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 West Virginia’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: Mutually Agreed Upon Nutrient Criteria Development Plan

WQS: West Virginia Water Quality Standards
WV DEP Water Quality Standards Exit

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Milestone Information - Development of Statewide Numeric N/P Criteria

Milestone information updated July 2012.

TN: Total Nitrogen; TP: Total Phosphorus

Statewide Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved nutrient criteria for West Virginia’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 West Virginia water quality standards.

The following information reflects West Virginia’s water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of February 2012 (EPA-approved December 2011).

§47-2-3. Conditions Not Allowable In State Waters.

3.1. Certain characteristics of sewage, industrial wastes and other wastes cause pollution and are objectionable in all waters of the state. Therefore, the Secretary does hereby proclaim that the following general conditions are not to be allowed in any of the waters of the state.

3.2. No sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes present in any of the waters of the state shall cause therein or materially contribute to any of the following conditions thereof:

3.2.c. Odors in the vicinity of the waters;

3.2.d. Taste or odor that would adversely affect the designated uses of the affected waters;

3.2.e. Materials in concentrations which are harmful, hazardous or toxic to man, animal or aquatic life;

3.2.f. Distinctly visible color;

Appendix E, Table 1

³ These criteria have been calculated to protect human health from toxic effects through fish consumption, unless otherwise noted. Concentration not to be exceeded, unless otherwise noted.
⁴ These criteria have been calculated to protect human health from toxic effects through drinking water and fish consumption, unless otherwise noted. Concentration not to be exceeded, unless otherwise noted.

* §47-2-6. Water Use Categories.

6.2. Category A — Water Supply, Public. –
This category is used to describe waters which, after conventional treatment, are used for human consumption. This category includes streams on which the following are located:

6.2.a. All community domestic water supply systems;
6.2.b. All non-community domestic water supply systems, (i.e. hospitals, schools, etc.);
6.2.c. All private domestic water systems;
6.2.d. All other surface water intakes where the water is used for human consumption.

6.4. Category C -- Water contact recreation. –
This category includes swimming, fishing, water skiing and certain types of pleasure boating such as sailing in very small craft and outboard motor boats. (See Appendix D for a representative list of category C waters.)

§47-2-8. Specific Water Quality Criteria.

8.3. Criteria for Nutrients

8.3.a. Lakes

8.3.a.1. This subsection establishes nutrient criteria designed to protect Water Use Categories B and C. The following cool water nutrient criteria shall apply to cool water lakes. (See Appendix F for a representative list.) The following warm water nutrient criteria shall apply to all other lakes with a summer residence time greater than 14 days.

8.3.a.2. Total phosphorus shall not exceed 40 μg/l for warm water lakes and 30 μg/l for cool water lakes based on an average of four or more samples collected during the period May 1 to October 31. In lieu of such sampling, impairment may be evidenced at any time by noncompliance with section 3.2, as determined by the Secretary. Chlorophyll-a shall not exceed 20 μg/l for warm water lakes and 10 μg/l for cool water lakes based on an average of four or more samples collected during the period May 1–October 31. In lieu of such sampling, impairment may be evidenced at any time by noncompliance with section 3.2, as determined by the Secretary.

Site-specific Criteria

The information on this tab shows EPA-approved site-specific nutrient criteria for West Virginia’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 West Virginia water quality standards.

The following information reflects West Virginia’s water quality standards posted to the Water Quality Standards Repository as of February 2012 (EPA-approved December 2011).

None.