Now Closed - Wisconsin 2010 Assessment and Listing Call for Data

Public Notice
June 16, 2009 - July 17, 2009
Public Notice - PDF, Printable Version

View Public Data Submittals for 2010

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is soliciting water quality data and information for the development of the 2010 Integrated Water Quality Assessment Report and updated list of impaired waters (“Integrated Report”). The Integrated Report provides an updated summary of waters condition in Wisconsin pursuant to Section 305(b) and identifies waters that are polluted (impaired) and which require development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plans under Section 303(d)(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

WDNR is interested in receiving all types of surface water quality data and information for consideration in development of the 2010 Integrated Report –particularly data collected between the years of 2004-2009. We will consider all relevant data when assessing overall surface water quality condition and in the evaluation of decisions to list waters as impaired. Data must be of a certain quality and quantity to adequately meet quality assurance and regulatory decision-making needs associated with these programs. Data requirements will be outlined in the Wisconsin Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM), and posted on the WDNR website at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/condition/wiscalm.htm

As reflected in the on-line guidance, WDNR will determine if data are appropriate by considering the following: data quality objectives, monitoring design, age of data, accuracy of sampling location information, data documentation, and data format in addition to other factors. If data does not meet the WDNR’s criteria, they are still useful and may be used to guide future WDNR monitoring efforts to fill data gaps to conduct the full assessment.

Schedule

Submittal of surface water quality data and information is welcome at any time. However, to be considered for the 2010 Integrated Report, data should be submitted to WDNR at the address specified below by July 17 th, 2009. Data and information submitted after this date will be considered for future assessments.

How to Send Data to WDNR

To submit data, download and fill out the data submittal form and use the associated data submittal guidance to prepare your dataset.

All data must be submitted to WDNR by July 17 th, 2009 for consideration for the 2010 Integrated Report. Submit surface water quality data and information with supporting documentation to WDNR via any of the following methods:

Questions:
Contact Nicole Richmond 608-266-0152 or Lisa Helmuth 608-266-7768

Background Information - Data Solicitation

The State's 2010 Condolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM) will provide details regarding which datasets and how much data is necessary for making condition determinations. Essentially, if the datasets proposed for use are gathered using documented methods that meet or exceed the state's sampling protocols, the state will consider using this data for resource assessments and management decisions.

Fish and Aquatic Life Use (Lakes) Assessments

TSI Data (chlorophyll a, total phoshorus, secchi depth) is used for general assessment screening work. Additional sampling data is required recommended that a water be placed on the state's impaired waters list. Data for these determinations are stored in the state's Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) are represented by data collected through WDNR, USGS, Partner Studies, or Citizen Lake Monitoring Network projects.

Fish and Aquatic Life Use (Streams, Rivers) Assessments

The primary bioassessment tools for streams and rivers are the water size/type-appropropriate fish index of biological integrity and the macroinvertebrate index of biological integrity. These two metrics provide a general condition screening for flowing waters. Additional parameters, such as chemical or physical parameters, will be used to determine if a water is not meetings water quality standards.

Recreational Use (All Waters) Assessments

E coli and fecal coliform are the two key pathogen indicators used to make recreational use support determinations.

Fish Consumption Use (All Waters) Assessments

Fish Consumption use determinations follow the state's fish consumption advisories, issued by the Bureau of Fisheries Management. Datasets collected to make these decisions are strictly controlled by the WDNR's Fish Consumption Advice Program.