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      Implementing on-the-ground solutions: The
      regulations being proposed require detailed
      implementation plans. They also clarify the
      authority of the states and EPA to regulate
      sources of polluted runoff where necessary
      to restore clean water. In addition, they
      allow EPA to step in when reasonable further
      progress toward meeting water quality
      standards is not being achieved.

      Using innovative approaches: The proposed
      regulations create opportunities for water
      pollutant trading that also result in cleaner
      water.  An innovative, new option would allow
      for large new and significantly expanding
      dischargers to a polluted water only when
      the dischargers commit to reducing pollution
      from other sources by 1.5  pounds for every
      pound added by the new pollution source.

Improving the  TMDL Program
In 1996, EPA set up a Federal Advisory Committee,
composed of members from a broad spectrum of
interests, to recommend ways to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of state, tribal, and
EPA TMDL programs.  The committee's report was
issued in July, 1998, and has been used to guide the
proposed revisions to the TMDL regulations.

EPA is also proposing changes to the National Permit
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES permits) and
Water Quality Standards regulations. These changes
will help achieve reasonable further progress in
attaining water quality standards prior to the
establishment of a TMDL, as well as ensure that, once
they are established, TMDLs will be implemented.

The proposed regulatory changes can be found in the
August 23,1999 Federal Register, and on EPA's TMDL
website.  After public review and comment, final
regulations will be published in 2000.
  Why the Watershed Approach?

       Clean Water is the product of a
healthy watershed - where urban,
agricultural, rangelands, forest lands,
and all parts of the landscape are well-
maintained to prevent pollution.

       Looking at the whole watershed
helps strike the best balance among
efforts to control point source pollution
and polluted runoff, and protect drinking
water sources and sensitive natural
resources such as wetlands.

       A watershed focus helps bring
together the "residents" of the
watershed to  examine problems and find
solutions. It also helps identify the most
cost-effective pollution control
techniques to meet clean water goals.
    Why TMOLs are Important

     *•  Critical for achieving water
        quality standards
     *•  Analytic underpinning for
        watershed decisions
     *  Way to promote integrated
        solutions to water quality
     *  Opportunity for innovations,
        trading
                 For More Information including state lists and maps &
                                    proposed regulations,
                 see EPA's TMDL homepage -  http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl

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