What is a TMDL EPA?
What is a TMDL? A TMDL is the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant.
What is a TMDL report?
A TMDL Project Report describes the water quality problem addressed by the TMDL, details the sources, and outlines solutions. The report includes all the elements necessary for a TMDL (see TMDL Elements).
What is a TMDL plan?
A total maximum daily load (TMDL) is a regulatory term in the U.S. Clean Water Act, describing a plan for restoring impaired waters that identifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards.
What is Chesapeake Bay TMDL?
What is the Bay TMDL? On December 29, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL is a historic and comprehensive “pollution diet” to restore clean water in the Chesapeake Bay and the region’s streams, creeks, and rivers. Bay TMDL Document.
Who determines TMDL?
First, EPA is required to review and approve a state’s list of impaired waters and TMDLs. Second, if a state fails to identify impaired waters and develop a TMDL where one is needed, the CWA requires EPA to develop an impaired waters list for the state and make its own TMDL determination.
How many TMDLs are there?
The Regional Boards are currently engaged in developing over 120 TMDLs, many addressing multiple pollutants.
Who created TMDL?
RWQCBs
TMDLs developed by RWQCBs are designed as Basin Plan amendments and include implementation provisions. TMDLs developed by USEPA typically contain the total load and load allocations required by Section 303(d), but do not contain comprehensive implementation provisions.
What parts of the Chesapeake Bay are most affected by chemical contaminants?
More than three-quarters of the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal waters are considered impaired by chemical contaminants….But the EPA has identified three “regions of concern” that show significant problems:
- Baltimore Harbor.
- the Anacostia River.
- the Elizabeth River.
What is the primary pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay watershed?
The largest source of pollution to the Bay comes from agricultural runoff, which contributes roughly 40 percent of the nitrogen and 50 percent of the phosphorus entering the Chesapeake Bay. The fastest growing source of nitrogen pollution to the Bay is polluted runoff.
What is a 303 D list?
The term “303(d) list” or “list” is short for a state’s list of impaired and threatened waters (e.g. stream/river segments, lakes). States are required to submit their list for EPA approval every two years. For each water on the list, the state identifies the pollutant causing the impairment, when known.
What is the most common contaminant?
Common Waterborne Contaminants
- Lead.
- Nitrates/Nitrites.
- Mercury.
- Perchlorate.
- Radium.
- Selenium.
- Silver.
- Uranium.
How does pharmaceutical waste get into the Chesapeake Bay?
Researchers found that tens of thousands of doses of drugs get into Chesapeake Bay in Maryland every year due to seeping sewer pipes.
Where can I find additional information about TMDLs and stormwater?
Additional information about TMDLs and stormwater is available on EPA’s Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Stormwater webpage. Alaska —Indian Country; areas in Denali National Park and Preserve subject to construction by a federal operator
What is a TMDL and why is it important?
A TMDL establishes the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed in a waterbody and serves as the starting point or planning tool for restoring water quality. Program Activities in EPA’s Regions
Are there any TMDLs in Alaska?
Alaska —Indian Country; areas in Denali National Park and Preserve subject to construction by a federal operator Currently, there are no TMDLs developed. Currently, there are no TMDLs developed. Currently, there are no TMDLs developed. Currently, there are no TMDLs developed. Currently, there are no TMDLs developed.