Abstract |
This document, upon approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), establishes Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for phosphorus and sediments in Brighton Dam, also known as Triadelphia Reservoir (basin code 02-13-11-08), and for phosphorus in Rocky Gorge Reservoir (basin code 02-13-11-07). Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and EPAs 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 TMDL of the specified substance that the waterbody can receive without violating water quality standards, or demonstrate that water quality standards are being met. Triadelphia Reservoir and Rocky Gorge Reservoir have been designated as Use IV-P and Use I-P waterbodies, respectively, in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.08.02.08M(6) and COMAR 26.08.02.08M(1)). Both reservoirs were identified on the 303(d) list submitted to EPA by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as impaired by the following (years listed in parentheses): nutrients (1998) and impacts to biological communities (2002 and 2004). In addition, Triadelphia Reservoir was listed as impaired by sediment in 1998. This document, upon approval by EPA, establishes TMDLs for the nutrient and sediment impairments. Biological impairments within these watersheds will be addressed separately at a future date. |