Tuesday, November 27, 2012

New EPA Recreational Water Quality Criteria for Beaches

In response to an order from a U.S. District Court and as required by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new recreational water quality criteria for beaches and waters year round. The criteria provide states and communities with scientific information that they can use to determine whether water quality is safe for the public and when to issue an advisory or a beach closure. EPA has also provided a variety of other tools to help states evaluate and manage recreational waters.

The new criteria are based on several recent health studies and use a broader definition of illness to recognize that symptoms may occur without a fever, including a number of stomach ailments. EPA also narrowed from 90 days to 30 days the time period over which the results of monitoring samples may be averaged. This shortened time period especially accounts for heavy rainfall that can wash pollution into rivers, lakes or the ocean or cause sewer overflows.

The recommendations include:

  1. A short-term and long-term measure of bacteria levels that are to be used together to ensure that water quality is properly evaluated.
  2. Stronger recommendations for coastal water quality so public health is protected similarly in both coastal and fresh waters.
  3. A new rapid testing method that states can use to determine if water quality is safe within hours of water samples being taken.
  4. An early-alert approach for states to use to quickly issue swimming advisories for the public.
  5. Tools that allow states to predict water quality problems and identify sources of pollution, as well as to develop criteria for specific beaches.
  Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment. Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website


Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Released

On November 19, 2012, the State of Iowa announced the release of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy for public comment. Interested parties were invited to submit comments during a 45 day comment period that will end on January 4, 2013.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources and nonpoint sources. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked with Iowa State University over a two-year period to develop the strategy.

The Iowa strategy has been developed in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan that calls for the 12 states along the Mississippi River to develop strategies to reduce nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa strategy follows the recommended framework provided by EPA in 2011. Iowa is the second state to complete a statewide nutrient reduction strategy.

To address point source discharges, such as POTW and industrial discharge, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be working with major facilities throughout the state to reduce nutrient discharges from point sources to Iowa's waters with a goal of reducing total phosphorus by 16% and total nitrogen by 4 %.

Summary of proposed permitting requirements for point source discharges under nutrient reduction plan


To address nutrient transport from nonpoint sources the strategy uses a scientific assessment of conservation practices and associated costs to reduce loading of nutrients to Iowa surface waters. The strategy identifies five key categories to focus the efforts in addressing nonpoint sources and identifies multiple action items within each category. The five categories are:

  • Setting Priorities;
  • Documenting Progress;
  • Research and Technology;
  • Strengthen Outreach,
  • Education,
  • Collaboration; and
  • Funding.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.

Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Changes To Missouri Impaired Waters List

On Nov. 13, 2012 , US EPA Region 7 issued the final decision on the Missouri list of impaired waters. EPA restored eight water bodies to Missouri’s list and removed one water body due to an EPA-approved pollution reduction plan. The EPA decision brings the total number of impaired waters in the state to 258.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) submitted its impaired waters list to EPA for review and approval as required by the Clean Water Act (CWA). The EPA decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA’s review and the basis for this action.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.

Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Containment and Disposal of Contaminated Water Guidance

The US EPA Office of Water has released the reference document “Containment and Disposal of Large Amounts of Contaminated Water: A Support Guide for Water Utilities”. The guide is intended to help water utilities prepare for and respond to a contamination event when rapid decision making and action is required. The guidance is applicable primarily at drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, and makes recommendations for addressing chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) contamination events. Secondary users of the guide are decision makers involved with planning and disposal at federal, state, local, and tribal levels.

According to EPA, the guide is a voluntary document that is not legally enforceable, and contains broad recommendations that may be adapted to specific situations or incidents. It includes references to statutes and regulations, but does not change or substitute for any legal requirements. The guide provides an overview of the issues associated with containment, treatment, and disposal of contaminated water after a decision to contain the water has been made, including:

  • Potential types of containment;
  • Potential treatment methods;
  • Potential disposal options and associated considerations; and
  • Information on some of the key relevant statutes and regulations that may be applicable for containment and disposal.

According to EPA, the guide is not intended to provide recommendations on initial response activities immediately following a confirmed contamination incident; or source water, such as ground water or surface water that has not entered the drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater system. Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment. Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website


Friday, November 2, 2012

IDNR Proposed Changes To Use Designations For Iowa Rivers

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding public meetings across the state to gather input on proposed water quality standards designated use changes for selected rivers and streams in Iowa. These changes are intended to enhance the protection of aquatic life and recreational uses in these waters. Rivers affected include segments of the Iowa River, Cedar River, Des Moines River and several others

Meetings will be held in:

  • Atlantic: Nov. 13.
  • Clear Lake: Nov. 8
  • Independence: Nov. 28
  • Spencer: Nov. 5
  • Washington: Nov. 27
  • West Des Moines: Nov. 19

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
 Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website