2023-July SAC Meeting

Overview of NCDP Process and Next Steps
NCDP Science Advisory Council Meeting, July 14, 2023 Paul Wojoski and Elizabeth Liebig, DWR
Clarity Standard Moving Forward
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•Clarity standard has been drafted and the scientific support document has been approved by the SAC at the meeting on February 24, 2023
•Ensures protection of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), aligns with CHPP and NCDP
•Next steps for clarity standard:
1.DWR is reviewing the standard and working through the implementation
•This process will likely continue through the summer and into fall 2023
2.CIC will advise on implications and inform the fiscal analysis of the standard
•CIC will likely convene in Fall 2023
•If there are questions about the process, please reach out to DWR staff directly
Role of SAC vs CIC
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•Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)
•Reviewing the quality and relevance of nutrient data
•Identifying data gaps in the scientific and technical information being used
•Recommending measures to address data gaps (e.g., monitoring and data collection)
•Advising on criteria development approach for each waterbody type
•Reviewing proposed causal and response variable criteria developed by DWR
•Periodically assisting in the preparation of reports that present the progress of developing nutrient criteria
•Criteria Implementation Committee (CIC)
•Advising DWR on the potential social, economic, and environmental implications of adopting the proposed criteria to stakeholders and the State
•Assisting DWR with the development of fiscal documents
•Periodically assisting in the preparation of reports that present the progress of developing nutrient criteria
•Carrying out other relevant duties identified by the DWR
Nutrient Criteria Development Plan
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•The goal is to develop numeric nutrient criteria
•Based primarily on the linkage between nutrient related parameters and protection of designated uses throughout NC’s water bodies
•This will in turn reduce nutrient loading in these water bodies
•It lays out priority parameters for consideration
Next steps for the SAC for Albemarle Sound
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•Where are efforts going to be focused next?
o Suggested places to focus:
o Evaluate Chlorophyll-a criteria
o Review Nitrogen and Phosphorous issues and develop scientifically-defensible criteria for recommendation.
o Keep in mind criteria are used to protect uses.
o Questions:
o What are the data gaps?
o Are there models / tools needed to help answer these questions?
o What organizational support needs are there?
Questions?
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Elizabeth Liebig
Reclassifications/NCDP
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
DWR Classifications, Standards & Rules Review website:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/classification-standards
Paul Wojoski
Branch Supervisor
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]