OCR error (C:\Conversion\JobRoot\00000A0U\tiff\2000U200.tif): Unspecified error ------- Developing Restoration Plans Once the states, territories, and authorized tribes have identified their polluted waters, they begin to develop restoration plans called TMDLs. Before each TMDL is submitted to EPA, there must be at least 30 days for public review and comment. The proposed regulatory changes would require that each TMDL have the following ten minimum elements: 10 Minimum Elements of a TMDL / Name and location of the impaired or threatened waterbody. / Identification of the pollutant and the amount that the waterbody can recieve and still meet water quality standards. / The excess amount of the pollutant that keeps the waterbody from meeting water quality standards. / • Identification of the source or sources of the pollutant. / A determination of the amount of pollutants that may come from point sources. / A determination of the amount of pollutants that may come from nonpoint sources. / A margin of safety in case the modeling or monitoring techniques are not adequate. / Consideration of seasonal variation to account for water levels, temperature, etc. / An allowance for future growth and reasonably foreseeable increases in pollutants. / An implementation plan with on-the-ground actions to ensure that the TMDL will result in a healthy watershed. States, territories, and authorized tribes are to establish TMDLs, but EPA may establish TMDLs in the following circumstances: If a state asks EPA to establish a TMDL; If EPA determines that a state has not or isn't likely to establish TMDLs in accordance with the state's schedule; or If EPA determines that it should establish TMDLs for interstate or boundary waterbodies. What Can Be bone to Achieve Cleaner Waters While a TMDL is Being Developed? For Nonpoint Sources * Reduce runoff of pollutants through more efficient use of water, fertilizer, pesticides. * Put vegetation on bare lawns and farm fields. * Keep pets and farm animals out of streams. For Point Sources + If discharges will not violate water quality standards, NPDES permits may be issued. » If a waterbody is polluted, large new or expanding dischargers must work with other pollutant sources in the watershed to reduce or "offset" the total amount of the pollutant coming into the waterbody. For More Information including state lists and maps & proposed regulations, see EPA's TMDL homepage- http: //www. epo. gov/owow/tmdl ------- |