Energy and Environment MonitorOn Monday, May 18, 2009 the WV Department of Environmental Protection held a Water Quality Standards public meeting. The following is a link to the handouts: http://www.wvdep.org/item.cfm?ssid=11&ss1id=747.
The quick summary is:
Methylmercury Fish Tissue: The agency is working on a justification for its fish tissue criteria for methyl mercury. They are asserting that the evidence supports the conclusion that the fish tissue limit of .5 ug/g is protective of human health and therefore revision is unnecessary.
Nutrients: It is DEP's position that phosphorus is the key nutrient at issue in WV. They are in the process of conducting a study of the Greenbrier River concerning the relationship of hardness, alkalinity, and phosphorus to algae bloom. DEP will be conducting a survey, similar to that done in Montana, to determine public opinion as to what amount of algae is objectionable. If and when the Chesapeake Bay concludes its TMDL, WV will factor that in to its nutrient regulatory program.
Iron - Trout Streams: WV iron limit is the most stringent in the country and a more lenient limit may be appropriate. The agency is reviewing the issue and plants to have a study finalized on how WV trout streams are doing.
TDS: The agency is working with EPA and PA and is considering the need to develop a water quality standard for TDS. Most other states surrounding WV have a standard and the agency is going to do some large river monitoring with an emphasis upon the West Fork River, Monongahela River at Pt Marion, Dunkard Creek and the Tygart River.
The agency is soliciting for issues for its triennial review for 2011 and is asking for input by July 2, 2009.
This article was authored by Kathy G. Beckett, Jackson Kelly PLLC, (304) 340-1019 or kbeckett@jacksonkelly.com. For more information on the author see here.
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