Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) at Work

"TMDLs at Work" is a collection of stories to share the potential benefits of Clean Water Act section 303(d) tools for protecting, maintaining and restoring the nation's water quality. Examples highlight success of Impaired Waters Listing and Total Maximum Daily Load Program tools in many forms, ranging from stakeholder partnerships and public involvement (e.g., Lynnhaven River), to partial restoration (e.g., Carrier Creek, see photos below) and full attainment of water quality standards (e.g., Middle Cuyahoga River).

BEFORE Note erosion of historic dredge spoils and poor instream habitat Note shallow, linear stream channel and lack of instream habitat features

AFTER Crossvane Restored stream meanders J-Hook

BEFORE: Changes in the amount of impervious surfaces within the communities surrounding Carrier Creek have led to increases in urban runoff, which affects both the quality and the quantity of stormwater conveyed by Carrier Creek.  This figure illustrates the appearance of Carrier Creek [prior to installation of best management practices (BMPs)] due to erosion and straightening that affect in-stream habitat.

AFTER: The Carrier Creek project team used numerous in-stream structures (e.g. crossvanes, j-hooks and lunkers) to stabilize eroding banks and removed berms to provide greater access of stream flow to the floodplain. This figure shows the improvements to Carrier Creek resulting from the restored stream meanders and the use of crossvanes and j-hooks.

Find TMDLs at Work by:

• State
• Cause of Impairment
• Partnerships/Resources
• Waterbody

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