Navigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation and Improvements is a WERF-funded research effort begun in late 2000 and is directed toward improving the TMDL process. The research will be completed in December 2002, with publication of the final report in Spring 2003. The objective of this
research was to investigate issues and concerns with the TMDL program, and to develop and identify ways to improve the TMDL process. A detailed survey of eight state TMDL programs from four different areas of the country was developed to further investigate each issue. Additionally, the
researchers conducted a broad review of the characteristics of 176 approved TMDLs, and detailed reviews of several TMDLs are used as case studies. Findings of this investigation will be presented with specific emphasis on several issues identified for further study. These issues were highlighted
as areas in need of improved approaches in the TMDL program, and the final WERF report will describe improved methodologies and provide examples for each of the following ten issues: Improved Methods for Calculating the TMDL Margin of
Safety Incorporating Urban Wet Weather Point Sources in the TMDL Program Guidance for Modeling Approach in a TMDL Process Estimating Background Pollutant Loads Linking Best Management Practices to Load Reductions Quantifying Existing and Future Nonpoint Source Loads Interrelationships Among Multiple Loads and Critical Conditions Approaches
for the Allocation of Loads in TMDLs Implementation Planning, Tracking, and Adjustments Adaptive Watershed Management in the TMDL Process An overview of the research findings is
provided in this presentation. More detailed information is provided in other presentations in the conference on individual topics.
Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation is an archive of papers published in the proceedings of the annual Water Environment Federation® Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC® ) and specialty conferences held since the year 2000. These proceedings are not peer reviewed. WEF Members: Sign in (right panel) with your IngentaConnect user name and password to receive complimentary access.