How EPA’s Watershed Based Approach and Development of Total Maximum Daily Loads Will Be Used to Improve Water Quality, 1997 Biological Sciences Symposium Proceedings
EPA’s focus to improving the quality of the nation’s waters has shifted from individual point source dischargers to a watershed based approach. This approach looks at all pollutant inputs into a waterbody. For those waterbodies that do not meet their designated uses, EPA’s regulations require the states to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load which allocates allowable pollutant discharge levels between all point and non-point sources in the watershed The TMDL program authorizes states to impose more restrictive discharge limits on point soucres than may be imposed by categorical discharge limits. This program may impact the forest products industry several ways. However, the TMDL program also give the industry an opportunity to be involved in the planning and permitting process.
How EPAâs Watershed Based Approach and Development of Total Maximum Daily Loads Will Be Used to Im