Water Temperature Standard

Oregon's Temperature Standard

Adopted by the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) December 2003 and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) March 2004.

• Temperature Criteria Rules - OAR 340-041-0028
• Beneficial use designations used to determine applicable temperature criteria:
  • Oregon Basin Index Map (Figure 1) PDF
  • Designated Beneficial Uses by basin (Tables 101A to 340A)
  • Fish Use Designations by basin (Tables 101B to 250B)
  • Fish Use and Spawning Use Maps by basin (Figures 130A to 340B)

Information and Guidance Documents

• Temperature Water Quality Standard Implementation IMD - April 2008 PDF
  • Temperature IMD Transmittal Memo PDF
• Clarification Letter from DEQ to EPA, February 4, 2004 PDF
  Provides clarification on Oregon's natural conditions provision and the application of dissolved oxygen criteria for spawning.

February 2007 Revisions

The temperature criteria for natural lakes, oceans and bay, Borax Lake Chub and cool water species were revised by the EQC in February 2007:

• Water Quality Standards Rulemaking

EPA Temperature Guidance

• Summary of EPA's Temperature Guidance PDF
• EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards, April 2003 PDF
• EPA Region 10's Water Temperature Standard Guidance Supporting Documents

Federal Court Opinions and Orders

• Summary and Implications of NWEA v. EPA Lawsuit, March 2003 PDF
• Court Opinion and Order, March 31, 2003 PDF
• Court Opinion and Order, June 11, 2003 PDF

Related Documents

• The Scientific Basis for Oregon's 1996 Temperature Criteria PDF
• 1992-1994 Water Quality Standards Review: Temperature Issue Paper - June 1995 PDF 8.4mb

[print version]