Abstract |
This document, upon approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), establishes a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal bacteria in Cabin John Creek (basin number 02- 14-02-07). Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the EPA's implementing regulations direct each state to identify and list waters, known as water quality limited segments (WQLSs), in which current required controls of a specified substance are inadequate to achieve water quality standards. For each WQLS, states are required to either establish a TMDL of the specified substance that the waterbody can receive without violating water quality standards or demonstrate that water quality standards are being met. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has identified the non-tidal waters of Cabin John Creek, a Use I-P waterbody (Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.08.02.08O) in the States 303(d) List as impaired by nutrients (1996), sediments (1996), fecal bacteria (2002) and impacts to biological communities (2002). This document proposes to establish a TMDL of fecal bacteria in the non-tidal portions of Cabin John Creek to allow for the attainment of beneficial use designation, primary contact recreation. The listings for nutrients, suspended sediments and impacts to biological communities will be addressed separately at a future date. |