NIAGARA RIVER, LOWER, MAIN STEM
(SEGMENT ID 0101-0027)

Waterbody Segment Assessment Factsheet

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IMPAIRED SEGMENT

Introduction

This fact sheet contains the most recent water quality assessment information for this waterbody segment. The assessment is based on water quality data that meet the quality assurance requirements of NYSDEC’s Division of Water (DOW). An outline of the process used to assess the quality of New York State waters is described in the NYSDEC’s Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM).

WATERBODY INFORMATION

• Water Index Number: Ont 158 (portion 1)
• Segment Classification: A-SPECIAL
• Waterbody Type: River/Stream
• Size: 12 Miles
• Drainage Basin: Lake Erie-Niagara River
• Hydrologic Unit Code: 0412010406
• County: Niagara
• Segment Description: From lake ontario to niagara falls

Assessment of Best Use

Background

New York State waterbodies are classified to reflect their best use(s), and the assessment of a waterbody is based on the ability of waters to support those uses. This section lists whether this waterbody segment supports its best use(s).

Best Use	Use Assessment	Use Assessment Confirmation	Pollutant(s) Cause(s)	303(d) Year	Integrated Reporting Category
Fishing	Impaired	Confirmed	Dioxin	1998	IR5
			Mirex
			Org.Chlor.Pest/HCB	2006
			PAHs	2002
			PCBs	1998
Secondary Contact Recreation	Impaired	Unconfirmed	Dioxin	N/A	IR3
			Mirex
			PAHs
			PCBs
			Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Primary Contact Recreation	Impaired	Unconfirmed	Dioxin	N/A	IR3
			Mirex
			PAHs
			PCBs
			Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Source of Water Supply	Impaired	Confirmed	Iron	2022	IR5
			Total Phenols
Shellfishing	N/A for Waterbody Class	—	—	—	—

Water Quality Monitoring Data and Information

Background

Water quality monitoring data used for assessments may come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to NYSDEC’s surface water monitoring and regulatory programs, and monitoring network partnerships on rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal waters.

For access to current and historical DOW data collected by our stream and lake monitoring programs, please use the Division of Water Monitoring Data Portal.

Data Source	Pollutant(s)
Division of Water’s Stream Monitoring and Assessment Programs	Iron
	Phenolic Compounds
	Total Dissolved Solids
Historical Data Source	Dioxin
	Mirex
	PAHs
	Pesticides
	Total PCBs

For more information, or to sign-up for email updates from NYSDEC, visit our website: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water