Steps to develop a successful TMDL

LIST AND PRIORITIZE

1) Identify all threatened and impaired waters on 303(d) list.

2) Prioritize water bodies for clean-up plan.

DEVELOP PLAN

3) Determine the allowable amount of the pollutant, the “pollutant cap,” based on what the water body can handle without violating water quality standards.

4) Identify all contributing sources to the problem being addressed.

5) Divide up the allowable pollutant “load” among all point and nonpoint sources.

6) Take into account background sources, seasonal variations and a margin of safety to account for uncertainty (40CFR130.7(c)(1)). It is also important to consider contributions from likely future development, although this is not explicitly required.

7) Develop an implementation plan that includes adjustment of permits and monitoring. An implementation plan is not required, but it is needed to focus agency, local government and stakeholder attention on achieving TMDL goals.

8) Send draft out for public comment and/or public hearing (40CFR130.7(c)(1)(ii)).

IMPLEMENT CHANGES

9) Carry out activities in implementation plan.

10) Monitor progress toward the goal. A monitoring plan is not required, but thoughtful monitoring will provide important feedback throughout implementation.

11) Revise as necessary.

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