Mary Apostolico Potomac Watershed Manager

Current Authorities for TMDL Process Federal Clean Water Act, § 303(d) - TMDL List & TMDL Development §303(e) - Watershed Management Plans State Water Control Law, § :7 - Water Quality Monitoring, Information, and Restoration Act TMDL List & TMDL Development TMDL Implementation Plan

Implementation Plan Development DEQ is required by state legislation to develop implementation plan. DCR has lead for NPS TMDL implementation plans. DEQ, DCR, VDH and other state, federal, and local agencies will coordinate on plan development.

Timeline for Implementation Plans Load reduction strategies (e.g. BMPs) should be in place 5 years after plan is developed, if practicable. Plan should provide date by which water quality standard will be met – generally within 10 years. Plan should address revising the TMDL if progress towards cleaning up the impairment is not made.

What is Needed to Implement a TMDL? Adequate financial assistance Increased technical assistance Cooperative effort between local, state, and federal agencies to support the TMDL program. Local stakeholders involvement

Current Status of TMDL Implementation in Virginia TMDL implementation plans completed for 11 impaired stream segments in the North River, Blackwater River, and M.F. Holston River watersheds. Implementation began in fall of These three areas provide a “pilot test” to determine if a voluntary approach can meet Virginia’s water quality standard for bacteria.

Potential Funding Sources Potential funding sources for TMDL implementation: Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Environmental Quality Incentives Program PL incremental funds* State revolving loan funds Cost-share program Tax credits

Technical Assistance Sources Soil and Water Conservation District Department of Conservation & Recreation Natural Resources Conservation Service Cooperative Extension Service Virginia Department of Health Local governments Private sector contractors