The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week published a draft version of its Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans for public comment.

Comments are due June 30 and should be addressed to watershedhandbook@epa.gov .

EPA is making this draft document widely available with the purpose of having it used and tested by a variety of watershed partnerships, whose advice will be considered in developing the final version.

The 414-page handbook is designed to take the user through each step of the watershed planning process: watershed monitoring and assessment, community outreach, selection and application of available models, best management practices, effectiveness data bases, implementation, feedback and plan adjustment.

The handbook is intended to supplement existing watershed planning guides that have been developed by agencies, universities, and other nonprofit organizations. This handbook is more specific than other guides about quantifying existing pollutant loads, developing estimates of the load reductions required to meet water-quality standards, developing effective management measures, and tracking progress once the plan is implemented.

The draft Handbook is available online. Free copies are also available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (EPA 841-B-05-005) by calling 800-490-9198 or e-mail ncepimal@one.net .

1/6/2006