Office of Science & Technology

ANNUAL REPORT

Calendar Year 2011

Office of Water 

EPA 820-R-12-006
Table of Contents

FOREWORD...............................................................................................................................................................................3

WHAT WE DO............................................................................................................................................................................4

OST Mission Statement.....................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Who We Are.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

OST and EPA’s Strategic Plan...........................................................................................................................................................................................4

Assist Federal And State Water Programs................................................................................................................................................................5

TECHNOLOGY-BASED SOLUTIONS......................................................................................................................................6

Effluent Guidelines Program Plan.................................................................................................................................................................................6

Draft Procedure for Analyzing Perfluorinated Chemicals in Sewage Sludge and Biosolids .............................................................6

Progress Revising Regulations for Steam Electric Power Generating ........................................................................................................6

Progress Toward Final Airport Deicing Effluent Guidelines...........................................................................................................................7

Progress Toward Final CWA Analytical Methods Update Rule....................................................................................................................7

Progress Toward Stormwater Proposed Rulemaking ........................................................................................................................................7

WATER QUALITY-BASED STANDARDS.................................................................................................................................8

Regional And State Support For Water Quality Standards............................................................................................................................8

Progress Toward Proposed Wqs Regulatory Revisions......................................................................................................................................9

Improving Beach Water Quality, Monitoring And Public Information................................................................................................ 10 

Beach Act Grants................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

2010 National Beach Swimming Season Report............................................................................................................................................... 11

Beacon Interface Improvements................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Fish Contamination Program....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Great Lakes Fish Contamination Study .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

REDUCING NUTRIENT POLLUTION ................................................................................................................................. 13

State Nutrient Criteria Efforts...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Nutrient Pollution Website Enhancements......................................................................................................................................................... 14

APPLICATION OF SOUND SCIENCE.................................................................................................................................. 15

Bioassessment Primer....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 

Ambient Water Quality Criteria Development................................................................................................................................................. 16

National Water Program Research Strategy Implementation................................................................................................................... 17

LOOKING AHEAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Preliminary 2012 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan...................................................................................................................................................18

Final Airport Deicing Effluent Guideline Rule.................................................................................................................................................................18

Final Methods Update Rule........................................................................................................................................................................................................18

Improved Website for Beach Monitoring and Advisory Information..............................................................................................................18

Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides........................................................................................................................................................................18

Nutrient Indicators Dataset.......................................................................................................................................................................................................19

Proposed WQS Regulatory Revisions...................................................................................................................................................................................19

Proposed Nutrient Standards for Florida’s Estuarine, Coastal & Southern Waters..................................................................................19

Final Revised Recreational Water Quality Criteria........................................................................................................................................................19

Wastewater Discharge Loading Online Tool....................................................................................................................................................................19

Improved Fish Advisory Website and Database............................................................................................................................................................19

Revised National Fish Consumption Advisory for Mercury...................................................................................................................................20

Pretreatment Standards for the Dental SECTOR..........................................................................................................................................................20

Establishment of Requirements for Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities................................................................20

The Clean Water Act: 40 Years of Achievements..........................................................................................................................................................20
Annual Report 2011 3

Foreword

The Office of Science and Technology (OST) is proud to 

present its annual report on progress and accomplishments 

in supporting national and state water quality programs in 

2011. OST’s mission is to integrate and apply sound science 

and technology to protect public health and the environment 

under both the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking 

Water Act. We do this through close collaboration with state 

partners and transparent engagement with stakeholders to 

develop sound, scientifically-defensible standards, criteria, 

advisories and industrial effluent guidelines that form the 

scientific and technological foundation for safe and clean 

water across the country. This annual report highlights OST’s 

successes during the 2011 calendar year and provides a look 

ahead into ongoing work and initiatives for 2012.

In 2011, OST built upon its 2010 efforts with greater 

collaboration among partners and stakeholders to ensure 

that sound science and the latest technologies guided our 

programs’ work. OST completed several important actions 

related to water quality standards, including assisting the 

regional offices in reviewing and approving important state 

adoptions of: designated uses that will protect recreation 

on high profile waterways, revised human health criteria 

for toxics based on new fish consumption levels, and 

improvements to antidegradation regulations. 

OST worked hard to help states develop and adopt numeric 

criteria to prevent and reduce nutrient pollution, and to 

identify ways to facilitate state implementation of numeric 

nutrient criteria. OST also helped some states begin 

developing innovative nutrient regulations that will increase 

the certainty that waters that exceed the nutrient criteria 

are truly impaired, while still requiring water quality-based 

permits at protective levels. 

Other accomplishments included the disbursement of 

more than $10 million in grants to help protect beachgoers 

from pathogens; the publishing of a primer on how to use 

bioassessment in a variety of water quality management 

programs; and the release of draft recommendations for 

ambient water quality criteria for protecting human health 

in recreational waters. 

The great work OST has accomplished in 2011 reflects its 

exceptional, diverse and creative staff. Whether addressing 

policy issues, water-quality research or technological 

innovation, OST’s staff assures that the nation’s water 

programs have the benefits of strong science, current 

public health and ecological research, and the best available 

information on treatment technologies and analytic methods. 

As OST moves into 2012, we anticipate issuing several 

important draft and final rulemakings, reports and water 

quality criteria recommendations, such as the Final Methods 

Update Rule, the Improved Website for Beach Monitoring 

and Advisory Information and the Nutrient Indicators 

Dataset. We are also excited to celebrate with the rest of the 

Office of Water a benchmark year – the 40th Anniversary of 

the Clean Water Act. Among other accomplishments, OST 

contributed to the progress in reducing water pollution 

over the past 40 years by issuing national technology-based 

regulations for 57 industries thereby preventing the discharge 

of over 1.2 billion pounds of toxic pollutants each year into 

U.S, waters; by making over $111 million available in grants 

to protect swimmers at America’s beaches; and by assisting 

states, territories, and tribes in establishing their own water 

quality standards regulations. Specifically, since 1972, EPA has 

published national recommended water quality criteria for 

over 150 pollutants and all 50 States, all U.S. territories, and 

38 Indian tribes have established standards for their water.

Ephraim King 

Director, Office of Science and Technology
Annual Report 2011 4

OST Mission Statement

OST uses sound science, engineering and public policy to protect and restore the nation’s water quality. OST ensures 

that federal and state water programs reflect current scientific knowledge about water pollution causes and impacts 

on human health and ecosystems. Under the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts, OST advances public 

health and environmental protection by producing technology guidelines for industrial discharges and cooling water 

intakes; analytical test methods; water quality standards (WQS); water quality criteria recommendations; models and 

tools; guidance for advisories for beach swimming, fish consumption and drinking water; and risk assessments 

and special studies identifying needed regulations.

Who We Are

OST is organized into three Divisions: Engineering and Analysis Division (EAD), Standards and Health Protection 

Division (SHPD) and Health and Ecological Criteria Division (HECD). OST’s scientists, analysts, economists, engineers, 

statisticians, risk accessors, environmental protection specialists and information specialists extend across the 

three OST Divisions and are tasked with working cohesively to execute the overall OST mission. EAD is responsible 

for developing analytical methods and technology-based requirements for wastewater dischargers and facilities 

with cooling water intakes under the Clean Water Act (CWA). SHPD leads the national WQS program by working 

with states and tribes as they develop and implement their WQS regulations to protect human health and the 

environment. HECD develops ambient water quality criteria recommendations to help states and tribes protect 

human health and aquatic life, including threatened and endangered species. HECD also develops drinking water 

health advisories and the scientific underpinnings for national drinking water standards.

OST and EPA’s Strategic Plan

In 2011, EPA released its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2011-2015. EPA Strategic Plan is organized around five 

key goals: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality; Protecting America’s Waters; Cleaning Up 

Our Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development; Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing 

Pollution; and Enforcing Environmental Laws.

What We Do
Annual Report 2011 5

To support EPA’s overall strategic direction, OST has conducted its activities to support several of the 

Agency’s objectives: Clean and Safe Water, Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, and Compliance and 

Environmental Stewardship.

Assist Federal and State Water Programs 

Dismenation of an integrated planning process to help local governments dealing with difficult financial conditions 

identify opportunities to achieve clean water by controlling and managing releases of wastewater 

and stormwater runoff more efficiently and cost effectively.

• Scheduled development of Natural Gas Wastewater Standards as part of administration’s priority to ensure 

natural gas development continues safely and responsibly;

• Supporting the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program by providing 

technology-based standards for industrial and municipal dischargers; 

• Administering an analytical methods program to support the monitoring and compliance activities for permit 

writers and other water programs;

• Developing recommended ambient water quality criteria and reviewing state, territorial and tribal WQS which 

serve as the basis for the nation’s water quality-based programs;

• Providing guidance to states on developing and implementing fish consumption advisories, assisting states in 

promoting advice to consumers and developing federal fish advisories with the Food and Drug Administration 

when necessary; and

• Developing drinking water health advisories for contaminants that do not have federal drinking water standards 

to support EPA regional offices, state governments and other public health officials.

What We Do

(Continued)

EPA’s FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan charts a course for the Agency over the five years.

It is organized around five key goals: 

1. Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality

2. Protecting America’s Waters

3. Cleaning Up Our Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development

4. Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution

5. Enforcing Environmental Laws.

The Protecting America’s Waters Goal of the Strategic Plan states:

Protect and restore our waters to ensure that drinking water is safe, and that 

aquatic ecosystems susta in fish, plants, and wildlife, and economic, 

recreational, and subsistence activities.
Annual Report 2011 6

Overview

OST develops technology-based solutions to meet CWA requirements for controlling point source wastewater 

pollution and protecting aquatic life. These solutions are based on the performance, availability and affordability of 

treatment and control technologies. OST’s efforts in this area include establishing effluent limitations for industries 

that discharge wastewater, improving existing guidelines, identifying new industrial pollution reduction technologies 

and establishing technology requirements for cooling water intake systems to prevent harm to aquatic life. The 

effluent guidelines program is intended to reduce pollutant discharges to the greatest extent that is technologically 

feasible and economically achievable for an industry. 

Effluent Guidelines Program Plan

In 2011, OST published the final 2010 Effluent Guidelines Plan, in which we announced the initiation of three 

rulemakings. The three are Shale Gas Extraction, Coalbed Methane Extraction (both sectors are included in the 

existing oil and gas extraction category (40 CFR Part 435) and pretreatment standards controlling discharges of 

dental amalgam from dental offices. EPA scheduled development of shale gas wastewater standards as part of the 

Obama administration’s priority to ensure natural gas development continues safely and responsibly. OST also made 

progress on the 2011 annual review of existing effluent guidelines and the 2012 Preliminary Plan.

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/basic.cfm.

In December 2011, EPA published online a draft procedure for the analysis of perfluorinated chemicals that may be 

found in sewage sludge and biosolids using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass 

spectrometry. EPA developed this draft procedure because of the widespread concern about the presence of these 

contaminants in biosolids and the lack of a test procedure for measuring these contaminants. EPA published the 

draft procedure as guidance to assist laboratories and provide a starting point to use in the analysis of perfluorinated 

chemicals in biosolids. 

For more information, visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/methods/cwa/index.cfm 

Progress Revising Regulations for Steam Electric Power Generating

In 2011, EPA embarked upon a series of outreach efforts to obtain feedback on the potential scope and requirements 

of revised effluent guidelines, including dialogues with tribal representatives and consultations with state and local 

governments. 

In 2009, EPA started a rulemaking to revise the effluent guidelines for Steam Electric Power Generating, which was 

originally issued in 1982. EPA has largely focused current rulemaking efforts on discharges from power plants 

fueled by coal, petroleum coke or oil. Facilities in the sector were asked to respond to an EPA questionnaire to 

provide detailed information about operational characteristics and financial conditions. More than 700 facilities 

responded. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/steam_index.cfm.

Technology-Based Solutions
Annual Report 2011 7

Progress Toward Final Airport Deicing Effluent Guidelines

Airport discharges from deicing operations can have major impacts on water quality, including reductions in 

dissolved oxygen, reduced organism abundance and species diversity, contamination of drinking water sources, 

creation of noxious odors and discolored water in residential areas and parkland.

OST continues efforts to develop an effluent guideline to address wastewater collection practices used by airports 

and treatment of those wastes. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/airport/index.cfm.

Progress Toward Final CWA Analytical Methods Update Rule

EPA publishes laboratory analytical methods that are used by industries and municipalities to analyze the chemical, 

physical and biological components of wastewater and other environmental samples that are required by regulations 

under the authority of the CWA. EPA proposed a methods update rule to approve new and revised analytical 

methods (test procedures) for wastewater regulations. In 2011, EPA received extensive feedback from laboratories, 

states, vendors, regulated entities, and others in response to the proposed methods update rule. OST continues 

to evaluate the public comments and is preparing a final rulemaking notice. The final rule will address the public 

comments and the Agency’s rationale regarding its decision to approve or to defer approval of certain methods. The 

final rule is scheduled to be signed in spring 2012. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/methods/cwa/update_index.cfm.

Progress Toward Stormwater Proposed Rulemaking 

EPA is developing a proposed regulation to reduce stormwater discharges from new development and 

redevelopment and make other regulatory improvements to strengthen the stormwater program. In 2011, OST 

provided analytical support in the proposed rule development including the analysis of costs, economic impacts 

and benefits of a variety of options considered for the proposed rule. OST presented the analytical approaches to a 

panel of experts that were convened to review the technical approach and the approach taken to evaluate the water 

quality benefits of the proposed rule.

The proposed national rulemaking is considering such key rulemaking actions as: developing performance standards 

from newly developed and redeveloped sites; evaluating options for expanding and improving EPA’s municipal 

program; and evaluating the establishment of a single set of minimum measures requirements for regulated 

municipal separate storm sewer systems. A proposal date for the stormwater rulemaking and a final action deadline 

will be decided upon in 2012. 

For more information, please visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.cfm.

Technology-Based Solutions

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 8

Overview

States and territories lead the implementation and administration of WQS programs under the CWA, with EPA 

regional offices and OST providing oversight and guidance. 

Defining the goals for U.S. water bodies and setting the standards against which all other surface water quality 

programs measure success, WQS consist of four elements:

• Designated uses for water bodies, such as recreation, aquatic life support, public water supply and agriculture,

• Water quality criteria that establish numeric pollutant concentrations or narrative descriptions of water 

conditions that must be met to attain designated uses,

• Antidegradation policy to maintain and protect existing uses and high-quality waters, and

• Other policies that address the implementation of standards.

Regional and State Support for Water Quality Standards

In addition to developing federal WQS regulations, national policy and guidance, OST supports EPA regional 

offices and states in taking constructive, timely and defensible actions on WQS. OST helps its regional counterparts 

review many state standards packages submitted to the regions for review and approval or disapproval. EPA 

approved more than 90 percent of the state submissions received in FY 2011.

In 2011, EPA worked closely with several states, including Kentucky and Idaho, as they adopted critical 

improvements to their antidegradation regulations. For both states, EPA approved enhanced antidegradation 

implementation methods. 

In Illinois and Missouri, EPA approved important adoptions of designated uses that will protect recreational uses 

submitted by the states. In Illinois specifically, EPA and the State were able to work together to complete the steps 

necessary to lock-in primary contact recreation uses for five high-profile waterways in the Chicago area, about which 

EPA had previously made the determination that less protective uses were not sufficiently protective.

Finally, in Oregon, EPA collaborated with the state to adopt wholly revised human health criteria for toxics based 

on new fish consumption value based on regional survey data. EPA approved the state’s submittal, which will provide 

increased levels of protection to all Oregon’s citizens. EPA also worked with Utah to approve new selenium criteria for 

the Great Salt Lake, which will provide for the protection of wildlife.

Water Quality-Based Standards

Water Quality Standards Academy 

The Water Quality Standards Academy offers opportunities to attend a five-day Basic Course, an 

introductory course designed for staff with fewer than six months of experience with WQS and criteria 

programs. Most recently held in December 2011, the Basic Course offered both in person and online, is a 

comprehensive and highly-structured course that introduces students to all aspects of the WQS program, 

including the interpretation and application of WQS regulation; policies and program guidance; the 

development of water quality criteria; and other facets of the water program. The Basic Course also was 

offered for tribal members, including information specific to tribal lands. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/learn/training/standardsacademy/index.cfm#brief.
Annual Report 2011 9

Progress Toward Proposed WQS Regulatory Revisions

EPA intends to propose changes to the federal water quality standards regulation that interprets part of the CWA. 

OST has worked hard to develop a draft proposed rule that the Agency submitted to OMB for interagency review. 

Once final, the rule will help states and EPA provide enhanced water resource protection and make regulatory 

requirements clearer and simpler. The rule is expected to provide clarity in six key WQS program areas:

1. EPA Administrator’s determinations that new or revised WQS are necessary

2. Designated uses for water bodies

3. Triennial reviews of state, territorial and tribal WQS

4. Antidegradation provisions to protect water quality

5. Variances to WQS 

6. Compliance schedule authorizing provisions

Once approved by OMB, EPA plans to publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register in 2012.

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/rev.cfm.

Urban Waters Movement 

EPA is seeking to help communities—especially underserved communities—as they work to access, 

improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. In 2011, OST partnered with 

the Anacostia Watershed Society, the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership, and the District of 

Columbia, and the local governments of Montgomery County, Gaithersburg and Rockville in Maryland 

to encourage local homeowners to install rain barrels to help prevent contamination of the Anacostia 

River. In conjunction with these partners, OST developed and disseminated messaging to encourage 

homeowner installation of rain barrels, successfully reaching out to over 600,000 citizens in the Anacostia 

Watershed. 

Water Quality-Based Standards

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 10

Improving Beach Water Quality, Monitoring and Public Information 

OST’s Beach Program works in partnership with EPA regions and state and local governments to protect water 

quality at U.S. beaches and to protect the health of beach visitors. The Beach Program continued efforts in 2011 

with a focus on five areas:

• Strengthening local beach WQS and monitoring efforts to enhance protection of public health at beaches,

• Improving tools for monitoring and providing predictive tools and faster laboratory test methods for beach 

water samples,

• Improving ways to identify causal sources and conditions,

• Investing in human health and analytical methods research, and

• Working with states to inform the public of water quality monitoring and notification information. 

about U.S. beaches

BEACH Act Grants

To improve water quality testing and help beach managers better inform the public about water quality issues, 

Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act in October 2000. 

The Act authorizes EPA to provide grants to coastal and Great Lakes states, territories and tribes to develop and 

implement beach water quality monitoring programs and inform the public about the risk of exposure to diseasecausing microorganisms in the water. To date, EPA has made available more than $100 million in BEACH grants to 

help protect beachgoers. As a result, the number of beaches monitored almost quadrupled from about 1,000 in 

1997 to more than 3,600.

In 2011, the Agency awarded nearly $10 million to eligible state, territorial and tribal governments. EPA set aside 

$100,000 for eligible tribes to develop beach programs. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/beachgrants/.

Water Quality-Based Standards

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 11

2010 National Beach Swimming Season Report

Each spring, OST releases a BEACH Report summarizing notification actions—the number, location and duration 

of beach closings and advisories—in the United States during the previous year’s swimming season. In May 2011, 

OST released a national summary report of state data on beach closings and advisories during the 2010 beach 

season. The 2010 BEACH Report highlighted that the percentage of beach season days for monitored beaches 

open and not under advisories stayed constant at 95 percent and the number of beaches affected by advisories 

or closings dropped 15 percent (compared to 2009). The 2010 BEACH Report is supplemented by state reports 

that include program-specific accomplishments, issues and other information provided by the states and made 

available online. 

For more information, please visit 

http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/upload/national_facsheet_2011.pdf.

2011 National Beach Conference 

In March 2011, the OST sponsored a three-day conference to provide a national framework for discussion 

of beach water quality issues, exchange of information, and coordination of efforts in research and 

decision-making. More than 250 participants attended the conference, learning about beach health 

initiatives across the country and internationally; presenting information on methods, indicators, and 

modeling techniques; and identifying beach health needs. Training sessions included topics such as, 

“How Beach Management is Evolving in a Time of Changing Priorities” and “How Can Predictive Tools 

Complement Beach Monitoring Programs?”

BEACON Interface Improvements

In 2011, EPA began efforts to develop a new, more user-friendly public interface for the Agency’s eBeaches 

information system. The enhanced Beach Advisory and Closing Online Notification (BEACON) system provides 

access to three types of information that are now more easily accessible and updated more frequently on EPA’s 

website. The three types of information include mapped location data for beaches and water monitoring stations, 

monitoring results for various pollutants such as bacteria and algae and data on public notification of beach 

water quality advisories and closures. These improvements allow beachgoers across the nation to more quickly 

and easily find up-to-date information on the health of their favorite beaches. The improved user interface for 

BEACON is scheduled to be made available on EPA’s website in early 2012.

For more information, please visit 

http://iaspub.epa.gov/waters10/beacon_data.about_beacon#about.

Water Quality-Based Standards

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 12

Fish Contamination Program

EPA provides guidance to state, tribal and local governments on how to monitor their waters and issue fish 

consumption advisories when contaminant levels are unsafe. EPA also works with other federal and state agencies 

on programs to ensure the safety of shellfish and the quality of the waters in which they live.

Monitoring the concentrations of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals in fish tissue is an 

important national activity for assessing the quality of U.S. waters and for tracking the effectiveness of pollution 

control programs. EPA is continuously evaluating the water quality of U.S. lakes and rivers based on chemical 

concentrations in fish, providing information to the public on the range and levels of chemical contaminants 

found in fish commonly caught and consumed by recreational and subsistence fishers, applying fish tissue analysis 

as an effective approach for determining the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in U.S. waters, 

and generating data to measure the effectiveness of air and water pollution control programs.

2011 National Listing of Fish Advisories

OST updates the National Listing of Fish Advisories (NLFA) on a biannual basis with updates made 

on an as needed basis or as new information becomes available. OST published the last NLFA in 2010. 

In fall 2011, we revised the 2010 NFLA due to changes in the data previously reported. The current 

NFLA reports that approximately 17.7 million lake acres and 1.3 million river miles are under advisory, 

representing 42 percent of the nation’s total lake acre-age and 36 percent of the nation’s total river miles. 

The number of lake acres under advisory decreased by 2 percent and the number of river miles decreased 

by almost 8 percent since the NFLA was last released in 2008.

For more information, please visit 

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/fishadvisories/advisories_index.cfm.

Great Lakes Fish Contamination Study

As part of EPA’s larger effort to restore the Great Lakes and address five urgent priorities (cleaning up toxics 

and areas of concern, combating invasive species, promoting near-shore health by protecting watersheds from 

polluted run-off, restoring wetlands and other habitats and tracking progress, education and working with 

strategic partners), OST collaborated with the Great Lakes National Program Office and Office of Research and 

Development to begin the first statistically-based study of fish contamination in the Great Lakes.

In 2011, OST completed sampling at approximately 150 near-shore sites in the Great Lakes for analyses relating fish 

contaminant data to human health. EPA expects to report the study results in 2013 and 2014 via multiple reports.

Water Quality-Based Standards

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 13

Nutrient pollution is a widespread, serious and growing problem, and has become one of the costliest and most 

challenging environmental problems in the country. The health of the American people is threatened by nutrient 

pollution in the water they drink and in which they swim, boat and fish. Clean water is vital to the economy, and 

industries like agriculture and food processing depend on safe and abundant water resources.

In March 2011, the Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, Nancy Stoner, released a memorandum 

to reaffirm EPA’s commitment to partnering with states and collaborating with stakeholders to make greater 

progress in accelerating the reduction of nutrient loadings to our nation’s waters. The memorandum includes key 

principles guiding Agency technical assistance and collaboration efforts with states and urges the Regions to place 

new emphasis on working with states to achieve near-term reductions in nutrient loadings. 

State Nutrient Criteria Efforts

OST and the Regions support the states in their development of numeric nutrient criteria, or limits on the amount of 

nitrogen and phosphorus allowed in surface waters. EPA funded data gathering, provided experts to analyze data and 

recommended nutrient criteria values. OST also identified barriers and options to facilitate state implementation of 

numeric nutrient water quality criteria.

In 2011, OST worked hard to help states develop and adopt nutrient criteria to protect water bodies from nitrogen 

and phosphorus pollution. A number of states should be commended for their accomplishments this past year.

Florida

EPA has been coordinating with Florida to develop numeric nutrient-related water quality criteria for 

Florida’s estuaries, coastal waters, and flowing waters in South Florida. This work, which included the 

development of a framework for criteria development, delineation and segmentation of estuaries, collection 

of significant amounts of state-specific data and selection of analytical tools, has provided the basis for much 

of the state’s numeric nutrient criteria rule, as well as the rule EPA is promulgating for Florida under a courtordered consent decree. EPA is prepared to withdraw federal rules for any waters that become covered by 

state law that meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Maine

Maine submitted a draft version of their nutrient rule for EPA’s preliminary comments. Maine’s innovative 

rule constructs a standard that will rely on biocriteria to increase the state’s certainty that waters that exceed 

the nutrient criteria are truly impaired, while still requiring water quality-based permits at protective levels. 

Minnesota

EPA approved Minnesota’s first submission of site-specific nutrient criteria since the state adopted nutrient 

criteria in 2008. Minnesota adopted site-specific criteria for phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and Secchi disk depth 

for Lake Byllesby, a man-made reservoir with one of the highest watershed-to-surface area ratios and drainage 

areas in the state.

Missouri

EPA approved site-specific nutrient criteria for 25 of Missouri’s high quality lakes and reservoirs. Missouri 

adopted site-specific criteria for phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll. 

Wisconsin

EPA and Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources collaborated in the development of phosphorus 

criteria for lakes, reservoirs, streams, rivers and Great Lakes. This effort culminated with the Wisconsin 

legislature’s adoption of numeric phosphorus criteria and corresponding provisions for developing 

and implementing Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit provisions.

Reducing Nutrient Pollution
Annual Report 2011 14

Nutrient Pollution Website Enhancements

In July 2011, the Office of Water (OW) developed a new and improved website about nitrogen and phosphorus 

pollution to provide the public with information about where this type of pollution—comes from; its impacts on 

human health and aquatic ecosystems and actions that people can take to help reduce nutrient pollution. EPA’s 

new website also includes updated information on states’ progress in developing numeric water quality criteria for 

nutrients as part of their water quality standards regulations.

To facilitate state and local efforts to reduce nutrient pollution, the website includes a Nitrogen and Phosphorus 

Pollution Data Access Tool. The goal of the tool is to support states in their nitrogen and phosphorus analyses by 

providing the most current data available on: the extent and magnitude of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution; 

water quality problems related to this pollution; and potential pollution sources in a format that is readilyaccessible and easy-to-use. With this comprehensive data, EPA, the states, and other stakeholders will be able to 

more quickly gather additional, less-accessible data and develop effective source reduction strategies for nitrogen 

and phosphorus.

For more information, 

please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/index.cfm.

Reducing Nutrient Pollution

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 15

EPA uses the best scientific information available to anticipate potential environmental threats, evaluate 

risks, identify solutions and develop protective standards. Sound science helps EPA ask the right questions, 

assess information and characterize problems clearly to inform Agency decision makers. OST leads the National 

Water Program in applying sound science through its development of tools, data, recommendations, policies and 

regulations that serve as the foundation upon which all other EPA water programs are built and against which they 

measure progress. 

In 2011, OST led a variety of projects that resulted in EPA gaining important scientific knowledge that will help 

protect water resources. OST’s efforts in these areas provide other EPA offices and state co-regulators with access to 

important data to support their projects and programs.

Bioassessment Primer

Biological assessment (or bioassessment) is a method of evaluating the health of a specific water body using factors 

that include direct data measuring the presence, condition and numbers of types of fish, insects, algae, plants, and 

other organisms. In 2011, EPA published, A Primer on Using Biological Assessment to Support Water Quality 

Management, at the request of state and tribal water programs. This technical document serves as a primer on the 

role of biological assessments in a variety of water quality management program applications including reporting on 

the condition of aquatic biota, developing biological criteria, and assessing environmental results of management 

actions. The document provides information on new technical tools and approaches for developing strong biological 

assessment programs and on examples of application of biological assessment information by states and tribes.

Application of Sound Science
Annual Report 2011 16

Ambient Water Quality Criteria Development

Ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) are recommended numeric values for pollutant concentrations in ambient 

waters that are protective of human health or aquatic life. The criteria are developed under section 304(a) of the 

CWA and are based solely on data and scientific judgments on the relationship between pollutant concentrations 

and environmental and human health effects. The criteria are used to establish state water quality standards and 

ultimately provide a basis for controlling discharges or releases of pollutants. 

EPA provides the detailed means for developing the water quality criteria, including systematic procedures for 

evaluating cancer risk, noncancerous health effects, human exposure, and bioaccumulation potential in fish. EPA 

periodically revises AWQC to ensure that they reflect the latest scientific knowledge on the kind and extent 

of all identifiable effects on health and welfare that may be expected from the presence of pollutants in any body 

of water, including ground water. In 2011, EPA used the latest science to its development of draft revised criteria for 

human health protection in recreational waters and draft criteria for aquatic life protection from the effects 

of carbaryl.

Draft Revised Recreational Water Quality Criteria

In 2011, EPA published and requested scientific views on its draft AWQC recommendations for 

protecting human health in ambient waters that are designated for primary contact recreation (e.g., 

swimming, bathing, surfing, water skiing, tubing, skin-driving, water play by children). EPA considered 

the latest research and science when developing the draft criteria, which are based on epidemiological 

studies demonstrating a link between human illness and fecal indicator bacteria in recreational waters. 

Upon issuance as final criteria in 2012, these recommendations will serve as guidance to states and 

authorized tribes in developing water quality standards to protect swimmers from exposure to water 

that contains organisms that indicate the presence of fecal contamination. EPA also conducted a multilaboratory validation study in 2011 on a new ambient water test method that uses quantitative polymerase 

chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the freshwater indicator bacteria, Enterococcus.

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/health/

recreation/index.cfm. 

Draft Carbaryl Water Quality Criteria

Carbaryl is a pesticide used to control insects, slugs and snails and to thin fruit in orchards. It can enter 

water bodies via runoff and potentially harm aquatic life. In October 2011, EPA released a Draft Aquatic Life 

AWQC for Carbaryl. The document provides guidance to states and tribes authorized to establish water 

quality standards under the CWA to protect aquatic life from the acute and chronic effects of carbaryl. 

Once issued in final form, the criteria document will help states, territories, and authorized tribes add a 

concentration level for carbaryl to their water quality standards at or below which aquatic organisms will 

be protected. 

For more information, please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/aqlife/

carbaryl_index.cfm. 

Application of Sound Science

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 17

National Water Program Research Strategy Implementation 

The National Water Program Research Strategy was developed to more 

completely define the Water Program’s research needs, to organize those 

needs around EPA’s Strategic Goals and to communicate them to potential 

research partners. The Water Research Strategy documents the hierarchy 

of research needed for successful implementation of EPA’s National Water 

Program.

In 2011, implementation of the Strategy focused on improved resourceleveraging activities and outreach to Canada, Water Environment Research 

Foundation, and the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 

among others. The Strategy was also instrumental in the development 

of the Office of Research and Development (ORD’s) recent Safe and 

Sustainable Water Research Program and alignment of this $1.24 million 

research program with Water’s program goals. This endeavor promoted 

national and international research cooperation and resource leveraging 

opportunities. The addition of the National Water Research Program’s 

newsletter on EPA’s website in 2011 increased our ability to reach out to 

partners on current research from both inside and outside EPA.

For more information please visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/research-riskassess/researchstrategy/index.cfm.

Water Environment Research Foundation

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is an important research partner for OW. The subscribers to 

WERF are specifically interested in research and tools that assist them in meeting their water quality obligations and 

reducing the uncertainty in setting and measuring AWQC and for chemicals and nutrients as well as standards for 

biosolids management. OW coordinates with WERF on research portfolios for water quality and biosolids.

US- Canada Partnership

In 2011, EPA participated in a meeting in Ottawa with representatives from Health Canada Pest Management 

Regulatory Agency to obtain a better understanding of the issues related to water quality in both countries, to 

leverage resources and collaborate in areas of mutual interest, and to identify a near-term action plan as well

as a collaborative path forward.

Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

OST participated in the annual meeting of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry to share our 

findings on the science impacting priority water issues including: emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and 

personal care products, nutrients management and reduction, biosolids risk assessment, environmental indicators, 

microbial risk assessment, metals, ecosystem service valuation, as well as on specific chemicals such as tryclosan 

and carbofuran.

Water Research Quarterly Newsletter 

The 2011 OW online newsletter, Water Research Quarterly, compiled Agency- and journal- published research 

activities on water-related topics. Providing the newsletter on OW’s website showcased the activities more 

broadly to EPA and non-EPA parties interested in the Agency’s completed, ongoing and needed research. The 

newsletter targets leadership and technical staff working in water risk assessment. 2011 marked the first year 

of delivering relevant and timely leads (over 300 links) to research, publications and meetings to OW and its 

collaborators, stakeholders and partners. Beginning in January 2012, this newsletter will be published on a 

semi-annual basis and will be called Water Research Updates.

Application of Sound Science 

(Continued)

Strategy Implementation Partners

• Water Environment Research 

Foundation (WERF)

• US-Canada Partnership

• Society for Environmental Toxicology 

and Chemistry (SETAC)

• Nickel Producers International 

Research Association 

• Water Research Foundation

• American Water Works Association

• Singapore Public Utilities Board

• National University of Singapore

• World Health Organization 

• Federal State and Tribal Risk 

Assessor’s Conference
Annual Report 2011 18

The following are significant milestones OST anticipates reaching in 2012.

Preliminary 2012 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan

Using the data and information from the annual reviews, OST is preparing a Preliminary 2012 Effluent Guidelines 

Program Plan. This Plan will identify any new or existing industrial categories selected for effluent guidelines 

rulemaking and provide a rulemaking schedule. The Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan will be published 

by the end of calendar year 2012.

Final Airport De-icing Effluent Guideline Rule

In spring 2012, EPA plans to publish final technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and new source 

performance standards for discharges from airport deicing operations.

Final Methods Update Rule

The final rule is scheduled to be signed in spring 2012. The final rule will include new and revised methods published 

by the Agency, voluntary consensus organizations (e.g., American Society for Testing and Materials International 

and the Standard Methods Committee) and by commercial entities. These changes will provide additional flexibility 

to the regulated community and laboratories in their selection of analytical methods for use in Clean Water Act 

programs.

Improved Website for Beach Monitoring and Advisory Information

In early 2012, EPA plans to launch an improved website for beach advisories and closings called BEACON. The 

enhanced site will allow the public to access the most current water quality and pollution testing information more 

quickly and easily for more than 6,000 U.S. beaches. BEACON has the capability to update information as frequently 

as every two hours based on new data provided by states, territories and tribes. Users have access to mapped 

location data for beaches and water monitoring stations, monitoring results for various pollutants such as bacteria 

and algae, and data on public notification of beach water quality advisories and closures. For the first time, users will 

be able to access reports that combine notifications and water quality monitoring data and use map navigation to 

identify specific beaches.

Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides 

OW and the Office of Pesticide Programs are finalizing the first human health benchmarks for pesticides (HHBPs), 

supporting EPA’s Drinking Water Strategy to expand public health protection by sharing data collected under 

different statutes so that it can be used most effectively. EPA plans to publish the online table of HHBPs in spring 

2012 and update it annually to ensure that the best available science is accessible to states and other stakeholders.

Looking Ahead
Annual Report 2011 19

Nutrient Indicators Dataset

In spring 2012, OST plans to publish a Nutrient Indicators Dataset (NID) on EPA’s nutrient pollution website to help 

inform the public about key nitrogen and phosphorus sources and impacts, and states’ efforts to minimize nutrient 

pollution. Each of the 9 Indicators in the NID represents the best information currently available on a nationwide 

basis, allowing for state-by-state differentiation. 

Proposed WQS Regulatory Revisions

EPA has submitted a draft proposed rule to OMB for interagency review. The proposed rule will help states and EPA 

provide enhanced water resource protection by simplifying and clarifying regulatory requirements. Once approved 

by OMB, EPA will publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register which is scheduled to be released 

in spring 2012.

Proposed Nutrient Standards for Florida’s Estuarine, Coastal & Southern Waters

EPA is under a consent decree to propose federal numeric nutrient water quality criteria to protect aquatic life in 

estuaries and coastal waters within the State of Florida, and in flowing waters in south Florida, from nitrogen and 

phosphorus pollution by May 2012. The proposed rule would also include downstream protection values to ensure 

the attainment and maintenance of Florida’s water quality standards for downstream estuarine waters. EPA prefers 

that the State implement its own numeric nutrient criteria and EPA is prepared to withdraw federal rules for any 

waters that become covered by state law that meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act. 

Final Revised Recreational Water Quality Criteria

EPA plans to publish final revised recreational criteria in October 2012. These recommendations will serve as 

guidance to states and authorized tribes in developing water quality standards to protect swimmers from exposure 

to water that contains organisms that indicate the presence of fecal contamination. Implementation guidance to 

accompany the criteria recommendations is scheduled to be available by the end of 2012. 

Wastewater Discharge Loading Online Tool

OST staff initiated the development of the Discharge Monitoring Report Pollutant Loading Tool which combines 

Discharge Monitoring Report data from NPDES-permitted facilities and Toxics Release Inventory data from industrial 

facilities with other EPA databases to create new insights on point source pollution. The release of the online tool, 

slated for early 2012, supports key actions identified in the May 2011 CWA Action Plan Implementation Priorities for 

both transparency and new government tools for addressing the most serious problems.

Improved Fish Advisory Website and Database

In spring 2012, OST will publish an enhanced fish advisory website, including a newly redesigned NLFA interactive 

search and mapping website, additional advisory and fish tissue data from 2009 and 2010, and results from 2010 

National Survey of Fish Advisory Programs. 

Looking Ahead

(Continued)
Annual Report 2011 20

Revised National Fish Consumption Advisory for Mercury

EPA and Food and Drug Administration will publish and request comments on a draft revised mercury fish 

consumption advisory in 2012. The revised mercury fish consumption advisory will revisit earlier recommendations 

for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children, to 

ensure reduced exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

Pretreatment Standards for the Dental Sector

In 2012, EPA plans to propose technology-based pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act (CWA) for 

discharges of pollutants into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from existing and new dental practices 

that discharge dental amalgam. The proposed rule would require dental practices to comply with requirements 

for controlling the discharge of dental amalgam pollutants into POTWs based on the best available technology, 

amalgam separators, and Best Management Practices. EPA is also proposing to amend selected parts of the General 

Pretreatment Regulations (40 CFR Part 403) to streamline oversight requirements for the dental sector.

Establishment of Requirements for Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities

EPA submitted a draft notice of data availability (NODA) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. 

The NODA summarizes significant data EPA has received or collected since publishing our April 2011 proposed rule, 

Requirements for Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities and Phase I Facilities. The NODA requests 

public comments on possible revisions for the final rule and presents preliminary data on the benefits of the 

proposed rule for the Northeast Region of the U.S., based on the results of a stated preference survey. EPA plans 

on issuing a final rule for existing facilities by July 27, 2012 per a consent decree with Riverkeeper.

The Clean Water Act: 40 Years of Achievements

In 2012, EPA will hold events throughout the year to commemorate the accomplishments, benefits and 

impact of the Clean Water Act.

For more information, please visit www.epa.gov/cleanwater40.

Looking Ahead

(Continued)