by Angel Kruzen
What is a Use Attainability Analysis (UAA)? What is it for?
A UAA is the method that the state will use to determine what classification of protection a stream/water body will receive.
Example: If a stream is classified for Whole body contact then the stream can only have a fecal coli form count of two hundred colonies per one hundred milliliters (200/100ml) or E. Coli count shall not exceed 126 colonies per one hundred milliliters (126/100ml) If it is classified as secondary contact it can then received a fecal coli form count up to one thousand eight hundred colonies per one hundred milliliters (1800/100ml) or a E. Coli count that shall not exceed 1,134 colonies per one hundred milliliter (1134/100ml). True this is done during the recreational season and by geometric means. In other words it makes it acceptable to add more pollution. The information obtained in the UAA will be used to:
- Comply with federal requirements for the designation of recreational uses,
- Assist in identifying waters of the State which support recreational uses,
- Assist in identifying waters of the State which do not support water-contact recreational uses,
- Respond to the changes in capacity of surface waters to support recreational uses, and/or
- Review and modify, as appropriate, the recreational designation of surface waters within the federal regulations.
- To see/read the Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Protocols go to: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/wpscd/wpcp/wqstandards/uaa/wpp_wqs_uaa.pdf
I’m also concerned at the lack of public notice/participation that the UAAs are receiving. How many people have heard about a stream that is in their area has been added to a list to have a UAA performed. What it is, or even what to do, if it is on a list, and how you use it?
If you use the stream on the list or know or have seen someone using the stream for swimming, baptizing, or know of children playing in it during the summer, or have seen other signs of human uses, write to the DNR and tell them. It would be best if you can document it with photos. If we can prove the stream or river is being used then it must be made safe. Go through your family photos, talk to the people in the area and attempt to document that the stream has been used or had human contact before November 28th, 1975. Do this particularly if the stream is not being used for that purpose now. The state will have to protect the stream at the higher standard. If your favorite stream is on the DNR list, start sending your comments in NOW. Comments need to be sent before July 14th. Details as to where and how you use various streams are very important.
Send your information to:
Marlene Kirchner, Clean Water Commission Secretary
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102.
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