and selenate, present differing potentials for aquatic
toxicity, as well as new data indicating that various forms of selenium are additive. The new approach produces a different selenium acute criterion
concentration, or CMC, depending upon the relative proportions of selenite, selenate, and other forms of selenium that are present.
EPA is currently undertaking a reassessment of selenium, and expects the 304(a) criteria for selenium will be revised based on the final reassessment
(63FR26186). However, until such time as revised water quality criteria for selenium are published by the Agency, the recommended water quality criteria in this
compilation are EPA's current 304(a) criteria.
21
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Appendices
Appendix A - Conversion Factors for Dissolved Metals
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium III
Chromium VI
Copper
Lead
Conversion Factor
freshwater CMC
1.000
1.136672-[(ln
hardness)(0.041838)]
0.316
0.982
0.960
1.46203-[(ln
hardness₯0.145712)1
Conversion Factor
freshwater CCC
1.000
1.101672-[(ln
hardness)(0.041838)]
Conversion Factor
saltwater CMC
1.000
0.994
0.860
0.960
1.46203-[(ln
hardness₯0.145712)1
3.993
0.83
0.951
Conversion Factor
saltwater CCC1
1.000
0.994
0.993
0.83
3.951
Mercury
Nickel
Selenium
Silver
Zinc
0.85
0.85
0.990
0.998
0.85
0.946
0.85
0.990
0.998
22
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Appendix B - Parameters for Calculating Freshwater Dissolved Metals Criteria That Are Hardness-Dependent
Cadmium
-4.719
1.136672-[(ln
hardness)(0.041838)]
0.316
ccc
1.101672-[(ln
hardness)(0.041838)]
0.860
0.960
0.960
1.273
-4.705
1.46203-[(ln
hardness)(0.145712)]
1.46203-[(ln
hardness)(0.145712)]
Nickel
Silver
Zinc
0.8460
1.72
0.8473
2.255
-6.59
0.884
0.8460 0.0584
0.998
0.997
0.8473
0.884
0.85
0.978
0.986
Hardness-dependant metals' criteria may be calculated from the following:
CMC (dissolved) = exp{mA [ln(hardness)]+ bA} (CF)
CCC (dissolved) = exp{nic [ln(hardness)]+ bc} (CF)
Appendix C - Calculation of Freshwater Ammonia Criterion
1. The one-hour average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) does not exceed, more than once every three years on the average,
the CMC (acute criterion) calculated using the following equations.
Where salmonid fish are present:
0.275
39.0
CMC =
23
-------
1 + 1()7-204-PH 1 +
Or where salmonid fish are not present:
0.411 58.4
CMC = .................... +
2A. The thirty-day average concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) does not exceed, more than once every three years on the
average, the CCC (chronic criterion) calculated using the following equations.
When fish early life stages are present:
0.0577 2.487
CCC = ~ .................... + ........................ - MIN (2.85, 1.45 iO°-028<(25-T))
I _|_ JQ7.688-pH j + jQpH-7.688
When fish early life stages are absent:
0.0577 2.487
CCC = ~ .................... + ........................ - 1.45 ^o°'028'(25"MAX(T'7))
I _|_ JQ7.688-PH j + jQpH-7.688
2B. In addition, the highest four-day average within the 30-day period should not exceed 2.5 times the CCC.
24
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