DEP seeking water quality data for West Virginia waters

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is compiling water quality data on the state’s streams and lakes for its next Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. This report is developed by DEP and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency every two years as required by the federal Clean Water Act, and includes the Section 303(d) list of impaired waters. The next report is due in April 2010 and will be based upon water quality data collected through June 30, 2009.

In addition to data collected directly by DEP, the agency will compile and assess water quality data collected by other persons, agencies, watershed associations, or permitted facilities. Those wishing to contribute data should send it to Steve Stutler at Stephen.J.Stutler@wv.gov, (304) 926-0499, Ext. 1086, or Steve Young at Stephen.A.Young@wv.gov, (304) 926-0499, Ext. 1042. The deadline to submit data is September 30, 2009.

A data form is available to download at www.wvdep.org/wv303d. Documentation describing the collection and analytical methodologies associated with the data should be provided as it will help the agency assess data quality. If data was subject to a quality assurance/quality control plan, submit it with the data. For an example of a QA/QC plan, go to http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-docs/g5-final.pdf.
Although electronic data submission is highly preferred and encouraged, non-electronic submissions may be sent to DEP at the Division of Water and Waste Management, Attn: Steve Young, 601 57th St. S.E., Charleston, WV 25304.