Every two years, DEQ is required to assess water quality and report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the condition of Oregon's waters. DEQ prepares an Integrated Report that meets the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act for Sections 305(b) and 303(d).
- Section 305(b) requires a report on the overall condition of Oregon's waters.
- Section 303(d) requires identifying waters that do not meet water quality standards and where a Total Maximum Daily Load pollutant load limit needs to be developed.
The Integrated Report includes an assessment of each water body where data are available, and the list of waters identified under Section 303(d) as water quality limited and needing a TMDL. Waters may be added to the 303(d) list based on evaluation of new data, application of new or revised water quality standards, or information showing water quality has declined. Waters may be removed from the 303(d) list when TMDLs or other control measures have been established that are expected to improve water quality, when data show water quality has improved, and in some cases when water quality standards are revised.
Oregon DEQ reports to the EPA the status of our waters, and those waters which belong on the 303(d) list. The EPA displays this data for the nation on How’s My Waterway?.
Approved Integrated Report
Scientific Technical Workgroup for Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia
DEQ held a scientific technical workgroup meeting for ocean acidification and hypoxia on Feb. 17, 2022 The objective of the workgroup is to assist DEQ in developing methodologies for assessing the impacts of ocean acidification and marine dissolved oxygen in Oregon's territorial waters for future Integrated Report cycles. According to the Clean Water Act guidance, DEQ is required to assess water quality, and to report to the U.S. EPA on the condition of Oregon's waters on a biennial basis in its Integrated Report.
Meeting materials