Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 579 - CLASSIFICATION ATTAINMENT EVALUATION USING BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
Section 096-579-1 - Definitions

A. Association value. The probability (0.0-1.0), computed in the final decision model (Section 1(F) below), that a sample from a test community is comparable to statistically defined classification groups (see also Section 1(E)), representing the ecological attributes described in the water quality classification law.

B. Classification attainment evaluation. An assessment to determine whether the aquatic life standards of a specified class are achieved. Classification attainment evaluations are performed by the department and reported in the department's biennial assessment report to the Legislature or may be required of an applicant for a waste discharge license or water quality certificate, as defined in this chapter.

C. Ecological attribute. A process, function or characteristic of a biological community that is used to evaluate the attainment of the aquatic life standards of a classification and that can be quantified or documented through the use of metrics and indices of the aquatic community structure and function.

D. Indeterminate. A term that describes an association value for a class of greater than 0.4 but less than 0.6 so that the conclusion of classification attainment for that class cannot be determined without further information.

E. Linear discriminant function. An equation that is a weighted linear combination of predictor variables, derived to best distinguish among a set of classification groups having known statistical properties.

F. Linear discriminant model. A set of one or more linear discriminant functions, used in combination, to derive strength of membership of an unknown sample within a water quality classification (e.g. Section 3(F), the C or Better Model; the B or Better Model; the Class A Model). Membership strength can be converted into an association value for class membership on a 0.0-1.0 scale.

G. Quality assurance plan. A plan submitted to, and approved by, the department that addresses study design, sample collection methods, sample processing methods, provisions for a taxonomic reference collection, data management and analysis methods, report preparation, professional oversight of technical staff, and management and security accountability.

H. Reference community. Populations of organisms inhabiting a location that is free from known pollution sources or other activities that could bring about a change in the natural state of a community, and is chosen for its similarity to a test community location according to criteria defined in "Methods for Biological Sampling and Analysis of Maine's Rivers and Streams" (DE P LW 0387 -B2002).

I. Taxonomic reference collection. An archived collection of one or more representative specimens of individual taxa identified by a person submitting taxonomic data to the department. Such specimens must be preserved in a separate vial for each taxon, labeled with collection site, collection date, taxonomic name, taxonomist name, and sample tracking identifier (e.g., sample log number).

J. Test community. A population of organisms inhabiting a location where classification attainment evaluation is being conducted.