TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD
What is a TMDL?
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a mechanism set from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit the amount of pollutants allowed to enter a watershed. TMDLs are set to protect waters that have been deemed impaired or threatened for aquatic life, recreation, public drinking water, or human health.
How is this calculated?
The objective of a TMDL is to determine the loading capacity of a waterbody and to allocate the load among different pollutant sources. A TMDL identifies the links between the waterbody use impairment, sources of impairment and the pollutant load reductions needed to meet the applicable water quality standards. It serves as a roadmap for measures that can be taken to improve water quality. The equation below is set to determine what the TMDL is:
TMDL = ΣWLA + ΣLA + MOS
Where WLA is the sum of waste-load allocations (point sources), LA is the sum of load allocations (nonpoint sources and background) and MOS is the margin of safety.
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a mechanism set from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit the amount of pollutants allowed to enter a watershed. TMDLs are set to protect waters that have been deemed impaired or threatened for aquatic life, recreation, public drinking water, or human health.
How is this calculated?
The objective of a TMDL is to determine the loading capacity of a waterbody and to allocate the load among different pollutant sources. A TMDL identifies the links between the waterbody use impairment, sources of impairment and the pollutant load reductions needed to meet the applicable water quality standards. It serves as a roadmap for measures that can be taken to improve water quality. The equation below is set to determine what the TMDL is:
TMDL = ΣWLA + ΣLA + MOS
Where WLA is the sum of waste-load allocations (point sources), LA is the sum of load allocations (nonpoint sources and background) and MOS is the margin of safety.
Which watersheds are affected?
In Lucas County’s jurisdiction, Swan Creek and Maumee (Lower) and Lake Erie Tributaries are affected. The Ottawa River/ Ten Mile Creek Watershed report is under preparation for TMDLs. These watersheds include the Villages of Whitehouse and Holland, Waterville and Monclova, Spencer, Springfield, and Waterville Townships. Vertical Divider
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What are the pollutants?
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