What is a TMDL and What Does it Look Like?
EPA and CDAT, with significant help from IDEQ, have developed a TMDL that determines the maximum amount of sediment that can enter Lake Creek and still protect the fisheries (cold water aquatic community and salmonid spawning). The CdA Tribe has adopted water quality standards (WQS) for the waters within its Reservation. EPA has not yet approved the CdA Tribe’s WQS. Both the tribal and state’s WQS contain narrative criteria for the protection of waters from excess sediment. This TMDL is developed to meet both the state’s and CDAT’s criteria and protect designated uses in Lake Creek for both the state and Tribe (essentially cold water aquatic community and salmonid spawning) based upon agreement from the involved agencies (CDAT, USEPA Region 10, Idaho DEQ). EPA, CDAT, and IDEQ have developed a draft TMDL, or Total Maximum Daily Load, which is required by the federal Clean Water Act. This draft TMDL determines the maximum amount of sediment that can enter Lake Creek and still protect the
