Abstract |
Loch Raven Reservoir is an impoundment in the Gunpowder River Watershed (subwatershed code 02-13-08-05) in Baltimore County, Maryland. It lies in series below the Prettyboy Reservoir. Loch Raven Reservoir was identified on the State of Marylands draft2002 list of Water Quality Limited Segments (303(d) list) as impaired by mercury contamination, based on data for mercury concentrations in fish tissue. Concentrations in the water are well below the threshold for concern in regard to drinking water. The Maryland water quality standards Surface Water Use Designation (Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.08.02.07)) for Loch Raven 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 Loch Raven Reservoir is not supportive of the recreational fishing use. Therefore, this document proposes to establish a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for mercury in Loch Raven Reservoir. |