Abstract |
Savage River Reservoir is an impoundment in the North Branch of the Potomac River Watershed (basin code 02-14-10-06) in Garrett County, Maryland. Savage River Reservoir was identified on the draft State of Marylands 2002 list of Water Quality Limited Segments (303(d) list) (submitted October 4, 2002) as impaired by mercury contamination, based on data for mercury concentrations in fish tissue. Mercury concentrations in the water are well below the threshold for concern in regard for drinking water. The Maryland water quality standards Surface Water Use Designation (Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.08.02.07)) for Savage River Reservoir is Use III-P Natural Trout Waters and Public Water Supply. The Maryland Department of the Environments (MDE) current public fish consumption advisory to eat limited amounts of fish from Savage River Reservoir is not supportive of this use. Therefore, this document proposes to establish a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for mercury in Savage River Reservoir. |