Abstract |
This document, upon approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), establishes a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal bacteria in the non-tidal portion of Gwynns Falls (basin number 02130905). Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the EPA 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 Total Maximum Daily Load (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 Gwynns Falls in the State of Marylands 303(d) List as impaired by nutrients (1996), sediments (1996), bacteria (fecal coliform) (2002), and impacts to biological communities (2002). The designated uses for Gwynns Falls are as follows: Gwynns Falls and tributaries above Reisterstown Road Use III (Nontidal Cold Water); Dead Run and tributaries Use IV (Recreational Trout Waters); and all remaining waters Use I (Water Contact Recreation, and Protection of Nontidal Warmwater Aquatic Life). See Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.08.02.08K(3)(e) & (5)(e). This document proposes to establish a TMDL for fecal bacteria in Gwynns Falls and its tributaries that will allow for the attainment of the designated use of primary contact recreation. The listings for sediments, nutrients, and impacts to biological communities will be addressed separately at a future date. A data solicitation for fecal bacteria was conducted by MDE in 2003, and all readily available data from the past five years were considered. |