TMDL development

Virginia's goal is that all streams attain the appropriate beneficial uses. These beneficial uses are described by the following use goals:

• drinking water use
• primary contact/swimming use
• fishing use
• shellfishing use
• aquatic life use

These uses are protected by application of the state's numeric and narrative water quality criteria. When the beneficial uses are not being met, the state must take steps to ensure that water quality is restored. One very important step in restoring water quality in the impaired streams is the development of TMDLs.

A TMDL Study identifies sources of pollution and reductions needed from the identified pollutants to attain water quality standards. Pollution from both point sources such as residential, municipal, or industrial discharges and non-point sources such as residential, urban, or agricultural runoff are included in the TMDL study.

Virginia has approximately 125 impaired waters in TMDL development, and will begin work on an additional 240 projects (approximate) beginning in mid 2004. The links below will allow you to access information regarding ongoing and upcoming TMDL projects in the development phase.