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 Piscataway Creek (basin number 02-14-02-03). 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, the State is 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 non-tidal portion of Piscataway Creek, Use IP Water Contact Recreation, and Protection of Aquatic Life and Public Water Supply (Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.08.02.08O(1)) in the States 303(d) as impaired by nutrients (1996), sediments (1996), bacteria (fecal coliform) (2002), and impacts to biological communities (2004). The listings for nutrients and sediments are in the tidal portion of Piscataway Creek. |