EVALUATING WATER QUALITY IMPACTS OF WATERSHED ALTENRATIVES USING AN INTEGRATED MODELING APPROACH ON THE TRUCKEE RIVER

摘要

This paper presents the findings, conclusions and recommendations for the implementation of anrnintegrated modeling approach on the Truckee River to evaluate water quality impacts of variousrnwatershed alternatives in order to implement a trading program for TMDL modifications on thernTruckee River. In addition, this paper discusses the viability of a seasonal TMDL and includes arndiscussion on the phased approach towards developing water quality trading permit language.rnThe State of Nevada’s Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) listed the Truckee River onrntheir 1988 303(d) list and established TMDLS for total nitrogen, total phosphorus and TDS onrnthe Nevada side of the river. As a result of the TMDL process, the Truckee Meadows WaterrnReclamation Facility (TMWRF) had waste load allocations (WLAs) incorporated into theirrnNPDES permit, which has resulted in potential restrictions on planned growth. In order tornaccommodate for planned growth and to meet water quality objectives, a water quality loadrntrading program is being implemented. The development of the trading program, includesrnestablishing the technical basis for modifying the TMDLs and WLAs and for identifying thernoptimum mix of structural and nonstructural projects and programs to be implemented. Thisrninvolves the development of watershed and water quality models. In addition, the developmentrnof the water quality trading program involves a phased NPDES permitting approach, while waterrnquality trades are developed, implemented and regionally accepted.