The Monitoring and Assessment section of the SWQB has documented procedures, referred to as the “Assessment Protocol”, for determining use attainment in order to develop the State of New Mexico Integrated Clean Water Act §303(d)/§305(b) Integrated Report. The Assessment Protocol explains how the SWQB evaluates existing and readily available surface water quality data and other information to determine whether or not surface water quality standards are being attained. Written assessment protocols are necessary to consistently determine whether or not surface waters are meetings their designated and existing uses. Protocols are also updated as new and improved assessment tools and approaches become available. These protocols are reviewed every other year by US EPA, other natural resource professionals, and interested stakeholders. |
