For over 30 years, scientists have recommended the use of data from laboratory toxicity tests to produce chemical concentrations that would protect aquatic life. Several publications from the 1950s through the 1970s list water quality criteria concentrations for metals, organic chemicals, and other substances or conditions. Procedures used to derive criteria in these publications varied, as did the quality or quantity of data. Criteria documents published in 1980 in response to the legal requirements of the 'Consent Decree' (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980) mark the first time criteria concentrations were derived using standard guidelines (Stephan et al. 1985). Criteria documents published since have also used these national guidelines. Between 1980 and 1988, chemicals for criteria derivation were selected by using legal requirements, EPA's Criteria and Standards Division's hazard-ranking methodology, and input from States. A total of 73 aquatic life criteria documents for individual substances were published in the 1980s. Of these, criteria concentrations to protect freshwater aquatic life and their uses are recommended for 27 substances and for 21 substances to protect saltwater aquatic life. Criteria concentrations for nine metals, cyanide, and toxaphene, published in 1985, 1986, and 1987 supercede those published in 1980. In addition, criteria concentrations published between 1980 and 1988 supercede those previously issued.

Pub. in Water Quality Standards for the 21st Century, p163-169 1989. Microfiche.