Protocol for Developing Nutrient TMDLs

Although many pollution sources have implemented the required levels of pollution control technology, there are still waters in the nation that do not meet the Clean Water Act goal of “fishable, swimmable.” of the Act addresses these waters that are not “fishable, swimmable” by requiring states, territories, and authorized tribes to identify and list impaired waters every two years and to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for pollutants in these waters, with oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TMDLs establish the allowable pollutant loadings, thereby providing the basis for states to establish water quality-based controls.

The Protocol for Developing Nutrient TMDLs is a TMDL technical guidance documents prepared to help state, interstate, territorial, tribal, local, and federal agency staff involved in TMDL development, as well as watershed stakeholders and private consultants. Comments and suggestions from readers are encouraged and will be used to help improve the available guidance as EPA continues to build experience and understanding of TMDLs and
watershed management.