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Southern Forest Resource Assessmentled by the USDA Forest Service's Southern Region and Southern Research Station in collaboration with the USEPA, US Fish & Wildlife, TVA, and state forestry agencies of the Southern United States |
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Broad Category: Watersheds, Aquatic/Riparian Ecosystems, and Forested Wetlands
Question Manager: Ben West, US EPA/EAD, replacing John T. Marlar, SEE, EPA, Region 4 in October 2000
Question AQUA-1: What are the history, status, and likely future of water quality in southern forested watersheds?
- Evaluate the relative impact of different land uses on water quality.
- Evaluate how both point and nonpoint sources of pollution have shaped water quality.
- Discuss the influence that land use history has had on water quality.
- Address how water quality and water quality impacts have and could differ among ecological regions.
Overview:
Methods of analysis:
Evaluate the relative impact of different land uses on water quality.
1.a.i : Obtain GIS land use coverages, decide how to aggregate the 21 different land use types.
1.a.ii : Obtain 305(b) reports (oldest available and most current). Summarize what is contained in the reports regarding land use impacts on water quality.
1.a.iii : Obtain 303(d) lists , summarize number od segments by state and by source of impact.
1.a.iv : Obtain Section 319 NPS Plans, summarize available water quality impact information regarding land use impacts on water quality.
1.a.v : Attempt to find state 303(e) Water Quality Management Plans, summarize relevant information regarding land use impacts on water quality.
Evaluate how both point and nonpoint sources of pollution have shaped water quality
1.b.i : From 305(b) Reports and 319NPS Plans, summarize available water quality impact information regarding how point and nonpoint sources have impacted water quality.
Discuss the influence that land use history has had on water quality
1.c.i : Obtain historical land use coverages (1970s)[availability for non EPA Region 4 states is yet to be determined]. Compare with present land use data available in GIS. In a narrative analysis, attempt to infer the probable changes in water quality due to the changes in land use.
1.c.ii : Perform a literature review regarding land use history and water quality impacts within the 13 state study area.
Address how water quality and water quality impacts have and could differ among ecological regions
1.d.i : Array the 303(d) listed stream segments within the Mountainous, Peidmont and Coastal regions. Summarize differences and similarities in the sources of impacts (reasons for listing).
Data Sources:
GIS Coverages (EPA)
State 305(b), 319 and 303(d) Plans
Current Water Monitoring Assessments (2000)
Products:
1. Map/graphic representations of land use (historic and present)
2. Tabular representation of land use (historic and present)
3. Narrative analysis and summary of relevant 305(b), 319, 303(d) listings and 303(e) Plan data and information regarding: 1. the impact of nonpoint sources (land use) on water quality and 2. Water quality impacts in different ecoregions.
Collaborators and Sources:
1. EPA 305(b) coordinators - 13 states
2. EPA 319 NPS Plan coordinators - 13 states
3. EPA 303(d) coordinators - 13 states
4. EPA Water Management Division Directors
5. EPA Planning and Analysis Branch
6. STORET
7. State Water Program Directors - 13 states
8. State Cooperative Extension Services - 13 states
9. National 305(b) Report
Links to other questions:
Unresolved Issues:
1. Decisions regarding assignment of staff to perform this work
2. What is a forest, what is a forested wetland, what is a forested watershed?
3. Scale of the attempted analysis?
Time Line
Complete the Work Plan March 2000 Compile the data 1. GIS Coverages April 2000 2. Obtain/summarize: 305(b) August 2000 319 August 2000 303(e) August 2000 303(d) August 2000 Contact EPA Regions 3 and 6 March 2000 Elicit cooperation/assistance from states(R4) April/May
State Directors
Meeting in AtlantaPrepare final draft products November2000
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modified: 9-DEC-2003
