NWMO-TMP-AD-0007-R003 – Technical Report

GUIDELINE APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The following sections outline the approach and methodology selected for the derivation of guidelines for the elements of interest. [...] The following sections describe the consideration of protection of aquatic life and agricultural protection in the selection of appropriate surface water quality guidelines (WQGs) for the elements of interest. [...] 3.1.1 Water Quality Guideline for the Protection of Aquatic Life The CCME (2007) protocol for the derivation of Water Quality Guidelines (WQGs) for the protection of aquatic life provides an approach and methodology for developing guidelines that ensure that the introduction of toxic substances do not lead to the degradation of Canadian fresh and marine waters. [...] Recognizing that the minimum data requirements were not met by the available terrestrial toxicity database for the elements of interest, a modified approach was developed to allow for the derivation of guidelines considering the available data. [...] In the derivation of guidelines for potable groundwater conditions, both the MOECC and CCME consider available drinking water guidelines and default to the lower of the aquatic toxicity and drinking water guideline.