Water Quality Criteria: Notice of Ambient Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen (Saltwater): Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras

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Pursuant to section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Environmental Protection Agency announces the availability of the completed document titled, Ambient Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen (Saltwater): Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. The document contains EPA's recommended national 304(a) criteria for dissolved oxygen in saltwater to protect aquatic life. These water quality criteria recommendations apply to coastal waters (waters within the territorial seas, defined as within three miles from shore under section 502(8) of the CWA) of the Virginian Province (Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras). However, with appropriate modifications they may be applicable to coastal waters (as defined under section 502(8) of the CWA) in other provinces of the United States. Under the CWA, States, Territories, and Tribes are to adopt water quality criteria to protect designated uses. EPA has promulgated regulations to implement this requirement (see 40 CFR part 141). EPA's recommended water quality criteria do not substitute for the Act or regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, EPA's recommended water quality criteria do not impose legally-binding requirements. States,