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Analytical Methods

Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Methods

EPA promulgated a final regulation (60 FR 53529, October 16, 1995) concerning the use of whole effluent toxicity (WET) test methods toprotect aquatic life in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) data gathering and compliance monitoring under the Clean Water Act. WET is defined as the aggregate toxic effect of an effluent or receiving (ambient) water measured directly with a toxicity test. The Agency-approved WET methods are specified at 40 CFR 136.3, TableIA. These WET methods employ standardized, freshwater, marine, and estuarine vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants to directly measure the acute or short-term chronic adverse effects of effluents and receiving waters monitored under NPDES permits. On November 19, 2002, EPA revised these methods and made available updated method manual editions.

Updated Method Manuals New

Final Rule New

Proposed Rule

Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods; Extension of Comment Period (November 23, 2001)

Fact Sheet -- Extension of Comment Period (November 2001)

Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods; Proposed Rule (October 1, 2001) - Federal Register Notice (September 28, 2001)

Fact Sheet - Proposed Rule (October 2001)

Proposed Changes to Whole Effluent Toxicity Method Manuals (PDF, 365KB)
(EPA-821-B-01-002)

Supporting Information

Final Report: Interlaboratory Variability Study of EPA Short-term Chronic and Acute Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods,
Vol. 1 (PDF, 752KB)
Vol. 2 (PDF, 2MB)

Method Guidance and Recommendations for Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing (40 CFR Part 136) (July 28, 2000)

April 10, 1996 Policy Memorandum Subject: Clarifications Regarding Flexibility in 40 CFR Part 136 Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Test Methods

Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Test Methods to Protect Aquatic Life (Federal Register Notice) (October 16, 1995)

Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods Variability Studies and Guidance Documents

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Wastewater Management | Drinking Water | Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

 
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