Water Qualitg~ Standards - Connecticut

Water Qualitg~ Standards

EffectiVe Date May 15, 1992

NEWYORK

VERMONT

MAJOR DRAINAGE BASINS IN CONNECTICUT

CONNECTICUT WATEE ~UALITY STANDARDS

ADOPTED JANUARY 1992

i

WATERQUALITY STANDARDS

Preface

i. Introduction

II. Surface Water Standards

Ill. Surface Water Classifications

IV. Ground Water Standards

Ground Water Classifications

Appendix A - Anti-degradation Implementation Policy

Appendix B - Guidelines for Use ofCriteria for Indicator Bacteria

Appendix C - Definitions

Appendix D - Numeric Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

1

4

6

14

34

53

59

ii

If. surface Water Standards

I. Designated uses goal2. Existing usesmalntained and protected

3. Class B and SB and use attainability

4. New or expanded discharges to high quality waters

5. Outstanding National resource waters6. Use Attainability Analysis , ~

7. Changes in Water Quality Classification8. Natural causes may result in Criteria exceedances9. Limitations on discharges to surface waters

i0. Zones of InfluenceIi. Minimum streamflow conditions12. Prohibition on toxicity to aquatic life15. Prohibition on pollution due to bioaccumlation of toxics

14. Benthic invertebrate criteria15. Radioactive materials16. Best Management Practices for non-point controls17. Controls to alleviate eutrophication18. Best Management Practices preferred to biocides19. Potential drinking water supplies designated AA20. Restrictions on discharges to AAwaters21. Seasonal disinfection of sewage22. Marine no discharge zones23. Indicator bacteria24. Physical obstructions25. Temperature increases on tidal rivers26. Dredged spoil disposal27. Sample containers, preservation, handling & analysis28. Commissioner may amend criteria29. Waters not designated30. Waters in drainage conduits51, Existing and proposed water quality designation32. Revisions tO Standards subject to public participation33. Standards apply to all surface waters

666666777899

i0i0i0I0I0i0iiIilliiii

12

1313

III. Surfac~ Water Classifications

Class AAClass Aclass BClass CClass DLake Trophic ClassificationsClassSAClass SBClass SGClass SD

1416182122

28303233

ill

IV. Ground Water S~andards

33. Designated uses goals34. Existing high quality waters35. Changing water quality goal56. Discharge ~onsi~tency37. Zpnes of influence38. Induced infiltration39. Chemical constituents40. Radioactive materials41. Best Management Practices42. Proposed water supplies43. Sample containers, preservation, handling & analysis44. Commissioner may amend criteria45. Existing and proposed water quality designation46. Water not designated

V. Ground Water Classifications

Class GAAClass GAClass GBClass GC

Appendix A - Anti-degradation Policy

’Appendix B - IndiCator Bacteria Guidelines

Appendix C - Definitions

Acute ToxicityAmbientAnti-degradationArithmetic meanBenthicBenthic MacroinvertebratesBest Management PracticesBioaccumulateBioconcentrateChronic ToxicityClassificationsClean WaterCoastal and Marine watersCommissionerCriteriaDepartmentDeputationDesignated UseDischarge

3434343536363636363637373737

3840414~

44

535353535353

5353

Discharge Toxicity EvaluationDomestic sewage "-DredgingEffluentEutrophicationExisting usesFunctional Feeding GroupGeometric meanGround WatersHigh Quality WatersIndigenousInvertebratesLenticLotieMost sensitive useMoving averageMSDNatural originNon-Point SourcePoint Sources.Recreational useSedimentsSewageStreamflow regulationTaxonTechnology Based TreatmentTidal Wetlands and CreeksToxic SubstanceTransplantationTrophic Conditions.Use Attainability AnalysisWaters of the StateWater QualityWater Quality Based TreatmentWater Quality Limited SegmentWater Quality StandardsZone of InfluenceZone of Passage7QI0

Appendix D - Numeric Criteria for Toxic Pollutants

54

55555555555555555555

5555565656565656565656565757575757575757575758585858

59

WATER OUALITY STANDARDS

PREFACE

The Water Quality Standards and Criteria (WQS) set forth in thispublication are an important element in Connecticut’s clean water program.The WQS set an overall policy~for management of water quality in accordancewith the directive of Section 22a-426 of the General Statutes. In simpleterms the policies can be summarized by saying that the Department ofEnvironmental Protection shall:

Protect surface and ground waters ofhigh quality from degradation.

Segregate waters used for drinking from those that play a role inwaste assimilation.

Restore surface waters that have been used for waste assimilation toconditions suitable for~.flshing and swimming.

e Restore degraded ground water to protect existing and designated uses.

* Provide a framework for establishing priorities for pollutionabatement and State funding for clean up,

* Adopt standards that promote the State’s economy in harmony with theenvironment.

There are three elements that make up the WQS. The first of these are theStandards themselves. This is the text of the policy statements (pages 6through 12) which discuss issues such as classification of different waterresources according to the desirable use, anti-degradation, allowable typesof discharges, the fundamental principles of waste assimilation, and avariety of other subjects. The second element, also contained in thisdocument, are the Criteria (pages 13 through 32). These are descriptiveand numerical standards that describe the allowable parameters and goalsfor the various water quality classifications. The final elements are theWQS and Classification Maps which show the classification assigned to .eachsurface and groundwater resource throughout the State. These maps alsoshow the goals for the water resources, and in that manner provide ablueprint and set of priorities for our efforts to restore water quality.

These three elements comprise the WQS and are.adopted using the publicparticipation procedures contained in Section 22a-426 of the GeneralStatutes. The Standards, Criteria and Maps are reviewed and revise’droughly every three years. Any change is considered a revision requiringpublic participation. The public participation process consists of publicmeetings held at various locations around the State, notification of all

chief elected officials, notice in the Connecticut Law Journal and a publichearing. The Classification Maps are the subject of separate publichearings which are held for the adoption of the map covering each majordrainage basin in the State.

As with any complex program, it is always difficult to anticipate thequestions that the public may have about either.prqposed or adoptedstandards. The staff of the Planning and Standards Division of the Bureauof Water Management are the best source of %nformation about these WQS andare always willing to provide answers to your questions. They may becontacted by writing to:

The Assistant DirectorThe Planning and Standards Division

Bureau of Water ManagementDepartment of Environmental Protection

122 Washington StreetHartford, Connecticut 06102

The WQS do not stand alone; rather, they.a~e one critical element in ourprogram to protect and improve water quality. The WQS are written inresponse to, and in concert with~ the principles of Connecticut’s CleanWater Act, which is in Chapter 446k of the General Statutes. The Statutesset the broad outline and legal framework for our entire program. Theyestablish the authorities and procedures for the WQS, for permittingdischarges to the waters of the State and for the abatement of pollution.Within the framework of the .Statutes, tha WQS establish broad policy andobjectives to meet the statutory goals. These objectives are then carriedout by means of specific procedures and requirements of statutory sectionsand even more detailed regulations. These include Statutes and Regulations "for the permitting of discharges to the waters of the State, hazardousmaterials management, solid waste management, water diversions, structures,dredging~ wetlands and others.

As an example of how these pieces fit together the following may be ofassistance. ~.’~

Section 22a-430 of the General Statutes allows and sets procedures forthe permitting of discharges of treated wastewater to the waters ofthe State.

* The WQS set forth the types of treated wastewater discharges that canbe allowed in various water quality classifica~tions in order to meetthe statutory goals. In addition, the WQS provide the principles ofwasteassimilation and the goals for the r~ceiving waters.

If the type of discharge is.allowed, then the details of applicationprocedures and requirements for treatment, monitoring and reporting ofthe specific discharge are provided by Sections 22a-430-I through 4 ofthe Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

The WQS provide policy guidance in many different areas, all of which aresubject to detailed statutory and regulatory requirements. Some examplesare as follows:

Decisions on the acceptability of a t>~e of discharge to a specificwater resource.

* Any decision on the siting of a landfill.

* Decisions on the type of remediation and priority for the cleanup ofhazardous ~aste sites.

* Decisions on the priority assigned to improvements of municipalsewerage systems and the priority for funding such projects.

Decisions on Water Quality Certification pursuant to Section 401 ofthe Federal Clean Water Act, which are required for any federallypermitted activity which results in a point or nonpoint sourcedischarge to a surface water resource.

If you have further questions about the Water Quality Standards please donot hesitate to contact the staff.

4

I. INTRODUCTION

~Section 22a-426 of the General Statutes requires that the Commissioner ofEnvironmental Protection adopt standards of water quality for al! the State’swaters. The purpose of these standards "is to provide clear and ~hJectivestatements for existing and projected water quality and the general program toimprove Connecticut’s water resources. They also serve to qualify the stateand its municipalities for available federal grgnts for water pollutioncontrol.

Section 22a-426 mandates these standards shall:

(I) Apply to interstate waters or ~ort~ons thereof within the State.

(2) Apply to such other waters within the State as the Commissioner maydetermine is necessary.

(3) Protect the public health and welfare and promote the economicdevelopment of the State.

(4) Pres,erve and enhance the quality of State waters for present andprospective future use for public water supplies, propagation of fishand aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes and agricultural,industrial and other legitimate uses.

Be consistent with the health standards as established by theDepartment of Health Services.

Water Quality Classifications, based on the adopted Water Quality Standards(WQS), establish designated uses for surface and ground waters and identify thecriteria necessary to support those uses. The designated use and criteriagoals serve to focus the department’s water quality management activities,including establishment of water quality based treatment controls andstrategies required by the Federal Clean Water Act.

Section 303 of the Federal Clean Water Act requires state adoption ofsurface WQS and their review and modification at least once every three years.Federal law defines WQS as the identification of water quality goals of a waterresource through the assignment of designated uses to be made of the water andby setting criteria necessary to protect the uses.

Federal regulations specify that WQS should, wherever attainable, providewater quality for-the protection-and propagation of fish, shellfish andwildlife and for recreation in and on the water, taking into considerationtheir use and value for public water supplies, propagation of fish, shellfishand wildlife, recreation in and on the water and agricultural, industrial andother purposes including navigation.

Although federal law requires adoption of WQS for surface waters, WQS forground waters are not subject to federal review and approval. Connecticut’sWQS recognize that surface and ground waters are interrelated and address theissue of competing use of ground waters for drinking and’for waste waterassimilation. These standards specifically identify ground water qualitygoals, designated uses and those measures necessary’for protection of publicand private drinking water supplies; the principal use of Connecticut’s groundwaters.

If. SURFAGE WATERS STANDARDS

It is the State’s goal to restore or maintain all surface waterresources, including wetlands, to a quality consistent with theirexisting and designated uses and supportive criteria.

Existing water uses and the level of water quality necessary toprotect the existing and designated uses-shall be maintained andprotected, . .

Surface waters with a classif~catlon goal of B or SB and with anexisting quality better than established standards shall be maintainedat their existing high quality, unless the Commissioner finds, afteradequate opportunity for intergovernmental review and publicparticipation, that allowing lower water quality is necessary toaccommodate .overriding statewlde economic or social development, andthat existing and designated uses will be fully protected. Theimplementation procedures for the antl-degredation provisions of theState Water Quality Standards are provided in full in’Appendix A.

For new of expanded discharges to high quality waters, theCommissioner shall, at a minimum, require of discharge permitapplicants a level of treatment meeting the highest applicablestandards of performance promulgated pursuant to the Federal CleanWater Act as well as Sections 22a-426, 22A-430 and 22a-436 of theGeneral Statutes, and require additional treatment measures deemednecessary to prevent pollution and maintain high water quality. TheCommissioner shall also.require the use of appropriate Best ManagementPractices for control of point and nonpoint source discharges to highquality waters.

Where high quality waters constitute an outstanding National resource,such as waters of National and State parks and forests and wildliferefuges and waters of exceptional recreational or ecologicalsignificance, that water quality shall be maintained and protected.The lowering of water quality is prohibited for such waters exceptwhere limited activities will result in only temporary andinsignificant changes in water quality.

Standard (I) shall be met except where a Use Attainability Analysisdemonstrates that the water resource has been irreparably alteredtothe extent certain designated uses have .been permanently lost. Thedetermination of where these except-ions exist, includingidentification of the specific uses which have been permanently lostand designation of quality criteria necessary to protect all otherexisting, designated and potential future uses of the water resource,shall be made by the Commissioner as a revision to the Water QualityStandards in accordance with Section 22a-426 and shall be subject tothe approval of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Any person or municipality requesting a change in Water Qualit~Classification shall demonstrate to the Commissioner that the proposednew Class designation is consistent with all existing or designateduses made of, or presently possible in,.such waters. Any such changein a water quality classification shall be considered a revision ofthe Water Quality Standards and subject to the public participationrequirements of Section 22a-426 of the General Statutes. With regardto any such change in Water Quality Classification the provisions ofStandards (3) and (4) of this Standard shall be met.

Water quality criteria do not apply to conditions brought about bynatural causes. Natural hydrologic and geologic conditions may causeexcursions from established criteria. The meaning of the word’natural’ is not limited to only those conditions which would exist inwater draining from pristine land. Conditions which exist in thewater, in part due to normal uses of the land, may be considerednatural. It shall not be considered normal use of the land ifexcursions from established criteria result in the loss of an existingor designated use.

Discharges to surface waters shall be limited as follows:

(A) Class AA, A and SA surface waters: discharges may be permitted bythe Commissioner from public or private drinking water treatmentsystems, dredging and dredge material dewatering operations andother clean water discharges. In Class AA surface waters suchdischarges shall be subject to the approval of the Commissionerof Health Services. The Commissioner may authorize otherdischarges to waters with a water quality goal-of SA, A or AAprovided the Commissioner finds such discharge will be of shortduration and is necessary to remediate surface water or groundwater pollution. Any such discharge must be treated or controlledto a level which in the judgement of the Commissioner, protectsaquatic life and public health.

Class B and SB surface waters: discharges may be permitted forall those allowed in Class AA, A and SA waters, cooling waterdischarges, discharges from municipal and industrial wastewatertreatment systems and other discharges subject to the provisionsof Section 22a-430.

(c)

(D)

The designation of surface waters as Class C/B, D/B, SC/SB orSD/SB shall not be a reason for authorizing a new discharge thatwould not allow the receiving surface waters to attain Class B orClass SB designated uses and quality criteria.

The designation of surface waters as Class B/AA, B/A, G/A, SB/SA,or SC/SA shall not be a reason for authorizing a new dischargethat would be inconsistent with Class AA, A or SA water qualitygoals.

i0. ’~"~e Commissioner may, .on a case-by-case basis, establish zones ofinfluence when permitting discharges to surface waters to allocate aportion of the receiving water resource for mixing and assimilation ofa discharge effluent. Unless otherwise indicated in these Standards,the water quality criteria for a given class apply" outside a zone ofinfluence for a discharge permitted pursuant to Section 22a-430 of theGeneral Statutes.The-zone of influence shall not preclude attainmentof any existing or designated uses of the receiving water resource.The spatial dimensions and/or volume of receiving water allocated tozones of influence will be established based on the unique physlcal,chemical add biological characteristics of the receiving waterbody.The Commissioner may require Permit applicants to provide informationon receiving water and waste water characteristics including thevolume of f!ow and spatial dimensions required for mixing andassimilation of waste. Gon~ideratlons to be used in establishing

zones of influence include, but are not~llmlted to:

(A) Characteristics of the discharge, such as the volume, strengthand persistence of any substances in the discharge effluent,potential bioaccumulation or bioconcentratlon of these substancesin aquatic organisms, the temperature of the discharge and thepotential for any substances, either singly or in combinationwith other substances present in the effluent or receivingwaterbody, to result in an unacceptable risk to human health or

the environment.

(B)~ Allowance for a continuous zone of passage for free swimming and

drifting organisms.

(C) Impingement upon spawning grounds or nursery areas of sensitiveaquatic organisms or areas utilized by aquatic organisms forshelter and living space to the extent that the environmentalvalue of the receiving waterbody is significantly reduced.

(D) The location of other discharges to the receiving waterbody toinsure that the cumulative effect of adjacent zones of influencewill not significantly reduce the environmental value or precludeany existing or designated uses of the receiving waterbody.

Assessment of .environmental value will be ba~ed on a number ofreceiving water characteristics, including but not limited to:type of waterbody, velocity, depth, number and type of aquatichabitats, migration patterns, nature of the food chain, level ofproductivity, water temperature,ability of tributaries top~ovide recruitment, presence of endangered species and value tohuman uses (aesthetic, commercial and sport fishing andrecreational uses).As.a guideline, zones of influence for assimilation of thermaldischarges shall be limited to no more than 25% of thecross-sectional area or volume of flow.

9

ii. The minimum average daily flow for seven consecutive days that can beexpected to occur once in ten years under natural conditions (7QIO) isthe minimum flow to which the standard for surface waters apply,except when a stream has been historically regulated to result in lowflows below that leval, in which ease the Standards apply to that lowflow determined by the Department of EnvironmentalProtection’sMinimum Flow Regulations as amended (Connecticut General StatutesSection 26-141a); the Department’s Diversion Permit Program (Sectlon~22a-365 through 22a-578); or the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommission’s hydropower licensing process (Federal Power Act 18 USCSEC 791). Maintaining a long-term flow of 7Q1~ or less may result insignificant stress on the physical and biological quality of surfacewaters. In those surface waters having regulated flows at, near orbelow the naturally occurring 7Q10 flow, more stringent water qualitycriteria may be required to achieve and maintain existing anddesignated uses. The Commissioner may approve limitations based onminimum average daily flow in excess of FQIO conditions, provided theCommissioner i~ satisfied that special measures will be implementedduring low flow conditions which provide protection to the environmentat least as effective as that protection which would pertain iflimitations were based on 7QIO conditions alone.

Water resources which are influenced by tidal forces or whichexperience short-term variation in flow due to periodic or irregularwater release from upstream diversions or other causes may requirespecial consideration with regard to protecting existing anddesignated uses, including consideration of the minimum flow to whichStandards apply.

12. The Commissioner, pursuant to Chapter 446k of the Connecticut GeneralStatutes and regulations adopted thereunder, will regulate dischargesto the waters of the State to assure that such discharges do not causepollution due to acute or chronic toxicity’to a~uatic and marine life,impair the biological integrity of aquatic or marine ecosystems orresult in an unacceptable risk to human health.

(A)

(B)

In making a’determination Under Chapter 446k of the ConnecticutGeneral Statutes as to whether a discharge or other activity willor can reasonable be expected to eausa pollution of the waters ofthe State, the Commissioner shall consider the numeric criteriafor the toxic pollutants listed in Appendix D.

The Commissioner may amend the numeric criteria for the toxicpollutants listed in Appendix D of these Water Quality Standardsin =a-ccordance with’the procedures specified in Section 22a-426 ofthe Connecticut General Statutes on his or her own initiative, orupon request of any person or municipality that site-specificcriteria be adopted, provided such request is supported by soundscientific and technical evidence demonstrating the following:

i0

13.

i. Local conditions at the site differ significantly from thoseused in establishing the statewide criteria.

2. The site-speclfic criteria will be sufficiently stringent toprotect all existing and designateduses of the waterbody.

3.~fhe slte-speclflc crlterla’were derived consistent withsound scientific and technical principles, givingconsideration to all applicable federal guidance.

Surface waters and sediments shall be free from chemical constituentsin concentrations or combinations which will or can reasonably beexpected to result in acute or ch!onic toxiclty, to, aquatlc organismsor impair the biological integrity of aquatic or m~rine ecosystemsoutside of any allocated zone of influence or which will or canreasonable be expected, to bloconcentrate or bioaccumulate in tissuesof fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms to levels which willimpair the health of aquatic~organisms or wildlif~ or result inunacceptable tastes, odors or health risks to human consumers ofaquatic life. In determining consistency ~ith this Standard, theCommissioner shall at a minimum consider the ~peqific numeric criterialisted in Appendix D and any, other information he or she deemsrelevant.

14.

15.

Benthic invertebrate criteria may be utilized whet@ apprgpriate forassessment of t~e biological integrity o~ surface waters. The criteriaapply to the fauna of erosional or riffle habitats in flowing waterswhich are not subject to tidal influences.

The discharge of radioactive materials in concentrations orcombinations which would be harmful to human, animal or aquatic lifeshall not be allowed. The applicable criteria Can be found in Title I0Part 20 of theCode of Federal Regulations.

16o Reasonable controls or Best Management Practices for control ofnonpo’int source pollutants may be required by the Commissioner on acase,by-case basis.

17. Controls on point and nonpoint sources of phosphorus and nitrogenwhich contribute to the eutrophication of any surface water includingstreams, rivers, lakes, ponds, impoundments and Long Island Sound may~

be required on a case-by-case basis.

18. Use of Best Management Practices and other reasonable controls ofnonpoint sources of nutrients and sediments is preferable to the useof biocides for correction of eutrophic conditions.

II

19. potential drinking water supplies identified in the Lon£ Ran£e Pla~for Management of Water Resource£ prepared and adopted pursuant toSection 22a-352 or in an individual water supply plan approved in

accordance with Section 22a-32d of the Connecticut General Statutesshall be designated as Glass AA surface waters.

20. Section 22a-417 of the Connecticut General Statutes imposes anabsolute restriction on the discharge of sewage to Class AAreservoirs and their tributaries. A discharge outside the State shallnot be a valid reason for either re~axing the restriction inConnecticut or changing the Class AA designation. It is a Statepolicy topursue the adoption of compatible Water Quality Standards inneighboring states to assure the protection of Connecticut drinkingwater supplies.

Disinfection shall be required for all treated domestic sewagedischarges to surface waters. The period of disinfection shall varydepending on the nature of the receiving waterbody as described below:

i. Continuous disinfection shall be required at all domestic sewagetreatment plants located south of .Interstate Highway 95 (I-95) toprotect the sanitary quality of shellfish resources.

2. " Disinfection shall be required during the period from May i toOctober 1 at all domestic sewage treatment plants located northof 1-95. Seasonal disinfection is intended to protect thesanitary quality of bathing waters and minimize adverse impactsto aquatic life associated with disinfection. An alternativeschedule, including continuous disinfection, may be required iffound necessary by the Commissioner to protect existing anddesignated uses.

It is recognized that criteria for indicator bacteria may not bemet during periods when disinfection of sewage treatment planteffluent is not required.

22.

23.

The.dishharge of sewage, sink and galley wastes from boats, whether ornot treated by any marine sanitation device, is prohibited in allinland freshwaters not capable of interstate navigation and in marinewaters identified in accordance with Regulations developed through the

authority of Public Act 90-173.

Indicator bacteria are used to detect .the presence of contamination byhuman or..animal wastes. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved insampling and analytical determination of bacteria levels, excursionsfrom established ambient criteria should 59 investigated by meansfield survey of sanitary conditions or other appropriate means todetermine sanitary quality (see also Appendix

24

27.

Physical obstructions such as dams, which prevent fish reaching anarea suitable for spawning and growth, shall not be considered avalid reason for not achieving and maintaining water qualityconditions necessary to support all existing and designated uses for a~aterbodyunless the Commissioner has approved a Use AttainabilityAnalysis in accordance with all applicable State and Federal statutesand regulations, consistent with the Department’s anti-degradationpolicy.

In the estuarlne segments (Class SB) o~ =he Hou~atonic, Connecticutand Thames Rivers, the allowable temperature increase from dischargesshall be consistent with the criteria for the non-tldal segments

(Class B).

Except within designated dredged material disposal areas or areasapproved by the Commissioner for placement of fill under the authorityof Section 22a-32, surface waters and sediments shall be substantiallyfree of pollutants that: a) unduly affect the c6mposition of bottomfauna; b) unduly affect the physical or chemical nature of the bottom;or c) interfere with the propagation and habitats of shellfish,finfish and wildlife~ Dredged materials dumped at approved disposalareas shall not pollute the waters of the state and shall not resultin: a).floatlng residues of any sort; b) release of any substancewhich may resul~ in long-term or permanent degradation of waterquality in waters overlying or adjacent to the disposal areas; c)dispersal of sediments outside a zone of influence enclosing thedesignated disposal points; or d) biological mobilization andsubsequent transport of toxic substances to food chains.

Surface water quality monitoring methods shall conform to theDepartment of Environmental Protection, Water Management Bureau’sQuality Assurance Proiect Plan, consistent with 40 CFR Part 30. Otherdifferent but equivalent or better methods may be utilized if theyhave received the Commissioner’s prior approval~

28. As part of the Commissioner’s continuing efforts to further defineWQS, other criteria will be considered. The Commissioner reserves theright to amend or extend the criteria for each Glass of waters as newinformation or improved or more stringent criteria relative to waterquality impacts are developed and justified subject to the legal andprocedural requirements of State and Federal laws or regulations.

29. Surface waters, including wetlands which are not otherwise designated,shall he’.considered as Glass A.or Glass SA.

30. Watercourses which are fully enclosed in drainage conduits or pipesand not assigned a specific Class may be considered, on a case-by-casebasis, to be the Class of the stream segment to which they discharge~

13

Where existing water quality does not meet the designated use and

quality criteria goals, the existing quality will be identified,followed by the use goal (e.g. C/B).

33.

Revisions to the~QS, including but not limited to the following,shall be subject to the publlc.participation process provided for in

Section 22a-426 of the General Statutes:

(A)The adoption of a map which de~ic=s the Wa~er Quality Goals andClassifications assigned to any water resource.

(B) Any decisions regarding the lowering of water quality in existinghigh quality Class B or SB waters or a change in the WaterQuality Classification of any water resource.

(c) The adoption of any Use Attainability Analysis.

The surface WQS shall apply to all tidal waters, harbors, estuaries,rivers, brooks, watercourses, waterways, lakes, ponds, marshes, bogs,those portions of inland wetlands which are inundated or saturated bysurface or ground waters at a frequency and duration sufficient tosuppgrt, and that under normal circumstances do support, prevalence ofvegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions andthose portions of tidal wetlands below mean high water.

14

III. SURFACE WATER CLASSIFICATIONS

INLAND SUKFACE WATERSCLASS AA

Designated Use Existing or proposed drinking water supply; fish andwildlife habitat; recreational use; agricultural,industrial supply and other purposes, (recreational usesmay be restricted). ~

Parameter

I. Aesthetics

2. Dissolved oxygen

3. Sludge deposits-solid refuse-floating solids-oils andgrease-scum

4. Color

5. Suspended and settleable solids

Uniformly excellent

Not less than 5 mg/l at any time.

None other than of natural origin.

None other than of natural origin

No~e in concentrations orcombinations which would impair themost sensitive designated use; noneaesthetically objectionable; nonewhich would significantly alter thephysical or chemical composition ofthe bottom; none’which wouldadversely impact aquatic organismsliving in or on the bottom substrate.

6. Silt or sand deposits

7. Turbidity

8. Indicator bacteria

None other than of natural originexcept as may result from normalagricultural, road maintenance,construction activity or dredgingprovided all reasonable controls orBest Management Practices are used.

Shall not exceed 5 NTU over ambientlevels. All reasonable controls orBest Management Practices are to beused.

Total coliform organisms (MF) shallnot exceed a-monthly movingarithmetic mean of 100/100 ml for themost recent 12 months. No individualsample shall exceed 500/100 ml. Referto Standard nLunber 23 and Appendix B.

15

9. Taste and odor

I0. pH

ii. Allowable temperature increase

12. Chemical constituents


As naturally occurs.

None other than of natural originexcept when it can be demonstratedthat fish spawning and growth willnot be impaired, in which case ClassB Standards and Criteria apply.

None in concentrations orcombinations which would be harmfulto the most sensitive designatedwater use. Refer tO Standardsnumbers i0, Ii, 12, 13, and 17.

(a) Phosphorus

(b) Sodium

13. Benthic Invertebrates whichinhabit lotic waters


Not to exceed 20 mg/l

A wide variety of macroinvertebratetaxa should normally be present andall functional feeding groups shouldnormally be well represented.Presence and productivity of aquaticspecies is not limited except bynatural conditions, permitted flowregulation or irreversible culturalimpacts. Water quality shall besufficient to sustain a diversemacroinvertebrate community ofindigenous species. Taxa within theOrders Plecoptera (stoneflies),Ephemeroptera (may-flies), Coleoptera (beetles) andTr~choptera (caddisflies) should bewell represented.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Known or presumed to meet WaterQuality Criteria which support thedesignated uses.

May not be meeting Class AA WaterQuality Criteria or designated uses.The water quality goal is achievement

of Class AA Criteria and attainmentof Class AA designated uses.

16

Designated Uses -

INLAND SURFACE WATERSCLASS A

Potential drinking water supply; fish and wildlifehabitat; recreational use; agricultural, industrialsupply and other legitimate uses, including navigation..

CRITERIA

I. Aesthetics

2. Dissolved oxygen

5. Sludge deposits-- solid refuse-floating solids - oils and

4. Color ¯


6. silt or sand deposits

7. Turbidity

8. Indicator Bacteria

Standard

Uniformly excellent

Not less than 5 mg/l at any time.



None in concentrations orcombinations which would impair themost sensitive designated use; noneaesthetically objectionable; nonewhich would significantly alter thephysical or chemical composition ofthe bottom; none w~ich wouldadversely impact aquatic organismsliving in or on the bottom substrate.

None other than of natural originexcept as may result from norma!agricultural, road maintenance,construction activity or dredgingprovided all reasonable controls orBest Management Practices are used.

Shall not exceed 5 NTU over ambientlevels. All reasonable controls orBest Management Practices to be used.

Total coliform organisms (MF) shallnot exceed a monthly movingarithmetic mean of i00/I00 ml for themost recent 12 months. No individualsample shall exceed 500/100 ml.

For established bathing waters,enterococcal organisms shall notexceed a geometric mean of 33/100 mland no sample shall exceed 61/100 ml.

Refer to Standard number 23 andAppendix B.

17

9. Taste and odor

i0. pN

ii. Allowable temperature increase

12. Ghemlcal constituents

(a) Phosphorus

13. Benthic Invertebrates whichinhabit lotic waters



None other than of natural origin.except when it can be demonstratedthat fish spawningand growth willnot be impaired, in which case ClassB Standards and Criteria apply.

None ~n concentrations orcombinations which would be harmfulto th~ most sensitive designatedwater use. Refer to Standardsnumbers I0, Ii, 12, 13 and 17.


A wide variety of macroinvertebratetaxa should normally,be present andall functional feeding groups shouldnormally be well represented..Presence and productivity of aquatic~pecies is not limited except bynatural conditions, permitted f!owregulation or irreversible culturalimpacts. Water quality shall besufficient to sustain a diversemacroiDvertebrate community ofindigenous species. Taxa within theOrders Plecoptera (stoneflies),Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Coleoptera(beetles) and Trichoptera(caddisflies) should be wellrepresented.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Known or presumed to meet WaterQuality Criteria which supportdesignated uses.

May not be meeting Water QualityCriteria or one or more designateduses. The water quality goal isachievement of class A Criteria andattainment of Cliss A designateduses.

18

Designated Use -

INLAND SURFACE WATERSCLASS B

Recreational use; fish and wildlife habitat; agriculturaland industgial supply and other legitimate uses including

navigation.

CRITERIA

Parameter

i. Aesthetics

2. Dissolved oxygen

3. Sludge deposits - solid refuse-,floating solids - oil andgrease - scum

4. Color

Good to excellent

Not less than 5 mg/l at any time. ’

None except for small amounts thatmay result from the discharge from awaste treatment facility providingappropriate treatment.

None which causes visiblediscoloration of-the receiving streamoutside of any designate~ zone ofinfluence.


6. silt or sand deposits

7. Turbidity

None in concentrations ofcombinations which would impair themost sensitive designated use; noneaesthetically’objectionable; nonewhich would significantly alter thephysical or chemical composition ofthe bottom; and none which wouldadversely impact aquatic-organismsliving in or on the bottom sediments;Shall not exceed i0 mg/l over ambientconcentrations.

None other than of natural originexcept as may result from normalagricultural, road maintenance,construction activity or dredgingactivity provided all reasonablecontrols or Best Management Practicesare used.

Shall not exceed 5 NTU over ambientlevels. All reasonable controls andBest Management Practices to be used.

19

Indicator bacteria

9. Taste and odor

i0. pH

ii. Allowable temperature .increase

12. Ghemical constituents

13. Benthic Invertebrateswhich inhabit lotic waters

As al indicator of general sanitaryquality Fecal coliform shall notexceed a geometric mean of 200organisms/100 ml in any group ofsamples nor shall 10% of the samplesexceed 400 organlsms/100 ml.

For established bathing waters,enter.ococcal organisms shall notexceed a geometric mean of 35 .organisms/100 ml, and no singlesample shall exceed 61/100 ml. Referto Standard number 23 and Appendix B.

None that would impair any usagesspecifically assigned to this Class.

6.5 - 8.0

None except where the increase willnot exceed the recommended limit onthe most sensitive receiving wateruse and in no case. exceed 85°F,- orin any case raise the normaltemperature of the receiving watermore than 4°F.

None in concentrations or combina-tions which would be harmful to themost sensitive designated water use.

. Refer to Standards numbers 10, ii,12, 13, and 17.

Water quality shall be sufficient tosustain a diverse macroinvertebratecommunity of indigenous species. Allfunctional feeding groups and a widevariety of macroinvertebrate taxashall be present, however one or moremaybe disproportionate inabundance. Waters which currentlysupport a high quality aquaticcommunity shall be maintained at thathigh quality. Presence andproductivity of taxa within theOrders Plecoptera (stoneflies),.Ephemeroptera (mayflies); andpollution intolerant Coleoptera(beetles) and Trichoptera (caddis-flies) may be limited due to culturalactivities. Macrolnvertebratecommunities in waters impaired bycultural activities shall be restored

2O

to the extent practical throughimplementation of the department’sprocedures for control of pollutantdischarges to surface waters andthrough Best Management~Practices fornon-point sources of pollution.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Known or presumed to meet WaterQuality Criteria which supportdesignated uses.

Due to point or nonpoint sources ofpollution, certain Water QualityCriteria or one or mor~ designateduses assigned to Class B waters arenot currently met. The water qualitygoal is achievement of Class BCriteria and attainment of Class Bdesignated uses.

21

INLAND SURFACE, WATERSCLASS C

Present water quality conditions preclude the full attainmen~ of one ormore designated uses for Class B waters some or all of the time. One or moreWater Quality Criteria for Class B ~aters are not being consistentlyachieved. Class G waters may be suitable for certain fish and wildlifehabitat, certain recreational activities, industrial use and other legitimateuses, including navigation. Class C waters meyhave good aesthetic value.Class C water quality results from conditions which are usually correctablethrough implementation of established ~ater quality management programs tocontrol point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Examples of conditions whichwarrant a Class C designation include; combined sewer overflows, urbanrunoff, inadequate municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, andcommunity-wlde septic system failures. ~ne minimum acceptable class goal isClass B unless a DEP and EPA approved Use Attainability Analysis demonstratesthat one of more uses are not attainable. In those situations, site-speclficQuality Criteria will be employed in the analysis to insure that all existinguses are maintained. Refer to Standard Number 6.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Presently not meeting Water QualityCriteria or not supporting one ormore assigned designated uses due topollution. The goal for such watersmay be Class AA~ A or Class B.

INLAND SURFACE WATERSCL~SS D

Present water quality conditions persistently preclude the attainment ofone or more designated uses for Class B waters. One or more Water QualityCriteria for Class B waters are not being achieved most or all of the time.Class D waters may be suitable for bathing or other recreational purposes,certain fish and wildlife habitat, industrial or other legitimate uses,including navigation. Class D waters may have good aesthetic value. Class Dwater quality results from sources of pollution which are not readilycorrectable. Examples of conditions which warrant a Class D designation

include contamination of bottom sediments~ contamination of fish or shellfishwith toxic compounds, and pollution caused by out-of-state sources. The waterquality goal is restorati6n to Class B or Class A conditio~s.’The minimumacceptable class goal is Class B unless a DEP and EPA appr6~ed Use .Attainability Analysis demonstrates that one or more uses are not attainable.In those situations~ slte-speclfic Quality Criteria will be employed in theanalysis to insure that all existing uses are maintained. Refer.to Standard

Number 6.~IASSIFICATION~

Presently not meeting WaterD/B, ~ " Quality Criteria or not

supporting one or more assigneddesignated uses due to severepollution. The goal for suchwaters may be Glass A or Glass

23

LAKE TKOPHIC CLASSIFICATIONS

OLIGOTROPHIC

Hay be Class AA, Class A, or Glass B water. Low in plant nutrients. Lowbiological productivity characterized by the absence of nuisance macrophytebeds. Excellent opportunities for water contact recreation.

Parameters

I. Total Phosphorus2. Total Nitrogen3. Chlorophyll-a4. Secchi Disk Transparency

Standard

0-I0 ug/l spring and summer0-200 ug/l spring and summer0-2 ug/l mld-summer6 + meters mid-summer

MESOTROPHIC

Maybe Glass AA, Class A, or Class B water. Moderately enriched with plantnutrients. Moderate biological productivity charaoterized by occasionalnuisanoe blooms of algae and/or small areas of nuisance macrophyte beds. Goodopportunities for water contact recreation.

CRITERIA

Parameters

i. Total Phosphorus2. Total Nitrogen3. Chlorophyll-a4. Secchi Disk Transparency

Standard

i0-30 ug/l spring and summer200-600 ug/l spring and summer2-15 ug/l mid-summer2-6 meters mid-sum_met

May be Class AA, Class A, or Class B water. Highly enriched with plantnutrients. High biological productivity characterized by frequent nuisanceblooms of algae and/or extensive areas of dense macrophyte beds. Water contact

recreation opportunities may be limited.

CRITERIA

Parameters

I. Total Phosphorus2. Total Nitrogen3. Chlorophyll-a

4. Secchi Disk Transparency

Standard

30-50 ug/l spring and ~ummer600-I000 ug/l spring and summer15-30- ug/1 mid-summer1-2 meters mid-summer

24

~ICHLY EUTROPHIQ

May be Class AA, Class A, or Class B water. Excessive enrichment withplant nutrients. High blological productivity, characterized by severenuisance blooms of algae and/or extensive areas of dense macrophyte beds.Water contact-recreationmay be extremely limited.

CRITERIA

I. Total Phosphor~s2. Total Nitrogen3. Chlorophyll-a4, Secchl Disk Transparency

Standard

50 + ug/l spring and summerI000 + ug/l spring and summer30 + ug/l mid-summer0-i meters mid-summer

CLASSIFICATION OF LAKES

OLIGOTROPHIC LAKES

BashanBeachBillingsMashapaugRigaUncaSWest Hill

East Haddam "VoluntownNorth StoningtonUnionsalisburyLymeNew Hartford

MESOTROPHIC LAKES

AlexanderAnderson’s PondBallBedeckBigelowBlackBlackBurrCandiewood

CedarColumbiaCream HillCrystalDodgeEast TwinFitchvilleGardnerGlasgoGortonGreen Falls -~allsHatch PondHaywardHigganum ReservoirHighlandHitchcockKillingly PondLittle schoolhouseLongLower BoltonMamanascoMiddle BoltonMohawk Pond

Location

KillinglyNorth StoningtonNew FairfieldMiddlefieldUnionMeriden and MiddlefieldWoodstockTorringtonN. Fairfield, Sherman, Danbury,

N. Milford, BrookfieldChesterColumbiaCornwallEllington, StaffordEast LymesalisburyFitchvilleSalem, Bozrah, MontvilleGriswoldEast LymeVoluntownEastfordKentEast HaddamHaddamWinchesterWolcottKillinglyThompsonLedyard, North StoningtonBolton, VernonRidgefieldVernonGoshen

26

~ESOTROPHIC LAKES (CONTINUED1

MoodusMoreyMount TomNorwichMudgePachaugParkPatagansetPattaconk ReservoirPocotopaugpowersQuaddickQuonnipaug .RogersShenipsit "South SpectacleSquantZ

’ TauntonTerramuggUsTylerWangumbaugWaramaugWaur~gan ReservoirWest SideWinchesterWononscopomUCWright’ s PondWyassup

East HaddamAshfordLitchfield, Morris, Goshen

SharonGriswold ~WinchesterEast LymeChesterEast HamptonEast LymeThompsonGuilfordLyme, Old LymeVernon, Ellington, Tolland

KentNew Fairfield, ShermanNewtownMarlboroughGoshenCoventryWarren, Washington, KentKillinglyGoshenWinchesterSalisburyWestbrook, Essex, Deep RiverNorth Stonington

Amos

AspinookAveryBantamBatterson ParkCrystalDogEaglevilleMousatonicHowellKenosiaLeonardLillinonahLinsley

Location

PrestonLisbon and CanterburyPrestonLitchfield, MorrisFarmlngton, New BritainMiddletoWnGoshenMansfieldSheltonMartlandDanburyKentBridgewater, BrookfieldBranford, NorthBranford

27

EUTROPHIG LAKES (CONTINUED1

Long MeadowNoosupRainbow ReservoirRed CedarRoselandWononpakookZoar

BethlehemPlainfieldWindsorLebanonWpodstockSalisburyNewtoWn, Monroe, Oxford, Southbury

HIGHLY EUTROPHIC LAKES

Lake

BeachdaleCedarDooley’s1860 ReservoirHanover PondHolbrookHopevilleLake of IslesLantern HillMesserschmidt’sNorth FarmsPickerelSilverWest ThompsonWinnemaugWood Creek

VoluntownNorth BranfordMiddletownWethersfieldMeridenHebronGriswoldNorth StoningtonLedyard, North StoningtonWestbrook, Deep RiverWallingfordColchesterBerlin, MeridenThompsonWatertownNorfolk

COASTAL AND MARINE SURFACE WATERS

CLASS SA

Designated Use -.Marine fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat, shellfishharvesting for direct human consumption, recreation, and allother legitimate uses including navigation.

Parameters

i, Aesthetics

2. Dissolved oxygen

3. Sludge deposlts-solld refuse-floating solids-oils andgrease-scum

4. color


6. Silt or sand deposits

7. Turbidity

8. Indicator bacteria

9. Taste and odor

i0. pH

Standard

Uniformly excellent

Not less than 6.0 mg/l at any time.




None other than of natural origin except

as may result from normal agricultural,road maintenanee: construction activity,or dredge material disposal provided allreasonable controls and Best Management

Practices are used.

None other than of natural origin exceptas may result from normal agricultural,road maintenance, construction activity,or dredging provided all reasonablecontrols and Best Management Practicesare used.

Fecal coliform organisms shall not exceeda geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 ml norshall greater than 10% of samples exceed43 MPN/100 ml.

For established bathing watersenterococoal organisms shall not exceed ageometric mean of 33/100 ml and no singlesample shall exceed 61/100 ml. Refer tostandard number 23 and Appendix B.


6.8 - 8.5

29

Ii. Allowable temperature increase


None except where the increase will notexceed the recommended limit on the mostsensitive receiving water use and in noocase exceed 83 F or in any case raisethe normal temperature of the receivingwater more than 4°F. During the periodincluding July, August and September, the

al tem stature of the receiving waternorm Pshall, not be raised more than i.~unless it can b~ .shOwn that spawning andgrowth of indigenous organisms will notbe significantly affected.

None in concentrations or combinationswhich would be harmful to the mostsensitive designated water use. Kefer toStandards numbers I0, ii, 12, 13 and 17.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Know or presumed to meet Water QualityCriteria which support designated uses.

Presently not meeting Water QualityCriteria or one or more designated uses.The water quality goal is achievement ofClass SA Criteria and attainment of ClassSA designated uses.

30

COASTAL AND MARINE SURFACE WATERS

CLASS SB

Designated Uses - Marine fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat, shellfishharvesting for transfer to a deputation plant or relay(transplant) to approved areas for purification prior tohuman consumption, recreation, industrial and otherlegitimate uses including navigation.

CRITERIA ¯

i. Aesthetic

2. Dissolved oxygen

3. Sludge deposlts-solid refuse-

Good to excellent

Not less than 5.0 mg/l at any time.

None except for small amounts thatfloating solids-oils and may result fromthe discharge from a grease-scum-wastetreatment facility providing appropriatetreatment.

4. Color None resulting in obvious discolorationof the receiving water outside of anydesignated zone of influence.

5. Suspended and ssttleable solids None in concentrations or combinationswhich would impair the most sensitivedesignated use; none aestheticallyobjectionable; none which wouldsignificantly alter the physical orchemical composition of bottom sediments;none which would adversely impactorganisms living in or on the bottomsediments.

6. Sand or silt deposits None other than of natural origin exceptas may result from normal agricultural,road maintenance, construction activity,or dredging provided all reasonablecontrols and.Best Management Practicesare used.

7. Turbidity None other than of natural origin exceptfor small amounts that may result fromthe discharge from a waste treatmentfacility providing appropriatetreatment. All reasonable controls andBest Management Practices to be used.

31

8. ~ndlcator bacteria

9. Tasta and odor

I0. pH

ii. Allowable. temperature increase


As an indicator of general sanitaryquality, Fecal coliform shall not exceeda geometric mean of 200 organlsms/100mlnor shall 10% of the samples exceed 400organisms/100 ml.

For designated shellfish harvesting areasfecal coliform organisms shall not exceeda geometric mean of 88 MPN/100 ml norshall greater than 10% of samples exceed260 MPN/100 ml.

For established bathing waters,enterococcal organisms shall not exceed ageometric mean of 33/100 ml and no singlesample shall exceed 61/100 ml. Refer toStandard number 23 and Appendix B.

As naturally occurs. None that wouldimpair any usages specifically assignedto this Class.

6.8 - 8.5

None except where the increase will notexceed the recommended limit on the mostsensitive receiving water use and in nocase exceed 83°F or in any case raisethe normal temperature of the receivingwater more than4°F. During the periodincluding July, August and September, thenormal temperature of the receiving watershall not be raised more than 1.5 Funless it can be shown that spawning andgrowth of indigenous organisms will notbe/significantly affected.

None in concentrations or combinationswhich would be harmful to the mostsensitive designated water use. Refer toStandards numbers i0, Ii, 12, 13 add 17.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Known or presumed to meet Water QualityCriteria which support designated uses.

Due to point or nonpoint sources ofpollution, certain Water Quality Criteriaor one or more designated uses assignedto Class SB waters are not currently met.The water quality goal is achievement ofClass SB criteria and attainment of ClassSB designated uses.

COASTAL AND MARINE SURFACE WATEKS

CLASS SC

May be suitable for fish, shellfish, and wildlife habitat, certlinaquaculture operations, recreational uses, industrial and other legitimate usesincluding navigation. Present water quality conditions preclude the fullattainment of one of more designated uses some of all of the time. One of moreWater Quality Criteria are not being consistently achieved. Examples ofconditions which warrant a Class SC designation include conditions such ascombined sewer overflows, urban runoff, inadequate municipal or industrialwastewater t~eatment, or community-wide septic system failures which can becorrected through implementation of established water quality managementprograms. Where the water quality goal is Class SA or SB, a DEP and EPA approvedUse Attainability Analysis may be performed to demonstrate that one or more usesare not attainable. In those situations, sit~ specific Quality Criteria will. beemployed in the analysis to insure that all existing uses are maintained. Referto Standard Number 6.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Presently not meeting Water QualityCriteria or not supporting one or moreassigned designated uses due topollution. The goal for such waters maybe Class SB, or Class SA.

33

COASTAL WATERS

Present water quality conditions persistently preclude the attainmentof one or more designated uses for Class SB waters. One of more Water QualityCriteria for Class SB waters are not being achieved most or all or the time.Class SD waters may be suitable for bathing or other recreational purposes,certain fish and wildlife habitat, industrial or other legitimate uses, includingnavigation, may have good aesthetic value. Class SD water quality results fromsources of pollution which are not readily correctable through implementation ofestablished State water quality management programs to control point and nonpointsources of pollution. Examples of conditions which warrant a Class SD designation

include contamination of bottom sediments, contamination of fish or shellfishwith toxic compounds, and pollution caused by out-of-state sources. The waterquality goal is restoration to Class SB or Class SA conditions. Where the waterquality goal is Class. SA or SB, a DEP and EPA approved Use Attainablity Analysismay he performed to demonstrate that one or more uses are not attainable. Inthose situations, site specific Quality Criteria will be employedin the analysisto insure that all. existing uses are maintained. Refer to Standard Number 6.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Presently not meeting Water QualityCriteria or notisupporting one or moreassigned designated uses due to severepollution. The goal for such waters maybe Class SA of Class SB

~ROUN.D W~STANDARD~

feasible, to restore or maintainThe goal of the Commissioner is, wherever with its use .for drinking withoutall ground waters to a quality consistent waters shall betreatment. In keeping with this goal, all degraded groundrestored to the extent possible to a quality consistent with Class GAA orGA. However, attainment of Class GAA or GA quality may not be sought when:

A)The ground water is in a zone of influence of a permitted discharge in

a Class GAA or GA area.;

B)

The ground water goal is designated as Class GB; unless there is a

demonstrated need to restore ground waters to Glass GA or where it can

be demonstrated to the Commissioner that restoration to Class GAcannot be reasonably achieved;

G) The ground water goal is designated as Class

34.Ground waters with existing quality better than established standards forthat Class will be maintained at their existing high quality. Anyapplicant for a new discharge to such waters maybe required to demonstrateto the Commissioner that the discharge is justifiable due to overridingeconomic or social needs. The Commissioner may require a level oftreatment which will result in water quality exceeding Federal and Statepotable Water Supply Criteria. other special treatment requirements deemednecessary to prevent pollution and which will maintain existing uses madeof, or presently possible for such waters, may also be required.

55.Ground waters shall not be lowered in Class designation unleSS and until ithas been affirmatively demonstrated to the Gommlssioner such change isjustifiable due to overriding ~conomiC or social needs and will notinterfere with or become injurious to any existing use made of or presentlypossible in such waters or that of adjacent surface waters. Any applicantrequesting a change in a water quality classification will he required todemonstrate to the Commissioner the proposed new Glass designation is

consistent with all such uses.

36.Discharges to ground water shall be limited in conformance with the

following: ¯

(A)C~lass GAA Gr°und Water~: permits may be granted for discharges ofdomestic sewage as defined in Section 22a-430-I of the regulations ofstate agencies or wastes from acceptable agricultural practices orbackwash from public drinking water treatment systems o~ other minorcooling or clean water discharges.

(B) C__lass GA Ground~ permits may be granted for those discharges

septage disposal or disposal of otherpermitted in Glass GAA areas and These groun~ waters

wastes of predominantly human or animal origin.

(c)

may receive effluents containing substances of natural origin ormaterials which easily blodegrade in the soll system and pose nothreat to untreated drinking water supplies drawn from the groundwater outside any zone of influence.

Class GB Ground Waters;-permits may be granted for dischargespermitted in Class CAA and Class CA ground waters. Inaddltion,permits may be granted for treated industrial process watersamenable to further t~eatment by soils a~d for the siting of landdisposal facilities specifically designed such that resul~antdischarges shall not cause ground water degradation that couldpreclude its future use as a drinking water source or preventmaintenance or attainment of adjacent surface water designated uses.

Class GO Cround Waters: There is a present and continuing need toallow discharges to the ground which are currently best treated bymaking use of the restoration or attenuation eharacterlstios of thesoil and subsurface hydrogeologic conditions. The best places to meetthis need in Connecticut exist in limited areas of the State wherespecific geologic, ground and surface water conditions exist that maybe most favorable to the acceptance of such discharges. In many ClassGC areas, the historic waste disposal practices may have, for allpractical purposes, permanently rendered the ground water unsuitablefor drinking water without treatment, and/or the development of largeyield and high quality water supply from the aquifer conditions isunlikely. Permits may be granted for all discharges allowed in areasdesignated as Class GAA, Class CA, and Class GB. Class GC areas mayalso be suitable for other discharges with the following requirements:

(I) The discharge must operate under a 22a-430 discharge permit.

(2) The discharge must not prevent attainment or maintenance of anyadjacent surface water designated use.

(3) The ground water within the extent of the zone of influenceresulting from the discharge must be owned or controlled by thedischarger and must be adequately monitored.

(4) There must be no conflict between the discharge and the need for

public or private water supply~

37. Zones of influence created by a permitted discharge shall not affectexisting or potential designated uses. The Commissioner may require ofapplicants that information which will enable him to establish zones ofinfluence in permitting discharges to ground water.

(I) Zones of influence may be allowed and the determination ofboundaries of a zone shall be required when natural soilmaterials are used to treat a discharge or to allow the dilutionof substances by ground water to acceptable concentrations fordischarge to the surface waters in an effluent/ground water mixwhich will not prevent attainment or maintenance of adjacentsurface water designated uses.

36

38°

(2) The zone of influence for subsurface sewage disposa! systemswhich are permitted under the authority delegated to theCommissioner of Health Services by Section 22a-430, shall bedefined as the area required by the separating distancesestablished as minimum requirements in the Public Health Code.

(3) The zone of influence for ail other diseharge~ to the groundwater shall be the area in which the ground water could be inviolation of any pertinent federal and state drinking waterstandards or otherwise be polluted by the discharge.

(4) Property rights to ground water and permission to degrade groundwater are not automatically granted by assignment of a Class.The Commissioner may require applicants for Section 22a-430permits a demonstration they have acquired rights to any groundwater which may be d~graded by their discharge. The Commissionermay also require such applicants to record the effect and extentof any discharge, and duration of same following its cessation,on relevant land records.

Ground waters assigned to a specific Class are not protected by suchdesignation when the subsequent withdrawal of ground waters inducesinfiltration from an adjacent surface water or induces flow from anauthorized zone of influence or flow from an adjacent ground water area ofa different classification. For new ground water withdrawals, the impactsattributable to induced flow of lower Class ground waters would be aconsideration’ in issuance of permits through the state’s Water DiversionProgram (Section 22a-365 through 378 of the CGS).

39. Ground waters shall be free of chemical constituents in concentrations orcombinations which would be harmful to the assigned Glass.’

40. The discharge of radioactive materials" in concentrations or combinationswhich would be harmful to human, animal or aquatic life shall not beallowed. In no case shall the Alpha emitters in surface waters to whichground waters flow exceed a concentration of 1,000 picocuries per liter.

41. Reasonable controls or Best Management Practices may be defined by theCommissioner on a case-by-case basis or the Commissioner may require thatit be demonstrated by any person or municipality that all reasonablecontrols will be or are being used.

42. Potential drinking water supplies identified in the Long Range Plan forManagement of Water Resources prepared and adopted pursuant to Section22a-352 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall ~e designated as ClassGAA ground waters.

37

43. Sample containers, preservation, handling and analysis should conform toEPA methods promulgated in 40 CFR Part 136, .Guidelines Establishing TestProcedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act," asamended. Other different but equivalent methods may be utilized if theyhave received the Commissioner’s prior approval.

44. As part of ~he Commissioner’s continuing efforts to further define waterquality standards, other criteria will be considered. The Commissionerreserves the right to amend or extend the criteria for each Class of watersas new information, or improved or more stringent criteria relative towater quality impacts, are developed and Justified subject to the legal andprocedural requirements of state and federal laws or regulations.

45. Where existing water quality does not meet the designated use and qualitycriteria goal, the existing quality will be identified, followed by the use

¯ goal (e.g. GB/GA).

46. Ground waters which are not otherwise designated shall be considered as

Class CA.

38

V. GROUND WATER CLASSIFICATIONS

GROUND WATEKS

Designated Use -

CIASS GAA ~

Existing or potential publle drinking water supply.

Parameter

I. Dissolved oxygen

2. Oils and grease

3. Color and turbidity

4. Coliformbacterla




Not to exceed a m6nthly arithmeticmean of I or, more than 4 in anyindividual sample collected.

5. Taste and odor

6. pH


As naturally occurs or as may resultfrom normal agricultural, horti-cultural, lawn maintenance orconstruction activity provided allreasonable controls are used.

7. Chemical constituentsSubject to standards of Section19-13-BI02 of the Connecticut PublicHealth Code, advisories of theDepartment of Health Services andprimary and secondary standards ofthe Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Ground waters tributary to publicwater supply watersheds or within thearea of influence of conununity andnon-community water supply wells.Presumed suitable for direct humanconsumption without need fortreatment. The State’s goal is tomaintain drinking water quality.

39

Ground waters tributary to publicwater supply watersheds or within thearea of influence of oommunity and.non-communlty water supply wells.May not be suitable for direct humanconsumption without treatment due tocontamination from waste discharges,spills or leaks of chemicals or landuse impacts. The State’s goal is torestore the ground water to drinking

water quality:

GROUND WATERS

Designated Use:

CIASS GA

Existing private and potential public water supply.

CKITERIA

i. Dissolved oxygen

2. Oils and grease

3. Color and turbidity

4. Coliform bacteria

5, Taste and odor

6. pH

7. Chemical constitu?nts

Standard


None other then of natural origin.


Not to exceed a monthly arithmeticmean of I or more than 4 in anyindividual sample collected.


As naturally occurs 6r .as may resultfrom normal agrfcultural,horticultural, lawn maintenance orconstruction activity provided allreasonable controls are used.

Subject to standards of Section19-13-BI02 of the Connecticut PublicHealth Code, advisories of theDepartment of Health Services andprimary and secondary standards ofthe Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Ground waters within the area ofinfluence of private and potentialpublic wells. Presumed suitable fordirecthuman consumption without needfor treatment. The state’s goal isto maintain the drinking waterquality.

Ground waters which may not besuitable for direct human consumption

without treatment due to .wastedischarges, spills or leaks ofohemieals or land use impacts. TheState’s goal is to restore the groundwater to drinking water quality.

41

GROUND WATEKS

Designated Use:.

CLASS GB

Industrial process water and cooling waters; presumed notsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment.

Parameter Standard

No qualitative criteria can be specified as ground waters of this Classare known or may reasonably be presumed to be degraded due to a variety

of pollution sources.

CLASSIFICATIONS~.

GroUnd waters within highly urbanized

areas or areas of intense’industrialactivity and where public watersupply service is available. May notbe suitable for direct humanconsumption due to waste discharges,spills or leaks of chemicals or landuse impacts. The State’s goal is toprevent further degradation bypreventing any additional dischargeswhich would cause irreversiblecontamination.

42

GROUND WATERS

Designated Use;

CLASS GC

Assimilation of discharges permitted by the Commissionerpursuant to Section 22a-430 of the Connecticut GeneralStatutes. Refer to Standard number 35.

CRITERIA

No qualitative criteria are specifically determined untilsuch timepermit applications are prepared. The most sensitive governingconsiderations for use of ground waters in this Class is the impact of

any permitted wastewater flows on adjacent surface waters.

CLASSIFICATIONS

areas not presently used for wastedisposal and where existing waterquality is presumed to b~ suitablefor direct human consumption. TheDepartment’s immediate goal is tomaintain existing water quality. Thepotential use of the groundwaters for~urposes other than drinking water,based on a preliminary evaluation ofhydrogeologic conditions, is indi-cated by the Class GC designation. Amunicipality or person may submitpermit applications for certainwastewater discharges and a requestto change to Class GC. Issuance ofthe discharge permit and the con-current change to a GC classificationmay be made upon the Commissioner’sfindings that the discharge will notcause pollution of the waters of thestate. Applications must include anassessment of discharge impacts onsurface waters, acceptable hydro-geologic studies and compliance withother applicable requirements setforth in the Standards.

Areas which have been used for wastedisposal or where contaminants havebeen introduced into the groundwater. Water quality is known or~presumed unsuitable for direct humanconsumption. The Department’simmediate goal is preventirreversible contamination of theground waters. The potential use ofthese ground waters for purposesother than drinking water isindicated by the Class GCdesignation. A municipality orperson may submit permit applicationsfor certain wastewater discharges anda request to change to Class GC,Issuance of the discharge permit andthe concurrent change to a GCclassification may be made upon theCommissioner’s findings that thedischarge will not cause pollution ofthe waters of the state. Applicationsmust include an assessment ofdischarge impacts on surface waters,acceptable hydrogeologic studies andcompliance with other applicablerequirements set forth in theStandards.

Areas where the C~mmissioner hasissued a permit for a ground waterdischarge consistent with thesecriteria and Section 22a-430 of theConnecticut. General Statutes. Use ofthe soil and ground waters fortreatment and assimilation of certainwastewaters has b~en sanctioned bythe department through p~rmit. Theowner and operator of the wastetreatment and. disposal facility hasperformed ali necessary hydrogeologicstudies, secured rights to allaffected ground waters, and hascomplied with all other requirementsof Connecticut’s Water QualityStandards. Ground waters notsuitable for development of drinkingwater supplies.

44

APPENDIX A

cONNECTICUT ANTI-DEGKADATION IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

I, PU~POSE

~he purpose of this document is to establish implementation procedures tocarry out Connecticut’s anti-degradatlon policy as required by the FederalClean Water Act (40 CFK 131.12) and stated in Connecticut Water QualityStandards 2 through 5. The antl-degradation policy requires the maintenanceand protection of water quality in high quality waters.

II APPLICABILITY. The procedures outlined in this policy would apply to anyproposed new or increased discharge to the surface waters of the state or anyactivity requiring a permit pursuant to Chapters 440, 446i-k, and 368 of theConnecticut Genera! Statutes or requiring Water Quality Certification pursuant

to Section 40! of the Clean Water Act.

III. SURFACE WATER RESOURCES TO BE MAINTAINED AT EXISTING HIGH 0UALITY. Nopermit or certification maybe issued for any discharge or activity ~,, the

following waters:

i) Outstanding Nationll Resource Waters

Where high quality waters constitute an outstanding National resourcesuch as waters of National and State parks, wildlife refuges, andwaters .of exceptional recreational or ecological significance, thatwater quality shall be maintained and protected. The lowering ofwater quality is prohibited in Outstanding National Resource Watersexcept where limited activitieswill result in only temporary or shortterm insignificant changes in water quality.-

45

2) Class A or AA waters

unless:

(a)(2)

(b)

a temporary discharge is necessary to remedlate an existingsurface or groundwater pollution problem or

the discharge consists of clean water, treated backwash watersfrom public or private drinking water treatment systems ordredging and dredged material dewatering operations and does not

result in violation of Class A or AA standards;

for nonpolnt source discharges, appropriate Best ManagementPractices as determined by the Commissioner are employed; and

din all cases the Commissioner finds that existing or designateuses will be protected fully. Existing uses are defined in 40 CFK151.12 .those which have occurred on o£ after November 28, 1975.

5) High quality Class B or SB water resources are those with existingquality better than established standards for that class and which meet alldesignated use goals. These waters will be maintained at their existing high

quality,

unless

(a)

(b)

the Commissioner finds, after adequate opportunity forintergovernmental and public participation, that allowing lowerwater quality is necessary to accommodate overriding Stateeconomic or social development in ~ccordance with paragraph IV.2

¯ of this document or

the Commissioner finds that the resulting change in water qualityis not significant in.accordance with paragraph IV.I of thisdocument;

and, in all cases,(c) the Commissioner finds that existing and designated uses will be

protected fully.

46

IV ANT - EGRADA I0 EVALU TION ROCEDURES FO C SS AND S WAT R RESOURCE

I) Determination of siKnificant lowerln£ of water quality - The

Commissioner will make a determination of whether apropose,] discharge or

activity will result in a significant change inwaterquality by utilizing all

available data and the best professi6nal Judgement ofDepartment Staff.

Factors to be considered in making this determinationinclude, but are not

limited to:

percent change in a water quality parameter;

(b) quality and value of the res6urce;

(c) cumulative impact of discharges and/or activities on water

qualSty;

impact on aquatic biota and habitat;

(e) eutrophic impacts;

(f) impact on existing, ~esignated, and potential uses; and

(g) percent of remaining assimilative capacity for the waterresource.

2) Determinatio~ that allowing lower water quality is necessary toaccommodate overridin£ economic and social developmenh - If it is det,’rminedthat a proposed discharge or activity will result in ~ significant lowering ofwater quality in a-high quality Class B or SB water resource, no permit orcertification will be issued unless the Commissioner finds that allowing lowerwater quality is ~ to accommodate overridin£ economic and social~which the Commissioner has determined is clearly in the publicinterest, and that existing uses will be protected fully.

(a) The proposed lowering of water quality will be found to be ~only if the applicant demonstrat?s to the satisfaotion of theCommissioner that:

- alternatives are not technologically feasible, or

- applicable pollution control alternatives are prohibitivelyexpensive.

Alternatives studied should include but are notnecessarily limited

- alternative discharge locations- rsducUlon in scale of the project.- pollution prevention measures- water recycle or reuse- process changes and/or innovative technology- improved operation and maintenance of existing facilities

The burden of proof is on the applicant to show the overridingeconomic or social benefits to the State which will result from theproposed activity, including any mitigation. The applicant shall alsodiscuss the loss or reduction of natural resource benefits associatedwith lower water quality. These benefits include but are not limitedto active and passive recreation, aquatic life, aquatic habitatincluding riparian vegetation and intrinsic values such as aestheticappreciation of the water resource,

3) As required by WQS (4), the Commissioner shall require the higheststatutory and regulatory requirements for all new and existing point sources.All cost-effective and reasonable Best Management Practices for nonpoint sourcedischarges must be utilized.

4) The Commissioner may periodically review available treatment technologyand reconsider any prior decisions in accordance with Section 22a-431 of theGeneral Statutes.

5) Public Participation - Antl-degradation issues will be evaluated inconjunction with permit or certification issuance described in Section IIabove. For activities where anti-degradation applies, the Public Notice forthe proposed activity will contain the Commissioner’s finding regardingcompliance with the anti-degradatlon policy.

6) The Commissioner may take into consideration all other mitigatingfactors not included within these procedures in making a decision.

48

APPENDIx B

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF CRITERIA FOR INDICATOR BACTERIA

The indicator bacteria criteria established in Connecticut Water QualityStandards identify the minimum requirements for sanitary quality necessary tosupport the uses designated for each Class of waters. Three uses in particularare sensitive to bacterial contamination; ~rink~n£ wate~ SUDDIv, ~harvestin£, and contact recreation (bathln£).Three groups of indicator

bacteria, ~, fecal coliform, and ~, ar~ used inConnecticut Water Quality Standards to establish the sanitary quality of watersrelative to the support of these designate~ uses. The results ofbacteriological analysis of a water sample also depends to a degree on themethodology used to determine bacterial densities. In practice, both theindicator organism and th~ method of measurement must be known to make validassessments of sanitary quality.

Water Quality Classifications for individual waterbodies are reviewedapproximately every, three years at which .time all available water qualitymonitoring data is considered. Public input is also solicited and considered indetermining the appropriate Classification to identify current quality andfuture quality goals. Nevertheless, the Water Quality Classification may not bean accurate representation of the current water quality conditions at anyparticular site. For this reason, the Water Quality Classification should notbe considered as a certification of quality by the State or an approval toengage in certain activities such as swimming or shellfish harvesting.

Total coliform bacteria have traditionally been widelyused as surrogates

for pathogenic organisms normally.associated with sewage to indicate thepossible contamination of surface and ground waters including evaluation of thesanitary quality of drinkinK water . However, total coliform bacteria alsooriginate in the intestines of other warm blooded animals, as well as sourceswhich have little sanitary significance such as plants and soils (see alsoStandard 22). The Public Health Code, adopted pursuant to Section 19-13 of theConnecticut General Statutes, establishes sanitary criteria for untreateddrinking water supplies based on total coliform densities determined using the

Membrane Filter method described in the most recent edition of StandardMethods. The Connecticut Department of Health Services is designated as thelead agency with the authority to regulate the sanitary quality of publicdrinking water supplies and certify laboratories for analysis of the sanitaryquality of surface and ground waters.

Fecal coliform bacteria comprise a portion of the total coliform group andmay be more specific to bacteria of sanitary significance. Fecal coliformdensity as determined using the Multiple Tube Fermentation method has beendesignated as the preferred means of assessing the sanitary quality of marinewaters with respect to shellfish harvesting. Public Act 89-321 assigns to theDepartment of Agriculture, Aquaculture Division (DA/AD) the responsibility forregulating the harvesting of shellfish in Connecticut waters. Consistent with

49

this authority, the DA/AD has begun the process of classifying shellfishgrowing areas with respect to authorized use and sanitary quality in accordancewith Federal regulatlons. The DA/AD has established shellfish growing areaclasslfications (following table) based in part on monitoring of fecal coliformdensities consistent with ~nterstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC)National Shellfish Sanitation Program ~anual of Operations. Parts I and II.

Additional information on the shellfish growing area classifications.usedby DA/AD for regulation of shellfish harvesting is provided in the tables whichfollow. Due to differences in the procedures used to classify waters, someinconsistencies may exist between the Gonnectlcut Water Quality Classificationadopted by DEP and the DA/AD Classification of shellfish growing areas~ Forexample, the DA/AD may classify an area as PROHIBITED due to a lack of.sufficient monitoring data to satisfy federal/ISSC mandates when, in fact,actual water quality would not result in contamination of the shellfishresource. In this instance, the’shellfish classification does not accuratelyreflect true water quality conditions but rather indicates a shortfall in Stateand local resources to conduct monitoring. Situations may also arise in which~oni~orlng to verify sanitary quality conducted by DA/AD and local authoritiesmay uncover an area of previously unknown contamination. Here the DEP WaterQuality Classification must be revised to reflect actual quality and correctiveactions implemented to restore the use of the area for shellflshlng. Eachtriennial revision of the Water Quality Classifications for marine waters willreduce the number of both types of inconsistencies as more direct and intensivemonitoring data for Long Island Sound waters is available.

Enterococci have been adopted by the DEP and the Department of HealthServices (DHS) as the preferred indicator for evaluation of the sanitaryquality of established bathing waters. Enterococci are a subgroup of the fecalstreptococci group and are more fecal specific than other commonly usedindicators such as total coliform or fecal coliform bacteria. However, theyalso can he found in domestic animals and birds as well as humans. The !ocalDirector of Health is r~sponslble for determining the sanitary quality ofbathingwaters and closure of waters found not to meet minimum criteria.Enterococci densities are determined using the Membrane filter method using mEagar as described in Test Methods for- Escherichla coli and Enterococcl in Waterbv the Membrane Filter Procedure (USEPA 600/4-85/076). Procedures formonitoring and closure of bathing areas by Local Health Authorities arespecified in Guidelines for Monitoring Bathin£ Waters and Closure Protocol,adopted Jointly by DEP and DHS in May 1989.

Prior to this revision, the Water Quality Standards included a fecalcoliform criteria for evaluation of the sanitary quality of fresh waters asrelated to use for contact recreation. This criteria is now being replaced witha criteria for established bathing areas which utilizes Enterococci asindicator organism. The old fecal coliform criteria, however, is being retainedas a guideline for evaluation of the general sanitary quality of watersrelative to maintaining all designated uses for Class B waters:

5O

Fecal coliform shall nor exceed a geomerrlc mean indicator density of200/lOOml in any group of samples nor shall greater than 10% of samples

exceed 400/lOOml.

A fecal coliform guideline is desirable for several reasons. First, fecalcoliform is a more general, broad based indicator of sanitary quality thanEnterococci and may be more useful in identifying and locating sources ofsewage contamination in certain situations. Also, there exists a large body ofhistorical monitoring data for fecal coliform densities .in surface waters whichcan be useful in monitoring trends in surface water quality. Facilities whichtreat sanitary waste use fecal coliform density, a~ a measure of disinfectionefficiency. Currently the NPDES discharge permits for all sewage treatmentplants in Connecticut include limits on fe~al coliform density in the effluentas a means of ensuring that adequate disinfection has taken place prior ~odischarge. Finally, due to the more widespread past use of the fecal coliformanalysis in comparison to the Enterococcal test, the Fecal coliform guidelineprovides a useful monitoring device during the transition perio~ to greaterreliance on the Enteroeoccial test for sanitary quality.

51

BACTERIAL INDICATORS OF SANITARY QUALITY FOR DESIGNATED USESESTABLISHED IN CONNECTICUT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

DESIGNATED USE

Drinking Water SupplySuitable for drinking

.following disinfectionand chemical treatment

Contact RecreationEstablished’bathing waters

Shellfish GrowingAreas for DirectConsumption (DA/ADClassified’asAPPROVED)

Shellfish GrowingAreas for IndirectConsumption followingtransfer to a DepurationPlant or DA/AD approvedArea for purification.(DA/AD Classified asRESTRICTED-DEPURATION)

Shellfish GrowingAreas for IndirectConsumption followingtransfer to an DA/ADApproved area forpurification. (DA/ADClassified as RESTRICTED-RELAY)

CLASSES

ABSA SB

SA

SBSB/SA

SBSB/SA

Shellfish Growing SC/SAAreas for certain SC/SBaquaculture operations SD/SAonly. (DA/AD Classified SD/SBas PROHIBITED)

INDICATOR

TotalColiform,(HF)

Enterococci(MF)

FecalColiform

(MPN)

FecalColiform

(MPN)

Feca~Coliform

(MPN)

FecalColiform

(MPN)

INDICATOR BACTERIA CRITERIA

Shall not exceed a monthlymoving average of i00/i00 mlfor the most recent 12months. No individualsample shall exceed 500/100ml.

Shall not exceed a geometricmean indicator density of33/100 ml. No single sampleshall exceed 61/100 ml.

Shall not exceed a geometricmean of 14 MPN/100 mlNo more than 10% ofsamples shall exceed 43MPN/100 ml.

Shall not exceed a geometricmean of 88 MPN/100 ml.No more than 10% of samplesshall exceed 260 MPN/100 ml.

Criteria established on asite-specific basis by DA/ADfollowing a sanitary survey.

Does not meet SB criteria.Sanitary survey indicatesthat transfer of shellfishto DA/AD Approved Area willnot be an effective means "of protecting human healthfrom possible adverseeffects.

SHELlfISH GROWING AREA GLASSIFIGATIONSESTABLISHED BY

THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE / AQUACULTUEE DIVISION

Approved by the DA/~I for growing or ha~¢estlng she!lfish fordirect marketing as licensed by DA/AD and recreationalshellf~shing. Classification is determined through a sanitarysurvey conducted by DA/AD with local assistance. May betemporarily closed during a publ~e health emergency is declaredresulting from, for example, a hurricane or flooding.

Depuration

Use is restricted to harvesting of shellfish by DA/AD licensedoperators for transfer to a Deputation Plant or to an ApprovedArea for purification. These shellfish may not be directlymarketed or consumed prior to the purification process. Theseareas require sanitary surveys and must meet specifiedbacteriological standards.

Restricted- Use is restricted to harvesting of shellfish by DA/AD licensedoperators. Shellfish must be transferred to an Approved Area fornatural purification prior to marketing, and consumption. Transferto a deputation plant is not allowed. A sanitary survey isrequired.

Prohibited Harvesting of shellfish is prohibited except for certainaquaculture operations licensed by DA/AD such as harvesting ofseed oysters for transplant to clean growing areas. Thisclassification results from the presence of conditions that couldpose a health hazard such as severe pollution or marine biotoxins.The DA/AD may also prohibit shellfishing in areas whereinsufficient sanitary survey and water quality information exist ,to establish an appropriate classification.

Conditional Use

The DA/AD may classify certain shellfishing areas as Conditionally Approvedor Conditionally Restricted if it is determined by the DA/AD that the area willmeet the criteria established for an Approved or Restricted classification for apredictable period. A conditional classification may be based on seasonal,meteorological or wastewater treatment plant performance characteristics whichcan be related in a predictable way to the sanitary quality of the shellfishgrowing area. If the conditions established by DA/AD are met, the area can beused for shellfish harvesting (either Approved or Restricted as Classified); ifthe conditions are not met, shellfish harvesting in the area would be prohibiteduntil conditions improve. Water Quality Classifications for marine’waters whichare conditionally classified by DA/AD are determined on a case-by-case basis byDEP taking into consideration the cause and frequencyof any restrictions on use.

* A sanitary survey, as referenced here, consists of a shoreline survey toidentify and assess potential’pollutlon sources, meteorological effects,water quality examination and assessment using prescribed standards, andcorrective action where necessary. Sanitary surveys are required for allshellfish growing area classifications with the exception of PROHIBITED.

53

APPENDIX C

DEFINITIONS

ACUTE TOXICITY

AMBIENT

ANTI-DEGRADATION-

ARITHMETIC MEAN

BENTHIC

BENTHICMACROINVERTEBRATES

BEST MANAGEMENT -PRACTICES

BIOACCUMULATE

BIOCONCENTRATE

Adverse effect Such as mortality or debilitation caused by abrief exposure to a relatively hlgh.concentratlon of a toxicsuhstahce.

Normally occurring conditions in a waterbody.

A statement of practice required by federal law whichprohibits a state from lowering surface water qualityclassifications or standards in order to accommodate new orincreased wastewater discharges or land use practices whichimpact a particular water course. The state must attain,and maintain the most sensitive existing and potentia! usefor a respective waterbody.

The average, calculated by dividing the sum of all values bythe number of values robe averaged.

Refers to organisms or material associated with the bottomof watercourses.

Animals large enough to be seen by the unaided eye andcan be retained by a U. S. standard No. 30 sieve (28 meshesper inch, 0.595 mm openings). They must live at least partof their life cycle within or upon submerged substrates in abody of water. These animals usually consist of the aquaticlife stages of various insects and arthropods, molluscs,leeches and worms. The benthic community is widely used forthe environmental assessment of flowing waters. Thestructure of this community is a function of environmenta!conditions during the life span of the organisms.Consequently, community structur~ can be altered by theeffects of pollution, including intermittent events whichcould be easily missed by conventional chemical/physlcalindicators. The well-belng of the benthic community isfrequently reflected in the well-being of higher forms ofaquatic life, such as fish.

Those practices which reduce pollution of thewaters of the state and which have been determined by theCommissioner to be acceptable based on, but not limited to,technical, economic and institutional feasibility.

The uptake and retention of substances by an organism fromits surrounding medium and/or from food.

The uptake and retention of substances by an organism fromits surrounding medium to levels which exceed theconcentration of that substance in the medium.~

54

CHRONIC TOXICITY- Adverse effect, such as reduced reproductive success orgrowth, poor survival of sensitive life stages which occursas a result of exposure to relatively low concentrations of

’a toxic substance.

CLASSIFICATIONS Designation of the proposed uses of surface and groundwaters with alphabetic character. Where classificationsappear in two sections separated by a diagonal line, thefirst classification indicates existing use or generalquality and the second classification indicates the wateruse

CLEAN WATER Water, which in the judgement of the Commissioner, is of aquality substantially similar to that occurring naturally inthe receiving stream under consideration; e.g. Clean watermay include minor coolingwaters, residential swimming poolwater, and stormwater. Best Management Practices or othertreatment maybe required.

COASTAL ANDMARINE WATERS

- Those waters generally subject to the rise and fall ofthe tide and as derided by Section22a-93 of the ConnecticutGeneral Statutes as amended.

COMMISSIONER

CRITERIA

DEPARTMENT

DEPURATION

DESIGNATED USE

- Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

Elements of Connecticut’s Water Quality Standards, expressedin parameters and their constituent concentrations, levels,or by narrative statements, representing a quality of waterthat supports a particular designated use.

-The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Controlled shellfish purification process where a controlledenvironment is used to reduce the level of bacteria andviruses in shellfish. The process usually includes a fixedstruhture having a specified water circulation anddisinfection system, together with designed tanks and racks.

Those uses specified in Connecticut’s Water QualityStandards for each surfacewatercourse or ground water area,whether or not they are being attained.

DISCHARGE Defined in Sec. 22a-423 as " .... the emission of any water,substance or material into the waters of the state, whetheror not such substance causes pollution."

DISCHARGETOXICITYEVALUATION

A structured scientific analysis of the toxic strengthand discharge rate of a treated wastewater effluentrelative to available dilution in the receiving water.Prepared as described in the Department’s guidance document,Guidelines for Preparation of Dischar£e ToxicityEvaluations. An.analysis typically contains data and

55

DOMESTICSEWAGE

DREDGING

EFFLUENT

EUTROPHICATION

EXISTING USES

FUNCTIONALFEEDING GROUP

GEOMETRIC MEAN

GROUND WATERS

HIGH QUALITYWATERS

INDIGENOUS

INVERTEBRATES

LENTIC

LOTIC

MOST SENSITIVEUSE

supporting information on receiving waterbodycharacteristics and recommendations regarding possibleapproaches to reduce effluent toxicity and in-stream toxicimpacts resulting f~om the discharge.

Waste water which, consists of water and human excretions orother waterbourne wastes incidental to the occupancy of aresidential building or a non-resldential building but notincluding manufacturing process water, cooling water,wastewater from water softenin~ equipment, commerciallaundry wastewater, blowdown from heating or coolingequipment, water from cellar or floor drains or surfacewater from roofs, paved surfaces, or yard drains.

The excavation, removal or dispersal of sediments.

- Treated waste process wahers or cooling waters dischargedfrom a waste treatment or manufacturing facility.

The process of enrichment of sqrfaee waters with plantnutrients which may cause nuisance algae blooms andexcessive growth of aquatic weeds.

Those uses actually attained in the water body on or afterNovember 28, 1975, whether or not they are included in theWater Quality Standards.

General category of benthic macroinvertebrates based onfeeding mechanisms.

Also referred to as the log mean, it is a measure of centraltendency calculated by taking the anti-log of the mean ofthe logarithms of the values to be averaged.

Waters flowing through earth materials, beneath the groundsurface.

Waters of a quality which exceed established standardsfor the respective Class. May sustain a sensitive use whichis designated for a higher Class. Refer to Standard number2.

- Animal or plant life which are naturally occurringinhabitants of a certain geographic region.

- Animals lacking a backbone.

- Standing water environments, such as lakes and ponds.

- Refers to flowing water habitats, as in streams or rivers.

- The water use (drinking, swimming, boating, fish andaquatic life propagation, irrigation etc.) which is mostsusceptible to degradation by a speoifio pollutant. (e.g.

56

MOVING AVERAGE

MSD

NATURAL ORIGIN

NON-POINTSOURCE

POINT SOURCES

RECREATIONALUSE

SEDIMENTS

SEWAGE

STRF_~FLOWREGULATION

TAXON(pl. Taxa)

Bacterial contamination can preclude swimming but not fishproduction; copper concentrations as low’as 20 parts perbillion (ppb) may adversely affect sensitive specias of fishand aquatic life while drinking water quality is notaffected until copper concentrations approach the secondary

.drinking water Maximum Concentration Level (MCL) of !,000parts per billion).

Mean of Consecutive values in a time series of a specifiedduration. For example, a 12 month moving average iscalculated by a~eraging the monthly values for a parameterfor the most recent 12 consecutive months. It is called amoving average since as time progresses and more new valuesare available, old values are dropped resulting in anaverage which is always based on 12 consecutive monthlyvalues.

- Marine Sanitation Device. Devices installed or used onwatercraft for.the collection, treatment, and disposal ofhuman wastes.

The natural ambient background level that has been measured.

- Wastewaters, leachateor runoff which originate fromdiffuse~sources or widespread areas.. For example; soilerosion from construction sites.

Treated or untreated wastewater discharges frommanufacturing or sewage treatment works which are conveyedto their discharge point within discrete, readilyidentifiable pipes or conduits or are emitted through someother similar single point. For example, an outfall pipefrom a sewage treatment plant,

Water use which involves active or passive leisureactivities such as fishing, swimminG, boating, and aestheticappreciation.

- Any natural or artificial materials which constitute all orpart of the banks, bed or bottom of an intermittent orperennial watercourse.

- Defined in Sec. 22a-423 as, "human and animal excretions andall domestic and such manufacturing wastes as may tend to bedetrimental to the public health".

Control of the rate of stream discharge by means of damswithdrawals, or diversion of water which might otherwise

impede the flow of water in a watercourse.

Refers to a bio!ogical.classification category, usuallythe finest division attainable in current taxonomy. Mostbenthic organisms are identified to genus or species.

TECHNOLOGYBASED TREATMENT

TIDAL WETLANDSAND CREEKS

TOXICSUBSTANCE

TRANSPLANTATION

TROPHICCONDITIONS

USEATTAINABILITY.ANALYSIS

WATERS OF THESTATE

WATER QUALITY

WATER QUALITYBASED TREATMENT

WATER QUALITYLIMITED SEGMENT

Waste treatment defined under the provisions of Sections301(b) and 304(b) of the Federal Water pollution Control(Clean Water) Act. The level and type of treatment requiredis based on the manufacturing process used and type of wastegenerated.

Defined in Sectlbn 22a-29 of the Connecticut GeneralStatutes as those areas which border on or lie beneath tidalwaters.

Any substance which can adversely affect the survival,growth or reproduction of fish, other forms of aquatic lifeor humans exposed to the substance either by direct contactor through consumption of aquatic organisms.

Harvesting shellfish from designated closed areas,transporting and placing the shellfish onto other designatedareas for propagation, growth, purification or transfer toan approved deputation plant.

- The state of enr.lchment of a waterbody with plantnutrients.

A structured scientific assessment of the factorsaffecting the attainment of a watercourse designateduse which may include physical, chemical, biological andeconomic factors. The analysis process is defined in: theRevised Water Quality Standards Regulations published in theFederal Register (48 FR 5 1400, November.8, 1983).Additional guidance regarding preparation of UseAttainability Analyses is contained in Chapter 3 of theWater Quality Standards Handbook (EPA - 1983) and TechnicalSupport Manual: Water Body Surveys and Assessments forConducting Use Attainability Analyses (EPA Office of Water,November 1983).

Defined in Sec. 22a-423 as, "...all tidal waters,harbors, estuaries, rivers, brooks, watercourses, waterways.wellg, springs, lakes, ponds, marshes, drainage systems, andall other surface or underground streams, bodies oraccumulations of water, natural or artificial, public orprivate, which are contained within, flow through or borderupon this state or any portion thereof".

- A statement of the physical, chemical and biologicalcharacteristics of surface or ground waters.

- Additional waste treatment defined under the provisionsof Section 302 of the Clean Water Act when technology basedtreatment is not sufficient to protect water quality.

- Any segment of a watercourse where it is known thatwatsr quality does not meet applicable standards and/or isnot expected to meet applicable water quality standards even

58

WATER QUALITYSTANDARDS

ZONE OF . -INFLUENCE

ZONE OF PASSAGE -

7QIO -

after the application of technology based effluentlimitations.

¯ Provisions of state and federal law which consist ofdesignated use or uses for the state’s waters and water

quality criteria which will support those uses.

Spatial area or volume of receiving water flow withinwhich some degradation of water quality or Use impairment isanticipated to occur as a result of a pollutant discharge.May be used to describe an area impacted by thermal,conventional, or toxic pollutants.

Spatial area or volume of flowwlthin which theconcentration of toxic chemicals and/or temperatureelevations are below levels which would impede or prohibitthe passage of free swimming and drifting aquatic organisms.

(Seven-day, Ten-year low fiow)- lowest 7 consecutive daymean stream discharge with a recurrence interval of ten (I0)years~

63

’.L

o.o.o o

o

Water Qualitg~ Standards - Connecticut

Documents

Transcript of Water Qualitg~ Standards - Connecticut