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USEPA STRESSOR IDENTIFICATION GUIDANCE
Citation:
ReedJudkins, D., S M. Cormier, G Suter, S B. Norton, W J. Mitchell, AND B. Swietlik. USEPA STRESSOR IDENTIFICATION GUIDANCE. Presented at National Water Quality Monitoring Council, Austin, TX, April 25-27, 2000.
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of this research project is to provide methods, tools and guidance to Regions, States and Tribes to support the TMDL program. This research will investigate new measurement methods and models to link stressors to biological responses and will use existing data and knowledge to develop strategies to determine the causes of biological impairment in rivers and streams. Research will be performed across multiple spatial scales, site, subwatershed, watershed, basin, ecoregion and regional/state.
Description:
Biological assessments integrate the effects of multiple stressors (chemical, biological and physical) on biological communities. For a variety of reasons, difficulties often arise in identifying and prioritizing stressors that are likely causative agents. New guidance is in preparation by USEPA to assist resource managers in identifying stressors to aquatic biota. Future needs are being evaluated and research plans developed to assist in accurate stressor identification. The strategy will be presented.