A review of the literature dealing with physical and biological aspects of sedimentation in the lotic environment was compiled. Over 300 annotated and 100 unannotated references are included. These were used as a resource for a workshop on needs for an alternative to turbidity measurements as a water quality criterion. Also included are a summary of the current state of investigations on stream sediments and turbidity measurements as a criterion. These include: composition of bed material, behavioral aspects of aquatic fauna, and clinical measurements of physiological functions as a measure of stress. The more significant conclusions are that sedimentation of the stream's substrate, particularly the gravel used for spawning, produces significant detrimental effects on the salmonid resources. Turbidity measurements are useful indicators of general quantities of suspended sediment; but they are difficult to relate to biological significance. In relation to logging the Best Management Practices (BMP) concept appears to be the most practical, but BMP should be monitored by a set of criteria that are suggested.

EPA 910/9/78-048. PB ; 279469. Prepared by Fisheries Research Institute, College of Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington for: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contract no. WY-6-99-0825-J. Includes bibliographical references. Print reproduction.