The interstate waters for which standards were adopted are listed below and depicted in Figure I. The water quality criteria established by Arkansas apply to the following interstate streams: UPPER WHITE, NEOSHO, GRAND BASINS Illinois River, Spavinaw Creek, Barren Ford, Elk River, White River (above Newport), Black River, Current River, Eleven Point River, Spring River, English Creek, and King's River. LOWER WHITE BASIN White River (Newport to Mississippi River) and Cache River. St. FRANCIS BASIN Pemiscot Bayou, Buffalo Creek and St. Francis River. ARKANSAS BASIN Arkansas River and Poteau River. UPFER OUACHITA BASIN Upper Ouachita River down to and including mouth of Little Missouri River. LOWER OUACHITA BASIN Bayou Macon, Boeuf River, Bayou Bartholomew, Overflow Creek, Chemin-a-Haut Creek, Ouachita River (mouth of Little Missouri to Louisiana line), Bayou Loutre, Little Cornie Bayou, Three Creeks, Cornie Bayou, and Big Cornie Creek. RED RIVER BASIN Little River, Dorcheat Bayou, Bodcaw Creek, Lelly Bayou, McKinney Bayou, Sulphur River, and Red River. MISSISSIPPI RIVER The standards consist of three major components: designation of the uses which the waters are to serve, specification of narrative and numerical criteria to protect and enhance water quality, and specification of a plan of implementation and enforcement, which includes treatment and control requirements for numicipal, industrial and other wastes discharged to or affecting the waters. These three essential components are discussed in the following sections. The standards are now being implemented. However, there will be continuing research on water quality requirements for various beneficial uses and for improved collection and evaluation of water quality data. As more information becomes available and experience with implementing the standards is gained, the standards will be refined and improved to reflect this new knowledge. Should more detailed information be required on any aspect of the standards, it may be obtained from the Arkansas Pollution Control Commission, Little Rock, Arkansas, or the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, South Central Regional Office in Dallas, Texas. The addresses of these offices are given on page 21. WATER USES The designation by the State of Arkansas of specific uses in all river basins is to protect present uses, recognize practicable future uses, provide where possible for a variety of uses, and to assure compatibility of standards with Federal, State and local resource planning. With few exceptions, the streams of Arkansas contain waters of a quality suitable for all legitimate uses without the necessity of unreasonable water treatment. Where man-made pollution exists, substantial progress has been and is being made in abatement. It is the purpose of these criteria to preserve and enhance the quality of this water so that it shall be reasonably available for all beneficial uses and thus promote the social welfare and economic well-being of the people of the State. To satisfy the intent of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance water quality, the standards specifically provide that no interstate waters may be used solely or primarily for waste assimilation. The waters must be aesthetically pleasing, and this quality is protected by narrative criteria preventing unsightly or obnoxious conditions, such as floating debris, oil slicks, unpleasant odors, and colors. Specific use designations for all waters covered by the standards are provided in Table I. 59-068 O 71 pt. 4 22 |