1、Order Code 97-831Updated November 20, 2008Clean Water Act and Total Maximum DailyLoads (TMDLs) of PollutantsClaudia CopelandSpecialist in Resources and Environmental PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummarySection 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to identify waters that ar
2、eimpaired by pollution, even after application of pollution controls. For those waters,states must establish a total maximum daily load (TMDL) of pollutants to ensure thatwater quality standards can be attained. Implementation was dormant until states andEPA were prodded by lawsuits. The TMDL progra
3、m has become controversial, in partbecause of requirements and costs now facing states to implement this 35-year-oldprovision of the law, as well as industries, cities, farmers, and others who may berequired to use new pollution controls to meet TMDL requirements. In July 2000, EPAissued revisions t
4、o strengthen the program. The rule was widely criticized, andcongressional interest was high. The 2000 rule did not go into effect, and in March2003, EPA withdrew the rule to consider whether to issue an entirely new rule or otheroptions; no timetable has been announced. Consequently, the program co
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