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 Liberty Reservoir watershed (MD basin number 02-13-09-07). Section 303(d)(1)(C) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (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 the tributaries of Liberty Reservoir in the State of Marylands 303(d) List as impaired by fecal bacteria and impacts to biological communities (listed in 2002). The reservoir itself is not listed as impaired by fecal bacteria, but is listed as impaired by nutrients and sediments (listed in 1996) and by methylmercury (listed in 2002). The mainstem North Branch Patapsco River, mainstem West Branch Patapsco River and Cranberry Branch and its tributaries have been designated as Use IVP (Recreational Trout Waters and Public Water Supply) waters. Roaring Run has been designated as Use III (Nontidal Cold Water). Beaver Run, Cooks Branch, East Branch Patapsco River, Keysers Run, Locust Run, Morgan Run, Norris Run and all their tributaries have been designated as Use III-P (Nontidal Cold Water and Public Water Supply). Liberty Reservoir and all remaining tributaries have been designated as Use I-P (Water Contact Recreation, Protection of Aquatic Life, and Public Water Supply). See Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.08.02.08K. Chromium and lead impairments (listed in 1996) have been removed from the 303(d) List through a water quality analysis (WQA) submitted to EPA in September 24, 2003. This document proposes to establish a TMDL for fecal bacteria in the Liberty Reservoir watershed that will allow for attainment of the beneficial use designation of primary water contact recreation. The listing for sediments, nutrients, methylmercury in fish tissue, and impacts to biological communities will be addressed separately at a future date. MDE monitored the Liberty Reservoir watershed from 2003 to 2004 for fecal bacteria. A data solicitation for fecal bacteria was conducted by MDE in 2003, and all readily available data from the past five years were considered. |