Technical guidance used by MPCA to develop guidelines for setting TMDL WLAs for regulated stormwater

Introduction

Successful implementation of stormwater requirements in a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requires integration of three components:

• The permit must contain language that links the TMDL language to Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) requirements.
• There must be a procedure for incorporating TMDL requirements into the SWPPP.
• A TMDL must contain clear language that can be linked to the permit and SWPPP.

MPCA is preparing a series of modules designed to address a variety of stormwater topics. Modules 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 address the 3rd requirement stated above.

Modules 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 are for stormwater staff, TMDL staff, or stakeholders involved in development of TMDLs that involve a permitted stormwater component. The modules present information on a variety of policy issues that impact development of a TMDL and subsequent activities by regulated stormwater entities in response to the TMDL. Prior to viewing the material in this module, material in Stormwater module 1, Stormwater Overview, and TMDL module 1, TMDL Overview, should be understood.

The learning objectives for Modules 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 include the following:

• Understand the basics of MPCA’s Stormwater Program;
• Understand language in stormwater permits; and
• Understand TMDL-stormwater issues, including potential solutions and problems.

The following document provides a discussion of issues related to setting wasteload allocations for permitted stormwater and to implementing activities to address a stormwater wasteload allocation. Several recommendations are presented. In some cases, these recommendations are developed as policy to be implemented in developing TMDLs that include a stormwater component.