EPA has developed several protocols as programmatic and technical support guidance documents for those involved in TMDL development. These guidance documents have been developed by an interdisciplinary team and provide an overall framework for completing the technical and programmatic steps in the TMDL development process. The Protocol for Developing Sediment TMDLs is one of the three TMDL technical guidance documents prepared to date. The process presented here will assist with the development of rational, science-based assessments and decisions and ideally will lead to the assemblage of an understandable and justifiable sediment TMDL. It is important to note that this guidance document presents a suggested approach, but not the only approach to TMDL development. This document provides guidance to states, territories, and authorized tribes exercising their responsibility under section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act for the development of sediment TMDLs. The protocol is designed as programmatic and technical support guidance to those involved in TMDL development. The protocol does not, however, substitute for section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act or EPA's regulations; nor is it a regulation itself. It cannot impose legally binding requirements on EPA, states, territories, authorized tribes, or the regulated community, and it might not apply to a particular situation based on the circumstances. EPA and state, territorial, and tribal decision makers retain the discretion to adopt approaches on a case-by-case basis that differ from this protocol where appropriate. EPA may change this protocol in the future.

"October 1999." "EPA 841-B-99-004."