Key Concepts

Site-Specific Criteria: When Allowed

Site-specific criteria can be used to address any one or more of the following situations. (Select the linked items listed below to view when site-specific criteria are allowed.)

Situation #1

The sensitivities of species at a site differ from those used to develop national water quality criteria.

Situation #2

The physical/chemical characteristics of a site alter the bioavailability/toxicity of a pollutant.

Situation #3

A State/Tribe wants to establish a criterion equal to “natural background” levels.

Learn More. Protocols/procedures for developing site-specific criteria. Proceed to the Learn More Topic. »