Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing
Aquatic Life Toxicity Testing Methods Manual
WET Guidance Document
Where to Get More WET Information
- Consultants with TRE Experience
- Additional Sources of WET Program Information
- State Laboratory of Hygiene Biomonitoring Lab [exit DNR]
The WET Guidance Document
The WET Guidance Document is intended to help WDNR staff, permittees, and others when making decisions regarding whole effluent toxicity (WET) program issues. The chapters listed below cover numerous topics, from correct sampling procedures to finding a good WET lab, WET enforcement, and others.
Part I of this guidance document was written primarily with WDNR staff needs in mind, but others may find those chapters useful, too. Part II is intended as guidance and clarification of existing requirements for permittees, consultants, and others. Simply click on the "complete copy" link for a full .pdf version of the document, or click on the specific number of the chapter you are interested in to open a .pdf version of that chapter.
* The WET Guidance Document is revised as the WET Program changes. The effective date shown in last column of the table below indicates the latest revision date of the chapter in question. Since chapters are regularly updated, users should insure use of the most recent version.
NOTICE: The WET Guidance Document is intended solely as guidance, and does not contain any mandatory requirements except where requirements found in statute or administrative rule are referenced. This guidance does not establish or affect legal rights or obligations, and is not finally determinative of any of the issues addressed. This guidance does not create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the State of Wisconsin or the Department of Natural Resources. Any regulatory decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources in any matter addressed by this guidance will be made by applying the governing statutes and administrative rules to the relevant facts.
Table of Contents
Part 1 - WDNR Staff Guidance To Determine Permit Requirements(click on the chapter number below for PDF version) |
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| Chapter | Title | Purpose of Chapter | Effective Date * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sampling For WET Tests | Where to sample; how to insure quality; sampling schedule checklist | July 1, 2008 | ||
| Receiving Water Used to Make WET Determinations | Appropriate RW use in dilution ratios, instream waste concentration, control waters | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Representative Data, Reasonable Potential and Monitoring Frequencies | Determining monitoring frequency and the need for a limit (WET Checklist Instructions) | July 1, 2008 | ||
| Test Credits | When tests may be credited towards future permit terms | June 1, 2005 | ||
| WET Data Review and Interpretation | Describes data review process; discusses concentration-response, confidence intervals, and other information. | July 1, 2008 | ||
| Intermittent Discharges | Sampling, retesting intermittent discharges | May 15, 2000 | ||
| Additives | Use restrictions and WET testing requirements when additives are present | July 1, 2008 | ||
| Enforcement Strategy | Example enforcement situations and appropriate responses to WET violations | July 1, 2008 | ||
| Reduced Volume Acute Screening (RVAS) Tests | Monitoring tool for multiple samples or quick-screen situations | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Ammonia and Associated WET Requirements | Guidance supporting new standards for ammonia. Sample modification when ELS-absent criteria are in effect; WET for pond systems that have been granted a variance. | March 1, 2004 | ||
| WET Testing of Minor Municipal Dischargers | Streamlined procedures for determining WET requirements for a minor municipal discharge | Nov 15, 2002 | ||
| WET Limit Compliance Schedules | Standard and specialized compliance schedules | Nov 15, 2002 | ||
Part 2 - Guidance For External Customers Clarification of Existing Requirements |
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| Selection of a WET Laboratory | Questions to ask when choosing a WET lab | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Toxicity Reduction Evaluations | Guide for toxicity study design and plan/report submittals | July 1, 2008 | ||
| WET Testing of Lagoon Systems | Why tests are required at WWTPs w/lagoons | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Toxic Units, LC50 and IC25 Values | Uses, definitions, and calculations | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Relationship Between WET and Chemical Specific Compounds | Program differences, when testing for one may replace the other | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Compounds Introduced by the Water Supply | WET problems caused by water supply chemicals | March 1, 2004 | ||
| Dilution Water and Test Controls | Why Use RW? Identification of alternate dilution waters | June 1, 2005 | ||
| The CO2 Entrapment Method | pH control/ elimination of artifactual toxicity | June 1, 2005 | ||
| WET Test Variability | Ways to reduce variability in WET tests | June 1, 2005 | ||
| Chloride and WET Testing | What should be done if chloride is believed to be a source of toxicity. | May 15, 2000 | ||
| Dilution Series | When and how to choose alternate dilution series | June 1, 2005 | ||
For more information, or if you would like to be notified when the WET Guidance Document is revised, send an email to: Kari Fleming
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