Ad hoc committee

Public participation and communication between agencies and stakeholders is one of the most important parts of the TMDL process. DEQ and the partnering agencies include a very extensive public involvement effort in the development of individual TMDLs and promote partnerships for TMDL implementation.

In order to provide an additional opportunity for outreach and information exchange, DEQ has formed the TMDL Ad Hoc Group. The purpose of the TMDL Ad Hoc Group is to allow interested individuals, groups and organizations to discuss TMDL issues, concerns, and challenges from a more comprehensive, state-wide perspective in a forum that extends beyond the development of individual TMDLs.

The TMDL Ad Hoc Group first met in February 2006 to hear presentations and discuss issues associated with TMDLs developed to address impairments identified through biological stream assessments (benthic impairments). At its second meeting in September 2006, DEQ staff presented updates on a variety of TMDL program issues, including stormwater, PCB TMDLs, and the Chesapeake Bay TMDL process. Presentations from both meetings can be accessed here:

• Meeting agenda
• TMDL Background and Overview - DEQ
• TMDLs and the Interpretation of the General Standard Criteria - EPA
• Bioassessment with Benthic Macroinvertebrates - EPA
• Virginia's Biological TMDLs: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities - DEQ

• Meeting agenda
• Updates on HBs 1150, 1457 and TR
• Status of Chesapeake Bay TMDL
• Daily Load Court Decision
• Waste Load Allocations for Stormwater
• Point Source PCB Monitoring