EPA Region 8 update of TMDL establishment for large rivers and lakes

Of current prominence in public debate and regulatory urgency is the issue of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), or pollutant loading levels, which ar e to be established under section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This section mandates that states and tribes identify waterbodies that do not m eet water quality standards, prioritize these waterbodies according to the severity of impairment, and establish TMDLs at levels necessary to meet wat er quality standards. There are presently over 30 lawsuits regarding TMDL e stablishment nationwide. States within Region 8 include Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakot a, Utah and Wyoming, of which only Utah and North Dakota have not engaged i n litigation. All Region 8 member states have at least begun monitoring str eams within their respective boundaries, however, in some cases Beneficial Use Reconnaissance protocols for large rivers and lakes need to be develope d. Wyoming is in the process of developing such protocols, and has solicite d input from other Region 8 states. Presented is a brief update on how U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 members are addressing TMDL issues for large rivers and lakes.