The Basics of TMDLs

Completion of the 1998 Court Decree

Under the terms of the court decree, a schedule of submittals was agreed upon regarding the Continuing Planning Process document and the TMDLs established for the water quality limited water bodies of the state.

Establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads

Total Maximum Daily Loads are viewed as the quantitative objectives and strategies needed to achieve water quality standards.

Public Participation Process Regarding TMDLs

Kansas intends to use the existing Water Planning Process to create opportunities for coordination with other agencies, interest groups and the general public.

The 303(d) Process

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act calls for each state to identify those waters within its boundaries for which effluent limitations are not stringent enough to implement any water quality standard applicable to such waters.

TMDL Vision Process

The Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Program provides for effective integration of implementation efforts to restore and protect the nation’s aquatic resources, where the nation’s waters are assessed, restoration and protection objectives are systematically prioritized, and Total Maximum Daily Loads and alternative approaches are adaptively implemented to achieve water quality goals with the collaboration of States, Federal agencies, tribes, stakeholders, and the public.

Kansas TMDL Prioritization Framework (PDF)

This prioritization framework represents Kansas’ direction for its 303(d) program, scheduling TMDL development to reflect nutrient reduction on priority streams where stresses, value and opportunities are prevalent. Sufficient flexibility has been designed into the schedule to account for slippage in TMDL development and emergence of additional priorities or issues of concern.

Kansas TMDL Development Cycle (PDF)