EPA Releases Draft on Developing Aquatic Life Criteria for Conductivity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a draft document, Field-Based Methods for Developing Aquatic Life Criteria for Specific Conductivity, which provides flexible approaches for developing science-based conductivity criteria for flowing waters that reflect ecoregional- or state-specific factors. 

Elevated water salinity, as measured by conductivity, has been shown to negatively affect aquatic life in freshwater. Elevated conductivity is associated with multiple sources, including discharge from wastewater treatment facilities, surface mining, oil and gas exploration, runoff from urban areas, and discharge of agricultural irrigation return waters.

Once the draft document is final, states and authorized tribes located in any region of the country may use the methods to develop field-based conductivity criteria for flowing waters. This draft document provides a scientific assessment of ecological effects and is not a regulation. EPA is accepting public comments for 60 days on the draft document.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/wqc/draft-field-based-methods-developing-aquatic-life-criteria-specific-conductivity.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency