Water Environment Federation Releases TMDL Tool Kit

April 16, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

Developed under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the tool kit is the final document in a series of outreach products developed by the WEF's Third-Party TMDL Development Task Force to educate stakeholders and encourage greater third-party participation in TMDL development.

"There are several reasons why different groups are interested in doing third-party TMDLs," said Libby Ford, member of the WEF's Third Party TMDL Task Force.

"Aside from the fact that permitting agencies simply don't have the time or the resources to do all these TMDLs in a timely manner, local players may have strong opinions on the project and may be more likely to develop TMDLs and allocations that are more workable in the short- and long-term."

A third-party TMDL is a TMDL in which an organization or group other than the lead water quality agency takes responsibility for developing the TMDL document and supporting analysis. Often very familiar with local watershed issues, these groups - including watershed groups, local government and landowners - can provide valuable insights to the TMDL process and help leverage state funds, as well as the resources and expertise of other agencies and non-governmental organizations, said the WEF.

Third-party involvement in TMDL decisions may improve the level of stakeholder support, increase the likelihood of effective implementation of pollutant controls and increase the degree of public understanding of TMDLs and water quality protection issues, said the WEF.

"WEF hopes that the tool kit will encourage both state agencies and third parties to consider this innovative approach as a way to hasten the development and implementation of TMDLs across the country," said Task Force Chair Dick Schwer.

Intended for watershed management groups, industries, municipalities, utilities, local and state environmental regulators, planning agencies, universities and other potential stakeholders, the tool kit is available for download at www.wef.org/ThirdPartyTMDL. Printed copies can also be obtained at no charge by requesting Stock Code P07001 from WEF Customer Service at 1 (800) 666-0206 or pubs@wef.org.

Source: Water Environment Federation (WEF).