WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 1 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

2532 - WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

2532.01 – Authorities

See FSM 2501 for authorities relate d to Water Quality Management.

In addition to the authorities listed in FSM 2501, Water Quality Management is guided by the following regulation:

Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 219.8 (a)(4) (36 CFR 219.8 (a)(4)). The Land Management Planning regulation requires the Chief of the Forest Service to establish requirements for National Best Management Practices for water quality in the Forest Service Directive System.

2532.02 - Objective

The objective of Water Quality Management is to protect and improve the physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic quality of the water resource, where neede d. It is consistent with the purposes of the National forests and Nati onal water quality goals.NationalNational

The specific objectives of Water Quality Management are as follows:

1. To produce water of a quality suitable fo r the beneficial uses identified in the Land and Resource Management Pl anning Process (FSM 1920).

2. To ensure safe drinking water for public use on National forests, whether the source is a natural or developed water supply (FSM 7420). Observe the EPA water quality criteria where State standards do not exist.

3. To ensure safe water quality for designa ted primary contact recreation areas. Observe the EPA water quality criteria wh ere State standards do not exist,.

2532.03 - Policy

1. Establish and apply the Nati onal Best Management Practices (BMPs) Program to all land and resource management activities. This will be the method of control for non-point sources of water pollution to achieve established Federal, State, Tribal, or local water quality goals.

2. Consider water quality needs of local, Region al, and National public interests both on and off the National forest to help determine appr opriate water quality ma nagement activities.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 2 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3. Establish objectives to manage the quality of the water resource in land and resource management plans (FSM 1920).

4. Include a water quality evaluation for all en vironmental analyses (FSM 1950). Identify the water quality implications of proposed a nd alternative land management practices.

5. Evaluate the data collection activities of other agencies be fore undertaking additional water quality inventories or monitoring efforts.

6. Conduct water quality data colle ction activities within the guidelines of an inventory or monitoring plan approved by a Line Officer.

7. Specify the accuracy, precision, and threshold lim its of detection for water quality analytical laboratories to utilize when measuri ng parameters or conducting tests.

8. All water quality testing laboratories owned or used by the Forest Service must be certified by the State and/or EPA for potable water (FSM 7420).

9. Use the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Storage and Retrieval (STORET) system as the primary depository for stream and lake wate r quality data. Ensure all water quality data placed in the STORET system is (1) collected and analyzed by standardized methods and procedures or (2) entere d with descriptive qualifiers which specify the method of collection or analysis.

10. Monitor all water provided for public domestic purposes and primary contact water sports to ensure public health and safety. Design monitori ng systems consistent with applicable State or Federal regulations for the specifi c water use. Policies for monitoring potable water supplies are contained in FSM 7420.

2532.04 - Responsibility

See FSM 2504 and FSM 2530.4 for responsibilitie s regarding water quality management.

In addition to the water quality manageme nt responsibilities listed in FSM 2504 and FSM 2530.4, the following responsibilities a pply to the National BMP Program:

2532.04a – Washington Office, Di rector, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants (WFWARP) staff

The Director has the responsibility to:

1. Establish and maintain the National Core BMPs (http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/ resources/pubs/watershed/FS_National_ Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf) for water quality management.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 3 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

a. Review the National Core BMPs at least every 5 years

b. Update the National Core BMPs as necessary.

c. Coordinate with internal and exte rnal stakeholders and partners.

2. Establish and maintain the Nationa l Core BMP monitoring protocols

a. Review the National Core BMP monitori ng protocols at least every 5 years.

b. Update the National Core BMP mo nitoring protocols as necessary.

c. Coordinate with internal and extern al stakeholders and partners.

3. Establish and maintain the National BMP data management system within the corporate data management structure.

4. Establish and manage a process to ev aluate the National BMP Program, including appropriate performance targets to mon itor implementation and effectiveness, corresponding data management, and modify the program as needed.

a. Determine the National reporting period to evaluate and report National BMP monitoring results.

b. Complete an evaluation of the National BMP monitoring results every established reporting period and develop a st andardized monitoring report.

2532.04b - Washington Office, Director, En vironmental Sciences Research staff

The Director has the responsibil ity to establish a program within Research and Development (R&D) to identify new BMPs, new or improved ways to monitor BMPs, and to evaluate and validate existing BMPs, in coopera tion with the WFWA RP Director.

2532.04c - Regional Foresters

Regional Foresters have the responsibility to:

1. Implement a sound and consistent program for water quality management practices and monitor procedures on each National fore st and grassland to achieve water quality goals.

2. Coordinate Regional implementation of the National BMP Program.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 4 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

a. Establish and maintain the Regional suppl ement to the National Core BMPs, as needed.

1) Review the Regional supplement at least every 5 years to remain current with best available science and BMP monitoring results, and adjust existing BMPs or develop new BMPs where improvements are needed.

2) Update the Regional supplement as necessary.

b. Provide training to Regional office and fore st or grassland em ployees on Regional implementation of the National BMP Program.

c. Assign performance targets to administ rative units to monitor National BMP Program implementation and effectivene ss and corresponding data management.

d. Provide consistent a regular report of the BMP implementation and effectiveness monitoring data via the National database.

e. Use the National Core BMP monitoring results to help assess the water quality management goal attainment in the Region. Identify and implement program changes in the Region, as needed.

3. Coordinate with the appropr iate Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies involved in BMPs, water quality regulation, management of water-related beneficial uses, and watershed management. Develop in teragency agreements as needed.

2532.04d Station Directors

Station Directors have the responsibility to:

1. Incorporate sound and consiste nt water quality management practices and monitoring procedures at facilities and research s ites managed and maintained by R&D. This includes research sites such as natural ar eas and experimental forests, to achieve water quality goals.

2. Implement the National BMP Program for re search activities conducted or approved by R&D.

a. Identify or develop site-specific BM P prescriptions consistent with the National Core BMPs (http://www. fs.fed.us/biology/resources/pubs/ watershed/FS_National_Core_BMPs_ April2012.pdf) for water quality protection and improvement in resear ch activities, project planning and implementation.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 5 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

b. Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of BMPs using the National Core BMP monitoring protocols.

c. Report results of BMP implementation and effectiveness monitoring in the National BMP data management system.

2532.04e Forest and Grassland Supervisors

Forest and Grassland Supervisor s have the responsibility to:

1. Incorporate water quality management practices and procedures, including the National BMP Program, into land and resource management activities on the forest or grassland.

a. Include plan components that implement BMPs at the time of development or revision of land management plans (36 CFR 219.8 (a)(4)).

b. Identify or develop site-specific BMP prescriptions consistent with the National Core BMPs (http://www.fs.fe d.us/biology/resources/pubs/watershed/ FS_National_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf) for water quality management in land and resource management activities a nd project planning and implementation. Use applicable State, Tribal and loca l BMPs, Forest Service Regional guidance and land management plans, and othe r organization guidance to develop appropriate site-specific prescriptions tailored to local conditions and water quality goals.

c. Monitor the implementation and eff ectiveness of BMPs using National Core BMP monitoring protocols.

d. Report monitoring results of BMP im plementation and effectiveness in the National BMP data management system.

2. Evaluate the attainment of water qu ality management goals through formal and informal reviews of project plans, mon itoring, and reports using the National Core BMP monitoring protocols.

a. Implement changes in land and resour ce management activities through the use of established proced ures where applicable.

b. Adjust local BMPs as needed.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 6 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3. Establish a process for the iden tification, implementation, and tracking of corrective action(s) where water quality problems associated with land and resource management activities are identified.

4. Make BMP and water quality manageme nt training available for forest or grassland personnel.

5. In cooperation with the Regional office, coordinate with ap propriate Federal, State, Tribal and local agen cies involved in water quality regulation, management of water-related beneficial uses, watershed management, and BMPs.

2532.04f District Rangers

The District Rangers have the responsibility to:

1. Design, apply, and document site-specifi c BMP prescriptions consistent with the National Core BMPs (http://www.fs.fed.us /biology/resources/ pubs/watershed/FS_ National_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf) for wate r quality protection and improvement in plans, implementation, and administ ration of land and resource management activities on the district.

2. Participate in project-level review s of implementation and effectiveness monitoring.

3. Take corrective actions for identified water quality or BMP problems associated with land and resource management activities. Use established procedures to address the issues as soon as practical.

2532.05 - Definitions

1. Best Management Practices for Water Qua lity (BMPs). Methods, measures, or practices selected by an agency to meet its nonpoint sour ce control needs. BMPs include, but are not limited to, structural and nonstruc tural controls, operations, and maintenance procedures. BMPs can be applied before, during, and after pollution -producing activities to reduce or eliminate the introduction of pollutants to re ceiving waters (36 CFR 219.19).

2. National Core BMPs. The Nationally standa rdized set of BMPs for the broad range of activities that occur on National Forest System lands as specified in the National Core BMP Technical Guide (http://www.fs.fed.us/biolog y/resources/pubs/watershed/FS_National_Core_ BMPs_April2012.pdf)

.WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 7 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3. National Core BMP Monitoring Pr otocols. The Nationally standa rdized set of procedures for monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs as specified in the National Core BMP Monitoring Technical Guide.

4. Reporting period. The period of time, not to exceed three years, determined by the WO Director of Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air, and Rare Plants as the ba se monitoring period in which a valid set of BMP monitoring data will be collected and reported at the National scale.

5. Water Quality. The physical, chemical , radiological, and biological (including microbiological), characterist ics of the water resource.

6. Water Quality Inventory. The characteriza tion of the quality of a water resource (FSM 2531.11).

7. Water Quality Monitoring. The systematic ev aluation of water quality specifically designed to answer management questions relative to management goals, objectives, or targets.

8. Water Quality Sampling. The collection of water quality data usi ng accepted statistical techniques.

2532.06 - References

USDA Forest Service. 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands. Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide. Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service. (http://www.fs.fed.us/b iology/resources/pubs/ watershed/FS_National_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf )

2532.1 - Water Quality Inventory

Inventory water quality on all Nati onal Forest System lands, as needed, to manage all National forest resources. Inventory water quality characteristics when land and resource management plans are being developed. Develop statistical sampling design based on the analysis procedures that provide the desired wa ter quality interpretations.

Display the results of inventories and characterize water quality using maps, data-bases, or other appropriate documentation. Invent ories should be analyzed and interpreted to help establish management objectives. Water quality inventorie s must provide specific information sufficient to address issues and concerns identified in land and resource pl anning and management activities (see FSM 2531.1).

2532.2 - Analysis and Interpretation of Water Quality DataWO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 8 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Analyze and interpret water quali ty inventory data to predict the effect of proposed land management practices on present and future wa ter quality. Use this information, along with watershed condition and other so il and water resource data, to develop improved design of management practices, provide a comparison of outputs under alternative management practices, and establish a basis for use in defining water resource management objectives. The analysis must be rigorous enough to make definitive stat ements related to the anticipated water quality response. Apply a risk analysis to selected alte rnatives similar to that discussed in chapter 10, FSH 2509.15.

2532.3 - Water Quality Standards

Each State is required to review its water quality standards at le ast once every 3 years and revise them as necessary. Participate in review of State standards and work toward change where consideration is not given to the following factors:

1. Standards should reflect National as well as local water quality obj ectives, be related to beneficial uses, and recognize natural background and variability.

2. The National BMP Program should normally comply with water quality standards. Practices should be based upon site-specific c onditions, including consideration of social, economic, and technical feasibility.

3. Water quality standards that reflect nonpoi nt source conditions should be used to measure the effectiveness of best management practices.

4. Certain water quality concerns should be given consideration for evaluation, such as sediment, by observing a surrogate such as channel condition.

5. Antidegradation policy should include a consideration of both time and space and should not be based on ch ange at a single point.

2532.4 – National BMP Program

The National BMP Program is a nationally standa rdized adaptive management approach for water quality management consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), State, and Tribal water quality programs. This approach incorporates BMP use, BMP implementation, effectiveness monitoring, and corresponding manage ment adjustments to achieve and document nonpoint source pollution control and water quality protection. The National BMP Program is intended to complement State and Tribal CW A programs; and improve CWA compliance and water quality stewardship on Nationa l Forest System (NFS) lands.

The National BMP Program , as specified in the National BMP Program Handbook (FSH 2509.19), includes this directive, the Handbook, th e National Core BMPs (http://www.fs.fed. us/biology/resources/pubs/watershed/FS_Natio nal_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf), the NationalWO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 9 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Core BMP monitoring protocols, and the corresponding data management system. Implementation of the program is required on all NFS lands.

The National Core BMPs do not supersede or replace existing and currently used Regional, State, Tribal, National forest or grassland BMPs ; rather, the National Core BMPs are intended to provide a structure for Agency consistency, and accountability, during the implementation and monitoring of the National BMP Program. Th e National Core BMPs provide general, nonprescriptive direction for pr otecting water quality while ca rrying out land and resource management activities that commonly occur on a ll NFS lands. The National Core BMPs require the utilization of site-spe cific prescriptions to achieve water quality protection. State, Tribal, local BMPs, Forest Service Regional guidance, and land management plans provide more specific direction tailored to local conditions and water quality goals. This information should be used to develop site-specific BMP prescription s to meet the objective of each National Core BMP, if applicable, along with BMP monitoring results, best avai lable science, and professional judgment,

2532.5 - Water Quality Planning

Consider the quality of National forest water resources and establish goals and objectives for water quality management in the land and res ource planning process (FSM 1920). Inventory and analyze the characteristics of the water resour ce to provide background information to determine water quality management goals and objectives.

When establishing water quality management objectives, consider:

1. The needs and concerns of non-National fore st interests, as well as National forest

users.

2. The long-term and short-term natu ral water quality characteristics.

3. The cumulative effects of pollution sources on and off National Forest System lands.

Emphasize preventive conservation practices in a ll water quality management programs. Tailor such practices to individual site characteristics. Include definition of practices, application of practices, and evaluation to ensure that prescriptions achieve water quality goals.

Coordinate Forest Service land management pl anning with water quality management planning by State and local agencies pursuant to Sections 208 of the Clean Water Act, as amended (FSM 2500).

2532.51 - Contingency PlansWO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 10 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Prepare a contingency plan for all Forest Manage ment activities where an accidental discharge of toxic or hazardous material could result in pollution of surface or ground water (FSM 7443).

2532.6 - Water Quality Monitoring

Overall objective, policy, and di rection for watershed and soil and water resource monitoring are in FSM 2525. Specific responsibilities are in FSM 2504.

Water quality monitoring is an evaluation of the success of meeting water quality goals, objectives, and targets identified in forest plan s. The forest plan provides guidelines for establishing a monitoring program. Include criteri a in these guidelines for identifying specific activities to monitor expected precision, accuracy, and reliability of results and for determining an appropriate balance between long-term and short-term monitoring. Consider utilizing surrogates for evaluation of water quality impacts. For example, evalua te channel condition in place of sediment sampling.

2532.61 - Plans of Operation

Water quality monitoring requires systematic sample design, data co llection, analysis, and reporting processes. Design these systematic processes to meet monitoring requirements specified in the forest plan or Regional guide and establish them in an approved monitoring plan of operation prepared prior to start of monitoring ac tivities (FSM 2525.1). The monitoring plan of operation must include:

1. Monitoring Objective. The objective for sa mpling or collecting data must be directly tied to identified management needs. De sign sampling to answer specific questions. Collect only data identified as necessary in the plan.

2. Duration. Specify the total period of tim e for the monitoring activ ity. Consider shortterm and long-term monitoring needs when establishing the total period of time.

3. Monitoring Location. Specify the location of or the criteria and process used to select the monitoring location. If th e location is known, include a map of suitable scale that identifies the specific points at which monitoring activities are to be carried out.

4. Data Requirements. Provide list of data parameters to be collected.

5. Monitoring Frequency. State the sampling frequency for water quality parameters or data collection. Monitoring frequency, as determined by sampling design, must be sufficient to answer management question(s) to an appropriate level of accuracy and precision.

6. Procedures. Specify the field and analyt ical procedures used in carrying out the monitoring activities. Identif y responsibilities for data co llection, sampling techniques,WO AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE: DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Doc_Name Page 11 of 11

FSM 2500 – WATERSHED A ND AIR MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 30 – WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

sampling equipment, and sample preservation and transportation requirements. Identify the type of analyses to be made, analytic al standards and techni ques, and location of laboratory facilities to be used.

7. Data Analysis and Interpretation. Outline procedures for data analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Analysis procedures must correlate closely with statistical sampling design. Interpretation should specify a given level of st atistical confidence and probability of occurrence. Identify final storage facilities.

8. Reporting. Specify time requirements and recipients for reporting monitoring results.

9. Quality Control. Specify quality contro l procedures for sampling, sample analysis, and data analysis.

10. Monitoring Cost. Estimate cost to comp lete monitoring effort, including a final report.

2532.62 - Quality Control

Incorporate quality control procedures in all m onitoring activities, incl uding, but not limited to:

1. Sample equipment calibration, field inst rument records, and flow measurement devices.

2. The selection of appropria te standardized methodologies used to sample, store, transport, and analyze samples.

3. The use of an interlaboratory quality c ontrol program that approaches EPA laboratory certification or equivalent quality assurances of on-Forest laboratory methods.

4. The establishment of a systematic data st orage, retrieval, and analysis system.