Biocriteria in the Water Quality Criteria and Standards Plan
EPA's bioassessment and biocriteria program began in 1988 to help
fulfill the Clean Water Act objective to "restore and maintain
the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Nation's
waters." Much has been accomplished since the start of the
program; however, further progress is necessary over the next decade
to realize the full potential of bioassessments and biocriteria
for managing water quality and protecting aquatic life in all water
bodies.
The Water
Quality Criteria and Standards Plan describes six new criteria
and standards program initiatives that EPA and the states and tribes
will take over the next decade. Key objectives and key activities
for completing the development and implementation of bioassessments
and biocriteria for use in state and tribal water quality standards
programs outlined in the plan are listed below.
Key Objectives
- EPA will develop bioassessment methods and biocriteria technical
guidance for all waterbody types, e.g. lakes, rivers, wetlands,
etc., for use by State and Tribal water quality programs for improving
aquatic life use designations, assessing attainment of those uses
and for making better decisions in water quality protection and
restoration.
- EPA will support the States and Tribes in their adoption of
bioassessments and biocriteria as key components of their water
quality programs.
Key Activities
A number of key activities are necessary
to meet the biocriteria objectives outlined in the Water Quality
Criteria and Standards Plan.
Goals of the Bioassessment and Biocriteria Program
- All states use bioassessments to evaluate the health of aquatic
life in all waterbodies
- Quantifiable biocriteria are in all state/tribal water quality
standards to protect aquatic life uses
- Biocriteria/bioassessments used in ongoing regulatory programs
- Biocriteria/bioassessments used to assess the effectiveness
of water quality management efforts
- Bioassessment data and biocriteria used to better communicate
the health of the Nation's waters
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