Chapter 2 Overview of watershed Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans Planning Process to Restore and Protect Our Waters Table 2-2. Summary of common Pollutants and sources Potential sources Pollutant Impacts on Waterbody Uses Point sources Nonpoint Sources Animals(domestic, wildlife, livestock Primarily human health risks CSOS/SSOs Malfunctioning septic systems Risk of illness from ingestion or from Pastures contact with contaminated water Boat pumpout facilities through recreation Discharges from. Land application of manure Increased cost of treatment of drinking meat processing. Land application of wastewater Shellfish bed closures · Landfills Metals · Urban runoff Abandoned mine drainage Aquatic life impairments(e.g, reduced WTPs Hazardous waste sites(unknown or fish populations due to acute/chronic · CSO/SSOs partially treated concentrations or contaminated Marinas sediment) Industrial concentrations in source water) facilities Fish contamination(e.g, mercury) Mine discharges Nutrients ·WTPs Cropland (fertilizer application) Aquatic life impairments(e.g, effects CSOS/SSOS Landscaped spaces in developed areas from excess plant growth, low DO) CAFOS (e.g, lawns, golf courses) Direct drinking water supply impacts Discharge from Animals(domestic, wildlife, livestock g, dangers to human health from food-processing Malfunctioning septic systems high levels of nitrates) Pastures Indirect drinking water supply impacts (e. g, effects from excess plant growth Land application of manure or Recreational impacts(indirect impacts from excess plant growth on fisheries Human health impacts Sediment WTPs Agriculture(cropland and pastureland Fills pools used for refuge and rearing erosion) Fills interstitial spaces between gravel Silviculture and timber harvesting (reduces spawning habitat by trapping emerging fish and reducing oxygen systems Construction When suspended, prevents fish fro seeing food and can clog gills; high levels of suspended sediment Urban runoff cause fish to avoid the stream Landslides Taste/odor problems in drinking water Abandoned mine drainad Stream channel modification physical alteration of the channel Indirect impacts on recreational fishing
Chapter 2 Overview of Watershed Planning Process Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters 2-10 Draft Table 2-2. Summary of Common Pollutants and Sources Pollutant Potential Sources Impacts on Waterbody Uses Point Sources Nonpoint Sources Pathogens • WWTPs • CSOs/SSOs • Permitted CAFOs • Discharges from meat processing facilities • Landfills • Animals (domestic, wildlife, livestock) • Malfunctioning septic systems • Pastures • Boat pumpout facilities • Land application of manure • Land application of wastewater • Primarily human health risks • Risk of illness from ingestion or from contact with contaminated water through recreation • Increased cost of treatment of drinking water supplies • Shellfish bed closures Metals • Urban runoff • WWTPs • CSO/SSOs • Landfills • Industrial facilities • Mine discharges • Abandoned mine drainage • Hazardous waste sites (unknown or partially treated sources) • Marinas • Aquatic life impairments (e.g., reduced fish populations due to acute/chronic concentrations or contaminated sediment) • Drinking water supplies (elevated concentrations in source water) • Fish contamination (e.g., mercury) Nutrients • WWTPs • CSOs/SSOs • CAFOs • Discharge from food- processing facilities • Landfills • Cropland (fertilizer application) • Landscaped spaces in developed areas (e.g., lawns, golf courses) • Animals (domestic, wildlife, livestock) • Malfunctioning septic systems • Pastures • Boat pumpout • Land application of manure or wastewater • Aquatic life impairments (e.g., effects from excess plant growth, low DO) • Direct drinking water supply impacts (e.g., dangers to human health from high levels of nitrates) • Indirect drinking water supply impacts (e.g., effects from excess plant growth clogging drinking water facility filters) • Recreational impacts (indirect impacts from excess plant growth on fisheries, boat/swimming access, appearance, and odors) • Human health impacts Sediment • WWTPs • Urban stormwater systems • Agriculture (cropland and pastureland erosion) • Silviculture and timber harvesting • Rangeland erosion • Excessive streambank erosion • Construction • Roads • Urban runoff • Landslides • Abandoned mine drainage • Stream channel modification • Fills pools used for refuge and rearing • Fills interstitial spaces between gravel (reduces spawning habitat by trapping emerging fish and reducing oxygen exchange) • When suspended, prevents fish from seeing food and can clog gills; high levels of suspended sediment can cause fish to avoid the stream • Taste/odor problems in drinking water • Impairs swimming/boating because of physical alteration of the channel • Indirect impacts on recreational fishing
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans Chapter 2 to Restore and Protect Our waters Overview of watershed Planning Process Table 2-2(continued) Potential Sources Pollutant Impacts on Waterbody Uses Point sources Nonpoint Sources Temperature·wTPs Lack of riparian shading Causes lethal effects when Cooling water Shallow or wide channels(due to temperature exceeds tolerance limit hydrologic modification) Increases metabolism(results in higher (power plants Hydroelectric dams oxygen demand for aquatic organisms and other Urban runoff(warmer runoff from ncreases food requirements pervious surfaces) Decreases growth rates and DO ediment (cloudy water absorbs more fluences timing of migration heat than clear water) Increases sensitivity to disease drainage rates of photosynthesis (increases algal growth, depletes oxygen through plant decomposition) Note: WTP wastewater treatment plant; CSO= combined sewer overflow SSo sanitary sewer overflow CAFO =concentrated animal feeding operation; Do =dissolved oxygen 2.4.2 Watershed Planning Where a TMDL Has Been Developed States may use a portion of the funding they receive under section 319 of the Clean Water Act to develop TmDls and to develop and implement watershed plans that are consistent with those TMDLs. In addition, states may develop and implement watershed plans in advance of TMDLs where none exist. In cases where a TMDL for affected waters has already been developed and approved or is being developed, the watershed plan should be crafted to achieve the load reductions called for in the 2.4.3 Watershed Planning in the absence of a tmDl If a TMDl has not yet been developed, the plan should be designed to attain water quality standards if possible, in Watershed plans to protect Unimpaired waters addition to other environmental goals. EPA encourages states to include in their watershed plans all the significant sources In some cases, stakeholders might want to protect and causes of impairments and threats to the waterbodies of waters that are affected by nonpoint source concern. Therefore, watershed plans should address not only pollution but are not included on the 303(d) list. Of the sources of water quality impairment but also any particular concern are high-quality waters that are threatened by changing land uses when unique pollutants and sources of pollution that need to be addressed and valuable aquatic resources(e. g, habitat for to ensure the long-term health of the watershed If a TMDL is salmon migration, spawning, and rearing) are at later completed and approved the plan might need to be serious risk of irreparable harm. Watershed project modified to make it consistent with the TMDL EPa sponsors can use the tools presented in this continues to encourage the development of TMDLs or, where handbook to develop watershed plans for waters applicable, sets of such TMDLs on a watershed basis. Figure at are not impaired by nonpoint 2-2 illustrates the potential relationships between TMDLs and to ensure that they remain unimpaired watershed plans 2-11
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters Chapter 2 Overview of Watershed Planning Process Draft 2-11 In some cases, stakeholders might want to protect waters that are affected by nonpoint source pollution but are not included on the 303(d) list. Of particular concern are high-quality waters that are threatened by changing land uses when unique and valuable aquatic resources (e.g., habitat for salmon migration, spawning, and rearing) are at serious risk of irreparable harm. Watershed project sponsors can use the tools presented in this handbook to develop watershed plans for waters that are not impaired by nonpoint source pollution to ensure that they remain unimpaired. Table 2-2. (continued) Pollutant Potential Sources Impacts on Waterbody Uses Point Sources Nonpoint Sources Temperature • WWTPs • Cooling water discharges (power plants and other industrial sources) • Urban stormwater systems • Lack of riparian shading • Shallow or wide channels (due to hydrologic modification) • Hydroelectric dams • Urban runoff (warmer runoff from impervious surfaces) • Sediment (cloudy water absorbs more heat than clear water) • Abandoned mine drainage • Causes lethal effects when temperature exceeds tolerance limit • Increases metabolism (results in higher oxygen demand for aquatic organisms) • Increases food requirements • Decreases growth rates and DO • Influences timing of migration • Increases sensitivity to disease • Increases rates of photosynthesis (increases algal growth, depletes oxygen through plant decomposition) • Causes excess plant growth Note: WWTP = wastewater treatment plant; CSO = combined sewer overflow; SSO = sanitary sewer overflow; CAFO = concentrated animal feeding operation; DO = dissolved oxygen. 2.4.2 Watershed Planning Where a TMDL Has Been Developed States may use a portion of the funding they receive under section 319 of the Clean Water Act to develop TMDLs and to develop and implement watershed plans that are consistent with those TMDLs. In addition, states may develop and implement watershed plans in advance of TMDLs where none exist. In cases where a TMDL for affected waters has already been developed and approved or is being developed, the watershed plan should be crafted to achieve the load reductions called for in the TMDL. 2.4.3 Watershed Planning in the Absence of a TMDL If a TMDL has not yet been developed, the plan should be designed to attain water quality standards if possible, in addition to other environmental goals. EPA encourages states to include in their watershed plans all the significant sources and causes of impairments and threats to the waterbodies of concern. Therefore, watershed plans should address not only the sources of water quality impairment but also any pollutants and sources of pollution that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term health of the watershed. If a TMDL is later completed and approved, the plan might need to be modified to make it consistent with the TMDL. EPA continues to encourage the development of TMDLs or, where applicable, sets of such TMDLs on a watershed basis. Figure 2-2 illustrates the potential relationships between TMDLs and watershed plans
Chapter 2 Overview of watershed Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans Planning Process to Restore and Protect Our Waters 1 Watershed plan is 2 Watershed plan is 3 Watershed plan is used to implement a develope developed in the absence completed TMDI of a completed TMDL. If a of a completed TMDL.旰 TMDL is completed, the monitoring indicates WQs lan is modified to make it attainment there is no consistent with the tmdl need for a TMDL dentin Water Quall Water Qualit Proble Develop Develop Develop and Implement and Implement and Implement Watershed Plan Watershed Plan atershed Plan Conduct Conduct Conduct Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Meet Meet Meet Water Quality Water Quality Water Quality Standards Standards Standards igure 2-2. Potential relationships between TMDLs and watershed plans 2.5 Including Water Quality Standards in Goal Setting Each watershed management plan will address different issues and include unique goals and site-specific management strategies to achieve those goals. All plans should also include attainment of water quality standards for surface waters in the management area. Because water quality standards are the foundation of EPA's water
Chapter 2 Overview of Watershed Planning Process Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters 2-12 Draft Figure 2-2. Potential relationships between TMDLs and watershed plans. 2.5 Including Water Quality Standards in Goal Setting Each watershed management plan will address different issues and include unique goals and site-specific management strategies to achieve those goals. All plans should also include attainment of water quality standards for surface waters in the management area. Because water quality standards are the foundation of EPA’s water
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our waters Overview of watershed Planning Process quality protection efforts, this handbook includes a brief description of what they are and how they 're used in watershed management programs 2.5.1 What Are Water Quality Standards and Why Are They Important? An important cornerstone of the Clean Water Act is the requirement that states, A tribes, and territories adopt water quality standards to protect public health, suppo wildlife, and enhance the quality of life within their jurisdictions. Water quality standards set the goals, pollution limits, and protection requirements for each waterbody. Meeting these limits helps to ensure that waters will remain useful to both humans and aquatic life. Standards also drive water quality restoration activities because they help to determine which waterbodies must be addressed, what level of restoration is required and which activities need to be modified to ensure that the waterbody meets its minimum standards AT Standards are developed by designating one or more beneficial uses for each waterbody, establishing a set of measurable criteria that protect those uses, and implementing policies and procedures that keep higher quality waters from degrading 2.5.2 How Are Water Quality Standards Set? Water quality standards are composed of three elements Designated(beneficial)uses Numeric and narrative criteria Antidegradation policies and procedures Designated Uses Designated or beneficial uses are descriptions of water quality Example designated Uses expectations or water quality goals. a designated use is a legally Growth and propagation of fish recognized description of a desired use of the waterbody, such as aquatic. Water contact recreation ife support, body contact recreation, fish consumption, or public drinking · Drinki water supply. These are uses that the state or authorized tribe wants the waterbody to be healthy enough to fully support. Agricultural water supply The Clean Water Act requires that waterbodies attain or maintain the Wildlife water quality needed to support designated and existing uses. State and Swimming tribal governments are primarily responsible for designating uses of waterbodies within their jurisdictions. Some water quality agencies have many use designations and differentiate among various categories of uses for aquatic ife support, irrigation, and even cultural uses for tribal waters. Other agencies 2-13
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters Chapter 2 Overview of Watershed Planning Process Draft 2-13 • Growth and propagation of fish • Water contact recreation • Drinking water • Agricultural water supply • Industrial supply • Wildlife • Swimming quality protection efforts, this handbook includes a brief description of what they are and how they’re used in watershed management programs. 2.5.1 What Are Water Quality Standards and Why Are They Important? An important cornerstone of the Clean Water Act is the requirement that states, tribes, and territories adopt water quality standards to protect public health, support wildlife, and enhance the quality of life within their jurisdictions. Water quality standards set the goals, pollution limits, and protection requirements for each waterbody. Meeting these limits helps to ensure that waters will remain useful to both humans and aquatic life. Standards also drive water quality restoration activities because they help to determine which waterbodies must be addressed, what level of restoration is required, and which activities need to be modified to ensure that the waterbody meets its minimum standards. Standards are developed by designating one or more beneficial uses for each waterbody, establishing a set of measurable criteria that protect those uses, and implementing policies and procedures that keep higherquality waters from degrading. 2.5.2 How Are Water Quality Standards Set? Water quality standards are composed of three elements: • Designated (beneficial) uses • Numeric and narrative criteria • Antidegradation policies and procedures Designated Uses Designated or beneficial uses are descriptions of water quality expectations or water quality goals. A designated use is a legally recognized description of a desired use of the waterbody, such as aquatic life support, body contact recreation, fish consumption, or public drinking water supply. These are uses that the state or authorized tribe wants the waterbody to be healthy enough to fully support. The Clean Water Act requires that waterbodies attain or maintain the water quality needed to support designated and existing uses. State and tribal governments are primarily responsible for designating uses of waterbodies within their jurisdictions. Some water quality agencies have many use designations and differentiate among various categories of uses for aquatic life support, irrigation, and even cultural uses for tribal waters. Other agencies
Chapter 2 Overview of watershed Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans Planning Process to Restore and Protect Our Waters designate uses by broad categories or classes, with uses requiring similar water quality conditions grouped under each class Criteria Criteria define minimum conditions, pollutant limits, goals, and other requirements that the waterbody must attain or maintain to support its designated use(s) Criteria describe physical, chemical, and biological attributes or conditions as measurable (e.g, parts per million of a certain chemical)or narrative(e.g,no objectionable odors)water quality components. Together, the various criteria for a particular designated use paint a picture of the water Whats the Difference quality necessary to support the use Between Numeric and Narrative criteria? EPA and states establish water quality criteria for various waterbody It's important to note that numeric criteria uses as part of their water quality standard programs. In general, states are invaluable when setting specific, and tribes must adopt the minimum federal criteria for uses such as measurable goals for waterbody cleanup aquatic life support, human health, and contact recreation unless they plans because they provide a very clear can demonstrate that site-specific, time-sensitive, or other criteria areindication of when water quality meets the appropriate to reflect the unique conditions or uses of a waterbody criteria. However, federal, state and tribal numeric criteria development is complex Numeric Criteria and expensive in terms of time and resources. Narrative criteria provide a EPA. states. and tribes have set numeric criteria or limits for m means to convey the context, conditions common water quality parameters, such as concentrations of bacteria, and full intent of water quality protection suspended sediment, algae, dissolved metals, minimum/maximum efforts in the absence of numeric criteria development and monitoring efforts temperatures, and so on Numeric criteria for protecting aquatic life are often expressed as a concentration minimum or maximum for certain parameters and include an averaging period and a frequency or recurrence interval the parameter must not exceed 5 parts per million, averaged from five samp le. ons of For example, a criterion for a parameter of concern might state that concentra collected within a 30-day period, and recurring more than once in a 3-year period Criteria for protecting human health are derived from epidemiological studies and laboratory studies of pollutant exposure involving species like rats and mice Numeric criteria established to prevent acute conditions are more strict than those focusing on chronic exposure to parameters of concern Narrative Criteria Narrative criteria are nonnumeric descriptions of desirable or undesirable water quality conditions. An example of a narrative criterion is"All waters will be free from sludge; floating debris; oil and scum; color- and odor-producing materials; substances that are harmful to human, animal, or aquatic life and nutrients in concentrations that may cause algal blooms
Chapter 2 Overview of Watershed Planning Process Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters 2-14 Draft It’s important to note that numeric criteria are invaluable when setting specific, measurable goals for waterbody cleanup plans because they provide a very clear indication of when water quality meets the criteria. However, federal, state, and tribal numeric criteria development is complex and expensive in terms of time and resources. Narrative criteria provide a means to convey the context, conditions, and full intent of water quality protection efforts in the absence of numeric criteria development and monitoring efforts. designate uses by broad categories or classes, with uses requiring similar water quality conditions grouped under each class. Criteria Criteria define minimum conditions, pollutant limits, goals, and other requirements that the waterbody must attain or maintain to support its designated use(s). Criteria describe physical, chemical, and biological attributes or conditions as measurable (e.g., parts per million of a certain chemical) or narrative (e.g., no objectionable odors) water quality components. Together, the various criteria for a particular designated use paint a picture of the water quality necessary to support the use. EPA and states establish water quality criteria for various waterbody uses as part of their water quality standard programs. In general, states and tribes must adopt the minimum federal criteria for uses such as aquatic life support, human health, and contact recreation unless they can demonstrate that site-specific, time-sensitive, or other criteria are appropriate to reflect the unique conditions or uses of a waterbody. Numeric Criteria EPA, states, and tribes have set numeric criteria or limits for many common water quality parameters, such as concentrations of bacteria, suspended sediment, algae, dissolved metals, minimum/maximum temperatures, and so on. Numeric criteria for protecting aquatic life are often expressed as a concentration minimum or maximum for certain parameters and include an averaging period and a frequency or recurrence interval. For example, a criterion for a parameter of concern might state that concentrations of the parameter must not exceed 5 parts per million, averaged from five samples collected within a 30-day period, and recurring more than once in a 3-year period. Criteria for protecting human health are derived from epidemiological studies and laboratory studies of pollutant exposure involving species like rats and mice. Numeric criteria established to prevent acute conditions are more strict than those focusing on chronic exposure to parameters of concern. Narrative Criteria Narrative criteria are nonnumeric descriptions of desirable or undesirable water quality conditions. An example of a narrative criterion is “All waters will be free from sludge; floating debris; oil and scum; color- and odor-producing materials; substances that are harmful to human, animal, or aquatic life; and nutrients in concentrations that may cause algal blooms