Basic Course: Supplemental Topics

TMDL Development: Documentation and Review

The TMDL document must include components required by statute or regulation. EPA guidance recommends additional components.

Elements of a Typical TMDL Document	Regulations (40 CFR Part 130)	EPA Guidance
Identification of water body, pollutant of concern, pollutant sources, and priority ranking.
Applicable water quality standards.
Loading capacity.
Load allocations and waste load allocations.
Margin of safety.
Consideration of seasonal variation.
Reasonable assurance for point source/nonpoint sources.
Monitoring plan to track TMDL effectiveness.
Implementation plan.
Public participation.

Resource. See also EPA's guidelines for reviewing TMDLs.

Key Point. Under the CWA, States/Tribes are primarily responsible for developing TMDLs. EPA is required to review and approve or disapprove TMDLs developed and submitted by States/Tribes within 30 days. If EPA disapproves a State/Tribe's TMDL, EPA must establish such TMDL within 30 days.

Disclaimer:
For informational purposes only–Not official statements of EPA policy.