United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development National Exposure Research Laboratory Research Abstract Significant Research Findings: Theories, Concepts, and Approaches for the Bioassessment of Non-wadeable Streams and Rivers Scientific The development of bioassessment techniques and protocols for nonwadeable Problem and rivers has progressed at a much slower pace than that for wadeable streams. In Policy Issues the past, methods used in wadeable streams were often applied in these larger systems with little modification. In 1999, USEPA conducted a study to compare several wadeable sampling methods being used in nonwadeable systems. Published results of the study were structured to provide scientifically-sound information to resource managers on the performance differences among the methods. In some cases, the results of the study also identified the need for development of new methods to address needs of the states, tribes, and regions. This research has now been largely completed and is either published, or in the process of being published in multiple formats to maximize outreach. However, during presentations and workshops conducted throughout the United States and discussions with EPA regional scientists and program offices, feedback was received expressing the need for a final comprehensive document that presented the material in the context of associated theories and concepts. Research This draft document provides a technical framework for assessing biological Approach condition and a scientific basis for decision-making regarding large, non-wadeable rivers. The target readership is primarily program managers and technical staff involved in the development and implementation of biological monitoring programs for these aquatic resources. The document is intended to assist users in establishing or refining protocols, including the specific methods related to field sampling; laboratory sample processing; taxonomy; data entry, management, and analysis; and final assessment and reporting. The combination of field-based comparative studies and collaborative field tests involving State agency biologists, Tribal members, and academic researchers was critical in assuring the resulting protocols were consistent with user needs. Findings from these studies, justification for follow-up research, and the performance of newly developed methods are discussed. The protocols presented in this document are designed for non-wadeable rivers (i.e., those too large to be safely sampled by wading) and, depending on the scale and scope of programmatic data needs, can be used for site-specific, watershed-wide, or other spatial scales. Also, while the protocols are not intended for application to great rivers, adjustment of one or more components of the protocols may make them suitable for those kinds of systems. The principal purposes of this document are to: ------- • Serve as a scientific framework and foundation for bioassessment and biocriteria, to be used by regulatory agencies to assist in the establishment of WQS, designated use attainment, mitigation, restoration, TMDL needs and responses and other needs; • Document and articulate the best science for sampling and assessing large, nonwadeable rivers; • Provide the essential technical elements for routine biological monitoring and assessment programs; • Foster clear communication among agencies and other entities for mainstem rivers crossing jurisdictional boundaries; and • Describe how assessment procedures and strategies would be tailored for different types of large rivers. Results and In September of 2005, the current draft version of the document was distributed to Impact 6 individuals in the Office of Water (3 in the Office of Science and Technology and 3 in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, the Regional Science Liaison for each EPA region, and a multitude of EPA regional scientists. The purpose of this initial distribution is to solicit comments on the "scope and content" of the draft document prior to its' review outside the agency. Once comments are received from OW and regional colleagues, a revised draft of the document will be sent out for an extensive and thorough review. In addition to EPA colleagues, this will include collaborators and experts external to the Agency. When these reviews and comments have been received, a post-review draft will be prepared for final approval prior to release. Final release for the document is scheduled for October 2006. Research Team: Joseph E. Flotemersch, Brent Johnson, Brad Autrey, and Karen Blocksom, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268 USA; James (Sam) Stribling, Abby Markowitz, Michael Paul, JoAnne Lessard, Lei Zheng, and Blaine Snyder, Tetra Tech, Inc., Owings Mills, MD, 21117 USA; Kenneth S. Lubinski, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI 54603USA. The current product is a draft report that is currently in wide review with EPA program offices, Regional Science Liaisons, and regional scientists. Subsequent to this process, the draft will be subjected to broad external review. Future Research The final product of this research (scheduled for October 2006) will be an integrated report that provides a technical framework for assessing biological condition and a scientific basis for decision-making regarding large, non-wadeable rivers. Contacts for Questions and inquiries can be directed to: Additional Joseph Flotemersch, Ph.D. Information US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory Research Collaboration and Research Products ------- Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 Phone:513/569-7086 E-mail: flotemersch.joseph@epa.gov ------- |