Vanderbilt Creek is located in Southeast Alaska, about 5 miles northwest of downtown Juneau. The upper tributaries begin on the steep slopes of Blackerby Ridge, then merge to flow southwesterly through forests, wetland meadows, and roadside ditches before reaching the saltwater of Gastineau Channel. Other small tributaries enter the creek along the way. A little over one mile in length, the width of the main stream is 4 to 8 feet, with a depth of 6 inches to 6 feet. Section 303(d)(1) of the Clean Water Act requires each state to establish the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each water identified by the state as failing to meet water quality standards after imposition of technology-based standards. Vanderbilt Creek was identified as water quality limited by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in 1988. It has appeared on the States biennial 303(d) list since 1990. The consequence of a 303(d) listing is that a waterbody may be subject to the TMDL process.