WAC 400-12-515   Phase 1 -- Watershed characterization and goals and objectives development.  (1) Purpose. This section establishes requirements for gathering and evaluating water quality information to define priority nonpoint pollution problems and for developing goals and objectives for the action plan.

     (2) Watershed characterization.

     (a) Intent. The purpose of the watershed characterization is to provide the lead agency and the watershed management committee, other decision-making bodies, and the public with the most accurate current information on the types and levels of pollutants from nonpoint sources, and the relative impacts on water quality and beneficial uses of the water resource. This is to include those areas or resources which are particularly sensitive to those pollutants. This information is to be used in developing and implementing action plan nonpoint pollution control strategies and in evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies. The characterization shall summarize current information and identify information needed to adequately define nonpoint pollution problems which need to be addressed.

     (b) Preparation. Preparation of the watershed characterization shall be at the direction of the lead agency, and the watershed management committee as appropriate. The watershed management committee and the lead agency shall have the opportunity to evaluate the completeness and adequacy of the characterization. Other appropriate implementing agencies shall be involved in the preparation and review of the characterization.

     (c) Minimum requirements. The watershed characterization shall include, at a minimum:

     (i) A description of the biological conditions and physical characteristics of the environment;

     (ii) Information on land use and population, including existing and potential trends;

     (iii) A description of habitats;

     (iv) An assessment of existing water quality and anticipated trends;

     (v) A map showing the action plan boundaries. Where a plan is being jointly prepared with a ground water management program, the boundaries of the ground water management planning area shall be included;

     (vi) A map showing jurisdictional boundaries of the local, state, federal, and tribal governments, participating special purpose districts and implementing entities in the watershed;

     (vii) A map showing all waterways, water bodies, and known wetlands;

     (viii) A discussion of existing federal, state, local, and other water quality programs ongoing in the watershed; and

     (ix) A description of information that is desirable but unavailable.

     (3) Problem definition. Using information from the watershed characterization prepared in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, the committee shall prepare a description of the extent of the water quality problems resulting from nonpoint pollution in the planning area including, but not limited to:

     (a) Beneficial uses of the water bodies and/or stream segments impaired or threatened by nonpoint pollution and the extent of the impairment or threat;

     (b) The extent that water quality standards in the various water bodies, as specified in chapter 173-201 WAC (Water quality standards for surface waters of the state of Washington), are not being met;

     (c) Impacts or potential impacts of nonpoint pollution on ground water and surface water;

     (d) Wetlands affected or threatened by nonpoint pollution;

     (e) Existing or potential nonpoint pollutants and their sources that threaten or impair beneficial uses or contribute to water quality degradation in each water resource identified in (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection. All potential pollutants and their sources must be evaluated and ranked according to the extent of impairment of beneficial uses or contribution to water quality degradation. Evaluated pollutants shall include nutrients, pathogens, toxic chemicals, sediments, and other potential pollutants. Sources shall include farm practices, storm water, on-site septic systems, forest practices, boating and marinas, and any other source or potential source in the watershed. The evaluation shall include the best available estimates of the number and general location of sources and volume of pollutant loadings; and

     (f) An analysis of the adequacy of existing water quality programs to prevent and correct nonpoint pollution.

     (4) Goals and objectives. The committee shall prepare a statement of water quality goals and objectives. At a minimum, the goals and objectives statement shall provide for:

     (a) Identifying the desired extent of protective measures and corrective actions that must be enacted to achieve the intended level of restoration and maintenance of beneficial uses;

     (b) Achieving enhancement of water quality pursuant to chapter 173-201 WAC and chapter 90.48 RCW (Water pollution control); and

     (c) Achieving consistency with the intent of this chapter, the programs resulting from Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act, and the plan.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. 91-22-096, § 400-12-515, filed 11/6/91, effective 12/7/91.]