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The next Integrated Report (IR) is due to be submitted to EPA for approval in April of 2010. DWQ is currently compiling data and conducting beneficial uses assessments for the report. In short, preparation for the report involves: 1) a formal request for data submission, 2) analyses, 3) public review of the completed report, and 4) formal submission to EPA for approval.
DWQ collects thousands of samples that, among other things, are used to assess...
As resources allow, the analytical methods (.pdf document, XXX KB) that DWQ used when making beneficial use assessments are periodically revised and expanded to improve scientific rigor or to better comply with EPA guidance. DWQ is currently developing two revisions to our assessment methods that we hope to implement in the 2010 IR: 1) better integration of chemical and biological assessments, and 2) assessments of biological beneficial uses of Great Salt Lake’s impounded wetlands. Additional revisions are underway that we hope to implement in 2012, including: revisions to reservoir assessment methods, Great Salt Lake assessments (see DRAFT 2008 Integrated Report appendix for details), more rigorous assessments of recreation beneficial uses, and expansions to our biological assessment program.
Broadly speaking, all assessment methods are similar in the sense that they all involve interpreting water quality data to evaluate beneficial use support. For streams, DWQ currently conducts chemical assessments by comparing data obtained from water samples against water quality standards, and biological assessments and biological assessments by comparing macroinvertebrates (bugs) observed at a site against those expected in the absence of human caused stress. Similarly, assessments for lakes and reservoirs compare water chemistry data against existing standards, and use a number of techniques to quantify the extent of eutrophication resulting from nutrient inputs to these waters. However, the specific analyses employed in making assessments differ for streams/rivers and lakes/reservoirs due to differences in monitoring methods and ecological differences among these ecosystems.
Public Review of the Final Integrated Report
The Clean Water Act requires a formal 30-day comment period for the IR before it can be submitted to the EPA for approval. DWQ reviews all public comments and develops and develops written responses to each comment that we receive.
Public comments are important. These are used by DWQ to identify shortcomings in our current monitoring and assessment approaches. Also, while we try to assess as many waters as possible, our stakeholders frequently highlight previously unknown water quality concerns. In short, we listen!
If you are interested in commenting on the 2010 IR, please contact us and we will make sure that you are added to our mailing list. Alternatively, you can sign up for the Water Quality list serve to receive e-mail updates of all major water quality actions in Utah.
EPA Review
DWQ maintains delegated authority to uphold sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act for Utah’s waters, whereas EPA maintains oversight to ensure that these programs are implemented in accordance with federal rules and regulations. Once the IR is complete, DWQ submits the report, along with public comments and our response to these comments, to EPA for approval of the 303(d) list of impaired waters. EPA subsequently reviews the report to ensure that assessments were based on all existing and readily available data and that each assessment is legally and scientifically justified. In most cases, DWQ is able to work with EPA to address their comments by modifying the report. If a consensus cannot be reached, EPA maintains the ability to approve, deny, or partially approve the 303(d) list by reclassifying any site as impaired (not meeting designated uses).
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