Current Issues on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Program

Date

2001

Authors

Mustafa, Dr. Golam

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Abstract

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) represent the total pollutant loading allowable from both point sources (waste load allocations) and nonpoint sources (load allocations) that a water body may assimilate and still maintain the water quality standards set for that water. The TMDL program is approaching a major cross-roads. Significant revisions to the TMDL program were proposed and a final rule was published on July 13, 2000. However, the Congressional rider on military construction/supplemental appropriations prohibits EPA from implementing this rule until October 2001. The TMDL program will continue under the 1992 regulations, interpretive guidance, and agreements reached through litigation. Current issues include interim listing/delisting procedures, development of State data assessment methodologies, schedules for completion of TMDLs, and significant technical issues related to development of meaningful TMDLs. The Agency's position on acceptance of interim lists has been modified to acknowledge the States' need to modify lists outside of the two-year cycle provided in the 1992 rule. The 1992 rule requires under 130.7(b)(iv) that States submit a description of their data assessment methodology along with the list of impaired waters. These methodologies will play a greater role in approval of future 303(d) lists. In Region 6 schedules for TMDL development are established by court order, consent decree, or state submittal of 303(d) lists. Whatever the mechanism for setting the schedule it is important that we continue to show steady progress and establish TMDLs consistent with the published schedule for completion.

Description

pg. 43

Keywords

total maximum daily loads

Citation