Total Maximum Daily Load Program

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The goal of TMDL program is to reduce the pollutant loads in our streams so they can be removed from the 303d list. Knox County is taking a very proactive approach to achieve this goal.

“Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires each state to list those waters within its boundaries for which technology based effluent limitations are not stringent enough to protect any water quality standard applicable to such waters. Listed waters are prioritized with respect to designated use classifications and the severity of pollution. In accordance with this prioritization, states are required to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for those waterbodies that are not attaining water quality standards. State water quality standards consist of designated uses for individual waterbodies, appropriate numeric and narrative water quality criteria protective of the designated uses, and an antidegradation statement. The TMDL process establishes the maximum allowable loadings of pollutants for a waterbody that will allow the waterbody to maintain water quality standards. The TMDL may then be used to develop controls for reducing pollution from both point and nonpoint sources in order to restore and maintain the quality of water resources (USEPA, 1991).”

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation have developed TMDLs for the following watersheds in Knox County’s jurisdiction.

Siltation and Habitat Alteration

Ft. Loudon - February 1, 2007
Stock Creek, Goose Creek, Baker Creek, Williams Creek, Fourth Creek, Whites Creek, First Creek, Second Creek, Third Creek, Sinking Creek, Turkey Creek, Little Turkey Creek, Twin Branch, McCall Branch, Casteel Branch, Roddy Branch
Lower Clinch - March 15, 2007
Grable Branch, Williams Branch, Foster Branch, Bullrun, Hines Branch, Knob Fork, Grassy, Meadow, Beaver Creek

Pathogens

Little River November 1, 2006
Stock Creek, Grand View Branch, High Bluff Branch, Gun Hollow Branch
Lower Clinch November 16, 2006
Beaver Creek, Bullrun Creek

Below is a link to the states web site listing TMDLs.
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/tmdl/approved.shtml

Knox County has four components to its TMDL program.

Stream Inventory
Source ID
Source Reduction and Restoration Strategy
Monitoring

Below is an outline for our program for Siltation and Habitat Alteration then an outline for Pathogen.

Source Identification for Siltation/Habitat Alteration

Land Use Analysis
Streambank Erosion
Riparian Loss
Wet Weather Channel Erosion
Construction/Grading
Agriculture

Source Reduction and Restoration Strategy for Siltation/Habitat Alteration

Land Use

1. New Construction: Under the new Stormwater Ordinance adopted in January 2008, all new construction operating under the new ordinance must achieve an 80% Total Suspended Solid (TSS) removal for every phase of construction (during construction as well as in the permanent or built out phase)

Low Impact Development design
Best Management Practices (BMP) installation (temporary and permanent)
Inspections and Enforcement
Education

2. Permanent Construction

pre-2008 Stormwater Ordinance facilities
1. Retrofits to lower TSS
2. Complaint driven inspections of existing BMPs
3. Education
Post-2008 Stormwater Ordinance facilities (facilities must continue to remove 80% of total suspended solids (TSS)
1. BMP maintenance covenant agreements (click here)
2. Regular BMP inspections and enforcement
3. Education