Related Water Program Topics

Allocation

Process of apportioning reductions in pollutant load among all the contributors to that load. Also more formally known as "Load Allocation" (LA) or "Wasteload Allocation" (WLA). LA: The portion of a receiving water s loading capacity that is attributed either to one of its existing or future nonpoint sources of pollution or to natural background sources. Load allocations are best estimates of the loading, which can range from reasonably accurate estimates to gross allotments, depending on the availability of data and appropriate techniques for predicting the loading. Wherever possible, natural and nonpoint source loads should be distinguished. (40 CFR 130.2(g)) WLA: The portion of a receiving water s loading capacity that is allocated to one of its existing or future point sources of pollution. WLAs constitute a type of water quality-based effluent limitation (40 CFR 130.2(h)).

Best Management Practices

Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of waters of the United States. BMPs also include but are not limited to treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or wastewater disposal,
or drainage from raw material storage.

Economics

Achieving environmental improvement at all public and private levels is a constant challenge. EPA contributes by finding ways to make environmental programs cost-effective, and by conducting and supervising research on economic analysis methods and incentives related to environmental issues, and by conducting economic analyses of Agency rules. EPA also helps by directly funding some environmental improvements. http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/economics.html

Implementation

Process of applying the array of management changes identified in a TMDL, CSO control plan or other such watershed in order to reattain water quality standards.

Modeling

Use of mathematical equations to simulate and predict real events and processes.
http://www.epa.gov/OST/QUAL2E_WINDOWS/
http://www.epa.gov/OST/BASINS/
http://www.epa.gov/ceampubl/

Nine Minimum Controls

EPA's nine minimum controls describes the nine minimum controls for combined sewer systems.
http://cfpub2.epa.gov/npdes/cso/ninecontrols.cfm?program_id=5

Permits

An authorization, license, or equivalent control document issued by EPA or an approved state agency to implement the requirements of an environmental regulation; e.g., a permit to operate a wastewater treatment plant or to operate a facility that may generate harmful emissions.
http://cfpub2.epa.gov/npdes/

Restoration

Return of an ecosystem to a close approximation of its condition prior to disturbance.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/Ecology/case.html

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

This is the total allowable addition of pollutants from all affecting sources to an individual water body over a 24 -hour period. The sum of the individual wasteload allocations (WLAs) for point sources and land allocations (LAs) for nonpoint sources and natural background. If a receiving water has only one point sources discharger, the TMDL is the sum of that point source WLA plus the LAs for any nonpoint sources of pollution and natural background sources, tributaries, or adjacent segments. TMDLs can be expressed in terms of mass per time, toxicity, or other appropriate measure that relates to a state of water quality standards. (40 CFR 130.2(I))
http://www.epa.gov/305b/

Water Quality Standards

A law or regulation that consists of the beneficial designated use or uses of a waterbody or a segment of a waterbody and the water quality criteria that is necessary to protect the use or uses of that particular waterbody. Water quality standards also contain an anti-degradation policy. The water quality standard serves a twofold purpose: (a) it establishes the water quality goals for a specific waterbody and ( b) it is the basis for establishing water quality-based treatment controls and strategies beyond the technology-based levels of treatment required by sections 301(b) and 306 of the Clean Water Act, as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987. http://www.epa.gov/seahome/wqs.html

Watershed Protection

A comprehensive approach to water resource management to address the water quality problems that exist today from nonpoint and point sources as well as from habitat degradation.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/state/
http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/acad2000/protection/
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/wacademy/fund.html