Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Coordinating Group

Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Coordinating Group Web site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulatory authorities are currently developing TMDLs for polluted river segments, lakes, and estuaries. The issue of TMDL development and implementation by states with permitting authority and by EPA is of concern to DOE. The development of TMDLs should be based on validated data, sound economic analysis and assessments of expected benefits that support the proposed TMDL. A significant issue for DOE is the potentially high compliance costs that could be incurred if TMDLs are established at levels that require new treatment technologies. Even with new treatment technologies, the TMDL limit may not be attainable. This group will enable DOE to develop a unified approach to addressing TMDL-related issues and provide a mechanism for information exchange and interaction among DOE sites and program offices.

What is a TMDL?

A TMDL specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and allocates pollutant loading among point and nonpoint pollutant sources. Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), states, territories, and authorized tribes are required to develop lists of impaired waters. These are waters that do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution the minimum required levels of pollution control technologies have installed States must establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and develop TMDLs for listed waters. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits may be based on TMDLs. EPA must approve or not approve state lists and TMDLs. If a state submission is considered inadequate, EPA must establish the list or TMDL.

Purpose of this Web Site

This Web site was designed to provide a central access point to the DOE community for information on TMDL related issues and regulatory developments. Specifically, this Web site provides a forum for:

• keeping current on TMDL issues, facilitating communication and exchanging information on TMDLs development and implementation; and
• sharing information, issues, and lessons learned regarding TMDLs.

Overview of TMDL Coordinating Group

The purpose of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Coordinating Group is to assist in the identification and development of a consistent. DOE approach for addressing TMDL concerns and issues. This will include:

• Developing a unified approach to TMDL related issues, including interacting with federal and state authorities.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and providing input into the regulatory development process. This will include exploring opportunities to provide input at federal, state and local levels including coordinating comments on EPA initiatives.
• Exchanging information and lessons learned among DOE sites and program offices including problem-solving techniques.
• Providing a focal point for presenting and coordinating issues on the development and implementation of TMDLs.
• Coordinating and exchanging information with outside groups (i.e., industry, water-related organizations, etc.)

Members

DOE personnel directly involved in TMDL issues and DOE contractor personnel providing support to DOE members are participants.

For information on the DOE Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Coordinating Group or on general topics related to water quality standards at DOE, please contact Lois Thompson, HS-22, at 202-586-9581. Comments and suggestions for improving this focus area are welcome. Please submit them by using the feedback form.