Numeric Criteria Development

The information presented below gives a summary of state progress towards the development of numeric criteria. The information comes from EPA’s “State Adoption of Numeric Nutrient Standards (1998-2008)” report, current water quality standards, program activity measures, and nutrient criteria development plans. Links to the New Hampshire’s Nutrient Criteria Plan and state water quality standards are also provided.

• Existing Numeric Criteria
• Links to the Plan and Criteria
• Milestone Information

Existing Numeric Criteria

S = Statewide    W = For selected waterbody    N ⁄ A=Not Applicable

Note: See Statewide Criteria and Site-specific Criteria tabs for more information.

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Links to Numeric Nutrient Criteria Plan and Existing Nutrient Criteria

Plan:

• Nutrient Criteria Development Plan for the State of New Hampshire 2002

WQS: New Hampshire Water Quality Standards
New Hampshire DES: Surface Water Quality Assessment Program Exit

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Milestone Information

Milestone information updated July 2012.

TN: Total Nitrogen; TP: Total Phosphorus

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Statewide Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved nutrient criteria for New Hampshire’s waterbodies. The language presented below comes directly from state water quality standards and applies to all waterbodies within the state (unless a waterbody type or designated use is noted). Criteria applicable to specific waterbodies within the state can be found on the “Site-specific Criteria” tab. For more information, refer to the New Hampshire water quality standards.

The following information reflects New Hampshire’s 1999 water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of November 2010.

Env-Ws 1703.03 General Water Quality Criteria.
(a) The presence of pollutants in the surface waters shall not justify further introduction of pollutants from point and/or nonpoint sources.

(b) State surface waters shall retain their legislated classification even if they fail to meet any or all of the general, class-specific, or toxic criteria contained in this part.

(c) The following physical, chemical and biological criteria shall apply to all surface waters:

(1) All surface waters shall be free from substances in kind or quantity which:

c. Produce odor, color, taste or turbidity which is not naturally occurring and would render it unsuitable for its designated uses;

d. Result in the dominance of nuisance species; or

e. Interfere with recreational activities;

Env-Ws 1703.10 Color.
(a) Class A waters* shall contain no color, unless naturally occurring.

(b) Class B waters* shall contain no color in such concentrations that would impair any existing or designated uses, unless naturally occurring.

Env-Ws 1703.12 Slicks, Odors, and Surface Floating Solids.
(a) Class A waters shall contain no slicks, odors, or surface floating solids unless naturally occurring.

(b) Class B waters shall contain no slicks, odors, or surface floating solids that would impair any existing or designated use, unless naturally occurring.

(c) Waters identified in RSA 485-A:8. III shall be free from slick, odors, and surface floating solids of unreasonable kind or quantity.

Env-Ws 1703.14 Nutrients.
(a) Class A waters shall contain no phosphorus or nitrogen unless naturally occurring.

(b) Class B waters shall contain no phosphorus or nitrogen in such concentrations that would impair any existing or designated uses, unless naturally occurring.

(c) Existing discharges containing either phosphorus or nitrogen which encourage cultural eutrophication shall be treated to remove phosphorus or nitrogen to ensure attainment and maintenance of water quality standards.

(d) There shall be no new or increased discharge of phosphorus into lakes or ponds.

(e) There shall be no new or increased discharge(s) containing phosphorus or nitrogen to tributaries of lakes or ponds that would contribute to cultural eutrophication or growth of weeds or algae in such lakes and ponds.

Table 1703.1
Water Quality for Toxic Substances

*Surface water classifications explained:
From Env-Ws 1702.11
"Class A and B waters" means those surface waters that are legislatively classified as Class A or B waters pursuant to RSA 485-A:8, I, II and III.

Site-specific Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved site-specific nutrient criteria for New Hampshire’s waterbodies. Criteria on this page apply only to the waterbodies listed below. Criteria applicable to all waterbodies within the state are found on the “Statewide Criteria” tab. For more information, refer to the New Hampshire water quality standards.

The following information reflects New Hampshire’s 1999 water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of November 2010.

None.