virginia’s tmdl process. water quality standards standards are regulations based on federal and...
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Water Quality 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
• Listing of impaired waters and TMDL development are based on WQ standards.
THUMB RUN IMPAIRMENT
• 1998 303(d) List: 7 violations -15 samples
• 2000 Assessment: 6 violations -15 samples
• Preliminary results for 2002 Assessment: 4 violations -16 samples
FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA STANDARD
• Fecal Coliform
• bacteria is an Indicator of human or animal waste - not a pathogen
• But there is a higher probability of pathogens existing in waters that violate the standard
FECAL COLIFORM STANDARD
• 1000 count per 100 milliliters of water
• Applicable for data sets - monthly samples
• Listed as impaired if violation rate is greater than 10%
• TMDL requires 0%
violation rate
• Geometric mean - 200 count per 100 milliliters
• Applicable for data sets with 2 or more samples in 30 days
• TMDLs expressed in terms of geometric mean
1165
455
132
362
36 7 9
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
FE
CA
L
BE
NT
HIC
VD
H
CO
MB
DO
TO
XIC pH
1998 Impairment Causes in MilesTotal Impaired Miles = 2166
RiverMiles
1534
104
528
0
400
800
1200
1600
ALL NPS POINT/CSO UNKNOWN
1998 Impairment Sources Nonpoint Source, Point Source, and
Unknown
ALL NPS
POINT/CSO
UNKNOWN
What is a TMDL ?A Special Study to:
– Identify all sources of pollution contributing to violation of water quality standards.
– Calculate the amount of pollutants entering the stream from each source.
– Calculate the reductions in pollutants, by source, needed
to attain/maintain water quality standards.–(Must include MOS)
8 Required Elements of a TMDL
• 1. Be developed for critical stream conditions;
• 2. Be developed to meet water quality standards;
• 3. Consider seasonal variations;
• 4. Include wasteload and load allocations;
• 5. Include a margin of safety;
• 6. Consider impacts of background contributions;
• 7. Be subjected to public participation.
• 8. Reasonable assurance.
TMDL Public Participation Process
• Public Notices and Public Meetings during TMDL development
• Submit to EPA for approval.
• SWCB adoption of TMDL as regulation.
• Include TMDL in WQMPs
TMDL Implementation• DEQ is required by state legislation to develop
implementation plans
• DCR has lead for NPS TMDL implementation plans
• DEQ, DCR, VDH, and other state agencies will
coordinate IP development with LOCAL
STAKEHOLDERS!
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!!
• We can make nonpoint BMPs Work without regulation!
• Funding available for implementation!
• Local shareholder help make the choices - OR
• “the hard way”
• TMDLs may impact Point Source Permits
FUTURE OF TMDL PROGRAM
• Expect Changes - EPA Regulation Changes
• Resource needs at all levels
-2000 Study for General Assembly & up-coming budget cycle
-Federal Funds
• Anticipate changes in WQS
Standards Technical Issues:
Issues Related to 305/303/TMDL/ Permit Concerns:
Bacterial IndicatorsWildlife Background Bacteria Recreational UsesDissolved OxygenShellfish Prohibitions
Process for Changing Current Water Quality
Standards• Tri-annual Review• The public participation process for
changes in Virginia’s water quality standards has begin.
• DEQ is exploring “reasonable” changes for application of bacteria standard that will not compromise human health.
IMPACTS:• UAA-wildlife issue• Adopted TMDLs may be re-opened!• Revised Stds. may impact
Implementation Plans! - STAGED APPROACH