Characterization of aquatic use attainment in Oklahoma /

Abstract

This research describes the application of an aquatic use assessment methodology referred to as use attainability analysis (UAA). The EPA has issued guidelines governing the process of Water Quality Standards' review and revision. These guidelines require that the State perform UAA as part of the process for documenting proposed changes or revisions to existing beneficial uses. The 1982 revision process for the Oklahoma State Water Quality Standards implemented UAA to determine the level of use attainment for fish and wildlife beneficial uses along 16 streams across Oklahoma. Upstream, impact and recovery zone sites were sampled for fish, aquatic invertebrates, hydrologic, water quality, riparian, nonpoint source, habitat and substrate variables. Aspects of these parameters were summarized statistically and illustrated by the use of computer aided graphics. Biotic indices, such as, the Trent Biotic Index, Graham's Index, Karr's Index and the Chandler Score were adapted to scale the quality of the fish and invertebrate species content from each stream. Cluster analysis was employed to extract associations among fish, invertebrate, habitat and substrate variables which exemplify the degree of use attainment for these streams. Variation within the overall set of biological and environmental measurements was assessed by factor analysis. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of environmental measurements in future UAA is presented along with a proposal for the development of three classes of warm water fisheries.