The documents available on this page provide information for
contractors and other organizations that manage TMDL projects in
Texas.
Overview
The goal of a TMDL is to restore the full use of a water body
that has limited quality in relation to one or more of its uses.
The TMDL defines an environmental target by determining the extent
to which a certain pollutant must be reduced in order to attain and
maintain the affected use. Based on this environmental target, the
state develops an implementation plan to mitigate anthroprogenic
sources of pollution within the watershed and restore full use of
the water body.
The TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and
Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) 
work
closely on the preparation and approval of TMDLs when one or more
of the sources of pollution are from agriculture or silviculture. A
Memorandum
of Understanding between the TCEQ and the TSSWCB provides the
framework for collaboration between the two agencies to develop and
implement TMDLs.
For an overview of the TMDL Program and its role in managing the
quality of Texas waterways, read
Clean Water for Texas: Working Together for Water
Quality. This booklet also provides information about how
to get involved in protecting and improving Texas streams, lakes,
and bays.
For an overview of the TCEQ’s approach to defining and
managing the quality of surface waters in Texas, see
Preserving and Improving Water Quality. Read
Texas Surface Water Quality: What Is It, and How Is It
Measured? (PDF) for a brief overview of water quality
standards and the means by which surface water quality is
evaluated.
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Guidance for Project Lead
Organizations
A lead organization accepts primary responsibility for guiding a
TMDL project. Often, the TCEQ is the lead organization. However,
the TSSWCB, other state agencies, consultants, universities, river
authorities, communities, or private consortiums may lead the
development of TMDLs. Ultimately, the TCEQ is responsible for
ensuring that all TMDLs developed for Texas water bodies conform
with state and federal law; therefore, the TCEQ participates in all
projects, regardless of who leads them.
Managing Data
Guidance, forms, and contact information for people who monitor
surface water quality under the state’s assessment
program.
Quality Assurance
Shell documents for quality assurance project plans (QAPP) are
provided below in Word. Both QAPPs wer updated in September 2008.
Help with downloading
files.
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Federal Regulations
and EPA Guidance
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
administers the federal TMDL program.
Text of
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act
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