More than Half of Rivers and Streams In Poor Condition, Draft EPA Survey Finds

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft survey March 26 showing that more than half of the nation's rivers and streams are in poor biological condition owing to excess levels of phosphorus and nitrogen and streambed sediment. The draft National Rivers and Streams Assessment also found that 21 percent of the nation's rivers and streams are in "good" biological condition, while 23 percent were in "fair" condition. The findings are part of a first-ever assessment at nearly 2,000 sites in 2008 and 2009. The purpose of the collaborative survey by EPA, the states and tribal partners was to generate scientifically valid information on the condition of rivers and streams, identify key stres-sors to river and stream health, and establish baseline information for future trends assessment.