Take action: TMDLs

1) Get on the mailing list for all TMDLs in your basin, and request opportunities for public involvement if none are planned.

2) During TMDL development or once you obtain a draft TMDL, explore the following questions:

• Is the TMDL designed to meet water quality standards?
• Is the pollution cap set as a daily load? Are the allocations for point and nonpoint sources set as daily loads?
• Are all sources included?
• Are pollutant load allocations among and between point and nonpoint sources appropriate?
• Are there reasonable assurances that the nonpoint sources will be adequately addressed?
• Is there an implementation plan? Does it include adequate monitoring and a timeline for revisions?
• What permits will be changed as a result of the new TMDL, and by when?
• What best management practices are required to address the different kinds of nonpoint sourcenpollution in your basin? Who is responsible for paying for the BMPs, putting them in place and monitoring them? How will BMPs be monitored? What is the timeline for compliance and results? Is there a mechanism for enforcement?
• Is there a trigger for revisions if pollutant allocations are not adequate to meet water quality standards?

3) Identify all the other watershed improvement efforts underway (such as Source Water Assessments under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Habitat Conservation Plans under the Endangered Species Act, or any solid or hazardous waste cleanup plans under state or federal programs), and make a case for coordinating the activities and leveraging the resources being used.