Biological opinion on EPA approval of water quality standards for Delaware and Maryland
May 01, 2023
In response to a request from EPA Region 2, NOAA Fisheries has prepared a biological opinion on EPA’s proposal to approve protective water quality standards for the states of Delaware and Maryland.
We have evaluated the effects of the proposed action on federally listed species and designated critical habitat and have concluded that the proposed action may adversely affect but is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of shortnose sturgeon, the New York Bight and Chesapeake Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic sturgeon with designated critical habitat in the action area, and migrating Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Chesapeake Bay, Carolina, and South Atlantic Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic sturgeon.