USING CRITICAL LOADS IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


Access background information and a step-by-step guide for using critical loads for each process below.

CLs can be used to:
All Agencies

NEPA

quantify ecosystem impacts related to existing and future air quality conditions

PSD

determine air pollution impacts on AQRVs (Air Quality Related Values) during permit review for Prevention of Significant Deterioration

WILDERNESS CHARACTER MONITORING

calculate national level trends in wilderness character for the Air Quality Element

COMMUNICATION

communicate ecosystem effects when sharing precipitation chemistry monitoring data with general audiences

NPS

NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT

identify natural resources at risk of harm from current levels of air pollution and help guide management action to research and mitigate impacts

USFS

FOREST PLANNING

prepare air quality assessments for forest planning documents, establish current and desired air quality conditions, and meet 2012 Planning Directive requirements

WILDERNESS STEWARDSHIP PERFORMANCE

interpret WAQV (Wilderness Air Quality Value) monitoring data at the wilderness unit level to assess air pollution effects baselines and trends

TERRESTRIAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT

assess deposition effects of acidifying and fertilizing air pollution on terrestrial condition

WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK

assess deposition effects of acidifying and fertilizing air pollution on watershed condition