Abstract |
Section 303(d) 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, the State is 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. Breton Bay (basin number 02-14-01-04) was first identified on the 1996 303(d) List submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as impaired by sediments, nutrients, and fecal coliform, with listings of biological impacts in specified non-tidal portions added in 2004. On the 2004 303(d) List, the fecal coliform listing was clarified with the identification of Cherry Cove Creek as the specific area of impairment. This document, upon EPA approval, establishes a TMDL of fecal coliform for Cherry Cove Creek. A nutrient TMDL for Breton Bay was developed in 2005; the suspended sediment and biological impairments within the Breton Bay basin will be addressed at a future date. |