TMDL Process Research Articles

Navigating the TMDL Process: Method Development for Addressing Narrative Criteria

Narrative water quality criteria are an integral component of States' water quality standards but they pose special problems when incorporated into the TMDL process. The TMDL process is typically a quantitative activity, defining numeric allowable loads necessary to meet a numeric water quality objective. Narrative criteria confound development of quantitative TMDLs, due to the absence of these numeric criteria. The objective of this research was to improve the methods for addressing narrative water quality criteria in the TMDL process. The problems associated with narrative criteria in the TMDL process are known in general terms but, prior to this research, there has not been a thorough review of the use of narrative criteria in TMDLs nor broad guidance on how to address narrative criteria in the TMDL process. The approach taken for this research was to define the range of problems associated with all types of narrative criteria by means of a comprehensive review of 120 narrative TMDLs, and provide guiding principles to help address these problems. Adherence to these guiding principles is expected to significantly improve the evaluation of water bodies for impairment of a designated use based on non-attainment of narrative water quality criteria, resulting in more accurate 303(d) lists with a greater focus on those water bodies truly impaired. Also, adherence to these guiding principles will contribute to improvements in the TMDL development process, resulting in a greater degree of success in attaining designated uses when a TMDL is implemented. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781843396710 (Print) ISBN: 9781780404066 (eBook)

Navigating the TMDL Process: Listing and Delisting

The Columbus Water Works of Columbus, Georgia, conducted three demonstration programs that focused on the middle Chattahoochee River and addressed national wet weather water quality and environmental structure needs. The performance of various wet weather treatment technologies for the control of combined sewer overflows were examined in the first project. The second project demonstrated methods for watershed monitoring, modeling, and sound science implementation of the total daily maximum load (TMDL) framework. In the third project, alternative approaches to source water assessment and protection of drinking water supplies were examined. Each of these projects used full-scale environmental measurements to develop cost-effective protocols and innovative technological solutions.This title belongs to WERF Research Report SeriesISBN: 9781843396635 (Print)ISBN: 9781780403199 (eBook)

Navigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation and Improvements

Navigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation and Improvements

Evaluation of NRDC Secondary Treatment Rule Petition: End Running the TMDL Process

Evaluation of NRDC Secondary Treatment Rule Petition: End Running the TMDL Process Author(s)John C. HallPhil RosenmanGary B. CohenSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 15 - Regulatory Evolving InitiativesDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2009ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20090101)2009:4L.1085;1-DOI10.2175/193864709793901365Volume / Issue2009 / 4Content sourceNutrient Removal and Recovery SymposiumFirst / last page(s)1085 - 1097Copyright2009Word count13

Evaluation of NRDC Secondary Treatment Rule Petition: End Running the TMDL Process

Evaluation of NRDC Secondary Treatment Rule Petition: End Running the TMDL Process

Separation of physical loading from photosynthesis/respiration processes in rivers by mass balance

Diurnal variations in physical and chemical concentrations, including nutrients, are observed in river ecosystems. Understanding these cycles and separating the effects of physical loading (from point and non-point sources) and biogeochemical processes are necessary for water management and the TMDL process. A chloride mass balance approach is used to separate the relative influences of physical loading and biogeochemical processes in the Bow River through Calgary, Canada, which has a significant influence on the river water chemistry. Sampling campaigns were conducted in December 2005, when minimal photosynthesis and respiration occur, and in July 2006, when river discharge is high and some photosynthesis and respiration activity is present. Samples in each campaign were collected at point source input and output along the river reach through the city every hour for a 24-hour period, allowing for time of travel. The two wastewater treatment facilities within the city contributed the majority of physical mass loading to the river, with temporal variations in effluent discharge, chloride, and nutrient concentrations. Wastewater effluent chloride to nutrient (as well as other parameter relationships) concentrations also varied diurnally. An hourly chloride mass balance was achieved, within 0.5% (average, S.D.=4.4) for December and 7.7% (average, S.D.=4.2) for July, between estimated cumulative sum values from all inputs and measured values at the river output downgradient of the city, allowing for the investigation of other parameter conservativeness. Some slight diurnal variations associated with photosynthesis and respiration were observed even with limited productivity in the river. Nitrate mass fluxes appeared to be most strongly influenced by photosynthesis and respiration processes, with phosphate being less influenced. Ammonia mass fluxes appeared to be most strongly influenced by wastewater effluent loading. Physical loading can mask or enhance biogeochemical diurnal fluctuations, creating errors in river process interpretations. Chloride was a useful tracer in the mass balance to distinguish between and assist in separating physical loading and biogeochemical processes in the river.

Cleaner Water Faster: Parallel Approaches to the TMDL Process

Cleaner Water Faster: Parallel Approaches to the TMDL Process

Tmdl Development from the "Bottom Up" – Part IV: Connecting to Storm Water Management Programs

A challenge facing many local jurisdictions across the country is finding ways to connect Storm Water Management Programs (SWMPs) required by NPDES permits with TMDLs intended to address water quality problems. A “bottom up” approach towards TMDL development is one way to establish a meaningful, value-added framework which links water quality concerns to proposed solutions. Information on Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to both source control and delivery reduction methods can be incorporated into TMDL allocations. Management measure information considered in TMDL allocations can then complement benchmarks that guide implementation efforts. Basic hydrology presented in the form of duration curves supports a “bottom up” approach and offers opportunities for enhanced pollutant source targeting. Duration curves add value to the TMDL process by characterizing water quality concerns in terms of flow conditions, linking these concerns to key watershed processes, prioritizing source assessment efforts, and identifying potential solutions. Federal regulations identify a set of minimum control measures to be included in SWMPs for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4), which are intended to reduce pollutant loads to the “maximum extent practicable” (MEP) and often directly support or advance TMDL water quality objectives. A number of these control measures are typically most effective in achieving intended benefits under specific flow conditions, depending on watershed characteristics. For example, water quality concerns experienced during low flow conditions in urban watersheds might involve eliminating illicit connections under an MS4 storm water program. Similarly, sediment problems observed during mid-range and moist conditions might be best addressed through construction site BMPs. Finally, water quality concerns associated with stream bank erosion under high flow conditions might involve post development BMPs intended to address channel protection. The natural linkage between basic hydrology and storm water makes the duration curve framework a potentially useful tool in targeting appropriate BMPs and in guiding implementation of SWMPs. Because duration curves are also used to support TMDL development, the framework is wellsuited for connecting water quality-based control efforts with SWMPs.

Developing Effective TMDLs: An Evaluation of the TMDL Process

Developing Effective TMDLs: An Evaluation of the TMDL Process

The Role of a Conservative Chemical Model as a Decision Support Tool For a Complex TMDL Process: Case Study for Delaware Estuary

The Role of a Conservative Chemical Model as a Decision Support Tool For a Complex TMDL Process: Case Study for Delaware Estuary

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR TMDL DATA ACQUISITION, ANALYSIS AND DISSEMINATION

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR TMDL DATA ACQUISITION, ANALYSIS AND DISSEMINATIONIn recent years, several technologies have become available that are being used to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the collection and analysis of water resources data. This paper discusses the use and implementation of hand held computers (PDA), remote sensing, and Internet mapping in the TMDL process and presents several case studies demonstrating their utility. The use of PDAs for data...Author(s)Jeffrey N. RogersMarcus QuigleySourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 11 Monitoring and Listing MethodologiesDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2003ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20030101)2003:4L.1148;1-DOI10.2175/193864703784828886Volume / Issue2003 / 4Content sourceTMDLS ConferenceFirst / last page(s)1148 - 1165Copyright2003Word count307

WERF's Research Helps Professionals Navigate the TMDL Process

WERF's Research Helps Professionals Navigate the TMDL Process

TMDL PROGRAM MANDATED UPGRADES - ARE THEY REALLY NECESSARY? OR - WILL IMPLEMENTATION TRULY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED WATER QUALITY?

TMDL PROGRAM MANDATED UPGRADES - ARE THEY REALLY NECESSARY? OR - WILL IMPLEMENTATION TRULY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED WATER QUALITY?Are TMDL program mandated upgrades likely to result in significantly improved water quality? The answer could be a resounding NO! An examination of the TMDL development and implementation process for several tidally influenced coastal plain water bodies reveals the TMDL process is ripe with multiple opportunities for regulatory agencies to make inappropriate technical decisions. A technical flaw...Author(s)J. Paul JonesPaul JensenKent PriceSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 7 Industrial Wastewater Regulatory IssuesDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2003ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20030101)2003:2L.389;1-DOI10.2175/193864703784343910Volume / Issue2003 / 2Content sourceWEF EventFirst / last page(s)389 - 406Copyright2003Word count464

TMDL DEVELOPMENT FROM THE “BOTTOM UP” – PART III: DURATION CURVES AND WET-WEATHER ASSESSMENTS

With the large number of TMDLs to be completed, limited resources, and the complex, inter-related nature of water programs – the “two Ps”: practical approaches and partnerships – are critical to success. Dependable tools are needed to promote effective communication between TMDL developers and implementers, so that actions will lead to measurable water quality improvements. A “bottom up” approach is one way to establish a meaningful, value-added framework linking water quality concerns to proposed solutions. A “bottom up” approach capitalizes on the networks of programs and authorities across jurisdictional lines. Kansas has been utilizing load duration curves for the past several years as a key part of its TMDL development process. The increased use of duration curves supports the “bottom up” approach by offering an opportunity for enhanced targeting, both in TMDL development and in water quality restoration efforts. Duration curves can also add value to the TMDL process by expanding the characterization of water quality concerns, linking concerns to key watershed processes, prioritizing source assessment efforts, and identifying potential solutions. Flow duration curve analysis identifies intervals, which can be used as a general indicator of hydrologic condition (i.e. wet versus dry and to what degree). This indicator, when combined with other basic elements of watershed planning, can help point problem solution discussions towards relevant watershed processes, important contributing areas, and key delivery mechanisms. Duration curves are not a substitute for field reconnaissance work. Grounded, factfinding is needed to examine what is actually going on in the watershed. Duration curves do, however, offer a framework that can help refine water quality assessment s. Refined analyses using duration curves can be important considerations when identifying those controls that might be most appropriate and under what conditions. This paper uses several examples to illustrate opportunities where duration curves can strengthen watershed assessments and enhance the TMDL development process.

NAVIGATING THE TMDL PROCESS: EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENTS

NAVIGATING THE TMDL PROCESS: EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENTSNavigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation and Improvements is a WERF-funded research effort begun in late 2000 and is directed toward improving the TMDL process. The research will be completed in December 2002, with publication of the final report in Spring 2003. The objective of this research was to investigate issues and concerns with the TMDL program, and to develop and identify ways to improve...Author(s)Paul L. FreedmanWendy M. LarsonDavid W. DilksKent W. ThorntonGerald W. BoeseSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 7 TMDL Development MethodologyDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2002ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20020101)2002:8L.518;1-DOI10.2175/193864702785072010Volume / Issue2002 / 8Content sourceTMDLS ConferenceFirst / last page(s)518 - 532Copyright2002Word count267

Method Development for Addressing Narrative Criteria in the TMDL Process: A Water Environment Research Foundation Project Update

Method Development for Addressing Narrative Criteria in the TMDL Process: A Water Environment Research Foundation Project Update

TMDL DEVELOPMENT FROM THE “BOTTOM UP” – PART II: USING DURATION CURVES TO CONNECT THE PIECES

Reasonable assurance, trading, and adaptive management are key parts of the TMDL process where technical considerations intersect policy issues. Tools are needed which promote effective communication between TMDL developers and those responsible for implementing actions that will lead to measurable water quality improvements. With the large number of TMDLs that must be completed, limited resources, and the complex, inter-related nature of water programs – the “two Ps” are critical to success – practical approaches and partnerships. Watershed analysis has been used to build a “bottom up” approach towards TMDL development as one way to establish a meaningful, value-added framework which links water quality concerns to proposed solutions. A “bottom up” approach takes advantage of networks of programs and authorities across jurisdictional lines. Information on management measures related to both source control and delivery reduction methods are incorporated into the allocation part of TMDL development. Duration curves can support a “bottom up” approach through enhanced targeting. Kansas has been utilizing load duration curves for the past several years as a key part of their TMDL development process. The expanded use of flow duration curves offers an opportunity for enhanced targeting, both in TMDL development and in water quality restoration efforts. In particular, duration curves can add value to the TMDL process by identifying targeted areas, targeted programs, targeted activities, and targeted participants. Flow duration curve analysis identifies intervals, which can be used as a general indicator of hydrologic condition (i.e. wet versus dry and to what degree). This indicator can help point problem solution discussions towards relevant watershed processes, important contributing areas, and key delivery mechanisms. These are all important considerations when identifying those controls that might be most appropriate and under what conditions. In addition, duration curves also provide a context for evaluating both monitoring data and modeling information. This offers another way to look at identifying data needs where adaptive management is being considered or utilized.

IMPACT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS ON THE TMDL PROCESS

IMPACT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS ON THE TMDL PROCESS

TMDLS: Statistical Correlations or Mechanistic Modeling?

In developing TMDL waste-load allocations for the Snake River-Reservoir system in Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, determinations of the assimilative capacity of the system and the impact of pollutant reduction strategies has been performed using both a statistical-correlation approach and a mechanistic modeling approach. The system included the Lower Snake River, Brownlee Reservoir, Oxbow Reservoir, and Hells Canyon Reservoir with the focus was on Brownlee Reservoir. The statistical approach used on Brownlee Reservoir divided the system into riverine and lacustrine zones. Field data were then averaged over season and location to provide statistical correlations, such as between total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll a (chl a), between an anoxic factor (AF) and TP, and between a hypoxic factor (HP) and TP. The anoxic factor is defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 2 mg/l and the hypoxic factor was defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 6.5 mg/l. The mechanistic approach used a two-dimensional, unsteady, hydrodynamic and water quality model called CE-QUAL-W2. The model was calibrated to field data over a three year period for 1992 (a low flow year), 1995 (an average flow year), and 1997 (a high flow year). Some of the important questions that the TMDL process was to answer included the following. What level of TP is necessary in the river coming into Brownlee Reservoir to reduce the number of days of hypoxia in the reservoir? What are the causes of low-

Navigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation – A WERF Project Update

Navigating the TMDL Process: Evaluation – A WERF Project Update