TMDLS: WHAT EVERY POINT AND NON-POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTOR SHOULD KNOW

摘要

Regulatory agencies in many states are moving forward with the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for impaired waters listed under Clean Water Act Section 303(d). Reviews of TMDLs in several states indicate that TMDLs, and the resulting Load Allocations (LAs) and Wasteload Allocations (WLAs), may be based on limited data, unsound modeling and poor characterization of non-point source loads. Meeting LAs proposed in some of the TMDLs reviewed here would be a significant challenge for an urbanized area. WLAs have even greater regulatory impact because they will be implemented via point source discharge permits. Those contributing via point or non-point sources to impaired waters are encouraged to become actively involved in the TMDL development process to help ensure that TMDLs are based on good science and result in reasonable, achievable WLAs and LAs that will lead to meaningful improvements in water quality.