Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

TABLE 30: Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic 

Pollutants

Effective April 18, 2014

Aquatic Life Criteria Summary

The concentration for each compound listed in Table 30 is a criterion not to be exceeded in waters of 

the state in order to protect aquatic life. The aquatic life criteria apply to waterbodies where the 

protection of fish and aquatic life are the designated uses. All values are expressed as micrograms per 

liter (μg/L). Compounds are listed in alphabetical order with the corresponding information: the 

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, whether there is a human health criterion for the pollutant 

(i.e. “y”= yes, “n” = no), and the associated aquatic life freshwater and saltwater acute and chronic 

criteria. Italicized pollutants are not identified as priority pollutants by EPA. Dashes in the table column 

indicate that there is no aquatic life criterion. 

Unless otherwise noted in the table below, the acute criterion is the Criterion Maximum 

Concentration (CMC) applied as a one-hour average concentration, and the chronic criterion is

the Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) applied as a 96-hour (4 days) average 

concentration. The CMC and CCC criteria should not be exceeded more than once every three 

years. Footnote A, associated with eleven pesticide pollutants in Table 30, describes the 

exception to the frequency and duration of the toxics criteria stated in this paragraph. 

Table 30

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

1 Aldrin 309002 y 3 A -- 1.3 A --

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

2 Alkalinity n -- 20,000 B -- --
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Table 30

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

B Criterion shown is the minimum (i.e. CCC in water may not be below this value in order to protect aquatic life).

3 Ammonia 7664417 n Criteria are pH, temperature, 

and salmonid or sensitive 

coldwater species dependent--

See document USEPA January 

1985 (Fresh Water).M 

Ammonia criteria for saltwater 

may depend on pH and 

temperature. Values for 

saltwater criteria (total 

ammonia) can be calculated 

from the tables specified in 

Ambient Water Quality Criteria 

for Ammonia (Saltwater)--1989 

(EPA 440/5-88-004;

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swg

uidance/standards/criteria/curre

nt/index.cfm) 

M See expanded endnote M equations at bottom of Table 30 to calculate freshwater ammonia criteria

4 Arsenic 7440382 y 340 C, D 150 C, D 69 C, D 36 C, D

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

D Criterion is applied as total inorganic arsenic (i.e. arsenic (III) + arsenic (V)). 

5 BHC Gamma 

(Lindane)

58899 y 0.95 0.08 A 0.16 A --

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

6 Cadmium 7440439 n See E See C, F 40 C 8.8 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as “total recoverable” and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water 

column. To calculate the criterion, use formula under expanded endnote E at bottom of Table 30. 

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

7 Chlordane 57749 y 2.4 A 0.0043 A 0.09 A 0.004 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

8 Chloride 16887006 n 860,000 230,000 -- --
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Table 30

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

9 Chlorine 7782505 n 19 11 13 7.5

10 Chlorpyrifos 2921882 n 0.083 0.041 0.011 0.0056

11 Chromium III 16065831 n See C, F See C, F -- --

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

12 Chromium VI 18540299 n 16 C 11 C 1100C 50C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

13 Copper 7440508 y See E See E 4.8 C 3.1 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as “total recoverable” and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water 

column. To calculate the criterion, use formula under expanded endnote E at bottom of Table 30. 

14 Cyanide 57125 y 22 J 5.2 J 1

J 1J

J This criterion is expressed as μg free cyanide (CN)/L.

15 DDT 4,4' 50293 y 1.1 A , G 0.001 A, G 0.13 A, G 0.001 A, G

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

G This criterion applies to DDT and its metabolites (i.e. the total concentration of DDT and its metabolites should not exceed 

this value).

16 Demeton 8065483 n -- 0.1 -- 0.1

17 Dieldrin 60571 y 0.24 0.056 0.71A 0.0019A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

18 Endosulfan 115297 n 0.22 A , H 0.056 A , H 0.034 A , H 0.0087 A, H

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

H This value is based on the criterion published in Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Endosulfan (EPA 440/5-80-046) and 

should be applied as the sum of alpha- and beta-endosulfan.
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Table 30

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

19 Endosulfan Alpha 959988 y 0.22 A 0.056 A 0.034 A 0.0087 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

20 Endosulfan Beta 33213659 y 0.22 A 0.056 A 0.034 A 0.0087 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

21 Endrin 72208 y 0.086 0.036 0.037 A 0.0023 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

22 Guthion 86500 n -- 0.01 -- 0.01

23 Heptachlor 76448 y 0.52 A 0.0038 A 0.053 A 0.0036 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

24 Heptachlor 

Epoxide

1024573 y 0.52 A 0.0038 A 0.053 A 0.0036 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

25 Iron (total) 7439896 n -- 1000 -- --

26 Lead 7439921 n See C , F See C , F 210 C 8.1 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

27 Malathion 121755 n -- 0.1 -- 0.1

28 Mercury (total) 7439976 n 2.4 0.012 2.1 0.025

29 Methoxychlor 72435 y -- 0.03 -- 0.03

30 Mirex 2385855 n -- 0.001 -- 0.001

31 Nickel 7440020 y See C , F See C , F 74 C 8.2 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

32 Parathion 56382 n 0.065 0.013 -- --
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Table 30

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

33 Pentachlorophenol 87865 y See H See H 13 7.9

H Freshwater aquatic life values for pentachlorophenol are expressed as a function of pH, and are calculated as follows: 

CMC=(exp(1.005(pH)-4.869); CCC=exp(1.005(pH)-5.134).

34 Phosphorus 

Elemental

7723140 n -- -- -- 0.1

35 Polychlorinated 

Biphenyls (PCBs)

NA y 2

K 0.014 K 10 K 0.03 K

K This criterion applies to total PCBs (e.g. determined as Aroclors or congeners)

36 Selenium 7782492 y See C , L 4.6 C 290 C 71 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

L The CMC=(1/[(f1/CMC1)+(f2/CMC2)]μg/L) * CF where f1 and f2 are the fractions of total selenium that are treated as selenite 

and selenate, respectively,and CMC1 and CMC2 are 185.9 μg/L and 12.82 μg/L, respectively. See expanded endnote F for the 

Conversion Factor (CF) for selenium.

37 Silver 7440224 n See C , F 0.10 C 1.9 C --

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater acute criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate

the criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

38 Sulfide Hydrogen 

Sulfide

7783064 n -- 2 -- 2

39 Toxaphene 8001352 y 0.73 0.0002 0.21 0.0002

40 Tributyltin (TBT) 688733 n 0.46 0.063 0.37 0.01

41 Zinc 7440666 y See C , F See C , F 90 C 81 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Endnote A: Alternate Frequency and Duration for Certain Pesticides

This criterion is based on EPA recommendations issued in 1980 that were derived using 

guidelines that differed from EPA's 1985 Guidelines which update minimum data requirements 

and derivation procedures. The CMC may not be exceeded at any time and the CCC may not 

be exceeded based on a 24-hour average. The CMC may be applied using a one hour 

averaging period not to be exceeded more than once every three years, if the CMC values 

given in Table 30 are divided by 2 to obtain a value that is more comparable to a CMC derived 

using the 1985 Guidelines.

Endnote E: Equations for Hardness-Dependent Freshwater Metals Criteria for Cadmium 

Acute and Copper Acute and Chronic Criteria

The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as total recoverable with two significant 

figures, and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. Criteria values for hardness 

are calculated using the following formulas (CMC refers to the acute criterion; CCC refers to the 

chronic criterion):

CMC = (exp(mA*[ln(hardness)] + bA))

CCC = (exp(mC*[ln(hardness)] + bC))

Endnote F: Equations for Hardness-Dependent Freshwater Metals Criteria and 

Conversion Factor Table

The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as dissolved with two significant figures, and 

is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. Criteria values for hardness are calculated 

using the following formulas (CMC refers to the acute criterion; CCC refers to the chronic 

criterion):

CMC = (exp(mA*[ln(hardness)] + bA))*CF 

CCC = (exp(mC*[ln(hardness)] + bC))*CF

Chemical mA bA mC bC

Cadmium 1.128 -3.828 N/A N/A

Copper 0.9422 -1.464 0.8545 -1.465

Expanded Endnotes A, E, F, M 
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

“CF” is the conversion factor used for converting a metal criterion expressed as the total 

recoverable fraction in the water column to a criterion expressed as the dissolved fraction in 

the water column.

Chemical mA bA mC bC

Cadmium N/A N/A 0.7409 -4.719

Chromium III 0.8190 3.7256 0.8190 0.6848

Lead 1.273 -1.460 1.273 -4.705

Nickel 0.8460 2.255 0.8460 0.0584

Silver 1.72 -6.59 -- --

Zinc 0.8473 0.884 0.8473 0.884

The conversion factors (CF) below must be used in the equations above for the hardnessdependent metals in order to convert total recoverable metals criteria to dissolved metals 

criteria. For metals that are not hardness-dependent (i.e. arsenic, chromium VI, selenium, and 

silver (chronic)), or are saltwater criteria, the criterion value associated with the metal in Table 

30 already reflects a dissolved criterion based on its conversion factor below. 
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

Conversion Factor (CF) Table for Dissolved Metals

Chemical

Freshwater Saltwater

Acute Chronic Acute Chronic

Arsenic 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000

Cadmium N/A 1.101672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)]

0.994 0.994

Chromium III 0.316 0.860 -- --

Chromium VI 0.982 0.962 0.993 0.993

Copper N/A N/A 0.83 0.83

Lead 1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)]

1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)]

0.951 0.951

Nickel 0.998 0.997 0.990 0.990

Selenium 0.996 0.922 0.998 0.998

Silver 0.85 0.85 0.85 --

Zinc 0.978 0.986 0.946 0.946

Endnote M: Equations for Freshwater Ammonia Calculations

Acute Criterion 

The 1-hour average concentration of un-ionized ammonia (mg/L NH3) may not exceed more 

often than once every three years on average, the numerical value given by: 

CMCNH3 = 0.52/FT/FPH/2 where: 

FT = temperature adjustment factor

FPH = pH adjustment factor

TCAP = temperature cap

FT = 10 0.03(20-TCAP); TCAP ≤ T ≤ 30 ̊ C 

FT = 10 0.03(20-T); 0 ≤ T ≤ TCAP

FPH = 1 8≤ pH ≤ 9 

FPH = 1 + 10 7.4-pH 6.5 ≤ pH ≤ 8

 1.25 

TCAP = 20  ̊C; Salmonids and other sensitive coldwater species present 
 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

 

TCAP = 25  ̊C; Salmonids and other sensitive coldwater species absent

Chronic Criterion 

The 4-day average concentration of un-ionized ammonia (mg/L NH3) may not exceed more 

often than once every three years on average, the average numerical value given by: 

CCCNH3 = 0.80/FT/FPH/RATIO 

where FT and FPH are as above for acute criterion and: 

RATIO = 16 where 7.7 ≤ pH ≤ 9 

RATIO = 24 x 107.7 – pH where 6.5≤ pH ≤ 7.7

 1 + 10 7.4 - pH

TCAP = 15  ̊C; Salmonids and other sensitive coldwater species present 

TCAP = 20  ̊C; Salmonids and other sensitive coldwater species absent
REVISED TABLE 30: Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for 

Toxic Pollutants

Revised Version of This Table Not in Effect Until Approved By EPA

Aquatic Life Criteria Summary

The concentration for each compound listed in Table 30 is a criterion not to be exceeded in 

waters of the state in order to protect aquatic life. The aquatic life criteria apply to waterbodies 

where the protection of fish and aquatic life is a designated use. All values are expressed as 

micrograms per liter (μg/L). Compounds are listed in alphabetical order with the corresponding 

information: the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, whether there is a human health 

criterion for the pollutant (i.e. “y”= yes, “n” = no), and the associated aquatic life freshwater and 

saltwater acute and chronic criteria. Italicized pollutants are not identified as priority pollutants

by EPA. Dashes in the table column indicate that there is no aquatic life criterion. 

Unless otherwise noted in the table below, the acute criterion is the Criterion Maximum 

Concentration (CMC) applied as a one-hour average concentration, and the chronic criterion is 

the Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) applied as a 96-hour (4 days) average 

concentration. The CMC and CCC criteria may not be exceeded more than once every three 

years. Footnote A, associated with eleven pesticide pollutants in Table 30, describes the 

exception to the frequency and duration of the toxics criteria stated in this paragraph. 

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Revised Table 30 – Not In Effect Until Approved by EPA

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

1 Aldrin 309002 y 3 A -- 1.3 A --

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

2 Alkalinity n -- 20,000 B -- --

B Criterion shown is the minimum (i.e. CCC in water may not be below this value in order to protect aquatic life).
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Revised Table 30 – Not In Effect Until Approved by EPA

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

3 Ammonia 7664417 n The ammonia criteria are pH

and temperature dependent —

See ammonia criteria Tables 

30(a)-(c) at end of Table 30.M

The ammonia criteria are pH, 

temperature and salinity dependent. 

Values for saltwater criteria (total 

ammonia) can be calculated from 

the tables specified in Ambient 

Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia 

(Saltwater)—1989 (EPA 440/5-88-

004)

See DEQ’s calculator for calculating 

saltwater ammonia criteria at: 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/stand

ards/toxics.htm.

M The acute criteria in Table 30(a) apply in waterbodies where salmonids are a designated use in OAR 340-

041-0101 through OAR 340-041-0340. The acute criteria in Table 30(b) apply in waterbodies where salmonids are not a 

designated use. The chronic criteria in Table 30(c) apply where fish and aquatic life is a designated use. It is not necessary 

to account for the presence or absence of salmonids or the presence of any early life stage of fish for the chronic criteria.

Refer to DEQ’s beneficial use website at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/standards/uses.htm for additional information on 

salmonid beneficial use designations, including tables and maps.

4 Arsenic 7440382 y 340 C, D 150 C, D 69 C, D 36 C, D

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

D Criterion is applied as total inorganic arsenic (i.e. arsenic (III) + arsenic (V)). 

5 BHC Gamma 

(Lindane)

58899 y 0.95 0.08 A 0.16 A --

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

6 Cadmium 7440439 n See E See C, F 40 C 8.8 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as “total recoverable” and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water 

column. To calculate the criterion, use formula under expanded endnote E at bottom of Table 30. 

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

7 Chlordane 57749 y 2.4 A 0.0043 A 0.09 A 0.004 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Revised Table 30 – Not In Effect Until Approved by EPA

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

8 Chloride 16887006 n 860,000 230,000 -- --

9 Chlorine 7782505 n 19 11 13 7.5

10 Chlorpyrifos 2921882 n 0.083 0.041 0.011 0.0056

11 Chromium III 16065831 n See C, F See C, F -- --

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

12 Chromium VI 18540299 n 16 C 11 C 1100C 50C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

13 Copper 7440508 y See E See E 4.8 C 3.1 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

E The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as “total recoverable” and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water 

column. To calculate the criterion, use formula under expanded endnote E at bottom of Table 30. 

14 Cyanide 57125 y 22 J 5.2 J 1

J 1J

J This criterion is expressed as μg free cyanide (CN)/L.

15 DDT 4,4' 50293 y 1.1 A , G 0.001 A, G 0.13 A, G 0.001 A, G

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

G This criterion applies to DDT and its metabolites (i.e. the total concentration of DDT and its metabolites should not exceed this 

value).

16 Demeton 8065483 n -- 0.1 -- 0.1

17 Dieldrin 60571 y 0.24 0.056 0.71A 0.0019A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

18 Endosulfan 115297 n 0.22 A , H 0.056 A , H 0.034 A , H 0.0087 A, H

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

H This value is based on the criterion published in Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Endosulfan (EPA 440/5-80-046) and should be 

applied as the sum of alpha- and beta-endosulfan.

19 Endosulfan Alpha 959988 y 0.22 A 0.056 A 0.034 A 0.0087 A
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Revised Table 30 – Not In Effect Until Approved by EPA

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

20 Endosulfan Beta 33213659 y 0.22 A 0.056 A 0.034 A 0.0087 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

21 Endrin 72208 y 0.086 0.036 0.037 A 0.0023 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

22 Guthion 86500 n -- 0.01 -- 0.01

23 Heptachlor 76448 y 0.52 A 0.0038 A 0.053 A 0.0036 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

24 Heptachlor 

Epoxide

1024573 y 0.52 A 0.0038 A 0.053 A 0.0036 A

A See expanded endnote A at bottom of Table 30 for alternate frequency and duration of this criterion.

25 Iron (total) 7439896 n -- 1000 -- --

26 Lead 7439921 n See C , F See C , F 210 C 8.1 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

27 Malathion 121755 n -- 0.1 -- 0.1

28 Mercury (total) 7439976 n 2.4 0.012 2.1 0.025

29 Methoxychlor 72435 y -- 0.03 -- 0.03

30 Mirex 2385855 n -- 0.001 -- 0.001

31 Nickel 7440020 y See C , F See C , F 74 C 8.2 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

32 Parathion 56382 n 0.065 0.013 -- --

33 Pentachlorophenol 87865 y See H See H 13 7.9
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Revised Table 30 – Not In Effect Until Approved by EPA

Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Human 

Health 

Criterion

Freshwater

(μg/L)

Saltwater

(μg/L)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

Acute 

Criterion 

(CMC)

Chronic 

Criterion 

(CCC)

H Freshwater aquatic life values for pentachlorophenol are expressed as a function of pH, and are calculated as follows: 

CMC=(exp(1.005(pH)-4.869); CCC=exp(1.005(pH)-5.134).

34 Phosphorus 

Elemental

7723140 n -- -- -- 0.1

35 Polychlorinated 

Biphenyls (PCBs)

NA y 2

K 0.014 K 10 K 0.03 K

K This criterion applies to total PCBs (e.g. determined as Aroclors or congeners)

36 Selenium 7782492 y See C , L 4.6 C 290 C 71 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.L The CMC=(1/[(f1/CMC1)+(f2/CMC2)]μg/L) * 

CF where f1 and f2 are the fractions of total selenium that are treated as selenite and selenate, respectively,and CMC1 and CMC2 

are 185.9 μg/L and 12.82 μg/L, respectively. See expanded endnote F for the Conversion Factor (CF) for selenium.

37 Silver 7440224 n See C , F 0.10 C 1.9 C --

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater acute criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

38 Sulfide Hydrogen 

Sulfide

7783064 n -- 2 -- 2

39 Toxaphene 8001352 y 0.73 0.0002 0.21 0.0002

40 Tributyltin (TBT) 688733 n 0.46 0.063 0.37 0.01

41 Zinc 7440666 y See C , F See C , F 90 C 81 C

C Criterion is expressed in terms of “dissolved” concentrations in the water column.

F The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. To calculate the 

criterion, use formula under expanded endnote F at bottom of Table 30.

Endnote A: Alternate Frequency and Duration for Certain Pesticides

Expanded Endnotes A, E, F 
This criterion is based on EPA recommendations issued in 1980 that were derived using 

guidelines that differed from EPA's 1985 Guidelines which update minimum data requirements 

and derivation procedures. The CMC may not be exceeded at any time and the CCC may not 

be exceeded based on a 24-hour average. The CMC may be applied using a one hour 

averaging period not to be exceeded more than once every three years, if the CMC values 

given in Table 30 are divided by 2 to obtain a value that is more comparable to a CMC derived 

using the 1985 Guidelines.

Endnote E: Equations for Hardness-Dependent Freshwater Metals Criteria for Cadmium 

Acute and Copper Acute and Chronic Criteria

The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as total recoverable with two significant 

figures, and is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. Criteria values for hardness 

are calculated using the following formulas (CMC refers to the acute criterion; CCC refers to the 

chronic criterion):

CMC = (exp(mA*[ln(hardness)] + bA))

CCC = (exp(mC*[ln(hardness)] + bC))

Endnote F: Equations for Hardness-Dependent Freshwater Metals Criteria and 

Conversion Factor Table

The freshwater criterion for this metal is expressed as dissolved with two significant figures, and 

is a function of hardness (mg/L) in the water column. Criteria values for hardness are calculated 

using the following formulas (CMC refers to the acute criterion; CCC refers to the chronic 

criterion):

CMC = (exp(mA*[ln(hardness)] + bA))*CF 

CCC = (exp(mC*[ln(hardness)] + bC))*CF

“CF” is the conversion factor used for converting a metal criterion expressed as the total 

recoverable fraction in the water column to a criterion expressed as the dissolved fraction in 

the water column.

Chemical mA bA mC bC

Cadmium 1.128 -3.828 N/A N/A

Copper 0.9422 -1.464 0.8545 -1.465
Chemical mA bA mC bC

Cadmium N/A N/A 0.7409 -4.719

Chromium III 0.8190 3.7256 0.8190 0.6848

Lead 1.273 -1.460 1.273 -4.705

Nickel 0.8460 2.255 0.8460 0.0584

Silver 1.72 -6.59 -- --

Zinc 0.8473 0.884 0.8473 0.884

The conversion factors (CF) below must be used in the equations above for the hardnessdependent metals in order to convert total recoverable metals criteria to dissolved metals 

criteria. For metals that are not hardness-dependent (i.e. arsenic, chromium VI, selenium, and 

silver (chronic)), or are saltwater criteria, the criterion value associated with the metal in Table 

30 already reflects a dissolved criterion based on its conversion factor below. 

Conversion Factor (CF) Table for Dissolved Metals

Chemical

Freshwater Saltwater

Acute Chronic Acute Chronic

Arsenic 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000

Cadmium N/A 1.101672-[(ln 

hardness)(0.041838)]

0.994 0.994

Chromium III 0.316 0.860 -- --

Chromium VI 0.982 0.962 0.993 0.993

Copper N/A N/A 0.83 0.83

Lead 1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)]

1.46203-[(ln 

hardness)(0.145712)]

0.951 0.951

Nickel 0.998 0.997 0.990 0.990

Selenium 0.996 0.922 0.998 0.998

Silver 0.85 0.85 0.85 --

Zinc 0.978 0.986 0.946 0.946
AMMONIA FRESHWATER CRITERIA TABLES

Tables (a)-(c) based on EPA April 2013 document, Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia-Freshwater 2013,

Office of Water (EPA 822-R-13-001) 

Table 30(a): Ammonia Acute Criteria Values (One-hour Average)—Salmonid Species Present

Temperature and pH-Dependent and expressed as Total Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L TAN)

Criteria cannot be exceeded more than once every three years

Acute Criterion = MIN 

0.275

1 + 107.204−pH +

39.0

1 + 10pH−7.204 , 0.7249 × 

0.0114

1 + 107.204−pH +

1.6181

1 + 10pH−7.204 × 23.12 × 100.036× 20−T 

 

Temperature (oC)

pH 0-14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

6.5 33 33 32 29 27 25 23 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.9

6.6 31 31 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 17 16 14 13 12 11 10 9.5

6.7 30 30 29 27 24 22 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.0

6.8 28 28 27 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.2 8.5

6.9 26 26 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.4 8.6 7.9

7.0 24 24 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.4 8.6 8.0 7.3

7.1 22 22 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.3 8.5 7.9 7.2 6.7

7.2 20 20 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.1 6.5 6.0

7.3 18 18 17 16 14 13 12 11 10 9.5 8.7 8.0 7.4 6.8 6.3 5.8 5.3

7.4 15 15 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.0 8.3 7.7 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.1 4.7

7.5 13 13 13 12 11 10 9.2 8.5 7.8 7.2 6.6 6.1 5.6 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.0

7.6 11 11 11 10 9.3 8.6 7.9 7.3 6.7 6.2 5.7 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.5

7.7 9.6 9.6 9.3 8.6 7.9 7.3 6.7 6.2 5.7 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.2 3.0

7.8 8.1 8.1 7.9 7.2 6.7 6.1 5.6 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.5

7.9 6.8 6.8 6.6 6.0 5.6 5.1 4.7 4.3 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.9 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.1

8.0 5.6 5.6 5.4 5.0 4.6 4.2 3.9 3.6 3.3 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.7

8.1 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4

8.2 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2

8.3 3.1 3.1 3.1 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96

8.4 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.86 0.79

8.5 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 0.98 0.90 0.83 0.77 0.71 0.65

8.6 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96 0.88 0.81 0.75 0.69 0.63 0.59 0.54

8.7 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.94 0.87 0.80 0.74 0.68 0.62 0.57 0.53 0.49 0.45

8.8 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.86 0.79 0.73 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.41 0.37

8.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.93 0.85 0.79 0.72 0.67 0.61 0.56 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.37 0.34 0.32

9.0 0.88 0.88 0.86 0.79 0.73 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.41 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.27
AMMONIA FRESHWATER CRITERIA TABLES

Tables (a)-(c) based on EPA April 2013 document, Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia-Freshwater 2013,

Office of Water (EPA 822-R-13-001) 

Table 30(b): Ammonia Acute Criteria Values (One-hour Average*)—Salmonid Species Absent

Temperature and pH-Dependent and expressed as Total Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L TAN)

Criteria cannot be exceeded more than once every three years

Acute Criterion = 0.7249 ×

0.0114

1 + 107.204−pH +

1.6181

1 + 10pH−7.204 × MIN 51.93, 23.12 × 100.036× 20−T 

 

Temperature (oC)

pH 0-10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

6.5 51 48 44 41 37 34 32 29 27 25 23 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.9

6.6 49 46 42 39 36 33 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 17 16 14 13 12 11 10 9.5

6.7 46 44 40 37 34 31 29 27 24 22 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.0

6.8 44 41 38 35 32 30 27 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.2 8.5

6.9 41 38 35 32 30 28 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.4 8.6 7.9

7.0 38 35 33 30 28 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.4 8.6 7.9 7.3

7.1 34 32 30 27 25 23 21 20 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.3 8.5 7.9 7.2 6.7

7.2 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.1 6.5 6.0

7.3 27 26 24 22 20 18 17 16 14 13 12 11 10 9.5 8.7 8.0 7.4 6.8 6.3 5.8 5.3

7.4 24 22 21 19 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 9.8 9.0 8.3 7.7 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.1 4.7

7.5 21 19 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.2 8.5 7.8 7.2 6.6 6.1 5.6 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.0

7.6 18 17 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.3 8.6 7.9 7.3 6.7 6.2 5.7 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.5

7.7 15 14 13 12 11 10 9.3 8.6 7.9 7.3 6.7 6.2 5.7 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.2 2.9

7.8 13 12 11 10 9.3 8.5 7.9 7.2 6.7 6.1 5.6 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.5

7.9 11 9.9 9.1 8.4 7.7 7.1 6.6 3.0 5.6 5.1 4.7 4.3 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.9 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.1

8.0 8.8 8.2 7.6 7.0 6.4 5.9 5.4 5.0 4.6 4.2 3.9 3.6 3.3 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.7

8.1 7.2 6.8 6.3 5.8 5.3 4.9 4.5 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4

8.2 6.0 5.6 5.2 4.8 4.4 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2

8.3 4.9 4.6 4.3 3.9 3.6 3.3 3.1 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96

8.4 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.86 0.79

8.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 0.98 0.90 0.83 0.77 0.71 0.65

8.6 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96 0.88 0.81 0.75 0.69 0.63 0.58 0.54

8.7 2.3 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.94 0.87 0.80 0.74 0.68 0.62 0.57 0.53 0.49 0.45

8.8 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.86 0.79 0.73 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.41 0.37

8.9 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.85 0.79 0.72 0.67 0.61 0.56 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.37 0.34 0.32

9.0 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.93 0.86 0.79 0.73 0.67 0.62 0.57 0.52 0.48 0.44 0.41 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.27
AMMONIA FRESHWATER CRITERIA TABLES

Tables (a)-(c) based on EPA April 2013 document, Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia-Freshwater 2013,

Office of Water (EPA 822-R-13-001) 

Table 30(c): Ammonia Chronic Criteria Values (30-day Rolling Average*)

Temperature and pH-Dependent and expressed as Total Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L TAN)

* The highest four-day average within the 30-day averaging period must not be more than 2.5 times the chronic value

Criteria cannot be exceeded more than once every three years

Chronic Criterion = 0.8876 × 

0.0278

1 + 107.688−pH +

1.1994

1 + 10pH−7.688 × 2.126 × 100.028× 20−MAX T,7 

 

Temperature (oC)

pH 0-7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

6.5 4.9 4.6 4.3 4.1 3.8 3.6 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1

6.6 4.8 4.5 4.3 4.0 3.8 3.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1

6.7 4.8 4.5 4.2 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1

6.8 4.6 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1

6.9 4.5 4.2 4.0 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0

7.0 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.99

7.1 4.2 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.95

7.2 4.0 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96 0.90

7.3 3.8 3.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.97 0.91 0.85

7.4 3.5 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96 0.90 0.85 0.79

7.5 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.95 0.89 0.83 0.78 0.73

7.6 2.9 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.98 0.92 0.86 0.81 0.76 0.71 0.67

7.7 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.94 0.88 0.83 0.78 0.73 0.68 0.64 0.60

7.8 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.95 0.89 0.84 0.79 0.74 0.69 0.65 0.61 0.57 0.53

7.9 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.95 0.89 0.84 0.79 0.74 0.69 0.65 0.61 0.57 0.53 0.50 0.47

8.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.94 0.88 0.83 0.78 0.73 0.68 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.50 0.44 0.44 0.41

8.1 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.99 0.92 0.87 0.81 0.76 0.71 0.67 0.63 0.59 0.55 0.52 0.49 0.46 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.35

8.2 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.96 0.90 0.84 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.65 0.61 0.57 0.54 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.30

8.3 1.1 1.1 0.99 0.93 0.87 0.82 0.76 0.72 0.67 0.63 0.59 0.55 0.52 0.49 0.46 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.26

8.4 0.95 0.89 0.84 0.79 0.74 0.69 0.65 0.61 0.57 0.53 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.26 0.25 0.23 0.22

8.5 0.80 0.75 0.71 0.67 0.62 0.58 0.55 0.51 0.48 0.45 0.42 0.40 0.37 0.35 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.25 0.24 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.18

8.6 0.68 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.49 0.46 0.43 0.41 0.38 0.36 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.16 0.15

8.7 0.57 0.54 0.51 0.47 0.44 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.25 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.13

8.8 0.49 0.46 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.12 0.11

8.9 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.25 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.09

9.0 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.08
mmmmmM

m

TABLE 31: Aquatic Life Water Quality Guidance Values for Toxic Pollutants

Effective April 18, 2014

Water Quality Guidance Values Summary A

The concentration for each compound listed in Table 31 is a guidance value that DEQ may use in application 

of Oregon’s Toxic Substances Narrative (340-041-0033(2)) to waters of the state in order to protect aquatic life.

All values are expressed as micrograms per liter (μg/L) except where noted. Compounds are listed in 

alphabetical order with the corresponding EPA number (from National Recommended Water Quality Criteria: 

2002, EPA-822-R-02-047), corresponding Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, aquatic life freshwater 

acute and chronic guidance values, and aquatic life saltwater acute and chronic guidance values.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 31

Aquatic Life Water Quality Guidance Values for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

EPA No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Freshwater Saltwater

Acute Chronic Acute Chronic 

56 Acenaphthene 83329 1,700 520 970 710

17 Acrolein 107028 68 21 55

18 Acrylonitrile 107131 7,550 2,600

1 Antimony 7440360 9,000 1,600

19 Benzene 71432 5,300 5,100 700

59 Benzidine 92875 2,500

3 Beryllium 7440417 130 5.3

19 B

BHC 

(HexachlorocyclohexaneTechnical)319868 100 0.34

21 Carbon Tetrachloride 56235 35,200 50,000

Chlorinated Benzenes 250 50 160 129

Chlorinated naphthalenes 1,600 7.5

Chloroalkyl Ethers 238,000

26 Chloroform 67663 28,900 1,240
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 31

Aquatic Life Water Quality Guidance Values for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

EPA No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Freshwater Saltwater

Acute Chronic Acute Chronic 

45 Chlorophenol 2- 95578 4,380 2,000

Chlorophenol 4- 106489 29,700

52 Methyl-4-chlorophenol 3- 59507 30

5a Chromium (III) 16065831 10,300

109 DDE 4,4'- 72559 1,050 14

110 DDD 4,4'- 72548 0.06 3.6

Diazinon 333415 0.08 0.05

Dichlorobenzenes 1,120 763 1,970

29 Dichloroethane 1,2- 107062 118,000 20,000 113,000

Dichloroethylenes 11,600 224,000

46 Dichlorophenol 2,4- 120832 2,020 365

31 Dichloropropane 1,2- 78875 23,000 5,700 10,300 3,040

32 Dichloropropene 1,3- 542756 6,060 244 790

47 Dimethylphenol 2,4- 105679 2,120

Dinitrotoluene 330 230 590 370

16 Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) 1746016 0.01 38 pg/L

85 Diphenylhydrazine 1,2- 122667 270

33 Ethylbenzene 100414 32,000 430

86 Fluoranthene 206440 3,980 40 16

Haloethers 360 122

Halomethanes 11,000 12,000 6,400

89 Hexachlorobutadiene 87683 90 9.3 32

90 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474 7 5.2 7

91 Hexachloroethane 67721 980 540 940
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 31

Aquatic Life Water Quality Guidance Values for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

EPA No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number

Freshwater Saltwater

Acute Chronic Acute Chronic 

93 Isophorone 78591 117,000 12,900

94 Naphthalene 91203 2,300 620 2,350

95 Nitrobenzene 98953 27,000 6,680

Nitrophenols 230 150 4,850

26 B Nitrosamines 35576911 5,850 3,300,000

Pentachlorinated ethanes 7,240 1,100 390 281

54 Phenol 108952 10,200 2,560 5,800

Phthalate esters 940 3 2,944 3.4

Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons 300

Tetrachlorinated Ethanes 9,320

37 Tetrachloroethane 1,1,2,2- 79345 2,400 9,020

Tetrachloroethanes 9,320

38 Tetrachloroethylene 127184 5,280 840 10,200 450

Tetrachlorophenol 2,3,5,6 440

12 Thallium 7440280 1,400 40 2,130

39 Toluene 108883 17,500 6,300 5,000

Trichlorinated ethanes 18,000

41 Trichloroethane 1,1,1- 71556 31,200

42 Trichloroethane 1,1,2- 79005 9,400

43 Trichloroethylene 79016 45,000 21,900 2,000

55 Trichlorophenol 2,4,6- 88062 970

The following chemicals/compounds/classes are of concern due to the potential for toxic effects to aquatic 

organisms; however, no guidance values are designated. If these compounds are identified in the waste 

stream, then a review of the scientific literature may be appropriate for deriving guidance values. 

 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)

 Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)

 Pharmaceuticals

 Personal care products

 Alkyl Phenols 
 Other chemicals with Toxic effects

Footnotes:

A Values in Table 31 are applicable to all basins.

B This number was assigned to the list of non-priority pollutants in National Recommended Water Quality 

Criteria: 2002 (EPA-822-R-02-047).
TABLE 40: Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

Effective April 18, 2014

Human Health Criteria Summary

The concentration for each pollutant listed in Table 40 was derived to protect Oregonians from potential 

adverse health impacts associated with long-term exposure to toxic substances associated with consumption 

of fish, shellfish, and water. The “organism only” criteria are established to protect fish and shellfish 

consumption and apply to waters of the state designated for fishing. The “water + organism” criteria are 

established to protect the consumption of drinking water, fish, and shellfish, and apply where both fishing and 

domestic water supply (public and private) are designated uses. All criteria are expressed as micrograms per 

liter (μg/L), unless otherwise noted. Pollutants are listed in alphabetical order. Additional information includes 

the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, whether the criterion is based on carcinogenic effects (can 

cause cancer in humans), and whether there is an aquatic life criterion for the pollutant (i.e. “y”= yes, “n” = no). 

All the human health criteria were calculated using a fish consumption rate of 175 grams per day unless 

otherwise noted. A fish consumption rate of 175 grams per day is approximately equal to 23 8-ounce fish 

meals per month. For pollutants categorized as carcinogens, values represent a cancer risk of one additional 

case of cancer in one million people (i.e. 10-6), unless otherwise noted. All metals criteria are for total metal 

concentration, unless otherwise noted. Italicized pollutants represent non-priority pollutants. The human health 

criteria revisions established by OAR 340-041-0033 and shown in Table 40 do not become applicable for 

purposes of ORS chapter 468B or the federal Clean Water Act until approved by EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 

131.21 (4/27/2000).

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

1 Acenaphthene 83329 n n 95 99

2 Acrolein 107028 n n 0.88 0.93

3 Acrylonitrile 107131 y n 0.018 0.025

4 Aldrin 309002 y y 0.0000050 0.0000050
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

5 Anthracene 120127 n n 2900 4000

6 Antimony 7440360 n n 5.1 64

7 Arsenic (inorganic) A 7440382 y y 2.1 2.1(freshwater)

1.0 (saltwater)

A The arsenic criteria are expressed as total inorganic arsenic. The “organism only” freshwater criterion is based on a risk level 

of approximately 1 x 10-5, and the “water + organism” criterion is based on a risk level of 1 x 10-4.

8 Asbestos B 1332214 y n 7,000,000 fibers/L --

B The human health risks from asbestos are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was developed. 

The “water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe Drinking Water 

Act.

9 Barium C 7440393 n n 1000 --

C The human health criterion for barium is the same as originally published in the 1976 EPA Red Book which predates the 1980 

methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value was also published in the 1986 EPA 

Gold Book. Human health risks are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was developed. The 

“water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

10 Benzene 71432 y n 0.44 1.4

11 Benzidine 92875 y n 0.000018 0.000020

12 Benz(a)anthracene 56553 y n 0.0013 0.0018

13 Benzo(a)pyrene 50328 y n 0.0013 0.0018

14 Benzo(b)fluoranthene 3,4 205992 y n 0.0013 0.0018

15 Benzo(k)fluoranthene 207089 y n 0.0013 0.0018

16 BHC Alpha 319846 y n 0.00045 0.00049

17 BHC Beta 319857 y n 0.0016 0.0017

18 BHC Gamma (Lindane) 58899 n y 0.17 0.18

19 Bromoform 75252 y n 3.3 14

20 Butylbenzyl Phthalate 85687 n n 190 190

21 Carbon Tetrachloride 56235 y n 0.10 0.16

22 Chlordane 57749 y y 0.000081 0.000081
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

23 Chlorobenzene 108907 n n 74 160

24 Chlorodibromomethane 124481 y n 0.31 1.3

25 Chloroethyl Ether bis 2 111444 y n 0.020 0.053

26 Chloroform 67663 n n 260 1100

27 Chloroisopropyl Ether bis 2 108601 n n 1200 6500

28 Chloromethyl ether, bis 542881 y n 0.000024 0.000029

29 Chloronaphthalene 2 91587 n n 150 160

30 Chlorophenol 2 95578 n n 14 15

31

Chlorophenoxy Herbicide (2,4,5,-

TP) D 93721 n n 10 --

D The Chlorophenoxy Herbicide (2,4,5,-TP) criterion is the same as originally published in the 1976 EPA Red Book which 

predates the 1980 methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value was also

published in the 1986 EPA Gold Book. Human health risks are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” 

criterion was developed. The “water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established 

under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

32

Chlorophenoxy Herbicide 

(2,4-D) E 94757 n n 100 --

E The Chlorophenoxy Herbicide (2,4-D) criterion is the same as originally published in the 1976 EPA Red Book which predates 

the 1980 methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value was also published in the

1986 EPA Gold Book. Human health risks are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was 

developed. The “water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe 

Drinking Water Act.

33 Chrysene 218019 y n 0.0013 0.0018

34 Copper F 7440508 n y 1300 --

F Human health risks from copper are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was developed. The 

“water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

35 Cyanide G 57125 n y 130 130

G The cyanide criterion is expressed as total cyanide (CN)/L.

36 DDD 4,4' 72548 y n 0.000031 0.000031

37 DDE 4,4' 72559 y n 0.000022 0.000022
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

38 DDT 4,4' 50293 y y 0.000022 0.000022

39 Dibenz(a,h)anthracene 53703 y n 0.0013 0.0018

40 Dichlorobenzene(m) 1,3 541731 n n 80 96

41 Dichlorobenzene(o) 1,2 95501 n n 110 130

42 Dichlorobenzene(p) 1,4 106467 n n 16 19

43 Dichlorobenzidine 3,3' 91941 y n 0.0027 0.0028

44 Dichlorobromomethane 75274 y n 0.42 1.7

45 Dichloroethane 1,2 107062 y n 0.35 3.7

46 Dichloroethylene 1,1 75354 n n 230 710

47 Dichloroethylene trans 1,2 156605 n n 120 1000

48 Dichlorophenol 2,4 120832 n n 23 29

49 Dichloropropane 1,2 78875 y n 0.38 1.5

50 Dichloropropene 1,3 542756 y n 0.30 2.1

51 Dieldrin 60571 y y 0.0000053 0.0000054

52 Diethyl Phthalate 84662 n n 3800 4400

53 Dimethyl Phthalate 131113 n n 84000 110000

54 Dimethylphenol 2,4 105679 n n 76 85

55 Di-n-butyl Phthalate 84742 n n 400 450

56 Dinitrophenol 2,4 51285 n n 62 530

57 Dinitrophenols 25550587 n n 62 530

58 Dinitrotoluene 2,4 121142 y n 0.084 0.34

59 Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) 1746016 y n 0.00000000051 0.00000000051

60 Diphenylhydrazine 1,2 122667 y n 0.014 0.020
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

61 Endosulfan Alpha 959988 n y 8.5 8.9

62 Endosulfan Beta 33213659 n y 8.5 8.9

63 Endosulfan Sulfate 1031078 n n 8.5 8.9

64 Endrin 72208 n y 0.024 0.024

65 Endrin Aldehyde 7421934 n n 0.030 0.030

66 Ethylbenzene 100414 n n 160 210

67 Ethylhexyl Phthalate bis 2 117817 y n 0.20 0.22

68 Fluoranthene 206440 n n 14 14

69 Fluorene 86737 n n 390 530

70 Heptachlor 76448 y y 0.0000079 0.0000079

71 Heptachlor Epoxide 1024573 y y 0.0000039 0.0000039

72 Hexachlorobenzene 118741 y n 0.000029 0.000029

73 Hexachlorobutadiene 87683 y n 0.36 1.8

74 Hexachlorocyclo-hexaneTechnical 608731 y n 0.0014 0.0015

75 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77474 n n 30 110

76 Hexachloroethane 67721 y n 0.29 0.33

77 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 193395 y n 0.0013 0.0018

78 Isophorone 78591 y n 27 96

79 Manganese H 7439965 n n -- 100

H The “fish consumption only” criterion for manganese applies only to salt water and is for total manganese. This EPA 

recommended criterion predates the 1980 human health methodology and does not utilize the fish ingestion BCF calculation 

method or a fish consumption rate.

80 Methoxychlor I 72435 n y 100 --
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

I The human health criterion for methoxychlor is the same as originally published in the 1976 EPA Red Book which predates the 

1980 methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value was also published in the1986 

EPA Gold Book. Human health risks are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was developed. 

The “water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe Drinking Water 

Act.

81 Methyl Bromide 74839 n n 37 150

82 Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol 2 534521 n n 9.2 28

83 Methylene Chloride 75092 y n 4.3 59

84 Methylmercury (mg/kg) J 22967926 n n -- 0.040 mg/kg

J This value is expressed as the fish tissue concentration of methylmercury. Contaminated fish and shellfish is the primary 

human route of exposure to methylmercury.

85 Nickel 7440020 n y 140 170

86 Nitrates K 14797558 n n 10000 --

K The human health criterion for nitrates is the same as originally published in the 1976 EPA Red Book which predates the 1980 

methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value was also published in the 1986 EPA 

Gold Book. Human health risks are primarily from drinking water, therefore no “organism only” criterion was developed. The 

“water + organism” criterion is based on the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

87 Nitrobenzene 98953 n n 14 69

88 Nitrosamines 35576911 y n 0.00079 0.046

89 Nitrosodibutylamine, N 924163 y n 0.0050 0.022

90 Nitrosodiethylamine, N 55185 y n 0.00079 0.046

91 Nitrosodimethylamine, N 62759 y n 0.00068 0.30

92 Nitrosodi-n-propylamine, N 621647 y n 0.0046 0.051

93 Nitrosodiphenylamine, N 86306 y n 0.55 0.60

94 Nitrosopyrrolidine, N 930552 y n 0.016 3.4

95 Pentachlorobenzene 608935 n n 0.15 0.15

96 Pentachlorophenol 87865 y y 0.15 0.30

97 Phenol 108952 n n 9400 86000
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Table 40

Human Health Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

340-041-8033

No. Pollutant

CAS 

Number Carcinogen

Aquatic 

Life 

Criterion

Human Health Criteria for the 

Consumption of:

Water + Organism 

(μg/L)

Organism Only 

(μg/L)

98 Polychlorinated Biphenyls 

(PCBs) L NA y y 0.0000064 0.0000064

L This criterion applies to total PCBs (e.g. determined as Aroclors or congeners).

99 Pyrene 129000 n n 290 400

100 Selenium 7782492 n y 120 420

101 Tetrachlorobenzene, 1,2,4,5- 95943 n n 0.11 0.11

102 Tetrachloroethane 1,1,2,2 79345 y n 0.12 0.40

103 Tetrachloroethylene 127184 y n 0.24 0.33

104 Thallium 7440280 n n 0.043 0.047

105 Toluene 108883 n n 720 1500

106 Toxaphene 8001352 y y 0.000028 0.000028

107 Trichlorobenzene 1,2,4 120821 n n 6.4 7.0

108 Trichloroethane 1,1,2 79005 y n 0.44 1.6

109 Trichloroethylene 79016 y n 1.4 3.0

110 Trichlorophenol 2,4,6 88062 y n 0.23 0.24

111 Trichlorophenol, 2, 4, 5- 95954 n n 330 360

112 Vinyl Chloride 75014 y n 0.023 0.24

113 Zinc 7440666 n y 2100 2600