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Fact Sheets

• The TMDL Program Results Analysis Project (PDF) (2 pp, 105K), May 2009
This fact sheet summarizes the aims, methods and outputs of this program evaluation project undertaken by EPA in order to generate the insights needed to make TMDL Program improvements.
• The Clean Water Act "Impaired Waters Restoration Pipeline" (PDF) (2 pp, 48K), May 2009
  This fact sheet describes how impaired waters pass through five main stages as they are listed, acted upon, and restored under the Clean Water Act.
  
• Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Progress (PDF) (2 pp, 107K), December 2009
  This fact sheet summarizes national progress on developing and finalizing tens of thousands of TMDLs during the past two decades.
• Introduction to Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Impaired Waters Lists (PDF) (2 pp, 93K), July 2009
  This fact sheet overviews the impaired waters 303(d) listing process for states, territories, and authorized tribes.
• Status of 303(d) Impaired Waters List Submissions to EPA (PDF)(1 pg, 87K), July 2009
  This fact sheet provides the status of biennial state impaired waters list submissions to EPA.
• Integrated Reporting (IR) – Improved Reporting for CWA Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314 (PDF) (2 pp, 341K), July 2009
  This fact sheet summarizes integrated reporting and the status of state integrated report submissions to EPA.
  
• Recovery Potential Project (PDF) (2 pp, 243K), May 2011
  This fact sheet overviews tools, data and a website developed by EPA to help state TMDL, nonpoint source, and restoration programs decide where best to use their limited restoration resources among large numbers of impaired waters.
  
• Summary of EPA's "100 TMDLs Review" (PDF) (2 pp, 827K),  December 2009
  This fact sheet summarizes a 2005 national study of the characteristics of a sample of TMDLs from all ten EPA Regions representing numerous pollutants and different settings.
  
• Analysis of TMDL Implementation Rates in EPA Region 5 (PDF) (2 pp, 60K), December 2009
  This fact sheet summarizes a regional-scale sample study of TMDL implementation rates and associated patterns in the north-central US states.
  
• Implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads -- Understanding and Fostering Successful Results (PDF) (2 pp, 45K), May 2009
  This fact sheet summarizes an EPA grant-funded study of Ohio and West Virginia; it addresses the extent to which TMDLs are being implemented, factors that facilitate implementation progress, and steps that can be taken to facilitate further progress on TMDL implementation.
  
• 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters State, Watershed and National Geospatial Data (PDF) (2 pp, 474K), January 2010
  This fact sheet describes the most recent publicly available GIS data on 303(d) listed impaired waters, available at watershed, state or national scale. Dates vary by state.
  
• 2002 Impaired Waters Baseline, National Geospatial Dataset (PDF) (2 pp, 133K), January 2010
  This fact sheet describes a publicly available GIS dataset of the impaired waters national baseline of 2002, a major tracking and national performance reporting reference date for EPA.
  
• Watershed boundaries for the 2002 Impaired Waters Baseline National Geospatial Dataset (PDF) (2 pp, 133K), January 2010
  This fact sheet describes a publicly available GIS dataset consisting of the watershed boundary delineations for the impaired waters national baseline of2002, a major tracking and national performance reporting reference date for EPA.
• The Impaired Waters with TMDLs National Geospatial Dataset (PDF) (2 pp, 333K), December 2009
  This fact sheet describes a publicly available national GIS dataset consisting of the thousands of mapped impaired waters that have had at least one TMDL approved or established.

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EPA Reports

• Developing Effective Nonpoint Source TMDLs: An Evaluation of the TMDL Process (PDF) (57 pp, 293K),  January 2007
  This report explores whether various characteristics of data availability, funding resources, guidance materials, stakeholder involvement, scale of TMDLs, and implementation planning positively influence development of effective TMDLs.
• FY2010 National Report on Implementing TMDLs (PDF) (17 pp, 507K), March 2011
  This national study analyzed the frequency of TMDL implementation through NPDES permits and Section 319 projects and discusses how data gaps influence assessment results.
  
• Analysis of TMDL Implementation Rates in EPA Region 5 (PDF) (51 pp, 614K), December 2009
  This study analyzed the TMDL implementation rates and associated patterns in the north-central US states, focusing on detecting differences among older vs newer and non-point vs mixed TMDLs.
  
• Implementation of Washington's TMDL Program 1998-2003 (PDF) (38 pp, 185K), February 2005
  This study examined the implementation activities associated with 308 approved TMDLs in the State of Washington from January 1, 1998 through July 31, 2003.
  
• FY2010 Assessment of Improving and Recovered Waters with TMDLs (PDF) (4 pp, 265K), March 2011
  This national study analyzed the numbers of impaired waters with TMDLs that are fully attaining WQS or have individual causes restored.
  
• Evaluating Options for Documenting Incremental Improvement of Impaired Waters Under the TMDL Program (PDF) (91 pp, 1.5MB), November 2008
  This report documents scientifically sound examples of detecting and quantifying incremental improvement and summarizes the key concepts and methods in a consistent framework.
  
• Summary of Findings: March 2007 TMDL/Monitoring National Workshop Session on Program Effectiveness Monitoring (PDF) (10 pp, 130K)
  A meeting of national EPA Monitoring and Impaired Waters Listing Programs coordinators compiled these suggestions toward improving effectivenss of their programs with respect to data, collaboration and communication, process efficiencies, analysis, and more.
  
• Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Tracking Needs Assessment: Current Status and Future Needs for States in Regions 5, 6, and 10 (PDF) (37 pp, 1.1MB), March 2008
  This regional study examined several states’ interests in assessing TMDL implementation progress, their capacity for tracking, potential measures of implementation success, and potential assistance roles for EPA for the purpose of partnering in the development of better TMDL implementation data.
  
• TMDL Program Results Analysis Measures and Methods Report (PDF) (161 pp, 2.6MB), August 2006
  This report presents potential TMDL results tracking measurements obtainable with existing data.

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Publications

• The TMDL Program Results Analysis Project: Matching Results Measures with Program Expectations (PDF) (17 pp, 107K), June 2007
  This paper provides a detailed description of the aims, methods and outputs of this program evaluation project undertaken by EPA in order to generate the insights needed to make TMDL Program improvements. Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2007 conference proceedings.
  
• Developing Effective TMDLs: An Evaluation of the TMDL Process (PDF) (12 pp, 62K), June 2007
  This report explores whether various characteristics of data availability, funding resources, guidance materials, stakeholder involvement, scale of TMDLs, and implementation planning positively influence development of effective TMDLs. Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2007 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b - A Regulatory Alternative to TMDLs (PDF) (10 pp, 57K), June 2007
  This paper describes the extent to which states have successfully employed TMDL alternatives to address impaired waters and assigned these waters to Category 4b, and includes several Washington State examples. Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2007 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b - National Status and Trends (PDF)  (24 pp, 250K), August 2009
  This paper provides an overview of the 4b alternative to TMDLs and provides general statistics on types and numbers of 4b projects to date.  Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b Demonstration for Atrazine Impaired Waters in the Little Arkansas River Subbasin, Kansas (PDF) (15 pp, 250K), August 2009
  This paper describes a case study that followed the 4b process alternative to TMDLs in Kansas and provides the results of that study.  Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b Demonstration for Petroleum Hydrocarbon Impaired Waters in the Kenai River, Alaska (PDF)  (10 pp, 133K), August 2009
  This paper describes a case study that followed the 4b process alternative to TMDLs in Alaska and provides the results of that study.  Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b Demonstration for Pathogen Impaired Tributaries to Pugent Sound in Kitsap County, Washington (PDF)  (9 pp, 54K), August 2009
  This paper describes a case study that followed the 4b process alternative to TMDLs in Washington and provides the results of that study.  Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• Category 4b - Demonstration for Point Source Impaired Waters and the Permit in Lieu of a Total Maximum Daily Load Process for the State of Missouri (PDF) (9 pp, 38K), August 2009
  This paper describes a case study that followed the 4b process alternative to TMDLs in Missouri and provides the results of that study.  Published in the Water Environment Federation’s TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• TMDL Implementation: Lessons Learned (PDF)(15 pp, 282K), June 2007
  Virginia Tech Center for TMDL and Watershed Studies, funded in part by EPA grant 83156301, provided state TMDL implementation information and reviewed ongoing TMDL implementation efforts across the country to identify factors that contribute to successful implementation. Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2007 conference proceedings.
  
• Sampling TMDL Implementation Rates and Patterns in the North Central US (PDF) (11 pp, 137K), August 2009
  This paper describes the results of a statistical sampling study that estimated TMDL implementation rates and other characteristics throughout the north-central US.  Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• State Approaches and Needs for Measuring, Tracking, and Reporting on Water Quality Improvements (PDF) (13 pp, 103K), August 2009
  This paper summarizes a study done to determine state capacity, tools and needs for tracking elements of TMDL program progress.  Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2009 conference proceedings.
  
• A method for comparative analysis of recovery potential in impaired waters restoration planning (PDF) (20 pp, 348K), August 2009
  This paper appeared in Environmental Management journal in August 2009. It describes an indicator-based method for setting restoration priorities among large numbers of impaired waters through using recovery potential screening.  The paper covers the screening methods, their programmatic purpose, and three state or multi-state scale studies.  The original publication  is available at www.springerlink.com
• Applying Results Findings: The Recovery Potential Project (PDF) (15pp, 2.9MB), June 2007
  This document describes a pilot study using the Illinois 303(d) listed waters, aimed at developing tools and data to help state TMDL and restoration programs decide where best to use their limited restoration resources. Published in the Water Environment Federation's TMDL2007 conference proceedings.

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EPA Websites

• Recovery Potential Screening
  This website is an applied set of tools, techniques and reference information to help states and others compare the restorability of their impaired waters to inform strategies for earlier and greater success in restoration. Many of the recovery potential indicators and restorability screening techniques were developed from insights gained through TMDL program results analysis and apply the lessons learned from the results analysis project.  
• STORET/WQX Database Access
  EPA maintains two data warehouse systems containing water quality information for the nation's waters: the Legacy Data Center (LDC), and the STOrage and RETrieval warehouse (STORET). The LDC is a static, archived database and STORET is an operational system actively being populated with water quality data through the Water Quality Exchange (WQX).
  
• Section 319 Nonpoint Source Success Stories
  This website features stories about primarily nonpoint source-impaired waterbodies where restoration efforts have led to documented water quality improvements.
  

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EPA Grantee Reports

• Third Party TMDL Development Toolkit (PDF) (30 pp, 1.7MB) 
  Water Environment Federation's toolkit provides basic steps in which an organization or group other than the lead water quality agency takes responsibility for developing the TMDL document and supporting analysis. The toolkit was funded in part by EPA assistance agreement number 83255601.
  
• Implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads: Understanding and Fostering Successful Results (PDF) (154 pp, 1.1MB), December 2008
  This study, completed by Kent State University with funding from EPA grant number 83339301, focuses on the states of Ohio and West Virginia; it addresses the extent to which TMDLs are being implemented, factors that facilitate implementation progress, and steps that can be taken to facilitate further progress on TMDL implementation.
  
• TMDL Implementation – Characteristics of Successful Projects
  This Virginia Tech Center for TMDL and Watershed Studies report, funded in part by EPA grant numbers 83217601 and 83156301, provides state TMDL implementation information and reviews ongoing TMDL implementation efforts across the country and their associated TMDLs and implementation plans to identify factors that contribute to successful implementation.
  
• State Implementation Information Summary (PDF) (19 pp, 72K), September 2008
  This Virginia Tech Center for TMDL and Watershed Studies report, funded in part by EPA grant numbers 83217601 and 83156301, provides state TMDL implementation procedural information in a comparative format.

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EPA Grantee websites

• Virginia Tech Center for TMDL and Watershed Studies' TMDL Knowledgebase Clearinghouse 
  Virginia Tech's Center for TMDL and Watershed Studies has developed this database, funded in part by EPA grant number 83217601, which houses selected TMDL-related information.This searchable clearinghouse contains three types of resources: TMDL guidance documents, reviews, and summaries of TMDL-related technical and trade literature, and state-by-state summaries of TMDL programs across the nation.
  
• Total Maximum Daily Loads: TMDL Implementation and Tracking 
  This website by the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA) funded in part by EPA grant number 83245201, provides a variety of state documents on TMDL implementation and tracking.

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Datasets

• Dataset: National Summary of Impaired Waters in ATTAINS Database
  This online database provides dynamic, continuously updated national information on impaired waters listed by state, approved TMDLs by state and pollutant, and status of available data used in this report.
• Dataset: Section 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters State or Watershed-level, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data Downloads
  This is a source for obtaining the most up-to-date GIS data files of 303(d)-listed impaired waters on a state or watershed-specific basis from EPA’s Reach Address Database (RAD).
  
• Dataset: Impaired Waters with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Geospatial Dataset
  This is a source for obtaining a national geospatial coverage of impaired waters with one or more TMDLs completed
  
• Dataset: Section 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters National Geospatial Dataset
  This is a source for obtaining a national geospatial coverage of 303(d) listed impaired waters.
• Dataset: 2002 Impaired Waters Baseline National Geospatial Dataset
  This publicly available GIS dataset contains the impaired waters national baseline of 2002, a major tracking and national performance reporting reference date for EPA.
  
• Dataset: Watershed Boundaries for the 2002 Impaired Waters Baseline National Geospatial Dataset
  This is a source for obtaining a national geospatial coverage of watershed boundaries for the 2002 impaired waters baseline, a major tracking and national performance reporting reference date for EPA.

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