摘要: |
Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) implementing regulations direct each State to identify and list waters, known as water quality limited segments (WQLSs), in which current required controls of a specified substance are inadequate to achieve water quality standards. For each WQLS, the State is to either establish a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of the specified substance that the waterbody can receive without violating water quality standards, or demonstrate that water quality standards are being met. Eastern Bay (basin number 02-13-05-01) was first identified on the 1996 303(d) List submitted to EPA by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as impaired by nutrients, sediments, and fecal coliform. On the 2004 303(d) List, the fecal coliform impairment was clarified with the identification of two specific restricted shellfish harvesting areas within the basin. This document addresses the fecal coliform listings of the two restricted shellfish harvesting areas: Shipping Creek and Little Creek. The nutrient and sediment impairments will be addressed at a future date. |