The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a multi-media, web-based training course on key aspects of the water quality standards program and other related Clean Water Act programs. This Internet-based training program is an abbreviated version of the week-long, in-class Water Quality Standards Academy course, and includes the following modules:

• Introduction to the EPA and the Clean Water Act,
• Waterbody uses,
• Water quality criteria,
• Antidegradation,
• Standards submittal and approval, and
• Variances, using attainability analyses, mixing zones, and other flexibility options.

Each module is designed to be completed in about 15 minutes. The modules present text-based information across a sequence of pages that include user interactions, links to further information and resources, brief video clips that expand on important points, and brief quizzes.

The online training course is designed for people with little familiarity with the water quality standards program, but the EPA says it can also serve as a good refresher for people with experience in this subject.

Access the online training course at www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy.