Procedures used by federal and state regulatory authorities to manage the quality of surface water continue to evolve, particularly as regards criteria that describe whether a water is meeting its designated use. In the absence of data or robust criteria development methods, regulatory standards are necessarily conservative. Projects in this research focus area are developed to ensure that standards/regulations and the methods for deriving them are appropriate and supported by science.
Water Quality Criteria & Effluent Limits
In 2014, EPA finalized its 316(b) cooling water intake structure rule applicable to manufacturing facilities. The rule is designed to protect fish and other aquatic species from impingement on screens associated with surface water intake structures and entrainment of species that might pass through screens and into cooling water systems. …
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EPA publishes criteria recommendations for water quality that can be used by states to ensure that waterbodies have desired characteristics, including protections for aquatic life. Such characteristics are highly variable across both space and time, and states have the right to deviate from EPA’s recommendations when it is scientifically appropriate…
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EPA publishes criteria recommendations for water quality that can be used by states to ensure that the presence of substances in ambient waters does not represent an unreasonable threat to humans who may recreate in and on the water, consume fish from the water, or use the water as a…
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Nutrients and nutrient-related pollution are a leading cause of impairments to US waters, and environmental agencies are very actively engaged in designing management programs to address these impairments.
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In this publication, we compare the Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program and the NCASI Long-term Receiving Water Study (LTRWS), which represent alternative approaches to ascertain whether pulp and paper mill effluents have effects on the receiving water environment, highlighting the core similarities and differences in their approach to monitoring effluent effects.
Learn MoreThis support document is organized around common questions NCASI has received from its members when applying for NPDES permit renewals and/or responding to draft permits issued by regulatory agencies.
Learn MoreThis video training series, which is a part of NCASI’s Technical Studies and Support Program, is intended to provide concise informational summaries of relevant wastewater topics to Members involved in the design, evaluation, and daily operation of Forest Product Industry wastewater treatment facilities.
Learn MoreThis fact sheet provides an overview of the analytical methods commonly used to test for fecal indicator bacteria in pulp and paper mill effluents and implications for the industry.
Learn MoreThis webinar will present a step-by-step approach for conducting a nutrient source survey and guidance for incorporating results into a nutrient management program.
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