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.
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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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