Water: Planning
FY 2012 NWPG Water Quality Measure Definitions
Measure Language: Number of waterbodies identified in 2002 as not attaining water quality standards where standards are now fully attained. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Christopher Zabawa, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
zabawa.christopher@epa.gov | (202) 566-1222
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Waterbody means a water body (or "segment") as identified in state-submitted section 303(d) lists and section 305(b) reports also referred to as the Integrated Report, for the 2002 reporting cycle. See EPA's guidance for such reporting under "303(d) Listing of Impaired Waters Guidance" at https://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm.
o Attaining water quality standards means that the water body is no longer impaired for any of the causes identified in 2002, as reflected in subsequent Integrated Reports.
o Impairment refers to a "cause of impairment" in state- reported data, stored in ATTAINS (Assessment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking and Implementation System) or its predecessors NTTS (National TMDL Tracking System) or NAD (National Assessment Database). Any water body listed as impaired in these data bases must have an impairment cause entered.
Methodology for computation of results: This measure counts waterbodies (segments). Two impairments removed on the same water body (assuming there were no other impairments on that waterbody) would count as one waterbody for Measure WQ-SP10.N11. (They would count as two impairments removed, however, under measure WQ-SP11; see definition of WQ-SP11.)
This measure is designed to demonstrate cumulative successes of the surface water program in achieving water quality standards in waters formerly assessed as not meeting water quality standards. It holds constant the fixed base of waters known to be impaired in the 2002 reporting cycle and focuses on the cumulative number of those impaired waters that now meet water quality standards. The measure is calculated by comparing the fixed baseline of state- or EPA-listed waters in the 2002 reporting cycle to the current list of impaired waters submitted in state Integrated Reports due on April 1 of every even numbered year (e.g., 2010, 2012, 2014). Waters that are meeting water quality standards in the reporting year for the impairments listed in 2002 will be counted toward meeting this measure in that year. If a water body is impaired by multiple causes, it cannot be counted as meeting this measure until all water quality standards are met, except as noted for mercury.
If a waterbody in the 2002 universe is subsequently re-segmented, it cannot be counted under SP-10 unless all the new segments meet the requirements for counting.
A waterbody in the universe may be counted under this measure when it attains water quality standards for all impairments identified in the 2002 reporting cycle, as reflected in subsequent Integrated Reports Impairments that are identified in later Integrated Reports are not considered for this measure. EPA will consider adjusting the baseline to a different base year in future Strategic Plans.
Waterbodies where mercury is among multiple impairments may be counted toward this target when all impairments but mercury attain standards. Of waters counted under this measure, EPA will continue to identify and track separately those waters still needing restoration for mercury. For purposes of this measure, "mercury" includes all forms of mercury, including methyl mercury.
Waters that are delisted for the following reasons can be counted toward meeting this measure:
Note that measure WQ-SP12.N11 uses a different methodology for determining which reasons can be counted. See definition for measure WQ-SP12.N11.
In Integrated Report terminology, to count toward this measure a waterbody must be placed in Categories 1 or 2 for all the Impairments that were identified in the 2002 reporting cycle as not attaining standards. If any 2002 Impairments belong in Categories 4 or 5, the water cannot be counted. The waterbody also cannot be counted if it is moved to Category 3 for the 2002 Impairment(s). Impairments first identified after the 2002 reporting cycle are not considered in counting waterbodies under this measure. Therefore (and as noted above), this measure may be met and the waterbody counted even if the waterbody becomes listed again in a later reporting cycle.
EPA's goal is to use the ATTAINS data system as the system of record for documenting assessment decisions for this measure. Until this happens, reporting for this measure will be based on each Region's evaluation of state data from all available sources. In a continuing effort to improve the ability of the ATTAINS data system to track measures using the 2002 baseline waters, EPA is working with Regions 4 and 8 to ensure that the 2002 baseline waters data available in ATTAINS accurately reflects the state reports. This quality assurance effort may result in corrections to the data component of the 2002 baseline.
Units: Waterbodies (see above)
Universe: The universe consists of an estimated 39,503 waterbodies identified by states or EPA as not meeting water quality standards in 2002. Thus, 2002 is the baseline year for this measure. This universe is sometimes referred to as the "fixed base" or "WQ-SP10.N11 baseline." The universe includes all waters in categories 5, 4a, 4b, and 4c in 2002. Of these waters, 1,703 are impaired by multiple pollutants including mercury, and 6,501 are impaired by mercury alone (see discussion of mercury in Methodology above). Impairments identified after 2002 are not considered in counting waters under this measure; such impairments may be considered when revising this measure for future updates of the Strategic Plan.
Baseline: The baseline for this measure was zero water bodies in the baseline year of 2002. Status as of FY 2009: 2,505 water bodies attained standards (See description of universe above).
Note that this measure is related to former Measure L in the FY 2003-2008 EPA Strategic Plan: "Percentage of waterbodies identified in 2000 as not attaining standards where water quality standards are fully attained (cumulative)." Measure L was reported in FY 2007 and earlier. The primary difference between the two measures is that Measure WQ-SP10.N11 uses a 2002 baseline year rather than the Measure L baseline year of 2000. In addition, WQ-SP10.N11 includes other refinements such as including category 4 waters in the baseline. EPA estimates that 1,980 waters reported under measure L would not count under the new version, and therefore can be added to WQ-SP10.N11 results if a combined total is desired. This combined total is used in calculating the efficiency measure for the PART review of the Water Pollution Control Grants program.
Measure Code: WQ-SP11
Measure Language: Remove the specific causes of waterbody impairment identified by states in 2002. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Christopher Zabawa, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
zabawa.christopher@epa.gov | (202) 566-1222
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Specific cause of waterbody impairment refers to an "impairment cause" in state- reported data, stored in ATTAINS (Assessment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking and Implementation System) or its predecessors NTTS (National TMDL Tracking System) and NDB (National Assessment Database). Any waterbody listed as impaired in these data bases must have an impairment cause entered.
o Water body listed as impaired means a water body (or "segment") as identified in state-submitted section 303(d) lists and section 305(b) reports also referred to as the Integrated Report. for the 2002 reporting cycle. See EPA's guidance for such reporting under "303(d) Listing of Impaired Waters Guidance" at https://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm
o Removal of an impairment cause means that the original specific impairment cause listed by the state or EPA in 2002 is no longer impairing the water body, as reflected in subsequent Integrated Reports.
Methodology for computation of results: This measure counts impairment causes. This measure is closely related to measure SP‑10, except that it counts impairments rather than water bodies. Two impairments removed on the same water body would count as two under this measure. See the definition for measure WQ-SP10.N11.
This measure is designed to demonstrate cumulative incremental successes of the surface water program in achieving water quality standards in waters formerly assessed as not meeting water quality standards. It holds constant the fixed base of waters and impairment causes known to be impaired in the 2002 reporting cycle and focuses on the cumulative number of those impairments where the water quality now meets water quality standards associated with those impairments. The measure is calculated by comparing the fixed baseline of impairments in state- or EPA-listed waters in the 2002 reporting cycle to the current list of impaired segments submitted in state Integrated Reports due on April 1 of every even numbered year (e.g., 2010, 2012, 2014).
An impairment in the universe may be counted under this measure when water quality associated with that impairment attains water quality standards as reflected in subsequent Integrated Reports. Impairments that were not identified in the 2002 reporting cycle but are identified in later lists are not considered for this measure. EPA will consider adjusting the baseline to a different base year in future Strategic Plans.
If a water body with an impairment in the 2002 universe is subsequently re-segmented, the impairment cannot be counted under WQ-SP11 unless the impairment has been removed throughout the originally-listed water body (i.e., in each of the new segments).
Impairments that are delisted for the following reasons can be counted towards meeting this measure:
Note that Measure WQ-SP12.N11 uses a different methodology for determining which reasons can be counted.
EPA's goal is to use the ATTAINS data system as the system of record for documenting assessment decisions and tracking TMDL information. Until this happens, reporting for this measure will be based on each Region's evaluation of state data from all available sources. In a continuing effort to improve the ability of the ATTAINS data system to track measures using the 2002 baseline waters, EPA is working with Regions 4 and 8 to ensure that the 2002 baseline waters data available in ATTAINS accurately reflects the state reports. This quality assurance effort may result in corrections to the data component of the 2002 baseline.
Units: Impairment causes for a waterbody (see above)
Universe: The universe consists of an estimated 69,677 waterbody impairments, as identified by states or EPA in the 2002 reporting cycle. Thus, 2002 is the baseline year for this measure. This universe is sometime referred to as the "fixed base" or "WQ-SP11 baseline."
Baseline: The baseline for this measure was zero impairment causes in the baseline year of 2002. Status as of FY 2009: 7,530 waterbody impairments (See description of universe above.)
Measure Language: Improve water quality conditions in impaired watersheds nationwide using the watershed approach. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contacts: Carol Peterson, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
peterson.carol@epa.gov | (202) 566-1304
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Watershed means (a) a watershed or hydrologic unit at the scale of 12-digit hydrologic unit codes, or HUC-12, as determined by the draft or final Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD), or (b) a regionally defined hydrologic unit of appropriate scale. Option (b) is provided since some waters, such as coastal and estuary waters, fall outside the WBD, and may or may not be hydrologically definable at a scale comparable to inland HUC-12s. Although watersheds or hydrologic units at the 12-digit scale are technically termed "sub-watersheds" by USGS, the Strategic Plan will use the term "watershed" for simplicity.
o An impaired watershed is a watershed containing one or more impaired water bodies.
o Impaired water bodies are those identified by states and EPA in the baseline for measure WQ-SP10.N11.
o Watershed approach is a coordinating process for focusing on priority water resource problems that:
Functionally, the watershed approach is a problem-solving tool for protecting water quality and aquatic resources. It recognizes that factors affecting the health of our nation's waters should be understood within their watershed context. It includes assessment of relevant watershed processes and socioeconomic factors, identification of priority issues and most promising corrective actions, involvement by affected parties throughout the process, and implementation at the required scale. See EPA's website at https://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/approach.cfm for more information. Also, see Demonstrating Use of the Watershed Approach below.
The watershed approach can be applied at any appropriate scale, including scales smaller or larger than the HUC-12 watersheds described above. Thus, for this measure, one watershed effort could result in improvements in one or in many HUC-12 watersheds, depending on its scale. For consistency, however, all successes under this measure will be reported as numbers of HUC-12 watersheds.
o Improved means either that:
o Watersheds of focus are watersheds in which Regions and states will be focusing application of the watershed approach to attain this measure. Regions and states have identified an estimated 4,767 watersheds of focus. Regions and states will maintain lists of the watersheds of focus. The watersheds of focus include watersheds that may be amenable to water quality improvement in the near term (five years), as well as watersheds where improvement may take much longer. In many cases, the time frame cannot be predicted without more information gathered for watershed planning. EPA envisions flexibility in identifying the watersheds of focus over time. EPA and the states may add, change, or remove watersheds they are focusing on as new information becomes available or as resources are reallocated. The measure thus envisions "living" lists of watersheds.
Methodology for computation of results: The methodology for Measure WQ-SP12.N11 is described in Guidance for Reporting Watershed Improvement under Measure SP-12 – FY 2009 (PDF). (16 pp, 108K, About PDF)
This methodology provides information needed for states and EPA to implement the measure. For a watershed to be counted under WQ-SP12.N11, the state and Region must demonstrate that the watershed approach was applied, and that water quality improved. Either Option 1, Option 2a, or Option 2b described below may be used for demonstrating water quality improvement.
Supporting information must be provided using the appropriate template contained in the above methodology. A separate template is available for each reporting option below (1, 2a, or 2b).
An individual watershed may be counted only once under this measure. That is, a watershed may be counted only when it initially meets the definition. Subsequent actions, such as having additional impairment causes removed or additional water quality parameters showing watershed-wide improvement, would not enable the watershed to be counted again in a subsequent reporting period.
Under some circumstances, water quality improvements may result in the same watershed being eligible for reporting under both measure WQ-SP12.N11 and measure WQ-10 (nonpoint source waters restored). Consult the detailed definitions for both measures to determine whether a particular watershed is eligible. See additional discussion in the methodology.
Units: Watersheds at 12-digit HUC scale (see Terms and Phrases above).
Universe: 4,767 watersheds of focus (see Terms and Phrases above).
Baseline: 0 watersheds in FY 2002 (FY 2010 Status: 168 watersheds).
Measure Code: WQ-SP13.N11
Measure Language: Ensure that the condition of the nation's streams does not degrade (i.e., there is no statistically significant increase in the percent of streams rated "poor" and no statistically significant decrease in the streams rated "good").
Type of Measure: Indicator measure
Measure Contact: Susan Holdsworth, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
holdsworth.susan@epa.gov | (202) 566-1187
Measure Definition Critiques by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other independent organizations found that the Nation and the States do not have all the monitoring data to effectively manage their water programs and make scientifically-defensible statements about the condition of waters across the Nation and to track changes over time. States and EPA are working together to implement national surveys that report on the status and trends of the Nation's water. The data from these surveys are key to allowing the Agency to evaluate effectiveness of water quality protection and restoration efforts. This measure focuses on one water type: wadeable streams.
Terms and phrases:
o Wadeable streams are small and shallow enough to adequately sample without a boat.
o Good, Fair, and Poor are defined in the methodology for the wadeable streams survey. (See below.)
o Does not degrade is defined in the methodology below.
Methodology for computation of results: Targets and results will be reported nationally with a confidence interval of plus or minus 3.5%, and by EPA Regions at plus or minus 10-15%. "Good," "Fair," or "Poor" are not related to water quality standards. They are determined by national assessment protocols, comparing conditions in sampled streams with conditions in reference streams representing "least disturbed" conditions in the same general ecological area. The methodology for determining whether a stream is in Good, Fair, and Poor condition is summarized in Wadeable Streams Assessment: A Collaborative Survey of the Nation's Streams, published by the EPA Office of Research and Development and Office of Water in December 2006, EPA 841-B-06-002, Dec 2006, at https://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/streamsurvey/.
"Does not degrade" in this measure means that the following two conditions must be met in comparing results from two different surveys:
This means that for measure WQ-SP13.N11 to show success in 2012 compared to the baseline year of 2006 (see baseline below), the 2011 streams survey will need to find not more that 42 percent of stream miles in Poor condition and not less than 28 percent of stream miles in Good condition.
Units: Percentage of wadeable streams is based on length in miles
Universe: Number of miles of wadeable, perennial streams in the lower 48 states is 671,051.
Baseline: The results of this measure will be determined by comparing the results of the 2006 baseline with the next Wadeable Streams Survey to be completed in 2011. Results will be reported in FY 2012. The 2006 baseline reflects the results of the Wadeable Streams Assessment, published in December, 2006. It showed:
EPA and its collaborating partners are on a schedule to conduct similar assessments of other types of waterbodies (e.g., lakes, large rivers, and wetlands) in the future, with the goal of producing updated assessments for each type of waterbody every five years. These repeated studies will ensure that the public remains informed as to whether the collective efforts to protect and restore the nation's waters are meeting with success.
States/EPA established baseline conditions for lakes in 2010; measures for streams and lakes are included in the 2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan. The Lakes Survey will be reported in FY 2015.
Measure Code: WQ-SP14a.N11 (DRAFT - Will be Final September 2011)
Measure Language: Improve water quality in Indian country at baseline monitoring stations in tribal waters (i.e., show improvement in one or more of seven key parameters: dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pathogen indicators, and turbidity). (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Kristen Gunthardt, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Waters
hedsgunthardt.kristen@epa.gov | (202) 566-1194
Measure Definition
Terms and Phrases:
o Seven key parameters means seven parameters identified in EPA's Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 106 Program Guidance for Tribes: dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pathogen indicators, and turbidity. For the purpose of this measure, trends can be reported on these parameters or any appropriate sub-components of these parameters. Reporting on the seven parameters would be in accordance with the degree of maturity of the Tribe's monitoring program, consistent with the following table derived from the Guidance.*
For tribes conducting fundamental monitoring programs:
For tribes conducting intermediate monitoring programs: above plus
* p. 4-11, Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act, U.S. EPA Office of Water, April 2006, available at https://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwf/106tgg07.cfm. See also Federal Register Notice, Tribal Grant Guidance, April 26, 2006, 71 FR 24852. The table at p. 4-11 also includes two parameters for mature monitoring programs that are not included among the seven key parameters for this measure – Macroinvertebrates and Basic habitat information.
For tribes conducting mature monitoring programs: above plus
7. Pathogen indicators
o Improved means that (a) at least one of the seven key parameters or parameter sub-components(e.g. total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and orthophosphorus) shows an improvement in quality as described in the guidance below, and (b) there is no evidence of deteriorating trends in related parameters included in reporting for this measure. Further guidance for reporting improvement is provided below.
Methodology for computation of results: To meet the definition of "improved," a water body assessment must demonstrate a positive trend/change in at least one of the parameters or parameter subcomponent – dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pathogen indicators, or turbidity – over at least two years. The baseline for the trend or change may be derived from monitoring conducted as far back as 1987. Monitoring must be conducted to show that the trend continues into or near the current reporting period, or the improvement is maintained during such period, allowing for averaging intervals and the time to assemble and analyze the data.
Sampling and analysis must be conducted in accordance with an EPA-approved quality assurance project plan or other appropriately developed Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) (e.g., sampling conducted by a federal agency under their own approved QAPP).
Improvement at a station must be shown using one of the following three processes, as described in path "A", "B", or "C" below.
More than one path may be utilized to evaluate data at a station, but only one may be used for reporting an actual water quality improvement. Different paths may be used for different stations.
For all three paths above, there should be no evidence of deteriorating trends in related parameters included in reporting for this measure (dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pathogen indicators, or turbidity).
For all three paths above, where data are available, the analysis should take account of differences in streamflow or other natural events that could produce false "trends."
Supporting documentation for stations where improvement has occurred includes:
Acceptable documentation of improvements can be provided to the Region in a variety of formats and can be provided by reference where readily accessible information/data exists.
In accordance with EPA's proposed Section 106 Tribal Grant Guidance, data used in the assessment must be provided to EPA in a format accessible for storage in EPA's data system. EPA Headquarters is working with Tribes and EPA Regional offices to develop a standard format for data reporting, including metadata. A standard template has been made available through EPA Regional offices as Tribes have begun to implement this reporting requirement. EPA plans to continue to make additional templates available as tools for data submission to EPA evolve.
Tribes must provide EPA a list of stations in the baseline. No further documentation is required, however, for stations where insufficient information exists to assess whether an improvement has occurred, or where no improvement has occurred.
EPA Regions will review the submitted data and assessments, and enter the results in the Agency Commitment System.
The tribal monitoring programs that support this measure were expected to begin functioning under the section 106 Tribal Guidance in FY 2007.
This measure is conceived as a long-term measure, with a goal of showing improvements under the Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) by 2012. EPA has not yet determined when tribes will need to begin formal reporting.
EPA intends to further improve this measure, or develop new measures, for succeeding Strategic Plans. These developmental measures will reflect the phasing in of monitoring and assessment work of tribes as they implement the Section 106 Guidance for Tribes. For example, EPA is seeking ways to measure maintenance and protection of current water quality, as well as restoring and improving water quality. EPA welcomes the participation of tribes in these developmental efforts.
Units: Baseline stations located in Indian country (see below for further descriptions)
Universe and Baseline: Baseline stations were selected from among stations located in Indian country that are planned for sampling at times during the FY 2006-2012 period. Stations selected were located on waters that have a potential for improvement in one or more of the seven key parameters. To facilitate the selection, Tribes were asked to provide:
a. The total number of monitoring stations identified by the Tribe that are planned for sampling (for one or more of the seven key parameters) at times during the FY 2006 – 2012 period. Result: 105 tribes identified 1,661 stations.
b. Of the monitoring stations in (a), how many will be located on waters that have a potential for improvement in one or more of the seven key parameters. "Potential for improvement" means that water quality is or has been depressed, and some restoration activities are underway or planned to improve water quality for those waters. Result: At least 353 stations were identified with depressed water quality. Of these, 185 were identified as having restoration activities underway.
Of the monitoring stations in (b), EPA identified a national target of 50 stations for reporting actual improved water quality as defined in this guidance by 2012.
The following table summarizes the baseline stations:
a. The total number of monitoring stations identified by the Tribe that are planned for sampling (for one or more of the seven key parameters) at times during the FY 2006-2012 period.
b. Of the monitoring stations in (a), the number that will be located on waters that have a potential for improvement in one or more of the seven key parameters. "Potential for improvement" means that water quality is or has been depressed, and some activities have been, are, or will be underway to improve water quality for those waters.
c. Of the monitoring stations in (b), the estimated number EPA will show as a Target for reporting actual improved water quality as defined in the measure by 2012.
The following factors affected the development of the data in the above table.
· Many tribes have not yet finalized a water quality monitoring strategy, or are revising their strategy. Therefore, the number of planned stations may be revised.
· Some Regions were able to obtain information from all of their Tribes; others were able to focus only on tribes with mature or intermediate water quality monitoring programs.
· The majority of stations in column (a) will likely not be able to detect improvements in water quality as defined in the measure for several reasons, including:
· Many stations are located at relatively undisturbed sites, where water quality is not known to be depressed relative to the seven key parameters.
· Some Tribes have not developed water quality baselines for the stations that could identify problems.
· Some water quality problems (e.g., mercury contamination) are not addressed by the seven key parameters.
· Only a limited number of Tribes have implementation funding (319, watershed grants, etc) or other restoration activities underway. Many of those that do are just getting started. As support for restoring additional Tribal waters becomes available, Tribes will be able to address more of the degraded waters.
· Although many Tribal waters are currently in good shape, development, mining and other anthropogenic impacts are threatening to change this. It is very important for Tribes to be able to continue their efforts to monitor these waters and to access funds to protect high water quality. A few Tribes expressed concern about having waters head in the wrong direction. The work group strongly supports developing a water quality "maintenance" or "prevention" measure or measure component in the future.
· It is often difficult to predict continuity in Tribal monitoring programs. Although a growing number of Tribes have developed a routine monitoring program, there is often no guarantee of stability in the program due to changes in level of funding, changes in priority activities, or significant turnover in key trained staff.
· A significant portion of the monitoring conducted by many Tribes is on waters just outside or near reservation boundaries. In some cases this is a matter of identifying sites with convenient access that can best characterize tribal waters. In other cases Tribes are facing discharges or development pressures outside of tribal boundaries that affect or threaten waters upstream from the Tribal area. At least some of the monitoring stations identified in the baseline for this measure are located to monitor those upstream activities. In some cases stations are established to monitor waters on nearby ceded lands.
· It should be noted that the number of stations does not necessarily represent the number of water bodies monitored. The number of stations needed to characterize a water body may vary greatly.
Measure Code: WQ-SP14b.N11
Measure Language: Identify monitoring stations on tribal lands that are showing no degradation in water quality (meaning the waters are meeting uses). (cumulative)
Measure Contact: TBD, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: Tribe means a federally recognized Indian tribe that meets certain conditions (see methodology below.
Methodology for computation of results
Units: Monitoring Stations
Universe: 1,969 monitoring stations
Baseline: New measure for FY 2012.
Measure Code: WQ-SP15
Measure Language: By 2015, in coordination with other federal agencies, reduce by 50 percent the number of homes on tribal lands lacking access to basic sanitation. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Annually reported
Measure Contacts: Kellie Kubena, EPA Office of Wastewater Management,
kubena.kellie@epa.gov | (202) 566 0448
Matthew Richardson, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
richardson.matthew@epa.gov | (202) 564-2947
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Homes are the houses on American Indian lands and within Alaskan Native Villages
o Access is the reduction in the wastewater sanitation deficiency level of a tribal home from a 4 or 5 to a 3 or less. The sanitation deficiency levels definitions are described in Appendix E of the "Indian Health Service Sanitation Deficiency System Guide for Reporting Sanitation Deficiencies for Indian Homes and Communities," working draft, May 2003 and may be found online at: http://www.dsfc.ihs.gov/Documents/SDSWorkingDraft2003.pdf. 
o Sanitation Deficiency is an identified need for new or upgraded wastewater sanitation facilities for existing homes of on American Indian lands or Alaska Native Villages
Methodology for computing: The EPA Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management (Headquarters) will use the actual number of homes reported in the Indian Health Service's (IHS) Sanitation Deficiency System (SDS) that lack safe wastewater sanitation services to show progress towards this measure. EPA Headquarters will obtain this value from IHS in order to report on this indicator measure. Housing information is collected annually, typically in November, in order to capture progress over the previous construction season.
Units: Number of homes on tribal lands and in Alaskan native villages.
Universe: The universe is the estimated total number of homes on tribal lands, which is dynamic given that additional homes are constructed. The program uses a baseline based on the total number of homes on tribal lands in 2009 which was 360,000 homes.
Baseline: 43,600 (FY 2009). The number of American Indian and Alaska Native Village homes provided access to safe wastewater sanitation services between 2003 and 2009.
Measure Code: WQ-24.N11
Measure Language: Number of American Indian and Alaska Native homes provided access to basic sanitation in coordination with other federal agencies.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Kellie Kubena, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
kubena.kellie@epa.gov | (202) 566 0448
Matthew Richardson, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
richardson.matthew@epa.gov | (202) 564-2947
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Homes are the houses on American Indian lands and within Alaskan Native Villages
o Access is the reduction in the wastewater sanitation deficiency level of a tribal home from a 4 or 5 to a 3 or less. The sanitation deficiency levels definitions are described in Appendix E of the "Indian Health Service Sanitation Deficiency System Guide for Reporting Sanitation Deficiencies for Indian Homes and Communities," working draft, May 2003 and may be found online at: http://www.dsfc.ihs.gov/Documents/SDSWorkingDraft2003.pdf.
o Sanitation Deficiency is an identified need for new or upgraded wastewater sanitation facilities for existing homes of on American Indian lands or Alaska Native Villages
Methodology for computation of results: The EPA Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management (Headquarters) will use the actual number of homes reported in the Indian Health Service's (IHS) Sanitation Deficiency System (SDS) that lack safe wastewater sanitation services to show progress towards this measure. EPA Headquarters will obtain this value from IHS in order to calculate annual performance. Housing information is collected annually, typically in November, in order to capture progress over the previous construction season.
Units: Number of homes on tribal lands and in Alaskan native villages.
Universe: The universe is the estimated total number of homes on tribal lands, which is dynamic given that additional homes are constructed. The program uses a baseline based on the total number of homes on tribal lands in 2009 which was 360,000 homes.
Baseline: 43,600 (FY 2009). The number of American Indian and Alaska Native Village homes provided access to safe wastewater sanitation services between 2003 and 2009.
Measure Code: WQ-01 (a, b, c)
Measure Language: (WQ-01a): Number of numeric water quality standards for total nitrogen and for total phosphorus adopted by States and Territories and approved by EPA, or promulgated by EPA, for all waters within the State or Territory for each of the following waterbody types: lakes/reservoirs, rivers/streams, and estuaries (cumulative, out of a universe of 280).
(WQ-01b): Number of numeric water quality standards for total nitrogen and total phosphorus at least proposed in draft by States and Territories, or by EPA proposed rulemaking, for all waters within the State or Territory for each of the following waterbody types: lakes/reservoirs, rivers/streams, and estuaries (cumulative, out of a universe of 280).
(WQ-01c): Number of States and Territories supplying a full set of performance milestone information to EPA concerning development, proposal, and adoption of numeric water quality standards for total nitrogen and total phosphorus for each waterbody type within the State or Territory (annual). (The universe for this measure is 56.)
Type of Measure: Cumulatively reported (WQ-01a and WQ-01b) or Annually reported (WQ-01c).
Measure Contact: Gregory Stapleton, EPA Office of Science and Technology
stapleton.gregory@epa.gov | (202) 566-1028
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Numeric standards for total nitrogen and total phosphorus – numeric water quality criteria for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) incorporated into water quality standards for the protection of Clean Water Act section 101(a)(2) goal uses ( protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and recreation in and on the water). Such criteria are for eutrophication endpoints. Criteria for other endpoints, such as ammonia, nitrate, or elemental phosphorus toxicity, would not count. The "total" forms of nitrogen and phosphorus are generally preferable from a scientific standpoint because they account for both organic and inorganic forms. Other forms of nitrogen or phosphorus would be counted only if justified scientifically.
Numeric translators for TN and TP will be counted in this measure if they are binding upon section 303(d) assessments, TMDLs, and NPDES permits, and have been adopted as water quality standards and approved by EPA under section 303(c) (for WQ-01a) or have been proposed as such (for WQ-01b). Response variables, such as chlorophyll-a, clarity, SAV acreage, or dissolved oxygen, are not considered translators for this purpose.
o Waterbody type means one of the following three types of U.S. water bodies:
o Note: The majority of states and territories have all three of these waterbody types, but some states do not. See Universe below.
o For all waters – To be counted under this measure, water quality criteria values would need to be established for all waters of the waterbody type (see below). The values for each pollutant could be uniform for all such waters, or could vary as appropriate (e.g., for different subtypes, different watersheds, different seasonal periods), but would count as only one criterion for the purpose of this measure. In other words, states could use site-specific criteria to help meet this measure as long as all waters of the waterbody type are covered by some combination of site-specific and non-site-specific criteria.
o Adopted and approved by EPA (in WQ-01a) means that the state or territory has adopted the criteria through its rulemaking process and submitted them to EPA for review, and that EPA has approved them under section 303(c).
o Promulgated by EPA (in WQ-01a) means that EPA has issued a final rule promulgating the criteria as federal water quality standards under section 303(c)(4).
o At least (in WQ-01b) means that criteria can be counted if they have been proposed, or if they have progressed to any later stage of adoption and approval. For example, all criteria that the state or territory has adopted in final form can be counted even if they have not yet been submitted to EPA for approval. All criteria counted under WQ-01a should be included, since they have progressed to final adoption and EPA approval, or have been promulgated by EPA.
o Proposed (in WQ-01b) by states and territories means that a state or territorial agency has either (a) proposed and published the criteria for public comment, (b) formally provided the criteria for review to a legislative body, legislative committee, public commission, or similar body as part of a prescribed regulatory process, (c) recommended the criteria to a legislature, public commission, or agency responsible for promulgating standards under its own public process, or (d) otherwise issued the draft criteria to begin a similar public process. For federal promulgations, proposed means that EPA has issued a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks public comment.
o Full set of performance information (in WQ-01c): EPA expects, as part of the process for administering section 106 grants or performance partnership agreements, that states and territories will establish internal milestones for developing, proposing, and adopting TN and TP criteria for their waters. To be credited under this measure, a state or territory would need to provide information about these milestones to EPA on a regular basis, but at least annually.
EPA expects that the state or territory would establish milestones for the completion of each of the following key steps:
1. Planning for criteria development
2. Collection of information and data
3. Analysis of information and data
4. Proposal of criteria (related to measure WQ-1b)
5. Adoption of criteria into the state's or territory's water quality standards (related to measure WQ-1a)
Such milestones would need to be established for developing TN and TP criteria for each of the waterbody types within the state or territory. If planning showed that criteria development should proceed separately for TN and TP, and for each waterbody type, then a state or territory with all three waterbody types could theoretically have 30 milestones. In practice, this number could be higher or lower, depending on whether work could be combined across TN and TP and waterbody types, or whether additional waterbody subtypes were established.
For each milestone established, EPA expects the state or territory to provide EPA the following on a regular basis, but not less than annually:
1. A target date, consistent with internal planning,
2. A completion date when the milestone is met, and
3. A written explanation for changes in target dates from previous plans, or any delays in achieving them.
If a state or territory does not plan to develop TN or TP criteria for a particular waterbody type, an explicit, explained declaration of their intentions not to develop the criteria would serve as milestone information.
EPA notes that many states have already established nutrient criteria development plans, including many that have been mutually agreed-upon with EPA. Such plans could be of assistance in providing the kinds of information needed to satisfy this measure.
EPA anticipates that a full set of the above information, shared regularly between the state or territory and EPA, will greatly facilitate the management and oversight of nutrient criteria development, including the annual planning and performance cycle under section 106 and performance partnership agreements. EPA also anticipates using this information to help populate an EPA Web site to keep the public informed about the status of these important efforts.
Methodology for computation of results:
For WQ-01a and WQ-01b:The results for a State or Territory will be computed by adding the number of numeric nutrient criteria for each of the two or three waterbody types in the state or territory that have been approved or promulgated (WQ-01a) or proposed (WQ-01b). For example, if a state with all three waterbody types has TP and TN for all lakes and reservoirs, and TP for all rivers and streams, and none for estuaries, the state would be credited with 3 criteria out of a maximum (universe) of 6.
For WQ-01c: A state or territory will be counted for WQ-01c if it provides a complete set of Target dates, Actual dates, and Explanations for the milestones they have established.
Units: Number of standards (WQ-01a, WQ-01b) or Number of states and territories (WQ-01c)
Universe: WQ-01a and WQ-01b: 280 criteria. This represents two criteria – TN and TP – for each of the 140 state/territorial waterbody types represented in the 56 states and territories. There are 55 states/territories with rivers and streams, 55 states/territories with lakes and reservoirs, and 30 states/territories with estuaries. WQ-01c: 56 states and territories, comprising the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Baseline: WQ-01a and WQ-01b: As of December 2008, 31 numeric TN and TP standards had been adopted by states and territories, and approved by EPA. WQ-01c: 3 states and territories.
Measure Code: WQ-02
Measure Language: Number of tribes that have water quality standards approved by EPA. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Gregory Stapleton, EPA Office of Science and Technology
stapleton.gregory@epa.gov | (202) 566-1028
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: Tribe means a federally recognized Indian tribe that meets certain conditions (see methodology below). The water quality standards program refers to a tribe that meets the first condition below as an "authorized tribe."
Methodology for computation of results: A tribe will be counted as having EPA-approved water quality standards (WQS) if all three of the following criteria have been met:
Additionally, tribes having EPA-promulgated federal standards will count under this measure.
Units: Number of tribes
Universe: 59 tribes. The universe reflects all federally recognized tribes who have applied to become eligible for "treatment in the same manner as a state" (TAS) to administer the water quality standards program (as of June 2011).
Baseline: 26 tribes (FY 2005); This comprises the 25 TAS-eligible tribes that had adopted EPA-approved water quality standards by September 30, 2005, plus one tribe (Colville Reservation) for which EPA promulgated federal water quality standards in 1989.
Measure Language: (WQ-03a): Number, and national percent, of states and territories that within the preceding three year period, submitted new or revised water quality criteria acceptable to EPA that reflect new scientific information from EPA or other sources not considered in the previous standards.
(WQ-03b): Number, and national percent, of tribes that within the preceding three year period, submitted new or revised water quality criteria acceptable to EPA that reflect new scientific information from EPA or other sources not considered in the previous standards. NOTE: WQ-03a is a PART annual output measure for the Water Pollution Control Grants (Section 106) program. WQ-3a and WQ-3b are reported separately in the EPA Annual Commitment System (ACS).
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Gregory Stapleton, EPA Office of Science and Technology
stapleton.gregory@epa.gov | (202) 566-1028
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Acceptable to EPA means that EPA has approved the new or revised criteria for that state, territory, or tribe as of September 30, 2012.
o Three year period means May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2012, to allow at least 5 months for EPA approval.
o New scientific information from EPA includes, but is not limited to, draft or final water quality criteria documents, and updated information posted on https://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/waterquality/standards/criteria/. It could also include revised criteria implementation guidance, and scientific information provided by EPA Regions or other EPA Offices to assist state, territorial, or tribal adoption of statewide or local criteria.
Methodology for computation of results: Reporting of results for this measure will be generated from the Water Quality Standards (WQS) Actions Tracking Application (WATA) and submitted to the Annual Commitment System after confirmation with Regional WQS Coordinators. Regions will identify in WATA any submissions or submission parts that include one or more new water quality criteria or revised criteria acceptable to EPA that reflect new scientific information not considered in the previous criteria. Adoption and EPA approval of initial tribal standards that include water quality criteria will enable an authorized tribe to be counted under this measure.
The WATA system will be used to identify all submissions received from May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2012 that meet the above criteria and can therefore be reported as meeting the measure.
If a state, territory, or tribe has not adopted any such criteria, the entity can nevertheless be counted under this measure if:
a. EPA has not issued any new or revised water quality criteria applicable to that entity's waters, including revisions to the published table of EPA recommended criteria at https://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/waterquality/standards/criteria/ that would trigger this measure. For toxic pollutants, "applicable to that state's water" includes pollutants that are reasonably expected to interfere with designated uses; OR
b. The entity completed a defensible scientific review of the new scientific information EPA has issued and has determined that no changes are needed to their existing water quality criteria. This would be counted for FY 2011 if the associated public review and comment occurred between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2012; OR
c. For an authorized tribe, EPA approved the tribe's initial water quality standards (including water quality criteria) between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2012.
Note the overlap in time periods: a state that made such a submittal, in, say, July 2010, could get counted in FY 2011, 2012, and 2013. Conversely, a state that last submitted such criteria, say, in November 2008, would get counted in FY 2011 but not in FY 2012.
Note that the measure allows EPA from 5 to 41 months to approve the criteria, depending on the date of submission during the three-year period specified above.
Units: Number and national percent of states and territories (WQ-3a) or tribes (WQ-3b)
Universe: WQ-03a: 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands (56 entities). WQ-03b: 37 tribes. This universe is the number of authorized tribes with EPA-approved water quality standards at the end of FY 2010, excluding any tribes whose standards are completely promulgated by EPA (currently only the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation).
Baseline: WQ-03a: For states and territories, the baseline was 38 (68%) for the first year reporting under this definition (FY 2005). WQ-03b: For tribes, the baseline was 12 (40%) for the first year reporting under this definition (FY 2005).
Measure Language: Percentage of submissions of new or revised water quality standards from states and territories that are approved by EPA.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Gregory Stapleton, EPA Office of Science and Technology
stapleton.gregory@epa.gov | (202) 566-1028
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Submission means a single package of new or revised water quality standards duly transmitted to EPA in accordance with 40 CFR parts 131 or 132. Typically the submission would be the set of documents transmitted by one letter from a state, territorial, or tribal official, including a certification from the Attorney General or equivalent. A submission can include triennial reviews, statewide WQS revisions, use attainability analyses or site-specific criteria for individual waters, general policies, anti-degradation policies or procedures, and variances. In short, anything duly submitted to EPA pursuant to 131.20 that EPA must act review and approve or disapprove.
o Partial approvals receive fractional credit means that partial approvals count proportionally. The proportion is determined by the number of provisions approved compared to the total number of provisions in a submission. For example, a submission would receive a credit of 0.85 submission if the Region approved 17 of the 20 provisions in the submission. EPA uses a default of 0.50 submission for a partial approval if the number of provisions in a submission cannot be readily estimated.
Methodology for computation of results: The purpose of this measure is to provide insight into the "approvability" of state submissions. A disapproval or a "no action" does not count toward meeting this measure.
As described under Universe below, the basis for the percentage calculation is the number of new or revised submissions during May 1, 2011, through April 30, 2012. The percentage approved is calculated as the number of submissions (or fractions thereof) that EPA has approved by September 30, 2012, divided by the universe of submissions for FY 2012. Note that this measure allows from 5 to 17 months for an approval to occur, depending on the date of submission.
This measure will be computed using information in the WQS Actions Tracking Application (WATA) system.
Reporting of results for this measure will be generated from WATA and submitted to the Annual Commitment System after confirmation with Regional WQS Coordinators.
Units: Percent of WQS submissions from states and territories
Universe: The universe changes annually based on the number of submissions EPA receives from states and territories. The WATA system will count the number of such submissions or fractions of submissions that EPA approved through September 30, 2012.
Baseline: For states and territories, the baseline was 85.6% for the first year reporting under this definition (FY 2007).
Measure Code: WQ-05
Measure Language: Number of States and Territories that have adopted and are implementing their monitoring strategies in keeping with established schedules.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Carol Peterson, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
peterson.carol@epa.gov | (202) 566-1304
Measure Definition Critiques by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other independent organizations found that the Nation and the states do not have all the monitoring data needed to effectively manage their water programs, make scientifically-defensible statements about the condition of waters across the Nation or State, and track changes over time.
A 2002 Association of State and Interstate Pollution Control Administrators' report on "Water Quality Monitoring Programs" found that ambient water quality monitoring activities are usually the first to be cut when budgets are tight. To address this gap Congress appropriated $18.5 million increase to Clean Water Act (CWA) 106 grants specifically for a Monitoring Initiative, of which $10 million is for implementing state and territorial monitoring strategies and improving monitoring programs.
Terms and phrases: In keeping with established schedules means that States include in their annual Section 106 Monitoring Initiative workplans specific actions that are intended to implement their monitoring strategies and that States demonstrate they are making a good faith effort to do these activities.
Examples of specific activities include:
· Data system implementation for data sharing and uploading of data and assessments to national systems,
· Expanding coverage of waters and assessments through application of statistically valid monitoring designs and assessment methodologies,
· Expand the use and rigor of biological monitoring and the development of improved assessment, stressor identification and reporting tools, and
· Developing new tools such as predictive technology and remote sensing to refine applications of monitoring data.
Methodology for computation of results: Regional monitoring and 106 coordinators work with states and make their determinations on progress as annual workplans for use of monitoring funds are developed.
Units: State and territorial annual workplans are evaluated against the strategies.
Universe: Total of 56. Fifty states and six territories including the District of Columbia
Baseline: Funds were first appropriated in FY 2005. 51 states and territories developed monitoring strategies to be implemented over a ten-year period.
Measure Code: WQ-06 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-06a): Number of tribes that currently receive funding under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act that have developed and begun implementing monitoring strategies that are appropriate to their water quality program consistent with EPA Guidance.
(WQ-06b): Number of tribes that are providing water quality data in a format accessible for storage in EPA's data system.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Kristen Gunthardt, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
gunthardt.kristen@epa.gov | (202) 564-1194
Measure Definition In October 2006, EPA issued Final Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act that requires tribes to develop monitoring strategies appropriate to their capabilities and needs, and provide reports on water quality to EPA. The tribal guidance outlines reporting requirements and data expectations for all tribal programs receiving section 106 funds. These requirements will help tribes to collect critical data and information for effective management of their water quality programs. The requirements will also help EPA measure environmental results of the section 106 Tribal Program and comply with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and other federal requirements.
Terms and phrases:
WQ-06a is a cumulative measure that counts Tribes that have developed, submitted to the Region, and begun implementing water monitoring strategies that are consistent with the EPA 106 Tribal Guidance. Regions should count all Tribes that have submitted and begun implementing (may include planning implementation) strategies, even those that have not yet been accepted by the Region. These strategies are developed in partnership with Regional staff and deemed appropriate for the level (fundamental, intermediate or advanced) of any particular Tribe as considered by the Regional office.
WQ-06b is a cumulative measure that counts Tribes that are providing surface water data electronically in a format that is compatible with the STORET/WQX system. Per the Tribal 106 Guidance, data should be provided for the range of parameters appropriate for the tribe's level of monitoring. Tribes may use any of the available methods for submitting data to STORET: 1) using a copy of their local STORET submitted to EPA*, 2) using the Water Quality Exchange (WQX), 3) using EPA's template to submit data via either National WebSIM regionally hosted WebSIM, or the new WQX submission tool, or 4) providing data in the EPA template to their respective EPA Region.
*As of September 2009, local STORET and WebSIM will no longer be supported as ways to submit data to STORET. Tribes are encouraged to transition to using WQX to submit data or the WQX Web tool. For more information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/storet.
Methodology for computation of results: Regional monitoring and tribal 106 coordinators work with tribes to make determinations on progress as annual workplans for use of monitoring funds are developed. A standard template has been made available through EPA Regional offices as Tribes have begun to implement this reporting requirement. EPA plans to continue to make additional templates available as tools for data submission to EPA evolve.
Units: Number of tribes
Universe: The 242 tribes eligible to receive Clean Water Act Section 106 funds. This number could change as new tribes become eligible.
Baseline: The FY 2005 baseline for WQ-06a is 0 tribes and for WQ-06b is 3 tribes.
Measure Language: Number of States and Territories that provide electronic information using the Assessment Database version 2 or later (or compatible system) and geo-reference the information to facilitate the integrated reporting of assessment data. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Carol Peterson, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
peterson.carol@epa.gov | (202) 566-1304
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: The Assessment Database provides EPA and the states a way to summarize and report to Congress and the public on assessments of water quality that the states and territories must submit every two years under the Clean Water Act.
Methodology for computation of results: This measure counts States and Territories using ADB Version 2 (or compatible electronic format) and providing geo-referencing information on the assessment unit locations for the Integrated Report/305b/303d report that they submit to EPA. Compatible electronic format means having the same data elements/fields as ADB Version 2.
A State or Territory will be counted as meeting this measure if it submits its 2008 or later IR/303d/305b report using ADB Version 2.0 (or newer). We expect that a State's 2008 or later IR/303d/305b report could be viewed via the Agency's website with minimal reworking by EPA or our contractor and without lengthy discussions with State staff about the accuracy of their data.
Units: 56 states and territories
Universe: Total of 56. Fifty states and six territories including the District of Columbia
Baseline: 18 states in 2005 provided electronic information; Status: 44 states at the end of 2009
Measure Code: WQ-08 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-08a): Number, and national percent, of TMDLs that are established or approved by EPA [Total TMDLs] on a schedule consistent with national policy.
(WQ-08b): Number, and national percent, of approved TMDLs that are established by States and approved by EPA [State TMDLs] on a schedule consistent with national policy.
Note: A TMDL is a technical plan for reducing pollutants in order to attain water quality standards. The terms 'approved' and 'established' refer to the completion and approval of the TMDL itself.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Shera Reems, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
reems.shera@epa.gov | (202) 566-1264
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) - A technical plan for reducing pollutants in order to attain water quality standards. The terms 'approved' and 'established' refer to the completion and approval of the TMDL itself.
o Pace, Annual pace, Regional pace, Total pace – TMDLs needing to be completed in a given fiscal year; a Regional aggregation of state pace figures (see "state pace" below). o State pace – Number of TMDLs needing to be completed in a given state in a given fiscal year (these TMDLs may eventually be developed by either the state and approved by EPA or established by EPA).State pace is based on state litigation or other schedules or straight-line rates that ensure that national policy is met.National policy states that TMDLs are typically established and approved within 8 to13 years of the water having been listed as impaired per Clean Water Act Section 303(d).
o State-developed (TMDL) pace – Number of state-developed (EPA-approved) TMDLs needing to be completed in a given fiscal year.Like "state pace" above, state-developed pace is based on state litigation or other schedules or straight-line rates that ensure that the national policy is met, but does not include those TMDLs established by EPA.
o Target – Number of TMDLs projected to be completed in a given fiscal year. Targets for an upcoming year are usually set by Regions in March. EPA policy has been that targets should be within 80 to 100% of the pace.
o Commitment – Number of TMDLs that states promise to complete in a given fiscal year. Targets for an upcoming fiscal year evolve into draft commitments in July and final commitments in September. EPA policy has been that commitments should be 80-100% of the pace.
Methodology for computation of results:
WQ-08a: Total TMDLs: National policy is to complete TMDLs for Section 303(d) listed, impaired waters within 8 to 13 years from their date of initial listing, on average, and to complete all consent decree TMDL commitments. Regions develop and document their annual pace of TMDL completion in line with national policy on a state-by-state basis as follows:
1. Calculate "Universe" of TMDLs Needed (Table 1, Row C). Use the most current state Integrated Report or 303(d) list to determine the total number of TMDLs that need to be approved or established.
The state universe generally should be the number of causes of impairment on waters identified on a state's 303(d) list that need to be addressed by a TMDL. Adjustments can be made for the following reasons:
A. Mercury 5m listings: Mercury listings that have been included in the most recently approved Integrated Report in category 5m, consistent with EPA's guidance, can be subtracted from the "Universe" and thereby be excluded from the calculations of TMDL completion pace. https://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/mercury5m/Mercury5m.pdf
B. Cause of impairment to TMDL count translations: In states where it is likely that TMDLs will be developed that address multiple causes of impairment with one pollutant (or vice versa) adjustments can be made to this "Universe" to better estimate the number of TMDLs that need to be developed.
The sum of the individual state "universe" numbers becomes the regional "Universe of TMDLs needed" in Row C of Table 1.
2. Calculate TMDLs Needed this Fiscal Year (FY) to Maintain "Pace" (Table 1, Row A). State pace is either the straight-line rate needed to meet national policy (TMDL completion, on average, within 8 to 13 years of listing) or the number of TMDLs identified in court orders or consent agreements. The individual state paces are summed to a Regional pace (see Table 1, Row A). Adjustments can be made for the following reasons:
A. Above average percentage of waters assessed: Based on the National Summary of State Information pulled from EPA's Assessment and TMDL Tracking And ImplemenatioN System (ATTAINS) (https://www.epa.gov/waters/ir/) on 6/24/10, site-specific assessments of 26% of rivers and streams, and 42% of lakes and reservoirs, for an average of 2 designated uses, have been conducted. For reasons such as consent decrees or program investments, a state may have assessed a much larger percentage of its waters than this national average. Assessment results may yield a need for a large number of TMDLs. In limited circumstances, TMDLs needed in that Region may thus be disproportionate in relation to other Regions due to a state's (or states´) proportion of assessed waters.
If a state has assessed more than two times the national average of waters assessed (e.g., a state has assessed more than 52% of its rivers for at least 2 designated uses), the state pace may be adjusted by subtracting the national average of waters assessed from the state percentage of waters assessed. An example follows for state "x":
B. Other adjustment factors: In addition, it may also be appropriate to adjust annual pace to account for the TMDL development schedules set by states that schedule development of more or fewer TMDLs in a particular year. Any single year pace reduction should be compensated for in subsequent years and yield an overall multi-year pace consistent with EPA's 1997 policy guidance (available on EPA's website (8 pp, 664K, About PDF).
Proposed changes based on these adjustment factors should be discussed, in advance of calculations, with the HQ contact for this measure and noted in the comment field of the Annual Commitment System (ACS) Database.
3. Identify Target TMDL Completion Rate for this FY (Table 1, Row B). Identify the total number of TMDLs in the Region expected to be completed this fiscal year. EPA policy is to maintain an annual pace within 80% and 100% of the pace (identified in the previous step).
4. End of Fiscal Year Reporting. Regions must use Assessment and TMDL Tracking And ImplementatioN System (ATTAINS) to record their approved and established TMDLs. TMDLs should generally be entered no later than 30 days after approval. Additionally, ATTAINS will hold integrated report information and thereby also record Category 4b listings.
At the end of the fiscal year the Region should report the number of TMDLs approved during that fiscal year. "Approved" Category 4b listings on integrated reports will serve to reduce annual pace, as their development and approval are designed to meet water quality standards as a TMDL would. Optional adjustments can be made for large numbers of cause of impairment restorations:
If the Region's "universe" or pace (Rows C and A, respectively) has changed substantially in a given year due to restoration of waters or removal of causes of impairment previously determined to need a TMDL, the Region may decide to make adjustments at the end of the year. This adjustment is intended for Regions that, due to integrated reporting activities during the fiscal year, have an overall net reduction in their Regional TMDLs needed and "universe." Please be sure to communicate any proposed adjustments, in advance, with the HQ contact for this measure.
Adjustments can be made if reductions in needed TMDLs result from removal of causes of impairment (reported under Strategic Target WQ-SP11). These causes of impairment may be deducted from the Region's annual pace (the denominator by which the annual commitment is divided to calculate the % of pace). Deductions from pace based on changes in listings can only account for up to 40% of the annual pace. If the deductions exceed this percentage then adjustments are taken from the universe of TMDLs needed and the proportional annual reduction applied to annual pace. Two examples follow.
Region "Y" has a universe of 2990 TMDLs, a Regional pace of 230 TMDLs to complete in a given year, with a commitment of 207 TMDLs (90% of pace). At the end of the year 180 TMDLs are completed. However, 30 causes of impairment were reported under strategic target WQ-SP11 as removed and 10 causes of impairment are in Category 4b. Below is a demonstration of how the pace can be adjusted accordingly:
Region "Z" has a universe of 2990 TMDLs, a Regional pace of 230 TMDLs to complete in a given year, with a commitment of 207 TMDLs (90% of pace). At the end of the year 180 TMDLs are completed. However, 500 causes of impairment were reported under strategic target WQ-SP11 as removed and 10 causes of impairment are in Category 4b. Below is a demonstration of how the pace can be adjusted accordingly:
Table 1: How to Calculate WQ-8(a)
1HQ calculates the national percent of pace by comparing the number of projected TMDLs to pace (i.e., total of Row B divided by total of Row A). Also, note that this table assumes no adjustments to pace.
WQ-08b: State TMDLs: This portion of the measure is calculated using the same methodology as indicated above, but considers only state-developed (and EPA approved) TMDLs (WQ-08b) state-developed pace is determined by subtracting the number of EPA-established TMDLs from the total pace.
For example, if Region 1 reported that zero of its TMDLs would be EPA Established, Region 1 state-developed TMDL target would still be 200. If Region 2 reported that 5 of its TMDLs would be EPA Established, Region 2 state-developed TMDL target would be 110.
Units: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
Universe: All TMDLs needed to address causes of impairment according to the most current state 303(d) list.
Baseline: The number of TMDLs needed to address outstanding causes of impairment changes with each 303(d) list cycle; therefore, a baseline as such is not appropriate for these measures.
Measure Code: WQ-09 (a,b,c)
(WQ-09a): Estimated annual reduction in million pounds of nitrogen from nonpoint sources to waterbodies (Section 319 funded projects only).(WQ-09b): Estimated annual reduction in million pounds of phosphorus from nonpoint sources to waterbodies (Section 319 funded projects only).
(WQ-09c): Estimated annual reduction in tons of sediment from nonpoint sources to waterbodies (Section 319 funded projects only).
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Meghan Klasic, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
klasic.meghan@epa.gov | (202) 564-8221
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: Nonpoint sources are diffuse pollution sources (i.e. without a single point of origin or not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet). The pollutants are generally carried off the land by storm water. Common non-point sources are agriculture, forestry, urban, mining, construction, dams, channels, land disposal, saltwater intrusion, and city streets.
Under Clean Water Act Section 319(h), EPA awards grants for implementation of state NPS management programs. State grant recipients are required to report annually to EPA their progress in meeting milestones, including implementation of NPS pollution control practices and associated reductions of NPS pollutant loadings to waterbodies.
Methodology for computation of results: EPA collects this information in its Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS) for Section 319-funded on-the-ground implementation projects where one or more of these three pollutants are addressed by the project. States are not required to enter this information into GRTS until the best management practices (BMPs) have actually been implemented. Therefore, load reduction data entered into GRTS in a particular year usually reflects the results of projects funded by one or more prior grant appropriations. Results are reported in GRTS by mid-February for the past 12 months. The numbers represent new load reduction estimates that were achieved by any active non-point source (NPS) project that implemented new BMPs that year. Load reductions for each new BMP are only counted in the year it occurred and refer to estimated loads reduced at the BMP. Load estimates may be calculated using EPA-supported STEPL or Region 5 models, or any other model which can sufficiently estimate load reductions. EPA Headquarters provides one national number based on the data entered by States in GRTS. No Regional breakdown of load reductions is provided.
Units: Millions of pounds of nitrogen (WQ-09a) and phosphorus (WQ-09b) and tons of sediment (WQ-09c)
Universe: n/a – not historically available for nonpoint sources 2009
Baseline: WQ-09a: 3.7 million pounds; WQ-09b: 558,000 million pounds; and WQ-09c: 1.68 million tons
Measure Language: Number of waterbodies identified by States (in 2000 or subsequent years) as being primarily nonpoint source (NPS)-impaired that are partially or fully restored. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Meghan Klasic, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
klasic.meghan@epa.gov | (202) 564-8221
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o By fully restored, EPA means that all designated uses are now being met.
o By partially restored, EPA means either of the following two conditions are being met:
a. A waterbody that has a use that is initially impaired by more than one pollutant, but after restoration efforts meets the criteria for one or more (but not all) of those pollutants, or
b. A waterbody that initially has more than one use that is less than fully supported, but after restoration efforts one or more (but not all) of those uses becomes fully supported.
Methodology for computation of results: Since the main referent for this measure will be State 303(d) or Integrated Reports, States which did not submit 2000 303(d) lists may substitute the 1998 list for their base year. "Waterbodies" therefore refer to 303(d)-listed segments or category 4 or 5 waters on the Integrated Report. The measure is meant to include not only waterbodies restored by 319-funded projects, but instead counts all primarily NPS-impaired waterbodies that a state fully or partially restores, regardless of funding source. Waters listed after 1998/2000 which are then de-listed from the 303(d) list (for some or all pollutants) or which move from categories 4 (which includes waters impaired by "pollution") or 5 to category 1 or 2 may also be counted against this measure. In other words, although 1998/2000 is the base year, the 303(d) lists for those years need not be the only referent lists.
On an ad hoc basis, EPA may approve counting a waterbody against this measure that has been partially or fully restored, but not yet removed from the 303(d) list. This will only occur if the water has actually been restored (i.e. meeting water quality standards); EPA will not count cases where the State merely believes the water will be restored by the time of their next 303(d) listing.
Please note that a waterbody cannot be counted simply because it has been de-listed from a state 303(d) list, or moves from categories 4 or 5 to 1 or 2, for reasons other than actual restoration (e.g., it is determined that it was inappropriately listed in the first place, it has a TMDL done for it, etc.).
There may be times when a waterbody does not actually change categories, but a use has been restored. Take the following situation: a waterbody is listed under both categories 2 and 5 in one reporting year, and then under these same categories the next reporting year, even though one of the water's uses has gone from not supported to fully supported. For example, if a waterbody has three uses, and in the first reporting year has one use fully supported and two uses not supported, it might be listed under both categories 2 and 5. If in the next reporting year, one of the two uses that was previously not supported becomes fully supported, then the waterbody would still be listed under categories 2 and 5 - but a use will have been restored (i.e. the bar for "partially restored" will have been met). If a use has actually been restored, then this waterbody may be counted against this measure, regardless of whether or not the categorization of the waterbody stays static.
In addition, a waterbody will not be counted towards this measure if no specific management activities have been taken (by any party) within the watershed to improve water quality. Furthermore, a waterbody cannot be counted twice under this measure if it goes from impaired to partially restored, and then from partially restored to fully restored. Any given waterbody may only be counted once under this measure. For a waterbody to be counted as "partially or fully restored," it must be described by a story on EPA's NPS Success Story Website (https://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/Success319/). On the Success Stories website, the heading "Stories about partially or fully restored water bodies" is the section that refers to this measure. Without such a story, the water will not be counted against this measure.
Success stories submitted for States or Tribes should be 2 pages or less and include the following:
For detailed information in developing Success Stories, refer to the following document. (11 pp, 285K, About PDF)
A story may include more than one waterbody, where appropriate.
As for determining whether or not a waterbody is "primarily" NPS-impaired, this will be left to the best professional judgment of the States. EPA does not expect that the State should do a detailed analysis when making a judgment on whether a given waterbody is "primarily" NPS-impaired, when a precise determination would be exceedingly difficult (such as, for example, when a single listed water moves through both permitted MS4 areas as well as through non-permitted areas).
WQ-SP12.N11 measure connection: Under some circumstances, a WQ-10 waterbody may be included within a 12 digit watershed for reporting under WQ-SP12.N11 (watershed improvement). Consult the detailed definitions for both measures to determine whether a particular waterbody is eligible under both measures.
Units: The target of 700 waterbodies by 2012 refers to partially and fully restored waterbodies combined.
Universe: There is no universe of NPS-impaired waterbodies for this measure. Although the base year began with the 2000 303(d) list or Integrated Report, the universe of NPS-impaired waterbody segments shifts with each new 303(d) list or Integrated Report, since this measure allows inclusion of listed segments beyond the 2000 impairment lists.
Baseline: 15 - The base year in which the first 11 Success Stories were posted to the website was in FY 2005.
Measure Code: WQ-11
Measure Language: Number, and national percent, of follow-up actions that are completed by assessed NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) programs. (cumulative)
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition Assessed NPDES programs include 46 authorized states, 4 unauthorized states (MA, NH, NM, ID), 1 authorized territory (VI), 3 unauthorized territories (DC, PR, Pacific Island Territories), and 10 Regions (total of 64 programs) assessed through the Permits for Environmental Results (PER) program.
Terms and phrases:
o Follow-up actions - Otherwise referred to by EPA as "action items." EPA headquarters tracks the status and completion dates of all action items in a separate database. EPA headquarters coordinates with Regions at mid-year and end-of-year to update status and provides the Region's Annual Commitment System (ACS) contact with the number of cumulative completed action items since 2004. The Regions are responsible for putting this number into ACS.
o National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - A provision of the Clean Water Act which prohibits discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States unless a special permit is issued by EPA, a state, or, where delegated, a tribal government on an Indian reservation.
Methodology for computation of results: The results are calculated by adding the total number of new action items completed by the end of the fiscal year to the cumulative number of action items completed to date.
Units: Number of action items completed
Universe: Universe of 417 includes all follow-up actions for which a schedule has been established to date. The universe increases as additional action items are identified by the Regions and through Headquarters program review.
Baseline: 54 or 18% (FY 2005) – The 2005 baseline represents the number of action items that were completed at that time.
Measure Code: WQ-12 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-12a): Percent of non-tribal facilities covered by NPDES permits that are considered current.
(WQ-12b): Percent of tribal facilities covered by NPDES permits that are considered current.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - A provision of the Clean Water Act which prohibits discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States unless a special permit is issued by EPA, a state, or, where authorized, a tribal government on an Indian reservation.
The Clean Water Act specifies that NPDES permits may not be issued for longer than five year terms. Permittees that wish to continue discharging beyond the five-year term must submit an application for permit renewal. If the permitting authority receives a complete application, but does not reissue the permit prior to the expiration date, the existing permit is generally "administratively continued." A "backlogged" permit is an active permit that has been expired for more than 180 days (including those administratively continued permits) or an application for a new permit that has not yet been issued 365 days after receipt of the application, where information is available. A permit is considered current if it has not reached its expiration date or has not been expired more than 180 days.
Methodology for computation of results: Results are determined by calculating the percent of facilities that are covered by permits considered current (i.e., not "backlogged") out of the universe of facilities covered by NPDES individual and non-stormwater general permits.
Units: Number of facilities
Universe: WQ-12a: 121,681; WQ-12b: 411. The universe represents the number of facilities covered under non-stormwater individual or general NPDES permits.
Baseline: WQ-12a: 87.8%; WQ-12b: 80% (FY 2005). The FY 2005 baseline represents the national percent of facilities covered under non-stormwater individual or general NPDES permits that were considered current at that time.
Measure Language: (WQ-13a): Number, and national percent, of MS-4s covered under either an individual or general permit.
(WQ-13b): Number of facilities covered under either an individual or general industrial storm water permit.
(WQ-13c): Number of sites covered under either an individual or general construction storm water site permit.
(WQ-13d): Number of facilities covered under either an individual or general CAFO permit.
Type of Measure: Indicator measures; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o An MS-4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is: owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.; designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (including storm drains, pipes, ditches, etc.); not a combined sewer; and not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant).
o Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are point sources, as defined by the CWA [Section 502(14)]. To be considered a CAFO, a facility must first be defined as an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO).AFOs are agricultural operations where animals are kept and raised in confined situations. AFOs generally congregate animals, feed, manure, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals rather than the animals grazing or otherwise seeking feed in pastures. Animal waste and wastewater can enter water bodies from spills or breaks of waste storage structures (due to accidents or excessive rain), and non-agricultural application of manure to crop land
o "Existing current permit" is a permit that has not yet reached its expiration date (or has been expired for less than six months as of the close of the reporting period).
Methodology for computation of results: For measure (a), report the actual number of MS4s covered under an existing current MS4 permit and the percent of MS4s required to be covered under an MS4 permit that are actually covered under an existing current MS4 permit. For measure (b) report the number of dischargers covered under an industrial stormwater permit, and (c), report the number of construction site operators obtaining coverage under a construction stormwater permits. For measure (d) (CAFOs) report all CAFOs covered by an NPDES permit.
Units: Number of facilities
Universe: The universes for WQ-13a, WQ-13b & WQ-13c are n/a – The results of this measure are used to develop the universe of facilities covered under either stormwater or CAFO NPDES permits. The universe for WQ-13d is 18,972.
Baseline: WQ-13a: 6,632; WQ-13b: 86,826; WQ-13c: 242,801 (FY 2007); WQ-13d: 8,623 (FY 2005). The 2005 and 2007 baseline represents the known number of facilities covered under either stormwater or CAFO NPDES permits at that time.
Measure Code: WQ-14 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-14a): Number, and national percent, of Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) that are discharging to POTWs with Pretreatment Programs that have control mechanisms in place that implement applicable pretreatment standards and requirements.
(WQ-14b): Number, and national percent, of Categorical Industrial Users (CIUs) that are discharging to POTWs without Pretreatment Programs that have control mechanisms in place that implement applicable pretreatment standards and requirements.
Type of Measure: WQ-14a – Target measure; WQ-14b - Indicator measure; Both cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Categorical Industrial Users (CIUs) - An industrial user subject to National Categorical Pretreatment Standards.
o Control Mechanisms - Permit, order, or similar means to regulate the contribution to the POTW by each Industrial User and to ensurecompliance with applicable Pretreatment Standards and requirements.
o POTWs with Pretreatment Programs - 40 CFR 403.8(a).Certain POTWs receiving from Industrial Users pollutants which pass through or interfere with the operation of the POTW or are otherwise subject to Pretreatment Standards arerequired to establish POTW Pretreatment Programs to address their issues.
o POTWs without Pretreatment Programs - Any POTW not required to develop a pretreatment program.
o Pretreatment Requirements - 40 CFR 403.3(t). Any substantive or procedural requirement related to Pretreatment, other than a National Pretreatment Standard, imposed on an Industrial User.
o Pretreatment Standards - 40 CFR 403.3(l). Any regulation containing pollutant discharge limits promulgated by EPA in accordance with section 307 (b) and (c) of the Act, which applies to Industrial Users. This term includes prohibitive discharge limits established pursuant to § 403.5.
o Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) - 40 CFR 403.3(v)(1)(i)&(ii). All Industrial Users subject to Categorical Pretreatment Standards under 40 CFR 403.6 and 40 CFR chapter I, subchapter N; and any other industrial user that: discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater to the POTW (excluding sanitary, noncontact cooling and boiler blowdown wastewater); contributes a process wastestream which makes up 5 percent or more of the average dry weather hydraulic or organic capacity of the POTW treatment plant; or is designated as such by the Control Authority on the basis that the industrial user has a reasonable potential for adversely affecting the POTW's operation or for violating any Pretreatment Standard or requirement (in accordance with 40 CFR 403.8(f )(6)).
Methodology for computation of results:
For WQ-14a, the Region reports the number of SIUs that are discharging to POTWs with pretreatment programs that have control mechanisms in place in the main data field of the EPA Annual Commitment System (ACS). In the comments section of ACS, the Regions should also report the universe of SIUs and the percent of SIUs that are discharging to POTWs with pretreatment programs that have control mechanisms in place. The results are calculated by dividing the number of SIUs that have control mechanisms by the universe of SIUs to determine the percent of SIUs that are discharging to POTWs with pretreatment programs that have control mechanisms in place. For targets and commitments, States and Regions will commit to both a number and a percentage, but will be held to the percentage commitment.
For WQ-14b, the Region reports the number of CIUs that are discharging to POTWs without Pretreatment Programs and have control mechanisms in place. In the comments section of ACS, the Regions should also report the universe of CIUs discharging to POTWs without Pretreatment Programs and the percent of CIUs that are discharging to POTWs without Pretreatment Programs that have control mechanisms in place. The results are calculated by dividing the number of CIUs that have control mechanisms by the universe of CIUs to determine the percent of CIUs that are discharging to POTWs without pretreatment programs that have control mechanisms in place.
Where EPA is the Approval Authority and the state does not have CIU permitting authority, a control mechanism may consist of notification to CIUs of reporting requirements and tracking by EPA.
Units: Number of facilities
Universe: WQ-14a: 21,294; WQ-14b: 1,602. The universe represents the total number of SIUs and CIUs at the beginning of FY2010.
Baseline: WQ-14a: 22,226 (98%); WQ-14b: 1,015 (91.2%) (FY 2005). The 2005 baseline represents the number and percentage of SIUs and CIUs with control mechanisms in place at that time.
Measure Language: Percent of major dischargers in Significant Noncompliance (SNC) at any time during the fiscal year.
Type of Measure: Target Measure
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: Major NPDES permitted facilities are designated as being in Significant Noncompliance (SNC) when: reported effluent exceedances are 20% or more above permitted levels for toxic pollutants and/or 40% or more above permitted levels of conventional pollutants; on-site inspections determine non-effluent limit violations such as unauthorized bypasses, unpermitted discharges, and pass-through of pollutants which cause water quality or health problems; permit schedule violations; non-submission or late submission of permittee self-reported Discharge Monitoring Reports; and violation of a state or federal enforcement order.
Methodology for computation of results: For WQ-15a: Regions and/or States enter DMR data into the PCS/ICIS-NPDES; EPA Headquarters retrieves the data and performs the calculation for this measure. Headquarters will then send region-by-region results to Regional planning contacts to enter into the EPA Annual Commitment System (ACS).
The goal for this measure is to maintain or improve the baseline of 22.5% of major dischargers in Significant Noncompliance.
The SNC rates are calculated on a three year rolling average. The rolling average method provides good data on overall long-term trends. Efforts are made to determine which majors in SNC for pollutants of concern discharge to impaired waters through the use of the "Ask Waters" database.
Units: Number of Dischargers
Universe: WQ-15a: 6,643. The universe consists of all major NPDES permitted facilities. The data is pulled from PCS and ICIS databases. While the numbers tend to vary from year to year, the universe has generally remained in the range of 6,650 in recent years.
Baseline: WQ-15a: 1,308 (19.7%). The SNC numbers are the number of those majors that have been in SNC for one or more quarters within the particular fiscal year. A major in SNC for one quarter or four quarters during the particular fiscal year is counted once in the measure. The baseline reflects the number of major facilities in SNC based on this definition in FY 2005.
Measure Language: Number, and national percent, of all major publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs) that comply with their permitted wastewater discharge standards (i.e., POTWs that are not in significant non-compliance)
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: George Ames, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
ames.george@epa.gov | (202) 564-0661
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: Publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) are waste-treatment works owned by a state, unit of local government, or tribe, usually designed to treat domestic wastewaters.
Methodology for computation of results: The Permit Compliance System, (PCS) tracks permit compliance and enforcement data for sources permitted under the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Data in PCS include major permittee self reported data contained in Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR), data on permittee compliance status, data on state and EPA inspection and enforcement response.
Permittee self reported either state or EPA Regional offices enter DMR data into PCS. PCS automatically compares the entered DMR data with the pollutant limit parameters specified in the facility NPDES permit. This automated process identifies those facilities, which have emitted effluent in excess of permitted levels. Facilities are designated as being in Significant Noncompliance (SNC) when reported effluent exceedances are 20% or more above permitted levels for toxic pollutants and/or 40% or more above permitted levels of conventional pollutants.PCS contains additional data obtained through reports and on-site inspections, which are used to determine SNC, including: non-effluent limit violations such as unauthorized bypasses, unpermitted discharges, and pass through of pollutants which cause water quality or health problems; permit schedule violations; non-submission of DMRs; submission of DMRs 30 or more days late; and violation of state or federal enforcement orders.
There are established computer algorithms to compare DMR effluent data against permitted effluent levels. The algorithms also calculate the degree of permitted effluent exceedance to determine whether toxic/conventional pollutant SNC thresholds have been reached.
Units: Number and national percent of major publicly-owned treatment works in compliance with their discharge permits
Universe: 4,238. Total number of major publicly-owned treatment works
Baseline: 3,670 (FY 2005). It is calculated by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) using data collected in the Permit Compliance System (PCS) on major publicly-owned treatment works.
Measure Code: WQ-17
Measure Language: Fund utilization rate (cumulative loan agreement dollars to the cumulative funds available for projects) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
Type of Measure: Target Measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: George Ames, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
ames.george@epa.gov | (202) 564-0661
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Loan agreements are the dollar amount of loans provided by the State Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to eligible borrowers.
o Funds available for projects are the dollar amount of monies in the CWSRF over time that are available to fund projects. Such monies include federal capitalization grants, state matching contributions, bond proceeds, loan repayments, and interest earnings.
Methodology for computation of results: The measure is calculated by dividing cumulative loan agreement dollars into the cumulative funds available for projects.
Units: The units compared by the ratio are in dollars
Universe: $84.1 The universe is the total cumulative amount of funds available for projects since the program's inception in 1988. Data are collected annually from all 51 state CWSRF programs (50 states and Puerto Rico).
Baseline: 94.7% (FY 2005) It was calculated using data collected annually from all 51 state CWSRF programs (50 states and Puerto Rico).
Measure Code: WQ-19 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-19a): Number of high priority state NPDES permits that are issued in the fiscal year.
(WQ-19b): Number of high priority state and EPA (including tribal) NPDES permits that are issued in the fiscal year.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - A provision of the Clean Water Act which prohibits discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States unless a special permit is issued by EPA, a state, or, where authorized, a tribal government on an Indian reservation.
Each year, state and regional authorities are provided with a list of permits eligible for selection as priority permits. This "candidate list" is comprised of all permits expired as of the beginning of the fiscal year and those permits that will expire during the subject fiscal year. From this candidate list, states and regions are asked to select as "priority permits" those permits that are a high priority for issuance based on programmatic and environmental criteria and commit to issuing a certain number of these permits during the fiscal year. When States and Regions establish their lists each year, they commit to a subset of those priority permits for issuance within the fiscal year. If a State is able to issue permits listed as priority but planned for issuance in a future fiscal year ahead of schedule, they receive credit toward the current fiscal year target, which may result in issuing more permits than originally targeted.
Methodology for computation of results: Results are determined by dividing the number of priority permits issued during the subject fiscal year by the number of priority permits designated for issuance in the subject fiscal year. Priority permits planned for issuance in future fiscal years are credited toward the fiscal year in which they are issued (i.e., if a permitting authority puts a permit on the priority list that it plans to issue in FY 2012 (i.e., permit is a priority but it is not included in commitment number for FY 2011 issuance) and it is issued in FY 2011, that permit is counted toward the FY 2011 goal).
Units: Number of permits
Universe: WQ-19a: 702 permits; WQ-19b: 763 permits (FY 2011)
Baseline: (2005) WQ-19a: 601 (104%); WQ-19b: 59 (104%). The FY 2005 baseline for WQ-19a represents the number of priority permits that were issued in that fiscal year.
Measure Language: Number of facilities that have traded at least once plus all facilities covered by an overlay permit that incorporates trading provisions with an enforceable cap.
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Jackie Clark, EPA Office of Wastewater Management
clark.jackie@epa.gov | (202) 564-6582
Measure Definition
Terms and Phrases: The trading measure counts all permitted point source facilities that have traded at least once using either individual or general permits that allow trading. Facilities covered under an overlay permit (sometimes called an 'aggregate,' 'watershed,' 'bubble,' or 'umbrella' permit) that sets an enforceable cap on specific pollutant discharges are all automatically counted as having traded.
Some overlay permits are 'nontransparent.' That is, the trades are coordinated by a central party and trades are not individually reported to the State or to EPA. Other overlay permits with caps may be transparent in that EPA receives facility trading information. This measure would count all facilities incorporated into either kind of overlay permit as having traded. Facilities covered by a permit that does not set a cap would only be counted if they have traded at least once.
Methodology for computation of results: The results are calculated by totaling all permitted point source facilities that have traded at least once using either individual or general permits that allow for trading, or facilities that are under an overlay permit that sets an enforceable cap on specific pollutant discharges.
Units: Number of facilities
Universe: 510.
Baseline: 98 (FY 2005). The FY 2005 baseline represents the number of facilities that had traded at least once or were covered under an overlay permit at that time.
Measure Language: Number of water segments identified as impaired in 2002 for which States and EPA agree that initial restoration planning is complete (i.e., EPA has approved all needed TMDLs for pollutants causing impairments to the waterbody or has approved a 303(d) list that recognizes that the waterbody is covered by a watershed related plan [i.e., Category 4b or Category 5m]).
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Shera Reems, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
reems.shera@epa.gov | (202) 566-1264
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Water segment – A water body (or "segment") as identified in state-submitted section 303(d) lists, section 305(b) reports, and Integrated Reports, for the 2002 reporting cycle. See EPA's guidance for such reporting under "303(d) Listing of Impaired Waters Guidance" at https://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm
o Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) - A technical plan for reducing pollutants in order to attain water quality standards.The terms 'approved' and 'established' refer to the completion and approval of the TMDL itself.
o Category 4b plans - TMDL alternatives that recognize other required controls will lead to water quality standards attainment within a reasonable period of time.
o Category 5m - A comprehensive mercury reduction program in place that meets elements recommended by EPA.
Methodology for computation of results: This measure counts water segments for which all EPA-approved TMDLs and Category 4b plans are established, or for which the state has a Category 5m program in place that meets elements recommended by EPA (note: we recognize that Category 5m does not necessarily imply that water quality standards will be attained). Parties should not hold off on implementing other TMDLs for a segment while waiting to complete restoration planning for mercury. For Regions with mercury impairments, all segments for which restoration planning is complete except for mercury should be reported in the Annual Commitment System comment field.
In a change from previous years, the count for this measure will not be reduced when segments move to later stages of restoration or into full attainment.
Beginning in FY 2009, georeferencing data are requested for reported segments. If segments reported under this measure are not already georeferenced, then those data should be provided in a format that would be compatible with the Reach Address Database (RAD) within the Watershed Assessment, Tracking & Environmental Results system (https://www.epa.gov/waters).
This measure only counts segments for which all water segment impairment combinations on the 2002 baseline have been addressed by TMDLs approved by EPA, Category 4b designations, or 5m designations, as noted. Please refer to Guidance for 2006 Assessment, Listing, and Reporting Requirements Pursuant to Sections 303(d), 305(b) and 314 of the Clean Water Act, pp. 54-57, for details on Categories 4a and 4b. Please refer to Listing Waters Impaired by Atmospheric Mercury Under Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Voluntary Subcategory 5m for States with Comprehensive Mercury Reduction Programs, for details on comprehensive mercury reduction programs.
This measure does not count 2002-listed segments removed from Category 5 and subsequently re-categorized to Category 5 again (e.g., a 2002-listed impaired segment is moved to Category 4b, then it is determined controls are not sufficient to meet water quality standards within a reasonable time period as promised; the segment is re-listed in 2010).
Table 1, available on the following page, is a decision table which differentiates measure WQ-21 from measure WQ-SP10.N11 (full water body water quality standards attainment measure).
Units: Water Segment (see above)
Universe: The universe consists of an estimated 39,503 water bodies identified by states or EPA as not meeting water quality standards in 2002. Thus, 2002 is the baseline year for this measure. This universe is sometimes referred to as the "fixed base" or "WQ-SP10.N11 baseline." The universe includes all waters in categories 5, 4a, 4b, and 4c in 2002. Of these waters, 1,703 are impaired by multiple pollutants including mercury, and 6,501 are impaired by mercury alone (see discussion of mercury in Methodology above). Impairments identified after 2002 are not considered in counting waters under this measure; such impairments may be considered when revising this measure for future updates of the Strategic Plan.
Baseline: The baseline for this measure is 39,503 water segments in the baseline year of 2002 (see description of universe above).
Note that this measure is related to former Measure WQ-33 in FY 2007. The primary difference between the two measures is that Measure WQ-21 uses a 2002 baseline year, whereas WQ-33 used a baseline year of 2000.
Table 1. Water segments credited toward measure WQ-21 versus WQ-SP10.N11
Measure Language: Number of Regions that have completed the development of a Healthy Watersheds Initiative (HWI) Strategy and have reached an agreement with at least one state to implement its portion of the Region's HWI Strategy.
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Laura Gabanski, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
gabanski.laura@epa.gov | (202) 566-1179
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o The Healthy Watersheds Initiative is a new initiative that began in 2009. Its goal is that states identify and protect healthy watersheds across the state using a strategic approach that includes holistic, systems integrated assessments comprised of water chemistry, biology, habitat, landscape condition, hydrology, and fluvial geomorphology (www.epa.gov/healthywatersheds). The details of the Healthy Watersheds approach including assessments and protection measures is included in the Draft Indentifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: A Technical Guide (https://www.epa.gov/owow/test/healthywatersheds/pdf/draft2010guide.pdf, user id: healthywatersheds, password: hwtest). All 10 EPA Regions have a Healthy Watersheds Coordinator.
o A Regional Healthy Watersheds Strategy shall include the following information:
Methodology for computation of results: Regions are expected to enter their data into ACS. HWI Strategies are due to the Measure Contact by August 15, 2011 to determine if the Strategies meet the minimum information outlined under Terms and phrases. The Measure Contact will inform the Regions by September 2, 2012 if the Strategy meets the minimum information and the Regions can then enter 1 into the ACS. If the Strategy does not meet the minimum information, the Regions will be able to re-submit a strategy by September 30, 2012.
Units: Regions
Universe: 10 Regional HWI Strategies, 1 for each of 10 Regions
Baseline: FY 2010; baseline is 0 Regions with the initiative beginning in 2009
Measure Code: WQ-22b
Measure Language: Number of states that have completed a Healthy Watersheds Protection Strategy or have completed at least 2 of the major components of a Healthy Watersheds assessment.
Type of Measure: Indicator measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Laura Gabanski, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
gabanski.laura@epa.gov (202) 566-1179
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases: The Healthy Watersheds Initiative is a new initiative that began in 2009. Its goal is that states identify and protect healthy watersheds across the state using a strategic approach that includes holistic, systems integrated assessments comprised of water chemistry, biology, habitat, landscape condition, hydrology, and fluvial geomorphology (www.epa.gov/healthywatersheds). The details of the Healthy Watersheds approach including assessments and protection measures is included in the Draft Indentifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: A Technical Guide (https://www.epa.gov/owow/test/healthywatersheds/pdf/draft2010guide.pdf, user id: healthywatersheds, password: hwtest).
Recognizing that states are at different stages of identifying healthy watersheds implementing individual component (see above) and integrated assessments, states will have 2 options for defining success for this measure:
1. Completion of at least 2 of the major components of state-wide Healthy Watersheds assessments: water chemistry, biology, habitat, landscape condition, hydrology, or fluvial geomorphology. Explanations and examples of these assessments are contained in the Draft Indentifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: A Technical Guide (https://www.epa.gov/owow/test/healthywatersheds/pdf/draft2010guide.pdf, user id: healthywatersheds, password: hwtest). Documentation will include reference to a web site or report with the results of the assessments.
2. Completion of a State Healthy Watersheds Strategy and progress towards implementing that Strategy. A State Healthy Watersheds Strategy shall include the following information:
Methodology for computation of results: Regions are expected to enter their state data into ACS. Documentation (e.g, web site link) of completion of at least 2 state-wide Healthy Watersheds assessment components or a State Healthy Watersheds Strategy is due to the Measure Contact by August 15, 2012 to determine if the assessments represent 2 of the state-wide Healthy Watersheds assessment components or if the State Healthy Watersheds Strategy meets the minimum information outlined under Terms and phrases. The Measure Contact will inform the Regions by September 2, 2012 if the measure has been met and the Regions can then enter results into the ACS. If the Strategy does not meet the minimum information, the Regions will be able to re-submit by September 30, 2012.
Units: States
Universe: 50 States having either completed 2 Healthy Watersheds assessment components or a State Healthy Watersheds Strategy
Baseline: FY 2010; baseline is 0 states with the initiative beginning in 2009
Measure Language: Percent of serviceable rural Alaska homes with access to drinking water supply and wastewater disposal
Type of Measure: Target measure; Annually reported
Measure Definition
Terms and phrases:
o Homes are the houses within Alaskan Native Villages
o Serviceable means homes that can be provided with drinking water and/or wastewater service that meets public health standards. Homes that cannot be serviced are those homes such as: seasonal homes, structurally unsound or are cost prohibitive to serve. It is estimated that approximately 6% of the total homes in rural Alaska are not serviceable.
o Access means the reduction in the sanitation deficiency level of a tribal home from a 4 or 5 to a 3 or less. The sanitation deficiency levels definitions are described in Appendix E of the "Indian Health Service Sanitation Deficiency System Guide for Reporting Sanitation Deficiencies for Indian Homes and Communities," working draft, May 2003 and may be found online at: http://www.dsfc.ihs.gov/Documents/SDSWorkingDraft2003.pdf
o Sanitation deficiency is an identified need for new or upgraded sanitation facilities for existing homes of American Indians or Alaska Natives
Methodology for computation of results: Housing information is collected annually, typically in March, in order to capture progress over the previous construction season. For example, housing information collected in March 2011 reflects progress through 2010. Analysis and data reviews are conducted in roughly April of each year, and the results available in approximately in May of each year.
The housing information is based on annual housing surveys that include homes served and also homes that have been funded to be served. This allows for the program to account for the progress made through granted funds before the homes are actually served. The annual housing survey also allows for the program to track the construction of new homes that are not served in rural Alaska.
Units: Serviceable rural Alaska homes
Universe: Dynamic since new homes are constructed
Baseline: 91% of serviceable rural Alaska homes (FY 2010)
Measure Code: WQ-25 (a,b)
Measure Language: (WQ-25a): Number of urban water projects initiated addressing water quality issues in the community.
(WQ-25b): Number of urban water projects completed addressing water quality issues in the community.
Type of Measure: Target measure; Cumulatively reported
Measure Contact: Surabhi Shah, EPA Office of Water
shah.surabhi@epa.gov | (202) 564-3833
Measure Definition Terms and phrases:
Methodology for computation of results
Units: Urban water project
Universe: TBD
Baseline: TBD