Code of Maine Rules › 06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › 096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL › Chapter 579 - CLASSIFICATION ATTAINMENT EVALUATION USING BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS › Section 096-579-1 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The following terms are defined for use in this
				  chapter:
A.
Association
				value.
The probability (0.0-1.0), computed in the final decision model
				(Section 1(F) below), that a sample from a test community is comparable to
				statistically defined classification groups (see also Section 1(E) ),
				representing the ecological attributes described in the water quality
				classification law.
B.
Classification attainment evaluation.
An assessment to determine whether
				the aquatic life standards of a specified class are achieved. Classification
				attainment evaluations are performed by the department and reported in the
				department's biennial assessment report to the Legislature or may be required
				of an applicant for a waste discharge license or water quality certificate, as
				defined in this chapter.
C.
Ecological attribute.
A process, function or characteristic of a
				biological community that is used to evaluate the attainment of the aquatic
				life standards of a classification and that can be quantified or documented
				through the use of metrics and indices of the aquatic community structure and
				function.
D.
Indeterminate.
A term that describes an association value for a class of greater than
				0.4 but less than 0.6 so that the conclusion of classification attainment for
				that class cannot be determined without further information.
E.
Linear discriminant function.
An equation that is a weighted linear combination of predictor variables,
				derived to best distinguish among a set of classification groups having known
				statistical properties.
F.
Linear discriminant model.
A set of one or more linear
				discriminant functions, used in combination, to derive strength of membership
				of an unknown sample within a water quality classification (e.g. Section 3(F),
				the C or Better Model; the B or Better Model; the Class A Model). Membership
				strength can be converted into an association value for class membership on a
				0.0-1.0 scale.
G.
Quality
				assurance plan.
A plan submitted to, and approved by, the department
				that addresses study design, sample collection methods, sample processing
				methods, provisions for a taxonomic reference collection, data management and
				analysis methods, report preparation, professional oversight of technical
				staff, and management and security accountability.
H.
Reference community.
Populations of organisms inhabiting a location that is free from known
				pollution sources or other activities that could bring about a change in the
				natural state of a community, and is chosen for its similarity to a test
				community location according to criteria defined in "Methods for Biological
				Sampling and Analysis of Maine's Rivers and Streams" (DE P LW 0387
				-B2002).
I.
Taxonomic
				reference collection.
An archived collection of one or more
				representative specimens of individual taxa identified by a person submitting
				taxonomic data to the department. Such specimens must be preserved in a
				separate vial for each taxon, labeled with collection site, collection date,
				taxonomic name, taxonomist name, and sample tracking identifier (e.g., sample
				log number).
J.
Test
				community
. A population of organisms inhabiting a location where
				classification attainment evaluation is being conducted.