ReefLink Database

Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria
Physical and chemical water quality criteria, monitored and enforced by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, define the maximum and recommended amounts of chemicals and other contaminants that should be found in waterbodies.
CMap
CMap Description
A change in the provision of ecosystem services, or a desire to improve provision of ecosystem services, may elicit responses to directly alter the reef ecosystem. The Clean Water Act directs EPA to develop criteria for water quality that accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge about the effects of pollutants on aquatic life and human health. In developing these criteria, EPA examines the effects of specific pollutants on plankton, fish, shellfish, wildlife, plant life, aesthetics, and recreation in any body of water. This includes specific information on the concentration and dispersal of pollutants through biological, physical, and chemical processes as well as the effects of pollutants on biological communities as a whole. States may use the criteria that are developed by EPA to help set water quality standards that protect the uses of their waters or they may develop their own water quality criteria. EPA publishes human health and aquatic life criteria and is currently developing sediment and biological criteria. These criteria are complementary: each is designed to protect specific types of living organisms or ecological systems from the adverse effects of pollution. Additional responses may need to be enacted to ensure that water quality criteria and biocriteria, once established, are achieved and maintained. Monitoring, mapping, and scientific research can be used to better understand changes in condition, bio-physical processes, and interactions among species, and how they may be impacted by various stressors or potential decisions. A healthy functioning reef ecosystem, beyond its existence or cultural value, is essential for a number of ecosystem goods and services, including shoreline protection, fishing, and recreational opportunities.Citations
Citation | Year | Study Location | Study Type | Database Topics |
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2011. Nonpoint Source Management Program 2010 Annual Report. Document # DEPLW-1205, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta, (Maine, USA). | 2011 | Field Study & Monitoring | Agriculture; Banks, Credit, & Securities; Chemical Use Regulations; Domestic Animal Waste; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Forestry; Housing; Impervious Surfaces; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wetlands | |
Osmond, D. L. 2010. USDA water quality projects and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project watershed studies. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 35:142A-146A. | 2010 | India | Field Study & Monitoring; Model | Agriculture; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Housing; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges |
Bradley, P., W. S. Fisher, H. Bell, W. Davis, V. Chan, C. LoBue, and W. Wiltse. 2009. Development and implementation of coral reef biocriteria in US jurisdictions. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 150:43-51. | 2009 | Global; US Virgin Islands | Review; Field Study & Monitoring | Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Climate; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish Harvest; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Damage; Sea Temperatures; Shoreline Protection; Stony Coral; Tourism & Recreation |
Bradley, P., W. S. Fisher, H. Bell, W. Davis, V. Chan, C. LoBue, W. Wiltse. 2009. Development and implementation of coral reef biocriteria in U.S. jurisdictions. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 150:43-51. | 2009 | Global; US Virgin Islands | Review; Field Study & Monitoring | Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Climate; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish Harvest; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Damage; Sea Temperatures; Shoreline Protection; Stony Coral; Tourism & Recreation |
DiDonato, G. T., E. M. DiDonato, L. M. Smith, L. C. Harwell, and J. K. Summers. 2009. Assessing coastal waters of American Samoa: territory-wide water quality data provide a critical "big-picture" view for this tropical archipelago. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 150:157-165. | 2009 | US Pacific & Hawaii; Australia; Samoa; American Samoa | Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria | |
2008. DRAFT PROPOSED REVISIONS TO: U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS. Chapter 7. Water Pollution Control, Subchapter 186. Water Quality Standards for Waters of the Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands. | 2008 | US Virgin Islands | Index or Indicator | Biocriteria; Designated Uses; Discharges; Irrigation; Mangroves; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Seagrasses; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wetlands |
Bradley, P., W. Davis, W. Fisher, H. Bell, V. Chan, C. LoBue, and W. Wiltse. 2008. Biological criteria for protection of U.S. coral reefs. Pages 1078-1082 in Proceedings of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. | 2008 | Field Study & Monitoring; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools | Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Collaboration & Partnering; Designated Uses; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria | |
Cannon, J. 2008. A bargain for clean water. | 2008 | Review | Agriculture; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Special Use Permitting; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waterborne Discharges | |
Golabi, M. H., C. Iyekar, and D. Minton. 2005. Effect of vetiver technology on sediment loss and water quality in southern Guam. Pages 348-355 in Proceedings of the 3rd Conference on Watershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL. | 2005 | US Pacific & Hawaii; Guam | Agriculture; Non-point Source Runoff; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Sediment; Surface & Groundwater Flow | |
Environmental Protection Agency. 2004. National recommended water quality criteria. Environmental Protection Agency. | 2004 | Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria | ||
Karr, J. R. and C. O. Yoder. 2004. Biological assessment and criteria improve TMDL decision making. Journal of Environmental Engineering [inpress]. | 2004 | Field Study & Monitoring; Model; Index or Indicator | Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Designated Uses; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Surface & Groundwater Flow | |
Laws, E. A., D. Brown, and C. Peace. 2004. Coastal water quality in the Kihei and Lahaina districts of the island of Maui, Hawaiian Islands. Impacts from physical habitat and groundwater seepage: Implications for water quality standards. International Journal of Environment and Pollution 22:531-546. | 2004 | US Pacific & Hawaii | Beaches & Nature Parks; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Sediment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waterborne Discharges | |
Huang, L., Y. Tan, X. Song, X. Huang, H. Wang, S. Zhang, J. Dong, and R. Chen. 2003. The status of the ecological environment and a proposed protection strategy in Sanya Bay, Hainan Island, China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 47:180-186. | 2003 | China | Fish; Mangroves; Molluscs; Monetary Valuation; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Plankton; Shoreline Protection; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage | |
Reckhow, Kenneth H.; Stow, Craig A.; Borsuk, Mark E. 2002. Uncertainty Between The Criterion And The Designated Use: Implications For Standards And Tmdl Margin Of Safety. Pages 1223-1228 in Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation. | 2002 | Model; Index or Indicator | Designated Uses; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Water | |
Telesnicki, G. j. and W. M. Goldberg. 1995. Comparison of Turbidity Measurement by Nephelometry and Transmissometry and its Relevance to Water Quality Standards. Bulletin of Marine Science 57:540-547. | 1995 | Field Study & Monitoring | Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria | |
Telesnicki, G. j. and W. M. Goldberg. 1995. Effects of Turbidity on the Photosynthesis and Respiration of Two South Florida Reef Coral Species. Bulletin of Marine Science 57:527-539. | 1995 | Florida | Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Primary Production; Stony Coral | |
Dasinger, AN DR EW and DO NA LD Galya. 1992. Application for a mixing zone authorization for the ocean discharge of once-through cooling water in Puerto Rico. Pages 605-610 in National Conference on Environmental Engineering. | 1992 | Puerto Rico | Review; Field Study & Monitoring; Model | Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Special Use Permitting |
Dugan, G. L. and R. H. F. Young. 1973. Effects of coastal water disposal in Hawaii. Pages 691-701 in J.ENVIRONM.ENGN DIV.PROC.ASCE. | 1973 | US Pacific & Hawaii | Agriculture; Landuse Management; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Permitting & Zoning; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Sediment |
Management Options
Management Option | Description | Sources | Database Topics |
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Administrative & Interagency Policy: Participate in Technical Advisory Committees | The technical advisory committee can meet once or twice a year with reef managers to help develop agendas on the design and prioritization of water quality and ecological research and monitoring. This provides managers the opportunity to list research/monitoring priorities to federal, state, and local government entities. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Agriculture & Aquaculture: Grazing Land Management | This management option protects range, pasture and other types of grazing lands for agricultural animals. Special actions should be taken to protect sensitive areas such as streams, wetlands and estuaries if livestock is to have access to these areas. Grazing management practices can be categorized into four types, vegetative stabilization, grazing management systems, access limitations and alternative water supplies. Vegetative stabilization involves reestablishing the vegetative cover on ranges after it has been removed by grazing to reduce erosion rates. Grazing management systems typically reduce the time livestock spend in each pasture to increase the quantity and quality of vegetation in those pastures. Grazing frequency, timing, duration, area allocation, and livestock distribution kind, class, distribution and stocking rates should all be considered in the management system to ensure adequate pasture rehabilitation. Access limitations, such as fencing and stream crossings are used to herd and control livestock movement. Physical disturbance from livestock can increase erosion, so crossings and watering access points should be hardened. Alternative water supplies are an alternative to more sensitive water sources that may be vulnerable to erosion and discharges from grazing areas. | Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water. 1993. Guidance Specifying Management Measures For Sources Of Nonpoint Pollution In Coastal Waters. EPA/840/B-92/002, US EPA, Washington, DC. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. |
Agriculture; Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharges; Food & Energy Policies; Food & Raw Materials; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Landscape Changes; Landuse Management; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Sediment; Waterborne Discharges |
Data Management & Decision Tools: Develop an Ecological Information System | Spatial and temporal information about ecological resources should be incorporated into an existing local GIS or database. Information should include benthic habitats, species distributions and life histories, water quality, etc. These will act as baseline data for ecological monitoring. If previously established, the management option #165, will allow this data to be combined with updated data from other inventory management options such as #76, and future integration into larger databases, such as that in the management option #85 or 165. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. 2000. The National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs. Washington, D.C. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Climate; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Reef Habitat; Reef Life |
Data Management & Decision Tools: Research and Model Causal Linkage Between Pollutants and Ecological Impact | This involves conducting research to identify and document causal linkages between discharge water pollutants and specific, quantifiable ecological problems. The natural environment naturally assimilates some pollutants, but has thresholds for this type of contaminant processing. Different hydrology, biology and spatial/temporal factors are all going to play a roll in the linkage between pollutants and ecological problems, meaning modeling and risk assessment can be beneficial. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Applied Chemicals; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Cleaner & Solvent Use; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Reef Inhabitants; Regulating Services; Sewage Treatment; Stormwater Management; Sunscreen Use; Supporting Services; Toxics; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands |
Discharge Controls: Point Source Effluent Toxicity Standards | Effluent Toxicity is considered the aggregate toxic effect to aquatic organisms from all pollutants contained in a facility's wastewater (effluent). It is one part of the Water Quality Standards (#22) that prohibits the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts. Numerical criteria can be adopted from the Clean Water Act of based on scientifically-defensible methods. In addition to setting this numerical criteria, enforcement of the standards requires inspection programs and monitoring. | Center for Watershed Protection. 2008. Guanica Bay watershed management plan. |
Chemical Variables; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Improved Technology; Manufacturing & Trade; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Natural Gas & Electric Power; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Toxics; Utilities; Utility Policies; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products |
Dissemination of Findings: Distribute Periodic Sanctuary Health Reports | The management option involves creating monitoring/condition reports on the health of the sanctuary and reef that is released for the public. The findings can be released through newsletters, presentations, reports, publications, and other written and oral methods. Criteria reported on typically include water quality, critical habitats, and species of particular interest. These reports will ultimately help reveal the effectiveness of marine protections and policies based on the conditions researched. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Protections; Decision Support; Designate Protected Species; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Marine Protected Areas; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Provisioning Services; Resource Use Management; Socio-Economic Drivers; Tourism & Recreation |
Forestry Policy: Forestry Management Planning | There are many aspects to properly managing forestry sites to reduce point source and non-point source pollutants. Forestry activities can degrade water quality with several types of pollutants and impacts, including: sediment, nutrients, forest chemicals like pesticides, organic debris from tree litter, increased water temperature and increased streamflow. The Forestry management plan and practices include, but are not limited to: pre-harvest planning, road construction and use, prescribed burning and fire management, brush management, timber harvest, regeneration, and application of forest chemicals. Wetlands Forest Management has additional best practices. | Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water. 1993. Guidance Specifying Management Measures For Sources Of Nonpoint Pollution In Coastal Waters. EPA/840/B-92/002, US EPA, Washington, DC. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Applied Chemicals; Biological Harvest; Chemical Use Regulations; Civil Engineering & Construction; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharge Limitations; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Food & Raw Materials; Forestry; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landuse Management; Manufacturing & Trade; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Regulating Services; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Supporting Services; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Toxics; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products |
Landuse Management: Mine Reclamation | Lands disturbed by mining must be reclaimed to their Approximate Original Contour (AOC). Mine operators must backfill, compact, and grade in order to restore the AOC of the land with all highwalls, spoil piles, and depressions eliminated. Spoil material is prone to erosion, and may carry various disturbed toxics into groundwater if not properly managed. Temporary roads and impervious surfaces may have also been constructed for mining purposes. | Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. POSTMINING LAND USE: Exceptions to Approximate Original Contour Requirements for Mountaintop Removal Operations and steep Slope Mining Operations. Washington, DC. |
Chemical Use Regulations; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coal Mining; Construction Codes & Projects; Decision Support; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Food & Raw Materials; Hydrologic Management; Impervious Surfaces; Infrastructural Policies; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landuse Management; Manufacturing & Trade; Manufacturing & Trade Policies; Mineral, Rock, & Metal Mining; Mining; Mining Policies; Mitigation; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Political Pressure; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Toxics; Valuation; Waterborne Discharges |
Monitor & Research: Monitor Water Temperature | Extreme water temperature fluctuations can lead to bleaching and disease in corals and mass mortality of seagrass. Recording thermographs are deployed throughout the sanctuary area to monitor seawater temperatures. Temperatures fluctuate greatly, meaning monitoring should be continued long term, and that historic data must be considered to discern trends. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Atmospheric Emissions; Climate; Climate Regulation; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Regulating Services; Sea Temperatures |
Monitor & Research: Water Quality Status and Trends Monitoring | This activity produces long-term, comprehensive information on sanctuary-wide status and trends of water quality parameters. Parameters that should be measured include temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, relative fluorescence, light attenuation, nutrients, chlorophyll, and alkaline phosphatase activity. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Applied Chemicals; Atmospheric Emissions; Calcium Carbonate Deposition; Carbon Storage & Cycling; Chemical Variables; Climate; Climate Regulation; CO2; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Light; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Ocean Acidity; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Regulating Services; Salinity; Sea Temperatures; Sediment; Supporting Services; Toxics; Waterborne Discharges |
Monitor & Research: Research and Monitor Wetlands | This management option involves monitoring and research of mangroves, both for biotic and abiotic factors. Some biotic factors include disease, species, invasive species, abundance, age and leaf litter. Important abiotic factors include sedimentation rates, types and causes of turbidity, and soil chemistry. The activity would document changes to the extent of mangrove vegetation by using historical aerial photography and other records. Wetland nutrient and contaminant processing productivity depends on maintaining a balance and not exceeding thresholds. There remain many unknowns in wetland restoration as to optimal capacity and how to achieve this. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Carbon Storage & Cycling; Chemical Variables; Climate Regulation; Complex Habitat & Resources; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Invasive Species; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Primary Production; Regulating Services; Scientific Research; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Shoreline Protection; Substrate; Supporting Services; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wetland & Reef Restoration; Wetlands |
Monitor & Research: Research Global Change | This management option involves research to examine the effects of stresses associated with global change on the ecosystem. Stresses can include changes in temperature, hydrology, salinity, frequency and intensity of storms, turbidity, sea level change, and ultra violet and visible radiation. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Atmospheric Emissions; Calcium Carbonate Deposition; Carbon Storage & Cycling; Chemical Variables; Climate; Climate Regulation; CO2; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Ocean Acidity; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Regulating Services; Salinity; Sea Temperatures; Seawater Flow; Shoreline Protection; Storms & Hurricanes; Supporting Services; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Water Depth & Sea Level |
Public Participation: Assist Florida Keys Watch | Volunteers participating in this program help collect seawater samples and environmental data. Florida Keys Watch help to assist scientific studies conducted by universities, agencies, and other institutions. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Scientific Research |
Researching Other Pollutants and Water Quality Issues: Estimate other pollutant loadings | This activity involves documenting the locations and magnitude of pollution impact other than wastewater. Sources can be from inside and outside of the Sanctuary. Pollutants can include hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides. Water Quality standards (#22) Waste water (#21) | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Applied Chemicals; Chemical Variables; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Pressures; Responses; Toxics; Waterborne Discharges |
Resource Use Management: Designated Uses | The water quality standards regulation requires that States and Tribes specify appropriate water uses to be achieved and protected. Appropriate uses are identified by taking into consideration the use and value of the water body for public water supply, for protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and for recreational, agricultural, industrial, and navigational purposes. In designating uses for a water body, States and Tribes examine the suitability of a water body for the uses based on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water body, its geographical setting and scenic qualities, and economic considerations. Each water body does not necessarily require a unique set of uses. Instead, the characteristics necessary to support a use can be identified so that water bodies having those characteristics can be grouped together as supporting particular uses. | The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) the Tour Opperators' Iniative (TOI) and The Center for Environmental Leadership in Business (CELB). 2003. A Practical Guide to Good Practice: Managing Environmental Impacts In The Marine Recreation Sector. Environmental Protection Agency. What are Water Quality Standards? Designated Uses. Water: Water Quality Standards Accessed 7/12/2011. |
Contact Uses; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Food & Raw Materials; Marine Products; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Political Pressure; Provisioning Services; Resource Use Management; Security & Public Administration Policies; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Water Resources; Water Transportation |
Restoration: Environmental Remediation | Environmental Remediation is a type of restoration that's focus ranges from Brownfields to Oil Spills to Hazardous Waste Sites. These restoration activities aim to restore the site to a previous condition, or to a condition that is not a threat to human health or other forms of life. Several standards can be used to determine when remediation is necessary and to what extent the environment should be restores. Biocriteria can be used to determine the degree of degradation to biological components of the site. Often it is the presence of a particular pollutant in the soil, water or air, which is above acceptable limits and will not degrade fast enough over a short period of time and therefore must be removed. Physical and chemical water quality criteria can be used to set maximum acceptable limits of water quality parameters. Air quality criteria can be used to set acceptable maximum and minimum air standards for remediation. | Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. 2005. Contaminated Sediment Remediation Guidance for Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA-540-R-05-012, US Environmental Protection Agency. Environment Protection Authority. EPA Guidelines for Environmental management of on-site remediation. Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide, Australia. |
Applied Chemicals; Biocriteria; City Planning; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Health; Health Policies; Landuse Management; Littering; Manufacturing & Trade; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Military; Mining; Mining Policies; Mitigation; Monetary Valuation; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Industry; Oil & Gas Rigs; Oil & Gas Tankers; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Pipelines; Point Source Discharges; Public Administration; Remediation; Security; Solid Waste Disposal; Supporting Services; Toxics; Valuation; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products |
Wastewater Pollutants Impacts: Wastewater Pollutant Monitoring and Impact Studies | Potential approaches to this management option include experimental studies, eutrophication gradient studies, comparative studies of impacted and non-impacted sites, historical studies, geography comparison, use of biochemical and ecological indicators, use of sewage tracers, and high-frequency and spatially intensive water quality sampling. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Chemical Variables; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Drinking Water Supply; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Health Policies; Infrastructure; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Pressures; Public Administration; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Socio-Economic Drivers; Utilities; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Waterborne Discharges |
Water Quality Management: Water Quality Standards | Water Quality Standards are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated by the Clean Water Act. Water Quality Standards define the goals for a waterbody by establishing Designated Uses (#279), setting baseline waterbody minimum criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions that regulate Point Source Effluent Toxicity Standards (#280). Since the baseline water quality standards are for the waterbody in its entirety, there is some flexibility on how that minimum criterion is accomplished. In some cases, Remediation (#281) may be preferable to more stringent effluent standards. The criteria include specific biochemical and ecological measures that would be good indicators of ecological health, including Biocriteria (#282). | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biocriteria; Chemical Variables; Cultural Services; Designated Uses; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Nutrients; Ocean Acidity; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Provisioning Services; Toxics |
Waterway Management: Manage Canal Water Quality | This management option addresses water quality issues that may arise from nearshore, confined areas, specifically dead-end canals. This management response does not focus on wastewater discharges into canals, but instead on the hydrologic structure and orientation of the canal itself. Physical problems with canal orientation can lead to such problems as low flushing and build-up of weed wrack. This is a problem because the build-up of weed wrack consumes oxygen and releases nutrients as it decays. When combined with low flushing and circulation, dead end canals have decreased oxygen concentrations, accelerated eutrophication, and accumulate organic materials, pollutants and sediment. To improve the current canal system, management can inventory and map canals to identify high risk hotspots and candidates for future canal restoration projects. Canals are typically constructed to best suit the water access needs of local homes and businesses. Preventing high risk canals from being constructed, or placing certain requirements on their construction through permitting is one way to reduce future problem spots. Some design strategies include: Construct non-linear canals without right-angles and flared inlets oriented to prevailing winds. Instead of dead-ends, canals should include a flow through water exchange system or install mechanical pumps. Canals should be as wide as possible in relation to depth and length. Canal depth should be uniform or progressively shallower away from the parent waterbody, with sloping banks (eliminate requirements for navigable depths to shoreline). Some canal improvement strategies include: Implement weed gates, air curtains, and aeration systems. Direct all stormwater and effluent away from canal systems. Reduce bulkheading and restore native vegetative buffers (#1). Promote diversity of substrates and habitats. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Applied Chemicals; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Boat Movement; Boating Activities; Building & Home Construction; Chemical Variables; City Planning; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Construction Codes & Projects; Decision Support; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Docks & Marinas; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Fishing Sector; Food & Energy Policies; Hydrologic Management; Improved Technology; Infrastructural Policies; Infrastructure; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landscape Changes; Landscaping & Household Services; Landuse Management; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Damage; Physical Variables; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Ports & Harbors; Provisioning Services; Regulating Services; Seawater Flow; Shoreline Armoring; Shoreline Protection; Small Boats; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Tourism & Recreation; Transportation; Transportation Policies; Utilities; Utility Policies; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Water Depth & Sea Level; Water Resources; Water Transportation; Waterborne Discharges; Wetland & Reef Restoration; Wetlands |
Laws
Legal Citation | Purpose of Law | Management Organization | Database Topics |
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Chapter 7: Water pollution control, 12 Virgin Islands Code. | In coordination with EPA through Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, establishes controls for the discharge of wastewater and other pollutants to waters of the USVI, sets water quality standards. The Commissioner sets water quality standards applicable to he United States Virgin Islands to protect the public health and welfare and the present and future usa of such waters for public water supplies, propagation of fish, aquatic life and wildlife , recreational purposes and other legitamate uses. The standards are to be reviewed every three years. Application to Coral Reefs:Water of polluted quality is detrimental to propagation and survival of coral reef organisms. Setting appropriate water quality standards will play a major role in protecting coral reefs. Legislative Actions:The Commissioner or any USVI resident can commence a civil action. Civil penalties for violators are not to exceed $50,000 per day. Any knowingly or negligently discharging polluants can be crimimnally punished with a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $75,000 per day of violation. A second conviction can be punishable up to a fine of $100,000, six years in jail, or both. Comments: |
US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US Virgin Islands |
Biocriteria; Discharges; Health Policies; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies |
Clean Water Act of 1974, 33 United States Code § 1252. | To restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters Application to Coral Reefs:The Act can be used to establish water quality standards for the disharge of pollutants into surface waters. Section 101 (3) stated that it will be the national policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts will be prohibited. The legislation employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. The tools are employed to achieve the broad goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters so they can support "the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water." Legislative Actions:During the late 1980's, the program shifted from program-by-program, source by source, pollutant-by-pollutant approach to more holistic water-shed strategies. Under the watershed approach equal emphasis is placed on protecting healthy waters and restoring impaired waters. Also during the 1980's, voluntary programs for nonpoint runoff and regulatory programs for wet weather point sources began to be addressed. Comments:The Federal Water Pollution Contrl Act Amendments of 1972, PL 92-500, replaced the previous language of the Act entirely, including the Water Quality Act of 1965, the Clean Water Restoration Act of 1965, and the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, all of which had been amendments of the Water Pollution Control Act first passed in 1956. The 1977 amendments, PL 95-217, further amended PL 92-500. |
US Environmental Protection Agency Jurisdiction: United States; US Territories |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Biocriteria; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Drinking Water Supply; Economic Markets & Policies; Energy Policy & Development; Hydrologic Management; Improved Technology; Mangroves; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge |
Delegation of the Environmental Resource Program to Local Governments, 62-344 Florida Administrative Code. | (1) This chapter guides the participation of counties, municipalities and local pollution control programs in an efficient,
streamlined permitting system by setting forth the procedures and requirements for delegations of all or a part of the environmental
resource permit program from the Department and water management districts to local governments in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 373.103(8) and 373.441, F.S. This chapter also constitutes the Department�s authorization, in accordance with
Section 373.103(8), F.S., for delegations of the environmental resource permit program from the water management districts to local
governments provided that the procedures for delegation contained in this chapter are followed by the Districts. Delegations from
the Department and Districts shall be for the respective environmental resource permit program responsibilities of the Department
and the Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida and South Florida Water Management Districts, as set forth in
operating agreements listed in Chapter 62-113, F.A.C. Delegation agreements between the Department and local governments shall
be listed in Chapter 62-113, F.A.C., and delegation agreements between the Districts and local governments shall be listed in
Chapters 40B-1, 40C-1, 40D-1, and 40E-1, F.A.C.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the Department, Districts, and local governments from entering into contracts or
interagency agreements as provided by law.
(3) Except as specifically provided in this chapter, nothing herein shall prevent a local government from adopting and
implementing an environmental regulatory program pursuant to its own authority.
(4) It is an objective of the Department and Districts to protect the functions of entire ecological systems, as defined and
developed in the programs, rules and plans of the Department and water management districts. It is the intent of the Department and
Districts that any local government receiving delegation of all or a portion of the environmental resource program carry out that
program in a manner consistent with this objective. This paragraph shall not be construed or applied as additional permitting criteria
beyond those adopted by the reviewing agency or the local government. Application to Coral Reefs:In theory, delegating stormwater pond construction and wetland functional determinations, as well as most otrher issues related to stormwater and wetlands, to local government will produce more efficient permitting and oversight. Therefore, treated water that is discharged and reaches any ecosystem should contain less contamination than the same water if it had not treated. Legislative Actions: Comments:Guides the participation of counties, municipalities and local pollution control programs in an efficient, streamlined permitting system by setting forth the procedures and requirements for delegations of all or a part of the environmental resource permit program from the Department and water management districts to local governments |
Florida State Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: State Coastal Waters |
Applied Chemicals; Building & Home Construction; Construction Codes & Projects; Manufacturing & Trade; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Road Construction & Maintenance; Sediment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge |
Dredge and Fill Activities, 62-312 Florida Administrative Code. | This part provides the requirements and procedures for obtaining permits and jurisdictional declaratory statements from the Department pursuant to Sections 403.91 through 403.929, F.S. Dredging or filling which is grandfathered by subsections 403.913(6), (8) and (9), F.S., is governed by Rules 62-312.150 and 62-312.160, F.A.C. The requirements of this part are in addition to and not in lieu of the water quality standards which are required by other portions of these sections. Except for the definitions contained in Rule 62-312.020, F.A.C., which shall also apply to activities regulated under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., the provisions of this Part shall only apply to activities in the geographical territory of the Northwest Florida Water Management District and to activities grandfathered under Sections 373.414(9), (11), (12)(a), (13), (14), (15) and (16), F.S.
Specific Authority 373.414(11)-(16), 373.4145, 403.805(1) FS. Law Implemented 373.409, 373.413, 373.414(9), (11), (12)(a), (13), (14), (15), (16), 373.4145, 373.416, 373.418, 403.061, 403.813, 403.814 FS. History�New 12-10-84, Amended 8-7-85, Formerly 17-12.010, 17-312.010, Amended 10-3-95. Application to Coral Reefs:The permit reviewers will require BMP for dredge and fill activities. This will include siltation reduction methods that will keep sediment, nutrient and other contaminants from leaving the work site and getting into the water column and potentially reaching sensitive ecosysten, including coral reefs. Legislative Actions: Comments:This part provides the requirements and procedures for obtaining permits and jurisdictional declaratory statements from the Department for dredge and fill activities. |
Florida State Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: State Coastal Waters; US State Waters |
Complex Habitat & Resources; Cruise Ships; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Large Ships; Nutrients; Oil & Gas Tankers; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Ports & Harbors; Sediment; Toxics |
Ground Water Permitting and Monitoring Requirements, 62-522 Florida Administrative Code. | (1) Unless exempted by Rule 62-520.500, 62-520.510 or 62-520.520, F.A.C., no installation shall directly or indirectly
discharge into ground water any contaminant that causes a violation in the water quality standards and criteria for the receiving
ground water as established in Chapter 62-520, F.A.C., except within a zone of discharge established by permit or rule pursuant to
this chapter.
(2) Zones of discharge shall be allowed for projects or facilities that allow direct contact with ground water listed in paragraphs
(a) through (c) below, which provide beneficial discharges through wells to ground water as described in the cited rules.
(a) Projects designed to recharge aquifers with surface water of comparable quality, or projects designed to transfer water across
or between aquifers of comparable quality for the purpose of storage or conservation;
(b) Facilities permitted under Rule 62-610.466, F.A.C., for aquifer storage and recovery of reclaimed water, subsection 62-
610.560(3), F.A.C., for ground water recharge by injection of reclaimed water, or subsection 62-610.562(4), F.A.C., for creation of
salinity barrier systems by injection of reclaimed water; and
(c) Department-approved aquifer remediation projects that use Class V, Group 4, underground injection control wells as
described in paragraph 62-528.600(2)(d), F.A.C. A zone of discharge shall be allowed for primary standards for ground water for
closed-loop re-injection systems and for the prime constituents of the reagents used to remediate site contaminants, and for the
secondary standards for ground water, as specified in a Department-approved remedial action plan that addresses the duration and
size of the zone of discharge, and ground water monitoring requirements.
(3) Other discharges through wells or sinkholes that allow direct contact with class G-I, Class F-I, or Class G-II ground water
shall not be allowed a zone of discharge.
(4) Discharges that may cause an imminent hazard to the public or the environment through contamination of underground
supplies of drinking water or surface water affected by the ground water.
(5) Installations operated to render water fit for human consumption and which dispose non-hazardous concentrates from
membrane separation technologies, such as reverse osmosis, membrane softening, ultra-filtration, and electrodialysis, through land
application operations are exempt from obtaining a zone of discharge in order to discharge to ground water, provided the applicant
demonstrates that the receiving unconfined aquifer exhibits a natural background total dissolved solids concentration exceeding
1500 mg/L. Installations discharging to such aquifers shall not cause a violation of primary or secondary drinking water standards at
any private or public water supply well outside of the installation�s property boundary.
(6) It is the intent of the Department whenever possible to incorporate ground water discharge considerations into other
Department permits as appropriate, and not to require a separate permit for discharges to ground water. However, any published
notice of proposed agency action on an application for a permit shall contain notice, when appropriate, that ground water
considerations are being incorporated into such permits.
(7) The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that the permitting of zones of discharge, or exemptions therefrom, will not cause a
violation of ground water standards. Ground water monitoring is intended to allow predictions to be made of the movement and
composition of the discharge plume and compliance with applicable state ground water standards at the boundary of the zone of
discharge. Efforts shall be made to minimize the number and cost of monitoring wells, consistent with the ability to obtain useful
and reliable information.
(8) Existing installations discharging to Class G-II ground water are exempt from compliance with secondary standards outside
of a zone of discharge obtained by Department permit or rule except where compliance is required under Rule 62-520.520, F.A.C. Application to Coral Reefs:Groundwater flow will eventually bring the groundwater to an area where by intrusion it will enter waterbodies such as lakes, streams, estuaries, and the ocean. If the groundwater is contaminated, the contamination then enters the waterbody. The contaminants will affect the open water environment and degrade that system. Legislative Actions: Comments:Prohibits the discharge into ground water any contaminant that causes a violation in the water quality standards and criteria for the receiving ground water. |
Florida State Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US State Waters |
Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Sediment; Waste Management Policies |
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, 33 United States Code § 1401. | To regulate the dumping of all types of materials into ocean waters and to prevent or strictly limit the dumping into ocean waters of any material which would adversely affect human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities. To regulate (1) the transportation by any person of material from the United States and, in the case of United States vessels, aircraft, or agencies, the transportation of material from a location outside the United States, when in either case the transportation is for the purpose of dumping the material into ocean waters, and (2) the dumping of material transported by any person from a location outside the United States, if the dumping occurs in the territorial sea or the contiguous zone of the United States. Application to Coral Reefs:The Act has been historically used to regulate dumping of dredged materials and sewage sludge into the marine environment. The law intends to improve the conservation, understanding, management, and wise and sustainable use of marine resources, enhance public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the marine environment, and to maintain for future generations the habitat, and ecologigal services, of the natural assemblage of living resources that inhabit those areas. Because permits are required, it can be assumed that dumping would not be allowed if the material would be dispersed into a sensitive habitat such as coral reefs. Legislative Actions:EPA may assess an administrative civil penalty up to $50,000 per person. Higher penalties can be assessed for dumping medical waste (up to $125,000). Each day in violation constitutes a separate offense. Continuing violations can suffer criminal penalties with fines and up to five years imprisionment possible. Comments:The Act has played a major role in regulating the disposal of dredged material into the ocean environment. However, medical and radioactive wastes, industrial wastes, as well as sewage sludge, are also regulated in the law. |
United States Environmntal Protection Agency Jurisdiction: US Territorial Waters; US Federal Waters; Designated Marine Areas |
Ballast Discharge; Biocriteria; Boating Regulations; Complex Habitat & Resources; Designate Protected Species; Designated Uses; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Mangroves; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge |
Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs); Regulations to establish a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for State waters within the boundary of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,Code of Federal Regulations § 40 CFR Part 140, 67 FR 35735. | US EPA established a no discharge zone within the boundaies of the FKNMS pursuant to section 312 (f) (4) (a) of the Clean Water Act. Application to Coral Reefs:Prohibition of waste discharges protects reefs system from eutrophication by the nutrients in waste (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus) as well as the debris and sediment in the waste. Legislative Actions: Comments: |
US Environmental Protection Agency Jurisdiction: US Coral Reefs; US Federal Waters; State Coastal Waters; Designated Marine Areas |
Algae; Ballast Discharge; Commercial Fishing Boats; Cruise Ships; Large Ships; Marine Debris; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Oil & Gas Tankers; Pathogens; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Small Boats; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge |
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 United States Code § 66. | The Act defines the National Wildlife Refuge System and authorizes the Secretary of Interior to permit any use of a refuge provided such use is compatible with the major purpose for which the refuge was established. Application to Coral Reefs: Legislative Actions: Comments: |
US Fish and Wildlife Serice Jurisdiction: United States |
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Construction Codes & Projects; Designate Protected Species; Designated Uses; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Donations; Landuse Management; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Political Pressure; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies |
Significant amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Amendments of 1980 were PL 96-332, 1984 were PL98-498, 1988 were Title II of PL 100-627, 1992 were PL 102-587, 1996 were PL 104-283 and for 2000 were PL106-513,. | Title III of the Marine Protection, Reseach and Sanctuaries Act was amended to create the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. The amendments of 1980 mandated the terms of designation to include the geographic area included within the sanctuary and the characteristics of the area that give it conservation, recreational, ecological, or esthetic value, and the types of activities that would be subject to regulation to protect those characteristics. The 1984 amendments required a Resource Assessment Report documenting present and potential use of the area. 1998 amendments established a special use permit for commercial operations, added a section that a vessel or person causing damage to the resources of a sanctuary would be liable for both response and cleanup costs as well as damages for any sanctuary resource destroyed. Amendments of 1992 provided that Title III may be cited as 'The National Marine Sanctuaries Act." Also, federal agencies had to be consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act in commenting on proposed designations. Application to Coral Reefs:Strenghtened the protectinon of marine sanctuaries and their resources. Some specific purposes of the Act that add to coral reef protection include; to identify and designate national marine sanctuaries of the marine environment, to maintain the natural b Legislative Actions: Comments: |
National Oceanic Aatmospheric Administration Jurisdiction: Designated Marine Areas |
Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boating Activities; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Construction Codes & Projects; Coral; Cruise Ships; Deforestation & Devegetation; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Large Ships; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Tankers; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetland & Reef Restoration |
Surface water quality standards, 62-302 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2008). | The Chapter establishes the minimum concentrations of contamination that are allowable to protect the designated uses of a waterbody. Designated uses include public drinking water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, agricultural, recreation, industrial, and navigation. Application to Coral Reefs:Protecting surface waters by limiting the concentration of pollutants that can be present will control the concentrations of those pollutants that will reach estuarine and marine environments, thus protecting the associated ecosystems, including coral reefs. Legislative Actions:Penalties are not presented in the Rule. Specific requirements and penalties are addrressed in individual permits. The Rule relies heavily on biocriteria including acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index. Section 400 presents the classes of Florida waters; Class I potable water supplies, Class II shellfish propagation or harvesting, Class III recreation, propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife, Class IV agricultural water supplies, Class V navigation, utility and industrial use. Comments: |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: State Coastal Waters; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas |
Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coastal Development; Commercial Fisheries; Complex Habitat & Resources; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Deforestation & Devegetation; Designate Protected Species; Discharge Limitations; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Drinking Water Supply; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Impervious Surfaces; Invertebrates; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Molluscs; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Pipelines; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Fishing; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Armoring; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Toxics; Waste Management Policies |
Total maximum daily loads, 62-304 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2006). | The Chapter establishes Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and their allocations, for waters that have been verified to be impaired by a pollutant pursuant to Chapter 62-303. F.A.C. Application to Coral Reefs:By regulating the amount of pollutants that will be allowed to be discharged into major waterbodies of the state, the amount of pollutants reaching estuarine and then marine environments, and eventually coral reefs, will assist in protecting the reefs and other habitats. Legislative Actions:The planning list of impaired water bodies has been completed. Data on each water bodies has been collected. DEP is in the process of calculating TMDLs for each water body. Comments: |
Florida Department of Envitonmental Protection Jurisdiction: United States; State Coastal Waters |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Aquaculture; Ballast Discharge; Biomedical Research Policies; Coastal Development; Deforestation & Devegetation; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Dredging Regulations; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Impervious Surfaces; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Armoring; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Wetland & Reef Restoration; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products |
Water quality based effluent limitations, 62-650 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (1996). | To implement the provisions of Section 403.051, 403.085 through 403.088 concerning the development of effluent limitations for wastewater facilities. Application to Coral Reefs:The Florida Air and Water Pollution Act establishes that no wastes are to be discharged to any waters of the state without first being given the degree of treatment necessay to protect the beneficial uses of such water. Requiring treatment of industrial and domestic waste water indirectly protects adjoining ecosystem, such as reefs, by limiting the pollutant that reach these other systems. Legislative Actions:The Department shall not issue a permit for a discharge to waters of the state, unless the Department has established an efflent limit for those pollutants in the discharge that are present in quantities or concentrations which can be reasonably expected to cause or contribute, directly or indirectly, to a violation of any water quality standard established in rule 62-302. The effluent limit may be a technology based effluent limit (TBEL), a water quality based effluent limit (WQBEL) determined by a Level 1 process, or where applicable, a WQBEL determined by a Level 2 process. Comments: |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Applied Chemicals; Building & Home Construction; Cleaner & Solvent Use; Coal Mining; Construction Codes & Projects; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Domestic Animal Waste; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Mineral, Rock, & Metal Mining; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Road Construction & Maintenance; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Utility Line Construction & Maintenance; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wholesale & Retail Trade; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products |
Water Resource Implementation Rule, 62-40 Florida Administrative Code (2006). | The Chapter is intended to provide water resouirce implementation goals, objectives and guidance for the development and review of programs, rules, and plans relating to water resources. A goal of the Chapter is to coordinate the management of water and land resources. It is the objective of the State to protect the functions of the entire ecological systems, as developed and defined in the programs, rules, and plans of the Department and water management districts. It is a goal of the Chapter that sufficient water be available for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and the natural systems and that adverse effects of competition for water supplies be avoided. Application to Coral Reefs:By protecting the functions of entire aquatic ecological systems, those waters will contain less contaminants when they are discharged and meet other natural water bodies including marine ecosystems. Cleaner water will result in less ecological strees to marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Legislative Actions: Comments:This Chapter is intended to provide water resource implementation goals, objectives, and guidance for the development and review of programs, rules, and plans relating to water resources, based on statutory policies and directives in Chapters 187, 373, and 403, Florida Statutes. |
Florida State Department of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US State Waters |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Drinking Water Supply; Environmental Education & Outreach; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Waste Management Policies |