Abstract |
Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (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. The Wye River (basin number 02130503) 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). The designated uses in Wye River were impaired by sediments, nutrients, and fecal coliform in tidal portions, with listings of biological impacts in the non-tidal portions added in 2002. On the States 2004 303(d) List, the fecal coliform listing was clarified by the identification of the Wye River as the specific area of impairment. This document, upon EPA approval, establishes a TMDL for fecal coliform for the Wye River. The nutrient, biological, and sediment impairments within the Wye River basin will be addressed at a future date. |