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What Is TMDL? (Total Maximum Daily Load)
A TMDL
is a technical analysis that determines the maximum loading of the pollutant of
concern a water body can receive and still both attain and maintain its water
quality standards, and allocates this allowable loading to pollutant sources in
the watershed. Upon approval by the
Commission, this technical analysis must be submitted to EPA for review and
approval.
TMDL stands for Total
Maximum Daily Loads. These projects evaluate stream and lake segments,
ultimately determining the
amount of pollutant which can be contributed by both point and non-point
sources. The TMDL Program works to
improve water quality in impaired or threatened water bodies in Texas. The
program is authorized by and created to fulfill the requirements of Section
303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
The goal of a TMDL is
to restore the full use of a water body that has limited quality in relation to
one or more of its uses. The TMDL defines an environmental target and, based on
that target, the state develops an implementation plan to mitigate anthropogenic
(human-caused) sources of pollution within the watershed and restore full use of
the water body.
For more information about TMDL and water quality read Clean Water For Texas published by TCEQ
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