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Technology Transfer of EMAP Tools to the States: An Example from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington (EPA Region 10)
Gretchen Hayslip 1, Lillian Herger 1, Shannon Hubler 2, Glenn Merritt 3 and Mary Ann Nelson 4
1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Seattle, Washington
2 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland, Oregon
3 Washington Department of Ecology, Olympia, Washington
4 Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Portland, Oregon
Western Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (W-EMAP) was a 5 year effort to assess stream conditions across the western U.S and to transfer EMAP tools to the States. W-EMAP used random sampling to ensure that results were unbiased and accurately represent stream conditions. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) were 3 of the 12 western states that partnered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to measure the chemical, physical, and ecological integrity of streams. The results presented are based on field surveys of streams throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho during 2000-2004.
Oregon , Washington and Idaho each produced a report to describe the ecological condition of streams throughout their State, and determined the indicators that pose the most extensive and highest risk to biological communities. Each State assessed the same suite of indicators from the W-EMAP dataset. USEPA provided training in statistical analysis and coordinated State activities. ODEQ, WDOE and IDEQ used reference sites across all 3 states at the Level III Ecoregion scale for a total of 181 sites that were used to establish indicator benchmarks. The States worked together to establish benchmarks for macroinvertebrate assemblages, physical habitat, and water measures. For parameters with applicable water quality standards, the States used state specific criteria to assess those metrics. These State-wide reports demonstrate successful technology transfer to the States starting with field data collection, then data analysis and culminating with the States using these analytical tools describe State-wide stream conditions.
Keywords: EMAP, States, technology transfer, streams, ecological condition