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What is a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load)? A scientific determination of the maximum amount of a given pollutant that a surface water can absorb and still meet the water quality standards that protect human health and aquatic life. Water bodies that do not meet water quality standards are identified as 'impaired' for the particular pollutants of concern--nutrients, bacteria, mercury, etc.--and TMDLs must be developed, adopted and implemented for those pollutants to reduce pollutants and restore the water body so that designated uses are attained. The threshold limits on pollutants in surface waters--Florida's surface water quality standards on which TMDLs are based--are set forth primarily in rules 62-302 and 62-303, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), and the associated table of water quality criteria. Adopted TMDL rules are included in Chapter 62-304, FAC.What is a WBID? For assessment purposes, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has divided the State of Florida into water assessment polygons with a unique waterbody identification (WBID) number for each water segment.1) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Nutrient TMDLs include TMDLs for the following impaired parameters Dissolved Oxygen, BOD, Nutrients, and Un-ionized Ammonia.2) Bacteria TMDLs include TMDLs that are impaired for Fecal Coliforms.3) Other TMDLs include TMDLs for pollutants other than Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrients, and Bacteria, such as Iron, Lead, and Turbidity. Planning List Through 2022: TMDLs in process of being developed. Draft: after a TMDL is presented at a Rule Development Workshop, but before it is adopted into rule.State Adopted TMDL: those TMDLs that have been adopted into State Rule (62-304, FAC), but have not been approved by EPA.State Adopted and EPA Approved TMDLs: those TMDLs that have been adopted into State Rule and have been approved by EPA, Region 4. |