StandardsTable_11012023

North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Surface Water Quality Standards, Criteria & In-Stream Target Values
Introduction
The tables in this workbook detail the various water body classifications, surface water quality standards, criteria, and in-stream target values that the State of North Carolina employs
to protect the designated uses of its surface waters.
You will find five separate tables in the worksheet tabs below. These tables are:
1- Determine the designated use(s) for the water body of concern.
2 -Search the NC 02B Standards (green tab), EPA NRWQC (yellow tab), and NC In-Stream Target Values (blue tab) tables for the parameter(s) of concern.
3 - Read across the table to identify the available standards, criteria or in-stream target values once a parameter has been located.
4 - The standards, criteria, and in-stream target values in these tables do not substitute for any written regulations, nor are they themselves regulations.
Contacts - We are here to help. Please contact us with any questions and comments.
Name
Connie Brower
Christopher Ventaloro
Elizabeth Kountis
Adriene Weaver
Bridget Flaherty
Example
1 - North Carolina Designated Uses for Surface Waters (Designated Uses - orange tab)
2 - North Carolina 15A NCAC 02B Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters (02B Standards - green tab)
3 - Environmental Protection Agency Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria (EPA-NRWQC - yellow tab)
4 - North Carolina In-Stream Target Surface Waters (In-Stream Target Values - blue tab)
5 - Supporting information such as footnotes, descriptions of acronyms, and references (Supporting Info - bright yellow tab)
1.1 - Identify the classification associated with the water body of concern by referring to the NC Surface Water Classifications interactive map, river basin classification schedules,
and any NC Title 15A rules associated with the water body of concern.
1.2 - Identify all designated uses associated with the classification identified in step 1.1 by referring to the North Carolina Designated Uses for Surface Waters table (orange tab in
this workbook):
2.1 - Search for chemicals by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number. If you do not know the CAS number for the chemical of concern, a simple google search should provide it.
2.2 - Chemicals can be searched for by name, but be advised that all known synonyms are not included in these tables. Searching by chemical name may miss important information.
2.3 - Search for non-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, etc.) by name as they do not have CAS numbers.
2.4 - Search all tables for each chemical or non-chemical parameter as different water quality standards, EPA recommended criteria, or NC in-stream target values may apply for different
designated uses.
3.1 - The most sensitive use must be protected. Refer to the designated uses table when deciding which standard, criteria, or in-stream target values to apply.
3.2 - North Carolina Standards are established in rule (15A NCAC 02B) and take precedence over EPA national criteria. EPA national criteria have undergone thorough scientific and national
stakeholder evaluation, but have not been through the NC rule making process. EPA national criteria take precedence over NC in-stream target values. NC in-stream target values are determined
based on available toxicological data for chemicals per language in Title 15A the North Carolin Administrative Code (15A NCAC 02B .0202 and .0208). Classifications & Standards staff
should be contacted for guidance on the use of these values.
Click here for an example of this process
Determining what in-stream concentration of Carbon Tetrachloride would protect the uses in Mountain Creek. Other factors, such as dilution, may need to be considered for determining
permit limits.
Parameter of concern = Carbon Tetrachloride (CAS 56-23-5)
Water body of concern = Mountain Creek (Yadkin Pee-Dee River Basin, Stream Index: 13-5-(0.7))
Step 1 - Determine the designated uses associated with Mountain Creek
Step 2 - Search for Carbon Tetrachloride, for each of the designated uses, in the NC 02B Standards, EPA NRWQC, and NC In-Stream Target Values tables.
Step 3 - Choose the most protective value from those identified in Step #2 to protect the most sensitive designated use.
NC DWR Surface Water Classifications Map
River Basin Classification Schedules
15A NCAC 02B rules
North Carolina Designated Uses for Surface Waters
Step 1.1 - The following classification for Mountain Creek was found using the online NC Surface Water Classifications interactive map (see link above):
Step 1.2- The following designated uses were identified using the classification for Mountain Creek (See the designated uses table):
The following information was found:
For questions concerning:
Standards, standards tables
Standards, standards tables
Classifications, reclassifications
Classifications, reclassifications
Groundwater standards
NC 02B Standards table:
EPA NRWQC table:
NC In-Stream Target Values table:
The most sensitive designated use for Mountain Creek is the Water Supply use. Therefore,
The Water Supply standard of 0.254 ug/L for Carbon Tetrachloride will be used.
Note: If the most protective value is not a NC 02B water quality standard, it is best to contact NC DWR Classifications & Standards staff for more information.
Class WS IV (Water Supply)
Class WS IV (Water Supply) --> Water Supply uses plus Class C uses (Aquatic Life, Secondary Recreations, Fish Consumption)
Water Supply = 0.254 ug/L
Fish Consumption = 1.6 ug/L
No information
Freshwater Aquatic Life = 560 ug/L
Email
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Phone
919-707-3686
919-707-9016
919-707-3685
919-707-3692
919-707-9022

Designated Uses for North Carolina Surface Water Classifications
Notes on Classifications & Designated Uses
1 - Refer to the NC Division of Water Resources Classifications webpage for information on how to determine water body classifications.
2 - Class C (for freshwater) and Class SC (for saltwater) provide basic levels of protection for aquatic life, recreation and consumption of fish and apply to all freshwater and saltwater
classifications, respectively. For example, a Class WS (Water Supply) water must meet all of the standards for Class C waters in addition to those standards specifically described in
the Class WS description.
3 - The NC 02B Standards (green tab) and NC In-Stream Target Values (blue tab) tables show Designated Uses for the Class C, Class B, Class WS, Class SC, Class SB, and Class SA primary
classifications as well as the Trout, Swamp, and HQW supplemental classifications. The EPA Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria (yellow tab) apply only to the aquatic life,
fish consumption, and water supply Designated Uses. Designated Uses for the ORW, HQW, WL, UWL, and NSW classifications do not appear in these tables, however the Class C or SC uses
must be maintained at a minimum. These classifications may have additional water quality requirements which can be determined by referencing the classification in rule. The 15A NCAC
02B rules can be found here:
Freshwater
Primary Classifications
Class C
Class B (Primary Recreation)
Class WL (Wetlands)
Class WS (Water Supply I-V)
Supplemental Classifications
Class HQW (High Quality Waters)
Class NSW (Nutrient Sensitive waters)
Class ORW (Outstanding Resource Waters)
Class Sw (Swamp)
Class Tr (Trout)
Class UWL (Unique Wetlands)
Saltwater
Primary Classifications
Class SC
Class SA (Shellfish)
Class SB (Primary Recreation)
Class SWL (Wetlands)
Supplemental Classifications
Class HQW (High Quality Waters)
Class NSW (Nutrient Sensitive waters)
Class ORW (Outstanding Resource Waters)
Class Sw (Swamp)
Class UWL (Unique Wetlands)
(http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/classification-standards/classifications)
15A NCAC 02B rules
Designated Uses that Apply
Freshwater Aquatic Life, Secondary Recreation and Fish Consumption. Apply to all freshwater classifications.
Primary Recreation and all Class C uses
Wetlands and all Class C uses
Water Supply and all Class C uses
Designated Uses that Apply
High Quality Waters, any special considerations and permit requirements as described in rule, and all Class C uses.
Nutrient Sensitive Water, any considerations for specific NSW waters as described in rule, and all Class C uses.
Outstanding Resource Waters uses as well as any specific actions assigned to individual ORWs as described in rule 15A NCAC 02B .0225, High Quality Waters, and all Class C uses. Rule
15A NCAC 02B .0225 has a list of waters classified as ORWs with specific actions.
Swamp and all Class C uses
Trout, High Quality Water, and all Class C uses
Unique Wetlands and all Class C uses
Designated Uses that Apply
Saltwater Aquatic Life, Secondary Recreation and Fish Consumption. Apply to all saltwater classifications.
Shellfishing and all Class SC uses
Primary Recreation and all Class SC uses
Wetlands and all Class SC uses
Designated Uses that Apply
High Quality Waters, any special considerations and permit requirements as described in rule, and all Class SC uses.
Nutrient Sensitive Water, any considerations for specific NSW waters as described in rule, and all Class SC uses.
Outstanding Resource Waters uses as well as any specific actions assigned to individual ORWs as described in rule 15A NCAC 02B .0225, High Quality Waters, and all Class SC uses. Rule
15A NCAC 02B .0225 has a list of waters classified as ORWs with specific actions.
Swamp and all Class SC uses
Unique Wetlands and all Class SC uses
Associated Rules
15A NCAC 02B .0208 & .0211
15A NCAC 02B .0219 (Class B) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0230 & .0231 (Class WL) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0212, .0214, .0215, .0216, & .0218 (Class WS) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
Associated Rules
15A NCAC 02B .0224 (Class HQW) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0223 (Class NSW) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0225 (Class ORW) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0101 & .0202 (Swamp) and .0208 & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0101 & .0202 (Trout) and .0208, & .0211 (Class C)
15A NCAC 02B .0101 & .0202 (UWL) and .0208, & .0211 (Class C)
Associated Rules
15A NCAC 02B .0208 & .0220
15A NCAC 02B .0221 (Class SA) & .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0222 (Class SB) & .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0230 & .0231 (Class WL) & .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
Associated Rules
15A NCAC 02B .0224 (Class HQW) & .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0223 (Class NSW) and .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0225 (Class ORW) & .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0101 & .0202 (Swamp) and .0208 & .0220 (Class SC)
15A NCAC 02B .0101 & .0202 (UWL) and .0208, & .0220 (Class SC)

North Carolina 15A NCAC 02B Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters
Pollutant or Parameter
Aldrin
Ammonia
Arsenic11
Barium
Benzene
Beryllium11
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Cadmium11
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlordane
Chloride
Chlorine, Total Residual
Chlorinated Benzenes
Chlorinated Phenols
Chlorophyll-a, Corrected
Chromium III11
Chromium VI11
Coliform Bacteria, Fecal
Copper11
Cyanide, Available or Total
2,4-D
4,4’-DDT
Demeton
Dieldrin
Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)
Dissolved Gases
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Solids
Endosulfan
Endrin
Enterococcus Bacteria
Fluoride
Guthion
Hardness
Heptachlor
Hexachlorobutadiene
Lead11
Lindane, g-BHC
Mercury
Methoxychlor
Methylene-blue Active Substances (MBAS)
Mirex
Nickel11
Nitrate nitrogen
Non-point Source
Nutrients
Oil and Grease
Parathion
PCB, Total
pH
Phenolic Compounds
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), Total
Radioactive Substances
Salinity
Selenium
Sewage & other wastes
Silver11
Silvex
Solids
Sulfates
Suspended Solids
Temperature
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
Toxaphene
Toxic Substances
Trialkyltin compounds
Trichloroethylene
Turbidity
Vinyl Chloride
Zinc11
The values in these tables do not substitute for any written regulations, nor are they themselves regulations.
Hardness-Dependent Metal Calculations
Metal
Cadmium, acute
Cadmium, chronic
Cadmium, acute, trout waters
Chromium III, acute
Chromium III, chronic
Copper, acute
Copper, chronic
Lead, acute
Lead, chronic
Nickel, acute
Nickel, chronic
Silver, acute
Zinc, acute
Zinc, chronic
See the Supporting Info tab for information on all footnotes, notes, and abbreviations
CAS #
309-00-2
7440-38-2
7440-39-3
71-43-2
7440-41-7
7440-43-9
56-23-5
57-74-9
16887-00-6
7782-50-5
NA
NA
479-61-8
16065-83-1
18540-29-9
NA
7440-50-8
57-12-5
94-75-7
50-29-3
8065-48-3
60-57-1
1746-01-6
NA
NA
NA
115-29-7
72-20-8
NA
16984-48-8
86-50-0
NA
76-44-8
87-68-3
7439-92-1
58-89-9
7439-97-6
72-43-5
61-73-4
2385-85-5
744-02-0
14797-55-8
NA
NA
56-38-2
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
7782-49-2
NA
7440-22-4
93-72-1
NA
NA
NA
NA
79-34-5
127-18-4
108-88-3
8001-35-2
NA
79-01-6
NA
75-01-4
7440-66-6
Freshwater
Class B
Primary Recreation8
All values reported as ug/L unless labeled otherwise.
≤ 200/100 mL
Equations for Hardness-Dependent Metals (ug/L)
WER*[{1.136672-[ln hardness](0.041838)}*e^{0.9789[ln hardness]-3.443}]
WER*[{1.101672-[ln hardness](0.041838)}*e^{0.7977[ln hardness]-3.909}]
WER*[{1.136672-[ln hardness](0.041838)}*e^{0.9789[ln hardness]- 3.866}]
WER*[0.316*e^{0.8190[ln hardness]+3.7256}]
WER*[0.860*e^{0.8190[ln hardness]+0.6848}]
WER*[0.960*e^{0.9422[ln hardness]-1.700}]
WER*[0.960*e^{0.8545[ln hardness]-1.702}]
WER*[{1.46203-[ln hardness](0.145712)}*e^{1.273[ln hardness]-1.460}]
WER*[{1.46203-[ln hardness](0.145712)}*e^{1.273[ln hardness]-4.705}]
WER*[0.998*e^{0.8460[ln hardness]+2.255}]
WER*[0.997*e^{0.8460[ln hardness]+0.0584}]
WER*[0.85*e^{1.72[ln hardness]-6.59}]
WER*[0.978*e^{0.8473[ln hardness]+0.884}]
WER*[0.986*e^{0.8473[ln hardness]+0.884}]
Class WS (I - V)
Water Supply6
0.00005
10 (t)
1000 (t)
1.19
0.254
0.0008
250000
488 (total)
1.0 (N) aesthetic
70
0.0002
0.00005
0.000005 ng/L
500000
100 mg/L
0.00008
0.44
500 (N) aesthetic
25 (t)
10000
(N)
0.0028 (total)
(N)
10
250000
0.17
0.7
2.5
0.025
All waters (Class C)
Aquatic Life1 & Secondary Recreation4
0.002
Acute: 340 (d) Chronic: 150 (d)
Acute: 65 (d) Chronic: 6.5 (d)
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
0.004
230000
17
40 (N)
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
Acute: 16 (d) Chronic: 11 (d)
≤ 200/100 mL
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
5
0.001
0.1
0.002
110% sat (N)
(N)
0.05
0.002
1800
0.01
0.004
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
0.01
0.012 (t)
0.03
0.001
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
(N)
0.013
0.001 (total)
6.0-9.0 (N)
300 (P) aesthetic
(N)
In Order: 15 mg/kg (Fish egg/ovary tissue), 8.5 mg/kg (Fish whole body), 11.3 mg/kg (Fish muscle), 1.5 ug/l lentic (water column, dissolved), 3.1 ug/l lotic (water column, dissolved)
(N)
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: 0.06 (d)
(N)
(N)
11
0.0002
0.07
Streams ≤ 50 NTU, Lakes & Reservoirs ≤ 25 NTU (N)
Acute: Calc (d,h) Chronic: Calc (d,h)
Fresh & Salt
All waters (Class C & SC)
Fish Consumption3
0.00005
10 (t)
51
1.6
0.0008
0.0002
0.00005
0.000005 ng/L
0.00008
18
0.000064 (total)
0.0311 (total)
4
3.3
30
2.4
Saltwater
All waters (Class SC)
Aquatic Life1 & Secondary Recreation4
0.003
Acute: 69 (d) Chronic: 36 (d)
Acute: 33 (d) Chronic: 7.9 (d)
0.004
40 (N)
Acute: 1100 (d) Chronic: 50 (d)
Acute: 4.8 (d) Chronic: 3.1 (d)
1 (Total only)
0.001
0.1
0.002
110% sat (N)
(N)
0.009
0.002
≤ 35/100 mL
0.01
0.004
Acute: 210 (d) Chronic: 8.1 (d)
0.004
0.025 (t)
0.03
0.001
Acute: 74 (d) Chronic: 8.2 (d)
(N)
0.178
0.001 (total)
6.8-8.5 (N)
300 (P) aesthetic
(N)
(N)
71 (t)
(N)
Acute: 1.9 (d) Chronic: 0.1 (d)
(N)
(N)
0.0002
0.007
≤ 25 NTU (N)
Acute: 90 (d) Chronic: 81 (d)
Class SB
Primary Recreation8
≤ 35/100 mL
Class SA
Shellfish9
≤ 14/100 mL and ≤ 43/100 mL
(N)
(N)
Supplemental Classifications
Trout2
Acute: Calc (d,h)
(N, Tr + HQW)
15 (N)
≥6.0 mg/L (N)

10000 (E, Tr+ HQW)
0.36
≤ 10 NTU (N)
Swamp Waters5
(N)
(N)
High Quality Waters7
2000 (E)
5000 (E)
6 mg/L (E)
(N)
20000 (E)
(E)
Synonyms & Other Information
As Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) Effluent Limit.
Dissolved metal for aquatic life, Total metal for HH & WS
Dissolved metal for aquatic life
Effluent Limit
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
Benzinoform, Carbon Chloride
TRC. For trout, see entry for "Disinfection" in 15A NCAC 02B .0224
Total of all Chlorinated Benzenes
Aesthetic standard. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0212
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211, .0220, and .0223
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
Hexavalent Chromium; Dissolved metal for aquatic life
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211, .0219 & .0222 for additional requirements
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid, Chlorophenoxy Herbicide
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Measured as % saturation. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220 for additional requirements. Effluent Limit for HQW
Total dissolved solids
See 15A NCAC 02B .0220 & .0222 for additional requirements
As CaCO3 or Ca & Mg
HCBD
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
Gamma-BHC, g-HCH
See 15A NCAC 02B .0212, .0214, .0215, .0216, and .0218
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
See 15A NCAC 02B .0212. Includes stormwater.
Nitrogen & Phosphorus. See 15A NCAC 02B .0223 & .0224.
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220.
Total of all polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and all congeners.
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220 for addition requirements
Aesthetic narrative standard for taste & odor in fish tissue. Based on public policy document.
Total of benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220 for details
See 15A NCAC 02B.0220
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 (11)(d) for details on a tiered approach for Class C following reproductive > whole fish > in-stream values in this order based on magnitude and duration.
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211, .0220 & .0221. Includes sewage, industrial wastes, non-process industrial waste, or other wastes
Click to calculate acute freshwater aquatic life standard
2,4,5-TP, 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxypropionoic Acid
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211, .0220 & .0221. Includes floating, settleable & sludge solids.
Total suspended solids Effluent Limit. See 15A NCAC 02B .0224
NCAC 02B .0208, .0211, and .0220 for details
Acetosol, Acetylene Tetrachloride
PERC, PCE, Perchloroethylene
Methyl Benzene, Phenyl Methane
Effluent Limit. See 15A NCAC 02B .0224 for additional requirements
Expressed as Tributyltin
TCE
See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220 for more details. NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units
Chloroethylene
Click to calculate freshwater aquatic life standard
Enter in-stream hardness (mg/L)
25
25
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Cancer Endpoint10 (FC & WS)
Yes
NA
Yes
No
Yes
NA
NA
NA
Yes
Yes
No
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
No
Yes
NA
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
No
No
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
NA
NA
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
No
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
NA
Yes
NA
Calculated standard (ug/L)
0.748230808958484
0.252875288701671
0.490150015584665
Reference Source (See supporting info tab)
EPA QCW 1986; EPA HHCCM 2002
NC
EPA NRWQC (AL); EPA NPDWR 2006
IRIS & RAIS 11/08
IRIS 2000
NC calculation. Based on LC50 data from EPA AWQC 1980
NC
EPA 2016/State update 2022
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2002
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2002; EPA AWQC 1980
EPA NRWQC(AL); EPA NSDWR
EPA QCW 1986
EPA AWQC 1980
EPA AWQC 1980 & EPA QCW 1976
NC
EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999
EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999
NC; EPA NRWQC 1986; FDA NSSP for SA waters
EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999
EPA NRWQC 2009/State update 2022
40 CFR 141.50
EPA AWQC 1980 (AL); NRWQC 2002 (HHCCM)
EPA QCW 1986
EPA QCW 1986
EPA NRWQC 2002 (HHCCM)
EPA QCW 1986
EPA QCW 1986, NC for HQW
EPA QCW 1986
EPA AWQC 1980
EPA AWQC 1980
BEACH Act 2000
ECOTOX
EPA QCW 1986
EPA QCW 1963
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2002; EPA AWQC 1980
EPA NRWQC 2002 (HHCCM)
EPA AWQC - Lead 1984; EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999
EPA QCW 1976
EPA QCW - Mercury 1986; Based on Final Residual Value (fish tissue)
EPA QCW 1986
EMC adopted for aesthetics in 2003
EPA QCW 1986
EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999
EPA QCW 1986
NC
NC
EPA QCW 1976
EPA AWQC 1986
EPA QCW 1976; EPA NRWQC 2002 (HHCCM)
EPA QCW 1976
EPA QCW 1976
EPA QCW 1986
40 CFR 141.26 (adopted by reference)
EPA QCW 1986
EPA 2016/State update 2022
EPA AWQC 1980
EPA QCW 1986
EPA QCW 1986
NSDWR 2003
EPA QCW 1986
EPA QCW 1986
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2006
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2006
NC Dept. of Natural Resources and Community Development study 1986
EPA AWQC 1986
NC
EPA NRWQC 2004
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2002
EPA QCW 1972
EPA NRWQC(HH) 2006
EPA NRWQC-Correction 1999

EPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Aquatic Life & Human Health
Below are all Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria for which NC does not have a Water Quality Standard for one or more uses
Pollutant or Parameter
Acenaphthene
Acrolein
Acrylonitrile
alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)
Alkalinity
alpha-Endosulfan
Aluminum
Ammonia
Anthracene
Antimony
Asbestos
Benzidine
Benzo(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(b)fluoranthene
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
beta-Endosulfan
beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane
Bis(2-Chloro-1-methylethyl) Ether
Bis(2-Chloroethyl) Ether
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Bis(Chloromethyl) Ether
Bromoform
Butylbenzyl Phthalate
Cadmium
Carbaryl
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlordane
Chlorine
Chlorobenzene
Chlorodibromomethane
Chloroform
2-Chloronaphthalene
2-Chlorophenol
Chlorpyrifos
Chrysene
Copper, Total
Cyanide, Free
2,4-D
4,4'-DDD
4,4'-DDE
Diazinon
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
1,3-Dichlorobenzene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
3,3-Dichlorobenzidine
1,2-Dichloroethane
Dichlorobromomethane
1,1-Dichloroethylene
2,4-Dichlorophenol
1,2-Dichloropropane
1,3-Dichloropropene
Diethyl Phthalate
2,4-Dimethylphenol
Dimethyl Phthalate
Di-n-Butyl Phthalate
2,4-Dinitrophenol
Dinitrophenol
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
1,2-Diphenylhydrazine
Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Endosulfan Sulfate
Endrin Aldehyde
Ethylbenzene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)
Heptachlor Epoxide
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorocyclohexane, Technical
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Hexachloroethane
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)Pyrene
Iron
Isophorone
Manganese
Malathion
2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitrophenol
3-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol
Methylmercury
Methoxychlor
Methyl Bromide
Methylene Chloride
Nickel
Nitrobenzene
Nitrosamines
Nitrosodibutylamine
Nitrosodiethylamine
Nitrosopyrrolidine
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
N-Nitrosodi-n-Propylamine
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine
Nonylphenols
Pentachlorobenzene
Pentachlorophenol
Phenol
Polychlorinated Biphenols (PCBs)
Pyrene
Selenium
Silvex
Hydrogen Sulfide
1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene
Toluene
Toxaphene
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
The Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria values presented in this table are based on the values reported on EPA's Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria website as of
7/22/2016.
See the Supporting Info tab for information on all footnotes, notes, and abbreviations
CAS #
83-32-9
107-02-8
107-13-1
319-84-6
NA
959-98-8
7429-90-5
7664-41-7
120-12-7
7440-36-0
1332-21-4
92-87-5
65-55-3
50-32-8
205-99-2
207-08-9
Use NC standard for Endosulfan
319-85-7
108-60-1
111-44-4
117-81-7
542-88-1
75-25-2
85-68-7
Refer to current NC standard for acute & chronic Cadmium established January 2015. Reviewed EPA's 2016 criteria. State Updated 2022
63-25-2
56-23-5
57-74-9
7782-50-5
108-90-7
124-48-1
67-66-3
91-58-7
95-57-8
2921-88-2
218-01-9
744-05-08
57-12-5
94-75-7
72-54-8
72-55-9
333-41-5
53-70-3
95-50-1
541-73-1
106-46-7
91-94-1
107-06-2
75-27-4
75-35-4
120-83-2
78-87-5
542-75-6
84-66-2
105-67-9
131-11-3
84-74-2
51-28-5
25550-58-7
121-14-2
122-66-7
156-60-5
1031-07-8
7421-93-4
100-41-4
206-44-0
86-73-7
58-89-9
1024-57-3
118-74-1
608-73-1
77-47-4
67-72-1
193-39-5
7439-89-6
78-59-1
7439-96-5
121-75-5
534-52-1
59-50-7
22967-92-6
72-43-5
74-83-9
75-09-2
7440-02-0
98-95-3
NA
924-16-3
55-18-5
930-55-2
86-30-6
621-64-7
86-30-6
Multiple
608-93-5
87-86-5
108-95-2
NA
129-00-0
7782-49-2
93-72-1
7783-06-4
95-94-3
108-88-3
8001-35-2
120-82-1
71-55-6
79-00-5
79-01-6
95-95-4
88-06-2
Freshwater
Class WS (I - V)
Water Supply6 (WS)
All values reported as ug/L unless labeled otherwise.
70
3
0.061
0.00036
20
300
5.6
7000000 Fibers/L
0.00014
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
0.008
200
0.03
0.32
0.00015
7
0.1
See NC standard
See NC standard
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
0.8
60
800
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
1300
4
See NC Standard
0.00012
0.000018
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
0.049
9.9
0.95
300
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
0.9
0.27
600
100
2000
20
10
10
0.049
0.03
100
20
1
68
20
50
4.2
0.000032
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
0.0066
4
0.1
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
34
50
2
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
0.02
100
20
See NC Standard
10
0.0008
0.0063
0.0008
0.016
0.00069
0.005
3.3
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
4000
0.000064
20
170
See NC Standard
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
57
0.0007
See NC standard for Chlorinated Benzenes
10000
0.55
See NC Standard
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
See NC standard for Chlorinated Phenols
Class C
Aquatic Life1
3
20000
See NC standard for Endosulfan
dissolved organic carbin, hardness & pH dependent
pH & temp dependent
2.1
See NC standard
See NC standard
Acute: 0.083 Chronic: 0.041
NC has aquatic life standards for Dissolved Copper
0.17
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard
acute: 0.52 chronic: 0.0038
1000
0.1
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard
See NC Standard
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total PCB
See NC Standard
2
See NC Standard
See NC Standard
Fresh & Salt
Class C & SC
Fish Consumption3 (FC)
90
400
7
0.00039
30
400
640
0.011
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
0.014
4000
2.2
0.37
0.017
120
0.1
See NC standard
See NC standard
800
21
2000
1000
800
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
400
12000
0.00012
0.000018
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
3000
10
900
0.15
650
27
20000
60
31
12
600
3000
2000
30
300
1000
1.7
0.2
4000
40
1
130
20
70
4.4
0.000032
0.000079
0.01
4
0.1
See NC Standard for Total PAHs
1800
100
30
2000
0.3 mg/kg fish tissue
0.02
10000
1000
4600
600
1.24
0.22
1.24
34
3
0.51
6
0.1
0.04
300000
See NC Standard for Total PCB
30
4200
400
0.03
520
0.00071
0.076
200000
8.9
See NC Standard
600
2.8
Saltwater
Class SC
Aquatic Life1
See NC standard for Endosulfan
pH, temp & salinity dependent
1.6
See NC standard
Acute: 13 Chronic: 7.5
acute: 0.011 chronic: 0.0056
NC has aquatic life standards for Dissolved Copper
0.82
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard
acute: 0.053 chronic: 0.0036
0.1
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard
See NC Standard
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total Phenolic Compounds
See NC Standard for Total PCB
See NC Standard
2
See NC Standard
Synonyms & Other Information
The CCC of 20 mg/L is a minimum value except where alkalinity is naturally lower, in which case the criterion cannot be lower than 25% of the natural level.
See EPA 2018 Aquatic Life Ambient Water
Quality Criteria for Aluminum in Freshwaters (EPA-822-R-18-001)
See EPA Ammonia criteria guidelines for criteria
Based on EPA Drinking Water Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
NC has aquatic life standards for Total Cyanide
Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, Chlorophenoxy Herbicide
4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene
Lindane
EPA approved removal of NC aquatic life standard as part of 2007-2016 Triennial review due to high natural occurrence in NC surface waters. The EPA NRWQC remains here as guidance for
instances when toxicity information is needed.
EPA approved removal of NC human health standards as part of 2007-2016 Triennial review due to high natural occurrence in NC surface waters. The EPA NRWQC remains here as guidance for
instances when toxicity information is needed.
Fish tissue criterion
2,4,5-TP
Cancer Endpoint10 (FC & WS)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Most Recent EPA Criterion Publication Year
2015
2015
2015
2015
1986
1980
2018
2013 (freshwater) 1989 (saltwater)
2015
2002
1991
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
1980
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2016
2012
2015
2015
1986
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
1986
2015
1992
2015
2015
2015
2015
2005
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
1981 aquatic life, 2015 human health
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
1986
2015
1993
1986
2015
2015
2001
2015
2015
2015
1998
2015
1980
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
2015
2015
2015
2002
2015
2002 (human health); 2016 (aquatic life)
2015
1986
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
Is there an NC Aquatic Life Standard?
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Only for effluent in high quality waters
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes, for Freshwater
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes, for Freshwater
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Is there an NC FC or WS Standard?
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
Yes
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
No
Yes
Yes, for WS
Yes, for WS
Yes, for WS
No
No
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes, for WS
Yes, for WS
No
Yes, for FC
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
Yes, for WS
No
No
Yes, for WS
Yes, for WS
Yes, for WS
Is the EPA Criterion being reviewed for adoption as a NC Standard?
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
No
Yes
Yes
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewed in 2022 for Aquatic Life
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No (2002 human health); 2016 Aquatic life adopted 2022
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
No
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS
Reviewing 2015 Criterion for FC & WS

North Carolina In-Stream Target Values for Surface Waters
Established per language in 15A NCAC 02B .0202 & .0208. Contact DWR staff for further information.
Pollutant or Parameter
Acenaphthene
Acetaldehyde
Acephate
Acetochlor
Acetone
Acetophenone
Acrolein
Acrylamide
Acrylonotrile
Aluminum
Aluminum Sulfate
2-Amino-4,6-Dinitrotoluene
4-Amino-2,6-Dinitrotoluene
Ammonium Sulfate
Anthracene
Antimony
Atrazine
Barium
Benefin
Bentazon
Benz(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzoic Acid
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Chloride
1,1-Biphenyl
Bis(2-Chloroethoxy)Methane
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
Boron, total recoverable
p-Bromo-diphenyl Ether
2-Butanone
Butylate
n-Butyl Benzene
Butylbenzene Phthalate
C5-C8 Aliphatic
C9-C12 Aliphatic
C9-C18 Aliphatic
C9-C32 Aromatic
C19-C36 Aliphatic
Carbaryl
Carbazole
Carbofuran
Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Tetrachloride
2-Chloronaphthalene
Chlorothalonil
Chrysene
Cobalt
Cyclohexane
2,4-D
Dacthal
2,4-DB
4,4’-DDD
4,4’-DDE
Demeton
Diazinon
Dibenz(a,h)anthracene
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane
1,2 –Dibromomethane
Dicamba
Dichloroacetic Acid
1,2-(o)-Dichlorobenzene
1,3-(m)-Dichlorobenzene
1,4-(p)-Dichlorobenzene
Dichlorobromomethane
1,1-Dichloroethane
1,2-cis-Dichloroethylene
1,2-Dichloroethylene Mixed Isomers
Dichlorvos
Diethyl Ether
Diethyl Phthalate
Dimethoate
Dimethyl Phthalate
Dimethylformamide
Di-n-butyl Pthalate
1,3-Dinitrobenzene
2,6-Dinitrotoluene
Dinoseb
1,4-Dioxane
Endosulfan, beta
Endosulfan Sulfate
Endothall
EPTC
Ethanol
Ethylbenzene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Fluridone
Fonofos
Formaldehyde
a- Hexachlorocyclohexane
b- Hexachlorocyclohexane
d- Hexachlorocyclohexane
Hexachlorocyclohexane, Technical
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine
Hexamine
HMX
Hydrogen Sulfide
Iodine
Isopropyl Benzene
Isopropyl Ether
Isopropyl Toluene, p
Mancozeb
Methanol
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Bromide
Methyl Chloride
Methyl Methacrylate
Methylene Chloride
1-Methylnaphthalene
2-Methylnaphthalene
4-Methyl-2-pentinone
Metolochlor
Metribuzin
Molybdenum
MTBE
Naphthalene
Nitrite
Nitrobenzene
Nitroglycerin
Nitrosamines
N-Nitrosodiethyl-amine
N-Nitrosodimethyl-amine
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine
2-Nitrotoluene
3-Nitrotoluene
4-Nitrotoluene
n-Propyl Benzene
Pentachlorobenzene
Perchlorate & Salts
Phenanthrene
Propenoic Acid
Pyridine
Silvex
Strontium
Sulfide-Hydrogen Sulfide
Terbacil
1,1,2,2,-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)
Tetrahydrofuran
Tin
Thallium
Toluene
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacteic Acid
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichlorofluoromethane
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2,-trifluoroethane
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene
1,3,5- Trimethylbenzene
Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
Xylene Mixture
m-Xylene
p-Xylene
o-Xylene
See the Supporting Info tab for information on all footnotes, notes, and abbreviations
CAS #
83-32-9
75-07-0
30560-19-1
34256-82-1
67-64-1
98-86-2
107-02-8
79-06-1
107-13-1
7429-90-5
10043-01-3
35572-78-2
19406-51-0
7783-20-2
120-12-7
7440-36-0
1912-24-9
7440-39-3
1861-40-1
25057-89-0
56-55-3
50-32-8
65-85-0
100-51-6
100-44-7
92-52-4
111-91-1
117-81-7
multiple
101-55-3
78-93-3
2008-41-5
104-51-8
85-68-7
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
63-25-2
86-74-8
1563-66-2
75-15-0
56-23-5
108-90-7
91-58-7
1897-45-6
218-01-9
7440-48-4
110-82-7
94-75-7
1861-32-1
94-82-6
72-54-8
72-55-9
8065-48-3
333-41-5
53-70-3
96-12-8
106-93-4
1918-00-9
79-43-6
95-50-1
541-73-1
541-73-1
75-27-4
75-34-3
156-59-2
540-59-0
62-73-7
60-29-7
84-66-2
60-51-5
131-11-3
66-12-2
84-74-2
99-65-0
606-20-2
88-85-7
123-91-1
33213-65-9
1031-07-8
145-73-3
759-94-4
64-17-5
100-41-4
206-44-0
86-73-7
59756-60-4
944-22-9
50-00-0
319-84-6
319-85-7
319-86-8
608-73-1
77-47-4
121-82-4
100-97-0
2691-41-0
6/4/7783
755-35-62
98-82-8
108-20-3
99-87-6
2234562
67-56-1
79-20-9
74-83-9
74-87-3
80-62-6
75-09-2
90-12-0
91-57-6
108-10-1
51218-45-2
21087-64-9
7439-98-7
1634-04-4
91-20-3
14797-65-0
98-95-3
55-63-0
55-18-5
55-18-5
62-75-9
86-30-6
88-72-2
99-08-1
99-99-0
103-65-1
608-93-5
14797-73-0
85-01-8
79-10-7
110-86-1
93-72-1
7440-24-6
2148878
5902-51-2
79-34-5
127-18-4
109-99-9
7440-31-5
7440-28-0
108-88-3
120-82-1
93-76-5
71-55-6
79-00-5
75-69-4
76-13-1
96-18-4
95-63-6
108-67-8
479-45-8
118-96-7
1330-20-7
108-38-3
106-42-3
95-47-6
Freshwater
Class B
Primary Recreation8
All values reported as ug/L unless labeled otherwise.
Class WS (I - V)
Water Supply6
4
510
3100
3500
0.008
6500
7
7
640
340
920
140000
3500
0.2
580
100
20000
470
420
600 (S)
3000 (S)
3000 (S)
830 (S)
3100
0.7
3000
7
3
79
270
0.00031
0.00022
0.033
0.02
1000
0.68
0.55
6
60
290
6800
3400
3.4
0.048
20
0.35
680
580
0.31
2700
1000
17000
2.6
0.8
90
2800
840
160
19
400
1000
2
0.14
5300
18
1500
2.5
17000
34
14000
430
3100
770
2
68
9100
710000
0.01
130
140
1.1
6200
6200
6200
6200
All waters (Class C)
Aquatic Life1 & Secondary Recreation4
60
970
70
23
2000
8100
2800
420
12
10
350
1900
0.05
5300
21000
12
3000
0.1
0.05
9000
500
20
9200
5
Chronic = 7300 (t) Acute = 34000 (t)
2
26000
610
3.9
19
125 (S)
180 (S)
180 (S)
210 (S)
0.67
9.7
100
560
140
110
1.3
Acute: 16 Chronic: 1.6
230
60
0.1
0.17
5
200
470
390
100
130000
1200
0.3
3400
9.5
3
0.05
0.05
3900
1200
5000
97
0.11
30
90
0.27
1200
23
55
40
0.3
0.07
2500
1400
0.21
35
250
20000
320
10
19000
0.04
9600
11000
450
85
26000
240
170
51000
34000
12
4600
84
25000
25000
17000
290
1500
1600
2500
80
0.51
0.7
270000
5000
17
0.21
1000
120
110000
61
5500
2500
2300
390
630
670
420
420
600
Fresh & Salt
All waters (Class C & SC)
Fish Consumption3
140
1900
1100000
850000
0.3
8000
150
150
8200
200000 (t)
350
7400
5000000
290000
2
860
6000
750000
650
550
900 (S)
10000 (S)
10000 (S)
4000 (S)
31000
1.2
20000
20
4
100
10000
0.00031
0.00022
0.13
0.1
38000
25
17
100
720
3200
250000
130000
140
0.71
65
80
25000
1700
11
63000
11000
38000
630000
96
2.6
200
160000
24000
2000
1500
950
67
1.5
620
1.8
2700
2.8
630000
1300
40000
9100
110000
800
2
2500
67000
2200000
0.001
215
4300
39
57000
54000
54000
57000
Saltwater
All waters (Class SC)
Aquatic Life1 & Secondary Recreation4
20
1400
150000
300000
1
1500
290
2.2
20
25000
1000
750
230
10
0.4
20000
5.1
5000 (S)
5000 (S)
0.35
0.46
3300
2500
500
1.6
10
12
0.1
370
390
0.12
15000
1.6
2900
4.5
12
0.009
0.009
12000
32
390
25
0.22
50
170
17
620
66
0.6
0.02
2500
1700
7.8
8000
330000
2400
600
17000
95
30
240
980
50000
52
400
170000
4600
2500
1500
2
600
65
370
27
1400
3600
9500
220
220
370
180
100
60
Class SB
Primary Recreation8
Class SA
Shellfish9
Supplemental Classifications
Trout2
29
8.2
0.8
0.82
79
56
600
2800
27
200
0.3
450
420
130
400
Swamp Waters5
High Quality Waters7
Synonyms & Other Information
1,2-Dihydro-acenaphthylene (non-carcinogen PAH)
Acetic Aldehyde, Ethanal
2-Propanone
2-Propenal
2-Propenamide
2-Propenenitrile; ACN; AN; Acrylonitrile; Cyanoethylene; Fumigrain; Vinyl Cyanide
2A-DNT
4A-DNT
Non-carcinogen PAH
Also see the NC 02B Standards table for Total PAHs
Also see the NC 02B Standards table for Total PAHs
Benzene Methanol
Alpha-chlorotoluene, Chloromethyl Benzene
Diphenyl, Phenylbenzene, Bibenzene
Dichloromethoxy Ethane
DEHP
Boron typically occurs in combined form in surface waters and shall be analyzed as total recoverable boron
4-Bromo-diphenyl Ether
Methyl Ethyl Ketone, MEK
Sutan
1-Phenylbutane
Butylbenzyl Phthalate
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH); n-Hexane as surrogate for aquatic life, water supply & human health. See "Supporting Info" tab for information on (S).
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH); Decane as surrogate for aquatic life, water supply & human health. See "Supporting Info" tab for information on (S).
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH); Decane as surrogate for aquatic life, water supply & human health. See "Supporting Info" tab for information on (S).
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH); pyrene as surrogate. See "Supporting Info" tab for information on (S).
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH); Cyclododecane as surrogate. See "Supporting Info" tab for information on (S).
Formerly Sevin 1-Naphtalenol, Methylcarbamate
Dithiocarbonic Anhydride
Benzinoform, Carbon Chloride
Chlorinated Benzene, Phenyl Chloride
Also see the NC 02B Standards table for Total PAHs
Fish consumption and water supply values based on pRfD (PPRTV)
4,4’Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
P,p’-Dichlorodiphenyldochloroethylene
Also see the NC 02B Standards table for Total PAHs
Nemagon
EDB, Ethylene Dibromide
2,5-Dichloro-6-methoxybenzoic acid
DCAA, DCA
Chlorinated Benzene
Chlorinated Benzene
Chlorinated Benzene
Cis-1,2-dichloroethene
Breakdown Product of Naled
Ethyl Ether
DEP
Cygon, o,o-Dimethyl s-(N-methyl)-carbamoylmethyl Dithiophosphate
DMP, Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Dimethyl Ester
DMF, DMFA
DBP
2,6-DNT
1,4-Diethylene Dioxide
s-Ethyl Propylthiocarbamate
Ethyl Alcohol
Phenyl Ethane
1,2-Benzacenaphthene
Avast, Sonar
Formalin
Alpha-BHC, a-HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexanes
Beta-BHC, b-HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexanes
Delta-BHC, d-HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexanes
HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexanes
HCCP, Perchlorocyclopentadiene
RDX
Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine
Cumene, Cumol
2,2’-Oxybispropane
4-Cymene
Carbamic Acid, Ethylene-bis
Methyl Alcohol
Bromomethane
Chloromethane
Dichloromethane
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Methyl Tertiary-butyl Ether
Mothballs
Set to federal MCL
Mirbane Oil
1,2,3-Propanetriol Trinitrate
(N-nitrosodiethyl-amine as surrogate)
(N-nitrosodiethyl-amine as surrogate)
o-Nitrotoluene
m-Nitrotoluene
p-Nitrotoluene
Chlorinated Benzene
2,4,5-TP, 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxypropionoic Acid
acetosol, acetylene tetrachloride
PERC, PCE, Perchloroethylene
Set to federal MCL
Chlorinated Benzene
2,4,5-T
Ethane Trichloride, Vinyl Trichloride
Freon 11, Frigen 11, Arcton 11
Freon 113
1,2,3-TCP
Mesitylene
TNT
1,3-Dimethylbenzene, Human Health and Water Supply use Xylene Mixture as surrogate
1,4-Dimethylbenzene, Human Health and Water Supply use Xylene Mixture as surrogate
1,2-Dimethylbenzene, Human Health and Water Supply use Xylene Mixture as surrogate
Cancer Endpoint10 (FC & WS)
NA
NA
Yes
No
No
No
NA
Yes
NA
No
NA
No
No
NA
NA
NA
No
No
No
No
NA
NA
No
No
Yes
No
No
NA
NA
NA
No
No
No
NA
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
NA
No
NA
NA
NA
Yes
NA
No
NA
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
NA
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
NA
NA
NA
Yes
Yes
No
No
NA
No
NA
NA
NA
No
NA
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
NA
Yes
NA
No
NA
NA
No
NA
NA
No
No
NA
NA
No
NA
NA
Yes
No
No
NA
No
No
Yes
NA
No
NA
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Yes
No
Yes
No
NA
No
NA
No
No
NA
No
NA
No
NA
NA
No
No
No
NA
NA
No
NA
NA
No
No
Yes
NA
No
No
Yes
No
NA
NA
NA
Reference Source (See supporting info tab)
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 6/05
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
IRIS 1/07; HHWSSA 1989 & 1994
IRIS & ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 8/07
ECOTOX 7/16
IRIS & ECOTOX 10/07
ECOTOX 2/07
RAIS 1/09
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07 & RAIS 2/16
ECOTOX 2/07 & RAIS 2/16
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 3/05
ECOTOX 6/12
OPPT 2003; RAIS 3/09
ECOTOX 9/15 & IRIS 11/08
IRIS & ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 10/10
ECOTOX 7/16
ECOTOX 7/16
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 2/16
ECOTOX & RAIS 6/12
ECOTOX & IRIS 6/12
IRIS & ECOTOX 7/09
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX 9/15
State of Illinois & State of Michigan studies 7/2021
ECOTOX 6/12
IRIS & ECOTOX 7/11
IRIS, ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 2/11
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 1/10; MADEP toxicity studies 2004, Connecticut technical support document 2012
MADEP toxicity studies 2004 & EPIWIN 7/03
MADEP toxicity studies 2004 & EPIWIN 7/03
RAIS 2/07; surrogate from MADEP studies
MADEP toxicity studies 2004 & EPIWIN 7/03
ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
IRIS, ECOTOX & RAIS 8/12
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 6/12
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 2/11
ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 10/10
ECOTOX 7/16
ECOTOX 01/18 & PPRTV 6/09
ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS 7/07
IRIS 8/07
RAIS 1/07
RAIS 1/07
EPA QCW 1986
EPA AWQC 2005
ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS 1/07
IRIS 8/10
IRIS & ECOTOX 10/10
IRIS 1/07
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
RAIS 1/07
Handbook of Environmental Data-Vershauen/RAIS 6/10
IRIS 7/11
RAIS 8/12
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 10/10
ECOTOX 1/07
RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX 1/07
RAIS 1/07
RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX & IRIS 6/12
IRIS 8/10
EPA AWQC 1980
EPA AWQC 1980
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
IRIS 4/07
ECOTOX 12/10
ECOTOX 8/10
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 9/10 (freshwater), ECOTOX 9/15 (saltwater)
ECOTOX 4/07
ECOTOX 4/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 1/07
ECOTOX 7/16
ECOTOX 9/15 (freshwater), ECOTOX 1/07 (saltwater)
ECOTOX 9/15
ECOTOX 2/07
RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 12/15
IRIS & ECOTOX 8/10
ECOTOX 8/10
ECOTOX 1/10
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
RAIS 12/08
ECOTOX 3/08
ECOTOX 9/15
IRIS 2/07
ECOTOX 2/09
ECOTOX 9/15
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 4/10
ECOTOX & IRIS 9/15
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX 10/10
IRIS & ECOTOX 2/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 6/09
ECOTOX 9/15 & CALEPA 1999
IRIS & ECOTOX 8/10
EPA NPDWR 2012
ECOTOX 2/07 & 7/16
ECOTOX 2/07 & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 2/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 9/15
ECOTOX 1/07
IRIS 4/07
ECOTOX 4/10
ECOTOX & IRIS 11/09
ECOTOX 9/15 & IRIS 11/09
ECOTOX 9/15
IRIS 2/07
ECOTOX 2/07
IRIS 4/07
ECOTOX 7/16
ECOTOX 2/07
ECOTOX 3/08 & IRIS 12/16
HEAST 2/14
EPA NPDWR 2012
ECOTOX 8/07
ECOTOX & RAIS 1/07
ECOTOX 2/07; EPA Gold Book 1986
ECOTOX 9/15
ECOTOX 2/07
IRIS 2/07
IRIS 1/07
IRIS 6/12
ECOTOX 8/10
ECOTOX 9/15 & RAIS 8/10
RAIS 2/07
RAIS 2/07
IRIS & ECOTOX 6/12
ECOTOX 6/12
ECOTOX 6/12
ECOTOX 6/12

Supporting Information
Notes & Descriptors
Calc = hardness-dependent metal standards are calculated based on in-stream hardness
(d) = dissolved metal standard. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 for more information.
(E) = effluent limit for High Quality Waters. See 15A NCAC 02B .0224.
(h) = hardness-dependent dissolved metal standard. See below for hardness-dependent dissolved metal equations. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 for more information.
(FC) = Fish Consumption
(LD) = limited data.
(N) = narrative standard.
(P) = public policy document.
(S) = toxicity exceeds solubility, no visible sheen or free product in water or on sediment or shoreline per 15A NCAC 02B .0211 & .0220
(t) = based upon measurement of total recoverable metal. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 for more information.
(Tr + HQW) = trout waters also listed ar High Quality Waters.
WER = Water Effects Ratio. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 for more information.
(WS) = Water Supply.
Designated Use Definitions
(1) Aquatic Life standards protect both fresh and saltwater aquatic organisms to promote biological integrity. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220.
(2) Trout Waters are protected for natural trout propagation and survival of stocked trout. See 15A NCAC 02B .0101 and .0301 as well as .0224 for trout waters that are also HQW.
(3) Fish Consumption standards are based on consumption of fish (including shellfish) tissue. These standards are commonly referred to as "Human Health" standards. See 15A NCAC 02B
.0208.
(4) Secondary Recreation standards apply to activities in surface waters that result in incidental body contact. See 15A NCAC 02B .0211 and .0220.
(5) Swamp Waters have low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different from adjacent streams. See 15A NCAC 02B .0101.
(6) Water Supply standards are applicable to all Water Supply Classifications (WS I-V) and are based on consumption of fish and water. See 15A NCAC 02B .0208, .0212, .0214, .0215, .0216,
and .0218.
(7) High Quality Waters are a subset of waters with quality higher than the standards and are described in 15A NCAC 02B .0101 and .0224.
(8) Primary Recreation standards apply to activities in surface waters that result in full-body contact. See 15A NCAC 02B .0219 and .0222.
(9) Shellfish Area standards apply to surface waters that are used for shellfishing for market purposes. See 15A NCAC 02B .0221.
(10) Carcinogens are listed in 15A NCAC 02B .0208 and relate to Human Health water quality standards which include fish consumption and water supply. All standards in this table that
are designated as carcinogens were calculated from oral cancer slope values obtained through EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
(11) Acute & chronic values for all metals on the NC 02B Standards table are based on the following language in 15A NCAC 02B .0211: Acute = "Compliance with acute instream metals standards
shall only be evaluated using an average of two or more samples collected with one hour." Chronic = "Compliance with chronic instream metals standards shall only be evaluated using
averages of a minimum of four samples taken on consecutive days, or as a 96-hour average"
Reference Sources
40 CFR = Code of Federal Regulations - Title 40
EPA AWQC = Enviromental Protection Agency Ambient Water Quality Criteria
EPA QCW = Enviromental Protection Agency Quality Criteria for Water
EPA NRWQC = Environmental Protection Agency Nationally Recommended Water Quality Criteria. (FC) denotes Fish consumption, (WS) denotes water supply, and (AL) denotes aquatic life Water
Quality Criteria.
ECOTOX = The ECOTOXicology knowledgebase.
FDA NSSP = US Food & Drug Administration National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
GEI-CED = GEI Consultants-Chadwick Ecological Division. Reviewed EPA 2001 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Cadmium.
IRIS = Integrated Risk Information System.
NPDWR = National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (EPA)
NSDWR = National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (EPA)
RAIS = The Risk Assessment Information System