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. St. Clements Bay (basin number 02-14-01-05) was first identified on the 1996 303(d) list submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as being impaired by nutrients, sediments and fecal coliform, with listings of biological impacts in non-tidal portions added in 2002. On the draft 2004 303(d) List, specific restricted shellfish harvesting areas were identified. This document addresses the fecal coliform impairment listings of three restricted shellfish harvesting areas St. Clements Bay Basin: St. Clements Bay (RID 44A), Canoe Creek (RID 44B) and St. Patrick Creek (RID 44C). The nutrient, suspended sediment and biological impairments within St. Clements Bay basin will be addressed at a future date. |