Navigating the TMDL Process
Evaluation and Improvements (WERF Report 00-WSM-1)
Published on 1. November 2003
360 pages
978-1-78040-404-2 (ISBN)
Description
TMDLs, or total maximum daily loads, are required under the Clean Water Act, Section 303(d), for waterbodies that do not attain water quality standards. The objective of this research was to review the existing TMDL process and to develop an improved design for TMDL development where improvements are needed. This objective was accomplished through: (1) Identifying and verifying problems with the existing TMDL program; (2) Formulating a range of recommended improvement options on specific topics that address identified weaknesses; and (3) Providing case studies examples that highlight these recommended changes to improve the TMDL process. The research team identified ten specific areas for improvement, based on a review of approved TMDLs, a survey of state programs, and an in-depth review of specific case study examples. Each topic is addressed in a separate chapter of the report, with a discussion, recommendation of improved approaches where appropriate, and specific examples to help guide water quality professionals when developing or reviewing TMDLs.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
File size
7,53 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-78040-404-2 (9781780404042)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Paul L. Freedman
Navigating the TMDL Process
Book
11/2003
IWA Publishing
€166.66
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Content
- Cover
- Copyright
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Benefits
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures
- List of Acronyms
- Executive Summary
- 1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Project Objectives
- 1.2 Background
- 1.3 Project Design and Project Team Roles
- 2.0 Identification of Issues & Challenges
- 2.1 Approach
- 2.2 Review of Stakeholder Comments
- 2.3 Review of State Programs
- 2.4 Review of Approved TMDLs
- 2.5 Specific Examples
- 2.6 List of Issues and Major Program Challenges
- 3.0 Research Investigations to Address Issues & Challenges
- 3.1 Research Topics
- 3.2 Research Approach
- 4.0 Estimating Background Pollutant Loads
- 4.1 Background
- 4.2 Issue Identification
- 4.3 Current Status
- 4.4 Problems with Current Status
- 4.5 Recommendations
- 4.6 Future Research Needs
- 5.0 Quantifying Nonpoint Source Loads Using Simple Methods
- 5.1 Background
- 5.2 Order-of-Magnitude Estimates
- 5.3 Empirical Models
- 5.4 Software Programs
- 5.5 Estimating Uncertainty
- 5.6 Nonpoint Source Pollutant Loads and Background Estimates
- 5.7 TMDL Examples Using Simple Nonpoint Source Loading Models
- 5.8 Summary and Future Research Needs
- 6.0 Incorporating Urban Wet Weather Sources
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Findings and Observations
- 6.3 Why Are Wet Weather TMDLs in Urban Areas So Challenging?
- 6.4 Recommendations
- 6.5 Options for Developing Wet Weather TMDLs
- 6.6 Future Research Needs
- 7.0 Selecting Critical Conditions
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Regulations and Definitions
- 7.3 National Guidance
- 7.4 State Level Guidance
- 7.5 Review of Existing TMDLs
- 7.6 Problems with Current Status
- 7.7 Recommendations
- 7.8 Future Research Needs
- 8.0 Guiding Principles for Modeling
- 8.1 A Summary of Background and Issues
- 8.2 Basic Principles for Model Selection in the TMDL Process
- 8.3 Basic Principles for Model Development
- 8.4 Principles for Model Management Application
- 8.5 Future Research Needs
- 9.0 Estimating the Margin of Safety
- 9.1 Overview of Scientific and Policy Issues
- 9.2 Attributes of Improved Use of MOS
- 9.3 Improved Methods
- 9.4 Examples of the Improved Method
- 9.5 Model Uncertainty Analysis Techniques
- 9.6 Summary of Future Research Needs
- 10.0 Approaches to the Allocation of Loads
- 10.1 Introduction
- 10.2 Research Approach
- 10.3 Identification of Issues and Findings
- 10.4 Federal Regulations and Guidance
- 10.5 State Regulations and Guidance: The Range of Allocation Approaches
- 10.6 Conclusions and Recommendations
- 11.0 Linking Best Management Practices to Load Reductions
- 11.1 Background
- 11.2 Study Approach
- 11.3 User's Guide to This Chapter
- 11.4 Urban Stormwater BMPs
- 11.5 Forestry BMPs
- 11.6 Agricultural BMPs
- 11.7 Abandoned Coal Mine/Remining BMPs
- 11.8 Case Studies
- 11.9 Discussion
- 12.0 TMDL Implementation Planning, Tracking, & Adaptation
- 12.1 Introduction
- 12.2 Review of Approved TMDLs
- 12.3 Review of Federal Regulations
- 12.4 Review of State Programs
- 12.5 Observations and Findings
- 12.6 Summary
- 13.0 Public Involvement
- 13.1 Issues Identification
- 13.2 Available Guidance
- 13.3 Research
- 13.4 Conclusions
- 14.0 Adaptive Watershed Management
- 14.1 Problem Context
- 14.2 What Is Adaptive Watershed Management?
- 14.3 What Types of TMDLs Qualify for Adaptive Watershed Management?
- 14.4 History of Adaptive Management
- 14.5 Current Use of Adaptive Management in TMDLs
- 14.6 Example TMDLs with Adaptive Management
- 14.7 Calls for Adaptive Management Use in TMDLs
- 14.8 Additional Considerations
- 14.9 Obstacles to Using Adaptive Watershed Management
- 14.10 Conclusions
- Appendix A: List of Reviewed TMDLs
- Appendix B: Annotated Bibliography: Best Management Practices
- References
