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Water Quality Standards Academy
Highlights
Publications and Videos
Other Resources
We are responsible for overseeing the national water quality standards program. To support standards development, we offer the Water Quality Standards Academy (WQSA), which presents classroom-based courses and occasional satellite broadcasts of instruction.
"Key Concepts" Online Course: the first of many online course offerings from the Academy!
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Basic Course
Intermediate
The Academy also offers "Intermediate" courses. Intermediate courses are limited to one or several closely related topics (e.g., Implementation of Nutrient Criteria, Implementation of Ammonia Criteria). All students should have completed the Basic Course, and should be experienced in the prerequisite knowledge to use the course material. Intermediate courses are generally presented live using distance learning technologies, such as satellite broadcasts. Intermediate courses are usually first presented to EPA staff from headquarters and regional offices, to enable them to provide subsequent training to states, territories, tribes, and others. The structure of an intermediate course is lecture and discussion, augmented with case studies.
The Water Quality Standards Academy is best known for the "Basic Course". The Basic Course is an introductory course designed for those with fewer than six months experience with water quality standards and criteria programs. However, others may benefit from the course, including veterans of the water quality standards program who want a refresher course.
Upcoming Water Quality Standards Academy: Basic Course 
, December 8-12, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel in Crystal City, VA .
Water quality standards are the cornerstone of state, territory, and tribal water quality standards management programs. The Basic Course is a comprehensive and highly structured course that introduces students to all aspects of the water quality standards program, including:
- the interpretation and application of water quality standards regulation;
- policies and program guidance;
- the development of water quality criteria (human health, aquatic life, nutrient, and biological); and
- other facets of the water program.
The 5-day course is aimed at states, territories, tribes, environmental groups, industrial groups, municipalities, the academic community, federal agencies, watershed groups, and other interested parties. The course is offered approximately two times each year.
Academy Online
The Academy Online offers online training provided by the Water Quality Standards Academy. The introductory course is currently the only training available online. We plan to expand its course offering over time.
This online course introduces some key concepts that are discussed in greater depth in the Basic Course. As such, the online course provides good preparation for taking the classroom course, enabling attendees to get the most out of the face-to-face classroom discussions. Further, although the material presented here is designed for people with little familiarity with water quality standards and criteria programs, people that have experience in this subject matter may benefit from taking the online course as refresher training.