non-wetland factors are also being analyzed. The results will allow water quality 

 managers in these regions to specify the optimal percentage and combination of vai:ious 

 types of wetlands needed to maintain water quality of lakes and rivers. Such watershed 

 criteria could be used to guide efforts to create or restore wetlands for the purpose of 

 intercepting and improving the quality of nonpoint runoSL 



The pflot studies will also determine which wetland features can be used to 

 predict wetland functions. Once differences among wetlands can be identified based on 

 their functions, it will be possible to classify particular wetlands with regard to specific 

 designated uses. 



The cimiulative effects program is using the results of the pflot studies as 

 technical support for developing a "Synoptic Assessment Method". This method has 

 alreacfy been used to rank watersheds within certain regions, acceding to the likely 

 cumulative benefits of their wetlands. Also, sources of informatkm useful for 

 designating uses of individual wetlands were described by ORD in EPA's draft guidance 

 for Advance Identification Appendix D.'^ Information on regionany rare or declining 

 wetland wfldlife, which could be used as one basis for establishing "special aquatic 

 areas" in selected wetlands, is also available from the ORD Wetlands Research Team 

 at the Corvallis EPA Lab. 



Water Qnality: 



Another ORD stucfy, being implemented through the Duhith Lab, is examining 

 impacts to the water quality and biota of 30 wetlands, before and after regional 

 development This study win be useful, as part of 401 certification, for developing 

 performance standards for activities which may affect wetland water quality. 



Several research projects being proposed by the Wetland Research Program 

 could produce information very useful to water quality managers. These are described 

 in ORD's publication, "Wetlands and Water Quality: A Reseaidi and Monitoring 

 Implementation Plan for the Years 1989-1994". Many of these prc^xisals are planned, 

 but wfll hinge upon fimding decisions in future budget years. Those which drew the 

 most support from a 1988 EPA workshop of scientists and State program administrators 

 were as follows: 



o Water Quality Criteria to Protect Wetland Function. Existing quality criteria for 

 surface waters would be reviewed for applicability to wetlands. Methods for 

 biological and chemical monitoring of wetlands would be refined, and a field 

 manual produced. 



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