Water Temperature Standard

Oregon's Temperature Standard

Oregon’s current temperature standard was adopted by the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in December 2003. The Environmental Protection Agency approved much of the standard in March 2004, and approved additional provisions in March 2010. DEQ revised the standard in February 2007 in response to EPA’s disapproval of the 2003 narrative criteria for cool water species, natural lakes and oceans and bays. EPA approved the revised narratives in February 2011.

Temperature Standard Rule - OAR 340-041-0028

Beneficial use designations used to determine applicable temperature criteria:


• Oregon Basin Index Map (Figure 1)
• 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


• Temperature IMD Transmittal Memo
• Letters and memos
  Provide clarification or interpretation of the temperature standard and other related water quality standards. [link to the “water quality standards guidance documents page]

EPA Temperature Guidance

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

Federal Court Opinions and Orders

• Court Opinion, Feb. 28, 2012
• Summary and Implications of NWEA v. EPA Lawsuit, March 2003
• Court Opinion and Order, Mar. 31, 2003
• Court Opinion and Order, June 11, 2003

Related Documents

• The Scientific Basis for Oregon's 1996 Temperature Criteria
• 1992-1994 Water Quality Standards Review: Temperature Issue Paper - June 1995
• Summary of the discussion and findings of DEQ's Technical Advisory Committee on Water Quality Criteria for Temperature, 2003

[print version]