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A Nationally consistent NHDPlus framework for identifying interstate waters: implications for integrated assessments
William Cooter1, James Rineer, Brandon Bergenroth
1RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA. sid@rti.org
Environmental Management
|July 14, 2010
Summary
The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) program uses enhanced mapping to track impaired waters. This study defines an interstate waters framework for better water quality management and assessment across state lines.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) program aims for consistent water restoration strategies.
- Current tracking systems utilize databases and GIS mapping, with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) as a key component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an interstate waters framework for the conterminous United States using an enhanced NHD product (NHDPlus).
- To improve consistency in assessing and managing interstate waters, benefiting federal and state water quality agencies.
Main Methods:
- Application of the NHDPlus dataset to define a watershed-oriented framework for identifying interstate waters.
- Analysis of TMDL listing GIS information for shared interstate NHD reaches provided by states.
- Organization of interstate assessments based on EPA's ecoregions for the Wadeable Streams Assessment.
Main Results:
- A framework for defining interstate waters was established using NHDPlus, enabling watershed-oriented approaches.
- Summaries were provided on the consistency of state-provided TMDL listing GIS data for shared interstate waters.
- Patterns of interstate assessments were analyzed according to established ecoregions.
Conclusions:
- The developed interstate waters framework enhances the TMDL program's support for watershed-oriented management.
- Improved analysis tools for interstate waters are crucial for federal agencies and beneficial for state water quality management.
- The study highlights the relevance of this framework in addressing interjurisdictional water quality challenges.
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