250-RICR-150-05-1
250-RICR-150-05-1. Water Quality Regulations (version Amendment, 12/17/2009 to 07/15/2010)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Office of Water Resources
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
July 2006
Amended December 2009
AUTHORITY: These regulations are adopted in accordance with Chapter 42-35 pursuant to
Chapters 46-12 and 42-17.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended, and Public
Laws Chapters 09-198 and 09-199.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Office of Water Resources
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1.
PURPOSE............................................................................................................ 1
RULE 2.
LEGAL AUTHORITY........................................................................................ 1
RULE 3.
SUPERSEDED RULES ...................................................................................... 1
RULE 4.
LIBERAL APPLICATION ................................................................................. 1
RULE 5.
SEVERABILITY................................................................................................. 1
RULE 6.
APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS .................................................. 2
RULE 7.
DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................... 2
RULE 8.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS............................................... 10
RULE 9.
EFFECT OF ACTIVITIES ON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS .............. 23
RULE 10.
PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS, TREATMENT AND PRETREATMENT........... 24
RULE 11.
PROHIBITED DISCHARGES.......................................................................... 25
RULE 12.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONSISTENCY.............................................................. 25
RULE 13.
APPROVALS.................................................................................................... 26
RULE 14.
APPLICATION FOR APPROVALS ................................................................ 27
RULE 15.
PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR ORDERS OF
APPROVAL AND WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS.......................... 28
RULE 16.
EFFECT OF APPROVAL ................................................................................ 30
RULE 17.
MODIFICATION, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OFAPPROVAL........ 31
RULE 18.
ANTIDEGRADATION OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS.................... 31
RULE 19.
MODIFICATION OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS ............................. 32
RULE 20.
VARIANCES .................................................................................................... 35
July 2006, amended May 2009
i
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Office of Water Resources
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 21.
APPEALS ......................................................................................................... 36
RULE 22.
SAMPLING ...................................................................................................... 37
RULE 23.
EFFECTIVE DATE ............................................................................................ 38
TABLE OF TABLES
TABLE 1.
CLASS-SPECIFIC CRITERIA - FRESHWATERS ........................................ 16
TABLE 2.
CLASS-SPECIFIC CRITERIA - SEAWATERS ............................................. 18
TABLE 3
SALTWATER DISSOLVED OXYGEN CRITERIA......................................... 19
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A.
WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS ................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B.
RIDEM AMBIENT WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR TOXIC
POLLUTANTS............................................................................................... B-1
APPENDIX C.
ANTIDEGRADATION IMPLEMENTATION POLICY.............................. C-1
APPENDIX D.
SPECIAL RESOURCE PROTECTION WATERS (SPRW)......................... D-1
APPENDIX E
RHODE ISLAND SITE SPECIFIC AQUATIC LIFE WATER QUALITY
CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT POLICY ........................................................... E-1
July 2006, amended May 2009
ii
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Office of Water Resources
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
Rule 1. PURPOSE
It is the purpose of these regulations to establish water quality standards for the state's surface waters.
These standards are intended to restore, preserve and enhance the physical, chemical and biological
integrity of the waters of the State, to maintain existing water uses and to serve the purposes of the Clean
Water Act and Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 46-12. These standards provide for the protection of
the surface waters from pollutants so that the waters shall, where attainable, be fishable and swimmable,
be available for all designated uses, taking into consideration their use and value for public water
supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreational purposes, and also taking into consideration their
use and value for navigation, and thus assure protection of the public health, safety, welfare, a healthy
economy and the environment.
Rule 2. LEGAL AUTHORITY
The authority for these regulations is vested in the Director by Chapter 46-12, Water Pollution, Chapter
42-17.1, Environmental Management and Chapter 42-17.6, Administrative Penalties For Environmental
Violations of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended. These rules and regulations are further
promulgated pursuant to the requirements and provisions of all chapters of the General Laws of Rhode
Island relating to the duties and responsibilities of the Director for the waters of the state, and in
accordance with the requirements of Chapter 42-35, Administrative Procedures Act, and and Public
Laws Chapters 09-198 and 09-199.
Rule 3. - SUPERSEDED RULES
Upon adoption, these rules and regulations will supersede "Water Quality Regulations for Water Pollution
Control" dated August 6, 1997 and re-filed with the Secretary of State on December 31, 2001.
Rule 4. - LIBERAL APPLICATION
The terms and provisions of these rules and regulations shall be liberally construed to allow the
Department to effectuate the purposes of state law.
Rule 5. - SEVERABILITY
If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the rules and regulations shall not be
affected thereby. The invalidity of any rule or rules or parts of any rule or rules shall not affect the
validity of the remainder of these rules and regulations.
July 2006, amended May 2009
1
Rule 6. - APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS
A. Nothing in these rules and regulations shall be deemed to interfere with the Director's
power and duty to issue an immediate order pursuant to section 46-12-10 of the General
Laws of Rhode Island.
B. These regulations apply to all waters of the State, all systems or means of wastewater
treatment, including sewers, all discharges into surface waters, all activities which will
likely impact water quality and/or activities that will likely cause or contribute to flow
alterations. These regulations shall also apply to those activities regulated by the federal
government, other state agencies, programs within the Department and/or local
governmental entities. All departmental regulations should be construed to be consistent
and/or complementary and any perceived conflicts are unintentional. Should a perceived
conflict arise between or among these regulations and the requirements imposed by the
other departmental regulations or other governmental entities, the most stringent
requirement shall govern.
Rule 7. - DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of these regulations, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Acute toxicity" means lethal or sublethal severe adverse effect(s) to an organism when exposed to a
toxic pollutant(s) for a relatively short period of time. In aquatic toxicity tests, an effect observed in 96
hours or less is typically considered acute.
"Administrator" means the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or any
subordinate or subordinates to whom the Administrator delegates the powers and duties vested in that
office.
"Applicable standards and limitations" means all state, interstate and federal standards and limitations
to which a discharge or activity is subject under the Clean Water Act or any State Acts including but not
limited to effluent limitations, water quality standards, standards of performance, toxic effluent standards
or prohibitions, best management practices, and pretreatment standards under Sections 301, 302, 303,
304, 306, 307, 308, 403, and 405 of the Clean Water Act.
"Applicant" means a person who applies for any approvals for any discharge, activities, projects, or
facilities in accordance with the requirements of these regulations.
"Application" means all forms, documents, and other information required by the Department to apply
for a permit, order, certificate, or other approval from the Department in accordance with the
requirements of these regulations.
"Approval" means an authorization, Order of Approval, permit, certification, license or equivalent
determination issued pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Department.
"Aquaculture facility" means a defined managed water area or facility for the maintenance or
production of harvestable freshwater, estuarine or marine plants and/or animals. Defined managed water
area as used in this definition, means the portions of the waters of the state within which the permittee or
permit applicant confines and/or plans to confine the cultivated species, using a method or plan of
operation (including but not limited to, physical confinement) which, on the basis of reliable scientific
evidence, is expected to ensure that specific individual organisms comprising an aquaculture crop will
enjoy increased growth and be harvestable within a defined geographical area.
July 2006, amended May 2009
2
"Aquatic Research Related Activities" means an activity in which research is conducted to evaluate the
effect of various factors on the health, growth, or reproduction of aquatic organisms.
"Best Management Practices (BMPs)" means schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices,
maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of and
impacts upon waters of the State. BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and
practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material
storage.
"Best Professional Judgment (BPJ)" means a determination, based on best engineering and/or scientific
practices and best management practices, involving any pollutant, combination of pollutants or
practice(s), on a case by case basis, which is determined by the Director to be necessary to carry out the
provisions of the Clean Water Act and any applicable chapters of the General Laws of Rhode Island. BPJ
can be used to set Best Available Technology Economically Achievable, Best Conventional Pollutant
Control Technology, Best Practicable Control Currently Available or Best Management Practices
limitations pursuant to the Clean Water Act either in the absence of an applicable promulgated effluent
guideline or where promulgated effluent limitation guidelines only apply to certain aspects of the
discharge's operation or to certain pollutants.
"Bioassay" means a toxicity testing procedure using aquatic organisms to determine the concentration or
amount of a toxic pollutant(s) causing a specified response in the test organisms under stated test
conditions.
"Brackish water" means those waters of the state in which the natural level of salinity is greater than 1
(one) part per thousand but less than 10 (ten) parts per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.
"CFR" means the Code of Federal Regulations.
"Chronic toxicity" means lethal or sublethal adverse effect(s) to an organism or its progeny, based on
various physiological measurements including but not limited to growth, survival, or reproductive success
when exposed to a toxic pollutant(s) for a relatively long period of time. The methods commonly used to
estimate chronic effects involve exposures of typically seven (7) days or less.
"Clean Water Act (CWA)" refers to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251) et seq.
and all amendments thereto.
“Coldwater Fishery” means waters in which naturally occurring water quality and/or habitat allow the
maintenance of naturally reproducing indigenous coldwater fish populations.
"Combined Sewer" means a sewer which serves as a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer.
"Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)" means flow from a combined sewer that is discharged into a
receiving water without going to a treatment works. A CSO is distinguished from bypasses which are
diversions of waste streams from any portion of a treatment works.
"Contiguous zone" means the entire zone established by the United States under Article 24 of the
Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone.
"Controlled relay" means the transplant of shellfish from certain Class SB, SB1 and/or SC waters to
Class SA waters suitable for shellfish harvesting under the coordination and authority of the RIDEM for
the purpose of natural purification and controlled harvest.
"Cultural eutrophication" means the human-induced acceleration of primary productivity in a surface
waterbody resulting in nuisance conditions of algal blooms and/or dense macrophytes.
July 2006, amended May 2009
3
"Department" or "Departmental" or "DEM" or "RIDEM" or "Director" means the Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management or the director of the Department of Environmental
Management or any designee to whom the Director delegates the powers and duties vested in that office.
"Depuration" means the artificial holding of shellfish for purification purposes.
“Designated Bathing Beach” means bathing beaches licensed by the Rhode Island Department of
Health.
"Designated uses" are those uses specified in water quality standards for each waterbody or segment
whether or not they are being attained. In no case shall assimilation or transport of pollutants be
considered a designated use.
"Discharge" means to cause or allow the addition or release of any pollutants to the waters of the State
or placement of any pollutant where it is likely to enter the waters of the State and includes but is not
limited to surface water runoff, spilling, depositing, placing, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, or dumping. This definition includes additions of pollutants into waters of the State from both
point and nonpoint sources. This term does not include an addition of pollutants by an indirect discharge.
"Discharger" means any person who causes, or allows, any discharge.
"Dredging" means the excavation of sediments from beneath surface waters by mechanical or hydraulic
means.
"Effluent limitations" means any restriction imposed by the Director on quantities, discharge rates and
concentrations of pollutants which are discharged from point sources into surface waters of the state or
the contiguous zone.
"Effluent limitation guidelines" means a regulation published by the Administrator under Section
304(b) of the Clean Water Act to adopt or revise effluent limitations.
"Effluent limited waters" means any segment of a surface waterbody where the water quality currently
meets or is expected to meet applicable water quality standards after the application of the technology-
based effluent limitations required by Sections 301(b) and 306 of the Act.
"EPA" means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
"Existing use" means those designated uses and any other uses that do not impair the designated uses
and that are actually attained in a waterbody on or after November 28, 1975; except that in no case shall
assimilation or transport of pollutants be considered an existing use.
"Facility" means any building, structure and operation, including land or appurtenances thereto, on one
contiguous site.
"Filling" means to place dirt, soil, stones, gravel, sand, sediment, tree stumps, brush, leaves, solid waste,
debris, garbage, trash, pollutants, or any other material, substance, or structure, either foreign or related,
on or in any waters of the state or in such a way as to alter the natural character, function or value of any
waters of the state.
"Fish and Wildlife" means birds, fish, shellfish, mammals and all other classes of wild aquatic and land
organisms and all types of vegetation upon which they are dependent, including all indigenous species.
July 2006, amended May 2009
4
"Flow Alteration" means the withdrawal of water from a surface water, either directly or indirectly, or
the alteration of the normal flow patterns of a surface water due to a project which diverts or holds the
surface water.
"Freshwater" means those waters of the State in which the natural level of salinity is equal to or less
than one (1) part per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.
"Groundwater" means water found underground which completely fills the open spaces between
particles of soil and within rock formations.
"Habitat" means the area which provides direct support for a given species, population or community. It
includes all environmental features that comprise an area such as air, water, vegetation, soil, substrate and
hydrologic characteristics.
"Hazardous substance" means any substance designated under 40 CFR Part 116 pursuant to Section
311 of the Clean Water Act.
"Hazardous waste" means any waste as defined in accordance with Section 23-19.1-4 of the General
Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
"High quality waters" include all Class A and SA surface waters as well as other surface waters whose
quality exceeds the minimum water quality criteria for any State aquatic life and/or human health criteria
or water quality standards assigned to them; or whose quality and characteristics make them critical to the
propagation or survival of important living natural resources; or those waters constituting a Special
Resource Protection Water or an Outstanding National Resource Water.
"Indirect discharge" means any discharge into a treatment works.
"Kettlehole" means a pond or freshwater wetland in a depression in the earth's surface formed by the
melting of a wholly or partially buried block of glacial ice.
"Lake, pond or reservoir" means any body of water, whether naturally occurring or created in whole or
in part, excluding sedimentation control or stormwater retention/detention basins, unless constructed in
waters of the State.
"Load allocation" means the portion of a receiving water's loading capacity that is attributed either to
one of its nonpoint sources of pollution or to natural background sources.
"Loading Capacity" means the maximum amount of loading that a surface water can receive without
violating water quality standards.
"Low quality waters" or "degraded" means any water whose quality falls below any of the criteria of
rule 8.D. in accordance with Applicable Conditions of rule 8.E. and corresponding to its classification as
designated in rule 8.C., as determined by the Director, shall be considered degraded for that particular
criterion and in violation of its water quality standards and, therefore, unsatisfactory for any designated
uses which the Director determines are affected by the particular criterion which is violated. Waters in
their natural hydraulic condition may fail to meet their assigned water quality criteria from time to time
due to natural causes, without necessitating the modification of assigned water quality standard. Such
waters will not be considered to be violating their water quality standards if violations of criteria are due
solely to naturally occurring conditions unrelated to human activities.
July 2006, amended May 2009
5
"Marina" means:
a) a dock, pier, mooring, wharf, float or combination of such facilities that may
accommodate five (5) or more recreational vessels as a commercial operation or in
association with a club; or
b) any dock, pier, mooring, wharf, float or combination of such facilities used as a
commercial operation, aside from a) above, at which any vessel is serviced or maintained.
"Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type I" means a marine toilet which, under prescribed test
conditions, will produce an effluent that will not exceed a fecal coliform bacteria count of one thousand
(1,000) parts per hundred (100) milliliters, and have no visible solids.
"Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type II" means a marine toilet which, under prescribed test
conditions, will produce an effluent that will not exceed a fecal coliform bacteria count of two hundred
(200) parts per hundred (100) milliliters, and have suspended solids not greater than one hundred and fifty
(150) milligrams per liter.
"Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type III" means a marine toilet which is designed to prevent the
discharge from the vessel of any treated or untreated sewage, or any waste derived from sewage.
"Marine toilet" means any toilet or receptacle for the containment of human wastes located on or within
any vessel, as defined herein, not including a portable potty.
"Mixing Zone" means a limited area or volume in the immediate vicinity of a discharge where mixing
occurs and the receiving surface water quality is not required to meet applicable standards or criteria,
provided the minimum conditions described in rule 8.D.1.e and 8.D.1.f. of these regulations are attained.
"Municipality" means a quasi-governmental corporation, association or other public body created by or
under State law and having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes; a city,
town, county, district, or a designated and approved management agency under Section 208 of the Clean
Water Act.
"Natural background conditions" means all prevailing dynamic environmental conditions in a
waterbody or segment thereof, other than those human-made or human-induced.
"New discharge" means any discharge which commenced subsequent to November 28, 1975, unless
appropriate approvals had been granted.
"No Discharge Area/Zone" means an area of the surface waters of the state which has been requested by
the Director of the Department of Environmental Management and declared by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to Section 312 of the Clean Water Act, to be an area in which
any discharge of sewage from vessels is prohibited.
"Non-contact cooling water" means water which is used to reduce temperature and does not come into
direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product (other than heat), or finished product.
"Nonpoint Source" or "NPS" means any discharge of pollutants that does not meet the definition of
Point Source in section 502.(14). of the Clean Water Act and these regulations. Such sources are diffuse,
and often associated with land-use practices, and carry pollutants to the waters of the State, including but
not limited to, non-channelized land runoff, drainage, or snowmelt; atmospheric deposition; precipitation;
and seepage.
"Nutrient" means a chemical element or compound such as but not limited to nitrogen or phosphorous
which is essential to and promotes the growth and development of marine or freshwater plant species.
July 2006, amended May 2009
6
"Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW)" means waters of National and State Parks,
Wildlife Refuges, and other such waters designated as having special recreational or ecological value.
"Person" shall include an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation (including a
quasi-governmental corporation), partnership, association, syndicate, municipality, municipal or state
agency, fire district, club, non-profit agency or any subdivision, commission, department, bureau, agency
or department of state or federal government (including any quasi-governmental corporation) or of any
interstate body.
"Point source" means any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to
any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated
animal feeding operation or vessel, or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be
discharged. This term does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture.
"Pollutant" means any dredged material, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage
sludge, sediment, filter backwash, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials,
heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial or municipal or agricultural waste
or effluent, petroleum or petroleum products, including but not limited to oil; or any material which will
likely alter the physical, chemical, biological or radiological characteristics and/or integrity of water.
"Pollution" means the human-made or human-induced alteration of the physical, chemical, biological or
radiological characteristics and/or integrity of water.
"Pretreatment requirements" means any limitation or prohibition on quantities, quality, rates, and/or
concentrations of pollutants directly or indirectly discharged into or otherwise introduced into a treatment
works that are imposed by federal or state regulation or by the treatment works.
"Primary Contact Recreational Activities" means any recreational activities in which there is
prolonged and intimate contact by the human body with the water, involving considerable risk of
ingesting water, such as swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing.
"Priority pollutant" means those pollutants listed pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act
(see Appendix B).
"Public Drinking Water Supplier" means any city, town, district, or other municipal, public, private
corporation or company, or non-profit entity authorized to engage in the collection and treatment of
surface water for the purposes of distribution of drinking water in Rhode Island and whose source of
drinking water is a surface water in Rhode Island.
"Public Drinking Water Supply" means the source of surface water for a public drinking water
supplier.
"Pycnocline" means a steep density gradient in an estuary caused by differences in temperature or
salinity between the bottom and surface layers of water that limits mixing of the two layers.
"Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES)" means the Rhode Island system
for issuing, modifying, revoking and reissuing, terminating, monitoring and enforcing point source
discharge permits and imposing and enforcing pretreatment requirements pursuant to Title 46, Chapter 12
of the General Laws of Rhode and the federal Clean Water Act.
July 2006, amended May 2009
7
"RIPDES Regulations" means the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulations
promulgated by the Department and any amendments thereto.
"Runoff" means water that drains from an area as surface flow.
"Sanitary sewer" shall mean a sewer which conveys sewage.
"Seawater (Saltwater)" means those waters of the State in which the natural level of salinity is equal to
or greater than ten (10) parts per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.
"Secondary Contact Recreational Activities" means any recreational activities in which there is
minimal contact by the human body with the water, and the probability of ingestion of the water is
minimal, such as boating and fishing.
"Sewage or wastewater" means human waste, or wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to
receive or retain body waste, and any wastes, including wastes from households, commercial
establishments, and industries.
"Sewage from vessels" means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles
intended to receive or retain body wastes that are discharged from vessels, and regulated under Section
312 of the Clean Water Act or under Rhode Island law.
"Sewage sludge or sludge" means residue, partially solid, or solid, treated or untreated, resulting from
the treatment of sewage, including such residues from the cleaning of sewers, by processes such as
settling, flotation, filtration and centrifugation, and does not meet the criteria for a hazardous waste.
"Sewer" means a pipe or conduit that conveys wastewater or stormwater.
"Site" means the land or water area where any facility or activity is physically located or conducted,
including adjacent land used in connection with the facility or activity.
"Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPW)" means surface waters identified by the Director as
having significant recreational or ecological uses, and may include but are not limited to: wildlife refuge
or management areas; public drinking water supplies; State and Federal parks; State and Federal
designated Estuarine Sanctuary Areas; waterbodies containing critical habitats, including but not limited
to waterbodies identified by the RIDEM Natural Heritage Program as critical habitat for rare or
endangered species; wetland types or specific wetlands listed as rare, threatened, endangered, of special
interest or of special concern by the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program; waterbodies identified by
the U. S. Department of the Interior on the Final List of Rivers for potential inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
"State Guide Plan" shall mean goals, policies, or plan elements for the physical, economic, and social
development of the state, adopted by the State Planning Council in accordance with §42-11-10 of the
General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended.
"Storm sewer" means a sewer which conveys stormwater.
"Stormwater" means precipitation induced runoff.
"Surface water" means any waters of the state that are not groundwaters.
July 2006, amended May 2009
8
"Total Maximum Daily Load" or "TMDL" means the amount of a pollutant that may be discharged
into a waterbody and still maintain water quality standards. The TMDL is the sum of the individual
wasteload allocations for point sources and the load allocations for nonpoint sources and natural
background taking into account a margin of safety.
"Toxicity" means the chemical, biological or biochemical adverse effect(s) of a pollutant or combination
of pollutants on organisms.
"Toxic Pollutant" means any pollutant that has the potential to cause toxicity.
"Treatment works" means any devices and systems for the storage, treatment, recycling, and
reclamation of wastewater; any devices and systems for the storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation
of sewage from vessels used to implement section 201 of the Act; or any devices and systems necessary
to recycle or reuse water at the most economical cost over the design life of the works. These include
intercepting sewers, outfall sewers, sewage collection systems, pumping, power, and other equipment,
and their appurtenances, extensions, improvements, remodeling, additions, and alterations thereof;
elements essential to provide a reliable recycled supply such as standby treatment units and clear well
facilities; and any works, including acquisition of the land that will be an integral part of the treatment
process or is used for ultimate disposal of residues resulting from such treatment (including land for
composting sludge, temporary storage of such compost and land used for the storage of treated
wastewater in land treatment systems prior to land application); or any other method or system for
preventing, abating, reducing, storing, treating, separating, or disposing of wastewater, including
wastewater in combined sewers.
"Undesirable or Nuisance Species" means any plant or animal aquatic species which becomes so
numerous due to pollutants or physical or hydrological modifications that it interferes with, or indicates
an impairment of, the designated use(s) of a waterbody.
"Use Attainability Analyses" means a structured scientific assessment of the factors affecting the
attainment of a use which may include physical, chemical, biological, and economic factors. The
physical, chemical and biological factors affecting the attainment of a use shall be evaluated through a
waterbody survey and assessment. Waterbody surveys and assessments shall be sufficiently detailed to
evaluate at a minimum:
a. current aquatic uses achieved in the waterbody;
b. causes of any impairment of the aquatic uses and why the impairment cannot be
rectified; and
c. aquatic uses(s) that can be attained based on the physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of the water body.
"Vessel" means any boat or other watercraft whether moved by oars, paddles, sails or other power
mechanism, inboard or outboard, or any other boat or structure floating upon the water whether or not
capable of self-locomotion, including house boats, floating businesses, barges and similar floating
objects.
“Warmwater Fishery” means waters in which naturally occurring water quality and/or habitat support
populations of warmwater fish.
"Wasteload allocation" means the portion of a receiving water's loading capacity that is allocated to one
of its point sources of pollution.
"Wastewater" refer to definition of sewage.
July 2006, amended May 2009
9
"Waterbody segment" means a defined section or described area which is part of a larger surface
waterbody of the state.
"Water quality criteria" means elements of the State water quality standards, expressed as constituent
concentrations, levels, or narrative statements, representing a quality of water that supports a particular
use.
"Water quality limited waters" means any segment of a surface waterbody where the water quality
does not meet applicable water quality standards, and is not expected to meet applicable water quality
standards, even after the application of the technology-based effluent limitations required by Sections
301(b) and 306 of the Act.
"Water quality standard" means provisions of State or Federal law which consist of a designated use(s)
and water quality criteria for the waters of the State. Water Quality Standards also consist of an
antidegradation policy.
"Waters of the State" or "The Waters" means all surface water and groundwater of the State of Rhode
Island, including all tidewaters, territorial seas, wetlands, and land masses partially or wholly submerged
in water; and both inter- and intra-state bodies of water which are, have been or will be used in
commerce, by industry, for the harvesting of fish and shellfish or for recreational purposes.
"Wetlands" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency
and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of
vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps,
marshes, bogs and similar areas. Freshwater wetlands are determined by the Department in accordance
with the Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater
Wetlands Act, as amended. Coastal wetlands are determined by rules and regulations under the
jurisdiction of the Coastal Resources Management Council.
Rule 8. - SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
A. Purpose. A water quality standard defines the water quality goals of a surface
waterbody, or portion thereof, by designating the use or uses of the water and by setting
criteria necessary to protect the uses. Water quality standards are intended to protect
public health, safety and welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of
the Clean Water Act and Chapter 46-12 of the General Laws of Rhode Island. "Serve the
purposes of the Act" (as defined in Section 101(a)(2) and 303(c) of the Clean Water)
means that water quality standards should, whenever attainable, provide water quality,
including quantity, for the protection and propagation of fish and wildlife and for
recreation in and on the water and take into consideration their use and value as public
water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreation in and on the water,
agricultural, industrial, and other purposes including navigation.
Such standards serve the dual purposes of establishing the water quality goals for a specific
surface water body or waterbody segment and serve as the regulatory basis for the establishment
of water-quality-based-treatment controls and strategies beyond the technology-based levels of
treatment required by Sections 301(b) and 306 of the Clean Water Act.
July 2006, amended May 2009
10
B. Water Use Classification - The surface waters of the state shall be assigned to one of the
classes listed below. Each class is defined by the designated uses, which are the most
sensitive and therefore governing water uses which it is intended to protect. Surface waters
may be suitable for other beneficial uses, but shall be regulated to protect and enhance the
designated uses. In no case shall waste assimilation or waste transport be considered a
designated use.
(1). Freshwater:
(a). Class AA@ - These waters are designated as a source of public drinking
water supply (PDWS) or as tributary waters within a public drinking water
supply watershed (the terminal reservoir of the PDWS are identified in Appendix
A), for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and for fish and
wildlife habitat. These waters shall have excellent aesthetic value.
(b). Class A
- These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact
recreational activities and for fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for
compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses,
navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have
excellent aesthetic value.
(c). Class B*
- These waters are designated for fish and wildlife
habitat and primary and secondary contact recreational activities. They
shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling,
hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other
agricultural uses. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.
(d). Class B1* - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact
recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for
compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses,
navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have
good aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted
due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. However all Class B
criteria must be met.
(e). Class C - These waters are designated for secondary contact
recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be
suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower,
aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses.
These water shall have good aesthetic value.
@ Class AA waters used for public drinking water supply may be subject to restricted
recreational use by State and local authorities.
* Certain Class B and B1 waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned
to them as noted in rule 8.B.(3) below.
(2). Seawater:
(a). Class SA*@ - These waters are designated for shellfish harvesting for direct
human consumption, primary and secondary contact recreational activities, and
fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation
and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.
July 2006, amended May 2009
11
(b). Class SB* - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact
recreational activities; shellfish harvesting for controlled relay and depuration;
and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses,
navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.
(c). Class SB1 * - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact
recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for
aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have
good aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted
due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. However all Class SB
criteria must be met.
(d). Class SC - These waters are designated for secondary contact recreational
activities, and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural
uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic
value.
* Certain Class SA, SB and SB1 waterbody segments may have partial use designations
assigned to them as noted in rules 8.B(3) below.
@ Some Class SA waters contain Closed Safety Zones which are waters in the vicinity of
an approved sanitary discharge which may be impacted in the event of complete failure
of treatment and are therefore, currently prohibited to shellfishing. Although shellfishing
use is restricted, all SA criteria must be met.
(3). Partial Uses - In accordance with rule 19 of these regulations, the Department may
designate a partial use for the above listed water use classifications. Partial use denotes
specific restrictions of use assigned to a waterbody or waterbody segment that may affect
the application of criteria. For example, a partial use designation may be appropriate
where waters are impacted by activities such as combined sewer overflows and
concentrations of vessels. Additional partial uses may be so designated by the Director if
provided in accordance with rule 19.
(a). CSO - These waters will likely be impacted by combined sewer overflows in
accordance with approved CSO Facilities Plans and in compliance with rule
19.E.1 of these regulations and the Rhode Island CSO Policy. Therefore,
primary contact recreational activities; shellfishing uses; and fish and wildlife
habitat will likely be restricted.
(b). Concentration of Vessels - These waters are in the vicinity of marinas and/or
mooring fields and therefore seasonal shellfishing closures will likely be required
as listed in the most recent (revised annually) RIDEM document entitled
Shellfish Closure Areas. , however, all Class SA criteria must be attained.
Please note that partial use designations are represented by the lower case letters, "a" or "b",
which appear in brackets {} next to the classification as found in Appendix A.
C. Water Quality Classifications - All surface waters of the State have been categorized
according to the water use classification of rules 8.B.(1), (2), and (3) based on considerations of
public health, safety and welfare, recreation, propagation and protection of fish and wildlife, and
economic and social benefit. The surface waters of the State are classified according to the list of
water segments in Appendix A. For waterbodies not listed in Appendix A, the following apply:
July 2006, amended May 2009
12
(1). All streams tributary to Class A waters shall be Class A.
(2) All waters tributary to Class AA waters shall be Class AA.
(3). All freshwaters hydrologically connected by surface waters and upstream of Class B,
B1, SB, SB1, C or SC waters shall be Class B unless otherwise identified in Appendix A
of these regulations.
(4). All other fresh waters, including, but not limited to, ponds, kettleholes and wetlands
not listed in Appendix A shall be considered to be Class A.
(5). All seawaters not listed in Appendix A shall be considered to be Class SA. All
saltwater and brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters not listed in Appendix A shall
be considered to be Class SA.
(6). All saltwater and brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters listed in Appendix A
shall be considered the same class as their associated seawaters.
D. Water Quality Criteria - The following physical, chemical and biological criteria are
parameters of minimum water quality necessary to support the surface water use classifications of
rule 8.B. and shall be applicable to all waters of the State.
(1). General Criteria - The following minimum criteria are applicable to all waters of the
State, unless criteria specified for individual classes are more stringent:
(a). At a minimum, all waters shall be free of pollutants in
concentrations or combinations or from anthropogenic activities subject
to these regulations that:
i.
Adversely affect the composition of fish and wildlife;
ii.
Adversely affect the physical, chemical, or biological
integrity of the habitat;
iii.
Interfere with the propagation of fish and wildlife;
iv.
Adversely alter the life cycle functions, uses, processes and
activities of fish and wildlife; or
v.
Adversely affect human health.
(b). Aesthetics - all waters shall be free from pollutants in concentrations or
combinations that:
i.
Settle to form deposits that are unsightly, putrescent, or odorous
to such a degree as to create a nuisance, or interfere with the
existing or designated uses;
ii.
Float as debris, oil, grease, scum or other floating material
attributable to wastes in amounts to such a degree as to create a
nuisance or interfere with the existing or designated uses;
iii.
Produce odor or taste or change the color or physical, chemical
or biological conditions to such a degree as to create a nuisance
or interfere with the existing or designated uses; or,
July 2006, amended May 2009
13
iv.
Result in the dominance of species of fish and wildlife to such a
degree as to create a nuisance or interfere with the existing or
designated uses.
(c). Radioactive substances - The level of radioactive materials in all waters shall
not be in concentrations or combinations which will likely be harmful to humans,
fish and wildlife, or result in concentrations in organisms producing undesirable
conditions.
(d). Nutrients - Nutrients shall not exceed the limitations specified in rule 8.D.(2)
and 8.D.(3) and/or more stringent site-specific limits necessary to prevent or
minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication.
(e). Thermal Mixing Zones - In the case of thermal discharges into tidal rivers,
fresh water streams or estuaries, where thermal mixing zones are allowed by the
Director, the mixing zone will be limited to no more than one quarter (1/4) of the
cross sectional area and/or volume of river flow, stream or estuary, leaving at
least three quarters (3/4) free as a zone of passage. In wide estuaries and oceans,
the limits of mixing zones will be established by the Director.
(f). Non-thermal Mixing Zones - In the case of non-thermal discharges, in
applying these standards the Director may recognize, where appropriate, a
limited acute and/or chronic mixing zone(s) on a case-by-case basis. The
locations, size and shape of these zones shall provide for the maximum protection
of fish and wildlife.
(g). At a minimum, all mixing zones must:
i.
Meet the criteria for aesthetics, in accordance with rule 8.D.(1).b;
ii.
Be limited to an area or volume that will prevent interference
with the existing and designated uses in the associated
waterbody segment and beyond;
iii.
Allow an appropriate zone of passage for migrating fish and
other organisms, prohibit lethality to organisms passing through
the mixing zone, and protect for spawning and nursery habitat;
and
iv.
Not allow substances to accumulate in sediments, fish and
wildlife or food chains such that known or predicted safe
exposure levels for the health of humans or fish and wildlife will
be exceeded.
(h). For activities that will likely cause or contribute to flow alterations,
streamflow conditions must be adequate to support existing and designated uses.
(2). Class-specific Criteria for Freshwaters - see Table 1
(3). Class-specific Criteria for Seawaters - see Tables 2 and 3
E. Applicable Conditions - The water quality standards apply under the most adverse conditions,
as determined by the Director according to sound engineering and scientific practices on a case-
by-case basis unless defined below.
July 2006, amended May 2009
14
July 2006, amended May 2009
15
(1). The ambient water quality criteria are applicable at or in excess of the following
flow conditions:
(a). Aquatic Life Criteria - The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for
freshwaters shall not be exceeded at or above the lowest average 7 consecutive
day low flow with an average recurrence frequency of once in 10 years (7Q10).
The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for seawater shall not be exceeded
beyond the boundary of the mixing zone(s), as defined and determined by rules
8.D.(1).e, f and g of these regulations, and thence throughout the waterbody. If a
mixing zone has not been established, these criteria shall not be exceeded in any
portion of the receiving water.
(b). Human Health Criteria - The freshwater human health criteria for non-
carcinogens and carcinogens are applicable at or in excess of the harmonic mean
flow, which is a long-term mean flow value calculated by dividing the number of
daily flows analyzed by the sum of the reciprocals of those daily flows. For
seawaters, the ambient human health water quality criteria for carcinogens and
non-carcinogens are applicable when the most adverse hydrographic and
pollution conditions occur at the particular point of evaluation.
F. Federal Approval and Periodic Review - These water quality standards are subject to approval
by the administrator pursuant to section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act. In accordance with
paragraph 303(c)(1) of the Act, the Water Quality Standards shall be reviewed periodically but at
least once every three years, and amended as necessary.
G. Symbolic Representative of Water Quality Standards - The Director shall issue maps from
time to time which indicate assigned water use classification.
TABLE 1. 8.D.(2). Class-Specific Criteria - Fresh Waters
CRITERION
CLASS AA1
CLASS A
CLASS B, B1, B{a}, B1{a}
CLASS C
1. Dissolved
Oxygen
Cold Water Fish Habitat - Dissolved oxygen content of not less than 75% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration
of at least 5 mg/l, except as naturally occurs. For the period from October 1st to May 14th, where in areas identified by the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife as cold water fish
spawning areas the following criteria apply: For species whose early life stages are not directly exposed to the water column (ie, early life stages are intergravel), the 7 day
mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 9.5 mg/l and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 8
mg/l. For species that have early life stages exposed directly to the water column, the 7 day mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 6.5 mg/l
and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l. (See Appendix A for coldwater designated waters)
Warm Water Fish Habitat - Dissolved oxygen content of not less than 60% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen
concentration of at least 5.0 mg/l, except as naturally occurs. The 7 day mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 6 mg/l. (See Appendix A
for warmwater designated waters)
2. Sludge deposits,
solid refuse,
floating solids, oil,
grease, scum
None allowable.
None in such amounts that
would impair any usages
specifically assigned to this
class.
3. Color and
turbidity.
None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this
class. Turbidity not to exceed 5 NTU over background.
None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned
to this class. Turbidity not to exceed 10 NTU over natural background.
Drinking Water Supply Criteria: - applied
at the terminal reservoir of the system - Not
to exceed a geometric mean value of 20
MPN/100 ml and not more than 10% of the
samples shall exceed a value of 200.
4. Fecal Coliform
Bacteria
(MPN/100ml)
Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria- Not to exceed a geometric mean value of 200 MPN/100 ml and not more than 10% of
the total samples taken shall exceed 400 MPN/100 ml, applied only when adequate enterococci data are not available.
None in such
concentrations that would
impair any usages
specifically assigned to this
class.
5. Enterococci
Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria
Non-Designated Bathing Beach Waters Geometric Mean Density: 54 colonies/100 ml
Designated Bathing Beach Waters Geometric Mean Density: 33 colonies/100 ml
Single Sample Maximum*: 61 colonies/100 ml
* Criteria for determining beach swimming advisories at designated beaches as evaluated by Health.
None in such
concentrations that would
impair any usages
specifically assigned to this
class.
6. Taste and odor
None other than of natural origin and none associated with nuisance algal species.
None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned
to this class nor cause taste or odor in edible portions of fish.
7. pH
(Standard Units)
6.5 - 9.0 or as naturally occurs.
July 2006, amended May 2009
16
TABLE 1. 8.D.(2). Class-Specific Criteria - Fresh Waters, cont.
CRITERION
CLASS AA*
CLASS A
CLASS B, B1, B{a}, B1{a}
CLASS C
8.
Temperature/
Temperature
increase
No activity shall raise the temperature of the receiving waters above the recommended limit on the most sensitive receiving water use nor cause the growth of undesirable or
nuisance species of biota. In no cases shall an activity cause the temperature to exceed 83 degrees F. Heated discharges into designated coldwater habitats (See Appendix A
for coldwater designated waters) shall not raise the temperature above 68 degrees F outside an established thermal mixing zone. In no case shall the temperature of the
receiving water be raised more than 4 degrees F.
9. Chemical constituents
a. None in concentrations or combinations that could be harmful to humans or fish and wildlife for the most sensitive and governing water class use, or unfavorably alter the
biota, or which would make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish and wildlife or their propagation, impair the palatability of same, or impair waters for any other existing
or designated use. None in such concentrations that would exceed the Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines as found in Appendix B.
b. The ambient concentration of a pollutant in a water body shall not exceed the Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines, (Appendix B) for the protection of aquatic
organisms from acute or chronic effects, unless the criteria or guidelines are modified by the Director based on results of bioassay tests conducted in accordance with the
terms and conditions provided in the RIDEM Site Specific Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria Development Policy.
10. Nutrients
a. Average Total Phosphorus shall not exceed 0.025 mg/l in any lake, pond, kettlehole or reservoir, and average Total P in tributaries at the point where they enter such
bodies of water shall not cause exceedance of this phosphorus criteria, except as naturally occurs, unless the Director determines, on a site-specific basis, that a different
value for phosphorus is necessary to prevent cultural eutrophication.
b. None in such concentration that would impair any usages specifically assigned to said Class, or cause undesirable or nuisance aquatic species associated with cultural
eutrophication, nor cause exceedance of the criterion of 10(a) above in a downstream lake, pond, or reservoir. New discharges of wastes containing phosphates will not be
permitted into or immediately upstream of lakes or ponds. Phosphates shall be removed from existing discharges to the extent that such removal is or may become
technically and reasonably feasible.
1 Class AA waters used for public drinking water supply may be subject to restricted recreational use by State and local authorities.
July 2006, amended May 2009
17
2006, amended May 2009
18
TABLE 2. 8.D.(3). Class-Specific Criteria - Sea Waters
CRITERION
CLASS SA, SA{b}
CLASS SB, SB1, SB{a}, SB1{a}
CLASS SC
1. Dissolved Oxygen
See Table 3
2. Sludge deposits, solid
refuse, floating solids,
oil, grease, scum
None allowable.
None in such amounts that would
impair any usages specifically
assigned to this class.
3. Color and turbidity
None in such concentrations that would impair any
usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not
to exceed 5 NTU over background.
None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not to
exceed 10 NTU over background.
Shellfishing Criteria: - Not to exceed a geometric
mean MPN value of 14 and not more than 10% of the
samples shall exceed an MPN value of 49 for a three-
tube decimal dilution.
4. Fecal Coliform
Bacteria
(MPN/100ml)
Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria - Not to exceed a geometric mean value of 50 MPN/100 ml and not more than
10% of the total samples taken shall exceed 400 MPN/100 ml, applied only when adequate enterococci data are not available.
None in such concentrations that
would impair any usages
specifically assigned to this class.
5. Enterococci
Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria
Geometric Mean Density: 35 colonies/100 ml
Single Sample Maximum*: 104/100 ml
* Criteria for determining beach swimming advisories at designated beaches as evaluated by HEALTH.
None in such concentrations that
would impair any usages
specifically assigned to this class.
6. Taste and odor
None allowable except as naturally occurs.
None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class nor cause taste or
odor in edible portions of fish or shellfish.
7. pH (Standard Units)
6.5 - 8.5 but not more than 0.2 units outside of the normally occurring range.
8. Temperature/
Temperature Increase
Activities shall not increase the temperature except where the increase will not exceed the recommended limit on the most sensitive receiving water use and in no case shall
an activity cause the temperature to exceed 83 degrees F nor raise the normal temperature more than 1.6 degrees F, 16 June through September and not more than 4 degrees F
from October through 16 June. All measurements shall be made at the boundary of such mixing zones as is found to be reasonable by the Director.
9. Chemical constituents
a. None in concentrations or combinations that could be harmful to humans or fish and wildlife for the most sensitive and governing water class use, or unfavorably alter the
biota, or which would make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish and wildlife or their propagation, impair the palatability of same, or impair the waters for any other
existing or designated use. None in such concentrations that would exceed the Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines as found in Appendix B.
b. The ambient concentration of a pollutant in a water body shall not exceed the RI DEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria & Guidelines (Appendix B) for the protection of
aquatic organisms from acute or chronic effects, unless the criteria or guideline is modified by the Director based on results of bioassay tests conducted in accordance with the
terms and conditions provided in the RIDEM Site Specific Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria Development Policy.
10. Nutrients
None in such concentration that would impair any usages specifically assigned to said Class, or cause undesirable or nuisance aquatic species associated with cultural
eutrophication. Shall not exceed site-specific limits if deemed necessary by the Director to prevent or minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication. Total phosphorus,
nitrates and ammonia may be assigned site-specific permit limits based on reasonable Best Available Technologies. Where waters have low tidal flushing rates, applicable
treatment to prevent or minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication may be required for regulated nonpoint source activities.
July
Table 3
Saltwater Dissolved Oxygen Criteria
I.
For surface waters above a seasonal pycnocline, not less than an instantaneous value of 4.8
mg/l more than once every three years, except as naturally occurs.
II.
For waters below the seasonal pycnocline, Aquatic Life Uses are considered to be protected if
conditions do not fail to meet protective thresholds, as described below, more than once every
three years. DO criteria presented here shall be protective of the most sensitive life stage –
survival effects on larvae which affects larval recruitment – for both persistent and cyclic
conditions. This criteria evaluates effects of exposure to low DO over time on larval recruitment.
Because larval recruitment occurs over the whole season, the low DO exposure effects are
cumulative. Exposures are evaluated on a daily basis to determine the total seasonal exposure.
The criteria to protect larval survival is established to limit the number of exposure days over the
range of low DO conditions such that the cumulative percentage of larvae affected shall not
exceed a 5% reduction in larval recruitment over the season. If the Director determines that a
smaller percent impairment on larval recruitment is necessary on a site specific basis, a criteria
modification will be processed in accordance with Rule 19.F. Protection of larval survival will
also afford adequate protection of juvenile and adult life stages. The critical recruitment season
for evaluation of DO exposure is defined as May 1 through October 31. While recruitment may
occur at other periods of the year, this timeframe reflects periods when hypoxia are most
prevalent.
Waters with a DO concentration above an instantaneous value of 4.8 mg/l shall be considered
protective of Aquatic Life Uses. When instantaneous DO values fall below 4.8 mg/l, the waters
shall not be:
1. Less than 2.9 mg/l for more than 24 consecutive hours during the recruitment season; nor
2. Less than 1.4 mg/l for more than 1 hour more than twice during the recruitment season; nor
3. Shall they exceed the cumulative DO exposure presented in Table 3.A.
The method for calculating cumulative low DO exposure throughout the recruitment season
is as follows:
A. For persistent low DO conditions (low DO conditions that vary little within a day, e.g., <0.5
mg/l), the limit represents allowable DO conditions below 4.8 mg/l provided the exposure
duration (number of days observed) does not exceed the corresponding allowable number of
days (as presented in Table 3.A.) that ensure adequate larval recruitment over the course of
the season. The cumulative seasonal low DO effects are evaluated by totaling the fractions of
the observed (or projected) exposure duration (in days) divided by the allowable number of
days for each DO concentration. The sum of the decimal fractions shall not exceed 1.0. The
minimum daily DO measurement is used to represent the daily DO value. The criteria for 24
hour DO concentration and allowable number of days as presented in Table 3.A. are
calculated using the following equation:
Σ ti(actual)/ti(allowed) < 1.0
DOi = 13.0/(2.80 + 1.84e
)
10
.0
(
it
−
Where DOi = allowable concentration (mg/l)
ti = exposure interval duration (days)
i = exposure interval
B. For cyclic low DO conditions (DO conditions that fluctuate broadly within a day, e.g.>0.5
mg/l) the limit represents the allowable number of days at a given daily larval percent
mortality that protects against greater than 5% cumulative impairment of larval recruitment
over a recruitment season. The maximum daily percent larval mortality is a function of DO
minimum for any exposure interval/range (mg/l) and the duration of the interval (hours) and
July 2006, amended May 2009
19
is determined using the Time-to-death (TTD) curves presented in Figure 3.A. (from EPA-
822-R-00-012, November 2000) The maximum daily percent larval mortality from cyclic
exposures is determined from the observed data point falling closest to a TTD curve of
greatest effect (ie., highest percent mortality). The calculated maximum daily percent larval
mortality shall not exceed the allowable number of days as presented in Table 3.A and Figure
3.B. Cumulative cyclic low DO effects observed over the course of the season are evaluated
by tallying the number of days at each percent mortality observed for the season. The
observed number of days at each percent mortality are divided by the allowable number of
days for each percent mortality. The sum of the decimal fraction shall not exceed 1.0.
Table 3.A.
Saltwater DO Criteria For Waters Below the Seasonal Pycnocline
24 Hour (Daily) DO
Exposure Concentration
(mg/L)
Daily Percent Larval
Mortality
(%)
Allowable Number of Days
Without Exceeding a 5%
Reduction in Seasonal
Larval Recruitment
4.6
4.96
42
4.5
6.05
30
4.4
7.36
24
4.3
8.93
20
4.2
10.79
18
4.1
12.98
16
4
15.55
14
3.9
18.51
12
3.8
21.88
10
3.7
25.69
9
3.6
29.89
8
3.5
34.47
7
3.4
39.36
6
3.3
44.46
5
3.2
49.69
4
3.1
54.92
3
3
60.05
2
2.9
64.97
1
Time To De
Figure 3.A. Time To Death (TTD) Curves for 5-60% Mortality
July 2006, amended May 2009
20
Cyclic Translator
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
Daily Percent Mortality from Time-to-Death Curves
Allowable Number of Days
Figure 3.B. Cyclic Translator for Waters Below the Seasonal Pycnocline
For seasons with both cyclic and persistent cycles of low DO, all the data will be treated as cyclic
exposure patterns with the persistent data set at the 24 hour/1-day exposure duration. Daily
percent mortalities will be determined from Figure 3.A., and Table 3.A. will be used to determine
the acceptable number of days the low DO pattern can occur over the course of the season.
III.
For waters without a seasonal pycnocline, DO concentrations above 4.8 mg/l shall be
considered protective of Aquatic Life Uses. When instantaneous DO values fall below 4.8 mg/l,
the waters shall not be:
1. Less than 3.0 mg/l for more than 24 consecutive hours during the recruitment season; nor
2. Less than 1.4 mg/l for more than 1 hour more than twice during the recruitment season; nor
3. Shall they exceed the cumulative DO exposure presented in Table 3.A.
Cumulative low DO exposures in the 2.95 - 4.8 mg/l range shall be evaluated as described above
in Section II but shall not exceed the information presented in Table 3.B.
For persistent low DO conditions in waters without a seasonal pycnocline, the criteria for 24 hour
DO concentration and allowable number of days as presented in Table 3.B are calculated using
the following equation:
DOi = 17.523/3.3+2.01e
)
091
.
0
(
it
−
Where DOi = allowable concentration (mg/l)
ti = exposure interval duration (days)
i = exposure interval
For cyclic low DO conditions in waters without a seasonal pycnocline, the daily percent
mortalities for observed data are determined from Figure 3.A. and shall not exceed the allowable
number of days presented in Table 3.B and Figure 3.C.
July 2006, amended May 2009
21
Table 3.B.
Saltwater DO Criteria For Waters without a Seasonal Pycnocline
24 Hour (Daily) DO
Exposure Concentration
(mg/L)
Daily Percent Larval
Mortality
(%)
Allowable Number of
Days Without
Exceeding a 5%
Reduction in Seasonal
Larval Recruitment
4.6
4.96
16
4.5
6.05
14
4.4
7.36
12
4.3
8.93
11
4.2
10.79
10
4.1
12.98
8
4.0
15.55
7
3.9
18.51
6
3.8
21.88
5
3.7
25.69
4
3.6
29.89
3
3.5
34.47
2
3.4
39.36
1
Cyclic Translator for Waters Without a
Seasonal Pycnocline
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
Daily Percent Mortality
Allowable Number of Days
Figure 3.C. Cyclic Translator for Waters Without a Seasonal Pycnocline
For seasons with both cyclic and persistent cycles of low DO, all the data will be treated as cyclic
exposure patterns with the persistent data set at the 24 hour/1-day exposure duration. Daily percent
mortalities will be determined from Figure 3.A., and Table 3.B. will be used to determine the acceptable
number of days the low DO pattern can occur over the course of the season.
July 2006, amended May 2009
22
July 2006, amended May 2009
23
Rule 9. - EFFECT OF ACTIVITIES ON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
A. Activities Shall Not Violate Water Quality Standards - No person shall discharge pollutants
into any waters of the State or perform any activities alone or in combination which the Director
determines will likely result in the violation of any State water quality criterion or interfere with
one or more of the existing or designated uses assigned to the receiving waters or to downstream
waters in accordance with rules 8.B., 8.C., 8.D., and 18 of these regulations. In addition, Best
Management Practices, as determined by the Director, shall be used to control erosion,
sedimentation and runoff in accordance with rule 15.
B. Activities Shall Not Further Degrade Low Quality Waters - No person shall discharge
pollutants into any waters of the State, or perform any activities alone or in combination which
the Director determines will likely result in the additional degradation of water quality of the
receiving waters or downstream waters which are already below the water quality standard
assigned to such waters.
C. Activities Shall Not Violate Antidegradation - No person shall discharge pollutants into any
waters of the State, or perform any activities alone or in combination which the Director
determines will likely result in a violation of the Antidegradation provisions of these regulations
(rule 18).
D. Mixing zone - Due to discharges to surface waters, the Director may recognize, where
appropriate, a limited mixing zone on a case-by-case basis. In no case may a mixing zone cause a
loss of, or impair, any existing or designated use.
E. Restrictions to New Discharges - New discharges into Class AA, A or SA waters (refer to
Appendix A) or into waters designated Class B, C, SB or SC which have attained the Class A or
SA standard shall be allowed, provided the discharge will not impair existing uses nor attainment
of designated uses and all other provisions of these regulations are complied with including all
required approvals, and it complies with the following restrictions:
(1). New discharges into the terminal reservoir of a, public drinking water supply shall
be prohibited with the exception of discharges of stormwater drainage. New discharges
into all other waters of the public drinking water supply shall be prohibited with the
exception of the types listed in rule 9.E.(2).(a) through (f). Notification will be made to
the affected public drinking water supplier and the Department of Health of a proposed
new discharge to a public drinking water supply which is under review by this
Department in accordance with these regulations.
(2). New discharges into waters that are not public drinking water supplies may include:
(a). discharges of stormwater drainage;
(b). discharges from industrial non-contact cooling water;
(c). discharges from construction site dewatering provided that the applicant has
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable alternatives
exist;
(d). discharges from groundwater remediation projects provided that the
applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable
alternatives exist;
July 2006, amended May 2009
24
(e). discharges from aquaculture facilities as appropriately authorized by all
required state agencies;
(f). discharges from water main maintenance such as main flushing and cleaning
operations;
(g). discharges of dredged material;
(h). discharges from farming activities into surface waters which are
hydrographically disconnected from all other surface waters;
(i). placement of suitable solid materials in appropriate amounts for the purpose
of the formation of an artificial reef as approved by the Director;
(j). discharges from aquatic research related activities provided that the applicant
has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable
alternatives exist;
(k) discharges from desalination facilities into seawaters; and
(l). other new discharges provided the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction
of the Director that:
i.
the discharge serves a compelling public purpose which provides
benefits to the public as a whole as opposed to individual or
private interests;
ii.
there is no reasonable alternative means of, or location for,
serving the compelling public purpose cited; and
iii.
the discharge will not impair existing uses nor attainment of
designated uses.
Rule 10. - PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS, TREATMENT AND PRETREATMENT
A. Effluent Limited and Water Quality Limited Waters - No person shall discharge pollutants
into any surface waters of the State or discharge to a treatment works unless the discharge
complies with any additional effluent limitations and receives any additional
treatment/pretreatment which the Director determines is necessary to comply with rule 9 of these
regulations, or to prevent overloading or damaging effect upon a treatment works. In order to
determine which waters require additional effluent limitations, treatment or pretreatment to
comply with rule 9 of these regulations, or to prevent overloading or damaging effects upon a
treatment works, the Director will categorize the surface waters of the State into effluent limited
and water quality limited waters. Such classifications will be recorded in the 305(b) biennial state
of the State's waters reports, and will be revised as necessary.
B. Total Maximum Daily Loads in Water Quality Limited Waters - For water quality limited
waters, the Director shall identify those pollutants within discharges to the water quality limited
waters which do or have the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a violation of rule 9 of
these regulations. The Director shall develop a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for each of
these pollutants. The TMDL shall determine the maximum amount of the pollutant that can be
discharged into the water quality limited waters and be in compliance with rule 9 of these
July 2006, amended May 2009
25
regulations. The TMDL shall be based on best available scientific information and allocation of
the TMDL may be based on, but not limited to, technical feasibility of pollutant removal, the
relative costs of treatment to the contributing discharges, and the relative contribution from each
source. The Director shall not be required to allocate the full amount of the pollutant specified in
rule 9, but may designate a portion of the allocation as a reserve or margin of safety as deemed
necessary.
Rule 11. - PROHIBITED DISCHARGES
A. General - The prohibitions enumerated in this rule apply to all pollutants, regardless of the
effect on water quality standards or the treatment which the pollutants receive.
B. Pollutants - No person shall discharge pollutants into the waters of the State except as in
compliance with the provisions of Chapter 46-12, or other applicable chapters, of the Rhode
Island General Laws or these regulations, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of an approval
issued by DEM thereunder.
C. Urban Runoff - No person shall discharge storm water, gutter runoff, sump discharges, or
street runoff to a treatment works designed to receive only wastewater.
D. Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Substances - No person shall discharge hazardous waste or
hazardous substances into any waters of the State or discharge hazardous waste or hazardous
substances into a wastewater treatment works, except as in compliance with the provisions of
Chapter 46-12, or other applicable chapters of the Rhode Island General Laws or these
regulations, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of an approval issued by the
Director or municipality as may be required under the Rhode Island Pretreatment Regulations.
E. Oil, Petroleum Products, Solvents - No person shall discharge oil, petroleum products or
industrial solvents into treatment works designed to treat or control only wastewater or
stormwater unless it conforms with Federal, State and local pretreatment requirements. No
person shall discharge oil or petroleum products into the waters of the State except as in
compliance with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 46-12, or other applicable
chapters of the Rhode Island General Laws or these regulations, and in accordance with the terms
and conditions of an approval issued by DEM thereunder.
F. Discharges of Sewage from Vessels
(1). No person shall discharge any sewage from a vessel into the waters of the State.
(2). No person shall operate or moor in the waters of the State a vessel equipped with a
marine toilet that is: (a) not a type approved pursuant to the CWA; (b) an approved type
that is not in proper working condition. or (c) that does not have the vessel's marine
toilets properly sealed to prevent overboard discharges by one of the following means:
the through-hull fitting is plugged; or the Y-valve is secured to the holding tank position
by means of a padlock, wire tie, or by removing the seacock handle. All sewage must be
discharged to an approved marina pump-out facility.
Rule 12. - STRATEGIC PLAN CONSISTENCY
In addition to the other requirements of these regulations, no person shall discharge any pollutants into
any waters of the State so as to violate any legally applicable requirements of a plan approved by the
Governor of Rhode Island and the administrator pursuant to sections 208(6), 319 and 320 of the Clean
Water Act.
July 2006, amended May 2009
26
Rule 13. - APPROVALS
A. No person shall: discharge any pollutant into, or conduct any activity which will likely cause
or contribute pollution to, the waters of the State; or construct, install, or modify any treatment
works including the extension of sewers to an existing sewer system, without having obtained all
required approvals from the Director. The types of approval for the purposes of these regulations
may include the following:
(1). Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) permit by DEM,
Water Resources in accordance with the RIPDES Regulations.
(2). Order of Approval from DEM, Water Resources for any treatment works in
accordance with Rules 14 through 17 below.
(3). Water Quality Certificate (WQC) - the activity(ies) listed below require approval in
the form of a certification by DEM, Water Resources that the proposed activity(ies) does
not violate these regulations. A WQC shall have the full force and effect of a permit
issued by the Director.
(a). In accordance with Section 401 of the CWA, applicants for any project
which may result in a discharge to waters of the State and which requires a
federal permit must directly apply for and receive a Water Quality Certification
from DEM, Water Resources, except as described in footnotes * and *** below.
(b). Those projects involving one or more of the activities listed below which are
within the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management
Council in accordance with R.I.G.L. Section 46-23, and which do not require an
approval in accordance with the Rhode Island Freshwater Wetlands Act (R.I.G.L.
Section 2-1-18 et. seq.) or any rules and regulations promulgated thereto, must
directly apply for and receive Water Quality Certification from DEM, Water
Resources except as described in the footnotes below.
i.
Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal*
ii.
Filling of Waters of the State
iii.
Residential development of six (6) or more units
iv.
Any commercial, industrial, state or municipal land development
that results in the creation of 40,000 square feet or more of
additional impervious area
v.
Five (5) or more acres of land disturbance***
vi.
Marinas - construction of new facilities or expansion of existing
facilities
vii.
Flow Alterations**
viii.
Harbor Management Plans for those elements which will likely
affect water quality
ix.
A Point Source Discharge of Pollutants***
* With regard to marine dredging, discharge of dredge material and placement of
dredge material in tidal waters, the application process and decision for the water
quality review will be conducted in accordance with the Rules and Regulations
for Dredging and the Management of Dredged Material.
** Flow Alterations for agricultural irrigation will be managed through
coordination with DEM/Agriculture.
July 2006, amended May 2009
27
*** The permit required under the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Regulations may act as the Water Quality Certification for the discharge.
(c).
Where a project or activity listed in Rule 13(A)(3) also requires a permit
by any one of the following DEM permit programs, the WQC decision may be
incorporated into the decision issued under said program:
Wetlands permit or determination in accordance with the Rules and
Regulation Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the
Freshwater Wetlands Act
ISDS permit or determination in accordance with regulations
Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to the Location, Design,
Construction and Maintenance of Individual Sewage Disposal Systems
RIPDES permit in accordance with the Regulations for the Rhode Island
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Marine dredging and dredged material disposal permit in accordance
with the Rules and Regulations for Dredging and the Management of
Dredged Material
UIC permit in accordance with the Underground Injection Control
Program Rules and Regulations.
Where the Director determines that a WQC decision will be incorporated with
one of the above permit decisions, the corresponding public notice requirements
and appeal procedures contained in the regulations of the associated permit
program will apply in lieu of those contained in Rule 15 and Rule 21 herein,
respectively. However, when the activity is subject to Rule 13.A.(3).(a), and the
listed permit decision does not require public notification, the requirements of
Rule 15 will be applied. All other provisions contained in these regulations shall
apply.
Rule 14. - APPLICATION FOR APPROVALS
A. Application - More than one of the approvals noted in Rule 13 may be required. Applications
for RIPDES permits shall be submitted and processed in accordance with the RIPDES
Regulations. Applications for Orders of Approval and Water Quality Certifications will be on
forms provided by or in the manner prescribed by, DEM, to be submitted to the Director and
shall contain such documentation and/or information as the Director may require, including
but not limited to:
(1). When applicable, documentation that the proposed project is consistent with the
currently approved wastewater facility plan or information necessary to modify an
approved wastewater facility plan, including but not limited to the project needs,
conformance with State Guide Plan policies, goals, and objectives, the basis of design,
including design assumptions, data, and calculations;
(2). Comprehensive engineering report and detailed engineering plans and specifications
for the proposed project;
July 2006, amended May 2009
28
(3). Timetable for and duration of the proposed construction or other activity;
(4). Any additional information as may be deemed necessary by the Director to fully
assess the impact of the proposed activity upon the waters of the State or to support any
changes in the scope of the project, actual or anticipated;
(5). Any additional information including proprietary data, where, in the opinion of the
Director, such information is necessary to fully disclose all relevant facts concerning the
application for an approval. The applicant may assert a claim of confidentiality for
proprietary data as defined in R.I. Gen. Law 38-2-2 provided said information is clearly
marked and segregated within the total information requested by the Department; and
(6). A preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value
demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the Director, that the activity will not violate the
surface water quality standards established by these Water Quality Regulations, and
amendments thereto.
B. Professional Certification for Plans and Specifications - All engineering plans and
specifications required under rule 14.A. shall be certified by a professional engineer registered in
the State pursuant to Chapter 5-8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended.
C. Failure of the applicant to submit information deemed necessary by the Department in order
to fully assess the impact of the proposed project on waters of the State or to support any changes
in the scope of the proposed project, actual or anticipated, shall constitute valid cause for denial
of the application.
Rule 15. - PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR ORDERS OF APPROVAL
AND WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS
A.
In consideration of the application, the Department may use, but is not limited to, the
following documents: Guides for the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works (TR-16), published
by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission; Design of Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WEF Manual of Practice #8 & ASCE Manual and Report on
Engineering Practice #76), jointly published by the Water Environment Federation and the
American Society of Civil Engineers; the most recent version of the Rhode Island Soil Erosion
and Sediment Control Handbook, developed jointly by R.I. DEM and U.S. Department of
Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; State of Rhode Island Stormwater Design
and Installation Standards Manual (1993), developed jointly by R.I. DEM and Coastal Resources
Management Council; Storm Water Management for Construction Activities (EPA 832-R-92-
005), by U.S Environmental Protection Agency; the Technical Support Document for Water
Quality-based Toxics Control, March 1991, EPA/505/2-90-001; Evaluation of Dredged Material
Proposed for Ocean Disposal Testing Manual, February 1991, EPA-503/8-91/001; Interim
Regional Policy for New England Stream Flow Recommendations, U. S. Department of Interior,
Fish and Wildlife Service; Water Quality Standards Handbook, 2nd. Ed., August 1994, EPA-
823-B-94-005a; and standards or policies accepted by the Department.
July 2006, amended May 2009
29
B.
Application Completeness
(1). Upon receipt of an application, the Department will review the application for
completeness and shall notify the applicant in writing whether the application is
complete. Where the Department has deemed an application to be deficient, the
processing of the application will be suspended and the applicant shall correct said
deficiencies to the satisfaction of the Department.
C.
At any time during review, the Director may:
(1). Require that the applicant provide such information as the Director deems necessary
for the review of the application;
(2). Issue an approval requiring such terms, conditions, management practices and
operation and maintenance requirements as deemed necessary to comply with the
requirements of applicable state or federal laws; or
(3). Deny the application for failure to satisfy the requirements of applicable State or
Federal Laws and advise the applicant of the right to appeal under rule 21 of these
regulations. A denial may be based on, but is not limited to any or all of the following:
(a). A treatment works which is overloaded or inadequate to accept and treat any
additional load of pollutants in which case the Director, shall, where appropriate,
also deny applications for new sewer connection or additional discharges to the
system;
(b). An activity or a treatment works or any part thereof, which is likely to
substantially contribute to an increase in non-point source pollution which will
likely result in a violation of state or federal laws or these regulations or any
other regulations of the Department;
(c). A treatment works or any part thereof, or a project which is not consistent
with the approved Wastewater Facilities Plan;
(d). Failure to submit any information required by the Department; or
(e). Failure to provide a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence
having a probative value demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the Director, that
the activity will not violate the surface water quality standards established by
these Water Quality Regulations, and amendments thereto.
D.
Public Notice and Consideration of Public Comment for Applications for Water Quality
Certification
(1). Certification Public Notice - Upon determination that an application for water
quality certification is complete, the Director shall provide or have the applicant provide
in a form approved in writing by the Department, written notice of the proposed project
to all abutters of any property upon which the activity will occur, and to any other such
persons, agencies or organizations deemed appropriate by the Director. At a minimum the
chief elected officer of the city or town within which the activity will be conducted, shall
be notified.
(a). For projects that the Director determines have the potential to result in
impacts beyond the abutting property(ies) or that notification of abutters is
July 2006, amended May 2009
30
impracticable, the notice shall be published in a daily or weekly newspaper with
circulation in the involved area. The Department may also require the applicant
to publish notice, in a form approved in writing by the Department, in an
additional daily or weekly newspaper with circulation that includes the
community nearest the proposed location, or statewide.
(2). Comment Period - The notice will provide for a thirty-day comment period during
which time any person may provide written comments which may include a request for a
hearing on the project or activity proposed by the application.
(3). Public Hearing - The Director shall provide an opportunity for oral comments if a
hearing is requested by twenty-five (25) persons, or by a governmental subdivision or
agency, or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members. The
applicant, all persons receiving notice under Rule 15.D.(1), and all persons submitting
comments or requesting a hearing under Rule 15.D.(2) shall be notified consistent with
the requirements of Rule 15.D.(1), at least fourteen (14) days in advance, of the time and
place of the hearing.
(4). Consideration of Comments - The Director shall consider all written and oral
comments and may approve modifications to the application package made in response to
comments received, without requiring another notice and comment period, provided the
modifications are minor in nature and will have little or no adverse environmental
impact..
(5). Notice of Decision - All persons who submit comments, either orally at the hearing
or in writing, shall receive written notice of the final agency decision on the application.
(6). Modifications - The Director may approve modifications to an approved project or
activity without further notice, provided that the project had been noticed in accordance
with Rule 15.D., and such modifications are minor in nature and will have little or no
adverse environmental impact.
Rule 16. - EFFECT OF APPROVAL
A. The issuance of an approval mandates compliance with all terms, conditions, management
practices and operation and maintenance requirements set forth in the approval. Any violation of
these may result in the finding of a prohibited discharge as set forth in rule 11 of these
regulations.
B. The issuance of an approval does not relieve any person of the continuing responsibility to
comply with any applicable rule of these regulations or applicable sections of the Clean Water
Act.
C. The issuance of an approval by the Department does not relieve any person of the
responsibility for obtaining any other necessary permits or approvals from any federal, state,
regional, or local agency.
D. The issuance of an approval does not authorize any injury to persons or property or invasion
of other private rights, or any infringement of Federal, State or local law or regulations.
July 2006, amended May 2009
31
Rule 17. - MODIFICATION, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF APPROVAL
A. The Director may modify, suspend, or revoke, in whole or in part, an approval for cause,
including, but not limited to:
(1). Information indicating that the project will likely result in probable harm to the
environment or pose a threat to the health, safety and/or welfare of the public;
(2). The existence of a factor or factors which, if properly and timely brought to the
attention of the Director, would have justified the application of more or less stringent
conditions than required by these regulations, but only if such factor(s) arose after the
approval was issued;
(3). Changes in effluent limitations in accordance with rule 10 of these regulations, or
changes in the definition(s) of such limitations in the Clean Water Act or applicable
Environmental Protection Agency regulations;
(4). Where circumstances on which the approval was based have materially and
substantially changed since the approval was issued, including, but not limited to, a
change in category of waters from effluent limited to water quality limited, or amendment
of these regulations;
(5). The information or data submitted by the applicant or permittee either on the form(s)
required or in any other material in support of the application is found to be false,
misleading or erroneous; or
(6). The project is not undertaken in strict compliance with the conditions or provisions
of any approval issued by the Department.
B. A Notice of Revocation/Suspension of an approval will be in the form of a letter notifying the
permittee or subsequent transferee of the revocation or suspension and the reasons why the
approval is being revoked or suspended.
C. The party served with a Notice of Revocation/Suspension of an approval may request an
adjudicatory hearing to contest the revocation as set forth in the provisions of rule 21. A Notice
of Revocation/Suspension of an approval automatically becomes a final order of the Director
enforceable in Superior Court upon failure to request said adjudicatory hearing.
D. Request for mo dification of approval shall be in accordance with rules 14 and 15.
E. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §42.17.1-2.5, where a Water Quality Certification permit has been
issued relating to development of property and which contains a permit expiration date, the
permit shall expire on the expiration date contained in the permit or June 30, 2011 which ever
date is later, provided that the subject permit was in effect on November 9, 2009 at the time of
passage of Rhode Island Public Laws Chapters 09-198 and 09-199.
Rule 18. - ANTIDEGRADATION OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
A. Purpose - The State Antidegradation Regulations are based on the federal Antidegradation
Policy requirements (40 CFR 131.12) and have as their objective the maintenance and protection
of various levels of surface water quality and uses. Antidegradation applies to all projects or
activities subject to these regulations which will likely lower water quality or affect existing or
July 2006, amended May 2009
32
designated water uses, including but not limited to all Water Quality Certification reviews and
any new or modified RIPDES permits. For the disposal of dredged or fill material into the waters
of the state, 40 CFR Part 230 Section 404(b)(1) guidelines shall be followed in the evaluation of
40 CFR 131.12(a)(1) and the Antidegradation Policy. The Antidegradation regulations consist of
four (4) tiers of water quality protection.
B. Tier 1 - Protection of Existing Uses - Any existing in-stream water uses and level of surface
water quality necessary to protect the existing uses, shall be maintained and protected.
C. Tier 2 - Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters - With the exception of
Outstanding National Resource Waters, in surface waters where the existing water quality
exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of fish and wildlife and recreation in and on the
water, that quality shall be maintained and protected, except for insignificant changes in water
quality as determined by the Director and in accordance with the Antidegradation Implementation
Policy, as amended. An exception to this level of protection may only be allowed if it can be
proven to the Director by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a
probative value, and the Director finds, after full satisfaction of the intergovernmental
coordination and public participation provisions of the RI Continuing Planning Process, that
allowing significant water quality degradation is necessary to accommodate important economic
and social benefit in the area in which the receiving waters are located. In allowing such
significant degradation or lower water quality, the Director shall assure water quality adequate to
fully protect existing and designated uses. In allowing a change in water quality, significant or
insignificant, all reasonable measures to minimize the change shall be implemented. Adequate
scientifically valid documentation shall be provided to the Director demonstrating that designated
and existing uses, water quality to protect those uses, and all applicable water quality standards,
will be fully protected. Further, the highest statutory and regulating requirements for all new and
existing point sources and all cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for
nonpoint source control shall apply.
D. Tier 2½ -Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs - Where high quality waters constitute a
SRPW, there shall be no measurable degradation of the existing water quality necessary to protect
the characteristic(s) which cause the waterbody to be designated as an SRPW. Notwithstanding
that all public drinking water supplies are SRPWs, public drinking water suppliers may undertake
temporary and short term activities within the boundary perimeter of a public drinking water
supply impoundment for essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions in order to
prevent adverse effects on public health or safety, provided that these activities comply with the
requirements set forth in rule 18.B. (Tier 1 Protection of Existing Uses) and rule 18.C. (Tier 2
Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters).
E. Tier 3 -Protection of Water Quality for ONRWs - Where high quality waters constitute an
Outstanding National Resource, as defined in rule 7, that water quality shall be maintained and
protected. The State may allow some limited activities that result in temporary and short-term
changes in the water quality of an ONRW. Such activities must not permanently degrade water
quality or result in water quality lower than that necessary to protect the existing uses in the
ONRW.
F. Implementation - The Antidegradation provisions shall be implemented in accordance with the
Antidegradation Implementation Policy (Appendix C), as amended.
Rule 19. - MODIFICATION OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
A. Authority - The Director has the power and duty in accordance with rule 2 of these
regulations and section 46-12-3 (g) of the General Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended, to
July 2006, amended May 2009
33
promulgate water quality standards.
B. Request for Modification - Any person may request that the Director modify a water quality
standard. The request must include a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence
having a probative value to demonstrate that such modification is consistent with these
regulations. In addition, a Use Attainability Analyses (UAA) must be conducted:
(1). for a request to remove a designated use specified in Section 101(a)(2) of the Act; or
(2) to propose a subcategory of uses specified in Section 101(a)(2) of the Clean Water
Act which require less stringent criteria.
C. Promulgation of Modifications - If the Director determines that modification is appropriate
the Director shall initiate promulgation of such modification in accordance with Chapter 42-35 of
the R.I. Gen. Laws.
D. General Standards for Conducting the Review - Water quality standards shall protect the
public health, safety and welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purpose of the Clean
Water Act. The Director will take into consideration the conservation, protection, use and value
of the waters for public water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreational purposes,
agricultural, industrial, and other purposes, and for navigation.
The Director shall attempt to establish water quality standards which will result in the
achievement of the national water quality goal specified in paragraph 101(a)(2) of the Clean
Water Act, wherever attainable. In determining whether such standards are attainable for any
particular segment, the Director shall take into consideration environmental, technological, social
and economic factors. Designation of uses which do not support the protection and propagation
of fish and wildlife, and recreation in and on the water (Section 101(a)(2) of the Act), may be
granted if supported by a Use Attainability Analyses to the satisfaction of the Director.
The Director shall take into consideration the water quality standards of downstream waters and
shall assure that water quality standards provide for the attainment of the water quality standards
of downstream waters.
The Director shall adhere to the antidegradation principles of the Antidegradation Policy.
E. Modifications of Designated Uses - Modifying a designated use may result in modifying the
applicable criteria of the affected/identified water segment, to criteria necessary to protect the
new designated use of that affected/identified water segment. In no case may a criteria be
modified if it would adversely affect existing uses or other designated uses.
(1). Downgrading Designated Uses
(a). In waters in which the designated use(s) is not the existing use(s), any person
may request that the Director, or the Director may propose, that the designated
use be downgraded, or may designate a partial use (rule 8.B.(3)), only where it is
demonstrated through the UAA process (except as noted in (b) below) by a
preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value
to the satisfaction of the Director that attaining the designated use is not feasible
because:
i.
Naturally occurring background pollutant concentrations or
natural background conditions prevent the attainment of the use;
July 2006, amended May 2009
34
ii.
Naturally occurring ephemeral, intermittent or low flow
conditions or water levels not human-made or human-induced
prevent the attainment of the use, unless these conditions may be
compensated for by the discharge of sufficient volume of
effluent discharges without violating State water conservation
requirements to enable uses to be met;
iii.
Human-made or human-induced conditions prevent the
attainment of the use and cannot be remedied per item (vi), or
would cause more environmental damage to correct than to leave
in place;
iv.
Existing dams, diversions or other types of permitted hydrologic
modifications which meet all applicable permit and/or water
quality certificate requirements preclude the attainment of the
use, and it is not feasible to restore the water body to its original
condition or to operate such modification in a way that would
result in the attainment of the use;
v.
Physical conditions related to the naturally occurring features of
the water body, such as the lack of a proper substrate, cover,
flow, depth, pools, riffles, and the like, unrelated to water quality
and not human-made or human-induced, preclude attainment of
aquatic life protection uses; or
vi.
Controls more stringent than those required by sections
301(b)(1)(A) and (B) and 306 of the Clean Water Act for point
source dischargers, and reasonable best management practices
for nonpoint source dischargers, would result in substantial and
widespread economic and social impact.
It must also be demonstrated to the Director's satisfaction that downgrading or
altering the water quality use will not affect the quality of waters beyond the area
in which i, ii, iii, iv, v or vi applies nor violate rule 18 (Antidegradation of Water
Quality Standards) of these regulations. The Director shall hold a public hearing
on such downgrading requests that are determined to have merit.
(b). For the following waters, a partial use designation of SA{b} may be
proposed and will not be considered a downgrade and will not require a use
attainability analysis, unless the Director determines it is necessary to comply
with Rule 18 (Antidegradation of Water Quality Standards):
i. SA waters along the western shore of Aquidneck Island located
between a straight line extending northerly from the boundary of Lots 8
and 9, Portsmouth Town Map 17 to the end of Coddington Cove
Breakwater in Middletown, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean
high water mark.
ii. SA waters along the western shore of Warwick Neck from the
southern most point of the Harbor Light Marina parking lot to the
northern side of the end of Randall Street, that extend 500 feet seaward
from the mean high water mark.
July 2006, amended May 2009
35
iii. SA waters along the eastern shore of Horse Neck from the eastern
most extension of Burr Avenue, to the eastern most groin at Oakland
Beach, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean high water mark.
iv. SA waters from the northernmost point along the east bulkhead wall
in the small embayment on the south side on the Allens Harbor entrance
channel to the extension of a line from nun buoy 10 through FG Buoy 11
to the shore at Quonset Point, that extend 500 feet seaward from the
mean high water mark.
(c). A designated use may not be downgraded if such uses will be attained by
implementing effluent limits required under sections 301(b) and 306 of the Clean
Water Act for point sources and by implementing cost-effective and reasonable
best management practices for nonpoint source control.
(2). Upgrading Designated Uses - Any person may request that the Director or the
Director may propose to upgrade the classification of a water quality segment, including
a request to designate a waterbody or waterbody segment as a Special Resource
Protection Water (SRPW) or an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW). Where
current water use classifications specify water uses less sensitive than those which are
presently being achieved, the Director shall propose to upgrade the classification of the
waters in question to reflect the uses actually being attained. The Director shall hold a
public hearing on such requests that are determined to have merit. At the hearing, the
applicant must prove by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having
probative value to the satisfaction of the Director that such a reclassification satisfies the
standards of rule 19.D. or that rule 18 applies.
F. Modification of Criteria - Any person may request that the Director, or the Director may
propose to modify an aquatic life water quality criteria. The request and development of site
specific criteria shall be in accordance with the most recent RIDEM Site Specific Aquatic Life
Water Quality Criteria Development Policy. If the Director determines the criteria modification
is appropriate, the Director shall promulgate such modification in accordance with Chapter 42-35
of the R.I. Gen. Laws.
Modification of criteria of a water segment shall not result in a modification of the designated use
of the water segment. Newly developed criteria must still protect the existing and designated uses
of the water segment.
Rule 20 - VARIANCES FROM WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
A. Conditions for Granting Variances - A variance from the water quality standards may be
granted by the Director when the Director has a reasonable belief that the standard can ultimately
be attained. A variance from meeting the standard is granted to the discharger for the particular
constituent that is causing non-attainment of the standard. All other applicable criteria and
standards must be met by the discharger. The criteria protective of the standard must be
maintained for all other dischargers on the waterbody. A variance can be granted only under the
following conditions:
(1). Non-attainment of the standard is attributed to one of the following:
July 2006, amended May 2009
36
(a). Naturally occurring background pollutant concentrations or natural
background conditions prevent the attainment of the use;
(b). Naturally occurring ephemeral, intermittent or low flow conditions or water
levels not human-made or human-induced prevent the attainment of the use,
unless these conditions may be compensated for by the discharge of sufficient
volume of effluent discharges without violating State water conservation
requirements to enable uses to be met;
(c). Human-made or human-induced conditions prevent the attainment of the use
and cannot be remedied per item (f), or would cause more environmental damage
to correct than to leave in place;
(d). Existing dams, diversions or other types of permitted hydrologic
modifications which meet all applicable permit and/or water quality certificate
requirements preclude the attainment of the use, and it is not feasible to restore
the water body to its original condition or to operate such modification in a way
that would result in the attainment of the use;
(e). Physical conditions related to the naturally occurring features of the
waterbody, such as the lack of a proper substrate, cover, flow, depth, pools,
riffles, and the like, unrelated to water quality and not human-made or human-
induced, preclude attainment of aquatic life protection uses; or
(f). Controls more stringent than those required by sections 301(b)(1)(A) and (B)
and 306 of the Clean Water Act for point source dischargers, and reasonable best
management practices for nonpoint source dischargers, would result in
substantial and widespread economic and social impact.
(2). Treatment more advanced than that required by section 301(b)(1)(A) and (B) has
been carefully considered, and that alternative effluent control strategies have been
evaluated.
B. Time Limit for Variances - Variances from the water quality standards shall be for a specific
period of time not to exceed three (3) years. A variance may be reinstated only upon
demonstration that the conditions for granting the variance still apply and reasonable progress
toward meeting the standard has been made.
C. Public Notice - The Director may grant a variance, in accordance with this rule, only after
public notice, opportunity for comment and a public hearing, in accordance with Rhode Island
General Laws Chapter 42-35.
D. Variances for RIPDES Permitted Discharges - Those persons holding a RIPDES permit, or
applying for a RIPDES permit, must request a variance in accordance with rules 56-59 of the
RIPDES Regulations.
E. Compliance With Other Water Quality Regulations - Issuance of a variance pursuant to this
rule does not relieve the holder of the variance from complying with requirements of these
regulations which have not been the subject of a variance.
Rule 21. - APPEALS
A. General - The procedures for appeal of Departmental decisions pursuant to the provisions of
July 2006, amended May 2009
37
Section 42-35 of the R.I. General Laws are contained in the "Administrative Rules of Practice
and Procedure for the Department of Environmental Management Administrative
Adjudication Division for Environmental Matters".
B. Appeal Procedures for Applications for Orders of Approval and Water Quality Certifications -
The applicant may appeal to the Director for review of the decision on an application for approval
by filing an appeal with DEM/Administrative Adjudication.
(1). Filing of Appeal - All appeals shall be in writing and shall be filed with and received
by DEM/Administrative Adjudication within thirty (30) days after the effective date of
the denial of the subject application.
(2). Contents of Appeal - Every appeal shall comply in all respects with the
“Administrative Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Department of Environmental
Management Administrative Adjudication Division for Environmental Matters” and at a
minimum contain the following:
(a). A detailed basis upon which the appeal is taken;
(b). A plat plan of the area of the subject application; and
(c). A list of the names and addresses of the applicant, the municipality in which
the property is located and all abutters.
(3). Notice of Administrative Hearing - Upon the filing of an appeal with DEM/
Administrative Adjudication, and once the hearing schedule allows,
DEM/Administrative Adjudication shall notify the following, by first class mail, of
the date, time and place of the adjudicatory hearing, in conformance with R.I.
General Laws Section 42-35-9, as amended: the applicant, the municipality in
which the property is located, all abutters and all other persons who received notice
pursuant to Rule 15.D.(1) herein.
C. Appeal Procedure for Notice of Violations, Suspensions or Revocations - Any person who has
received a Notice of Violation (NOV) alleging violation of these regulations, or whose approval
has been suspended or revoked, may appeal to the Director for review of the decision on which
the NOV, suspension or revocation is based by filing an appeal with DEM/Administrative
Adjudication.
(1). Filing of Appeal - All appeals shall be in writing and shall be filed with and received
by DEM/Administrative Adjudication within twenty (20) days after the date of the
receipt of the subject NOV, revocation or suspension.
(2). Contents of Appeal - Every appeal shall contain a detailed basis upon which the
appeal is taken.
Rule 22. - SAMPLING
A. Water Quality Testing - Surface water samples shall be collected, preserved, and analyzed in
accordance with 40 CFR, Part 136, Guidelines establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of
Pollutants. Other methods recommended by the EPA may be used, if legally acceptable.
B. Bioassays - Bioassays shall be performed in accordance with the latest editions of EPA
documents entitled Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents to Freshwater and
Marine Organisms, Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and
July 2006, amended May 2009
38
Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms, Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic
Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Marine and Estuarine Organisms, and Methods
for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with
Freshwater Invertebrates or other methods if approved by the Director and legally
acceptable. A more detailed explanation of state requirements pertaining to bioassays is
given in the most recent RIDEM bioassay protocol.
Rule 23. - EFFECTIVE DATE
The foregoing Water Quality Regulations, are hereby amended on an emergency basis and filed with the
Secretary of State this ______________day of _____________, 2009 to become effective immediately
upon filing, in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 46-12, 42-17.1 42-17.6 and 42-35 of the
General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended.
__________________________________________
W. Michael Sullivan, PhD, Director
Department of Environmental Management
Notice Given on:
NA
Public Hearing held:
NA
Filing Date:
__________________
Effective Date:
__________________
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER RESOURCES
APPENDIX A
WATER QUALITY
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS
July 2006
Amended May 2009
The chart used to delineate the seawater conditions and designated use classification segments is the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S. Department of Commerce, United States, East Coast, Rhode
Island - Massachusetts, Narragansett Bay. National Chart Catalog No. 1, Panel G, 48th Ed., May 30, 1992,
13221. True bearings are used in the narrative description of the water bodies.
The reference for the freshwaters for designated use classification segments described here is the United
States Geographic Survey 7.5 Minute Series Topographic Quadrangle Maps at a scale of 1:24,000.
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-1
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
APPENDIX A
General
This waterbody classification listing is consistent with the geographical/numerical waterbody listing in the State
of the State's Waters Report, also known as the 305(b) Report. To find the Classification for a specific waterbody,
determine the associated Basin ID number (eg., RI0001) in which the waterbody is located, from Figure 1
(knowledge of the approximate location of the waterbody in the state is needed.). Using Table 1 identify the
Subbasin in which the waterbody lies. The waterbody descriptions and classifications are listed in numerical
order of the Basin waterbody ID numbers.
All major rivers and most secondary and tertiary streams and tributaries, as well as most medium to large ponds
(generally 20 acres and larger) and estuarine waters are included in this listing. To determine the classification for
waterbodies which are not listed in this Appendix, follow the General Water Quality Classification Rules listed
below and in rule 8.C. of the Water Quality Regulations.
Water Use Classification
All surface waters of the state have been categorized according to the water use classifications of rule 8.B of these
regulations based on considerations of public health, recreation, propagation and protection of fish and wildlife,
and economic and social benefit. Each class is identified by the most sensitive, and therefore governing, water
uses to be protected. Surface waters may be suitable for other beneficial uses, but are regulated to protect and
enhance the designated uses.
These water quality classifications (i.e. AA, A, B, B1, SA, SB, or SB1) denote the water quality goals for the
waterbody as listed below and in rule 8.B of the regulations, not the present conditions. Assessments of present
water quality condition are made on a case-by-case basis through information from the most recent State of the
State's Waters 305(b) Report and/or any other applicable data as approved by the Director. The 305(b) Report is
developed biennially (in even-numbered years) by the RIDEM, Water Resources and distributed to all major
Rhode Island public libraries. Copies are also available for review on the DEM website at
http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/305b/index.htm.
The water use classifications are as follows:
Freshwaters
Class AA@ - These waters are designated as a source of public drinking water supply (PDWS) or as
tributary waters within a public drinking water supply watershed (the terminal reservoir of the PDWS are
identified in Appendix A), for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and for fish and
wildlife habitat. These waters shall have excellent aesthetic value.
Class A - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and for
fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling,
hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall
have excellent aesthetic value.
Class B* - These waters are designated for fish and wildlife habitat and primary and secondary contact
recreational activities. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling,
hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall
have good aesthetic value.
Class B1* - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and fish
and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower,
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-2
aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have good
aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted due to pathogens from approved
wastewater discharges. However all Class B criteria must be met.
Class C - These waters are designated for secondary contact recreational activities and fish and wildlife
habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural
uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These water shall have good aesthetic value.
@ Class AA waters used for public drinking water supply may be subject to restricted recreational use by State
and local authorities.
* Certain Class B and B1 waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in rule
8.B.(3) and described below.
Seawaters
Class SA@ * - These waters are designated for shellfish harvesting for direct human consumption,
primary and secondary contact recreational activities, and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable
for aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.
Class SB* - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities;
shellfish harvesting for controlled relay and depuration; and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be
suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic
value.
Class SB1* - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and
fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling.
These waters shall have good aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted
due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. However all Class SB criteria must be met.
Class SC - These waters are designated for secondary contact recreational activities, and fish and wildlife
habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters
shall have good aesthetic value.
@ Some Class SA waters contain Closed Safety Zones which are waters in the vicinity of an approved sanitary
discharge which may be impacted in the event of complete failure of treatment and are therefore, currently
prohibited to shellfishing. Although shellfishing use is restricted, all SA criteria must be met.
* Certain Class SA, SB and SB1 waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted
in rule 8.B.(3) and described below.
Partial Uses
In accordance with rule 8.B.(3). of these regulations, the Department may assign a partial use subcategory
to a waterbody segment where waters are affected by combined sewer overflows or mooring fields. A
partial use designation may affect the application of criteria.
a. CSO - These waters will likely be impacted by combined sewer overflows in accordance with
approved CSO Facilities Plans and in compliance with rule 19.E.1 of these regulations and the Rhode
Island CSO Policy. Therefore, primary contact recreational activities; shellfishing uses; and fish and
wildlife habitat will likely be restricted.
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-3
b. Concentration of Vessels - these waters are in the vicinity of marinas and/or mooring fields and
therefore seasonal shellfishing closures will likely be required as listed in the most recent (revised
annually) RIDEM document entitled Shellfish Closure Areas. , however, all Class SA criteria must be
attained.
Coldwater/Warmwater Fisheries
Freshwater rivers and streams, and lakes and ponds are designated coldwater, warmwater or unassessed based
upon the potential for the presence of brook trout by evaluating current and historical presence/absence
information, habitat, water quality and physical characteristics data. Where coldwater fish exist in waters not yet
designated as coldwater, the coldwater fish and habitat will be protected as an existing use.
The following is a list of symbols used in the water quality classification listing:
# - Located next to the Waterbody ID number, the # indicates a segment where the Water Effect Ratios
(WERs) and Site Specific Criteria (See Appendix B) apply.
@ - Located next to the Waterbody ID number identifies the terminal reservoir of the public drinking
water supply.
* - Located next to the Waterbody ID number identifies a closed safety zone.
{a} - Located next to the classification, {a} indicates a partial use designation due to impacts from CSOs.
{b} - Located next to the classification, {b} indicates a partial use designation due to impacts from a
concentration of vessels.
General Water Quality Classification Rules
In accordance with rule 8.C. of these regulations:
1.
All streams tributary to Class A waters shall be Class A.
2.
All waters tributary to Class AA waters shall be Class AA.
3.
All freshwaters hydrologically connected by surface waters and upstream of Class B, SB, C or SC
waters shall be Class B unless otherwise identified in Appendix A of these regulations.
4.
All other fresh waters, including, but not limited to, ponds, kettleholes and wetlands not listed in
Appendix A shall be considered to be Class A.
5.
All seawaters not listed in Appendix A shall be considered to be Class SA. All saltwater and
brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters not listed in Appendix A shall be considered to be
Class SA.
6.
All saltwater and brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters listed in Appendix A shall be
considered the same class as their associated seawaters.
FIGURE 1. River Basin Locations
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-4
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-5
TABLE 1 Waterbody ID Numbers and Basin Locations
Waterbody ID Number
Basin Name/Subbasin Name
Page Number
RI0001
Blackstone River Basin..............................7 - 11
RI0001001
Wallum Lake and Tribs. ..............................7
RI0001002
Branch River and Tribs................................7 - 9
RI0001003
Blackstone River and Tribs. ........................9 - 10
RI0001004
Woonsocket Res. and Tribs. ........................10
RI0001005
Sneech Pond and Tribs. ...............................10
RI0001006
Abbott Run Brook and Tribs. ......................10 - 11
RI0002
Woonasquatucket River .............................12 - 13
RI0002007
Woonasquatucket River and Tribs...............12 - 13
RI0003
Moshassuck River ......................................14
RI0003008
Moshassuck River and Tribs .......................14
RI0004
Ten Mile River ...........................................15
RI0004009
Ten Mile River and Tribs ............................15
RI0005
Thames River .............................................16 - 17
RI0005047
Tribs to the Five Mile River ........................16
RI0005011
Moosup River and Tribs..............................16 - 17
RI0005010
Beach Pond and Tribs..................................17
RI0006
Pawtuxet River...........................................18 - 23
RI0006012
Big River and Tribs. ....................................18
RI0006013
Flat River and Tribs.....................................18 - 19
RI0006014
Pawtuxet River South Branch and Tribs......19
RI0006015
Scituate Reservoir and Tribs........................19 - 21
RI0006016
Pawtuxet River North Branch and Tribs......21 - 22
RI0006017
Pawtuxet River Main Stem and Tribs..........22
RI0006018
Pocasset River and Tribs. ............................22-23
RI0007
Narragansett Bay........................................24 - 36
RI0007019
Seekonk River..............................................24
RI0007020
Providence River .........................................24
RI0007024
Upper Narragansett Bay ..............................24 - 25
RI0007021
Barrington & Runnins Rivers ......................25
RI0007022
Palmer River................................................25
RI0007023
Warren River ...............................................25 - 26
RI0007025
Greenwich Bay ............................................26 - 27
RI0007028
Potowomut River.........................................27 - 28
RI0007027
West Passage Narragansett Bay...................28 - 30
RI0007026
Bristol Harbor..............................................31
RI0007029
East Passage Narragansett Bay....................31 - 33
RI0007030
Newport Harbor/Coddington Cove..............33 - 34
RI0007036
Jamestown Water Supply ............................34
RI0007035
Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs. ..............34 - 35
RI0007034
Warren Reservoir ........................................35
RI0007033
Kickemuit River ..........................................35
RI0007032
Mt. Hope Bay ..............................................35 - 36
RI0007037
Stafford Pond...............................................36
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-6
TABLE 1 Waterbody ID Numbers and Basin Locations (continued)
Waterbody ID Number
Basin Name/Subbasin Name
Page Number
RI0008
Pawcatuck River.........................................37 - 42
RI0008039
Pawcatuck River and Tribs..........................37 - 39
RI0008040
Wood River and Tribs. ................................40 - 42
RI0008038
Tidal Pawcatuck River/Little.......................42
Narragansett Bay
RI0009
Westport River ...........................................42
RI0009041
Adamsville Brook and Tribs........................42
RI0010
Coastal (Block Island Sound/.....................43 - 50
Rhode Island Sound)
RI0010043
Southwest Coastal Ponds.............................43 - 45
RI0010045
Saugatucket River........................................45
RI0010042
Coastal Shoreline.........................................46
RI0010044
Tribs to Pettaquamscutt River......................46 - 47
RI0010047
Coastal Aquidneck.......................................47
RI0010031
Sakonnet River ............................................47 - 48
RI0010048
Southeast Coastal Ponds..............................48 - 49
RI0010046
Block Island Waters.....................................49 - 50
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-7
Waterbody Segment Classifications
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Blackstone River Basin
RI0001
Wallum Lake & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001001
RI0001001L-01@
Wallum Lake. Burrillville
AA
WARM
Branch River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001002
RI0001002R-26
Hemlock Brook. Burrillville, RI/ Douglas, MA
A
RI0001002R-05A
Clear River from Wallum Lake to approximately 3/4 miles
A
COLD
downstream. Burrillville
RI0001002R-05B
Clear River from a point approximately 3/4 mile downstream
B1
COLD
of Wallum Lake to a point 1/2 mile upstream of Wilson
Reservoir. Burrillville
RI0001002L-15
Round Pond. Burrillville
B
RI0001002R-06
Dry Arm Brook. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0001002R-16
Iron Mine Brook. Burrillville
B
RI0001002R-05C
Clear River from 1/2 mile upstream of Wilson Reservoir to 1
B
WARM
mile upstream of confluence with the Chepachet River
(upstream of the Burrillville WWTF discharge point).
Glocester, Burrillville
RI0001002L-01
Wilson Reservoir. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0001002R-17
Leland Brook. Burrillville
B
RI0001002R-30
Tributaries to Burlingame Reservoir. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002L-10
Burlingame Reservoir. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-02
Brandy Brook. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002L-03
Echo Lake (Pascoag Reservoir). Burrillville, Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-09
Pascoag River. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0001002R-18
Mowry Brook. Burrillville
B
COLD
RI0001002R-11
Round Top Brook. Burrillville
A
WARM
RI0001002L-12
Round Top State Pond. Burrillville
A
RI0001002R-04
Chocalog River. Burrillville
A
COLD
RI0001002R-08
Nipmuc River. Burrillville
A
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-8
Blackstone River Basin
RI0001 (continued)
Branch River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001002 (continued)
RI0001002L-04
Spring Lake (Herring Pond). Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0001002R-15
Herring Brook. Burrillville
B
RI0001002R-25
Bettey Brook. Burrillville
B
COLD
RI0001002R-05D
Clear River from the Burrillville WWTF discharge point to the
B1
WARM
confluence with the Chepachet River. Glocester, Burrillville
RI0001002L-14
Cherry Valley Pond. Glocester
B
RI0001002R-19
Peckham Brook. Glocester
B
RI0001002R-12
Saunders Brook. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-32
Tributaries to Keech Pond. Glocester
B
RI0001002L-11
Keech Pond. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-33
Tributaries to Smith & Sayles Reservoir. Glocester
B
COLD
RI0001002L-07
Smith & Sayles Reservoir. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-34
Tributaries to Shingle Mill Pond. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002L-16
Shingle Mill Pond. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-20
Stingo Brook. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0001002R-35
Tributaries to Spring Grove Pond. Glocester
B
COLD
RI0001002L-06
Spring Grove Pond. Glocester
B
RI0001002L-05
Sucker Pond. Burrillville
B
RI0001002R-22
Sucker Brook. Burrillville, Glocester
B
COLD
RI0001002R-03
Chepachet River. Glocester, Burrillville
B
COLD
RI0001002R-01A
Branch River from the confluence of the Clear River and
B
WARM
Chepachet River at Oakland to the inlet of Slatersville
Reservoir. Burrillville
RI0001002R-21
Tucker Brook. Burrillville
B
COLD
RI0001002L-09
Slatersville Reservoir. Burrillville, North Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0001002R-07
Mowry Paine Brook. Glocester
B
COLD
RI0001002R-13A
Headwaters of Tarkiln Brook and tributaries to Nichols Pond.
B
COLD
Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield
RI0001002L-13
Nichols Pond. Burrillville
B
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-9
Blackstone River Basin
RI0001 (continued)
Branch River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001002 (continued)
RI0001002R-13C
Tarkiln Brook from the outlet of Nichols Pond to Route 7
B
WARM
Crossing, excluding Tarkiln Pond. Burrillville, Glocester,
North Smithfield.
RI0001002L-08
Tarkiln Pond. North Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0001002R-13B
Tarkiln Brook from Route 7 crossing to Slatersville Reservoir.
B
WARM
Burrillville, North Smithfield
RI0001002L-18
Lake Bel Air. North Smithfield
B
RI0001002R-24
Rankin Brook. North Smithfield
B
COLD
RI0001002R-14
Trout Brook. North Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0001002L-17
Trout Brook Pond. North Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0001002R-38
Unnamed tributaries through Black Hut Management Area
B
COLD
to confluence with Branch River in Glendale. Burrillville
RI0001002R-01B
Branch River from the outlet of the Slatersville Reservoir to
B
WARM
the confluence with the Blackstone River. North Smithfield
RI0001002R-23
Dawley Brook. North Smithfield
B
Blackstone River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001003
RI0001003R-09
Unnamed tributaries to the Blackstone River #2. Woonsocket,
B
WARM
North Smithfield
RI0001003R-16
Mussey Brook. Lincoln
B
WARM
RI0001003R-01A
Blackstone River from the MA-RI border to the CSO outfall
B1
WARM
located at River and Samoset Streets in Central Falls.
Woonsocket, North Smithfield, Cumberland, Lincoln and
Central Falls.
RI0001003R-02
Cherry Brook. North Smithfield, Woonsocket
B
WARM
RI0001003L-03
Todd's Pond. North Smithfield
A
RI0001003L-05
Social Pond. Woonsocket
B
RI0001003R-03
Mill River. Woonsocket
B
RI0001003R-04
Peters River. Woonsocket
B
WARM
RI0001003L-04
Handy Pond (Upper Rochambeau Pond). Lincoln
B
RI0001003R-06
West Sneech Brook. Cumberland
B
COLD
RI0001003R-05
Scott Brook. Cumberland
A
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-10
Blackstone River Basin
RI0001 (continued)
Blackstone River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0001003 (continued)
RI0001003R-07
Monastery Brook. Cumberland
B
WARM
RI0001003R-01B
Blackstone River from the CSO outfall located at River and
B1{a}
WARM
Samoset streets in Central Falls to the Slater Mill Dam.
Central Falls, Pawtucket.
RI0001003L-01
Scott Pond. Lincoln
B
RI0001003L-02
Valley Falls Pond. Cumberland
B1
WARM
Woonsocket Reservoir #3 & all Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001004
RI0001004L-01@
Woonsocket Reservoir #3. North Smithfield, Smithfield
AA
RI0001004L-02@
Woonsocket Reservoir #1. North Smithfield
AA
COLD
RI0001004L-03
Woonsocket Reservoir #2. North Smithfield
AA
COLD
RI0001004L-04
Laporte's Pond. Lincoln
A
RI0001004R-01
Crookfall Brook. North Smithfield
AA
COLD
RI0001004R-02
Spring Brook. North Smithfield
AA
WARM
Sneech Pond & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001005
RI0001005L-01@
Sneech Pond. Cumberland
AA
Abbott Run Brook & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0001006
RI0001006L-08
Carl’s Pond. Cumberland
A
RI0001006R-05
Indian Brook. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-06
Burnt Swamp Brook. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006L-01
Diamond Hill Reservoir. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006L-05
Miscoe Lake. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-07
Catamint Brook. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-09
Sylvyns Brook. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006R-04
Ash Swamp Brook. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-03
East Sneech Brook. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006L-09
Little Pond. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-02
Long Brook. Cumberland
AA
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-11
Blackstone River Basin
RI0001 (continued)
Abbott Run Brook & Tributaries Subbasin RI0001006 (continued)
RI0001006L-02
Arnold Mills Reservoir (Pawtucket Reservoir). Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-01A
Abbott Run Brook North. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006L-06
Rawson Pond. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006L-07
Howard Pond. Cumberland
AA
RI0001006R-01B
Abbott Run Brook South. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006R-08
Millers River. Cumberland
AA
COLD
RI0001006L-04
Robin Hollow Pond. Cumberland
AA
WARM
RI0001006L-03@
Happy Hollow Pond. Cumberland
AA
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-12
Woonasquatucket River Basin
RI0002
Woonasquatucket River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0002007
RI0002007L-11
Primrose Pond. North Smithfield
B
RI0002007R-10A
Woonasquatucket River headwaters to Georgiaville Pond,
B
WARM
excluding reservoirs and ponds. North Smithfield, Smithfield
RI0002007R-05
Latham Brook. Smithfield
B
RI0002007L-08
Woonasquatucket Reservoir (Stump Pond/Stillwater
B
WARM
Reservoir). Smithfield
RI0002007R-13
Unnamed tributaries to Woonasquatucket Reservoir. Johnston
B
RI0002007R-07
Shincott Brook. Glocester, Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-11
Nine Foot Brook. Smithfield, Glocester
B
WARM
RI0002007R-02
Cutler Brook. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0002007R-14
Unnamed tributaries to Waterman Reservoir. Glocester, Smithfield
B
RI0002007L-04
Waterman Reservoir. Glocester, Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-09
Stillwater River. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007L-05
Upper Sprague Reservoir. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007L-06
Lower Sprague Reservoir. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-15
Unnamed tributaries to Slack Reservoir. Smithfield, Johnston
B
RI0002007L-03
Slack Reservoir. Smithfield, Johnston
B
WARM
RI0002007L-01
Hawkins Pond. Smithfield, Johnston
B
WARM
RI0002007R-06
Reaper Brook. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007L-10
Mountaindale Reservoir. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-12
Unnamed tributaries to Stillwater Pond. Smithfield
B
RI0002007L-07
Stillwater Pond. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-16
Unnamed tributaries to Georgiaville Pond. Smithfield
B
RI0002007L-02
Georgiaville Pond. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007L-09
Harris Pond. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-03
Harris Brook. Smithfield
B
WARM
RI0002007R-17
Airport Creek. Smithfield
B
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-13
Woonasquatucket River Basin
RI0002 (continued)
Woonasquatucket River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0002007 (continued)
RI0002007R-10B
Woonasquatucket River from the Georgiaville Pond outlet to
B
WARM
the Smithfield WWTF discharge point at Esmond Mill Drive
Smithfield
RI0002007R-04
Hawkins Brook. Smithfield
B
RI0002007R-01
Assapumpset Brook. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0002007R-10C
Woonasquatucket River from the Smithfield WWTF discharge
B1
WARM
point at Esmond Mill Drive to the CSO outfall at Glenbridge
Avenue in Providence. Smithfield, North Providence,
Providence, Johnston
RI0002007R-10D
Woonasquatucket River from the CSO outfall at Glenbridge
B1{a}
WARM
Avenue to the confluence with the Moshassuck River.
Providence
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-14
Moshassuck River Basin
RI0003
Moshassuck River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0003008
RI0003008R-01A
Moshassuck River headwaters to inlet of Barney Pond. Lincoln
B
COLD
RI0003008R-01B
Moshassuck River from Barney Pond outlet to the
B
WARM
first CSO discharge point at Weeden Street Bridge.
Lincoln, Central Falls
RI0003008L-02
Barney Pond. Lincoln
B
WARM
RI0003008L-01
Olney Pond. Lincoln
B
WARM
RI0003008R-02
Threadmill Brook. Lincoln
B
WARM
RI0003008R-01C
Moshassuck River from the first CSO discharge point at
B{a}
WARM
Weeden Street Bridge to the confluence with the
Woonasquatucket River. Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence
RI0003008R-03A
West River headwaters to the inlet of Wenscott Reservoir.
B
WARM
Providence, North Providence
RI0003008L-05
Wenscott Reservoir (Twin Rivers). North Providence,
B
WARM
Smithfield, Lincoln
RI0003008R-03B
West River from the outlet of Wenscott Reservoir, including
B
WARM
Geneva and Whipple ponds, to the first CSO discharge point
located south of the Branch Avenue crossing, off of Vandewater
street. North Providence, Providence.
RI0003008L-04
Canada Pond. North Providence, Providence
B
RI0003008R-03C
West River from the first CSO discharge point located
B{a}
WARM
south of the Branch Avenue crossing, off of Vandewater.
Street to the confluence with the Moshassuck River.
Providence
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-15
Ten Mile River Basin
RI0004
Ten Mile River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0004009
RI0004009L-01A
Turner Reservoir North of Newman Avenue Dam. East
B1
WARM
Providence
RI0004009L-01B
Turner Reservoir South of Newman Avenue Dam. East
B
WARM
Providence
RI0004009L-02
Slater Park Pond. Pawtucket
B1
WARM
RI0004009L-03
Omega Pond. East Providence
B
WARM
RI0004009R-01A
Ten Mile River from the MA-RI border to the inlet to Turner
B1
WARM
Reservoir North, excluding Slater Park Pond. Pawtucket
RI0004009R-01B
Ten Mile River downstream of Turner Reservoir South to the
B
WARM
Omega Pond inlet. East Providence
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-16
Thames River Basin
RI0005
Tributaries to the Five Mile River Subbasin
RI0005047
RI0005047R-06
Leeson Brook. Burrillville
B
RI0005047R-05
Cold Spring Brook. Burrillville
B
RI0005047R-04
Croff Farm Brook. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0005047L-05
Cedar Swamp Pond. Burrillville
B
RI0005047L-01
Wakefield Pond. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0005047R-02
Keach Brook. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0005047L-02
Peck Pond. Burrillville
B
WARM
RI0005047R-10
Unnamed tributary to Lake Washington. Glocester
B
RI0005047L-04
Lake Washington. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0005047L-10
Wilbur Pond. Burrillville
B
RI0005047L-03
Bowdish Reservoir. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0005047L-08
Clarksville Pond. Glocester
B
WARM
RI0005047R-01
Brown Brook. Glocester
B
RI0005047L-09
Hawkins Pond. Glocester
B
RI0005047R-14
Unnamed tributaries through White’s Pond to confluence
B
COLD
with Mowry Meadow Brook. Glocester
RI0005047R-03
Mowry Meadow Brook (Shady Oak Brook). Glocester
B
WARM
RI0005047R-08
Cady Brook. Glocester
B
RI0005047R-07
Unnamed tributary to Killingly Pond. Glocester, Foster
B
WARM
RI0005047L-07
Killingly Pond. Glocester
B
WARM
Moosup River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0005011
RI0005011R-07
Salisbury Brook. Foster
A
RI0005011R-06
Quanduck Brook. Foster
A
WARM
RI0005011L-06
Clark Pond. Foster
A
COLD
RI0005011R-03
Moosup River. Foster, Coventry
A
COLD
RI0005011R-05
West Meadow Brook. Foster
A
COLD
RI0005011L-07
Briggs Pond. Coventry
A
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-17
Thames River Basin RI0005 (continued)
Moosup River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0005011 (continued)
RI0005011L-02
Waterman Pond (Sisson Pond). Coventry
A
RI0005011R-02
Warwick Brook. Coventry
A
COLD
RI0005011R-10
Unnamed tributary to Koszela Pond. Coventry
A
COLD
RI0005011L-08
Koszela Pond. Coventry
A
RI0005011R-09
Sawmill Brook and tributaries. Coventry
A
RI0005011R-01
Bucks Horn Brook. Coventry
A
COLD
RI0005011L-01
Carbuncle Pond. Coventry
A
WARM
RI0005011L-05
Great Grass Pond. Coventry, West Greenwich
A
RI0005011L-04
Whitford Pond. Coventry
A
RI0005011L-09
Little Grass Pond. Coventry
A
RI0005011L-03
Arnold Pond. Coventry
A
RI0005011R-04
Roaring Brook. Coventry
A
WARM
Beach Pond & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0005010
RI0005010L-01
Beach Pond. Exeter
B
WARM
RI0005010R-01
Unnamed tributary to Beach Pond. Exeter
B
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-18
Pawtuxet River Basin
RI0006
Big River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006012
RI0006012L-03
Milbrook Pond. Exeter
A
COLD
RI0006012R-04
Congdon River. Exeter, West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0006012R-05
Nooseneck River. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0006012R-06
Raccoon Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0006012R-02
Big River. West Greenwich
A
RI0006012L-01
Carr Pond. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0006012L-02
Tarbox Pond. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0006012R-03
Carr River. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0006012R-07
Mud Bottom Brook. West Greenwich
A
RI0006012L-04
Capwell Mill Pond. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0006012L-05
Reynolds Pond to the Harkney Hill Road highway bridge.
A
WARM
West Greenwich, Coventry
RI0006012R-01
Bear Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
Flat River Reservoir & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006013
RI0006013R-10
Turkey Meadow Brook. Scituate, Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-04
Negro Sawmill Brook. Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-06
Pine Swamp Brook. Foster, Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-02
Flat River. Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-03
McCuster Brook. Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-09
Whaley Brook. Foster/Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013L-01
Flat River Reservoir (Johnson Pond). Coventry
B
WARM
RI0006013R-05
Pierce Brook. Scituate, Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013R-01
Boyd Brook. Scituate, Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006013L-13
Carr Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006013L-04
Quidneck Reservoir. Coventry
B
WARM
RI0006013R-08A
Quidneck Brook headwaters and tributaries
B
to Quidneck Reservoir. Coventry
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-19
Pawtuxet River Basin RI0006 (continued)
Flat River Reservoir & Tributaries Subbasin RI0006013 (continued)
RI0006013R-08B
Quidneck Brook from the outlet of Quidneck Reservoir
B
COLD
to Coventry Reservoir (Stump Pond). Coventry
RI0006013R-08C
Quidneck Brook from the outlet of Coventry Reservoir
B
(Stump Pond) to Flat River Reservoir. Coventry
RI0006013L-03
Coventry Reservoir (Stump Pond). Coventry
B
RI0006013R-07
Poor Farm Brook. Coventry
B
RI0006013L-14
Hall Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006013L-12
Maple Root Pond. Coventry
B
Pawtuxet River South Branch & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006014
RI0006014R-04A
Pawtuxet River South Branch from the Flat River Reservoir
B
WARM
dam to the Quidnick Dye Mill dam. Coventry
RI0006014R-03
Old Hickory Brook. West Greenwich, Coventry
B
RI0006014L-01
Mishnock Lake. West Greenwich
B
WARM
RI0006014R-02
Mishnock River. West Greenwich, Coventry
B
COLD
RI0006014L-07
Huron Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006014L-02
Tiogue Lake. Coventry
B
WARM
RI0006014L-08
Phelps Pond. West Greenwich
B
RI0006014L-04
Upper Dam Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006014L-06
Middle Dam Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006014R-04B#
Pawtuxet River South Branch from the Quidnick Dye Mill dam
B1
WARM
to its confluence with the North Branch of the Pawtuxet River.
Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick
RI0006014R-01
Hawkinson Brook. West Warwick
B
COLD
RI0006014L-05
Matteson Pond. West Warwick
B
Scituate Reservoir Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006015
RI0006015L-02
Ponagansett Reservoir. Glocester
AA
RI0006015R-20A
Ponagansett River headwaters and tributaries from the outlet
AA
WARM
of Ponagansett Reservoir to the confluence with Shippee Brook.
Glocester, Foster
RI0006015R-23
Shippee Brook. Foster
AA
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-20
Pawtuxet River Basin RI0006 (continued)
Scituate Reservoir Tributaries Subbasin RI0006015 (continued)
RI0006015R-34
Huntington Brook. Foster
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-20B
Ponagansett River and tributaries from the confluence with
AA
COLD
Shippee Brook to Scituate Reservoir, excluding Barden Reservoir.
Glocester, Foster
RI0006015L-05
Shippee Saw Mill Pond. Foster
AA
WARM
RI0006015R-09
Hannah Brook. Glocester
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-01
Allen Richard Brook. Glocester
AA
RI0006015R-13
Killy Brook. Glocester, Foster
AA
RI0006015R-30
Windsor Brook. Glocester, Foster
AA
COLD
RI0006015L-09
Brush Meadow Pond. Foster, Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-08
Dolly Cole Brook. Glocester, Foster, Scituate
AA
WARM
RI0006015L-06
Barden Reservoir. Foster, Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-17
Paine Brook. Foster
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-10
Hemlock Brook. Foster
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-26
Swamp Brook. Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-27
Westconnaug Brook. Foster
AA
RI0006015L-03
Westconnaug Reservoir. Foster, Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-28
Westconnaug Stream. Foster, Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-02
Bear Tree Brook. Foster, Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015L-10
King Pond. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-14
King Brook. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-06
Cork Brook. Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-32
Potterville Brook. Foster, Scituate
AA
WARM
RI0006015R-29
Wilbur Hollow Brook. Scituate
AA
WARM
RI0006015L-07@
Scituate Reservoir. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-25
Spruce Brook. Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-31
Hunt Brook. Glocester
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-19A
Peeptoad Brook headwaters and tributaries to Coomer Lake.
AA
COLD
Glocester
RI0006015L-08
Coomer's Lake. Glocester
AA
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-21
Pawtuxet River Basin RI0006 (continued)
Scituate Reservoir Tributaries Subbasin RI0006015 (continued)
RI0006015R-19B
Peeptoad Brook and tributaries from the outlet of Coomer Lake
AA
WARM
to Regulating Reservoir. Glocester, Scituate.
RI0006015R-18
Mosquitohawk Brook. Glocester, Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015L-13
Lake Aldersgate. Glocester
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-11
Huntinghouse Brook. Glocester, Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-22
Rush Brook. Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015R-24
Soak Hide Brook. Scituate
AA
COLD
RI0006015L-01
Regulating Reservoir. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-03
Blanchard Brook. Scituate
AA
WARM
RI0006015L-14
Kimball Reservoir. Johnston
AA
RI0006015R-16
Moswansicut Stream. Scituate
AA
RI0006015L-04
Moswansicut Pond. Scituate, Johnston
AA
RI0006015R-05
Bullhead Brook. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-04
Brandy Brook. Scituate
AA
RI0006015L-11
Pine Swamp Pond. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-21
Quonopaug River. Scituate
AA
RI0006015L-12
Betty Pond. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-12
Kent Brook. Scituate
AA
RI0006015R-07
Coventry Brook. Scituate
AA
Pawtuxet River North Branch & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006016
RI0006016R-06A
Pawtuxet River North Branch from Gainer Memorial Dam to
A
COLD
0.5 mile downstream. Scituate
RI0006016R-03
Colvin Brook. Scituate
B
COLD
RI0006016R-06B
Pawtuxet River North Branch from 0.5 mile downstream of the
B
COLD
Gainer Memorial Dam to the Arkwright Dam.
Scituate, Coventry, and Cranston
RI0006016R-08
Unnamed tributary #1 to North Branch Pawtuxet River.
B
COLD
Scituate, Coventry
RI0006016R-07
Burlingame Brook. Coventry, Scituate
B
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-22
Pawtuxet River Basin RI0006 (continued)
Pawtuxet River North Branch & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006016 (continued)
RI0006016R-04
Cranberry Brook. Scituate
B
COLD
RI0006016L-02
J.L. Curran Reservoir (Fiskeville Reservoir). Cranston
B
WARM
RI0006016R-02
Clarke Brook. Cranston
B
COLD
RI0006016R-06C
Pawtuxet River North Branch from the Arkwright Dam to the
B
WARM
confluence of the North and South Branches of the Pawtuxet
River at Riverpoint. Coventry, Cranston, West Warwick
RI0006016L-01
Black Rock Reservoir. Coventry
B
WARM
RI0006016R-01
Black Rock Brook. Coventry
B
WARM
RI0006016L-03
Fones Pond. Coventry
B
RI0006016R-05
Lippet Brook. Cranston, West Warwick
B
WARM
Pawtuxet River Main Stem & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006017
RI0006017R-03#
Pawtuxet River from the confluence of the North and South
B1
WARM
Branches at Riverpoint to the Pawtuxet Cove Dam at Pawtuxet.
West Warwick, Warwick, Cranston
RI0006017R-01
Furnace Hill Brook. Johnston, Cranston
B
COLD
RI0006017L-01
Meshanticut Pond. Cranston
B
WARM
RI0006017R-02
Meshanticut Brook. Cranston, Warwick
B
WARM
RI0006017L-02
Three Ponds. Warwick
B
RI0006017R-04
Three Pond Brook. Warwick
B
RI0006017L-10
Tongue Pond. Cranston
B
RI0006017L-07
Spectacle Pond. Cranston
B
RI0006017L-06
Mashapaug Pond. Providence
B
WARM
RI0006017L-05
Roger Williams Park Ponds. Providence
B
WARM
RI0006017L-08
Fenner Pond. Cranston
B
RI0006017L-09
Sand Pond (N. of Airport). Warwick
B
RI0006017R-05
Lakewood Brook. Warwick.
B
Pocasset River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0006018
RI0006018R-03A
Pocasset River from the headwaters to the inlet of Printworks Pond.
B
WARM
Johnston, Cranston
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-23
Pawtuxet River Basin RI0006 (continued)
Pocasset River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0006018 (continued)
RI0006018L-01
Oak Swamp Reservoir. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0006018R-02A
Dry Brook from the outlet of Oak Swamp Reservoir to a point
B
WARM
0.3 miles below Almy Reservoir at the discharge point of
Medical Homes of R.I., excluding Almy Reservoir. Johnston
RI0006018L-02
Almy Reservoir. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0006018R-02B
Dry Brook from a point 0.3 miles below Almy Reservoir to its
B1
confluence with the Pocasset River. Johnston
RI0006018R-01
Cedar Swamp Brook. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0006018L-03
Simmons Reservoir. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0006018R-04
Simmons Brook. Johnston
B
WARM
RI0006018L-08
Stone Pond. Cranston
B
RI0006018L-04
Randall Pond. Cranston
B
WARM
RI0006018L-07
Dyer Pond. Cranston
B
RI0006018L-05
Print Works Pond. Cranston
B
WARM
RI0006018R-03B
Pocasset River from the outlet of Printworks Pond to the
B
WARM
confluence with the Pawtuxet River. Cranston
RI0006018L-06
Blackamore Pond. Cranston
B
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-24
Narragansett Basin
RI0007
Seekonk River Subbasin
RI0007019
RI0007019E-01
Seekonk River from the Slater Mill Dam at Main Street in
SB1{a}
Pawtucket to India Point in Providence. Pawtucket, Providence
Providence River Subbasin
RI0007020
RI0007020E-01B
Providence River from its confluence with the Moshassuck and
SB1{a}
Woonasquatucket Rivers in Providence south and south of a
line from India Point to Bold Point (across the mouth of the
Seekonk River), to a line extending from a point on shore due
east of Naushon Avenue in Warwick to the western terminus of
beach Road in East Providence, including Watchemoket Cove.
East Providence, Providence, Cranston and Warwick.
RI0007020E-01A
Providence River south of a line from a point on shore due east
SB{a}
of Naushon Avenue in Warwick to the western terminus of
Beach Road in East Providence and north of a line from
Conimicut Point in Warwick to Old Tower at Nayatt Point in
Barrington. East Providence, Warwick, Barrington
RI0007020R-08
Tributary to Occupessatuxet Cove. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007020R-05
Mosskettuash Brook. East Providence
B
WARM
RI0007020R-02
Annawomscott Brook. East Providence, Barrington
B
WARM
RI0007020L-04
Posnegansett Pond. Warwick
A
RI0007020L-06
Prince's Pond (Tiffany Pond). Barrington
SA
RI0007020L-02
Brickyard Pond. Barrington
B
WARM
RI0007020R-01
Mussuchuck Creek. Barrington
B
RI0007020R-03
Tributaries to Echo Lake. Barrington
B
WARM
RI0007020L-07
Echo Lake. Barrington
B
WARM
Upper Narragansett Bay Subbasin
RI0007024
RI0007024E-01
Upper Narragansett Bay from Conimicut Point-Nayatt Point
SA
boundary south, including waters south of a line from Adams
Point, Barrington to Jacobs Point, Warren, to a line from Warwick
Point in Warwick through Providence Point on Prudence Island,
to Popasquash Point in Bristol. Warwick, Barrington, Bristol,
Portsmouth, Warren
RI0007024R-06
Rumstick Run. Barrington
A
RI0007024L-01
Sandy Pond (Little Pond, south of airport). Warwick
B
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-25
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Upper Narragansett Bay Subbasin RI0007024 (continued)
RI0007024R-10
Unnamed tributary to Spring Green Pond. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024L-03
Spring Green Pond. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024R-05
Tributaries to Warwick Pond. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024L-02
Warwick Pond. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024R-01
Buckeye Brook. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024R-02
Parsonage (Knowles) Brook. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024R-04
Warner Brook. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024R-03
Lockwood Brook. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007024E-02
Old Mill Creek. Warwick
SA
Barrington & Runnins Rivers Subbasin
RI0007021
RI0007021R-01
Runnins River from the MA-RI border to the Mobil Dam in
B
WARM
East Providence. Providence, East Providence
RI0007021R-02
Tributaries to Barrington River. Barrington
A
WARM
RI0007021E-01A
Barrington River from the Mobil Dam in East Providence to the
SA
East Bay Bike Path trestle in Barrington approximately 2500
feet north of the confluence with the Palmer River. East
Providence, Barrington
RI0007021E-01B
Barrington River from the East Bay Bike Path trestle, south
SB1
approximately 2500 feet to the confluence with the Palmer
River. Barrington
Palmer River Subbasin
RI0007022
RI0007022E-01A
Palmer River from the MA-RI border to the East Bay Bike Path
SA
trestle in Warren, approximately 2500 feet north of the
confluence with the Barrington River. Warren, Barrington
RI0007022E-01B
Palmer River from the East Bay Bike Path trestle in Warren,
SB1
south approximately 2500 feet to the confluence with the
Barrington River. Warren, Barrington
Warren River Subbasin
RI0007023
RI0007023E-01A
Warren River from the confluence with the Barrington and
SB1
Palmer Rivers, approximately 2500 feet south of the East Bay
Bike Path trestles, south to a line between the concrete jetty at
the north end of the Warren Town Beach through Nun Buoy 18
and its extension to the Barrington Shore. Barrington, Warren.
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-26
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Warren River Subbasin RI0007023 (continued)
RI0007023E-01B
Warren River waters south of a line from the concrete jetty at
SB
the north end of the Warren Town Beach through Nun Buoy 18
and its extension to the Barrington shore and north of a line
from Adams Point in Barrington to Jacobs Point in Warren.
Warren, Barrington.
Greenwich Bay Subbasin
RI0007025
RI0007025R-02
Cedar Brook. West Warwick
B
RI0007025R-01
Hardig Brook. West Warwick, Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007025R-14
Mill Brook. Warwick
B
RI0007025R-13
Gorton Pond tributary. Warwick
B
RI0007025L-01
Gorton Pond. Warwick
B
WARM
RI0007025R-11
Greenwood Creek. Warwick
B
RI0007025E-01
Apponaug Cove waters north and west of a line from the
SB
RIDEM range marker located at the end of Neptune Lane
In Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at
Cedar Tree Point. Warwick
RI0007025E-07
Mary’s Creek. Warwick
SB
RI0007025E-04A
Greenwich Bay waters north and west of a line from the eastern
SA
extremity of Sandy Point on Potowomut Neck, Warwick,
to the flag pole located at the Warwick Country Club on
Warwick Neck; east of a line from the northerly point of
Long Point to the southerly point of Chepiwanoxet Point, and
east of a line from the northern extremity of Chepiwanoxet Point to
the extension of Capron Farm Drive in Nausauket. Warwick,
East Greenwich
RI0007025E-04B
Greenwich Bay waters west of a line from the northern extremity
SA
of Chepiwanoxet Point to the extension of Capron Farm Drive
in Nausauket, of Warwick, and east of a line from the RIDEM
range marker located at the end of Neptune Lane in
Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at Cedar
Tree Point. Warwick, East Greenwich
RI0007025R-06
Baker Creek. Warwick
A
RI0007025R-05
Tuscatucket Brook. Warwick
A
WARM
RI0007025R-09
Southern Creek (Carpenter Brook). Warwick
A
RI0007025E-02
Brushneck Cove. Warwick
SA
RI0007025E-03
Buttonwoods Cove. Warwick
SA
RI0007025R-07
Fosters Brook. Warwick
B
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-27
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Greenwich Bay Subbasin RI0007025
(continued)
RI0007025R-08
Oakside Street Brook. Warwick
B
RI0007025E-06A
Warwick Cove north of a line from the easternmost extension
SB
of Burr Avenue on Horse Neck to the southern-most point of the
Harbor Light Marina parking lot on the east shore.
Warwick
RI0007025E-06B
Warwick Cove south of a line from the easternmost extension
SA
of Burr Avenue on Horse Neck to the southernmost point of the
Harbor Light Marina parking lot on the east shore and north of a
line from the southeastern most riprap jetty at the entrance of
Warwick Cove, located at the southeastern end of Oakland Beach
to the southern (landward) end of Dorr's Dock on Warwick Neck,.
excluding the waters noted below in RI0007025E-06C. Warwick
RI0007025E-06C
Warwick Cove in the vicinity of Captain’s Shellfish. Warwick
SB
RI0007025R-16
Saddle Brook. West Warwick, Warwick, East Greenwich
B
COLD
RI0007025R-03
Maskerchugg River. Warwick, East Greenwich
B
WARM
RI0007025R-17
Nichols River. East Greenwich
B
WARM
RI0007025R-04
Dark Entry Brook. Warwick, East Greenwich
B
WARM
RI0007025E-05A
Greenwich Cove south of Long Point. East
SB1
Greenwich/Warwick
RI0007025E-05B
Greenwich Cove north of Long Point and west of a line
SB
extending from the DEM range marker located on the westerly
side of Goddard Park State Beach to the southerly point of
Chepiwanoxet Peninsula. East Greenwich/Warwick
Potowomut River Subbasin
RI0007028
RI0007028R-06
Scrabbletown Brook. East Greenwich, North Kingstown
A
COLD
RI0007028R-03A
Hunt River headwaters to Frenchtown Road. East Greenwich,
A
COLD
North Kingstown
RI0007028R-01
Frenchtown Brook. West Greenwich, East Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0007028R-04
Mawney Brook. East Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0007028R-03B
Hunt River from Frenchtown Road to the Brown and Sharpe
B
COLD
discharge outfall located approximately 0.55 miles downstream
of Frenchtown Road. East Greenwich, North Kingstown
RI0007028R-02
Fry Brook. West Warwick, East Greenwich
B
COLD
RI0007028R-03C
Hunt River from the Brown and Sharpe discharge outfall
B1
COLD
located approximately 0.55 miles downstream of Frenchtown
Road to Austin Road. East Greenwich, North Kingstown
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-28
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Potowomut River Subbasin RI0007028 (continued)
RI0007028R-07
Pierce Brook. East Greenwich
B
RI0007028L-01
Potowomut Pond. North Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0007028R-03D
Hunt River, excluding Potowomut Pond, from Austin Road
B
COLD
To the tidal waters of the Potowomut River approximately 1000
Feet south of the Forge Road Bridge. North Kingstown
RI0007028R-05
Sandhill Brook. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0007028E-01
Potowomut River. East Greenwich, North Kingstown
SA
West Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin
RI0007027
RI0007027E-03A
West Passage waters south of a line from the eastern extremity
SA
of Sandy point on Potowomut Neck, East Greenwich, to the
flagpole located at the Warwick Country Club on Warwick
Neck; south of a line from the southernmost extremity of Warwick
Point on Warwick Neck, to the northernmost point on Prudence
Island (Providence Point); west of a line from the southernmost
point on Prudence Island to the northernmost point on Jamestown,
and north of a line from Cormorant Point at the mouth of
Pettaquamscutt River, Narragansett to Beavertail, Jamestown,
excluding the West Passage waters, Allen's Harbor and
Wickford Harbor waters described below. Warwick,
East Greenwich, Portsmouth, North Kingstown, Jamestown,
Narragansett.
RI0007027R-10
Tibbets Creek. North Kingstown
A
RI0007027E-01A
Allen's Harbor waters north of a line extending from the
SA{b}
westernmost indentation of the cove which is immediately
north of the easternmost curve of Westcott Road to the
northernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of
Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown
RI0007027E-01B
Allen's Harbor waters south and east of a line extending from
SB
the westernmost indentation of the cove which is immediately
north of the easternmost curve of Westcott Road to the
northernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of
Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown
RI0007027E-05
Little Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown
SB
RI0007027E-03B
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Piers No. 1 and No. 2 at
SB
the Davisville Depot that are south of a line from the northeast
corner of Pier No. 2 (the more northerly pier at the Davisville
Depot) to Nun Buoy 14, north of a line from the RIDEM range
Marker located on the bulkhead approximately 300 feet south of
Pier No. 1 (the more southerly pier at the Davisville Depot) to
Nun Buoy 12, including all waters between the above described
Lines that are west of a line and the extension of a line from the
Northeastern end of the bulkhead at Quonset State Airport
Through Nun Buoy 16. North Kingstown.
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-29
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
West Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin RI0007027 (continued)
RI0007027E-03C
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point within
SB1
1500 feet of shore from the western end of the carrier pier to a
point 1000 feet north of Quonset Point. North Kingstown
RI0007027E-03D
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point exclusive
SB
of those waters described above, north and east of the
intersection of a line extending from Fourth Street, Sauga
Point, North Kingstown, southeast to the northeastern most
point on Fox Island and a line drawn from the Wickford Lighthouse
to Buoy R 6, west of a line from Buoy R 6 to Nun Buoy 10, south
of a line from Nun Buoy 10 through F G Buoy 11 extended to the
shore. North Kingstown.
RI0007027E-03E*
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point that are
SA
south of a line from the northeastern end of the bulkhead at
Quonset State Airport to Nun Buoy 10; and north of a line from
Nun Buoy 10 through F G Buoy 11 extended to the shore.
North Kingstown
RI0007027E-03F*
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point that lie
SA
within the following intersection of lines: south of a line from
the Wickford Lighthouse to Buoy R 6; west of a line from Fox
Island to Nun Buoy 8; east and north of a line from the
Southerly extension of 2nd Street in the Sauga Point area in
North Kingstown, to the western extremity of Sand Point on
Jamestown. North Kingstown
RI0007027E-03G*
West Passage waters in the vicinity of Sauga Point, North
SA
Kingstown defined by the intersection of a line from the
southerly extension of 2nd Street in the Sauga Point area to
the western extremity of Sand Point on Jamestown, with a line
extending from Fourth Street in the Sauga Point area, southeast
to the northeastern most point on Fox Island. North Kingstown
RI0007027L-05
Davol Pond. North Kingstown
A
RI0007027L-06
Frys Pond. North Kingstown
A
RI0007027R-11
Hall Creek. North Kingstown
B
RI0007027R-05
Pine River from headwaters to confluence with Mill Creek.
B
WARM
North Kingstown
RI0007027R-06
Mill Creek from headwaters to Camp Avenue culvert.
B
WARM
North Kingstown
RI0007027R-03
Cocumcussoc Brook. North Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0007027E-04B
Wickford Harbor including Mill Cove and the estuarine portion
SB
of Mill Creek, west of a line extending from the northern
extremity of Big Rock Point to the southern extremity of
Cornelius Island, and west and south of a line extending from
the northern extremity of Cornelius Island, to a point 1000 feet
north of Calf Neck. North Kingstown
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-30
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
West Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin RI0007027 (continued)
RI0007027E-04A
Wickford Harbor outer waters and Fishing Cove east of a line
SA{b}
extending from the northern extremity of Big Rock Point to the
southern extremity of Cornelius Island, and east and north of a
line extending from the northern extremity of Cornelius Island
to a point 1000 feet north of Calf Neck, and west of Sauga point
breakwater and a line from the light at the southern end of Sauga
Point breakwater to the northern end of the Poplar Point breakwater.
North Kingstown
RI0007027R-02
Belleville Upper Pond Inlet. North Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0007027L-02
Belleville Ponds. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0007027L-04
Kettle Hole Pond. North Kingstown
B
RI0007027R-04
Kettle Hole Pond to Secret Lake. North Kingstown
B
RI0007027L-03
Secret Lake. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0007027R-07
Oak Hill Brook. North Kingstown
B
RI0007027R-01
Annaquatucket River. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0007027L-01
Annaquatucket Mill Pond. North Kingstown
B
RI0007027E-02A
Bissel Cove waters west of a line from the RIDEM Range
SA
marker on the north shore of Bissel Cove in the vicinity of “The
Homestead", to the range marker on the southern shore of
Bissel Cove. North Kingstown
RI0007027E-02B
Bissel Cove waters east of a line from the RIDEM Range
SA
marker on the north shore of Bissel Cove in the vicinity of 'The
Homestead", to the range marker on the southern shore of
Bissel Cove. North Kingstown
RI0007027R-09
Wannuchecomecut Brook. North Kingstown
A
WARM
RI0007027E-03H
West Passage waters within a 700 foot radius of the extension
SB
Of South Ferry Road at the URI Bay Campus, including the
EPA dock located north of South Ferry Road and the GSO
dock located south of South Ferry Road. Narragansett
RI0007027R-08
Great Creek freshwater portion from headwaters to estuarine
A
portion in Round Swamp. Jamestown
RI0007027E-03I
West Passage waters off Jamestown in the vicinity of West
SA{b}
Ferry/Dutch Island Harbor, from a point on the shore of the
western coast of Jamestown which is due east of the Dutch
Island pier, to the Fort Getty Pier on Beaverhead Point, to a
point at the southern terminus of Maple Avenue. Jamestown
RI0007027E-07
Wesquage Pond. Narragansett
SA
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-31
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Bristol Harbor Subbasin
RI0007026
RI0007026E-01B
Bristol Harbor waters north of a line extending from
SA{b}
Rockwell's Dock on Popasquash Neck to the Premier Thread
Company water tower on the east shore of Bristol Harbor and
west of a line from the northernmost extremity of Hog Island
to the northernmost indentation of the harbor. Bristol
RI0007026E-01A
Bristol Harbor waters north of a line extending from
SA
Popasquash Point to the northernmost extremity of Hog Island
and west of a line from the northernmost extremity of Hog
Island to the northernmost indentation of the harbor and south
of a line from Rockwell's Dock on Popasquash Neck to the
Premier Thread Company water tower on the east shore of
Bristol Harbor. Bristol
RI0007026E-01C
Bristol Harbor waters east of a line extending from the
SB
northernmost indentation of Bristol Harbor to the northeast
extremity of Hog Island and west of a line extending from
McKee's Warf on Bristol Neck to the Coast Guard dock and
north of a line extending from the northeast extremity of Hog
Island to Mckee's Wharf on Bristol Neck. Bristol
RI0007026E-01D
Bristol harbor waters east of a line extending from McKee's
SB1
Wharf north to the Coast Guard dock. Bristol
RI0007026R-01
Silver Creek. Bristol
B
WARM
RI0007026R-02
Walker Creek. Bristol
B
RI0007026L-01
Mill Pond. Bristol
A
East Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin
RI0007029
RI0007029E-01A
East Passage south of a line from the northern tip of Prudence
SA
Island to Popasquash Point, Bristol to the northern tip of Hog
Island to McKee's Wharf on Bristol Neck; west of a line across
the mouth of Mt Hope Bay; south of a line from the southern point
on Prudence Island to the northernmost point on Jamestown; north
of a line from the southernmost point of Beaver Tail on Jamestown
to the southernmost tip of Brenton Point, Newport; exclusive of the
East Passage waters, Coasters Harbor and Coddington Cove waters
Described below. Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Jamestown.
RI0007029R-05
Mill Creek. Prudence Island, Portsmouth.
A
COLD
RI0007029E-03
Potter Cove. Prudence Island, Portsmouth
SA{b}
RI0007029E-04
Nag Pond. Prudence Island, Portsmouth
SA
RI0007029R-02
Barker Brook. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007029R-03
Bloody Brook. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007029L-01
Melville Ponds. Portsmouth
A
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-32
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
East Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin RI0007029 (continued)
RI0007029R-04
Melville Ponds tributary. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007029R-08
Unnamed tributary #1 to East Passage. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007029E-01D
East Passage waters east of a line drawn from Coggeshall Point
SB1
southwesterly to the southeastern most point of Dyer Island and
the area east of a line drawn from Carr Point northwesterly to
the southeastern most point of Dyer Island. Portsmouth
RI0007029R-01B
Mother of Hope Brook from Redwood Road, Portsmouth, to
B1
WARM
East Passage, Narragansett Bay. Portsmouth.
RI0007029R-01A
Mother of Hope Brook from the headwaters south of Greene
B
WARM
Lane, Middletown, to Redwood Road, Portsmouth.
Middletown, Portsmouth
RI0007029E-01N*
East Passage waters south of a line from the RIDEM range
SA
marker located just south of Carr Point to Buoy "GR C" located
at Fiske Rock, and north and east of a line from the RIDEM range
marker located approximately 2,300 feet north of the former
Blue Gold Pier, to Nun Buoy "22". Portsmouth, Middletown
RI0007029R-09
Unnamed tributary #2 to East Passage. Middletown
A
WARM
RI0007029R-10
Unnamed tributary #3 to East Passage. Middletown
A
WARM
RI0007029E-01C
East Passage waters in the vicinity of McAlister Point.
SA
Middletown
RI0007029E-01B*
East Passage waters east of a line from range marker painted on
SA
the shoreline approximately 500 feet west of the monument
flagpole located in Fort Adams State Park to the Rose Island
light, east of a line from the Rose Island light to Navy buoy W
or "D" located at the southeast side of Gould Island, east of a line
from Navy buoy W or "D" off Gould Island to buoy GR C at Fiske
Rock, south of a line from buoy GR C at Fiske Rock to the eastern
(landward) end of the former dock site located approximately 800
feet north of Greene Lane, Middletown, and west of the Newport
Harbor/Coddington Cove SB and SB1 waters described in waterbody
ID's RI0007030E-01A, RI0007030E-01B, RI0007030E-01C, and
RI0007030E-01D. Newport, Middletown
RI0007029E-01E
East Passage waters within 500 feet of the firing pier at the
SB
U.S. Navy torpedo testing station at the northern end of Gould
Island. Newport
RI0007029E-01F
East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point which are
SB1
within a 300 foot radius of the Jamestown WWTF outfall.
Jamestown
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-33
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
East Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin RI0007029 (continued)
RI0007029E-01G
East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point, exclusive of
SB
those waters described directly above, south of a line extending
from the northernmost extremity of Taylor Point to Can Buoy 13,
north of a line from a point of land on the Jamestown shore
approximately 1000 feet south of the Newport Bridge extending
eastward to the northernmost extremity of Rose Island and within
1000 feet of the shoreline of Jamestown. Jamestown
RI0007029E-01H
East Passage waters in the vicinity of East Ferry, Jamestown,
SB
west of a line from Bryer Point to Lincoln Street. Jamestown
RI0007029E-01I
East Passage waters in the vicinity of Wharton's Shipyard which
SB
are south and west of a line from a point of land approximately
3000 feet north of Bull Point to the northernmost of "The
Dumplings", and west of a line from the northernmost of "The
Dumplings" to a point of land approximately 1000 feet north of
Bull Point. Jamestown
RI0007029E-01J
East Passage waters bound on the north by a line extending
SA{b}
1000 feet seaward from shore at the base of the Newport
Bridge; bound to the east by a line extending 1000 feet seaward
of the shoreline and bound to the south by a line extending from
Bull Point to buoy G"11", excluding the Class SB waters described
in the preceding two descriptions. Jamestown
RI0007029E-01K
East Passage waters in the vicinity of the Fort Wetherill Boat
SB
Basin that are west of the extension of a line from the southeast
corner of the pier at Forth Wetherill, through the northeast
corner of the pier at Fort Wetherill to the opposite northern shore.
Jamestown
RI0007029E-01L
Castle Hill Cove. Newport
SB
RI0007029E-01M*
East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point and East
SA
Ferry, Jamestown, south of a line from the northern most tip of
Taylor Point to buoy R14 located off Coasters Harbor in Newport;
west of a line from buoy N2 located at the south end of Gould
Island through buoy C13, to the House on the rocks located in
"The Dumplings"; east of a line from the northernmost tip of
Taylor Point to Bull Point which is 1000 feet seaward of the
shoreline exclusive of the SB and SA{b} waters described
above in waterbody ID's: RI0007029E-01K, RI0007029E-01J,
RI0007029E-01I, RI0007029E-01H, RI0007029E-01G,
and RI0007029E-01F. Jamestown
RI0007029E-02
Mackerel Cove. Jamestown
SA
Newport Harbor/Coddington Cove Subbasin
RI0007030
RI0007030E-01A
Coddington Cove waters north of a line from buoy (FLR) bell
SB
14 to Bishop Rock and southeast of a line from buoy (FLR)
bell 14 through Nun buoy 16 at Coddington point and its
extension to the end of the Coddington Cove breakwater.
Newport, Middletown
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-34
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Newport Harbor/Coddington Cove Subbasin RI0007030 (continued)
RI0007030E-01B
Newport Harbor waters in the vicinity of Bishop Rock which
SB1
are within 500 feet of the Newport marine sewer outfall.
Newport
RI0007030E-01C
Newport Harbor waters east of a line from Fort Adams light to
SB
Rose Island light, to buoy (FLR) bell 14 and south of a line
from buoy (FLR) bell 14 to Bishop Rock, excluding Coaster's
Harbor. Newport
RI0007030E-01D
Coaster's Harbor waters east of a line from Bishop Rock to the
SB
northernmost point of Coaster's Harbor Island and north of the
Training Station Road bridge. Newport
RI0007030R-01
Unnamed tributary to Newport Harbor. Newport
B
WARM
Jamestown Water Supply Subbasin
RI0007036
RI0007036L-01@
North Carr Pond. Jamestown
AA
RI0007036L-02@
South Watson Pond. Jamestown
AA
RI0007036R-01
Jamestown Brook. Jamestown
AA
WARM
Aquidneck Water Supply Tributaries Subbasin
RI0007035
RI0007035L-05@
Saint Mary's Pond. Portsmouth
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-10
Sisson Pond. Portsmouth
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-06
Sisson Pond Brook. Portsmouth
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-07
Unnamed tributary to Lawton Valley Reservoir. Portsmouth
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-06@
Lawton Valley Reservoir. Portsmouth
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-04
Lawton Brook. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007035R-01
Bailey's Brook. Middletown
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-03@
North Easton Pond (Green End Pond). Middletown, Newport
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-05
Tributaries to South Easton Pond. Middletown
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-04@
South Easton Pond. Middletown, Newport
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-02A
Maidford River from the headwaters to the confluence with
AA
WARM
Paradise Brook. Middletown
RI0007035L-02@
Nelson Paradise Pond. Middletown
AA
WARM
RI0007035R-03
Paradise Brook. Middletown
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-01@
Gardiner Pond. Middletown
AA
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-35
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Aquidneck Water Supply Tributaries Subbasin RI0007035 (continued)
RI0007035R-02B
Maidford River from the confluence with Paradise Brook to the
AA
WARM
end of the river at Third Beach, Middletown.
RI0007035L-07@
Watson Reservoir. Little Compton
AA
WARM
RI0007035L-08@
Nonquit Pond. Tiverton
AA
WARM
Warren Reservoir Subbasin
RI0007034
RI0007034R-01
Upper Kickemuit River from the Kickemuit (Warren)
AA
Reservoir north to the RI-MA border. Warren
RI0007034L-01@
Kickemuit Reservoir (Warren Reservoir). Warren
AA
Kickemuit River Subbasin
RI0007033
RI0007033E-01A
Kickemuit River from the Child Street bridge (Route 103) in
SA
Warren, south to the river mouth at "Bristol Narrows" excluding
the waters described below. Bristol, Warren
RI0007033E-01B
Kickemuit River south of a line from the eastern extension of
SA{b}
Kickemuit Avenue in Bristol to the DEM range marker located
on the western tip of Little Neck in Touisset, and north of a line
from the DEM range markers located on the east shore and west
shore at the entrance to the Kickemuit River including the "Bristol
Narrows" in its entirety. Bristol, Warren
RI0007033E-01C
Kickemuit River west of a line from the DEM range marker
SA{b}
located on the western tip of Little Neck in Touisset to the
brick stack located at 426 Metacom Avenue in Warren
(formally known as the Carol Cable Building),north of a line
from the eastern extension of Sherman Avenue in Bristol to the
western extension of Chase Avenue Touisset, and south of a line
from the eastern extension of Harris Avenue in Warren to the
"5 MPH No Wake" buoy. Bristol, Warren
Mt. Hope Bay Subbasin
RI0007032
RI0007032E-01D
Mt. Hope Bay waters south and west of the MA-RI border and
SB1
north of a line from Borden's Wharf, Tiverton to buoy R "4" and
east of a line from buoy R "4" to Brayton Point in Somerset,
MA. Bristol, Portsmouth and Tiverton.
RI0007032E-01C
Mt. Hope Bay waters south of a line from Borden's Wharf,
SB
Tiverton, to buoy R "4" and west of a line from buoy R "4"
to Brayton Point, Somerset, MA., and east of a line from the
end of Gardiner's Neck Road in Swansea to buoy N "2", through
buoy R4 to Common Fence Point, Portsmouth, and north of a
line from Portsmouth to Tiverton at the railroad bridge at "The
Hummocks" on the northeast point of Portsmouth. Portsmouth
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-36
Narragansett Basin RI0007 (continued)
Mt. Hope Bay Subbasin
RI0007032 (continued)
RI0007032E-01A*
Mt. Hope Bay south and west of the MA/RI border, and east of
SA
a line from Touisset Point to the channel marker buoy R "4"
and south and east of a line from buoy R "4" to the
southernmost landward end of Bristol Point and south of a line
from Bristol Point to the Hog Island shoal light, to the southwestern
extremity of Arnold Point in Portsmouth where a RIDEM range
marker has been established; and west of a line from the end of
Gardiner's Neck Road, Swansea to buoy N"2", through buoy R4
to Common Fence Point, Portsmouth excluding the waters defined
in RI0007032E-01E below. Warren, Portsmouth
RI0007032R-06
Unnamed tributary #5 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007032R-07
Unnamed tributary #6 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007032R-08
Unnamed tributary #7 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0007032E-01B
Mt. Hope Bay waters north and west of a line from the
SA
southernmost landward end of Bristol Point to buoy R "4" and
west of a line from buoy R "4" to the DEM range marker on
Touisset Point, and south of the Bristol Narrows. Bristol,
Warren
RI0007032E-01E
Waters approximately 100 feet off the Weyerhauser Dock as
SB
defined by the following geographical coordinates:-71.265097
west longitude 41.625132 north latitude;-71.265086 west longitude
41.627190 north latitude;-71.264170 west longitude 41.627188
north latitude;-71.264177 west longitude 41.625455 north latitude.
Portsmouth
RI0007032R-01
Fonders Brook. Portsmouth
A
WARM
Stafford Pond Subbasin
RI0007037
RI0007037L-01@
Stafford Pond. Tiverton
AA
WARM
RI0007037R-01
Sucker Brook. Tiverton
A
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-37
Pawcatuck River Basin
RI0008
Pawcatuck River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0008039
RI0008039L-21
The Reservoir. Exeter
A
WARM
RI0008039R-06D
Chipuxet River headwaters to the entrance of The Reservoir.
A
COLD
Exeter
RI0008039R-06A
Chipuxet River from the outlet of The Reservoir to the
A
WARM
entrance of Yawgoo Mill Pond. North Kingstown, Exeter
RI0008039L-16
Yawgoo Mill Pond. Exeter
A
RI0008039R-06B
Chipuxet River from outlet of Yawgoo Mill Pond to the
B
COLD
entrance of Hundred Acre Pond. Exeter, South Kingstown
RI0008039L-13
Hundred Acre Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-06C
Chipuxet River from outlet of Hundred Acre Pond to the
B
WARM
entrance into Worden Pond, excluding Thirty Acre Pond. South
Kingstown
RI0008039L-12
Thirty Acre Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039L-07
Worden Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-27A
White Horn Brook headwaters to Route 138. South Kingstown
A
WARM
RI0008039R-08
Genessee Brook. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-27B
White Horn Brook from Route 138 to the wetlands associated
B
WARM
with and due east of, Worden Pond. South Kingstown
RI0008039L-11
Larkin Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-15
Mink Brook. South Kingstown
B
RI0008039L-08
Tucker Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-01
Alewife Brook. South Kingstown
B
RI0008039R-18A
Pawcatuck River from Warden Pond to the dam at Kenyon.
B
WARM
South Kingstown, Charlestown
RI0008039R-05A
Chickasheen Brook headwaters to Yawgoo Pond. Exeter
A
WARM
RI0008039L-15
Yawgoo Pond. Exeter, South Kingstown
A
WARM
RI0008039R-39
Mud Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown
B
RI0008039L-14
Barber Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-05B
Chickasheen Brook from the Yawgoo Pond outlet to the
B
COLD
confluence with the Usquepaug river. South Kingstown,
Richmond
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-38
Pawcatuck River Basin RI0008 (continued)
Pawcatuck River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0008039 (continued)
RI0008039R-21A
Queens River from headwaters south to its entrance into Bear
A
COLD
Swamp in Exeter. West Greenwich, Exeter
RI0008039R-21B
Queens River from its entrance into Bear Swamp to its
A
COLD
confluence with Queens Fort Brook. Exeter
RI0008039R-29
Pendock River. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
RI0008039R-07
Fisherville Brook. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008039R-30
Dutemple Brook. Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008039R-22
Sodom Brook. Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008039L-25
Dawley Pond. Exeter
A
RI0008039R-31A
Queens Fort Brook headwaters to 3/4 mile south of Victory
A
COLD
Highway (Route 102). Exeter
RI0008039R-33
Reuben Brown Brook. Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008039R-31B
Queens Fort Brook from 3/4 mile south of Victory Highway
B
COLD
(Route 102) to the confluence with the Queens River. Exeter.
RI0008039R-21C
Queens River from its confluence with Queens Fort Brook to
A
COLD
Glen Rock Reservoir. Exeter
RI0008039R-10
Locke Brook. Exeter
B
COLD
RI0008039R-32
Rake Factory Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0008039R-34
Sherman Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0008039R-09
Glen Rock Brook. Richmond, South Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0008039L-19
Glen Rock Reservoir. South Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0008039R-25
Usquepaug River from Glen Rock Reservoir to the confluence
B
COLD
with the Pawcatuck River. Richmond, Charlestown,
South Kingstown
RI0008039R-18B
Pawcatuck River from the dam at Kenyon to the beginning of
B1
WARM
the Carolina Mill Pond in Carolina. Richmond, Charlestown
RI0008039L-20
James Pond. Exeter
A
RI0008039R-03
Beaver River. Exeter, Richmond
A
COLD
RI0008039L-06
Pasquiset Pond. Charlestown
A
WARM
RI0008039R-17
Pasquiset Brook. Charlestown
A
COLD
RI0008039L-22
Maple Lake. Charlestown
A
RI0008039R-18C
Pawcatuck River from the entrance to the Carolina Mill Pond
B
WARM
to the Bradford Dyeing Associates WWTF discharge point.
Richmond, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Westerly
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-39
Pawcatuck River Basin RI0008 (continued)
Pawcatuck River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0008039 (continued)
RI0008039L-23
Grass Pond. Richmond
A
RI0008039R-23
Taney Brook. Richmond
B
COLD
RI0008039R-26
White Brook. Richmond
B
COLD
RI0008039R-13
Meadow Brook from the headwaters to the confluence with the
A
COLD
Pawcatuck River. Richmond
RI0008039L-05
Meadowbrook Pond (Sandy Pond). Richmond
A
COLD
RI0008039L-24
Saw Mill Pond. Charlestown
B
RI0008039R-04
Cedar Swamp Brook. Charlestown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-19
Perry Healy Brook. Westerly, Charlestown
B
COLD
RI0008039L-02
Watchaug Pond. Charlestown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-20
Poquiant Brook. Charlestown
B
WARM
RI0008039R-24
Tomaquag Brook. Hopkinton
A
COLD
RI0008039R-18D
Pawcatuck River from the Bradford Dyeing Associates WWTF
B1
WARM
discharge point to the Route 3 bridge crossing. Hopkinton,
Westerly
RI0008039R-12
McGowan Brook. Westerly
B
RI0008039L-01
Chapman Pond. Westerly
B
WARM
RI0008039R-35
Aguntaug Brook. Westerly
B
WARM
RI0008039R-14
Mile Brook. Hopkinton
B
RI0008039R-38
Wine Brook. Hopkinton
A
COLD
RI0008039R-37
Parmenter Brook. Hopkinton
A
COLD
RI0008039R-02A
Ashaway River headwaters south to the Ashaway Road highway
A
COLD
bridge. Hopkinton
RI0008039R-02B
Ashaway River from the Ashaway Road highway bridge to its
B
COLD
confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Hopkinton
RI0008039R-18E
Pawcatuck River from the Route 3 bridge crossing to the Route
B
COLD
1 highway bridge at the junction of Main Street and Broad
Street in Westerly. Westerly
RI0008039R-11
Mastuxet Brook. Westerly
B
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-40
Pawcatuck River Basin RI0008 (continued)
Wood River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0008040
RI0008040R-20
White Brook. West Greenwich
A
RI0008040R-02
Breakheart Brook. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008040R-21
Unnamed tributary to Breakheart Pond. Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008040L-15
Breakheart Pond. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
WARM
RI0008040R-01
Acid Factory Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0008040L-16
Eisenhower Lake. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0008040R-19
Factory Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0008040R-14
Phillips Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0008040R-08
Flat River. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008040L-19
Tillinghast Pond. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0008040R-05
Coney Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0008040L-18
Wickaboxet Pond. West Greenwich
A
RI0008040R-10
Kelley Brook. West Greenwich
A
COLD
RI0008040L-21
Hazard Pond. West Greenwich
A
RI0008040R-07
Falls River. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008040R-16A
Wood River from the headwaters starting at confluence of Flat
A
COLD
and Falls Rivers, to the confluence with Roaring Brook.
Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond.
RI0008040L-17
Tippencansett Pond. West Greenwich
A
WARM
RI0008040R-13
Parris Brook. West Greenwich, Exeter
A
COLD
RI0008040L-12
Deep Pond. Exeter
A
RI0008040R-17
Woody Hill Brook. Exeter
A
WARM
RI0008040L-14
Boone Lake. Exeter
B
WARM
RI0008040R-15
Roaring Brook. West Greenwich, Exeter, Richmond
B
COLD
RI0008040L-13
Browning Mill Pond (Arcadia Pond). Exeter, Richmond
B
WARM
RI0008040L-22
Frying Pan Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton
B
RI0008040R-16B
Wood River from confluence with Roaring Brook to the inlet
B
COLD
of Wyoming Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton
RI0008040R-18
Baker Brook. Richmond
B
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-41
Pawcatuck River Basin RI0008 (continued)
Wood River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0008040 (continued)
RI0008040R-22
Moonshine Creek. Richmond
B
RI0008040L-23
Canob Pond. Richmond
B
RI0008040R-23
Canob Brook. Richmond
B
RI0008040L-11
Wyoming Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040R-16C
Wood River from the outlet of Wyoming Pond to the inlet of
B
COLD
Alton Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton
RI0008040L-07@
Yawgoog pond. Hopkinton
AA
WARM
RI0008040L-06
Wincheck Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040L-08
Grassy Pond. Hopkinton
A
RI0008040R-09
Grassy Brook. Hopkinton
A
RI0008040R-12
Moscow Brook. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040R-11
Log House Brook. Hopkinton
B
RI0008040L-09
Moscow Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040R-03A
Brushy Brook headwaters to Sawmill Road. Exeter, Hopkinton
A
COLD
RI0008040R-03B
Brushy Brook from Sawmill Road to the entrance of
B
Locustville Pond. Hopkinton
RI0008040L-10
Locustville Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040R-03C
Brushy Brook from the outlet of Locustville Pond to the
B
COLD
confluence with the Wood River. Hopkinton
RI0008040R-06
Diamond Brook. Richmond
B
COLD
RI0008040L-02
Carolina Trout Pond. Richmond
A
COLD
RI0008040L-05
Ell Pond. Hopkinton
B
RI0008040L-20
Long Pond. Hopkinton
B
RI0008040R-24
Glade Brook. Hopkinton
A
RI0008040R-04A
Canonchet Brook headwaters, excluding all ponds, to Route 3
B
COLD
crossing. Hopkinton
RI0008040L-03
Blue Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040L-04
Ashville Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
RI0008040R-04B
Canonchet Brook from Route 3 in Hopkinton to the confluence
B
COLD
with the Wood River. Hopkinton
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-42
Pawcatuck River Basin RI0008 (continued)
Wood River & Tributaries Subbasin RI0008040 (continued)
RI0008040r-25
Unnamed tributary to the Wood River below Alton Pond.
B
COLD
Hopkinton
RI0008040R-16D
Wood River from the Alton Pond dam to the confluence with
B
WARM
the Pawcatuck River. Richmond, Hopkinton, Charlestown
RI0008040L-01
Alton Pond. Hopkinton
B
WARM
Tidal Pawcatuck River/Little Narragansett Bay Subbasin
RI0008038
RI0008038E-01A
Tidal Pawcatuck River from Route 1 highway bridge to
SB1
Pawcatuck Rock. Westerly
RI0008038E-01B
Tidal Pawcatuck River from Pawcatuck Rock to a line from
SB
Rhodes Point, RI to Pawcatuck Point, CT. Westerly
RI0008038E-02A
Little Narragansett Bay west of a line extending from
SA
Pawcatuck Point in Connecticut to Rhodes Point in Rhode
Island, excluding the area described below. Westerly
RI0008038E-02B
Little Narragansett Bay including Watch Hill Cove, southeast
SA{b}
of a line from the northernmost extension of land that forms
Napatree Point to the westernmost point of land on the south
side of the mouth of Fosters Cove. Westerly
Westport River Basin
RI0009
Adamsville Brook & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0009041
RI0009041R-01
Adamsville Brook. Tiverton, Little Compton
B
COLD
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-43
Coastal Waters
RI0010
Southwest Coastal Ponds Subbasin
RI0010043
RI0010043E-03
Maschaug Pond. Westerly
SA
RI0010043L-18
Little Maschaug Pond. Westerly
A
RI0010043E-09
Winnapaug Pond. Westerly
SA
RI0010043E-07
Quonochontaug Pond. Charlestown, Westerly
SA
RI0010043R-05
Quonochontaug Brook. Westerly
A
COLD
RI0010043E-04A
Ninigret Pond waters excluding the easternmost waters
SA
described in RI0010043E-04B. Charlestown
RI0010043E-04B
Ninigret Pond waters, including Tockwotten Cove, east of a line
SA
from the DEM Range marker located on the shore directly
eastward of pole number 16-1 at the end of Starrett Drive, to
the DEM Range marker located at the end of Florence Avenue,
and west of the breachway entrance to Green Hill Pond. Charlestown
RI0010043L-16
Garden Pond. Charlestown
A
RI0010043L-17
West Pond. Charlestown
A
RI0010043L-09
Schoolhouse Pond. Charlestown
A
WARM
RI0010043L-08
Deep Pond. Charlestown
A
WARM
RI0010043L-11
King Tom Pond. Charlestown
A
RI0010043L-04
Cross Mills Pond. Charlestown
A
RI0010043R-01
Cross Mills Stream. Charlestown
A
WARM
RI0010043L-15
Perry Pond. Charlestown
A
RI0010043E-02
Green Hill Pond. South Kingstown
SA
RI0010043L-14
Bull Head Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-03
Factory Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043R-02
Factory Pond Stream. South Kingstown
A
COLD
RI0010043R-04
Teal Pond Stream. South Kingstown
A
COLD
RI0010043E-08
Trustom Pond. South Kingstown
SA
RI0010043L-13
Mill Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043R-03
Mill Pond to Card Pond. South Kingstown
A
COLD
RI0010043E-01
Cards Pond. South Kingstown
SA
RI0010043E-05
Potter Pond. South Kingstown
SA
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-44
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Southwest Coastal Ponds Subbasin RI0010043 (continued)
RI0010043L-12
Fresh Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-05
White Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-07
Long Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-01
Hothouse Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-02
Cedar Swamp Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043L-06
Wash Pond. South Kingstown
A
RI0010043E-06A
Point Judith Pond waters exclusive of those described below.
SA
Narragansett, South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06B
Upper Point Judith Pond from the mouth of the Saugatucket
SB
River at Route 1, downstream to Can Buoy 33. Narragansett,
South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06C
Upper Point Judith Pond, south of Can Buoy 33 and north and
SA
east of a line from Buttonwood Point to the southern extremity
of Cummock Island, to the flagpole at the northwest extremity
of Betty Hull Point, excluding the marina area described in
RI0010043E-06D below. Narragansett, South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06D
Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Billington Cove
SA{b}
Marina as shown on the plan entitled "Billington Cove Marina:
Marina Perimeter Plan", dated August 1994 by Coastal
Engineering Group, Inc., east of a line from the western edge of
the rip-rap retaining wall, 221 feet seaward, and west of a line
from the flagpole, 280 feet seaward, and north of the line that
connects these two lines. South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06E
Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Galilee within 500
SB
feet of the shore from the northern end at the breachway to the
western side of the Great Island Road Bridge. Narragansett
RI0010043E-06F
Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Jerusalem within
SB
500 feet of the shore from the breachway to a point
approximately 1000 feet north of the State Pier. Narragansett
RI0010043E-06G
Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Snug harbor within
SB
500 feet of shore from Gooseberry Road to High Point. South
Kingstown
RI0010043E-06H
Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond east of
SA
a line across the western end of the Potter Pond entrance channel
located approximately 500 feet west of Succotash Road and west
of a line from a point of land on the northern shore of the channel
approximately 700 feet east of Succotash Road to a point of land
on the southern shore of the channel, exclusive of the waters noted
below. South Kingstown
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-45
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Southwest Coastal Ponds Subbasin RI0010043 (continued)
RI0010043E-06I
Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond in the
SB
vicinity of the Captain Jacks and Kenport marinas as shown on the
plans entitled "Captain Jacks Marina: Marina Site Plan for Jack
Piemonte", approved by CRMC on November 15, 1994; and "Marina
Perimeter limit for Kenport Marina" approved by CRMC on April
28, 1994. South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06J
Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond east of
SA
a line from a point of land on the northern shore of the channel
approximately 700 feet east of Succotash Road to a point of land on
the southern shore of the channel; west of a line across the mouth of
the channel from Gooseberry Road due south to Succotash Road,
including the waters of Succotash Salt Marsh. South Kingstown
RI0010043E-06K
Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Champlin's Cove, north
SA
of a line from the westernmost extension of Delray Drive to the
easternmost extension of Flint Stone Road, located on Harbor Island.
Narragansett
RI0010043R-06
Browns Brook. South Kingstown
A
COLD
RI0010043R-07
Smelt Brook. South Kingstown
A
COLD
Saugatucket River & Tributaries Subbasin
RI0010045
RI0010045R-05A
Saugatucket River headwaters to the Rose Hill Landfill property.
B
COLD
South Kingstown
RI0010045L-04
Indian Lake. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045R-01
Fresh Meadow Brook. South Kingstown
B
COLD
RI0010045R-03A
Mitchell Brook headwaters to the Rose Hill Landfill property.
B
COLD
South Kingstown
RI0010045R-03B
Mitchell Brook from the Rose Hill Landfill to the confluence
B
COLD
with the Saugatucket River. South Kingstown
RI0010045R-05B
Saugatucket River from the Rose Hill Landfill property to the
B
WARM
dam at Main Street in Wakefield. South Kingstown
RI0010045L-01
Saugatucket Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045R-02
Indian Run Brook. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045L-02
Asa Pond. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045L-03
Peace Dale Reservoir. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045R-04
Rocky Brook. South Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010045R-05C
Saugatucket River from the Main Street Dam in Wakefield to
SB
the Route 1 overpass. South Kingstown
RI0010045L-05
Silver Lake. South Kingstown
B
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-46
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Coastal Shoreline Subbasin
RI0010042
RI0010042E-01A
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock which are
SB1
within a 500 foot radius of the South Kingstown/Narragansett
Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility outfall. Narragansett
RI0010042E-01B
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock, exclusive of
SB
those waters described above, within 2500 feet of any point on
the shoreline between Continental Road and Hazard Avenue.
Narragansett
RI0010042E-01C*
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock, exclusive of
SA
those described above, within 4000 feet of the marine WWTF
discharge. Narragansett
RI0010042E-02A
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough within 500 feet
SB1
of the Narragansett-Scarborough WWTF outfall located
approximately 2000 feet from a point of land at the northern
boundary of Fort Nathaniel Greene. Narragansett
RI0010042E-02B
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough that are more
SB
than 500 feet but less than 1500 feet away from the WWTF
outfall located approximately 2000 feet from a point of land at
the northern boundary of Fort Nathaniel Greene. Narragansett
RI0010042E-02C*
Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough, exclusive of
SA
those waters described above, which are within 5600 feet of the
WWTF outfall. Narragansett
RI0010042L-01
Lake Conochet/Little Neck Pond. Narragansett
A
RI0010042R-01
Deadman Brook. Narragansett
A
Tributaries to Pettaquamscutt River Subbasin
RI0010044
RI0010044L-02
Silver Spring Lake. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010044R-02
Mattatuxet River. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI00010044R-04
Unnamed tributary to Carr Pond. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010044L-03
Carr Pond. North Kingstown
B
WARM
RI0010044R-01
Gilbert Stuart Stream. North Kingstown
A
RI0010044E-01A
Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River exclusive of the waters noted
SA
below, from the headwaters at the end of Gilbert Stuart Stream
to the mouth of the river including Pettaquamscutt Cove.
North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett
RI0010044E-01B
Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River waters in the vicinity of the
SA{b}
marina at Middle Bridge. Narragansett
RI0010044R-03
Crooked Brook. Narragansett
A
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-47
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Tributaries to Pettaquamscutt River Subbasin RI0010044 (continued)
RI0010044R-11
Sprague Brook. Narragansett
A
WARM
RI0010044L-04
Sprague Pond. Narragansett
A
WARM
RI0010044R-10
Mumford Brook. South Kingstown, Narragansett
A
Coastal Aquidneck Subbasin
RI0010047
RI0010047L-02
Lily Pond. Newport
A
WARM
RI0010047R-03
Tributaries to Almy Pond
A
WARM
RI0010047L-01
Almy Pond. Newport
A
WARM
RI0010047R-01
Unnamed tributary #1. Newport
A
WARM
RI0010047R-02
Unnamed tributary #2. Newport
A
WARM
Sakonnet River Subbasin
RI0010031
RI0010031E-01C
Sakonnet River from the railroad bridge at the Hummock Point
SB
south to the Stone Bridge on Almy Neck in Portsmouth and its
extension from the Tiverton shore. Portsmouth, Tiverton
RI0010031R-19
Tributaries to The Cove, Island Park. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031E-03A
The Cove, Island Park north of a line from the southern end of
SA
Hummock Point to the RIDEM Range marker located at the
eastern extremity of a point of land on the western shore of The
Cove. Portsmouth
RI0010031E-03B
The Cove, Island Park south of a line from the southern end of
SA
Hummock Point to the RIDEM Range marker located at the
eastern extremity of a point of land on the western shore of The
Cove. Portsmouth
RI0010031E-01B
Sakonnet River waters from the Stone Bridge in
SA
Portsmouth/Tiverton south to a line at the mouth of the river
extending from Sachuest Point in Middletown to Sakonnet
Point in Little Compton, excluding the Portsmouth Park area
described below in RI0010031E-01A, and the
Sakonnet Point marina area described below in RI0010031E-01D.
Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Little Compton
RI0010031R-07
Unnamed tributary #1 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031R-08
Unnamed tributary #2 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031R-09
Unnamed tributary #3 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031R-10
Unnamed tributary #4 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-48
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Sakonnet River Subbasin RI0010031 (continued)
RI0010031R-11
Unnamed tributary #5 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031R-12
Unnamed tributary #6 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth
A
WARM
RI0010031E-01A
Sakonnet River waters in the vicinity of Portsmouth Park north
SA
of a line extending from the southwestern most corner of the
Stone Bridge in Tiverton to the easternmost extension of
Morningside Lane in Portsmouth. Portsmouth, Tiverton
RI0010031E-01D
Sakonnet River south of a line from the light at the end of the
SA{b}
Sakonnet breakwater to the point of land at the end of Goodrich
Lane, Little Compton, on the eastern shore of the harbor.
Little Compton
RI0010031L-01
Creamer Pond. Tiverton
A
RI0010031R-05A
Sin & Flesh Brook from headwaters to Fish Street. Tiverton
B1
WARM
RI0010031R-05B
Sin & Flesh Brook from Fish Street to main Road (Route 77).
B
WARM
Tiverton
RI0010031E-02A
Nannaquaket Pond east of a line extending from the
SB
northwestern most point of Nannaquaket Neck to the Rhode
Island Department of Environmental Management Range
Marker and west to the easternmost side of the Nannaquaket
Bridge. Tiverton
RI0010031E-02B
Nannaquaket Pond south and east of the Nannaquaket Bridge,.
SA
excluding the waters noted immediately below. Tiverton
RI0010031E-02C
Nannaquaket Pond waters of the area called "The Gut", located
SA
at the north end of Nannaquaket Pond, north of the northern
side of Route 77 (Main Road). Tiverton
RI0010031R-06
White Wine Brook. Tiverton
A
RI0010031R-01
Borden Brook. Tiverton
AA
WARM
RI0010031R-04
Quaker Creek. Tiverton
AA
RI0010031E-04
Sapowet Creek. Tiverton
SA
RI0010031R-03
Pachet Brook. Little Compton, Tiverton
AA
WARM
RI0010031R-02
Little Creek. Portsmouth, Middletown
B
WARM
Southeast Coastal Ponds Subbasin
RI0010048
RI0010048L-02
Round Pond. Little Compton
A
RI0010048L-01
Long Pond. Little Compton
A
RI0010048R-02A
Dundery Brook headwaters to Meetinghouse Lane. Little
B
Compton
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-49
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Southeast Coastal Ponds Subbasin RI0010048 (continued)
RI0010048R-02B
Dundery Brook from Meetinghouse Lane to 1 mile downstream
B1
of Meetinghouse Lane. Little Compton
RI0010048R-02C
Dundery Brook from 1 mile downstream of Meetinghouse
B
WARM
Lane to Briggs Marsh Pond. Little Compton
RI0010048E-01
Briggs Marsh Pond. Little Compton
SA
RI0010048R-04
Sisson Brook. Little Compton
A
WARM
RI0010048L-04
Tunipus Pond. Little Compton
A
RI0010048R-01
Cold Brook. Little Compton
A
COLD
RI0010048L-03
Simmons Pond. Little Compton
A
WARM
RI0010048E-02
Quicksand Pond. Little Compton
SA
RI0010048R-03
Tributaries East of Cold Brook. Little Compton
A
COLD
Block Island Waters Subbasin
RI0010046
RI0010046L-03
Sachem Pond. New Shoreham
A
RI0010046L-04
Middle Pond. New Shoreham
A
RI0010046E-01A
Great Salt Pond north of a line from the northern most
SA
extremity of Cormorant Point to the northern most landward
dock located at the Block Island Club. New Shoreham
RI0010046E-01B
Great Salt Pond south of a line from the northern most
SA{b}
extremity of Cormorant Point to the northern most landward
dock located at the Block Island Club. New Shoreham
RI0010046E-01C
Great Salt Pond, Trim’s Pond south and west of a line from the
SA{b}
Easternmost tip of Fort Island to Swienton’s Dock located on
the opposite shore. New Shoreham
RI0010046E-01D
Great Salt Pond waters south of a line from the end of Payne’s
SA{b}
Dock to the end of Block Island Marina dock. New Shoreham
RI0010046E-02A
Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Pebbly Beach, within a
SB1
500 foot radius of the New Shoreham marine sewer outfall.
Block Island
RI0010046E-02B
Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Pebbly Beach exclusive
SB
of the waters described above, which are within 1000 feet from
shore from a point 1000 feet north of the New Shoreham
marine sewer outfall to a point 1000 feet south of the marine
sewer outfall. Block Island
RI0010046E-02C
Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Old Harbor west of a line
SB
from the fixed red light at the end of the northern breakwater
to the seaward end of the southern breakwater. Block Island
WATERBODY ID
CLASSIFICATION
FISHERY
NUMBER
WATERBODY DESCRIPTION
AND PARTIAL USE DESIGNATION
Appendix A July 2006, amended May 2009
A-50
Coastal Waters RI0010 (continued)
Block Island Waters Subbasin RI0010046 (continued)
RI0010046E-02D*
Block Island Waters along the eastern coast exclusive of the
SA
waters described above, which are within 5,900 feet of the New
Shoreham marine sewer outfall. Block Island
RI0010046L-02@
Fresh Pond. New Shoreham
AA
RI0010046L-01@
Sands Pond. New Shoreham
AA
Coastal Waters
RI0010042C-01
Coastal Waters off the southwestern shoreline from Watch
SA
Hill, Westerly to Point Judith, Narragansett; up the coast to a
point just north of the mouth of Pettaquamscutt (Narrow)
River; across to Beavertail, Jamestown; across to Brenton
Point, Newport; along the Newport/ Middletown shoreline to
Sachuest Point across to Sakonnet Point, Little Compton and along
The southeastern shoreline to the RI/MA border. Also includes the
coastal waters off the shoreline of Block Island.
All other seawaters of Narragansett Bay, Sakonnet River,
SA
Rhode Island Sound , Block Island Sound, Rhode Island portions
of Mt. Hope Bay and coastal ponds not delineated above.
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER RESOURCES
APPENDIX B
RIDEM AMBIENT WATER QUALITY
CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR TOXIC POLLUTANTS
July 2006
Amended May 2009
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-2
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
APPENDIX B
I.
General
Section 304(a)(1) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires the USEPA to develop and publish
water quality criteria. The USEPA has published criteria for a number of the pollutants listed pursuant to
Section 307(a)(1) of the CWA, as well as for other toxic substances, based on available toxicological
information on the pollutants. Section 303(c)(2)(B) of the CWA, as amended by the Water Quality Act of
1987, requires states to adopt numeric criteria to protect the uses of their waters from all toxic pollutants
listed pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) for which criteria have been published pursuant to Section 304(a)(1),
and which are present, or could reasonably be expected to be present, at levels that would impair the uses.
This Appendix contains the ambient chemical-specific numeric criteria and guidelines for aquatic life and
human health which satisfies the requirements of Section 303(c)(2)(B).
Table 1 contains the acute and chronic aquatic life criteria and minimum data base guidelines for
freshwater and saltwater and two sets of human health criteria. In Table 1, the first column of human
health criteria represents criteria applicable to waters where the designated route of exposure is due to
consumption of drinking water and aquatic organisms. The second column under human health
represents criteria applicable to waters where the designated route of exposure is due only to consumption
of aquatic organisms.
For parameters which have both aquatic life and human health criteria or guidelines, the applicable
criteria or guideline is determined by using the more stringent of the aquatic life or human health criteria
or guidelines, according to the use of the waterbody.
Aquatic life criteria may be subject to site-specific modification procedures, as referenced in rules 8.D.(2)
and 8.D.(3) of these Regulations, in accordance with RIDEM's most current "Site-Specific Aquatic Life
Water Quality Criteria Development Policy"; EPA's "Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of
Water Effect Ratios for Metals, EPA-823-B-94-001, February 1994, and subsequent site specific criteria
modification guidance documents published in a memo from Jeanette Wiltse, Director of EPA’s Health
and Ecological Criteria Division on December 3, 1997; and EPA’s Streamlined Water Effect Ration
Procedure for Discharges of Copper, EPA-822-R-01-005, March 2001. Aquatic life guidelines may be
modified by adding to the database following the procedures outlined on page B-4 of this Appendix.
Human health criteria are subject to site-specific criteria development utilizing the methodology in the
EPA guidance manual, "Assessing Human Health Risk from Chemically-Contaminated Fish and
Shellfish" (EPA - 503/8-89-002), and the methodology published in the Federal Register on November
28, 1980 (45 FR 79347) entitled "Water Quality Criteria Documents; Availability, Appendix C -
Guidelines and Methodology used in Preparation of Health Effect Assessment Chapters of the Consent
Decree Water Criteria Documents", or the most recent EPA documentation.
In addition to these criteria and guidelines, Table 5 of this Appendix contains a complete list of "priority
pollutants".
II.
Aquatic Life Criteria
The aquatic life criteria in Table 1 represents the EPA water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic
life, pursuant to Section 304(a) of the CWA, for acute and chronic exposure to toxics in freshwater and
saltwater. These toxics are priority metals, organics, pesticides, PCBs and cyanide. To protect aquatic
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-3
life, the one hour average concentration of a pollutant should not exceed the acute criteria more than once
every three years on the average. An exclusion to this rule are the pesticides and PCBs acute criteria
which are considered instantaneous values (See footnote $ to Table 1). The four day average
concentration of a pollutant should not exceed the chronic criteria more than once every three years on the
average. These aquatic life criteria shall be achieved in all waters, except mixing zones, regardless of the
waters' classification.
The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for freshwaters shall not be exceeded at or above the lowest
average 7 consecutive day low flow with an average recurrence frequency of once in 10 years (7Q10).
For non-flowing freshwaters, the acute and chronic aquatic life criteria shall not be exceed under the most
adverse conditions which will be determined on a case-by case basis.
The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for seawater shall not be exceeded beyond the boundary of the
mixing zone(s), as defined and determined by rules 8.D.(1).e. and 8.D.(1).f. of the Water Quality
Regulations, and thence throughout the waterbody. If a mixing zone has not been established, these
criteria shall not be exceeded in any portion of the receiving water.
For purposes of calculating freshwater aquatic life criteria for metals from the equations in Table 2, the
ambient hardness values shall be used, and shall be consistent with the design flow conditions established
in rules 8.D. and 8.E. of the Regulations. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or less than one part
per thousand, the applicable criteria are the freshwater criteria. For waters in which the salinity is equal to
or greater than ten parts per thousand, the applicable criteria are the saltwater criteria. For waters in
which the salinity is between one and ten parts per thousand (brackish), the applicable criteria are the
more stringent of the freshwater or saltwater criteria. However, for those waters between one and ten
parts per thousand (brackish), the Department may deviate from the general rule if scientifically
defensible information and data demonstrates that on a site-specific basis the biology of the waterbody is
dominated by freshwater aquatic life and that freshwater criteria are more appropriate; or conversely, the
biology of the waterbody is dominated by saltwater aquatic life and that saltwater criteria are more
appropriate.
The acute and chronic freshwater criteria for 10 metals and the acute and chronic saltwater criteria for 11
metals listed in Table 1 are presented as dissolved metal criteria (see footnotes #5 and #6 on Table 1).
For these metals, the dissolved metal, as opposed to the total recoverable metal, more closely
approximates the bioavailable fraction of the metal in the water column. The conversion factors (CF) to
calculate dissolved metal from total metal concentrations as listed in footnotes #5 and #6 are based on
current EPA guidance (Office of Water Policy and Technical Guidance on Interpretation and
Implementation of Aquatic Life Metals Criteria, October 1, 1993; "Derivation of Correction Factors for
the Calculation of Dissolved Freshwater Aquatic Life Criteria for Metals", Stephan, USEPA, March 31,
1995; "Derivation of Conversion Factors for the Calculation of Dissolved Saltwater Aquatic Life Criteria
for Metals", USEPA, March 31, 1995; Federal Register, Vol. 60, No. 68, Thursday May 4, 1995, p.
22228-22237) and are subject to change as more data becomes available. The formulas used for
calculating dissolved metals criteria are presented in Table 2.
III.
Site Specific Criteria
Section 131.11(b)(1)(ii) of the Federal water quality standards regulation provides States with the
opportunity to adopt water quality criteria that are modified to reflect local environmental conditions.
Following the procedures outlined in RIDEM's "Site Specific Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria
Development Policy", as amended, and EPA's "Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water-
Effect Ratios for Metals", (February 1994, EPA-823-B-94-001), acute Water Effect Ratios (WERs) were
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-4
developed for 5 metals; cadmium, copper, lead, silver and zinc for portions of the Pawtuxet River (Table
4). The WER procedure provides for the use of a WER that is intended to take into account relevant
differences between the toxicities of the chemical in laboratory dilution water and in site water. These
WERs are then used to derive acute site specific criteria from the State aquatic life criteria as indicated in
Table 4. Chronic site specific criteria are then calculated using the derived acute site specific criteria, as
indicated in Table 4. The "RI Site Specific Criteria Development Policy" and the WER procedures were
applied using total recoverable metals and therefore, the calculated site specific criteria are in the form of
total recoverable metals. The conversion factors for converting total recoverable metal criteria to
dissolved metal criteria cannot be applied to these site specific criteria. The criteria derived from these
WERs (Table 4), and therefore not the criteria listed in Tables 1 and 2, apply to the segments of the
Pawtuxet River classified as B1 (see Appendix A).
Utilizing the approach developed in Connecticut by the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection and Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, site specific
dissolved copper criteria have been adopted for the Blackstone River, Ten Mile River (including run-of-
the-river impoundments Slater Park Pond, Turner Reservoir North and South, and Omega Pond), and the
Woonasquatucket River from the Smithfield WWTF discharge to the mouth of the river (Table 1).
IV.
Freshwater Minimum Data Base Guidelines
RIDEM has derived freshwater guidelines for many pollutants for which EPA water quality criteria are
not available. In order for guidelines to be derived, the toxicity data base for the pollutants must meet
minimum requirements. These guidelines are given in Table 1 and are marked with an asterisk (*).
The data base must contain at least two acute toxicity test results expressed as either an EC50 or an LC50 as
specified in the EPA Water Quality Criteria Guidelines (45 FR 79343, 1980 and amendments). "LC50" is
defined as the concentration of a test material in a suitable diluent at which 50 percent of the exposed
organisms die during a specified time period. "EC50" is defined as the concentration of a test material in a
suitable diluent at which 50 percent of the exposed organisms exhibit a specified response during a
specified time period.
The two acute toxicity test results shall consist of:
1. One daphnid (D. magna or D. pulex)
2. One fish, either:
(a) fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
(b) bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
(c) rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)
For every pollutant which meets these minimum data requirements, acute and chronic guidelines are
derived using the following equations:
Lowest LC50 or EC50 x 0.05 = Acute Guideline
Acute Guideline ÷ 45 = Chronic Guideline
The uncertainty factor, 0.05, is intended to provide an adequate margin of safety to protect most aquatic
organisms from acutely toxic effects. The uncertainty factor was selected by calculating uncertainty
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-5
factor guidelines for those pollutants with EPA Water Quality Criteria. These guidelines were most
similar to the EPA Water Quality Criteria when an uncertainty factor of 0.05 was used.
The acute guideline is divided by an acute to chronic ratio of 45 to yield the chronic guideline. This ratio
was derived by the State of Michigan using all available acute to chronic values for priority pollutant tests
performed on freshwater species. It was determined that 80% of the pollutants would have a geometric
mean acute to chronic ratio of 45 or less.
V.
Human Health Criteria
The human health criteria in Table 1 represent the highest concentration of a pollutant in surface waters
that is not expected to pose a significant risk to human health as determined by EPA. For almost all of
the pollutants, bioaccumulation properties are used to assess the relative extent of human exposure to the
pollutant either directly through ingestion or indirectly through consumption of aquatic organisms. These
criteria represent the chronic criteria necessary to protect human health. As research continues on
reference dose factors and cancer potency factors, new or updated human health criteria may be
established by EPA and utilized by RIDEM. These new or updated human health criteria are maintained
in EPA's electronic database known as Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and on the EPA Office
of Water’s water quality criteria website.
Ambient water quality criteria for human health are primarily based on two types of biological endpoints:
(1) carcinogenicity and; (2) toxicity (i.e., all other adverse effects other than cancer). There are
essentially two procedures for assessing health effects; one which addresses carcinogens and one which
addresses non-carcinogens. The reason for having two methodologies is that, for the purpose of deriving
ambient water quality criteria, carcinogenicity is regarded as a non-threshold phenomenon, whereas
toxicity is regarded as having a threshold below which there will not be an effect. For those toxic
substances which are identified as carcinogens, the criteria have been established at a risk level of 10-5
assuming a lifetime exposure to a 70 kg male consuming 17.5 grams per day of fish and shellfish product
and ingesting 2.0 liters of water per day. For those toxic substances which are identified as non-
carcinogens, the human health criteria are best estimates of concentrations which are not expected to
produce adverse effects in human health assuming a lifetime exposure of a 70 kg male consuming 17.5
grams per day of fish and shellfish products and ingesting 2.0 liters of water per day.
Human health criteria represent ambient pollutant concentrations that are acceptable based on a lifetime
(70 years) of exposure. Accordingly, the concentration of these pollutants should not exceed criteria
under stream conditions that represent long-term average conditions. The stream design flow to be used
to implement both carcinogen and noncarcinogen human health criteria is the harmonic mean flow which
is a long term mean flow value calculated by dividing the number of daily flows analyzed by the sum of
the reciprocals of those daily flows. For non-flowing freshwaters, the human health criteria shall not be
exceed under the most adverse conditions which will be determined on a case-by case basis. For
seawaters, the ambient human health water quality criteria for carcinogens and non-carcinogens are
applicable when the most adverse hydrographic and pollution conditions occur at the particular point of
evaluation.
VI.
Priority Pollutants Without Criteria or Guidelines
Any pollutant listed on the most recent EPA priority pollutant list published in accordance with Section
307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act (Table 5 of this Appendix) or additional criteria EPA has established for
non-priority pollutants, for which there is no RIDEM ambient water quality criteria or guideline, shall be
regulated in accordance with rules 8.D.(2) and 8.D.(3) of the Regulations.
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-6
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
PRIORITY POLLUTANTS:
TOXIC METALS & CYANIDE
ANTIMONY
7440360
450*
10*
-
-
no
5.6
640
ARSENIC 5,6
7440382
340
150
69
36
yes
0.18
1.4
ASBESTOS
1332214
-
-
-
-
yes
7x106 fibers/l
BERYLLIUM
7440417
7.5*
0.17*
-
-
yes
-
-
CADMIUM 5,6
7440439
@
@
40
8.8
no
-
-
CHROMIUM III 5
16065831
@
@
-
-
no
-
-
CHROMIUM VI 5,6
18540299
16
11
1100
50
no
-
-
COPPER 5,6
7440508
@
@
4.8
3.1
no
1300
-
COPPER (Site Specific) 7
7440508
20.41
14.45
-
-
no
1300
-
CYANIDE
57125
22
5.2
1.0
1.0
no
140
140
LEAD 5,6
7439921
@
@
210
8.1
no
-
-
MERCURY 5,6
7439976
1.4
0.77
1.8
0.94
no
0.14
0.15
NICKEL 5,6
7440020
@
@
74
8.2
no
610
4600
SELENIUM 6
7782492
20
5
290
71
no
170
4200
SILVER 5,6
7440224
@
-
1.9
-
no
-
-
THALLIUM
7440280
46*
1.0*
-
-
no
0.24
0.47
ZINC 5,6
7440666
@
@
90
81
no
7400
26000
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ACROLEIN
107028
2.9*
0.06*
-
-
no
190
290
ACRYLONITRILE
107131
378*
8.4*
-
-
yes
0.51
2.5
BENZENE
71432
265*
5.9*
-
-
yes
22
510
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-7
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
BROMOFORM
75252
1465*
33*
-
-
yes
43
1400
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
56235
1365*
30*
-
-
yes
2.3
16
CHLOROBENZENE
108907
795*
18*
-
-
no
130
1600
CHLORODIBROMOMETHANE
124481
4.0
130
CHLOROFORM
67663
1445*
32*
-
-
yes
57
4700
DICHLOROBROMOMETHANE
75274
-
-
-
-
yes
5.5
170
1,2-DICHLOROETHANE
107062
5900*
131*
-
-
yes
3.8
370
1,1-DICHLOROETHYLENE
75354
580*
13*
-
-
yes
330
7100
1,2-DICHLOROPROPANE
78875
2625*
58*
-
-
yes
5.0
150
1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE
542756
-
-
-
-
no
0.34
21
ETHYLBENZENE
100414
1600*
36*
-
-
no
530
2100
METHYL BROMIDE
74839
-
-
-
-
no
47
1500
METHYL CHLORIDE
74873
-
-
-
-
yes
-
-
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
75092
9650*
214*
-
-
yes
46
5900
1,1,2,2-TETRACHLOROETHANE
79345
466*
10*
-
-
yes
1.7
40
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
127184
240*
5.3*
-
-
yes
6.9
33
TOLUENE
108883
635*
14*
-
-
no
1300
15 mg/l
1,2-TRANS-DICHLOROETHYLENE
156605
-
-
-
-
no
140
10 mg/l
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
71556
-
-
-
-
no
-
-
1,1,2-TRICHLOROETHANE
79005
900*
20*
-
-
yes
5.9
160
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
79016
1950*
43*
-
-
yes
25
300
VINYL CHLORIDE
75014
-
-
-
-
yes
0.025
2.4
ACID ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
2-CHLOROPHENOL
95578
129*
2.9*
-
-
no
81
150
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-8
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
2,4-DICHLOROPHENOL
120832
101*
2.2*
-
-
no
77
290
2,4-DIMETHYLPHENOL
105679
106*
2.4*
-
-
no
380
850
2-METHYL-4,6-DINITROPHENOL
534521
13
280
2,4-DINITROPHENOL
51285
31*
0.69*
-
-
no
69
5300
4-NITROPHENOL
88755
-
-
-
-
-
-
PENTACHLOROPHENOL
87865
@
@
13
7.9
yes
2.7
30
PHENOL
108952
251*
5.6*
-
-
no
21 mg/l
1700 mg/l
2,4,6-TRICHLOROPHENOL
88062
16*
0.36*
-
-
yes
14
24
BASE NEUTRAL COMPOUNDS
ACENAPHTHENE
83329
85*
1.9*
-
-
no
670
990
ANTHRACENE
120127
-
-
-
-
no
8300
40 mg/l
BENZIDINE
92875
-
-
-
-
yes
0.86 ng/l
2.0 ng/l
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC
HYDROCARBONS4
-
-
-
-
yes
0.038
0.18
BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)ETHER
111444
-
-
-
-
yes
0.30
5.3
BIS(2-CHLOROISOPROPYL)ETHER
108601
-
-
-
-
no
1400
65 mg/l
BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL)PHTHALATE
117817
555*
12*
-
-
yes
12
22
BUTYL BENZYL PHTHALATE
85687
85*
1.9*
no
1500
1900
2-CHLORONAPHTHALENE
91587
-
-
-
-
no
1000
1600
1,2-DICHLOROBENZENE
95501
79*
1.8*
-
-
no
420
1300
1,3-DICHLOROBENZENE
541731
390*
8.7*
-
-
no
320
960
1,4-DICHLOROBENZENE
106467
56*
1.2*
-
-
no
63
190
3,3’-DICHLOROBENZIDENE
91941
-
-
-
-
yes
0.21
0.28
DIETHYL PHTHALATE
84662
2605*
58*
-
-
no
17 mg/l
44 mg/l
DIMETHYL PHTHALATE
131113
1650*
37*
-
-
no
270 mg/l
1.1 g/l
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-9
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
DI-n-BUTYL PHTHALATE
84742
-
-
-
-
no
2000
4500
2,4-DINITROTOLUENE
121142
1550*
34*
-
-
yes
1.1
34
1,2-DIPHENYLHYDRAZINE
122667
14*
0.31*
-
-
yes
0.36
2.0
FLUORANTHENE
206440
199*
4.4*
-
-
no
130
140
FLUORENE
86737
-
-
-
-
no
1100
5300
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
118741
-
-
-
-
yes
2.8 ng/l
2.9 ng/l
HEXACHLOROBUTADIENE
87683
-
-
-
-
yes
4.4
180
HEXACHLOROCYCLOPENTADIENE
77474
0.35*
0.008*
-
-
no
40
1100
HEXACHLOROETHANE
67721
49*
1.1*
-
-
yes
14
33
ISOPHORONE
78591
5850*
130*
-
-
yes
350
9600
NAPHTHALENE
91203
115*
2.6*
-
-
-
-
NITROBENZENE
98953
1350*
30*
-
-
no
17
690
N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE
62759
-
-
-
-
yes
6.9 ng/l
30
N-NITROSODI-N-PROPYLAMINE
621647
-
-
-
-
yes
0.05
5.1
N-NITROSODIPHENYLAMINE
86306
293*
6.5*
-
-
yes
33
60
PYRENE
129000
-
-
-
-
no
830
4000
1,2,4-TRICHLOROBENZENE
120821
75*
1.7*
-
-
35
70
PESTICIDES/PCBs
ALDRIN
309002
3.0$
-
1.3$
-
yes
0.49 ng/l
0.5 ng/l
alpha BHC
319846
-
-
-
-
yes
26 ng/l
49 ng/l
beta BHC
319857
-
-
-
-
yes
91 ng/l
170 ng/l
gamma BHC (Lindane)
58899
0.95$
0.16$
-
yes
0.98
1.8
CHLORDANE
57749
2.4$
0.0043
0.09$
0.004
yes
8.0 ng/l
8.1 ng/l
4,4-DDT
50293
1.1$
0.001
0.13$
0.001
yes
2.2 ng/l
2.2 ng/l
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-10
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
4,4-DDE
72559
-
-
-
-
yes
2.2 ng/l
2.2 ng/l
4,4-DDD
72548
-
-
-
-
yes
3.1 ng/l
3.1 ng/l
DIELDRIN
60571
0.24
0.056
0.71$
0.0019
yes
0.52 ng/l
0.54 ng/l
ENDOSULFAN alpha
959988
0.22$
0.056
0.034$
0.0087
no
62
89
ENDOSULFAN, beta
33213659
0.22$
0.056
0.034$
0.0087
62
89
ENDOSULFAN (sulfate)
1031078
-
-
-
-
no
62
89
ENDRIN
72208
0.086$
0.036
0.037$
0.0023
no
0.059
0.06
ENDRIN ALDEHYDE
7421934
-
-
-
-
no
0.29
0.30
HEPTACHLOR
76448
0.52$
0.0038
0.053$
0.0036
yes
0.79 ng/l
0.79 ng/l
HEPTACHLOR EPOXIDE
1024573
0.52$
0.0038
0.053$
0.0036
yes
0.39 ng/l
0.39 ng/l
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)3
1336363
-
0.014
-
0.03
yes
0.64 ng/l
0.64 ng/l
2,3,7,8-TCDD (DIOXIN)
1746016
-
-
-
-
yes
5 x 10-8
5.1 x 10-8
TOXAPHENE
8001352
0.73
0.0002
0.21
0.0002
yes
2.8 ng/l
2.8 ng/l
TRIBUTYLTIN
**
0.46
0.072
0.42
0.0074
no
-
-
NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS:
OTHER SUBSTANCES
ALUMINUM
7429905
750„
87„
-
-
-
-
AMMONIA
7664417
#
#
#
#
no
-
-
4-BROMOPHENYL PHENYL ETHER
18*
0.4*
-
-
-
-
CHLORIDE
16887006
860,000
230,000
CHLORINE
7782505
19
11
13
7.5
4-CHLORO-2-METHYLPHENOL
15*
0.32*
-
-
-
-
1-CHLORONAPHTHALENE
80*
1.8*
-
-
-
-
4-CHLOROPHENOL
106489
192*
4.3*
-
-
-
-
Table 1. RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-11
HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA
(ug/l)2
For Consumption of:
CHEMICAL NAME
CAS Number
AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA
(µg/l)
FRESHWATER SALTWATER___
ACUTE CHRONIC ACUTE CHRONIC
CARCINOGEN ?
Water and Aquatic
Organisms
Aquatic Organisms
Only
2,4-DICHLORO-6-METHYLPHENOL
22*
0.48*
-
-
-
-
1,1-DICHLOROPROPANE
1150*
26*
-
-
-
-
1,3-DICHLOROPROPANE
142289
303*
6.7*
-
-
-
-
2,3-DINITROTOLUENE
17*
0.37*
-
-
-
-
2,4-DINITRO-6-METHYL PHENOL
12
0.26
-
-
-
-
IRON
7439896
1000
300
PENTACHLOROBENZENE
608935
13*
0.28*
-
-
-
-
PENTACHLOROETHANE
362*
8.0*
-
-
-
-
1,2,3,5-TETRACHLOROBENZENE
321*
7.1*
-
-
-
-
1,1,1,2-TETRACHLOROETHANE
630206
980*
22*
-
-
-
-
2,3,4,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL
58902
7*
0.16*
-
-
-
-
2,3,5,6-TETRACHLOROPHENOL
8.5*
0.19*
-
-
-
-
2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOL
95954
23*
0.51*
-
-
2,4,6-TRINITROPHENOL
88062
4235
94
-
-
-
-
XYLENE
1330207
133 *
3.0 *
-
-
Table 1 RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-12
KEY:
* = RIDEM minimum database guidelines.
** = Only data generated in toxicity and bioconcentration tests on TBTCl (tributyltin chloride; CAS 1461-22-9), TBTF (tributyltin floride; CAS
1983-10-4), TBTO [bis(tributyltin) oxide; CAS 56-35-9], commonly called “tributyltin oxide” and TBTS[bis(tributyltin) sulfide; CAS 4808-30-4],
commonly called “tributyltin sulfide” were used in the derivation of the water quality criteria concentrations for aquatic life presented herein. All
concentrations from such tests are expressed as TBT, not as tin and not as the chemical tested.
„ = Freshwater criteria for aluminum are for
waters in which the pH is between 6.5 and 9
# = See Table 3 for ammonia criteria
@ = see Table 2 for criteria equations
- = No criteria recommendation.
$ = The aquatic life criteria for these compounds were issued in 1980 utilizing the 1980 Guidelines for criteria development. The acute values
shown are final acute values which, by the 1980 Guidelines, are instantaneous values as contrasted with a Criteria Maximum Concentration
(CMC)which is a one-hour average.
1 = carcinogens calculated at 10-5 risk
2 = criteria are in µg/l unless otherwise noted
µg/l = micrograms/liter
ng/l = nanograms/liter
mg/l = milligrams/liter
3 = Polychlorinated Biphenyl criteria apply to total PCBs (e.g. the sum of all cogener or all isomer or homolog or Aroclor analyses.)
4 = Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons criteria apply to each of the following:
PAH
CAS Number
indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
193395
dibenzo(ah)anthracene
53703
benzo(a)anthracene
56553
benzo(a)pyrene
50328
benzo(b)fluoranthene
205992
benzo(k)fluoranthene
207089
chrysene
218019
(Key is continued on next page)
Table 1 RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-13
Key (continued):
5 =
Freshwater values in Table 1 for the following parameters are presented as dissolved criteria using the EPA recommended
conversion factors (CF), as listed below:
Metal
Acute CF
Chronic CF
Arsenic
1.000
1.000
Cadmium
1.136672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]
1.101672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]
Chromium III
0.316
0.86
Chromium VI
0.982
0.962
Copper
0.96
0.96
Lead
1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]
1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]
Mercury
0.85
0.85
Nickel
0.998
0.997
Silver
0.85
(no freshwater criteria)
Zinc
0.978
0.986
NOTE:
(ln H) = natural log of Hardness, using any hardness as appropriate.
6 = Saltwater values in Table 1 for the following parameters are presented as dissolved criteria using the EPA recommended
conversion factors, as listed below:
Metal
Conversion Factor
Arsenic
1.000
Cadmium
0.994
Chromium III
(no saltwater criteria)
Chromium VI
0.993
Copper
0.83
Lead
0.951
Mercury
0.85 (see Note below)
Nickel
0.990
Selenium
0.998
Silver
0.85
Zinc
0.946
NOTE: Conversion factors on this table were calculated for acute criteria only. Conversion factors for chronic criteria are not currently available.
In the absence of chronic conversion factors saltwater acute conversion factors are used. Chronic criteria for mercury cannot be converted
to dissolved because it is based on mercury residues rather than toxicity.
7 = Site specific criteria for dissolved copper apply for the following waters:
Blackstone River (RI0001003R-01A and RI0001003R-01B) From the MA/RI border to the mouth of the river.
Ten Mile River (RI0004009R-01A and RI0004009R-01B) From the MA/RI border to the mouth of the river including Slater Park Pond (RI0004009L-02),
Turner Reservoir North (RI0004009L-01A) and South (RI0004009L-01B), and Omega Pond (RI0004009L-03).
Woonasquatucket River (RI0002007R-10C and RI0002007R-10D) From the Smithfield WWTF discharge to confluence with Moshassuck River.
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-14
Table 2. Freshwater Criteria Equations and Base e Exponential Values
Parameter
ACUTE (µg/l)
CF x e (ma [ln Hardness] + ba)
CHRONIC (µg/l)
CF x e (mc [ln Hardness] + bc)
CF =
ma =
ba =
CF =
mc =
bc =
Cadmium
@
1.0166
-3.924
@
0.7409
- 4.719
Chromium III
0.316
0.8190
3.7256
0.86
0.819
0.6848
Copper
0.96
0.9422
-1.700
0.96
0.8545
-1.702
Lead
#
1.273
-1.46
#
1.273
-4.705
Nickel
0.998
0.846
2.255
0.997
0.846
0.0584
Silver
0.85
1.72
-6.52
-
-
-
Zinc
0.978
0.8473
0.884
0.986
0.8473
0.884
Pentachlorophenol*
-
1.005
-4.869
-
1.005
-5.134
•
Hardness values are in mg/l as CaCO3
- = no recommended value
* substitute pH for hardness in the equations for pentachlorophenol
@ = Cadmium Conversion Factors:
CF = Conversion Factor to calculate dissolved metal from total
acute CF = 1.136672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]
metal concentrations
chronic CF = 1.101672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]
# = Lead Conversion Factors:
[ln H] = natural log of hardness
acute and chronic CF = 1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]
EXAMPLE:
NOTE: When an ambient hardness of less than 25 mg/L is used to establish criteria for lead or cadmium,
If you wish to calculate the acute criteria for Copper at a hardness of 30 mg/l,
the hardness dependent Conversion Factor (CF) should not exceed one.
the equation value for ma = 0.9422, ba = -1.700, and CF = 0.96 from Table 2.
The acute criteria equation for dissolved Copper is therefore:
0.96 x e(0.9422[ln 30] + (-1.700)) = 4.32
Result : The acute criteria for Dissolved Copper at a hardness of 30 mg/l is = 4.32 µg/l
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-15
Table 3 Ammonia Criteria
A.
Freshwater
1.
Acute Criteria as Total Ammonia Nitrogen (mg N/L)
pH
Acute Criterion with
Salmonids present
Acute Criterion with
Salmonids absent
6.5
32.6
48.8
6.6
31.3
46.8
6.7
29.8
44.6
6.8
28.1
42.0
6.9
26.2
39.1
7.0
24.1
36.1
7.1
22.0
32.8
7.2
19.7
29.5
7.3
17.5
26.2
7.4
15.4
23.0
7.5
13.3
19.9
7.6
11.4
17.0
7.7
9.65
14.4
7.8
8.11
12.1
7.9
6.77
10.1
8.0
5.62
8.40
8.1
4.64
6.95
8.2
3.83
5.72
8.3
3.15
4.71
8.4
2.59
3.88
8.5
2.14
3.20
8.6
1.77
2.65
8.7
1.47
2.20
8.8
1.23
1.84
8.9
1.04
1.56
9.0
0.885
1.32
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-16
Table 3. Ammonia Criteria
A. Freshwater
2. Chronic Criteria for Fish Early Life Stages Present, mg N/L
Temperature and pH-Dependent Values of the Chronic Criterion for Fish Early Life Stages Present
Temperature, C
pH
0
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
6.5
6.67
6.67
6.06
5.33
4.68
4.12
3.62
3.18
2.80
2.46
6.6
6.57
6.57
5.97
5.25
4.61
4.05
3.56
3.13
2.75
2.42
6.7
6.44
6.44
5.86
5.15
4.52
3.98
3.50
3.07
2.70
2.37
6.8
6.29
6.29
5.72
5.03
4.42
3.89
3.42
3.00
2.64
2.32
6.9
6.12
6.12
5.56
4.89
4.30
3.78
3.32
2.92
2.57
2.25
7.0
5.91
5.91
5.37
4.72
4.15
3.65
3.21
2.82
2.48
2.18
7.1
5.67
5.67
5.15
4.53
3.98
3.50
3.08
2.70
2.38
2.09
7.2
5.39
5.39
4.90
4.31
3.78
3.33
2.92
2.57
2.26
1.99
7.3
5.08
5.08
4.61
4.06
3.57
3.13
2.76
2.42
2.13
1.87
7.4
4.73
4.73
4.30
3.78
3.32
2.92
2.57
2.26
1.98
1.74
7.5
4.36
4.36
3.97
3.49
3.06
2.69
2.37
2.08
1.83
1.61
7.6
3.98
3.98
3.61
3.18
2.79
2.45
2.16
1.90
1.67
1.47
7.7
3.58
3.58
3.25
2.86
2.51
2.21
1.94
1.71
1.50
1.32
7.8
3.18
3.18
2.89
2.54
2.23
1.96
1.73
1.52
1.33
1.17
7.9
2.80
2.80
2.54
2.24
1.96
1.73
1.52
1.33
1.17
1.03
8.0
2.43
2.43
2.21
1.94
1.71
1.50
1.32
1.16
1.02
0.897
8.1
2.10
2.10
1.91
1.68
1.47
1.29
1.14
1.00
0.879
0.773
8.2
1.79
1.79
1.63
1.43
1.26
1.11
0.973
0.855
0.752
0.661
8.3
1.52
1.52
1.39
1.22
1.07
0.941
0.827
0.727
0.639
0.562
8.4
1.29
1.29
1.17
1.03
0.906
0.796
0.700
0.615
0.541
0.475
8.5
1.09
1.09
0.990
0.870
0.765
0.672
0.591
0.520
0.457
0.401
8.6
0.920
0.920
0.836
0.735
0.646
0.568
0.499
0.439
0.386
0.339
8.7
0.778
0.778
0.707
0.622
0.547
0.480
0.422
0.371
0.326
0.287
8.8
0.661
0.661
0.601
0.528
0.464
0.408
0.359
0.315
0.277
0.244
8.9
0.565
0.565
0.513
0.451
0.397
0.349
0.306
0.269
0.237
0.208
9.0
0.486
0.486
0.442
0.389
0.342
0.300
0.264
0.232
0.204
0.179
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-17
Table 3. Ammonia Criteria
A.
Freshwater (continued)
3. Chronic Criteria for Fish Early Life Stages Absent, mg N/L
Temperature and pH-Dependent Values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Absent
Temperature, C
pH
0-7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15*
16*
6.5
10.8
10.1
9.51
8.92
8.36
7.84
7.35
6.89
6.46
6.06
6.6
10.7
9.99
9.37
8.79
8.24
7.72
7.24
6.79
6.36
5.97
6.7
10.5
9.81
9.20
8.62
8.08
7.58
7.11
6.66
6.25
5.86
6.8
10.2
9.58
8.98
8.42
7.90
7.40
6.94
6.51
6.10
5.72
6.9
9.93
9.31
8.73
8.19
7.68
7.20
6.75
6.33
5.93
5.56
7.0
9.60
9.00
8.43
7.91
7.41
6.95
6.52
6.11
5.73
5.37
7.1
9.20
8.63
8.09
8.58
7.11
6.67
6.25
5.86
5.49
5.15
7.2
8.75
8.20
7.69
7.21
6.76
6.34
5.94
5.57
5.22
4.90
7.3
8.24
7.73
7.25
6.79
6.37
5.97
5.60
5.25
4.92
4.61
7.4
7.69
7.21
6.76
6.33
5.94
5.57
5.22
4.89
4.59
4.30
7.5
7.09
6.64
6.23
5.84
5.48
5.13
4.81
4.51
4.23
3.97
7.6
6.46
6.05
5.67
5.32
4.99
4.68
4.38
4.11
3.85
3.61
7.7
5.81
5.45
5.11
4.79
4.49
4.21
3.95
3.70
3.47
3.25
7.8
5.17
4.84
4.54
4.26
3.99
3.74
3.51
3.29
3.09
2.89
7.9
4.54
4.26
3.99
3.74
3.51
3.29
3.09
2.89
2.71
2.54
8.0
3.95
3.70
3.47
3.26
3.05
2.86
2.68
2.52
2.36
2.21
8.1
3.41
3.19
2.99
2.81
2.63
2.47
2.31
2.17
2.03
1.91
8.2
2.91
2.73
2.56
2.40
2.25
2.11
1.98
1.85
1.74
1.63
8.3
2.47
2.32
2.18
2.04
1.91
1.79
1.68
1.58
1.48
1.39
8.4
2.09
1.96
1.84
1.73
1.62
1.52
1.42
1.33
1.25
1.17
8.5
1.77
1.66
1.55
1.46
1.37
1.28
1.20
1.13
1.06
0.990
8.6
1.49
1.40
1.31
1.23
1.15
1.08
1.01
0.951
0.892
0.836
8.7
1.26
1.18
1.11
1.04
0.976
0.915
0.858
0.805
0.754
0.707
8.8
1.07
1.01
0.944
0.885
0.829
0.778
0.729
0.684
0.641
0.601
8.9
0.917
0.86
0.806
0.756
0.709
0.664
0.623
0.584
0.548
0.513
9.0
0.790
0.740
0.694
0.651
0.610
0.572
0.536
0.503
0.471
0.442
At 15 C and above, the criterion for fish ELS absent is the same as the criterion for fish ELS present.
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-18
NOTE:
1.
Averaging Periods and Frequency of Exceedances
Chronic Criteria - The ambient concentration, averaged over a period of 30 days, shall not exceed the chronic
criterion more than once every three years on average. The highest four-day average ambient concentration
should not exceed a concentration 2.5 times greater than the chronic criterion.
Acute Criteria - The ambient concentrations, averaged over one hour shall not exceed the acute criterion more
than once every three years on average.
Early Life Stage Absent (ELS-Absent) Provision
This provision allows for a relaxation of the chronic criteria when early life stages (ELS) of fish are not present,
since, at low ambient water temperatures, adult and juvenile fish are less sensitive to ammonia toxicity than are
early life stages of fish. In accordance with EPA's guidance, 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for
Ammonia, it is appropriate to relax the ammonia chronic criterion, as ambient water temperature decreases, in
waterbodies where it is determined, to the Director's satisfaction, that early life stages are not present. The
chronic criteria applicable when ELS are absent are found in Table 3.A.3. The Director has determined that the
ELS-Absent Provision applies, but is not limited, to:
ii.
The entire Blackstone River during the period November 1 to April 30.
iii.
The main stem of the Pawtuxet River during the period November 1 to April 30.
iv.
The Woonasquatucket River from Georgiaville Pond to the confluence with the Moshassuck
River during the period November 1 to April 30.
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-19
Table 3 continued
B.
Saltwater: criteria as total ammonia (mg/l)
1.
Acute Water Quality Criteria for Saltwater Aquatic Life Based on Total Ammonia (mg/l).
(To convert these values to mg/liter N, multiply by 0.822).
Temperature (°C)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
pH
Salinity = 10 g/kg
7.0
270
191
131
92
62
44
29
21
7.2
175
121
83
58
40
27
19
13
7.4
110
77
52
35
25
17
12
8.3
7.6
69
48
33
23
16
11
7.7
5.6
7.8
44
31
21
15
10
7.1
5.0
3.5
8.0
27
19
13
9.4
6.4
4.6
3.1
2.3
8.2
18
12
8.5
5.8
4.2
2.9
2.1
1.5
8.4
11
7.9
5.4
3.7
2.7
1.9
1.4
1.0
8.6
7.3
5.0
3.5
2.5
1.8
1.3
0.98
0.75
8.8
4.6
3.3
2.3
1.7
1.2
0.92
0.71
0.56
9.0
2.9
2.1
1.5
1.1
0.85
0.67
0.52
0.44
Salinity = 20 g/kg
7.0
291
200
137
96
64
44
31
21
7.2
183
125
87
60
42
29
20
14
7.4
116
79
54
37
27
18
12
8.7
7.6
73
50
35
23
17
11
7.9
5.6
7.8
46
31
23
15
11
7.5
5.2
3.5
8.0
29
20
14
9.8
6.7
4.8
3.3
2.3
8.2
19
13
8.9
6.2
4.4
3.1
2.1
1.6
8.4
12
8.1
5.6
4.0
2.9
2.0
1.5
1.1
8.6
7.5
5.2
3.7
2.7
1.9
1.4
1.0
0.77
8.8
4.8
3.3
2.5
1.7
1.3
0.94
0.73
0.56
9.0
3.1
2.3
1.6
1.2
0.87
0.69
0.54
0.44
Salinity = 30 g/kg
7.0
312
208
148
102
71
48
33
23
7.2
196
135
94
64
44
31
21
15
7.4
125
85
58
40
27
19
13
9.4
7.6
79
54
37
25
21
12
8.5
6.0
7.8
50
33
23
16
11
7.9
5.4
3.7
8.0
31
21
15
10
7.3
5.0
3.5
2.5
8.2
20
14
9.6
6.7
4.6
3.3
2.3
1.7
8.4
12.7
8.7
6.0
4.2
2.9
2.1
1.6
1.1
8.6
8.1
5.6
4.0
2.7
2.0
1.4
1.1
0.81
8.8
5.2
3.5
2.5
1.8
1.3
1.0
0.75
0.58
9.0
3.3
2.3
1.7
1.2
0.94
0.71
0.56
0.46
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-20
Table 3 continued
B.
Saltwater:
2.
Chronic Water Quality Criteria for Saltwater Aquatic Life Based on Total Ammonia (mg/l).
(To convert these values to mg/liter N, multiply by 0.822).
Temperature (°C)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
pH
Salinity = 10 g/kg
7.0
41
29
20
14
9.4
6.6
4.4
3.1
7.2
26
18
12
8.7
5.9
4.1
2.8
2.0
7.4
17
12
7.8
5.3
3.7
2.6
1.8
1.2
7.6
10
7.2
5.0
3.4
2.4
1.7
1.2
0.84
7.8
6.6
4.7
3.1
2.2
1.5
1.1
0.75
0.53
8.0
4.1
2.9
2.0
1.40
0.97
0.69
0.47
0.34
8.2
2.7
1.8
1.3
0.87
0.62
0.44
0.31
0.23
8.4
1.7
1.2
0.81
0.56
0.41
0.29
0.21
0.16
8.6
1.1
0.75
0.53
0.37
0.27
0.20
0.15
0.11
8.8
0.69
0.50
0.34
0.25
0.18
0.14
0.11
0.08
9.0
0.44
0.31
0.23
0.17
0.13
0.10
0.08
0.07
Salinity = 20 g/kg
7.0
44
30
21
14
9.7
6.6
4.7
3.1
7.2
27
19
13
9.0
6.2
4.4
3.0
2.1
7.4
18
12
8.1
5.6
4.1
2.7
1.9
1.3
7.6
11
7.5
5.3
3.4
2.5
1.7
1.2
0.84
7.8
6.9
4.7
3.4
2.3
1.6
1.1
0.78
0.53
8.0
4.4
3.0
2.1
1.5
1.0
0.72
0.50
0.34
8.2
2.8
1.9
1.3
0.94
0.66
0.47
0.31
0.24
8.4
1.8
1.2
0.84
0.59
0.44
0.30
0.22
0.16
8.6
1.1
0.78
0.56
0.41
0.28
0.20
0.15
0.12
8.8
0.72
0.50
0.37
0.26
0.19
0.14
0.11
0.08
9.0
0.47
0.34
0.24
0.18
0.13
0.10
0.08
0.07
Salinity = 30 g/kg
7.0
47
31
22
15
11
7.2
5.0
3.4
7.2
29
20
14
9.7
6.6
4.7
3.1
2.2
7.4
19
13
8.7
5.9
4.1
2.9
2.0
1.4
7.6
12
8.1
5.6
3.7
3.1
1.8
1.3
0.90
7.8
7.5
5.0
3.4
2.4
1.7
1.2
0.81
0.56
8.0
4.7
3.1
2.2
1.6
1.1
0.75
0.53
0.37
8.2
3.0
2.1
1.4
1.0
0.69
0.50
0.34
0.25
8.4
1.9
1.3
0.90
0.62
0.44
0.31
0.23
0.17
8.6
1.2
0.84
0.59
0.41
0.30
0.22
0.16
0.12
8.8
0.78
0.53
0.37
0.27
0.20
0.15
0.11
0.09
9.0
0.50
0.34
0.26
0.19
0.14
0.11
0.08
0.07
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-21
Table 4.
Freshwater Water Effect Ratios and Site Specific Criteria Equations
Parameter
Acute
WER x e(ma [ln Hardness] + ba)
Chronic
(Acute Site Specific x 2) ÷ National
Acute:Chronic Ratio
WER@
ma =
ba =
National Acute:Chronic Ratio
Cadmium
2.2
1.0166
-3.924
--
Copper
4.77
0.9422
-1.700
2.823
Lead
0.19
1.273
-1.46
51.29
Silver
2.85
1.72
-6.52
--
Zinc
1.63
0.8473
0.8840
2.208
@ WER = Water Effect Ratio
-- = no recommended value, use chronic value as calculated in Table 2.
NOTE: 1).
Resulting acute and chronic site specific criteria are as total recoverable metals. The conversion factors noted
in Tables 1 and 2 cannot be applied to site specific criteria.
2).
These WERs and resulting site specific criteria apply only to the segments of the Pawtuxet River classified as
B1 (see Appendix A).
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-22
Table 5. 126 Priority Pollutants
The following comprise the list of toxic pollutants designated pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) of the Act
1.
acenaphthene
2.
acrolein
3.
acrylonitrile
4.
benzene
5.
benzidine
6.
carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane)
Chlorinated Benzenes
7.
chlorobenzene
8.
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
9.
hexachlorobenzene
Chlorinated Ethanes
10.
1,2-dichloroethane
11.
1,1,1-trichloroethane
12.
hexachloroethane
13.
1,1-dichloroethane
14.
1,1,2-trichloroethane
15.
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
16.
chloroethane
Chloroalkyl Ethers
17.
bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
18.
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
Chlorinated Napthalene
19.
2-chloronapthalene
Chlorinated Phenols
20.
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
21.
4-chloro-3-methylphenol
22.
chloroform (trichloromethane)
23.
2-chlorophenol
Dichlorobenzenes
24.
1,2-dichlorobenzene
25.
1,3-dichlorobenzene
26.
1,4-dichlorobenzene
Dichlorobenzidine
27.
3,3-dichlorobenzidine
Dichloroethylenes
28.
1,1-dichloroethylene
29.
1,2-trans-dichloroethylene
30.
2,4-dichlorophenol
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-23
Table 5. 126 Priority Pollutants, cont.
Dichloropropane and Dichloropropene
31.
1,2-dichloropropane
32.
1,3-dichloropropene (cis and trans isomers)
33.
2,4-dimethylphenol
Dinitrotoluene
34.
2,4-dinitrotoluene
35.
2,6-dinitrotoluene
36.
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
37.
ethylbenzene
38.
fluoranthene
Haloethers
39.
4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether
40.
4-bromophenyl phenyl ether
41.
bis(2-chloroisopropyl) ether
42.
bis(2-chlorethoxy) methane
Halomethanes
43.
methylene chloride (dichloromethane)
44.
methyl chloride (chloromethane)
45.
methyl bromide (bromomethane)
46.
bromoform (tribromomethane)
47.
dichlorobromomethane
48.
chlorodibromomethane
49.
hexachlorobutadiene
50.
hexachlorocyclopentadiene
51.
isophorone
52.
naphthalene
53.
nitrobenzene
Nitrophenols
54.
2-nitrophenol
55.
4-nitrophenol
56.
2,4-dinitrophenol
57.
4,6-dinitro-2-methylphenol
Nitrosamines
58.
N-nitrosodimethylamine
59.
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
60.
N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
61.
pentachlorophenol
62.
phenol
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-24
Table 5. 126 Priority Pollutants, cont.
Phthalate Esters
63.
bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
64.
butyl benzyl phthalate
65.
di-n-butyl phthalate
66.
di-n-octyl phthalate
67.
diethly phthalate
68.
dimethyl phthalate
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
69.
benzo(a)anthracene (1,2-benzanthracene)
70.
benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-benzopyrene)
71.
3,4-benzofluoranthene
72.
benzo(k)fluorathene (11,12-benzofluoranthene)
73.
chrysene
74.
acenaphthylene
75.
anthracene
76.
benzo(ghi)perylene (1,12-benzoperylene)
77.
fluorene
78.
phenanthrene
79.
dibenzo(ah)anthracene (1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene)
80.
indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene (2,3-o-phenylenepyrene)
81.
pyrene
82.
tetrachloroethylene
83.
toluene
84.
trichloroethylene
85.
vinyl chloride (chloroethylene)
Pesticides and Metabolites
86.
aldrin
87.
dieldrin
88.
chlordane (technical mixture and metabolites)
DDT and Metabolites
89.
4,4' -DDT
90.
4,4' -DDE (p.p' -DDE)
91.
4,4' -DDD (p.p' -TDE)
Endosulfan and Metabolites
92.
a-endosulfan-Alpha
93.
b-endosulfan-Beta
94.
endosulfan sulfate
Endrin and Metabolites
95.
endrin
96.
endrin aldehyde
Heptachlor and Metabolites
97.
heptachlor
98.
heptachlor epoxide
Appendix B July 2006, amended May 2009
B-25
Table 5. 126 Priority Pollutants, cont.
Hexachlorocyclohexane
99.
a-BHC-Alpha
100.
b-BHC-Beta
101.
g-BHC (lindane) Gamma
102.
d-BHC-Delta
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
103.
PCB-1242 (Arochlor 1242)
104.
PCB-1254 (Arochlor 1254)
105.
PCB-1221 (Arochlor 1221)
106.
PCB-1232 (Arochlor 1232)
107.
PCB-1248 (Arochlor 1248)
108.
PCB-1260 (Arochlor 1260)
109.
PCB-1016 (Arochlor 1016)
110.
toxaphene
Metals, Asbestos and Cyanide
111.
antimony and compounds
112.
arsenic and compounds
113.
asbestos
114.
beryllium and compounds
115.
cadmium and compounds
116.
chromium and compounds
117.
copper and compounds
118.
cyanides
119.
lead and compounds
120.
mercury and compounds
121.
nickel and compounds
122.
selenium and compounds
123.
silver and compounds
124.
thallium and compounds
125.
zinc and compounds
126.
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-1
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER RESOURCES
APPENDIX C
POLICY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTIDEGRADATION
PROVISIONS OF THE
RHODE ISLAND WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
July 2006
Amended May 2009
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-2
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
APPENDIX C
I.
Introduction - Antidegradation Standard
Rule 18 of the Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations is based on the Federal
Antidegradation Policy requirements (40 CFR 131.12) and adopted under the authority of
Chapter 46-12, 42-17.1 and 42-35 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended.
Antidegradation is one of the minimum elements required in State Water Quality
Standards. The provisions of the State Antidegradation Regulations have as their
objective the maintenance and protection of various levels of water quality and uses. The
Rhode Island Antidegradation provisions consist of four (4) tiers of water quality
protection which are defined in general terms below and in more specific terms in
subsequent sections of this policy:
Tier 1 -
Protection of Existing Uses - In all surface waters, existing uses and the
level of water quality necessary to protect the existing uses shall be
maintained and protected.
Tier 2 -
Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters - In waters where the
existing water quality exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of
fish and wildlife, and recreation in and on the water, that quality shall be
maintained and protected, except for insignificant changes in water quality
as determined by the Director and in accordance with this Antidegradation
Implementation Policy, as amended. In addition, the Director may allow
significant degradation which is determined to be necessary to achieve
important economic or social benefits to the State, in accordance with this
Antidegradation Implementation Policy, as amended.
Tier 2½ -
Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs - Where high quality waters
constitute a SRPW, there shall be no measurable degradation of the
existing water quality necessary to protect the characteristic(s) which
cause the waterbody to be designated as an SRPW. Notwithstanding that
all public drinking water supplies are SRPWs, public drinking water
suppliers may undertake temporary and short term activities within the
boundary perimeter of a public drinking water supply impoundment for
essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions in order to
prevent adverse effects on public health or safety, provided that these
activities comply with the requirements set forth in Rule 18.B. (Tier 1
Protection of Existing Uses) and Rule 18.C. (Tier 2 Protection of Water
Quality in High Quality Waters).
Tier 3 -
Protection of Water Quality for ONRWs - Where high quality waters
constitute an Outstanding National Resource, that water quality shall be
maintained and protected. The State may allow some limited activities
that result in temporary and short-term changes in the water quality of an
ONRW. Such activities must not permanently degrade water quality or
result in water quality lower than that necessary to protect the existing
uses in the ONRW.
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-3
II.
Applicability
Antidegradation applies to all new or increased projects or activities which may lower
water quality or affect existing water uses, including but not limited to all 401 Water
Quality Certification reviews and any new, reissued, or modified RIPDES permits. This
Antidegradation Implementation Policy describes the general strategy the State will use
to determine on a case-by-case basis whether, and to what extent, water quality may be
lowered.
III.
Definitions
"Assimilative Capacity" means the amount of a pollutant or pollutants that can safely be
released to a waterbody or segment of a waterbody under the most adverse conditions, as
defined in Rule 8.E. of the Water Quality Regulations, which will not cause any
violations of applicable water quality criteria nor cause measurable harm or alteration to
the natural biological community found therein.
"Background" means the water quality upstream of all point and nonpoint sources of
pollution.
"Best Management Practices (BMPs)" means schedules of activities, prohibitions of
practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce
the pollution of and impacts upon waters of the State. BMPs also include treatment
requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks,
sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.
"Best Professional Judgement (BPJ)" means a determination, based on best engineering
and/or scientific practices and best management practices, involving any pollutant,
combination of pollutants or practice(s), on a case-by-case basis, which is determined by
the Director to be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Clean Water Act and any
applicable chapters of the General laws of Rhode Island. BPJ can be used to set Best
Available Technology Economically Achievable, Best Conventional Pollutant Control
Technology, Best Practicable Control Currently Available or BMP limitations pursuant
to the Clean Water Act either in the absence of an applicable promulgated effluent
guideline or where promulgated effluent limitation guidelines only apply to certain
aspects of the discharge's operation or to certain pollutants.
"Designated Uses" are those uses specified in water quality standards for each waterbody
or segment whether or not they are being attained. In no case shall assimilation or
transport of pollutants be considered a designated use.
"Existing use" means those designated uses and any other uses that do not impair the
designated uses and that are actually attained in a waterbody on or after November 28,
1975; except that in no case shall assimilation or transport of pollutants be considered an
existing use.
"High Quality Waters" include all Class A and SA surface waters as well as other surface
waters whose quality exceeds the minimum water quality criteria for any State aquatic
life and/or human health criteria or water quality standards assigned to them; or whose
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-4
qualities and characteristics make them critical to the propagation or survival of
important living natural resources; or those waters constituting a Special Resource
Protection Water or an Outstanding National Resource Water.
"Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs)" are surface waters of National and
State Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and other such waters designated as having special
recreational or ecological value.
"Public Drinking Water Supplier" means any city, town, district, or other municipal,
public, private corporation or company, or non-profit entity authorized to engage in the
collection and treatment of surface water for the purposes of distribution of drinking
water in Rhode Island and whose source of drinking water is a surface water in Rhode
Island.
"Public Drinking Water Supply" means the source of surface water for a public drinking
water supplier.
"Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPW)" are surface waters identified by the
Director as having significant recreational or ecological uses, and may include but are not
limited to: wildlife refuge or management areas; public drinking water supplies; State and
Federal parks; State and Federal designated Estuarine Sanctuary Areas; waterbodies
containing critical habitats, including but not limited to waterbodies identified by the
RIDEM Natural Heritage Program as critical habitat for rare or endangered species;
wetland types or specific wetlands listed as rare, threatened, endangered, of special
interest or of special concern by the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program; waterbodies
identified by the U. S. Department of the Interior on the Final List of Rivers for potential
inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
"Water Quality Criteria" means elements of the State water quality standards, expressed
as constituent concentrations, levels, or narrative statements, representing a quality of
water that supports a particular use.
"Water Quality Standard" means provisions of State or Federal law which consists of a
designated use(s) and water quality criteria for the waters of the State. Water quality
standards also consist of an antidegradation policy.
IV.
Preconditions for Implementation of Antidegradation Procedures
A.
At the onset of the antidegradation review, a determination by the State, of
whether the proposed activity can be considered a new or increased activity, must
be made.
1.
A new activity in terms of application of this Antidegradation
Implementation Policy shall refer to any activity which commenced after
November 28, 1975.
2.
An increased activity shall refer to:
(a). a proposed increase in loadings to a waterbody. For discharges
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-5
covered by existing RIPDES permits an evaluation of an increased loading
shall constitute a comparison of the present permit limit with the newly
calculated permit limit. If the new permit limit is less than or equal to the
old limit, it would not be considered an increased activity. If the
comparison indicates that the new permit limit is greater than the old limit,
it would be considered an increased activity.
(b). an increase in a flow alteration over the existing use.
If the above evaluations result in a determination that the proposed activity is not
a new or increased activity, then there would be no further review of the proposed
activity under the Antidegradation Implementation Policy. If the above
evaluations result in a determination that the proposed activity is a new or
increased activity, then the activity will be reviewed for consistency with this
Antidegradation Implementation Policy.
V.
Tier 1 - Protection of Existing Uses
A.
General
This provision applies to all surface waters. An existing use can be established by
demonstrating that a use(s) has actually occurred since November 28, 1975, and
the water quality is suitable to allow the existing use or by demonstrating that
although a designated use(s) has not occurred the water quality is suitable to
allow such a use(s) to occur, unless there are physical problems which prevent the
use and which cannot be remedied. Under Tier 1, a proposed activity or
discharge cannot partially or completely eliminate any existing uses nor the water
quality needed to maintain and protect those uses. In addition, the proposed
activity cannot violate the class-specific criteria for minimum water quality of the
assigned water quality standard of a waterbody. The more stringent of instream
aquatic life criteria or applicable human health criteria for toxic pollutants must
be met in all waters, regardless of the classification. The Department may make
requests for evidence/data for applications of proposed activities or discharges in
accordance with Section VI.B.3. of this policy.
VI.
Tier 2 - Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters
A.
General
In a waterbody where, for any parameter, the existing water quality exceeds that
level necessary to support the propagation of fish and wildlife and recreation in
and on the waters, regardless of the use designation, that water shall be
considered high quality for that parameter. All parameters do not need to be
better quality than the ambient criteria for the water to be deemed a "high quality
water". Instead, a waterbody is assessed as being high quality on a parameter-by-
parameter basis.
That high quality shall be maintained and protected, except for insignificant
changes in water quality as determined by the Director and in accordance with
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-6
this Antidegradation Implementation Policy, as amended (See Section VI.B.
below). Significant changes in water quality may be allowed if it can be proven
to the Director by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence
having a probative value, and the Director finds, after full satisfaction of the
intergovernmental coordination and public participation provisions of the RI
Continuing Planning Process, that allowing the water quality degradation is
necessary to accommodate important economic and social benefit in the area in
which the receiving waters are located (See Section VI.C below). In allowing a
change in water quality, significant or insignificant, all reasonable measures to
minimize the change shall be implemented.
In allowing any such significant change in water quality, the Director shall assure
water quality adequate to fully protect existing and designated uses. Adequate
scientifically valid documentation shall demonstrate that existing and designated
uses, water quality to protect those uses, and all applicable water quality
standards, will be fully protected. Further, achievement of the highest statutory
and regulatory requirements for all new and existing point sources and all cost
effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source controls,
shall be assured.
If the waterbody is a Special Resource Protection Water (SRPW), a special subset
of High Quality Waters, additional requirements appear in Tier 2½ of this
Antidegradation Policy.
If the waterbody is an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW), a special
subset of High Quality Waters, additional requirements appear in Tier 3 of this
Antidegradation Policy.
B.
Assessment of protection of high quality waters consists of the following
processes:
1.
Assess waterbody for high quality on a parameter-by-parameter basis:
This step involves characterizing the existing instream water quality and
comparing that to the State's instream water quality criteria to assess for
high quality water on a parameter-by-parameter basis.
Instream water quality is characterized by the applicable flows associated
with the most adverse conditions as stated in Rule 8.E. of these
Regulations, background water quality levels (as determined by the
Director), and all point source loadings and nonpoint source contributions
and in accordance with Rule 10.B. of these Regulations.
If this analysis indicates that the water is not high quality, then Tier 1 of
the policy is the applicable level of protection.
If this analysis indicates that the water is high quality, then continue with
the Tier 2 antidegradation evaluation.
2.
Define the remaining assimilative capacity of the receiving water: The
remaining assimilative capacity or buffer of the receiving water is
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-7
equivalent to the difference between the State's instream water quality
criteria and the existing instream water quality.
3.
Request and obtain evidence/data for applications involving activities
potentially impacting High Quality Waters: If it is determined that a high
quality water is involved in a request for an approval of a discharge or
other activity, and sufficient supplemental data is not available, RIDEM
may request that the applicant provide, at a minimum, the following
information prepared by a qualified professional. All engineering
analyses and documentation must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a
professional engineer registered in the State pursuant to Chapter 5-8 of the
of the General Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended. All biological
and scientific analyses and documentation shall be prepared by individuals
qualified in the scientific field.
a.
Adequate recent instream water quality data, and engineering
analyses to calculate probable water quality impacts due to the
discharge or activity, and evidence that the existing instream water
uses, and the level of water quality necessary to protect those uses
will be maintained and protected.
b.
Adequate scientific/engineering-based evidence describing the
magnitude and duration of any lowering of water quality due to the
discharge or activity by itself, and in combination with other
discharges or activities presently occurring. Such evidence must
also show that all water quality criteria applicable to the High
Quality Water in question will not be violated.
c.
All documentation required by any other applicable RI Water
Quality Regulation or which the Director determines is necessary.
Where RIDEM determines that the information/documentation provided
by the applicant is insufficient to make a valid determination, the
Department has the authority to require additional information from the
applicant before a decision is made. Failure to provide the required
information shall result in denial of all approvals for the activity or
discharge.
4.
Determine if the discharge or activity will significantly impact the
waterbody: For any water quality parameter, increments of water quality
within any High Quality Water which exceed the minimum water quality
criteria of that water's assigned water quality standard, constitute an
important public resource to the State. Degradation of such increments by
the applicant shall only be allowed if the extent of degradation expected
can be adequately documented, and it can be demonstrated by the
applicant through full intergovernmental coordination and public
participation process that the discharge or activity is necessary to achieve
important economic or social benefit to the State, as required in VI.A
above.
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-8
Theoretically, any new or increased discharge or activity could lower
existing water quality and thus require the important benefit
demonstration. However, RIDEM will: 1) evaluate applications on a case-
by-case basis, using BPJ and all pertinent and available facts, including
scientific and technical data and calculations as provided by the applicant;
and 2) determine whether the incremental loss is significant enough to
require the important benefits demonstration described below. Some of
the considerations which will be made to determine if an impact is
significant in each site specific decision are: 1) percent change in water
quality parameter value and their temporal distribution; 2) quality and
value of the resource; 3) cumulative impact of discharges and activities on
water quality to-date; 4) measurability of the change; 5) visibility of the
change; 6) impact on fish and wildlife habitat; and 7) impact on potential
and existing uses.
As a general guide, any discharge or activity which consumes greater than
20% of the remaining assimilative capacity (See Section VI.B.2) will be
considered a significant impact and will be required to demonstrate
important economic or social benefits to justify the activity (See Section
VI.C. below). However, on a case-by-case basis, any proposed percent
consumption of the remaining assimilative capacity may be deemed
significant and invoke full requirements to demonstrate important
economic or social benefits. (For example, Class A waters allow a
maximum level of 5 mg/l of parameter X at any time. If a High Quality
Water has an actual maximum level of 4 mg/l of parameter X, there is an
assimilative capacity of 1 mg/l of parameter X. Following the above
guidance, any activity which is projected to increase the level of parameter
X by greater than 20% of this 1 mg/l assimilative capacity (= 0.2 mg/l)
under the most adverse conditions, must go through the demonstration of
important economic or social benefit.)
C.
Demonstration that the discharge or activity is necessary to achieve important
economic or social benefits to the State:
When the Department determines from BPJ and documentation provided by the
applicant that a proposed new or increased discharge or activity would result in a
significant impact to the existing water quality of a High Quality waterbody, the
Department requires that the applicant demonstrate by a preponderance of clear
and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value that the discharge or
activity is necessary to achieve important economic or social benefits to the State.
The applicant shall submit evidence to the Department, including but not limited
to:
1.
Adequate scientific and technical evidence describing the magnitude and
duration of the lowering of water quality.
2.
Adequate evidence detailing the extent of the important economic or
social benefits that will accrue to the State from the proposed activity.
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-9
3.
Adequate scientific and technical evidence which demonstrates that the
discharge or activity is necessary and methods of alternative production,
alternative methods of treatment, or alternative sites for the activity will
not achieve the important social or economic benefits.
Where RIDEM determines that the information/documentation provided by the
applicant is insufficient to make a valid determination, the Department has
authority to require additional information from the applicant before a decision is
made.
Upon receipt and review of the applicant's antidegradation socioeconomic
benefits demonstration, the Department may either determine that the significant
change in water quality is not necessary to provide important economic or social
benefit and deny the proposed new or increased discharge, or tentatively accept
the demonstration and provide the opportunity for public comment on the action
that may lower water quality in a high quality waterbody. The public
participation requirement will be met by providing the public with the opportunity
to comment and the opportunity to request a public hearing (See Section VI.D.
below).
D.
Public Participation:
When the Department determines that a proposed new or increased discharge or
activity would result in either significant or insignificant impacts to the existing
water quality of any High Quality waterbody, the Department will cause and
approve public notice to be given by the applicant, in accordance with Rhode
Island General Laws 42-35, and said notice shall include: 1) description of the
proposed activity; 2) statement of the State's antidegradation policy and how the
activity complies with the State's policy; 3) a determination that existing uses will
be maintained and protected; 4) summary of the expected water quality impact; 5)
summary of the important economic or social benefits to the State. The notice
shall invite written comments to be submitted to DEM, Water Resources, and
shall provide an opportunity to request a public hearing. For RIPDES permit
related activities, this public notice may be a part of the normal public
participation procedures involved with the issuance of a RIPDES permit.
Intergovernmental coordination and review will be fulfilled by submitting a copy
of the public notice to the following agencies, requesting comment to be
submitted to DEM, Water Resources by the public comment deadline.
State Agencies
RIDEM - Fish and Wildlife; Environmental Coordination; Groundwater and
ISDS; Freshwater Wetlands; Water Supply Management; Natural Heritage
Program.
Governor's Policy Planning Office; RI Division of Statewide Planning,
Department of Administration; RI Water Resources Board; RI Department of
Economic Development; RI Office of Drinking Water Quality, Department of
Health; RI Coastal Resources Management Council (if applicable).
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-10
Federal Agencies
US EPA Region I; US Army Corps of Engineers; US Fish and Wildlife Service;
National Marine Fisheries Service; National Park Service.
Once all public comment has been received (following the comment deadline),
the Director of RIDEM or the Director's designee will respond to all significant
comments. If significant evidence of need in terms of public interest, significant
new technical information, or significant and valid disagreement as to technical
conclusions exist, the Director or the Director's designee will hold a public
hearing.
Following this public participation process, the Director or the Director's designee
will render a decision as to the allowance or denial for such activity to take place.
If the application is denied, the applicant may revise the submittal to decrease or
eliminate the projected impact to High Quality Waters, and resubmit the
application for consideration under the full review process.
VII.
Tier 2½ - Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs
Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPWs) are a special subset of High Quality
Waters. SRPWs are subject not only to Tier 2 protection but also special protection
under Tier 2½ of the Antidegradation Policy. Waterbodies which have been designated
as SRPWs are listed in Appendix D of the Water Quality Regulations.
Under Tier 2½, there shall be no measurable degradation of the existing water quality
necessary to protect the characteristic(s) which cause the waterbody to be designated as a
SRPW. The new or increased discharge or activity will not be allowed unless the
applicant can provide adequate scientific and technical documentation and engineering
plans which can prove, to the satisfaction of the Director, that specific pollution controls
and/or other mitigation measures and BMPs will completely eliminate any measurable
impacts to water quality necessary to protect the characteristics which cause the
waterbody to be designated a SRPW. If the RIDEM, using BPJ and scientific and
technical knowledge of proper modern pollution control engineering practices, agrees
that the specified pollution controls and/or BMPs will protect the SRPW from all
measurable degradation, those agreed-to measures will be conditions required of the
applicant in an approval. Any avoidance of such conditions by the applicant will result in
automatic revocation of the approval and potential enforcement action. The burden of
proof rests on the applicant. Notwithstanding that all public drinking water supplies are
SRPWs, public drinking water suppliers may undertake temporary and short term
activities within the boundary perimeter of a public drinking water supply impoundment
for essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions in order to prevent adverse
effects on public health or safety, provided that these activities comply with the
requirements set forth in Rule 18.B. (Tier 1 Protection of Existing Uses) and Rule 18.C.
(Tier 2 Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters).
VIII. Tier 3 - Protection of Water Quality for ONRWs
Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) are a special subset of High Quality
Waters. ONRWs are subject not only to Tier 2 protection but also special protection
under Tier 3 of the Antidegradation Policy.
Appendix C July 2006, amended May 2009
C-11
Under Tier 3, the State cannot allow any degradation of the existing water quality
necessary to protect and maintain ONRWs. There shall be no new or increased discharge
to ONRWs or to tributaries to ONRWs that would result in lower water quality in the
ONRW. However, the State may allow some limited activities that result in temporary
and short-term changes in the water quality of an ONRW. Such activities must not
permanently degrade water quality or result in water quality lower than that necessary to
protect the existing uses in the ONRW. During any period of time when, after
opportunity for public participation in the decision, the State allows temporary
degradation, all practical means of minimizing such degradation shall be implemented.
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-1
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER RESOURCES
APPENDIX D
SPECIAL RESOURCE PROTECTION WATERS (SRPWs)
July 2006
Amended May 2009
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-2
WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS
APPENDIX D
Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPWs) are high quality surface waters identified by the
Director as having significant ecological or recreational uses, which may include but are not
limited to: wildlife refuge or management areas; public drinking water supplies; State and Federal
parks; State and Federal designated Estuarine Sanctuary Areas; waterbodies containing critical
habitats, which may include but are not limited to waterbodies identified by the RIDEM Natural
Heritage Program as critical habitat for rare or endangered species; wetland types or specific
wetlands listed as rare, threatened, endangered, of special interest or of special concern by the RI
Natural Heritage Program; waterbodies identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior on the
Final List of Rivers for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The following list contains surface waters of the State which have been designated by the
Department as SRPWs. Utilizing criteria set forth in the Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations
and information garnered from the review and analyses of recommendations and documents by
federal and state agencies and private non-profit organizations, RIDEM objectively established a
list of SRPWs. This list of designated SRPWs includes the waterbody name, location and water
quality classification for each SRPW. Additional information on SRPWs is available from RIDEM,
Water Resources and the RIDEM Natural Heritage Program.
Under Tier 2½ of the Antidegradation Provisions, Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs, the
State cannot allow any measurable degradation of the existing water quality necessary to protect
the characteristic(s) which cause the waterbody to be designated a SRPW. The new or increased
discharge or activity will not be allowed unless the applicant can provide adequate scientific and
technical documentation and engineering plans which can prove, to the satisfaction of the Director,
that specific pollution controls and/or other mitigation measures and BMPs will completely
eliminate any measurable impacts to water quality necessary to protect the characteristics which
cause the waterbody to be designated a SRPW. If the RIDEM, using Best Professional Judgement
and scientific and technical knowledge of proper modern pollution control engineering practices,
agrees that the specified pollution controls and/or BMPs will protect the SRPW from all
measurable degradation, those agreed-to measures will be conditions required of the applicant in an
approval. Any avoidance of such conditions by the applicant will result in automatic revocation of
the approval and potential enforcement action. The burden of proof rests on the applicant.
Notwithstanding that all public drinking water supplies are SRPWs, public drinking water suppliers
may undertake temporary and short term activities within the boundary perimeter of a public
drinking water supply impoundment for essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions
in order to prevent adverse effects on public health or safety, provided that these activities comply
with the requirements set forth in Rule 18.B. (Tier 1 Protection of Existing Uses) and Rule 18.C.
(Tier 2 Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters).
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-3
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Abbott Run Brook
RI0001006R-01
Cumberland
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Ash Swamp
RI0001006R-04
Cumberland
X
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Ash Swamp Brook
RI0001006R-04
Cumberland
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Asheville Pond
RI0008040L-04
Hopkinton
X
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Bailey Brook
RI0007035R-01
Middletown
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Barden Reservoir
RI0006015L-06
Scituate
X
Narragansett Basin
Barrington &
Runnins Rivers
Barrington River
Estuary
RI0007021E-01A/B,
RI0007021R-01
Barrington,
East Providence
X
X
X
X
Thames River Basin Beach Pond & Tribs Beach Pond
RI0005010L-01
Exeter
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
West Passage
Narragansett Basin
Belleville Pond
RI0007027L-02
North Kingstown
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Big River & Tribs
Big River
RI0006012R-02
West Greenwich
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Blue Pond
RI0008040L-03
Hopkinton
X
X
X
X
Thames River Basin Tribs to Five Mile
Bowdish Reservoir
RI0005047L-03
Glocester
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Briggs Marsh
RI0010048E-01
Little Compton
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Brown Point Marsh
No WB ID
Little Compton
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Cards Pond
RI0010043E-01
South Kingstown
X
Thames River Basin Tribs to Five Mile
Cedar Swamp Pond RI0005047L-05
Burrillville
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Chapman Pond/
Crandall Swamp
RI0008039L-01
Westerly
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Cold Brook
RI0010048R-01
Little Compton
X
Thames River Basin Tribs to Five Mile
Cold Spring Brook
RI0005047R-05
Burrillville
X
X
Thames River Basin Tribs to Five Mile
Croff Farm Brook
RI0005047R-04
Burrillville
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Woonsocket
Reservoir #3 & all
Tribs
Crookfall Brook
RI0001004R-01
North Smithfield,
Cumberland
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Deep Pond
RI0010043L-08
Charlestown
X
X
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-4
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Diamond Hill
Reservoir
RI0001006L-01
Cumberland
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Diamond Pond/Bog
Complex
RI0008040R-06
Richmond
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Donovan Marsh
No WB ID
Little Compton
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
East Sneech Brook
RI0001006R-03
Cumberland
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Ell Pond
RI0008040L-05
Hopkinton
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Factory Pond
RI0010043L-03
South Kingstown
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Fisherville Brook,
from headwaters
north of Henry Brown
Rd. in West
Greenwich to Route
102 in Exeter.
Ri0008039R-07
West Greenwich,
Exeter
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Fogland Point Marsh No WB ID
Tiverton
X
X
Coastal Waters
Block Island Waters Fresh Pond
RI0010046L-02
New Shoreham
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Fresh Pond
No WB ID
Charlestown
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Galilee Bird
Sanctuary
RI0010043E-06A/E
Narragansett,
South Kingstown
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Gardiner Pond
RI0007035L-01
Middletown
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Gennesee Swamp
RI0008039R-08
South Kingstown
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Greenwich Bay
Gorton Pond
RI0007025L-01
Warwick
X
X
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Grass Pond
No WB ID
Richmond
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Block Island Waters Great Salt Pond and
Marshes
RI0010046E-01A
New Shoreham
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Great Swamp
RI0008039L-07
South Kingstown
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Green Hill Pond
RI0010043E-02
South Kingstown
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Happy Hollow Pond
RI0001006L-03
Cumberland
X
Narragansett Basin
Potowomut River
Hunt River
RI0007028R-03B
North Kingstown
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Huntinghouse Brook RI0006015R-11
Scituate
X
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-5
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Narragansett Basin
Jamestown Water
Supply
Jamestown Brook
RI0007036R-01
Jamestown
X
Narragansett Basin
Warren Reservoir
Kickemuit Reservoir RI0007034L-01
Warren
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Lawton Valley
Reservoir
RI0007035L-06
Portsmouth
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Little Maschaug
Pond
No WB ID
Westerly
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Tidal Pawcatuck
River/Little
Narragansett Bay
Little Narragansett
Bay
RI0008038E-02A/B
Westerly
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Long Brook
RI0001006R-02
Cumberland
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Long Pond
RI0008040L-20
Hopkinton
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Long Pond
RI0010048L-01
Little Compton
X
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Blackstone River &
Tribs
Lonsdale Marsh
Complex (Blackstone
River)
RI0001003R-01A
Lincoln,
Central Falls,
Cumberland
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Maidford River
RI0007035R-02A/B
Middletown
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Maschaug Pond
RI0010043E-03
Westerly
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Matunuck Hills
Complex-Long,
White,
Spectacle, Hot
House and Lily
Ponds
RI0010043L-07 (Long),
RI0010043L-05 (White),
RI0010043L-01
(Hothouse),
No WB ID for Spectacle
and Lily Ponds
South Kingstown
X
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
McGowan Swamp
RI0008039R-12
Westerly
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Meadowbrook Pond RI0008039L-05
Richmond
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Pawtuxet River
South Branch &
Tribs
Mishnock Swamp
RI0006014L-01
Coventry
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Moswansicut Pond
RI0006015L-04
Scituate
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply Tribs
Nelson Pond
RI0007035L-02
Middletown
X
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-6
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Ninigret Pond
RI0010043E-04A
Charlestown
X
X
X
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Nonquit Pond
RI0007035L-08
Tiverton
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
North Easton Pond
RI0007035L-03
Middletown
X
Narragansett Basin
Jamestown Water
Supply
North Carr Pond
RI0007036L-01
Jamestown
X
Narragansett Basin
Palmer River
Palmer River
RI0007022E-01A/B
Barrington, Warren
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Paradise Brook
RI0007035R-03
Middletown
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Pawcatuck Reservoir
(Arnold Mills
Reservoir)
RI0001006L-02
Cumberland
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Pawcatuck River
RI0008039R-18A/C/E
Charlestown, Westerly,
South Kingstown,
Richmond, Hopkinton
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Tribs to
Pettaquamscutt
River
Pettaquamscutt
River (Narrow River) RI0010044E-01A
North Kingstown, South
Kingstown,
Narragansett
X
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Phantom Bog
No WB ID
Hopkinton
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Point Judith Pond
RI0010043E-06A-I
South Kingstown,
Narragansett
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Ponaganset
Reservoir
RI0006015L-02
Glocester
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Ponaganset River
RI0006015R-20
Foster/Glocester
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Potters Pond
RI0010043E-05
South Kingstown
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Queen River, from
William Reynolds
Road in Exeter to
Dugway Bridge Road
in South Kingstown.
RI0008039R-21A/B/C
Exeter,
South Kingstown
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Quicksand Pond
RI0010048E-02
Little Compton
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Quonochontaug
Pond
RI0010043E-07
Charlestown, Westerly
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Regulating
Reservoir
RI0006015L-01
Scituate
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Abbott Run Brook &
Tribs
Robin Hollow Pond
RI0001006L-04
Cumberland
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-7
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Narragansett Basin
Barrington &
Runnins River
Runnins River
RI0007021R-01
Barrington, East Providence
X
Coastal Waters
Block Island Waters Sachem Pond
RI0010046L-03
New Shoreham
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Sakonnet River -
waters in the vicinity
of Sachuest Point
and Third Beach,
Middletown, RI as
defined under the
Coastal Barrier
Resources Act.
RI0010031E-01B
X
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Sakonnet River -
waters in the vicinity
of Sakonnet Harbor
as defined by the
Coastal Barrier
Resources Act.
RI0010031E-01D
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Sakonnet River -
waters in the vicinity
of Sakonnet Point as
defined by the
Coastal Barrier
Resources Act and
the US Fish and
Wildlife's designation
of Significant Coastal
Habitat for the
Rhode Island Sound
- Buzzards Bay
Beach Complex
under the Northeast
Coastal Areas Study.
RI0010031E-01B
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Block Island Waters Sands Pond
RI0010046L-01
New Shoreham
X
Coastal Waters
Sakonnet River
Sapowet Marsh
No WB ID
Tiverton
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Schoolhouse Pond
RI0010043L-09
Charlestown
X
X
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Scituate Reservoir
RI0006015L-07
Scituate
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Branch River & Tribs Screech Hole Bog
No WB ID
Burrillville
X
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Branch River & Tribs Scwindels Swamp
Preserve
No WB ID
Glocester
X
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-8
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Shippee Saw Mill
Pond
RI0006015L-05
Foster
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Sisson Pond
RI0007035L-10
Portsmouth
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Branch River & Tribs Smith & Sayles
Reservoir
RI0001002L-07
Glocester
X
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Sneech Pond & Tribs Sneech Pond
RI0001005L-01
Cumberland
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
South Easton Pond
RI0007035L-04
Newport
X
Narragansett Basin
Jamestown Water
Supply
South Watson Pond RI0007036L-02
Jamestown
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
St.Mary's Pond
RI0007035L-05
Portsmouth
X
Narragansett Basin
Stafford Pond
Stafford Pond
RI0007037L-01
Tiverton
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Succotash Marsh
No WB ID
South Kingstown
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Tippencansett Pond RI0008040L-17
West Greenwich,
Exeter
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Trustom Pond
RI0010043E-08
South Kingstown
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southeast Coastal
Ponds
Tunipus Pond
RI0010048L-04
Little Compton
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Twin Pond
No WB ID
Narragansett
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Blackstone River &
Tribs
Valley Falls Pond
RI0001003L-02
Cumberland
X
X
Blackstone River
Basin
Wallum Lake & Tribs Wallum Lake
RI0001001L-01
Burrillville
X
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Watchaug Pond
RI0008039L-02
Charlestown
X
X
X
X
X
X
Narragansett Basin
Aquidneck Water
Supply & Tribs
Watson Reservoir
RI0007035L-07
Little Compton
X
Narragansett Basin
West Passage
Narragansett Bay
Wesquage Pond
No WB ID
Narragansett
X
X
Pawtuxet River
Basin
Scituate Reservoir &
Tribs
Westconnaug
Reservoir
RI0006015L-03
Scituate, Foster
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Wickaboxet Pond
RI0008040L-18
West Greenwich
X
X
X
Coastal Waters
Southwest Coastal
Ponds
Winnapaug Pond &
Salt Marsh
RI0010043E-09
Westerly
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Wood River
RI0008040R-16A/B/C/D Richmond, Hopkinton,
Westerly
X
X
X
Blackstone River
Woonsocket
Woonsocket
RI0001004L-02
North Smithfield
X
Appendix D July 2006, amended May 2009
D-9
SRPW Categories
Basin
Name
Subbasin
Name
Waterbody
Name
Waterbody ID
Number
Town
Recreation
Ecological
Habitat
State Park
Federal Park
State
Estuarine
Area
Federal
Estuarine
Area
Critical
Habitat (Rare
and
Endangered
Species)
Unique
Fresh Water
Wetland
Wild &
Scenic
Drinking
Water
Supply
Conservation
Area
Basin
Reservoir #3 & all
Tribs
Reservoir #1
Blackstone River
Basin
Woonsocket
Reservoir #3 & all
Tribs
Woonsocket
Reservoir #3
RI0001004L-01
North Smithfield
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Pawcatuck River &
Tribs
Worden Pond
RI0008039L-07
South Kingstown
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Wyoming Pond
RI0008040L-11
Hope Valley
X
Pawcatuck River
Basin
Wood River & Tribs
Yawgoog Pond
RI0008040L-07
Hopkinton
X
X
E-1
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER RESOURCES
APPENDIX E
RHODE ISLAND SITE SPECIFIC
AQUATIC LIFE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
DEVELOPMENT POLICY
July 2006
Amended May 2009
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-2
Rhode Island Site Specific
Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria
Development Policy
Introduction
On November 28, 1980 (45 FR 79318), and February 15, 1984 (49 FR 5831), EPA announced
through Federal Register notices, the publication of 65 individual ambient water quality criteria
documents for pollutants listed as toxic under section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act. On July
29, 1985 (50 FR 30784), EPA published additional water quality criteria documents. Pursuant to
new section 303(c)(2)(B) of the Clean Water Act, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management (RIDEM), Water Resources, adopted, as guidelines, the aquatic life criteria for those
307(a)(1) toxic pollutants for which there are National criteria recommendations under Section
304(a) of the Act. The purpose of these guidelines is to use optimally, and consistently, all quality
data pertaining to the aquatic toxicity of a pollutant in order to determine a concentration of that
pollutant which will be protective of aquatic life and support the designated uses. There is valid
scientific rationale for the contention that the National criteria derived using the November 28,
1980 National guidelines (45 FR 79341) may be underprotective or overprotective at specific sites.
National water quality criteria are based on laboratory toxicity tests in which aquatic organisms
were exposed to known concentration of toxicants in laboratory water and, thus, may not
adequately represent site water and effluent effects. The underlying intent of adopting water
quality criteria into States standards is to establish a set of conditions which, if consistently
achieved, will not impair the biological integrity of the aquatic community residing in the
waterbody. A prominent aspect of the National criteria is a provision allowing for modification to
reflect local environmental conditions. Incorporating site specific water quality criteria into
discharge permits will still ensure that the aquatic community is adequately protected from the
effects of toxic pollutant discharges, while considering the mitigation of toxicity due to
characteristics of a local waterbody and effluent. The need to reevaluate the National criteria and
develop site specific criteria can emerge from many factors including:
1)
High natural ambient concentrations relative to standards or criteria.
2)
The presence of substances for which water quality based effluent limits are below
analytical detectability.
3)
The possibility of complex or synergistic interactions of chemicals within the
effluent and/or site water.
4)
Observed beneficial or detrimental effects on the receiving water biota.
RIDEM has assembled an extensive data base on background, or natural, ambient concentration of
various toxics (eg. copper) in groundwater-fed tributaries. An evaluation of this data base in
conjunction with instream observations has revealed that the National criteria may be too stringent
for several toxic parameters. In an attempt to connect acceptable instream concentrations for a
chemical with the physical/chemical and toxic characteristics of a discharge and site water, RIDEM
first developed this site specific criteria procedure using a Mostly Sanitary Secondary Treatment
Plant's (MSSTP) effluent and designated site water in 1990. Due to the uncertainties associated
with the instream fate of pollutant loading after discharge, RIDEM will not allow for unchecked or
maximum attenuation of toxicity by various physical/chemical parameters in every effluent. Using
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-3
a MSSTP effluent will afford a consistent, predictable baseline behavior of specific pollutants when
attenuated by standard sanitary, secondary effluent components (TSS, alkalinity, pH etc.) This
procedure will allow for a moderate amount of attenuation of toxicity by a discharge and site water
while addressing the concern of instream fate of pollutant loadings. However, site specific criteria
may also be developed using the procedures outlined in the recently finalized EPA document
entitled Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water-Effect Ratios for Metals (EPA-823-
B-94-001 ("EPA WER Guidance"). Since the EPA WER Guidance procedures allow for the
evaluation of more site specific characteristics (which may attenuate toxicity) than the RIDEM
policy, a more rigorous testing program may be required when following the EPA WER Guidance
than that described herein.
The new criteria developed will be applied only to sites where there are existing discharges and
will be administered uniformly to disallow any significant fluctuations in toxicity that may occur
due to inconsistencies in the influent component or overall treatment. Documentation of the factors
that exist at a facility or within a basin, which necessitate site specific criteria development, shall be
submitted to RIDEM. This documentation shall include any previous effluent or instream bioassay
test results and/or evaluation of the impact of the discharge on the resident aquatic community. It
is also necessary to characterize existing water quality conditions at the site or within the basin.
The parameters for which site specific criteria are to be developed should be listed with an
explanation of why the National criteria for these parameters can not be met. An indication of what
levels of the parameters of concern could be attained after institution of an aggressive pretreatment
program and exploration of other municipal standard treatment controls, should be discussed within
this document.
The municipal effluent and site water data generated from this procedure will be applied to
industries as a baseline for permit derivation. Furthermore, the criteria developed from one site
may be applied to additional sites if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that the
hydrologic, ecological and physiographic conditions are consistent between the two sites. New
permit limits will be developed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and
laws, including antibacksliding and antidegradation prohibitions. Necessary modifications to all
permits will be based on compliance bioassay monitoring results.
Methodology
As explained above, the RIDEM site specific criteria testing protocol narrowly limits the degree to
which mitigation of toxicity may be considered. The main advantage of the RIDEM policy is that
the criteria may be applicable to a number of discharges and site waters. However, the RIDEM
protocol is also expected to result in more stringent criteria compared to the criteria resulting from
following the EPA WER Guidance. The remainder of this document describes RIDEM's protocol
and describes testing and data analysis. EPA's WER Guidance should be consulted for further
information concerning alternative testing and data analysis procedures.
The site specific criteria shall be developed using a Mostly Sanitary Secondary Treatment Plant's
(MSSTP, as designated by RIDEM) effluent with site water. This MSSTP will be a standard
secondary facility with little or no industrial input. An efficient Wastewater Treatment facility
which handles primarily domestic flow will offer the situation of limited buffering of toxicity due
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-4
to chemicals from industrial inputs and/or domestic organic loadings to the WWTF. Thus, this set
of tests will represent a best case scenario which can be applied to almost all facilities in the state.
Future routine toxicity test results shall be used to monitor continued compliance and may
determine if more stringent or lenient permit limits and/or requirements are needed for all facilities.
Since the rationale for site specific criteria development is also based on potential differences in
physical and chemical characteristics of the site water, the concept of a "site" must be consistent
with this rationale. Therefore, the site should be defined on the basis of expected changes in the
relevant parameters' biological availability and/or toxicity due to physical and chemical variability
of the site water. These changes in toxicity cannot result from components present in the effluent
of an upstream discharge. A site can be limited to an area affected by a single point source
discharge or it can be quite large. Due to the complexity of factors, RIDEM will be responsible for
delineating sites. It is postulated that a site and site water will be defined on a basin-wide level.
These bioassay tests shall be conducted in accordance with protocol listed in the Methods for
Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition
(or most recent edition), EPA/600/4-85/013 90/027, September 1991; and the USEPA Water
Quality Standards Handbook: Second Edition, EPA-823-B-94-005a, August 1994 (or most recent
edition), incorporating any deviations from protocol listed herein, or additional methods if
approved by the Director. These tests shall consist of acute toxicity testing of 2 species including a
fish (freshwater = fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas; marine = silversides, Menidia spp.) and
an invertebrate (freshwater = Ceriodaphnia spp.; marine = shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia). Effluent
testing shall be conducted on a pre-chlorinated, 24 hour flow proportioned (samples collected
hourly), composite effluent sample of the MSSTP. A 100% effluent sample shall be analyzed to
determine the concentration(s) of the parameter(s) of concern.
Acute tests shall be run on the MSSTP effluent diluted with a designated site water (MSSTP
mixture) at a ratio of 20 site water:1 effluent. The ratio of 20:1 was chosen because it represents
75% of the dilution factors established for discharges in Rhode Island. However, the Director may
approve a testing protocol which is based upon the actual ratio of effluent and site water which will
result under the receiving water design flow specified in Section 8.E. of the RI Water Quality
Regulations. In this case, the site specific criteria will only be applicable to the particular site
evaluated.
An acute screening test shall be conducted on the MSSTP mixture sample, by spiking with one
toxicant of concern at concentrations high enough to determine a statistically valid LC50, which is
<100%, for that toxicant relevant to each species being tested. Then at least five toxicant
concentrations, spaced evenly above and below the previously determined LC50, and a control shall
be tested. Two replicates per concentration are required and the number of organisms per replicate
will depend on the species being tested (see EPA Methods Manual EPA/600/4-90/027, September
1991). In the case of freshwater testing the hardness of the site water must be monitored at the time
the tests are conducted to allow for calculations of the criteria based on hardness. Each complete
set of tests shall be conducted on three different occasions (dates). Chemical analyses, including
hardness, of the site water and MSSTP effluent combined sample will have to be conducted to
confirm the concentration of the spiked chemical on selected dilutions during each testing occasion.
Selected dilutions shall include low, medium, and high concentrations on one replicate and one
species. Chemical analyses of these dilutions shall be conducted on a portion of the sample taken
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-5
immediately prior to the addition of the organisms. Dissolved metal analyses must be conducted if
the results of the toxicity testing will be used to establish site specific criteria for dissolved metals.
In addition, similar tests shall be conducted on a control of laboratory water spiked with the
toxicant of concern at concentrations not only equivalent to those observed in the effluent, but also
which will allow for a statistical comparison with the National criteria. Using the data from both
sets of replicates, the LC50, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals shall be obtained for
each species tested in the laboratory water, relative to each toxicant of concern, for each of the
three testing occasions. The laboratory water LC50 test results shall be compared to the National
acute LC50 values obtained for each testing occasion to confirm the validity of these site specific
tests.
Using the data from both sets of replicates, the LC50, standard deviation, and 95% confidence
intervals shall be obtained for each species tested in the MSSTP mixture, relative to each toxicant
of concern for each of the valid testing occasions. Species-specific water effect ratio shall be
calculated for each of the valid testing occasions by dividing the laboratory water LC50 into the
MSSTP mixture LC50. Two species-specific final WER shall be calculated as the geometric mean
of the valid WERs (from each species). These two specific WERs shall be compared to see if they
are significantly different (p < 0.05). If these two species-specific WERs are not different, then the
final site specific WER is the geometric mean of these two WERs. If the two species-specific
water effect ratios are statistically different, then the WER from the most sensitive species shall be
the final site specific WER.
If the final site specific WER is not significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the
National Acute Criteria is the Site Specific acute criteria. If the final site specific WER is
significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the Site Specific Criteria shall be calculated
by multiplying the final site specific WER times the National freshwater acute criteria formula or
the National saltwater acute criteria, as appropriate. The Director may determine not to use all of
the valid testing occasions to calculate the final site specific WER if necessary to protect aquatic
life.
If a National acute/chronic ratio was used to develop the National chronic criteria for the chemical
of interest, the site specific chronic criteria is calculated by multiplying the site specific acute
criteria by 2 and then dividing by the National acute/chronic ratio.
If the National acute/chronic ratio for the toxicant of concern does not exist, a site specific chronic
criteria can also be obtained by testing species for chronic toxicity. Tests shall be conducted on
two species, including a fish (freshwater = fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas; marine =
silversides, Menidia spp.), and an invertebrate (freshwater = Ceriodaphnia spp.; marine = shrimp,
Mysidopsis bahia) using a laboratory water control sample and the MSSTP effluent with site
dilution water at a ratio of 1:20. However, the Director may approve a testing protocol which is
based upon the actual ratio of effluent and site water which will result under the receiving water
design flow specified in Section 8.E. of the RI Water Quality Regulations. In this case the site
specific criteria will only be applicable to the particular site evaluated.
The chronic tests shall be conducted in accordance with protocol listed in Short-Term Methods for
Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Marine and Estuarine
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-6
Organisms, May 1988, EPA/600/4-87/028 (or most recent edition), and Short Term Methods for
Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms
Second Edition, March 1989, EPA/600/4-87/001 (or most recent edition), incorporating any
deviations from protocol listed below.
A chronic screening test shall be conducted on the MSSTP and site dilution water mixture by
spiking with one toxicant of concern at concentrations high enough to determine a statistically valid
chronic toxic effect value for that toxicant relevant to each species being tested. Then at least five
toxicant concentrations, spaced evenly above and below the previously determined chronic toxic
effect value, and a control, shall be tested. The number of replicates per concentration and the
number of organisms per replicate will depend on the species being tested in accordance with the
EPA protocol. For freshwater tests, the hardness of the site water must be monitored at the time the
tests are conducted to allow for calculations of the criteria based on hardness. Each complete set of
tests shall be conducted on three different occasions (dates). Chemical analyses, including
hardness, of the site water and MSSTP effluent combined sample will have to be conducted to
confirm the concentration of the spiked chemical on selected dilutions during each testing occasion.
Selected dilutions shall include low, medium, and high concentrations on one replicate and one
species. Chemical analyses of these dilutions shall be conducted on a portion of the sample taken
immediately prior to the addition of the organisms.
Using the data from all sets of replicates, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC), Lowest
Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and Maximum Acceptable Toxicant Concentration
(MATC) for each species tested in the lab water tests, relative to each toxicant of concern, for each
of the three testing occasions. The results of the laboratory water test obtained for each testing
occasion are compared with the National chronic value to determine the validity of these site
specific tests.
Using the data from all sets of replicates, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC), Lowest
Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and Maximum Acceptable Toxicant Concentration
(MATC) shall be obtained for each species tested in the MSSTP effluent, relative to each toxicant
of concern for each of the valid testing occasions. Species-specific water effect ratios shall be
calculated for each of the valid occasions by dividing the chronic value from the laboratory water
test into the chronic value from the MSSTP effluent test. Two species-specific final WERs shall be
calculated as the geometric mean of the valid WERs (from each species).
If the two species-specific WERs are not significantly different (confidence limits overlap), then
the final site specific WER is the geometric mean of these two WERs. If the two species-specific
final WERs are significantly different from each other, then the WER from the most sensitive
species shall be the final site specific WER.
If the final site specific WER is not significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the
National chronic criteria equals the site specific chronic criteria. If the final site specific WER is
significantly different from a value of one (1.0), the site specific Chronic Criteria can be calculated
by multiplying the final site specific WER by the National Freshwater Chronic Criteria Formula or
the National Saltwater Chronic Criteria, as appropriate. The Director may determine not to use all
of the valid testing occasions to calculate the final site specific WER if necessary to protect aquatic
life.
Appendix E July 2006, amended May 2009
E-7
Permit Limits and Requirements
The information obtained from the three testing occasions will be reviewed by RIDEM to
determine the Final Site Specific criteria for each parameter evaluated. If the results from these test
procedures do not change the National criteria, the National criteria would apply to all dischargers
on the waterbody and would be used to derive permit limits where necessary. Chemical specific
limits will be developed for those pollutants which would cause an excursion above the National
criteria and will be incorporated into permits on a case-by-case basis. Dischargers would be
required to redesign their facility, if necessary, to ensure compliance with the National criteria and
permit limits. Bioassay monitoring requirements and whole effluent toxicity (WET) limits may be
developed and incorporate into permits, as necessary, based on previous bioassay test results,
continual toxicity during compliance monitoring and new data from dilution studies.
If the results from these test procedures justify changing the National criterion to a site specific
criterion, these new ambient criteria would apply to all dischargers on within the designated site
and would be used to derive permit limits. For freshwaters, the site specific criteria will be
established by multiplying the National criteria, determined at the hardness anticipated during the
design receiving water flow, by the final water effect ratio(s). These permits may include chemical
specific limits and/or whole effluent toxicity limits. Whole effluent toxicity limits and specifics of
bioassay monitoring requirements will be based on previous bioassay test results, continual toxicity
during compliance monitoring and new data from dilution studies.
If toxicity testing is incorporated into a permit, facilities with 20:1, or less dilution may be required
to conduct chronic toxicity tests. Facilities with a 20.1-100:1 dilution may be required to conduct
acute tests. Facilities with greater than 100:1 dilution may also be required to conduct acute
toxicity tests. WET limits may be developed based on EPA's acute and/or chronic Toxic Units
Method although meeting a minimum LC50 may be required if best professional judgement deems
it is necessary. Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIE) and Toxicity Reduction Evaluations
(TRE) may be required of any discharger if bioassay compliance monitoring indicates continual
toxicity. In addition, bioassessment studies may be required to ensure the integrity of the instream
aquatic community.