WaterQuality-UniversityofNorthCarolinaWilmington：水的质量-北卡罗来那大学Wilmington.ppt

Water Quality Intro by Erick Bjorkland Chesapeake Bay Case Study Brandon Powers Created Wetlands by Carol Ann Dulin Saltwater Case Study by Meghan Barron Clean Water Act In 1972 congress adopted the Clean Water Act, to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Water Quality Allows States,Tribes and Jurisdictions to set their own water quality standards, but requires that they met and include the “fishable and swimmable” goals of the act. Water Quality Provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife. It provides for recreation in and on the water. These are the “fishable and swimmable” goals of the Clean Water Act. Water Quality Water quality has three elements. Designed uses Criteria developed to protect each use Antidegradation policy Designated Uses Water Quality Criteria Numerical establish thresholds for the physical, chemical and biological attributes required to support a beneficial use. Narrative describe, rather than quantify, conditions that must be maintained to support a designated use. Antidegradation policies Narrative statements intended to protect existing uses and prevent waterbodies from deteriorating even if their water quality is better than the fishable and swimmable goals of the Act. Summary of Use Support for U.S. Waters States reported that 49% of their assessed estuarine waters have good water quality that fully supports designated uses. The remaining 51% has some form of pollution or habitat degradation. States Reported That Pollutants: Impact aquatic life in 11,391 square miles (about 52%) of estuarine waters. Restrict fish consumption in 6,255 square miles ( about 48%) of estuarine waters. Restrict shellfish harvesting in 5,288 square miles ( about 25%) of estuarine waters. Violate swimming criteria in 3,245 square miles ( about 15%) of estuarine waters. Pollutants Pollutants come from point and nonpoint sources (NPS). NPS include stormwater,