| Title: | Technical explanation of the 2016 TMDL issued by EPA |
|---|---|
| Author: | Eric Smeltzer |
| Publication Year: | 2016 |
| Number of Pages in Article: | 12 |
| Journal/Publication: | Vermont Journal of Environmental Law |
| Publication Type: | Technical and Demonstration |
| Citation: | Smeltzer, E. (2016) Technical explanation of the 2016 TMDL issued by EPA. Vermont J. Environ. Law, 17(4). 651-662. |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) defines “total maximum daily load” (“TMDL”) as “the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant.” In the case of phosphorus in Lake Champlain, the applicable state water quality standards in Vermont are expressed as in-lake total phosphorus concentration criteria (in milligrams per liter) in each of twelve Vermont segments of the lake. In order to determine the maximum amount of phosphorus that could be allowed to enter Lake Champlain from its tributary rivers and wastewater discharges, it was necessary to develop a mathematical model for the lake that accurately predicted changes in the phosphorus concentrations in each lake segment in response to changes in phosphorus loading to the lake. |