State Water Plan Watersheds Projected for Assessment in 1999 [29 Pa.B. 1125] In 1997, the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) initiated a new water quality monitoring program known as the Unassessed Waters (UW) Program. The UW program was developed to: 1) conduct a systematic and complete Statewide assessment of the Commonwealth's surface waters; 2) delineate stream segments that are impaired; and 3) locate, identify, and evaluate the extent and impacts from point and nonpoint source discharges.
Pennsylvania has approximately 83,400 stream miles within its boundaries distributed among 104 State Water Plan management units. Water quality assessments of the management units are based on biological stream surveys conducted by biologists from the Department, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Susquehanna River Basin Commission and Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Water quality status reports (''305(b) Report'' and ''303(d) List of Impaired Waters'') summarizing the data are periodically submitted to the EPA.
Since its inception, the UW program has generated significant interest among other State and Federal agencies, commercial and industrial sectors and public interest groups. After 2 years, assessments for 21 watersheds totaling 24,408 stream miles (29%) have been completed. Maps showing watersheds where surveys have been completed, partially completed and designated for assessment during the 1999 season are now available. Maps and a list of watersheds to be assessed in 1999 may be obtained by contacting Mary Houghton at (717) 787-9637. Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) and request that the call be relayed. Questions about the UW Program or proposed 1999 assessments may be sent to Tony Shaw, Division of Water Quality Assessment & Standards, Bureau of Watershed Conservation, P. O. Box 8555, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555 or by calling (717) 787-9637. Information about the UW Program and proposed 1999 assessments is also available electronically through the DEP Web site (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) Select ''subjects''; ''Water Management''; Water Quality Assessment and Standards.''
JAMES M. SEIF,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 99-319. Filed for public inspection February 26, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]
