Completed Projects
TMDL Implementation Project- Characteristics of Successful Projects
Researchers- Theo Dillaha, Brian Benham, Gene Yagow, Kevin Brannan, Biological Systems Engineering Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia
TMDLs and TMDL implementation plans are being developed across the country using a variety of approaches, with varying levels of detail and stakeholder participation. The ultimate goal of the TMDL program is to improve water quality through the implementation of TMDL implementation plans. Since very few implementation plans have been developed and even fewer plans have been implemented, not much is known about the methods that can be employed to enhance the success of implementation programs and ultimately water quality improvement. This research project will attempt to develop guidance to enhance implementation effectiveness by identifying features of previously developed TMDLs and TMDL implementation plans that facilitate the implementation process in watersheds dominated by nonpoint sources.
The project is based upon two hypotheses. First, the success of implementation plans is a function of the quality of the original TMDLs. Second, the probability of successful implementation and water quality improvement is a function of the quality of the TMDL implementation plan and the plan development process, particularly with respect to stakeholder involvement. A case study approach will be applied to a series of watersheds for which TMDLs and TMDL implementation plans have been developed (and hopefully implementation has begun) to identify the characteristics and approaches that facilitate implementation and water quality improvement. Characteristics to be considered include: types of impairments, applicable water quality standards, TMDL development approach, TMDL complexity and specificity, scientific attainability of proposed reductions, degree of stakeholder involvement in TMDL development, implementation plan development approach, implementation plan complexity and specificity, stakeholder involvement in implementation plan development, reasonable assurance of proposed reductions, identification and availability of required resources, and others. In addition, for projects in which implementation has started, information will be collected on actions taken, and measures of progress (water quality improvements and implementation plan goals in terms of planned actions completed).
Project Summary
The goal of this project was to review TMDLs that have been or are being implemented and to identify factors that contribute to successful implementation. This was accomplished by reviewing seventeen on-going implementation efforts across the country and their associated TMDLs and implementation plans. TMDLs and TMDL implementation plans are being developed across the country using a variety of approaches, with varying levels of detail and stakeholder participation. The ultimate goal of the TMDL program is to improve water quality through the implementation of TMDLs. This project identified features of previously developed TMDLs and TMDL implementation plans that facilitate the implementation process. A 'case study' approach was applied to a series of watersheds for which TMDLs have been developed and implementation has begun to identify the characteristics and approaches that facilitate implementation and water quality improvement. A summary of case study synopses can be accessed
here.
Final ReportA complete project report can be accessed
here.
