Update on the NC Nutrient Criteria Development Plan

NC Nutrient Management Strategies COASTAL Chowan – 1981 Tar-Pamlico- 1990 New -1991 Neuse -1998

EPA ~2000 – Ecoregional numeric N & P criteria 2012 States expected to adopt

Recent EMC Activities January 2009 –January 2011 PProposed modified chlorophyll a criteria Part of

Nutrient Over-Enrichment Forum May 2012 Alternatives to numeric N & P criteria Clearer understanding

Forum Panelists’ Highlights Include site-specific & waterbody type - specific approaches Be scientific, balanced,

Improving NC’s Nutrient Approach Streams & Rivers (to be considered) Periphyton community Diurnal dissolved

Improving NC’s Nutrient Approach Surface drinking water supplies (to be considered) Total organic carbon

Schedule 2012 - DWQ NCDP workgroup, public meetings December 2012 - February 2013 –

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Update on the NC Nutrient Criteria Development Plan

NC Nutrient Management Strategies COASTAL Chowan – 1981 Tar-Pamlico- 1990 New -1991 Neuse -1998 INLAND Wylie - 1996 Randleman - 1997 Jordan - 2009 Falls - 2011 PENDING: High Rock

EPA ~2000 – Ecoregional numeric N & P criteria 2012 States expected to adopt federal criteria, or make Plan 2004 – NC 1 st nutrient criteria Plan 106 grant requirement 2011 – EPA reiterates expectation that states adopt N &P “Stoner memo” 2011 – NC commits to update Plan 106 grant requirement Due June 30, 2013 2012 – EPA acts on N & P criteria in FL

Recent EMC Activities January 2009 –January 2011 PProposed modified chlorophyll a criteria Part of triennial review Chlorophyll a thresholds May 2012 NC Forum on Nutrient Over-Enrichment

Nutrient Over-Enrichment Forum May 2012 Alternatives to numeric N & P criteria Clearer understanding of science Thresholds on something other than chlorophyll a Other “trending” or “change” indicators Review of costs and savings

Forum Panelists’ Highlights Include site-specific & waterbody type - specific approaches Be scientific, balanced, & fair Provide for involvement of stakeholders Consider goals & targets Be proactive & integrative Improve NC’s current approach

Improving NC’s Nutrient Approach Streams & Rivers (to be considered) Periphyton community Diurnal dissolved oxygen range Phytoplankton community Chlorophyll a Minimum dissolved oxygen Diurnal p. H range Nitrogen & phosphorus

Improving NC’s Nutrient Approach Surface drinking water supplies (to be considered) Total organic carbon Algal toxins Taste and odor species Nitrogen & phosphorus

Schedule 2012 - DWQ NCDP workgroup, public meetings December 2012 - February 2013 – Public comment April-May 2013 – Public review of Draft NCDP July 2013 – Plan goes to EMC for approval July 2013 – Submit NCDP to EPA for mutual agreement DWQ, others conduct analyses and any necessary studies DWQ drafts criteria EMC determines what to move forward with

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