VIRGINIAS TMDL PROCESS Four Mile Run Bacteria TMDL

VIRGINIA’S TMDL PROCESS Four Mile Run Bacteria TMDL March 25, 2002 Alexandria, VA

What is a TMDL ? • TMDL = “Total Maximum Daily Load” • TMDL = pollution budget » TMDL = Sum (WLA)+ Sum (LA)+ MOS • Required elements: – meets water quality standard; – considers all sources incl. background – contains TMDL, WLA, LA and MOS – addresses seasonality, critical condition, and reasonable assurance

How is a TMDL developed? • Identify all sources of a given pollutant • Calculate the amount of pollutant entering the stream from each source • Calculate - by source - the pollutant reductions needed to attain water quality standards • For each source, allocate the allowable loading and include Margin of Safety

Water Quality Standards • Listing of impaired waters and TMDL development are based on WQ standards. • Standards are regulations based on federal and state law that set: – numeric and narrative limits on pollutants. • Purpose of standards: – protection of 5 designated uses: aquatic life, fishing, shellfish, swimming, & drinking water – restoration of state waters - TMDLs

Current Fecal Coliform Standard • Geometric mean of 200 counts per 100 ml. • Instantaneous of 1000 counts per 100 ml. • Revisions: – Change in criteria from fecal coliform to E. coli and enterococci by May 2002 – Considering re-designating some waters for secondary contact, i. e. non-swimming use; adoption by Fall 2002 if approved – www. deq. state. va. us/wqs

Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Process • Monitor and assess water quality - 305(b) Report www. deq. state. va. us/water/wqmap. html • Place impaired waters on 303(d) List • Develop TMDL for impaired waters • Implement TMDL • Remove waters from 303(d) List when TMDL is developed but track on 305(b) Report as having TMDL

TMDL Development Process • Public meeting for TMDL development • Public meeting for Draft TMDL • Submit to EPA for approval • SWCB adoption of TMDL as regulation • Include TMDL in basin -wide WQMPs

TMDL Implementation • Implementation plans not required under CWA or by EPA’s current regulations. • DEQ is required by state legislation to develop implementation plan • DEQ and DCR are developing framework for NPS TMDL implementation plans

TMDL Implementation • DEQ, DCR, VDH, other state agencies and local stakeholders will coordinate on plan development. • TMDL implementation plans have been completed for 13 impaired water segments where TMDLs had been approved. • Opportunity knocks!

Staged Implementation • TMDLs include staged reduction targets – allows most cost-effective measures to be implemented first – allows iterative evaluation of TMDL adequacy in achieving water quality standard – may ultimately require change in WQS, e. g. different criterion based on use

Four Mile Run TMDL Implementation • Local process – TMDL Implementation Plan • 1997 WQMIRA • type, cost of measure • implementation period, funding – Ongoing local activities • county and city environmental programs

Four Mile Run TMDL Implementation • Examples for implementation strategies: – Identify and repair leaking sewer lines – Prepare and distribute educational materials on proper handling of pet waste – Develop, implement and enforce local ordinances addressing pet waste

Future of TMDL Program • Court Order requires forward movement and completion of TMDLs • Resource needs at all levels • Expect changes – WQS revisions – ongoing EPA/state cooperation

Public Comment Information • Comment period ends – April 9, 2002 • Send comments to Kate Bennett, VA DEQ 13901 Crown Ct Woodbridge, VA 22801 phone (703) 583 -3896, Fax (703) 583 -3841 e-mail kebennett@deq. state. va. us.

VIRGINIA’S TMDL PROCESS Four Mile Run Bacteria TMDL March 25, 2002 Alexandria, VA