INTEGRATED LONG-TERM RECEIVING WATER STUDY METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

A variety of methods have been used to assess the effects of pulp and paper mill wastewater discharges on receiving waters. Because individu al methods have both strengths and weaknesses, aquatic ecosystem healt h is best characterized by an approach which integrates several method s. In order to better understand the significance of its effluents in the aquatic environment, the forest products industry is interested in developing a methodology for integrated aquatic health assessments. D iscussions in NCASI's membership suggest that it would be desirable fo r an integrated aquatic assessment methodology to be capable of the fo llowing: (i) determine the environmental compatibility of mill effluen ts, and where compatibility is established, the margins of safety agai nst adverse impacts; (ii) document improvements in environmental quali ty as contaminant or waste loads are reduced; (iii) provide an early i ndication of any important adverse impacts related to mill effluents; (iv) extend the framework for interpreting new and subtle measures of aquatic organism and ecosystem health; and (v) provide a Framework for integrating, as appropriate, point and non-point source studies condu cted by the forest products industry. Soon, NCASI will be assembling a team of experts to assist in creating an integrated assessment method ology consistent with these objectives. This paper provides an overvie w of integrated monitoring study elements and their strengths and weak ness. Also provided is the process by which industry information needs were assessed and the results of that assessment. (C) 1997 IAWQ.