E.W.R.A.P.
Ecological and Water Resources
Assessment Project

It’s clear that water quality is one of the most pressing issues facing our state. That’s why it’s crucial for stakeholder groups and the regulated community to have a place at the table and input into the process. This is vital if we are to manage our resources effectively. ERC provides that voice through the Ecological and Water Resources Assessment Project. EWRAP delivers a science-based and balanced view to regulators. They need that big-picture information if they are to develop reasonable policies concerning water protection activities.

Missouri is currently in the process of revising its Water Quality Standards. The new changes may require that more than 22,000 miles of classified streams and nearly 300,000 acres of lakes be protected for Whole Body Contact. This change is mandated by the federal Clean Water Act which established a national goal that all classified waters be designated “fishable and swimmable” wherever those uses exist.

For the last several months, ERC staff has been performing Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) for the Department of Natural Resources to help fill in that big-picture. A UAA is a diagnostic tool that helps the state determine which waters it can safely exempt from overly stringent regulation. It’s a sensible approach to balancing the desires of the community and the needs of business while protecting the environment. Knowing the facts about how a water is used is especially important since the cost of wastewater treatment disinfection will likely be passed on to the community---in other words; to all of us.