After 30 years, Washington’s Department of Ecology (Ecology) has finally proposed updates to the Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria. These criteria, found in Chapter 173-201A of the Washington Administrative Code, play a crucial role in developing water quality standards and managing fundamental pollution controls to protect ecosystems.
The last large-scale update to the Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria was in 1993, and a lot has happened since then. Environmental regulations anticipate accommodating regular advances made in science and technology, so consistent, periodic updates to toxics criteria are necessary to properly regulate the waters we depend on. The discovery of 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) and its devastating impact on aquatic life is of particular note.
New criteria: 6PPD-quinone
Soundkeeper was particularly glad to see the that the update includes a proposed criterion for 6PPD-Q. Criteria is necessary to regulate, monitor, and address this devastating pollutant in runoff, stormwater, combined sewage overflows, and other discharges into the Sound. Ecology’s proposal shows that Washington State remains a leader on the 6PPD-Q issue.
Unfortunately, the proposal only includes an acute 6PPD-Q criterion for freshwater. This leaves out criteria for freshwater at chronic exposure levels, as well as for marine waters at acute and chronic levels. The remaining three play important roles for Washington’s water quality. 6PPD-Q affects sensitive species differently at different levels and across different exposure times. Effective environmental management and protection requires understanding acute and chronic levels in both freshwater and marine environments.
Definitions
“Acute conditions” are changes in the physical, chemical, or biological environment which are expected or demonstrated to result in injury or death to an organism because of short-term exposure. This can be anywhere from a few minutes to 96 hours. Acute toxicity can cause immediate harm to aquatic organisms, often leading to rapid symptoms or death.
“Chronic conditions” are changes in the physical, chemical, or biologic environment which are expected or demonstrated to result in injury or death to an organism because of repeated or constant exposure over an extended period. This exposure can be weeks, months, or even the entire lifespan of the aquatic organism. Chronic exposure often results in long-term health effects that may not be immediately noticeable. For example, reduced reproductive success, slower growth, impaired immune functions, and bioaccumulation of toxins.
Summary
In sum, this is a good first step—and one that is also 30 years overdue. Soundkeeper asked that Ecology apply the same acute criteria developed for freshwater to marine ecosystems. The agency should use the momentum around 6PPD-Q to develop chronic marine and freshwater criteria. Soundkeeper also recommends that the Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria be updated with these chronic values without delay.
Read our full comments on the proposed update to the Toxics Criteria here.
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