322 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

272 miles of Lake Superior shoreline Minnesota have fish consumption advisories. These advisories recommend some limits on fish meals consumed for certain species and size classes. Most of the pollution originated from point sources has been con- trolled, but runoff (especially in agricultural regions) still degrades water quality.

Ground Water Quality Ground water supplies the drinking water needs of 70% of Minnesota’s population. The Minne- sota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Ground Water Monitoring and Assessment Program evaluates the quality of ground water. The program published several major Percent of Assessed Rivers, Lakes, and reports in 1998, including statewide Estuaries Meeting All Designated Uses assessments of 100+ ground water 80% - 100% Meeting All Uses 50% - 79% Meeting All Uses constituents and of nitrates specifi- 20% - 49% Meeting All Uses cally. The program has now shifted 0% - 19% Meeting All Uses emphasis to problem investigation Insufficient Assessment Coverage Basin Boundaries and effectiveness monitoring, at (USGS 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit) local and small-regional scales.

For a copy of the Minnesota 1998 Surface Water Quality Programs to Restore 305(b) report, contact: Water Quality As part of its basin manage- Elizabeth Brinsmade ment approach, Minnesota reported Basin Information Documents Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on three basins for the state’s 1998 (BIDs) will include the 305b water- Water Quality Division 305(b) report—the Upper Missis- body assessments as well as infor- 520 Lafayette Road North sippi, Lower Mississippi, and St. mation on a wide variety of water St. Paul, MN 55155 Croix River basins. More than 50% resource issues and subjects. The (612) 296-7312 of the state-assessed river miles have BIDs will also include GIS maps e-mail: elizabeth.brinsmade@pca. good quality that fully supports depicting the locations of permitted state.mn.us aquatic life uses, and 26% of the feedlots in the state system and state-assessed rivers and over 67% relative numbers of animal units per of the state-assessed lake acres fully feedlot by major watershed. Based support swimming. The most com- on the BIDs, teams will target spe- mon problems identified in rivers cific waterbodies and watersheds for are bacteria, turbidity, nutrients, protection, restoration, or monitor- siltation, and dissolved oxygen. ing. Specific strategies will be Nonpoint sources generate most of spelled out. the pollution in rivers. Minnesota’s Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 323

Programs to Assess Individual Use Support in Minnesota Water Quality Percent In the 1998 assessments, in Good Good Fair Poor Not (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not addition to monitoring data col- a Attainable Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) lected by MPCA, data from the Metropolitan Council, U.S. Geo- Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 91,944)b logical Survey, Long-Term Resource Monitoring Project, Mississippi Total Miles Assessed Headwaters Board, local Clean Water 42 35 14 Partnership projects and Hennepin 11,979 9 1 County were used. Minnesota maintains an Ambi- ent Stream Monitoring Program with 82 sampling stations, and ------approximately 40 sites are visited each year. The state also performs 63 fish tissue sampling, sediment moni- 26 toring, intensive surveys, and lake 7,359 0 9 1 assessments and supports a citizen lake monitoring program. Lakes (Total Acres = 3,290,101)

In 1996, Minnesota piloted Total Acres a statistically based water quality Assessed monitoring program in the St. Croix River basin. The program used multi------ple indicators to evaluate resource quality including fish and macroin- vertebrate community structure, habitat, flow and basic water chem------istry. Additional sites provided the data to develop regional biocriteria. 58 The state is developing biologi- 20 2,531,239 9 13 0 cal assessment methods and criteria for depressional and riparian wet- Great Lakes (Total Shore Miles = 272) lands. A pilot effort is underway to develop a citizen wetland assess- Total Shore ment program in cooperation with Miles Assessed selected local governments. ------The MPCA continues to be involved with field investigations into the cause of frog malformities. Partnerships with the National ------Institute of Environmental Health and the USGS Water Resources Division and Biological Resources Division have been particularly useful ------in carrying out teratogenic assays, histopathological studies, and water – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. flow patterns at study sites. a A subset of Minnesota’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) report for a full description of the state’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 324 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

pesticides, and oxygen-depleting Mississippi substances are the most common pollutants, and agriculture is the dominant source of pollution in Mississippi’s lakes. Over 88% of assessed estuaries have good quality that fully sup- ports aquatic life uses. The most common pollutants in estuaries are organic enrichment, turbidity, and bacteria. The state attributes these pollutants to urban runoff/storm sewers, septic systems, and land disposal activities. Of the waters assessed for shellfish harvesting, 61% are listed as restricted or pro- hibited. Most of the restrictions are mandates by the state’s Shellfish Sanitation program. Twenty percent are classified as buffer zones border- ing ship channels, and most of the remainder is classified as restricted due to proximity to wastewater outfalls. The state has posted eight fish consumption advisories and three commercial fishing bans due to Basin Boundaries elevated concentrations of PCBs, (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) PCP, dioxins, and/or mercury detected in fish tissues. For a copy of the Mississippi 1998 Mississippi did not report on the Surface Water Quality* condition of wetlands. 305(b) report, contact: Of the 46% of Mississippi’s Jeff Thomas river miles assessed (3% monitored Ground Water Quality Mississippi Department of and 43% evaluated), 94% have fair Environmental Quality water quality that partially supports Extensive contamination of P.O. Box 10385 aquatic life uses, and 1% have poor drinking water aquifers and public Jackson, MS 39289-0385 water quality that does not support water supplies is uncommon in (601) 961-5157 aquatic life uses. About 97% of the Mississippi although localized ground water contamination has e-mail: [email protected] assessed rivers are listed as not fully supporting swimming. The most been detected. The most frequently common pollutants include nutri- identified sources of contamination *Assessed river percentages presented in ents, pesticides, suspended solids, are leaky underground storage tanks this summary are based on the state’s and bacteria. Evaluative information and faulty septic systems. Brine con- electronic submittal of 305(b) data. Due suggests that agriculture is the most tamination is also a problem near oil to the state’s use of evaluated nonpoint common source of pollution in fields. Little data exist for domestic source assessment data, which focused rivers, followed by municipal sew- wells. Ground water protection pro- on potential problem areas (92% of the age treatment plants. grams include the Pesticide Con- total assessed river mileage), the result- Of the assessed lake acres, tainer Recycling, Underground ing 305(b) data are biased toward these about 98% have good water quality Storage Tank, Underground Injec- waters. These evaluated waters have no that fully support aquatic life uses, tion Control, Agrichemical Ground known monitoring data indicating and over 99% fully support swim- Water Monitoring, and Wellhead impairment. ming. Nutrients, metals, siltation, Protection Programs (approved by EPA in 1993). Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 325

Programs to Restore Individual Use Support in Mississippi Water Quality Percent Mississippi developed and Good Good Fair Poor Not adopted (1994, after public review) (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) comprehensive regulations for con- ducting Section 401 Water Quality Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 84,003)b,c Certifications, enabling the state to review federal licenses and permits Total Miles 94 for compliance with state water Assessed quality standards. Mississippi also 38,711c 23 1 <1 expanded its definition of waters of the state to include wetlands and ground waters. 47 27 24 961 20

Programs to Assess 93 Water Quality c 1 4 Historically, the state annually 11,994 1 0 sampled about 25 of their 57 histor- ical fixed monitoring stations on a Lakes (Total Acres = 500,000) rotating schedule. The state has Total Acres been able to significantly expand its Assessed 66 fixed monitoring network to 143 32 2 stations statewide. 274,497 0 0 The state now monitors physical and chemical parameters monthly, 47 43 metals in the water column quarter- 272,337 10 <1 0 ly, and biological parameters once a year. Several stations are also sam- 100 pled annually for metals and pesti- cides in fish tissues. 31,923 0 <1 0 0 In 1997, the state also adopted its Basinwide Approach to water Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 760) quality management.This basinwide approach is supported by a rotating Total Square 79 basin fixed-station monitoring net- Miles Assessed work that augments the statewide 10 11 network of ambient monitoring 199 0 0 stations. 57 43 50 0 00 – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. a A subset of Mississippi’s designated uses 61 appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 34 305(b) report for a full description of the 43 5 00 state’s uses. b Includes nonperennial streams that dry up 65 and do not flow all year. c 28 Mississippi notes its assessments are biased 3397 0 0 due to the state’s extensive use of evaluated nonpoint source assessment data, which focused on problem areas. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 326 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

The Missouri Department of Missouri Health advises that the public restrict consumption of bottom- feeding fish (such as catfish, carp, and suckers) from urban waters and non-Ozark streams or lakes to 1 pound per week due to concen- trations of chlordane, PCBs, and other contaminants in these fish. Missouri did not report on the condition of wetlands.

Ground Water Quality In general, ground water quan- tity and quality increases from north to south and west to east. Deep ground water aquifers in northern and western Missouri are not suit- able for drinking water due to high concentrations of minerals from natural sources. Nitrates and, to a

Segment 80% -100% Fully Supporting much lesser extent, pesticides also Segment 50% - 79% Fully Supporting contaminate wells in this region. Segment 20% - 49% Fully Supporting About one-third of the private wells Segment 0% - 19% Fully Supporting Basin Boundaries exceed drinking water standards for (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) nitrates, and about 2% of private This map depicts aquatic life use support status. wells exceed drinking water stand- ards for either atrazine or alachlor. For a copy of the Missouri 1998 Surface Water Quality Statewide, the highest priority con- 305(b) report, contact: cerns include ground water contam- Almost half of Missouri’s rivers ination from septic tanks, pesticide John Ford and streams have impaired aquatic and fertilizer applications, and Missouri Department of Natural habitat due to a combination of underground storage tanks. Resources factors including natural geology, Water Pollution Control Program climate, and agricultural land use. Programs to Restore P.O. Box 176 As a result of these factors, many Water Quality Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 streams suffer from low water (573) 751-7024 volume, organic enrichment, and Sewage treatment plant con- e-mail: excessive siltation. In lakes, low dis- struction has restored many surface [email protected] solved oxygen from upstream dam waters in Missouri, but point sources releases, pesticides, and metals are still impact about 90 classified the most common ailments. Agri- stream miles. The Missouri Clean culture, reservoir releases, contami- Water Commission has revised its nated sediments, and urban runoff regulations to bring confined animal are the leading sources of lake operations into the point source degradation. permit program consistent with Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 327

federal requirements. Nonpoint Individual Use Support in Missouri source control efforts have been Percent greatly expanded over the past few years. With a focus on agriculture, Good Good Fair Poor Not (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not a Attainable approximately $2 million annually is Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) spent for statewide informational Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 51,978)b programs, technical assistance and demonstrations on a regional and Total Miles Assessed local basis, and BMP implementa- 53 46 tion in local watersheds. A dedi- 21,585 - 1 - cated state sales tax provides an 99 additional $28 million annually for watershed-level soil erosion control programs. 21,978 - 0 1 - 99 Programs to Assess Water Quality 5,412 - 0 1 -

Missouri’s water quality moni- Lakes (Total Acres = 292,204) toring strategy features approxi- mately 40 fixed-station chemical Total Acres 99 Assessed ambient monitoring sites, short- term intensive chemical monitoring 292,204- <1 1 - studies, a rapid visual/aquatic inver- 100 tebrate assessment program and detailed biological sampling in sup- port of development of biocriteria. 259,615 --0 <1 The state also reviews water quality 100 monitoring data and published studies done by others. 261,451 - 0 0- Missouri requires toxicity testing of effluents for all major dischargers; has a fish tissue monitoring pro- – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. a A subset of Missouri’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) report gram for selected metals, pesticides for a full description of the state’s uses. and PCBs; and monitors river sedi- bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. ments for toxic metals and organics Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. and sediment pore water for toxic- ity. Several nonpoint source water- shed projects related to manage- ment of manure or farm chemicals have their own monitoring pro- grams. 328 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

lake acreage fully supports swim- Montana ming and drinking water uses. Assessed lake acreage either fully supports (14%) or partially supports (86%) aquatic life use, with reservoir water level fluctuations being the primary reason for partial support classification. Nonpoint sources of pollution produce most stream and lake impairment in the state.

Ground Water Quality More than 50% of Montanans get their domestic water supply from ground water sources. Ground water is plentiful and the quality is generally excellent, but Montana’s aquifers are vulnerable to pollution from increased human activity asso- ciated with population growth. A Percent of Assessed Rivers, Lakes, and Estuaries Meeting All Designated Uses new statewide ground water plan to 80% - 100% Meeting All Uses protect ground water quality and 50% - 79% Meeting All Uses quantity has just been completed, 20% - 49% Meeting All Uses and implementation is underway. 0% - 19% Meeting All Uses Insufficient Assessment Coverage Basin Boundaries (USGS 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit) Programs to Restore Water Quality For a copy of the Montana 1998 Surface Water Quality Montana is actively pursuing 305(b) report, contact: interagency/interdisciplinary water- Water quality assessments have shed planning and management. Robert L. Barry been done on about 10% of Mon- Montana Department The Montana Watershed Coordina- tana’s 177,000 stream miles and tion Council brings together all of Environmental Quality 94% of the 845,000 lake acres. Phoenix Building water quality stakeholders to pro- These assessments have focused mote and coordinate watershed 2209 Phoenix Avenue primarily on the largest lakes and Helena, MT 59601 protection efforts. During 1998, the perennial streams where water state agencies participated with (406) 444-5342 quality problems were expected, e-mail: [email protected] federal environmental agencies in so the results are not representative development of unified watershed of overall state water quality. Of the assessments under the federal Clean assessed stream mileage, 41% has Water Action Plan initiative. Since been found to fully support all uses, the most prevalent impacts to state 52% is rated as partially supporting waters are from nonpoint sources, intended uses, while 8% does not management of these sources is key support one or more uses. Approxi- to water quality protection and mately 57% of Montana’s assessed restoration. The state Nonpoint Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 329

Source Management Plan employs an approach emphasizing education Individual Use Support in Montana and voluntary action supported by Percent permits for selected activities. It Good Good Fair Poor Not (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable focuses on three major source cate- a Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) gories: agriculture, mining, and forestry. TMDL implementation plan Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 176,750)b development and other watershed Total Miles planning efforts use a collaborative Assessed 52 process to identify and prioritize 19 22 8 management options that will 17,874 - address all major factors threatening or degrading water quality.

------Programs to Assess Water Quality ------In 1997 the Montana Water Quality Act was amended to pro- vide new mandates and increased Lakes (Total Acres = 844,802) funding for water quality assessment Total Acres 86 and planning. The Montana Depart- Assessed ment of Environmental Quality was 797,190 14 - 0 - directed to complete, by October of 1999, a review of the state list of impaired waterbodies evaluating the adequacy of the data used in ------list development. Waterbodies lack- ing sufficient credible data will be 57 targeted for immediate reassess- 42 ment. The process used to deter- 798,584 - <1 - mine which impaired streams or lakes receive priority for the devel- – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. a A subset of Montana’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) report opment of TMDL implementation for a full description of the state’s uses. plans is also being revised. Finally, bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. an ambient water quality monitor- Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. ing program is being implemented. The objectives of this program are to provide an unbiased indicator of current statewide water quality that will also support trend analysis as information accumulates. Montana is developing biologi- cal assessment methods and criteria for wetlands. 330 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

impacted aquatic life in Nebraska Nebraska streams by reducing the diversity and availability of habitat. Monitor- ing has revealed that current water quality criteria for the herbicide atrazine is being exceeded Nutrient enrichment and sedi- mentation were the most common water quality problems identified in lakes, followed by siltation, suspended solids, and nutrients. Sources of pollution in lakes include agriculture, construction, and urban runoff. Nebraska also has 36 fish consumption advisories in effect. The contaminants of concern include methylmercury, dieldrin, and PCBs.

Ground Water Quality Although natural ground water quality in Nebraska is good, hun- dreds of individual cases of ground water contamination have been documented. Major sources of ground water contamination Basin Boundaries include agricultural activities, indus- (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) trial facilities, leaking underground storage tanks, oil or hazardous sub- For a copy of the Nebraska 1998 Surface Water Quality stance spills, solid waste landfills, 305(b) report, contact: wastewater lagoons, brine disposal Agriculture is the most wide- pits, and septic systems. Michael Callam spread source of water quality prob- Nebraska DEQ lems in Nebraska, but urban runoff Programs to Restore Water Quality Division, is also a concern. Agricultural runoff Surface Water Section introduces excess sedimentation, Water Quality Suite 400, The Atrium bacteria, suspended solids, pesti- Nebraska’s Nonpoint Source 1200 N Street cides, and nutrients into surface P.O. Box 98922 (NPS) Management Program con- waters. Municipal and industrial centrates on protecting ground and Lincoln, NE 68509-8922 facilities may contribute ammonia, (402) 471-4249 surface water resources by perform- bacteria, and metals. Channelization ing watershed assessments and e-mail: [email protected]. and hydrologic modifications have ne.us Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 331

promoting implementation projects. Currently, Nebraska has 34 Section Individual Use Support in Nebraska 319 funded NPS-related projects. Percent Nebraska revised wetland water Good Good Fair Poor Not (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable quality standards to protect bene- a Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) ficial uses of aquatic life, aesthetics, wildlife, and agricultural water sup- Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 81,573)b ply. The state also protects wetlands Total Miles with the water quality certification Assessed 61 program and water quality monitor- 16 19 5 ing. 3,264 -

Programs to Assess 52 48 Water Quality 1,850 0 0 - The state’s Nonpoint Source 73 Management Program cannot be 8 18 effective without monitoring infor- 1,816 <1 - mation to identify and prioritize waters impacted by NPS, develop Lakes (Total Acres = 280,000) NPS control plans, and evaluate the Total Acres effectiveness of implemented best Assessed 68 management practices. In response 13 19 121,725 <1 - to this need, Nebraska developed an NPS surface water quality moni- 59 toring strategy to guide NPS moni- 41 toring projects. During 1996 and 123,172 0 0 - 1997, the state conducted three 100 watershed assessments, diagnostic/ feasibility studies for three lakes, and ongoing BMP effectiveness studies 109,806 0 <1 0 - in 10 watersheds. – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. a A subset of Nebraska’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) report for a full description of the state’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 332 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

74% of the assessed acres fully Nevada supported aquatic life uses. Agricultural practices (irrigation, grazing, and flow regulation) have the greatest impact on Nevada’s water resources. Agricultural sources generate large sediment and nutri- ent loads. Urban drainage systems contribute nutrients, heavy metals, and organic substances that deplete oxygen. Flow reductions also have a great impact on streams, limiting dilution of salts, minerals, and pollutants.

Ground Water Quality Nevada lacks comprehensive ground water protection legislation, but the state does have statutes that control individual sources of con- tamination, including mining, underground storage tanks, septic systems, handling of hazardous materials and waste, solid waste disposal, underground injection wells, agricultural practices, and Basin Boundaries wastewater disposal. Land use (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) statutes also enable local authorities to implement Wellhead Protection For a copy of the Nevada 1998 Surface Water Quality Plans by adopting zoning ordi- 305(b) report, contact: nances, subdivision regulations, and Only 10% (about 15,000 miles) site plan review procedures. Local Glen Gentry of Nevada’s rivers and streams flow authorities can implement certain Division of Environmental Protection year round, and most of these source control programs at the local Bureau of Water Quality Planning waters are inaccessible. For this level. 333 West Nye Lane, Suite 138 reporting period, Nevada assessed Carson City, NV 89706-0851 1,631 miles of the 3,000 miles of Programs to Restore (775) 687-4670 accessible perennial streams for e-mail: [email protected]. aquatic life uses. Fifty-one percent of Water Quality nv.us the assessed stream miles fully sup- Nevada’s Nonpoint Source ported this use, while 42% partially Management Plan aims to reduce supported aquatic life use and 7% NPS pollution with interagency did not support this use. In lakes, coordination, education programs, Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 333

and incentives that encourage vol- untary installation of best manage- Individual Use Support in Nevada ment practices. The state’s current Percent approach to controlling nonpoint Good Good Fair Poor Not sources is to seek voluntary compli- (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea ance through nonregulatory pro- Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) grams of technical and financial Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 143,578)b assistance, training, technology Total Miles transfer, demonstration projects, Assessed 51 and education. In 1994, the state 42 7 updated the Handbook of Best 1,631 - - Management Practices and sup- ported NPS assessment activities in each of the state’s six major river ------basins. Nevada’s Wellhead Protec- tion Program was finalized in 87 January of 1994. 1,542 - 12 2 - Programs to Assess Lakes (Total Acres = 533,279) Water Quality Total Acres 74 Several state, federal, and local Assessed agencies regularly sample chemical 18 212,336- 8 - and physical parameters at over 100 sites in the 14 hydrologic regions of the state. The state also coordinates intensive field studies ------on Nevada’s major river systems, 100 the Truckee River Basin, Carson River Basin, Walker River Basin, and the Humboldt River Basin. The state also 173,444 - <1 0 - monitors a number of lakes and reservoirs. Additional monitoring Summary of Use Support in Nevada data are provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Nevada Percent Division of Agriculture (pesticide Good Good Impaired (Fully (Threatened) (For One or detection). Supporting) More Uses)

– Not reported in a quantifiable format or Wetlands (Total Acres = 136,650) unknown. 100 a Total Acres A subset of Nevada’s designated uses Assessed appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) report for a full description of the 21,326 - 0 state’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 334 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

uses. None of the estuaries, how- New Hampshire ever, fully support fish and shellfish consumption. Approximately 60% of the shellfish beds are closed due to bacteria, and 84% of the estuar- ies are defined as impaired because of a consumption advisory due to PCBs in lobster tomalley. All tidal waters are considered impaired for fish consumption due to a con- sumption advisory for PCBs in blue- fish. Excluding the statewide fresh- water fish advisory for mercury, metals, PCBs, and bacteria are the leading causes of impairment in rivers. Low pH, exotic weeds, and nutrients are the major causes of impairment in lakes. Nonpoint sources are believed to be responsi- ble for most of the pollution enter- ing New Hampshire’s waters. New Hampshire did not report on the condition of wetlands.

Ground Water Quality

Basin Boundaries New Hampshire is highly (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) dependent on ground water for drinking water. Natural ground For a copy of the New Hampshire Surface Water Quality water quality from stratified aquifers 1998 305(b) report, contact: is generally good; however, aesthet- In 1994, New Hampshire issued ic concerns such as taste and odor Gregg Comstock a statewide freshwater fish con- exist. Bedrock well water quality is State of New Hampshire sumption advisory due to mercury also generally good, although this Department of Environmental levels found in fish tissue, the pri- water can be impacted by naturally Services mary source of which is believed to occurring contaminants including Water Division be atmospheric deposition from flouride, arsenic, mineral radioactiv- 64 North Main Street upwind states. When this advisory is ity, and radon gas. Concord, NH 03301 included in the assessment, all fresh In addition to naturally occur- (603) 271-2457 surface waters are, by definition, less ring contaminants, there are many e-mail: [email protected] than fully supporting all uses. If this areas of localized contamination advisory is not included in the due primarily to releases of petro- assessment, however, over 84% of leum and volatile organic com- assessed river miles and 97% of pounds from petroleum facilities, assessed lake acres fully support all commercial and industrial opera- uses. tions, and landfills. Sodium from All of the state’s estuarine widespread winter application of waters fully support swimming, and road salt is also a contaminant of nearly 99% support aquatic life concern. Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 335

Programs to Restore Individual Use Support in New Hampshire Water Quality Percent New Hampshire has numerous Good Good Fair Poor Not (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not a Attainable laws, regulations, and programs to Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) abate pollution from point and non- b, c point sources. Over the past 25 Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 10,881) years, all significant discharges of Total Miles 95 untreated municipal and industrial Assessed wastewater have been eliminated. To resolve remaining nonpoint 2,542 -<15 0 source problems, the Department 95 of Environmental Services (DES) initiated a watershed protection 5 approach in 1995, which is in the 279 0 - 0 process of being refined. 97

Programs to Assess 2,566 - 2 2 0 Water Quality Lakes (Total Acres = 170,009)c DES has several lake assessment Total Acres 97 programs including an excellent vol- Assessed unteer monitoring program. DES implemented a 3-year rotating 161,464 - 2 1 0 watershed monitoring program for 100 rivers in 1989, and started a volun- teer river monitoring program in 1997. To determine the ecological 170,009 - 0 00 health of surface waters, DES initi- 99 ated a biomonitoring program in 1995. In the future, DES hopes to develop and implement a probabil- 161,201 - 1 00 ity-based monitoring strategy to Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 28) provide more comprehensive assess- ments. Total Square 99 Miles Assessed

28 - 1 0 0 100

28 0 - 00 – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. 58 a A subset of New Hampshire’s designated 42 uses appear in this figure. Refer to the 28 0 - 0 state’s 305(b) report for a full description of the state’s uses. 100 bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. c Excluding the statewide freshwater fish 28 - 0 0 0 consumption advisory due to mercury. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 336 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

ocean beaches (127 miles) and 92% New Jersey of bay bathing beaches fully support swimming. Of the remaining bay beaches, 2% partially support swim- ming and 6% do not support the use. Toxics in fish tissue have led to several commercial fishing bans and recrea- tional fish consumption advisories for some species in fresh, tidal, and estua- rine waters. Common surface water pollutants include bacteria, nutrients, and current and historical pesticides and industrial chemicals. Sources of pollution to New Jersey’s waters include effluent; combined sewers, stormwater, and runoff; construction; historical contamination; and air deposition. New Jersey did not report on the condition of wetlands.

Ground Water Quality Percent of Assessed Rivers Meeting Aquatic Life Designated Uses At present, there is generally an ample supply of good quality 80% - 100% Meeting All Uses New Jersey notes that 50% - 79% Meeting All Uses aquatic life use support ground water in New Jersey. There 20% - 49% Meeting All Uses assessments are based on are, however, problems with ground 0% - 19% Meeting All Uses biological assessments of water quality in some areas. Natural streams. Insufficient Assessment Coverage contaminants in some ground waters Basin Boundaries (USGS 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit) include radium, radon, iron, sulfate, and hardness. Pollutants include mer- cury, bacteria, pesticides, and volatile For a copy of the New Jersey 1998 Surface Water Quality organic compounds (VOCs). Known 305(b) report, contact: contamination by industrial and waste Surface water quality has disposal activities is being actively Kevin Berry remained excellent in undeveloped managed. Overpumping in some NJ DEP areas. However, 12% of the 3,815 areas contributes to the incidental Division of Science Research assessed stream miles exhibited spread and capture of contaminant and Technology severely impaired aquatic biota, 52% plumes and salt water intrusion. Over- 401 East State Street, 1st Floor were moderately impaired, and 35% pumping is being addressed through P.O. Box 409 were not impaired. All of the state’s conservation, source water protection, Trenton, NJ 08625-0409 lakes are believed to be either threat- conjunctive use, and construction of (609) 292-9692 ened or actively deteriorating. Estua- new supplies. e-mail: [email protected] rine and coastal waters are generally in better condition. Shad populations have increased in the Delaware Programs to Restore River from about 150,000 in 1980 Water Quality to almost 800,000 in 1996 due to improvements in water quality. New Through implementation of Jersey has increased acres available for the National Environmental Perform- shellfish harvest since 1980, and over ance Partnership System and water- 86% of available shellfish beds are shed management, New Jersey now available for harvest. All 179 continues to develop statewide and Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 337

watershed-based environmental goals, milestones, and indicators for Individual Use Support in New Jersey improvements to water quality. The Percent Performance Partnership Agreement Good Good Fair Poor Not and, in the future, Watershed Manage- (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not a Attainable ment Plans, orients numerous water Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) program strategies toward meeting b environmental milestones. Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 6,450)

Total Miles Assessed 52 Programs to Assess 35 12 Water Quality 3,815 - - New Jersey uses benthic macro- invertebrate monitoring to indicate aquatic life designated use support -c --- -- and potential causes of impairment, including nutrients, toxics, and habitat degradation. New Jersey began imple- 44 26 31 menting a redesigned chemical moni- 390 - - toring program that combines broad- scale, long-term monitoring with Lakes (Total Acres = 24,000) intensive, site-specific monitoring. Shellfish beds are assessed based on Total Acres recent water quality data and field Assessed surveys of pollutant sources. These ------assessments are reflected in annual regulatory updates of shellfish harvest areas. Emergency closures of shellfish waters are made as needed based on -c --- -- water quality data. Ocean and bay bathing beaches are also closed as needed based on very extensive moni- toring for bacterial contamination. In -d --- -- addition, New Jersey recently formed a Water Assessment Team to enhance Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 0.06) data assessment capabilities. Total Square Miles Assessed

------– Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. a A subset of New Jersey’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s c 305(b) report for a full description of the ------state’s uses. b Includes intermittent streams. 75 c New Jersey is developing an approach to report its fish advisories in the context of 18 use support. 614 0 7 - d Lake bathing beach data are being com- 92 piled and will be reported in the future. e All estuarine waters are not assessed for recreational uses; however, the state moni- e tors all 138 designated bay beaches and all 0.06 - 2 6 - 127 miles of ocean beaches. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 338 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

destabilization that impairs aquatic New Mexico life use in 89% of New Mexico’s surveyed lake acres. Mercury con- tamination from unknown sources appears in fish caught at 23 reser- voirs. However, water and sediment samples from surveyed lakes and reservoirs have not detected high concentrations of mercury. Fish may contain high concentrations of mercury in waters with minute quantities of mercury because the process of biomagnification concen- trates mercury in fish tissue. New Mexico did not report on the condition of wetlands.

Percent of Assessed Rivers, Lakes, and Ground Water Quality Estuaries Meeting All Designated Uses Approximately 90% of the 80% - 100% Meeting All Uses 50% - 79% Meeting All Uses population of New Mexico depends 20% - 49% Meeting All Uses on ground water for drinking water. 0% - 19% Meeting All Uses The Environment Department has Insufficient Assessment Coverage Basin Boundaries identified at least 1,233 cases of (USGS 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit) ground water contamination since 1927. The most common source of For a copy of the New Mexico 1998 Surface Water Quality ground water contamination is 305(b) report, contact: small household septic tanks and About 28% of New Mexico’s cesspools. Leaking underground Gary King surveyed stream miles have good storage tanks, injection wells, land- New Mexico Environment water quality that fully supports fills, surface impoundments, oil and Department aquatic life uses. Ninety-nine gas production, mining and milling, Surface Water Quality Bureau percent of the surveyed river miles dairies, and miscellaneous industrial P.O. Box 26110 fully support swimming. The lead- sources also contaminate ground Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110 ing problems in streams include water in New Mexico. New Mexico (505) 827-2928 turbidity, thermal modifications, operates a ground water discharger e-mail: [email protected]. pathogens, nutrients, and metals. permit program that includes nm.us Nonpoint sources are responsible ground water standards for inten- for over 91% of the degradation in tional discharges and a spill cleanup New Mexico’s 2,435 impaired provision for other discharges. stream miles. Sources of impairment include agriculture, hydrologic and Programs to Restore habitat modification, and recrea- tional activities. Water Quality Agriculture and recreational New Mexico uses a variety of activities are the primary sources state, federal, and local programs to of nutrients, siltation, reduced protect surface water quality. The shoreline vegetation, and bank federal NPDES program is used to Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 339

protect waters from point source discharges. New Mexico’s Nonpoint Individual Use Support in New Mexico Source Management Program con- Percent tains a series of implementation Good Good Fair Poor Not milestones that were designed to (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea establish goals while providing a Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) method to measure progress and Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 110,741)b success of the program. Implemen- Total Miles tation consists of the coordination Assessed 0 of efforts among NPS management 28 33 39 agencies, promotion and implemen- 3,995 - tation of best management prac- 100 tices, coordination of watershed projects, inspection and enforce- ment activities, consistency reviews, 93 0 - 00 and education and outreach activi- 99 ties. 4,134 - <1 <1 0 Programs to Assess Water Quality Lakes (Total Acres = 997,467) Total Acres 89 New Mexico uses a wide variety Assessed of methods to assess its water qual- 124,82711 <1 0 ity. Second-party data including - dischargers’ reports, published liter- 100 ature, data stored in EPA’s database, as well as data generated by the 109,909 <1 - 0 0 U.S. Geological Survey are routinely reviewed. The New Mexico Environ- ment Department generates large amounts of data through intensive ------surveys, assessment of citizen com- plaints, special studies aimed at – Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown. areas of special concern (e.g., mer- a A subset of New Mexico’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) cury concentration in water, sedi- report for a full description of the state’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. ments, and fish), short- and long- term nonpoint source pollution Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. monitoring, TMDL investigations, and effluent monitoring. Special stream surveys conducted in 1996 and 1997 focused on the Gila and Pecos watersheds. These surveys are usually timed to coincide with annual periods of stress for aquatic life (e.g., low flows) and usually include benthic macroinvertebrate assessments to evaluate the integrity of aquatic communities. 340 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

also major sources of water quality New York impairment in rivers and lakes. Urban runoff is a major source of pollution in the state’s estuaries. Bacteria from urban runoff and other sources close about 104,000 acres (11%) of potential shellfishing beds in the New York City-Long Island region. Contaminated sediments are a primary source of impaired rivers, lakes, Great Lake’s shoreline, and estuarine waters in New York State. Sediments are contaminated with PCBs, chlorinated organic pesticides, mercury, cadmium, mirex, and dioxins that bioconcentrate in the food chain and result in fish con- sumption advisories. Improvements to industrial and municipal discharges have had a significant impact on water quality. Since 1972, the size of rivers impacted by point sources has declined from about 2,000 miles to 230 miles. Basin Boundaries New York did not report on the (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) condition of wetlands.

For a copy of the New York 1998 Surface Water Quality Ground Water Quality 305(b) report, contact: Ninety-nine percent of New Approximately 6 million people Jeff Myers York’s rivers and streams, 95% of in New York State use ground water New York State Department of the state’s lake acres, all of the as a source of drinking water. The Environmental Conservation state’s Great Lakes shoreline, and state reports that 312 wells or Bureau of Watershed Assessment 99% of the bays and tidal waters springs statewide have been con- and Research have good water quality that fully taminated to some degree by 50 Wolf Road supports aquatic life uses. Swim- organic pollutants. About 3% of the Albany, NY 12233 ming is fully supported in over 99% state’s public water supply system (518) 457-7130 of rivers, 87% of lakes, 94% of the wells (160 wells) are closed or aban- e-mail: [email protected] Great Lakes shoreline, and more doned due to contamination from than 93% of estuarine waters. Sixty- organic chemicals. The most com- five percent of New York’s Great mon contaminants are synthetic Lake’s shoreline does not fully sup- solvents and degreasers, gasoline port fish consumption use because and other petroleum products, and of a fish consumption advisory. agricultural pesticides and herbi- Agriculture is a major source of cides (primarily aldicarb and carbo- nutrients and silt that impair New furan). The most common sources York’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. of contaminants include spills, septic Land disposal, hydrologic modifica- systems, landfills, and abandoned tion, and habitat modification are hazardous waste sites. Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 341

Programs to Restore Individual Use Support in New York Water Quality Percent Good Good Fair Poor Not New York’s nonpoint source (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable a control program depends on the Designated Use Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) cooperation of many individuals, Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 52,337)b 97 groups, and agencies to make it Total Miles work. The Nonpoint Source Coordi- Assessed nating Committee is composed of 52,337 2 1 <1 - 17 federal, state, and local agencies 99 that meet regularly to communi- cate, cooperate, and coordinate 52,337 0 1 <1 - New York State’s nonpoint source 100 program. Coordination at the local level takes place through county 52,337 <1 <1 <1 - committees composed of local agencies, representatives from state Lakes (Total Acres = 790,782) 94 Total Acres and federal agencies, and public Assessed interest groups. 790,782 1 4 1 - Programs to Assess 81 19 Water Quality 790,782 0 <1 - 84 In 1987, New York State imple- mented the Rotating Intensive Basin 790,782 3 12 1 - Studies (RIBS), an ambient monitor- ing program that concentrates Great Lakes (Total Shore Miles = 577) 100 Total Shore monitoring activities on one-third Miles Assessed of the state’s hydrologic basins for 2-year periods. The DEC monitors 577 000 - the entire state every 6 years. The 65 RIBS strategy employs a tiered 35 approach in which rapid biological 577 0 0 - screening methods are applied at a 88 large number of sites during the first year of a 2-year study, and more 577 6 6 0 - intensive chemical monitoring is Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 1,530) used to follow up the results of this 99 Total Square biological effort in the second year. Miles Assessed

1,530 <11 <1 - 92

1,530 0 8 0 - – Not reported in a quantifiable format or 89 unknown. a A subset of New York’s designated uses 1,530 0 <1 10 - appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 93 305(b) report for a full description of the state’s uses. b Includes nonperennial streams that dry up 1,530 0 6 <1 - and do not flow all year. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. 342 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

About 94% of the estuaries and North Carolina sounds in North Carolina fully sup- port designated uses. Agriculture, urban runoff, septic tanks, and point source discharges are the leading sources of nutrients, bacteria, and low dissolved oxygen that degrade estuaries.

Ground Water Quality About half of the people in North Carolina use ground water as their primary supply of drinking water. Ground water quality is generally good. The leading source of ground water contamination is leaking underground storage tanks, which contaminate ground water with gasoline, diesel fuel, and heat- ing oil. Comprehensive programs Percent of Assessed Rivers, Lakes, and Estuaries Meeting All Designated Uses are under way to assess potential 80% - 100% Meeting All Uses contamination sites and develop a 50% - 79% Meeting All Uses ground water protection strategy 20% - 49% Meeting All Uses for the state. 0% - 19% Meeting All Uses Insufficient Assessment Coverage Basin Boundaries (USGS 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit) Programs to Restore Water Quality For a copy of the North Carolina Surface Water Quality North Carolina takes a water- 1998 305(b) report, contact: shed level approach to address About 87% of the state’s Darlene Kucken water quality problems. In 1998, assessed fresh water rivers and NC Division of Water Quality North Carolina Department of streams have good water quality Environment and Natural (DWQ) completed its first set of that fully supports designated uses, basinwide management plans, Resources while 14% are impaired for one or Division of Water Quality which summarize water quality and more uses. The major sources of develop strategies for addressing P.O. Box 29535 impairment are agriculture, urban Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 problems for each of 17 river basins. runoff, and construction. These Through the Unified Watershed (919) 733-5083 sources generate siltation, bacteria, e-mail: [email protected] Assessment process, North Caro- and organic wastes that deplete lina’s DWQ identified 23 high-prior- dissolved oxygen. ity watersheds in need of restora- Only 2% of the assessed lakes tion. Within these areas, 11 smaller in North Carolina are impaired for catchments that are biologically aquatic life use. A few lakes are impaired will be studied intensively impacted by dioxin, metals, and to identify causes and sources of excessive nutrient enrichment. Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 343

pollution and develop strategies to restore aquatic system health. Individual Use Support in North Carolina Addressing nonpoint source Percent pollution continues to be a priority Good Good Fair Poor Not for North Carolina. The DWQ has (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea begun implementing rules that Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) address nitrogen pollution from Lakes (Total Acres = 311,236) urban areas, agriculture, and ferti- Total Acres lizer application across the entire Assessed 68 Neuse River basin. In addition, a 30 2 temporary rule is being imple- 311,236 <1 - mented in the Neuse basin that protects riparian buffers adjacent to all perennial and intermittent - ---- streams, ponds, lakes, and estuaries. A similar program for the Tar- 56 Pamlico River basin is currently 41 being developed. 210,088 2 <1 -

Programs to Assess Summary of Use Supportb in North Carolina Water Quality Percent

Surface water quality in North Good Good Impaired Carolina was primarily evaluated (Fully (Threatened) (For One using physical and chemical data Supporting) or More Uses) collected by the DWQ from a Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 37,853)c statewide fixed-station network and biological assessments. These Total Miles Assessed include macroinvertebrate (aquatic 52 35 14 insect) community surveys, fish 33,532 community structure analyses, phytoplankton analyses, bioassays, Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 3,122) and limnological review of lakes and 86 watersheds. Other sources of infor- Total Square mation were point source monitor- Miles Assessed ing data, shellfish closure reports, 3,122 8 6 lake trophic state studies, and reports prepared by other local, state, and federal agencies. Wetlands (Total Acres = 7,175,000)

Total Acres – Not reported in a quantifiable format or 66 34 unknown. Assessed a A subset of North Carolina’s designated 7,175,000 uses appear in this figure. Refer to the - state’s 305(b) report for a full description of the state’s uses. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. bA summary of use support data is presented because North Carolina did not report individual use support in rivers and estuaries in their 1998 Section 305(b) report. c Includes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. 344 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

agriculture, drainage and filling of North Dakota wetlands, hydromodification, and upstream impoundments. Natural conditions, such as low flows caused by water regulation, also contribute to aquatic life use impairment. In lakes, 96% of the surveyed acres have good water quality that fully supports aquatic life uses, and 85% of the surveyed acres fully support swimming. Siltation, nutri- ents, metals, and oxygen-depleting substances are the most widespread pollutants in North Dakota’s lakes. The leading sources of pollution in lakes are agricultural activities (including nonirrigated crop pro- duction, pasture land, and confined animal operations), urban runoff/ storm sewers, hydromodification, and habitat modification. Natural Fully Supporting conditions also prevent some waters Threatened from fully supporting designated Partially Supporting uses. Not Supporting Not Assessed Basin Boundaries (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) Ground Water Quality This map depicts aquatic life use support status. North Dakota has not identified widespread ground water contami- For a copy of the North Dakota Surface Water Quality nation, although some naturally 1998 305(b) report, contact: occurring compounds may make North Dakota reports that 71% the quality of ground water undesir- Michael Ell of its assessed rivers and streams able in a few aquifers. Where North Dakota Department of Health have good water quality that fully human-induced ground water Division of Water Quality supports aquatic life uses now, but contamination has occurred, the P.O. Box 5520 good conditions are threatened in impacts have been attributed Bismark, ND 58506-5520 most of these streams. Sixty-seven primarily to petroleum storage facil- (701) 328-5214 percent of the assessed streams fully ities, agricultural storage facilities, e-mail: [email protected] support swimming. Siltation, nutri- feedlots, poorly designed wells, The report is also available on the ents, pathogens, oxygen-depleting abandoned wells, wastewater treat- Internet at: http://www.health.state. wastes, and habitat alterations ment lagoons, landfills, septic nd.us/ndhd/environ/wq/index/htm impair aquatic life use support in systems, and the underground 29% of the surveyed rivers and injection of waste. Assessment impair swimming in over 32% of and protection of ground water the surveyed rivers. The leading continue through ambient ground sources of contamination are water quality monitoring activities, Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 345

the implementation of wellhead protection projects, the Compre- Individual Use Support in North Dakota hensive Ground Water Protection Percent Program, and the development Good Good Fair Poor Not of a State Management Plan for (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea Pesticides. Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 54,373)b

Programs to Restore Total Miles Assessed 62 Water Quality 26 11,866 9 3 0 North Dakota’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management 100 Program has provided financial support to 50 projects since 1990. 147 00 00 Although the size, type, and target audience of these projects vary, 51 the projects share the same basic 30 16 goals: (1) increase public awareness 8,842 2 - of nonpoint source pollution, (2) reduce or prevent the delivery Lakes (Total Acres = 660,097) of NPS pollutants to waters of the Total Acres 72 state, and (3) disseminate informa- Assessed tion on effective solutions to NPS 24 4 0 - pollution. 640,591 100 Programs to Assess Water Quality 464,319 0 0 0 -

The North Dakota Department 63 of Health monitors physical and 22 16 chemical parameters (such as dis- 625,591 0- solved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids, nutrients, and toxic metals), a A subset of North Dakota’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the state’s 305(b) toxic contaminants in fish, whole report for a full description of the state’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. effluent toxicity, and fish and macroinvertebrate community Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. structure. North Dakota’s ambient water quality monitoring network consists of 27 sampling sites on 24 rivers and streams. The Depart- ment’s biological assessment pro- gram has grown since 1993. Currently, biosurveys are conducted at approximately 50 sites each year. North Dakota is developing biological assessment methods and criteria for depressional and riparian wetlands. 346 Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries

drinking water or recreation. Coastal Commonwealth of the marine waters are monitored because the quality of the water Northern can affect the health of the coral reef ecosystem, on which subsis- tence, recreation, storm protection, and tourism depend. (Uracas) Both point and nonpoint Maug Island sources are responsible for lowering Asuncion Island the quality of CNMI’s water. Sewage outfalls, dredging, sedimentation from unpaved roads and develop- ment, and nutrients from golf courses and agriculture are the most significant stressors on the CMNI’s marine water quality. The sediment and nutrients are the most detri- Gugun mental to the health of the coral

Sarigan reefs and are the two most signifi- cant causes of marine water quality impairment in the CMNI. CNMI did not report on the condition of wetlands.

Tinian Ground Water Quality Aguijan Ninety-nine percent of the Basin Boundaries drinking water on the islands comes (USGS 6-Digit Hydrologic Unit) from aquifers. With an expected population increase of 40% by For a copy of the Commonwealth Surface Water Quality 2000, protecting the aquifers for of the present and future uses is a high 1998 305(b) report, contact: The Commonwealth of the priority. Greater demands for water Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is have already led to overpumping of Ike Cabrera an archipelago of 15 islands in the the aquifer. Overpumping can lead Commonwealth of the Northern Western Pacific Ocean located north to high levels of chlorides in the Mariana Islands of . The largest and most water and eventually to salt water Division of Environmental Quality populated of the Islands is Saipan intrusion, an irreversible condition P.O. Box 1304 with an area of 120 square kilo- that causes permanent damage to Saipan, MP 96950 meters and 52 miles of coastline. the aquifer. Ground water quality (670) 664-8500 Currently, the majority of the moni- is also threatened from industry toring of surface and ground waters (garment factories), failing septic takes place on Saipan, but future systems, and service industries (gas efforts will work to include the other stations, repair shops, and power islands. generators). In addition, there is also The streams and wetlands on concern about historical contamina- CNMI are not currently monitored tion from resulting from military because they are not used for activities from 1940 to the 1960s. Chapter Twelve State and Territory Summaries 347

Programs to Restore Individual Use Support in Northern Mariana Islands Water Quality Percent Permits are required for all water Good Good Fair Poor Not wells in the CNMI. The permits (Fully (Threatened) (Partially (Not Attainable Designated Usea require semiannual water sample Supporting) Supporting) Supporting) results on chlorides, fecal coliform Rivers and Streams (Total Miles = 59)b bacteria, and other potential con- Total Miles taminants. Along with the permits, Assessed pumping rates for new wells and for - - - - - existing wells with increased chloride - levels are decreased. A fairly strin- gent permitting program is also in place for new septic tank construc------tion and, at the same time, funding - is being sought to extend existing sewer lines into highly populated areas. Underground and above------ground storage tanks must be - reviewed and approved before installation. Chemical storage is Estuaries (Total Square Miles = 15,975) controlled by permitting and Total Square inspection of storage facilities. Miles Assessed

------Programs to Assess Water Quality - - - - - CNMI’s Department of Environ- - mental Quality has an extensive monitoring program that includes monitoring public water supply sys- tems and nearshore marine water ------for traditional water quality param- eters. Biocriteria methods are used Ocean Shoreline (Total Shore Miles = 52) to monitor the health of coral reefs. Total Shore Although the extent of contami- Miles Assessed nation caused by World War II activ- ities on the islands has not been fully ------investigated, an area of particular concern, the Puerto Rico dump, has been found to be in violation of the ------Clean Water Act. As part of a dump closure plan, an independent firm will be contracted to monitor and evaluate the site and the water qual------ity surrounding the dump. 100 a A subset of CNMI’s designated uses appear in this figure. Refer to the commonwealth’s 305(b) report for a full description of the 1 0 0 0 - commonwealth’s uses. bIncludes nonperennial streams that dry up and do not flow all year. Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.