Apply STAF Assessments

EASI

Tier 1 · Screening

Ecosystem Assessment Screening Index

Desktop screening with commonly used, nationally applicable metrics.

Web application

Open EASI ↗

Spreadsheet calculator

Download

Watch the walkthrough

SFARI

Tier 2 · Rapid

Stream Functions Assessment and Rapid Index

Nationally applicable, function-based rapid field assessment with desktop evidence support.

Web application

Open SFARI ↗

Spreadsheet calculator

Download

DEEP

Tier 3 · Detailed

Detailed Evaluation of Ecosystem Processes

Detailed, curve-based site assessment, with a regional assessment for each EPA Level III ecoregion.

Web application

Open DEEP ↗

Spreadsheet calculator

Find your Level III ecoregion

Click your site's area on the map.

The outlines DEEP uses to match a site to its assessment. Or open EPA's Level III map (PDF).

Downloads and resources

  • The full STAF metric library as a spreadsheet.
  • STAF Factsheet (PDF) Overview of the framework.

References

  • Stepchinski, L. M., McKay, S. K., Harris, A. E., & Menichino, G. T. (2025). A Review of Stream Assessment Methods in the United States. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 61(6), e70056.
  • Stepchinski, L. M., Menichino, G. T., & McKay, S. K. (2024, December). A Tiered Approach for Assessing Stream Ecosystem Condition. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2024, No. 983, pp. H11X-0983).
  • David, G. C., Stepchinski, L. M., Wiest, S. R., & Menichino, G. T. (In review). Stream Functions Assessment and Rapid Index (SFARI): A nationally applicable, rapid, function-based stream assessment. ERDC/EMRRP Technical Report. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
  • Alaska Stream Quantification Tool Steering Committee (Steering Committee). 2021. Stream Quantification Tool and Debit Calculator for the Alaskan Interior User Manual and Spreadsheets. Version 1.0. Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District, Delta Junction, AK.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2020. Colorado Stream Quantification Tool (CSQT) User Manual and Spreadsheets. Version 1.0. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, Pueblo Regulatory Office.
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). 2020. Michigan Stream Quantification Tool: Spreadsheet User Manual, MiSQT v1.0., EGLE, Lansing, MI.
  • Minnesota Stream Quantification Tool Steering Committee (MNSQT SC). 2020. Minnesota Stream Quantification Tool and Debit Calculator (MNSQT) User Manual, Version 2.0. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (Contract # EPC-17-001), Washington, D.C.
  • Harman, W.A. and C.J. Jones. 2017. North Carolina Stream Quantification Tool: Data Collection and Analysis Manual, NC SQT v3.0. Environmental Defense Fund, Raleigh, NC.
  • South Carolina Steering Committee. 2022. South Carolina Stream Quantification Tool: Data Collection and Analysis Manual, SC SQT v1.1. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Columbia, SC.
  • Wisconsin Stream Quantification Tool Steering Committee (WISQT SC). 2023. Stream Quantification Tool and Debit Calculator for Wisconsin User Manual and Workbooks. Beta Version.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2023. Wyoming Stream Quantification Tool (WSQT) User Manual and Spreadsheet. Version 2.0, Omaha District, Wyoming Regulatory Office, Cheyenne Wyoming.