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{{alert|This site is under construction. Anticipated completion date is early January, 2015.|alert-under-construction}}
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{{alert|This page is for guidance related to the TMDL Annual Reporting Form for Phase I MS4 permittees. |alert-danger}}
  
[[File:Column E BMPs.png|300 px|thumb|alt=image of Column E BMP list|<font size=3>List of BMPs included in this example section. The BMPs are from the dropdown list in Column E of the ''BMP-activities completed'' tab of the TMDL spreadsheet.</font size>]]
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This page provides step-by-step examples on how to fill out the four tabs in the Commissioner-approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Form from the perspective of five fictional permittees. These are the ''BMP-Activites completed'' tab, the ''Cumulative reductions'' tab, the ''Category 3 BMPs- Activities'' tab, and the ''Adaptive management strategy'' tab. (Note: the terms "tab" and "worksheet" are used interchangeably.)
  
This page provides step-by-step examples on how to fill out the three [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/MS4_PART_III.STORMWATER_POLLUTION_PREVENTION_PROGRAM_%28SWPPP%29#E._Discharges_to_Impaired_Waters_with_a_USEPA-Approved_TMDL_that_Includes_an_Applicable_WLA required] tabs in the Commissioner-approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Form. These are the ''BMP-Activites completed'' tab, the ''Cumulative reductions'' tab, and the ''Adaptive management strategy'' tab. (Note: the terms "tab" and "worksheet" are used interchangeably. Tabs are individual Microsoft Excel worksheets and are displayed at the bottom of an Excel spreadsheet.)
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Permittees are not required to report on every Best Management Practice (BMP) or activity they have implemented, but instead just on those BMPs or activities that are being applied to applicable TMDL Wasteload Allocations (WLAs). Each BMP contained in the dropdown box of [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Column_E_.E2.80.93_BMP.2FActivity column E] of the ''BMP-Activities completed'' tab will be covered in the examples. Please become familiar with the [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form]] or the quickguides (see [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Quick_Guide:_BMP-Activities_completed_tab] and [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Quick_Guide:_Cumulative_reductions_tab]) before continuing on with the examples.
 
 
Permittees are not required to report on every Best Management Practice (BMP) or activity that has been implemented, but instead just on those BMPs or activities that are being applied to applicable TMDL Wasteload Allocations (WLAs). Each BMP contained in the dropdown box of column E of the ''BMP-Activities completed'' tab will be covered in the examples. Please become familiar with the [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form]] before continuing on with the examples.  
 
  
 
In order to complete the TMDL form, it is important that the permittee have a means to
 
In order to complete the TMDL form, it is important that the permittee have a means to
*inventory BMPs applicable to TMDL WLAs
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*identify and list BMPs applicable to TMDL WLAs;
 
*define the watersheds of applicable TMDLs;
 
*define the watersheds of applicable TMDLs;
*plot structural BMPs within their jurisdiction, and
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*determine which BMPs can be applied within each TMDL watershed; and
*determine which BMPs are treating discharges to which impaired waters.
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*[http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Category_1_-_Summary_of_quantitative_reductions quantify structural BMPs].
  
This information is necessary to determine which BMPs or activities can be applied to specific TMDLs. [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesotas-impaired-waters-and-tmdls/tmdl-projects/tmdl-projects-and-staff-contacts.html#approved TMDL reports] provide maps and acreages for TMDL study areas. Shapefiles of TMDL study areas can be found at [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/data/spatial-data.html]. Permittees are required to develop maps showing locations of structural BMPs, so this information should already exist. By overlaying the TMDL study areas on the map containing structural BMPs, permittees can determine which BMPs can be applied to specific TMDLs. For BMPs and activities that are not mapped, permittees will have to determine if the BMP or activity lies within a particular TMDL study and therefore can be applied to that TMDL.
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[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/total-maximum-daily-load-tmdl-projects TMDL reports] provide maps and acreages for TMDL study areas. Shapefiles of TMDL study areas can be found at [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Additional_resources_for_completing_the_TMDL_form#Link_to_TMDL_GIS_Shapefiles link]. Part II.3.a of the Phase I MS4 permits requires permittees to develop maps showing locations of structural BMPs, so this information should already exist. By overlaying the TMDL study areas on the map containing structural BMPs, permittees can determine which BMPs can be applied to specific TMDLs. For BMPs and activities that are not mapped, permittees will have to determine if the BMP or activity treats discharge in a particular TMDL study area and can be applied to that TMDL.
  
This type of information is provided in the hypothetical scenarios and figures shown below. The subsequent sections will demonstrate how to take that information and translate it to the TMDL form.
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The subsequent sections demonstrate how to take BMP information and translate it to the TMDL form.
  
 
==Scenario 1: Metro Watershed WRAPS==
 
==Scenario 1: Metro Watershed WRAPS==
[[file:ReportingEx1.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx1|<font size=3>Map 1 - BMPs requiring estimated reductions ([[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Overview of categories|Category 1]])</font size>]][[file:ReportingEx2.png|300px|thumb|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx1|<font size=3>Map 2 - BMPs not requiring estimated reductions ([[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Overview of categories|Category 2]])</font size>]]
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[[file:ReportingEx1.png|thumb|left|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx1|<font size=3>Map 1, showing the location of structural BMPs that require estimated reductions in pollutant loading ([http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Category_1_-_Summary_of_quantitative_reductions Category 1 BMPs])</font size>]]
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[[file:ReportingEx2.png|thumb|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx1|<font size=3>Map 2, showing the location of non-structural BMPs that do not require estimated reductions in pollutant loading ([http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Category_2._Number_of_BMPs_implemented Category 2 BMPs])</font size>]]
  
This example set uses Maps 1 and 2, which appear on the left and right hand side of the page. Each map covers the same area and the same TMDLs.  Map 1 depicts BMPs that require estimated cumulative reductions ([[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Overview of categories|Category 1 BMPs]]) and Map 2 depicts BMPs that do not ([[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Overview of categories|Category 2 BMPs]])(see [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Cumulative reductions worksheet|cumulative reductions]] section for more information). Additional Category 2 BMPs that cannot be mapped as points, such as education and street sweeping, are not shown on the maps but are included in the examples below.  
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This example set uses Maps 1 and 2, which appear on the left and right hand side of the page. Each map covers the same area and the same TMDLs.  Map 1 depicts BMPs that require estimated cumulative reductions ([http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Category_1_-_Summary_of_quantitative_reductions Category 1 BMPs]) and Map 2 depicts BMPs that do not ([http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Category_2._Number_of_BMPs_implemented Category 2 BMPs]). See [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form#Cumulative reductions worksheet|cumulative reductions]] section for more information. Additional Category 2 BMPs that cannot be mapped as points, such as education and street sweeping, are not shown on the maps but are included in examples to show where such BMPs are reported in the form.  
  
 
The example covers a theoretical Twin Cities Metro Area TMDL called the ''Metro Watershed WRAPS'', with four MS4 permittees (City A, City B, City C, and MS4 College) and four impaired waters. The following TMDLs have been completed to address the impairments:
 
The example covers a theoretical Twin Cities Metro Area TMDL called the ''Metro Watershed WRAPS'', with four MS4 permittees (City A, City B, City C, and MS4 College) and four impaired waters. The following TMDLs have been completed to address the impairments:
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===BMP-Activities completed worksheet===
 
===BMP-Activities completed worksheet===
This is the [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#BMP-activities completed worksheet|portion of the TMDL form]] where information on all BMPs being applied to TMDL WLAs must be provided.
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In this section of the TMDL form, permittees provide information on all completed BMP/activities that result in a reduction in pollutant loading that applies to an approved TMDL WLA.
  
 
====City A====
 
====City A====
[[File:Table1.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=table showing BMPs City A implemented|<font size =3>Summary of BMPs City A has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs.<br>
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[[File:Table1.png|thumb|left|alt=table showing BMPs City A implemented|<font size =3>A table is one way City A might organize information on BMP/activities they have implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs.<br>
 
<font size=1>a</font size> <font size=2>INF1 and MD2 were constructed as a joint project between City A and City B</font size><br>
 
<font size=1>a</font size> <font size=2>INF1 and MD2 were constructed as a joint project between City A and City B</font size><br>
 
<font size=1>b</font size> <font size=2>These BMPs do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location</font size><br>
 
<font size=1>b</font size> <font size=2>These BMPs do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location</font size><br>
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</font size>]]
 
</font size>]]
  
In this example we included information for a second year of reporting (2015) and information from the compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application ([http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/MS4_PART_III.STORMWATER_POLLUTION_PREVENTION_PROGRAM_%28SWPPP%29 Part III.E.3]).
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In this example we included information for a second year of reporting (2015) and a theoretical compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application.
  
City A has been assigned WLAs for three TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project.
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City A has been assigned WLAs for three TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project.  
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 2: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 2: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 3: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 3: Phosphorus
 
   
 
   
As noted in the previous section, the baseline year for each TMDL is 2010. Since the baseline, City A has implemented 14 BMP and activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving one or more applicable WLA. The table to the left illustrates to which TMDL and Category each BMP can be credited. See Map 1 for location of Category 1 BMPs and Map 2 for location of Category 2 BMPs. There are four BMPs (employee education, establish ordinance, public education, and street sweeping) listed under Category 2 that are not located on maps because they cannot be associated with a single point within the watershed (i.e. they are applied over broad areas). One Category 3 BMP, a feasibility study for a rain garden retrofit, is listed in the table but will not be included in the ''BMP-Activities completed'' tab. Category 3 BMPs constitute progress, which meets the permit requirement for a given year, but cannot be associated with a reduction in pollutant loading.
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As noted in the previous section, the baseline year for each TMDL is 2010. Since the baseline, City A has implemented 14 BMPs and activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving one or more applicable WLA. The table to the left illustrates to which TMDL and Category each BMP can be credited. See Map 1 for location of Category 1 BMPs and Map 2 for location of Category 2 BMPs (location information for Category 2 BMPs is not required for TMDL reporting but is included for purposes of the example). There are four BMPs (employee education, establish ordinance, public education, and street sweeping) listed under Category 2 that are not located on maps because they cannot be associated with a single point within the watershed (i.e. they are applied over broad areas). One Category 3 BMP, a feasibility study for a rain garden retrofit, is listed in the table but will not be included in the ''BMP-Activities completed'' tab. Category 3 BMPs constitute progress, which meets the permit requirement for a given year, but cannot be associated with a reduction in pollutant loading. These activities will remain in the [[Examples for completing the TMDL reporting form#Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet|Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet]] for the duration of the permit term.  
  
[[file:Figure1.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A|<font size=3>Schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A. Click on image for full sized version of the image.</font size>]]
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[[file:Figure1.png|thumb|alt=schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A|<font size=3>Schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A. Click on image for full sized version of the image.</font size>]]
  
 
The schematic to the right illustrates how data are entered for one BMP, INF1 (see Map 1 for location of INF1). The first entry is the Reporting Year, which is selected from a dropdown list in Column D. For this example, the permittee selects 2014. Cells A through C are autofilled once the reporting year is selected. The permittee then enters data in Columns E through M (Column F is optional). Because INF1 is a structural BMP, the geographic coordinates (x and y location coordinates) must be entered as well as the type of coordinate system used. Columns N and O are optional. Once the information for INF1 is entered, the permittee selects '''all the TMDLs''' to which the BMP is applied. This starts in Column Q. Once completed, the permittee moves on to the next row where the next BMP and associated information are entered. City A would continue this process until all 14 BMPs have been translated to the ''BMP-Activites completed'' worksheet.
 
The schematic to the right illustrates how data are entered for one BMP, INF1 (see Map 1 for location of INF1). The first entry is the Reporting Year, which is selected from a dropdown list in Column D. For this example, the permittee selects 2014. Cells A through C are autofilled once the reporting year is selected. The permittee then enters data in Columns E through M (Column F is optional). Because INF1 is a structural BMP, the geographic coordinates (x and y location coordinates) must be entered as well as the type of coordinate system used. Columns N and O are optional. Once the information for INF1 is entered, the permittee selects '''all the TMDLs''' to which the BMP is applied. This starts in Column Q. Once completed, the permittee moves on to the next row where the next BMP and associated information are entered. City A would continue this process until all 14 BMPs have been translated to the ''BMP-Activites completed'' worksheet.
  
When completed, City A's ''BMP-Activites completed'' worksheet may look similar to the following screenshot for 2014.
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When completed, City A's ''BMP-Activites completed'' worksheet for 2014 may look similar to the following screenshot.
  
[[file:CityAannualReport.png|thumb|1000px|alt=screenshot of completed BMP-activities tab|<font size=3>Screen shot showing a completed ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for City A. The worksheet includes all 14 BMPs (6 Category BMPs shown in Map 1, 4 Category BMPs shown in Map 2, and 4 category BMPs not shown on maps). Note the four Category 2 BMPs not shown on maps are applied across the entire city and can therefore be applied toward each of the three TMDLs.</font size>]]  
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[[file:CityAannualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screenshot of completed BMP-activities tab|<font size=3>Screen shot of City A's ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. The worksheet includes 6 Category 1 BMPs (depicted on Map 1), 4 Category 2 BMPs (depicted on Map 2), and 4 Category BMPs not depicted on a map. Note the 4 Category 2 BMPs not depicted on a map are applied across the entire city and can therefore be applied toward each of the three TMDLs.</font size>]]  
  
For purposes of this example, assume the screenshot below is the compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application. Two of the three BMPs with a 2014 implementation date appear in the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet above for the first reporting year. The third BMP, the raingarden retrofit assessment, will remain in Category 3 of the cumulative reductions worksheet. This record will not be moved for the duration of the permit term.     
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For purposes of this example, assume the screenshot below is the compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application. Two of the three BMPs with a 2014 implementation date appear in the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet to the right for the first reporting year. The third BMP, the "Raingarden retrofit assessment", will remain in the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activities'' worksheet for the duration of the permit term. See the [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form#Category 3. Non-implemented Activities (Reported in Category 3 BMPs - Activities tab)|Category 3]] section of the guidance for the definition of a Category 3 activity.     
  
[[file:CityAcomplianceSchedule.png|thumb|1000px|alt=screen shot of City A compliance schedule|<font size=3>Screen shot of City A compliance schedule submitted at time of permit application. The BMPs shown in this spreadsheet must be included in the ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet.</font size>]]
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[[file:CityAcomplianceSchedule.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of City A compliance schedule|<font size=3>Screen shot of City A's compliance schedule submitted at the time of permit application. All BMPs listed in this spreadsheet must be included in the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activities'' worksheet until the reporting year in which it was fully implemented. At that time, the BMP will be translated to the ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet. Note that BMPs fully implemented in the first annual reporting year (2014) and that achieve a reduction in pollutant loading (Category 1 and Category 2 BMPs), do not appear in the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activities'' worksheet.</font size>]]
  
For this example, assume the screenshot below illustrates what City A's BMP-Activities completed worksheet looks like in 2015. The highlighted record is the only BMP added to the worksheet. This BMP was included as an interim milestone on the permittee's compliance schedule submitted at the time of application and was called ''Implement raingarden retrofit''. Looking at the compliance schedule in the screen shot above, note this BMP was scheduled for implementation in 2015 and is a retrofit of an existing BMP - INF1. The BMP was reported as a Category 3 BMP on the ''Cumulative reductions'' tab for the 2014 Annual Report but was completed in 2015.
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For this example, assume the screenshot below illustrates what City A's ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet looks like in 2015. The highlighted record is the only BMP added to the worksheet because it was the only BMP fully implemented by City A in 2015. This BMP was included in the permittee's compliance schedule as "Implement raingarden retrofit". Note this BMP was scheduled for implementation in 2015 and is a retrofit of an existing BMP (INF1). The BMP was reported in the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activities'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report but was completed in 2015, and therefore translated to the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet in the 2015 Annual Report. See the [[Examples for completing the TMDL reporting form#Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet|Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet]] section of this document for screen shot examples.
  
No record should be altered from a previous reporting year. Thus, the entry for INF4 will not be modified. The "BMP_improvement_enhancement_retrofitting" category from the dropdown list in Column E, accompanied by an explanation in Column O, should be sufficient since this is not a new BMP but instead an enhancement of an existing BMP. If a unique situation presents itself, contact MPCA Stormwater staff for further guidance.
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No record should be altered from a previous reporting year. Thus, the entry for INF4 will not be modified. The "BMP improvement enhancement retrofitting" category from the dropdown list in Column E, accompanied by an explanation in Column O, will be sufficient since this is not a new BMP but instead an enhancement of an existing BMP. If a unique situation presents itself, contact MPCA Stormwater staff for further guidance.
  
[[file:CityAannualReport2015.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screenshot of BMP-activities completed tab for the year 2015|<font size=3>Screen shot illustrating the ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2015 reporting year. Note that only one BMP was added. This BMP was an enhancement of an existing BMP - INF1. The original entry for INF1 is not modified; instead, the retrofit is included as a new BMP for the 2015 reporting year.</font size>]]
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[[file:CityAannualReport2015.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screenshot of BMP-activities completed tab for the year 2015|<font size=3>Screen shot of City A's ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report. Note that only one BMP was added. This BMP was an enhancement of an existing BMP (INF1). The original entry for INF1 is not modified; instead, the retrofit is included as a new BMP for the 2015 reporting year.</font size>]]
  
 
====City B====
 
====City B====
[[file:Table2.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic of table with BMps for City B|<font size=3>Schematic showing the BMPs-activities implemented by City B that can be applied to one or more TMDL WLAs. Note that all four BMPs-activities belong to Category 2. FIL1, which is a structural BMP, cannot be claimed as a Category 1 BMP because it is within the jurisdiction of another regulated MS4 (MS4 College). BMPs marked with the superscript <sup>a</sup> do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location.</font size>]]
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[[file:Table2.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic of table with BMps for City B|<font size=3>Summary of BMP/activities City B has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs. Note that all four BMP/activities belong to Category 2. FIL1, which is a structural BMP, cannot be claimed as a Category 1 BMP because it is within the jurisdiction of another regulated MS4 (MS4 College). BMPs marked with the superscript <sup>a</sup> do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location.</font size>]]
  
 
City B has been assigned WLAs for two TMDLs in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
 
City B has been assigned WLAs for two TMDLs in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
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*Lake 2: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 2: Phosphorus
  
Since the 2010 baseline for the TMDLs, City B has implemented four BMP/Activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. As depicted on Map 1, no structural BMPs are constructed within City B's jurisdiction. However, City B has collaborated with other MS4 permittees on the following projects:  
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Since the baseline of the TMDLs (2010), City B has implemented four BMP/Activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. As depicted on Map 1, no structural BMPs are constructed within City B's jurisdiction. City B has collaborated with other MS4 permittees on the following projects:  
 
*provided funding to MS4 College on FIL1 for the Lake 1: Phosphorus TMDL; and  
 
*provided funding to MS4 College on FIL1 for the Lake 1: Phosphorus TMDL; and  
 
*shares responsibility with City A for maintenance of MD2.
 
*shares responsibility with City A for maintenance of MD2.
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The permittee enters information for each of the four BMPs/activities as described above for City A.  The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
 
The permittee enters information for each of the four BMPs/activities as described above for City A.  The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
  
[[file:CityBannualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screenshot of completed worksheet for City B|<font size=3>Screen shot showing completed ''BMPs-activities completed'' worksheet for City B. Note in rows 4 and 6, columns L and M, that partnerships with the MS4 College and City A are indicated.]]
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[[file:CityBannualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screenshot of completed worksheet for City B|<font size=3>Screen shot of City B's ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. Note in rows 4 and 6, columns L and M, that partnerships with the MS4 College and City A are indicated.]]
  
 
====City C====
 
====City C====
[[file:Table3.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic of table showing BMPs implemented by City C|<font size=3>Summary of BMPs and activities implemented by City C and that can be applied toward on or more TMDL WLA.</font size>]]
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[[file:Table3.png|300px|thumb|alt=schematic of table showing BMPs implemented by City C|<font size=3>Summary of BMP/activities City C has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs.</font size>]]
  
City C has been assigned WLAs for all five TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
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<small>City C has been assigned WLAs for all five TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 2: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 2: Phosphorus
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*Metro Watershed WRAPS: E. coli (Stream 1)
 
*Metro Watershed WRAPS: E. coli (Stream 1)
  
Since the 2010 baseline of the TMDLs, City C has implemented eleven BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. these are summarized in the table to the right. Note that several BMPs are applied to more than one TMDL (e.g. the swale, S2, is applied to the Lake 3 TMDL and the two stream impairments). As with City A and City B, City C implements BMPs that cover their entire jurisdictional area (e.g. employee education) and these BMPs can be applied to all five impairments.
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Since the baseline of the TMDLs (2010), City C has implemented 11 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. These are summarized in the table below. Note that several BMPs are applied to more than one TMDL (e.g. the swale, S2, is applied to the Lake 3 TMDL and the two stream impairments). As with City A and City B, City C implements some BMPs that cover their entire jurisdictional area (e.g. employee education) and these BMPs can be applied to all five WLAs.
  
in this example, Maps 1 and 2 do not show the watershed boundaries for the impaired stream. The City will have to determine those boundaries prior to determining if BMPs can be applied to the stream impairments. The City must also determine if a particular BMP will actually reduce pollutant loads. For example, swales typically are ineffective at removing bacteria. the swale included in the worksheet may have been designed such that bacteria will be removed. However, if that is not the case, the BMP should not be applied to the bacteria TMDL.
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In this example, Maps 1 and 2 do not show the watershed boundaries for the impaired stream. The City will have to determine those boundaries prior to determining if BMPs can be applied to the stream impairments. The City must also determine if a particular BMP will actually reduce pollutant loads. For example, swales are typically ineffective at removing bacteria but the swale included in the worksheet may have been designed such that bacteria will be removed. However, if that is not the case, the BMP should not be applied to the bacteria TMDL.
  
The screenshot below is an example of how the BMP-Activities completed worksheet may look when complete.
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The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
  
[[file:CityCannualReport.png|thumb|1000px|alt=screen shot of BMP-activities tab for City C|<font size=3>Screen shot showing the ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for City C. Note that several BMPs and activities apply to multiple TMDL WLAs.</font size>]]
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[[file:CityCannualReport.png|thumb|1000px|alt=screen shot of BMP-activities tab for City C|<font size=3>Screen shot of City C's ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. Note that several BMPs and activities apply to multiple TMDL WLAs.</font size>]]
  
 
====MS4 College====
 
====MS4 College====
[[file:Table4.png|300px|thumb|alt=summary of BMPs implemented by MS4 College|<font size=3>Summary of BMPs implemented by MS4 College that can be applied toward TMDL WLAs. SR1 is owned by MS4 College, but City A contributes to maintenance. City A therefore also claims this as a Category 2 credit. Similarly, City B contributed funding to INF1 and thus claimed a Category 2 credit on their form.</font size>]]
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[[file:Table4.png|300px|thumb|alt=summary of BMPs implemented by MS4 College|<font size=3>Summary of BMP/activities MS4 College has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs. SR1 is owned by MS4 College, but City A contributes to maintenance. City A therefore also claims this as a Category 2 credit. Similarly, City B contributed funding to INF1 and thus claimed a Category 2 credit on their form.</font size>]]
  
 
MS4 College has been assigned a WLA for one TMDL included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
 
MS4 College has been assigned a WLA for one TMDL included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
 
*Lake 1: Phosphorus
  
Since the 2010 baseline of the TMDL, MS4 College has implemented five BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table to the right illustrates the category applicable for each BMP and activity. Note that MS4 College is located entirely within the jurisdiction of City A. This provides a unique partnership opportunity for the two MS4 permittees. As a result, the two have an agreement in place for City A to perform street sweeping on campus. Each permittee can therefore claim a Category 2 credit. MS4 College, however, indicates on its form that City A is the owner/operator of this BMP.
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Since the baseline of the TMDL (2010), MS4 College has implemented 5 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table below illustrates to which category each BMP/activity is applicable. Note that MS4 College is located entirely within the jurisdiction of City A. This provides a unique partnership opportunity for the two MS4 permittees. As a result, the two have an agreement in place for City A to perform street sweeping on campus. Each permittee can therefore claim a Category 2 credit. MS4 College, however, indicates on its form that City A is the owner/operator of this BMP.
  
 
BMP FIL1 is owned and operated by MS4 College. City B claimed a category 2 credit for this BMP because it contributed funding for the BMP, but only MS4 College can claim this as a Category 1 BMP because it occurs within their jurisdiction.
 
BMP FIL1 is owned and operated by MS4 College. City B claimed a category 2 credit for this BMP because it contributed funding for the BMP, but only MS4 College can claim this as a Category 1 BMP because it occurs within their jurisdiction.
Line 121: Line 121:
 
The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
 
The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
  
[[file:MS4annualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of BMP-activities tab for MS4 College|<font size=3>Screen shot showing the ''BMPs-activities completed'' tab for MS4 College.</font size>]]
+
[[file:MS4annualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of BMP-activities tab for MS4 College|<font size=3>Screen shot of MS4 College's ''BMP-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
 
===Cumulative reductions worksheet===
 
===Cumulative reductions worksheet===
This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_reporting_form#Cumulative_reductions_worksheet cumulative reductions] section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.
+
This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the [http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Phase_I_MS4_Guidance_for_completing_the_TMDL_Annual_report_form#Cumulative_reductions_worksheet cumulative reductions] section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.
  
 
{{alert|Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.). |alert-info}}
 
{{alert|Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.). |alert-info}}
  
 
====City A====
 
====City A====
The screenshot below illustrates how the cumulative reductions worksheet should look for City A in 2014. City A chose to estimate load reductions using the simple estimator. Details for how this tool was used can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
+
The lower portion of the screenshot below illustrates how City A's ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet should look for 2014 Annual Report. City A chose to estimate load reductions using the MPCA estimator. Details for how this tool was used can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
 
 
[[file:CityAannualReport2.png]]
 
  
 +
[[file:CityAannualReport3.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of MPCA estimator with cumulative reductions worksheet|<font size=3>Screen shot of MPCA estimator calculations and ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for City A's 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
The following screenshot is an example of City A's 2015 cumulative reductions submission. It is very similar to what was submitted in 2014 because only one BMP was implemented, that being the retrofit of INF1. This record was labeled as "Implement raingarden retrofit" in the 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet (row 23) and has therefore been translated to the BMP-Activities completed worksheet to show that the project has been fully implemented. This update is also reflected in Category 3 (cell E17 shows five planned but non-implemented activities for 2014 so F17 for 2015 shows four planned but non-implemented activities).  
+
The following screenshot is an example of City A's 2015 ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet submission. It is very similar to what was submitted for 2014 because only one BMP was fully implemented, that being the retrofit of INF1. This record was labeled as "Implement raingarden retrofit" in the 2014 ''Category 3 BMPs-Activities'' worksheet (row 4) and has been translated to the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet in the 2015 Annual Report to show that the BMP has been fully implemented. The update is also reflected in the ''Category 3 BMP-Activities'' worksheet. See the [[Examples for completing the TMDL reporting form#Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet|Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet]] section of this document for screen shot examples.  
  
Because the implemented BMP improved the pollutant reduction capability of an existing structural BMP, INF1, it can be quantified in Category 1. Prior to the retrofit, INF1 treated 2 acres of Residential-medium density. Assuming the retrofit doubled the area treated by INF1 for the same land use, the cumulative reduction reported in 2015 for the Lake 2: Phosphorus TMDL would increase from 2.004 pounds to 4.008 pounds.
+
Because the implemented retrofit improved the pollutant reduction capability of an existing structural BMP, INF1, it can be quantified in Category 1. Prior to the retrofit, INF1 treated 2 acres of land classified as ''Residential-medium density'' (see MPCA estimator screen shot). Assuming the INF1 retrofit doubled the ''Residential-medium density'' land area treated (2 acres treated by INF1 in 2014; 4 treated by INF1 in 2015 after completed retrofit), the cumulative reduction reported in 2015 for the Lake 2: Phosphorus TMDL would increase from 2.004 pounds to 4.008 pounds.  
 
   
 
   
[[file:CityAannualReport2015(2).png]]
+
[[file:CityAannualReport2015(2).png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of 2015 cumulative reductions worksheet|<font size=3>Screen shot of City A's ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
 
====City B====
 
====City B====
City B had implemented no structural BMPs within its' jurisdiction from the baseline to the first year of reporting. All reductions are therefore reported as Category 2 and would appear as follows in the screenshot below.  
+
City B had implemented no structural BMPs within its jurisdiction from the baseline to the first year of reporting. All reductions are therefore reported as Category 2 and would appear as follows in the screenshot below.  
  
[[file:CityBannualReport2.png]]
+
[[file:CityBannualReport2.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet|<font size=3>Screen shot of City B's ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
  
 
====City C====
 
====City C====
City C had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Similar to City A, reductions have been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the simple estimator and examples of its use can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
+
City C had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Similar to City A, reductions have been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the MPCA estimator and examples of its use can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
  
[[file:CityCannualReport2.png]]
+
[[file:CityCannualReport2.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet|<font size=3>Screen shot of City C's ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
  
 
====MS4 College====
 
====MS4 College====
MS4 College had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Reductions have therefore been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the simple estimator and examples of its use can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
+
MS4 College had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Reductions have therefore been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the MPCA estimator and examples of its use can be found in the [[Guidance and examples for using the MPCA Estimator|guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator]].
 +
 
 +
[[file:MS4annualReport2.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet|<font size=3>Screen shot of MS4 College's ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
 +
 
 +
===Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet===
 +
This is the portion of the TMDL form that must contain planned BMPs that have not yet been implemented but were submitted as a part of the compliance schedule in the MS4 Permit TMDL Attachment spreadsheet at the time of application. This worksheet will also store records that constitute progress but do not achieve a reduction (e.g. planning, feasibility studies, acquisition of funding, etc.). The subsequent section will only cover an example for City A.
 +
 
 +
====City A====
 +
The screen shot below illustrates the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activites'' worksheet for 2014. This contains all but two of the BMPs ("Permeable pavement with no underdrain" and "Increased street sweeping") from the compliance schedule screen shot in the ''BMP-Actvities completed'' section for City A. Those BMPs have been reported in the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet because they were fully implemented in 2014. You will notice that one activity ("Feasibility study - Raingarden retrofit assessment") fully implemented in 2014 remains in the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activites'' worksheet. This is because it does not receive credit for a reduction in pollutant loading but does demonstrate that the permittee is making progress.
 +
 
 +
The following screen shot illustrates the ''Category 3 BMPs-Activites'' worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report. This submission will contain all the BMPs from the 2014 Annual Report except for the highlighted record ("Implement raingarden retrofit"). This has now been translated to the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet because it was fully implemented in 2015 (see the screen shot of City A's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report). This process will continue each year of the permit term as BMPs/activities are completed.
 +
 
 +
[[file:CityAcategory3-2014.png|1000px|thumb|alt = Category 3|Screen shot of City A's ''Category 3 BMPs-Activites'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.]]
  
[[file:MS4annualReport2.png]]
+
[[file:CityAcategory3-2015.png|1000px|thumb|alt = Category 3|Screen shot of City A's ''Category 3 BMPs-Activites'' worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report.]]
  
 
===Adaptive management worksheet===
 
===Adaptive management worksheet===
Refer to the [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Adaptive Management Strategy tab|Adaptive Management Strategy]] section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.
+
Refer to the [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form#Adaptive Management Strategy tab|Adaptive Management Strategy]] section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.
  
 
==Scenario 2: Big River TMDL==
 
==Scenario 2: Big River TMDL==
 
[[file:ReportingEx3.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx3|<font size=3>Map 3 - Structural BMPs</font size>]][[file:ReportingEx4.png|300px|thumb|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx4|<font size=3>Map 4 - AUIDs</font size>]]
 
[[file:ReportingEx3.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx3|<font size=3>Map 3 - Structural BMPs</font size>]][[file:ReportingEx4.png|300px|thumb|alt=screen shot of ReportingEx4|<font size=3>Map 4 - AUIDs</font size>]]
  
This example covers an outstate area TMDL, the Big River TMDL, with one MS4 Permittee (City D). Maps 3 and 4, which appear on the left and right hand side of the page, will be used to aid the discussion. Each map covers the same area but Map 3 depicts structural BMPs and Map 4 depicts the six AUIDs (Assessment Unit ID, or different stream reaches) included as a part of the example.  
+
The following example covers a theoretical outstate area TMDL, the Big River TMDL, with one MS4 Permittee (City D). Maps 3 and 4 will be used to aid the discussion. Each map covers the same area, all of which is within the jurisdictional boundary of City D. Map 3 depicts structural BMPs and Map 4 depicts the six AUIDs (Assessment Unit ID, or different stream reaches) TMDLs have been completed on.
  
For ease of reporting, the Permittee is allowed to report on groupings of WLAs within the same report. Stream TMDLs will therefore be labeled by TMDL Project Name + Pollutant. In this example, the Permittee has been assigned TSS and E. coli WLAs on each of the six stream reaches in the Big River TMDL project (6 TSS TMDLs and 6 E.coli TMDLs). These will be grouped into two TMDLs to report on:
+
As you may know, stream TMDLs use a Load Duration Curve (LDC) approach. The result is WLAs assigned to MS4s across five flow regimes (High, moist, mid-range, dry, low), which in this example, would equate to 30 total TSS WLAs and 30 total E. coli WLAs. Permittees are not required however, to report on each individual flow regime. For ease of reporting, the Permittee is allowed to report on groupings of WLAs within the same report. Stream TMDLs will therefore be represented according to TMDL Project Name + Pollutant by default. In this example, City D has been assigned TSS and E. coli WLAs for each of the six stream reaches (AUIDs) in the Big River TMDL project (6 TSS TMDLs and 6 E.coli TMDLs). These will be grouped into two TMDL WLAs to report on:
 
*Big River TMDL: TSS
 
*Big River TMDL: TSS
 
*Big River TMDL: E. coli
 
*Big River TMDL: E. coli
Line 175: Line 186:
  
 
====City D====
 
====City D====
[[file:Table5.png|thumb|300px|alt=summary of BMPs and activities implemented by City D|<font size=3>Summary of BMPs and activities implemented by City D and that apply to the Big River TMDL.</font size>]]
+
[[file:Table5.png|thumb|300px|alt=summary of BMPs and activities implemented by City D|<font size=3>Summary of BMP/activities City D has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs..</font size>]]
  
City D has been assigned WLA for both TSS and E. coli for all six of the impaired stream reaches included in the Big River TMDL. Therefore, the reporting requirement is as follows:
+
As mentioned previously, City D has been assigned WLA for TSS and E. coli TMDLs on all six of the impaired stream reaches included in the Big River TMDL. As a result of the grouping approach, the reporting requirement is as follows:
 
*Big River TMDL: TSS
 
*Big River TMDL: TSS
 
*Big River TMDL: E. coli
 
*Big River TMDL: E. coli
  
Since the baseline of the TMDL, City D has implemented eleven BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table below illustrates which TMDL each BMP can be credited to and in what category.
+
Since the baseline of the TMDL (2005), City D has implemented 11 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table below illustrates which TMDL each BMP can be credited to and in what category. All BMPs are implemented within the Big River TMDL study area. Per the grouping approach, all BMPs are applied to all stream reaches so long as the BMP addresses the pollutant of concern. The following screen shot is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
 
 
The screenshot below is an example of how the ''BMP-Activities completed'' worksheet may look when complete.
 
  
[[file:CityDannualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of bmp-activities tab for City D|<font size=3>Screen shot of the ''BMPs-activities completed'' worksheet for City D.</font size>]]
+
[[file:CityDannualReport.png|1000px|thumb|alt=screen shot of bmp-activities tab for City D|<font size=3>Screen shot of City D's ''BMPs-activities completed'' worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
  
 
===Cumulative reductions worksheet===
 
===Cumulative reductions worksheet===
This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Cumulative reductions tab|cumulative reductions]] section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.
+
This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form#Cumulative reductions tab|cumulative reductions]] section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.
  
 
{{alert|Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.). |alert-info}}
 
{{alert|Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.). |alert-info}}
  
 
====City D====
 
====City D====
 +
[[file:CityDannualReport3.png|500px|thumb|alt=screen shot of tss and e. coli reduction calculations with associated cumulative reductions worksheet.|<font size=3>Screen shot of TSS and E. coli reduction calculations with associated ''Cumulative reductions'' worksheet for City D's 2014 Annual Report.</font size>]]
 +
 +
City D used the MIDS calculator to estimate TSS pollutant reductions associated with implemented BMPs. The following model inputs and assumptions were used in the MIDS calculator.
 +
*3000 acre watershed, consisting of 1000 acres of forest/open space, 1000 acres of managed turf, and 1000 acres of impervious surface
 +
*Annual rainfall of 31.9 inches
 +
*Average TSS concentration of 54.5 mg/L
 +
*B (SM) soils (design infiltration rate of 0.45 inches per hour)
 +
*The two infiltration BMPs (INF5 and INF6) were combined into a single BMP designed to exactly treat the MIDS performance goal of 1.1 inches of new or redeveloped impervious surfaces
 +
*The two filters (FIL4 and FIL5) were combined into a single BMP that treated 20 acres of impervious surface
 +
*The constructed pond was Design Level 2 and treated 20 acres of impervious surface
 +
*The grass channel was treated as a wet swale treating 10 acres of impervious surface
 +
*The level spreader was modeled as a main channel swale that treated 10 acres of impervious surface and exactly met the MIDS performance goal of 1.1 inches off new and redeveloped impervious surfaces
 +
 +
Total TSS reduction by the BMPs was 28331 pounds or 7% of the total load.
 +
 +
The MIDS calculator does not address E. coli. The following assumptions were made for bacteria removal by BMPs.
 +
*For INF5, INF6, and the level spreader, bacteria removal was 100 percent for infiltrated water and 0 percent for non-infiltrated water
 +
*For sand filters and the constructed pond, removal was 70 percent
 +
*Removal for the grass channel was 0 percent
  
 +
To estimate bacteria removal, the following steps were followed.
 +
*Calculate total annual volume = 2823.15 acre-feet
 +
*Calculate total annual bacteria load = 1.39E+12
 +
*Calculate total annual bacteria input to each BMP = Volume from direct watershed * bacteria concentration
 +
*Calculate total annual bacteria reduction using the assumptions above
 +
The annual reduction in bacteria loading associated with these BMPs is 5.47 percent.
  
[[file:CityDannualReport2.png]]
+
The following tables summarize the calculations for each BMP, all BMPs combined, and resulting annual reduction expressed as a percent.
  
 
===Adaptive management worksheet===
 
===Adaptive management worksheet===
Refer to the [[Guidance for completing the TMDL reporting form#Adaptive Management Strategy tab|Adaptive Management Strategy]] section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.
+
Refer to the [[Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form#Adaptive Management Strategy tab|Adaptive Management Strategy]] section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.
 +
</small>
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Level 3 - Regulatory/Municipal (MS4)/TMDLs]]
 +
[[Category:Level 2 - Regulatory/Municipal (MS4)]]
 +
[[Category:Level 3 - Regulatory/Municipal (MS4)/Guidance, outreach materials, miscellaneous information]]

Latest revision as of 15:54, 5 January 2023

Warning: This page is for guidance related to the TMDL Annual Reporting Form for Phase I MS4 permittees.

This page provides step-by-step examples on how to fill out the four tabs in the Commissioner-approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Form from the perspective of five fictional permittees. These are the BMP-Activites completed tab, the Cumulative reductions tab, the Category 3 BMPs- Activities tab, and the Adaptive management strategy tab. (Note: the terms "tab" and "worksheet" are used interchangeably.)

Permittees are not required to report on every Best Management Practice (BMP) or activity they have implemented, but instead just on those BMPs or activities that are being applied to applicable TMDL Wasteload Allocations (WLAs). Each BMP contained in the dropdown box of column E of the BMP-Activities completed tab will be covered in the examples. Please become familiar with the Phase I MS4 Guidance for completing the TMDL Annual report form or the quickguides (see [1] and [2]) before continuing on with the examples.

In order to complete the TMDL form, it is important that the permittee have a means to

  • identify and list BMPs applicable to TMDL WLAs;
  • define the watersheds of applicable TMDLs;
  • determine which BMPs can be applied within each TMDL watershed; and
  • quantify structural BMPs.

TMDL reports provide maps and acreages for TMDL study areas. Shapefiles of TMDL study areas can be found at link. Part II.3.a of the Phase I MS4 permits requires permittees to develop maps showing locations of structural BMPs, so this information should already exist. By overlaying the TMDL study areas on the map containing structural BMPs, permittees can determine which BMPs can be applied to specific TMDLs. For BMPs and activities that are not mapped, permittees will have to determine if the BMP or activity treats discharge in a particular TMDL study area and can be applied to that TMDL.

The subsequent sections demonstrate how to take BMP information and translate it to the TMDL form.

Scenario 1: Metro Watershed WRAPS

screen shot of ReportingEx1
Map 1, showing the location of structural BMPs that require estimated reductions in pollutant loading (Category 1 BMPs)
screen shot of ReportingEx1
Map 2, showing the location of non-structural BMPs that do not require estimated reductions in pollutant loading (Category 2 BMPs)

This example set uses Maps 1 and 2, which appear on the left and right hand side of the page. Each map covers the same area and the same TMDLs. Map 1 depicts BMPs that require estimated cumulative reductions (Category 1 BMPs) and Map 2 depicts BMPs that do not (Category 2 BMPs). See cumulative reductions section for more information. Additional Category 2 BMPs that cannot be mapped as points, such as education and street sweeping, are not shown on the maps but are included in examples to show where such BMPs are reported in the form.

The example covers a theoretical Twin Cities Metro Area TMDL called the Metro Watershed WRAPS, with four MS4 permittees (City A, City B, City C, and MS4 College) and four impaired waters. The following TMDLs have been completed to address the impairments:

  • Lake 1: Phosphorus
  • Lake 2: Phosphorus
  • Lake 3: Phosphorus
  • Metro Watershed WRAPS: TSS (Stream 1)
  • Metro Watershed WRAPS: E. coli (Stream 1)
Information: Note: For the examples, we assume the baseline year for each of the five TMDLs is 2010.

BMP-Activities completed worksheet

In this section of the TMDL form, permittees provide information on all completed BMP/activities that result in a reduction in pollutant loading that applies to an approved TMDL WLA.

City A

table showing BMPs City A implemented
A table is one way City A might organize information on BMP/activities they have implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs.
a INF1 and MD2 were constructed as a joint project between City A and City B
b These BMPs do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location
c SR1 is owned by MS4 College, but City A contributes to maintenance (note that shared responsibility of maintenance can constitute a partnership between MS4s but continued maintenance of BMPs is a core permit requirement and cannot be used to demonstrate progress on a yearly basis)

In this example we included information for a second year of reporting (2015) and a theoretical compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application.

City A has been assigned WLAs for three TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project.

  • Lake 1: Phosphorus
  • Lake 2: Phosphorus
  • Lake 3: Phosphorus

As noted in the previous section, the baseline year for each TMDL is 2010. Since the baseline, City A has implemented 14 BMPs and activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving one or more applicable WLA. The table to the left illustrates to which TMDL and Category each BMP can be credited. See Map 1 for location of Category 1 BMPs and Map 2 for location of Category 2 BMPs (location information for Category 2 BMPs is not required for TMDL reporting but is included for purposes of the example). There are four BMPs (employee education, establish ordinance, public education, and street sweeping) listed under Category 2 that are not located on maps because they cannot be associated with a single point within the watershed (i.e. they are applied over broad areas). One Category 3 BMP, a feasibility study for a rain garden retrofit, is listed in the table but will not be included in the BMP-Activities completed tab. Category 3 BMPs constitute progress, which meets the permit requirement for a given year, but cannot be associated with a reduction in pollutant loading. These activities will remain in the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet for the duration of the permit term.

schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A
Schematic showing how information for one BMP, in this case INF1, would be input to the TMDL form by City A. Click on image for full sized version of the image.

The schematic to the right illustrates how data are entered for one BMP, INF1 (see Map 1 for location of INF1). The first entry is the Reporting Year, which is selected from a dropdown list in Column D. For this example, the permittee selects 2014. Cells A through C are autofilled once the reporting year is selected. The permittee then enters data in Columns E through M (Column F is optional). Because INF1 is a structural BMP, the geographic coordinates (x and y location coordinates) must be entered as well as the type of coordinate system used. Columns N and O are optional. Once the information for INF1 is entered, the permittee selects all the TMDLs to which the BMP is applied. This starts in Column Q. Once completed, the permittee moves on to the next row where the next BMP and associated information are entered. City A would continue this process until all 14 BMPs have been translated to the BMP-Activites completed worksheet.

When completed, City A's BMP-Activites completed worksheet for 2014 may look similar to the following screenshot.

screenshot of completed BMP-activities tab
Screen shot of City A's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. The worksheet includes 6 Category 1 BMPs (depicted on Map 1), 4 Category 2 BMPs (depicted on Map 2), and 4 Category BMPs not depicted on a map. Note the 4 Category 2 BMPs not depicted on a map are applied across the entire city and can therefore be applied toward each of the three TMDLs.

For purposes of this example, assume the screenshot below is the compliance schedule submitted by City A at the time of application. Two of the three BMPs with a 2014 implementation date appear in the BMP-Activities completed worksheet to the right for the first reporting year. The third BMP, the "Raingarden retrofit assessment", will remain in the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet for the duration of the permit term. See the Category 3 section of the guidance for the definition of a Category 3 activity.

screen shot of City A compliance schedule
Screen shot of City A's compliance schedule submitted at the time of permit application. All BMPs listed in this spreadsheet must be included in the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet until the reporting year in which it was fully implemented. At that time, the BMP will be translated to the BMP-activities completed worksheet. Note that BMPs fully implemented in the first annual reporting year (2014) and that achieve a reduction in pollutant loading (Category 1 and Category 2 BMPs), do not appear in the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet.

For this example, assume the screenshot below illustrates what City A's BMP-Activities completed worksheet looks like in 2015. The highlighted record is the only BMP added to the worksheet because it was the only BMP fully implemented by City A in 2015. This BMP was included in the permittee's compliance schedule as "Implement raingarden retrofit". Note this BMP was scheduled for implementation in 2015 and is a retrofit of an existing BMP (INF1). The BMP was reported in the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report but was completed in 2015, and therefore translated to the BMP-Activities completed worksheet in the 2015 Annual Report. See the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet section of this document for screen shot examples.

No record should be altered from a previous reporting year. Thus, the entry for INF4 will not be modified. The "BMP improvement enhancement retrofitting" category from the dropdown list in Column E, accompanied by an explanation in Column O, will be sufficient since this is not a new BMP but instead an enhancement of an existing BMP. If a unique situation presents itself, contact MPCA Stormwater staff for further guidance.

screenshot of BMP-activities completed tab for the year 2015
Screen shot of City A's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report. Note that only one BMP was added. This BMP was an enhancement of an existing BMP (INF1). The original entry for INF1 is not modified; instead, the retrofit is included as a new BMP for the 2015 reporting year.

City B

schematic of table with BMps for City B
Summary of BMP/activities City B has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs. Note that all four BMP/activities belong to Category 2. FIL1, which is a structural BMP, cannot be claimed as a Category 1 BMP because it is within the jurisdiction of another regulated MS4 (MS4 College). BMPs marked with the superscript a do not appear on the maps because they are not associated with a discrete location.

City B has been assigned WLAs for two TMDLs in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:

  • Lake 1: Phosphorus
  • Lake 2: Phosphorus

Since the baseline of the TMDLs (2010), City B has implemented four BMP/Activities that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. As depicted on Map 1, no structural BMPs are constructed within City B's jurisdiction. City B has collaborated with other MS4 permittees on the following projects:

  • provided funding to MS4 College on FIL1 for the Lake 1: Phosphorus TMDL; and
  • shares responsibility with City A for maintenance of MD2.

City B may also record their supplemental street sweeping program because they do sweeping within the Lake 1 and Lake 2 watersheds. They may also take credit for eliminating an illicit discharge. Note that all these BMPs/activities must have been implemented since 2010, the baseline year. For example, street sweeping may have been implemented prior to 2010, but enhancements to the existing street sweeping program would qualify as a Category 2 BMP.

All BMPs implemented by City B are recorded as a Category 2 reduction unless the permittee can reasonably demonstrate an appropriate method for quantifying it in Category 1.

The permittee enters information for each of the four BMPs/activities as described above for City A. The screenshot below is an example of how the BMP-Activities completed worksheet may look when complete.

screenshot of completed worksheet for City B
Screen shot of City B's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. Note in rows 4 and 6, columns L and M, that partnerships with the MS4 College and City A are indicated.

City C

schematic of table showing BMPs implemented by City C
Summary of BMP/activities City C has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs.

City C has been assigned WLAs for all five TMDLs included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:

  • Lake 1: Phosphorus
  • Lake 2: Phosphorus
  • Lake 3: Phosphorus
  • Metro Watershed WRAPS: TSS (Stream 1)
  • Metro Watershed WRAPS: E. coli (Stream 1)

Since the baseline of the TMDLs (2010), City C has implemented 11 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. These are summarized in the table below. Note that several BMPs are applied to more than one TMDL (e.g. the swale, S2, is applied to the Lake 3 TMDL and the two stream impairments). As with City A and City B, City C implements some BMPs that cover their entire jurisdictional area (e.g. employee education) and these BMPs can be applied to all five WLAs.

In this example, Maps 1 and 2 do not show the watershed boundaries for the impaired stream. The City will have to determine those boundaries prior to determining if BMPs can be applied to the stream impairments. The City must also determine if a particular BMP will actually reduce pollutant loads. For example, swales are typically ineffective at removing bacteria but the swale included in the worksheet may have been designed such that bacteria will be removed. However, if that is not the case, the BMP should not be applied to the bacteria TMDL.

The screenshot below is an example of how the BMP-Activities completed worksheet may look when complete.

screen shot of BMP-activities tab for City C
Screen shot of City C's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report. Note that several BMPs and activities apply to multiple TMDL WLAs.

MS4 College

summary of BMPs implemented by MS4 College
Summary of BMP/activities MS4 College has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs. SR1 is owned by MS4 College, but City A contributes to maintenance. City A therefore also claims this as a Category 2 credit. Similarly, City B contributed funding to INF1 and thus claimed a Category 2 credit on their form.

MS4 College has been assigned a WLA for one TMDL included in the Metro Watershed WRAPS project:

  • Lake 1: Phosphorus

Since the baseline of the TMDL (2010), MS4 College has implemented 5 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table below illustrates to which category each BMP/activity is applicable. Note that MS4 College is located entirely within the jurisdiction of City A. This provides a unique partnership opportunity for the two MS4 permittees. As a result, the two have an agreement in place for City A to perform street sweeping on campus. Each permittee can therefore claim a Category 2 credit. MS4 College, however, indicates on its form that City A is the owner/operator of this BMP.

BMP FIL1 is owned and operated by MS4 College. City B claimed a category 2 credit for this BMP because it contributed funding for the BMP, but only MS4 College can claim this as a Category 1 BMP because it occurs within their jurisdiction.

The screenshot below is an example of how the BMP-Activities completed worksheet may look when complete.

screen shot of BMP-activities tab for MS4 College
Screen shot of MS4 College's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.

Cumulative reductions worksheet

This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the cumulative reductions section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.

Information: Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.).

City A

The lower portion of the screenshot below illustrates how City A's Cumulative reductions worksheet should look for 2014 Annual Report. City A chose to estimate load reductions using the MPCA estimator. Details for how this tool was used can be found in the guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator.

screen shot of MPCA estimator with cumulative reductions worksheet
Screen shot of MPCA estimator calculations and Cumulative reductions worksheet for City A's 2014 Annual Report.

The following screenshot is an example of City A's 2015 Cumulative reductions worksheet submission. It is very similar to what was submitted for 2014 because only one BMP was fully implemented, that being the retrofit of INF1. This record was labeled as "Implement raingarden retrofit" in the 2014 Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet (row 4) and has been translated to the BMP-Activities completed worksheet in the 2015 Annual Report to show that the BMP has been fully implemented. The update is also reflected in the Category 3 BMP-Activities worksheet. See the Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet section of this document for screen shot examples.

Because the implemented retrofit improved the pollutant reduction capability of an existing structural BMP, INF1, it can be quantified in Category 1. Prior to the retrofit, INF1 treated 2 acres of land classified as Residential-medium density (see MPCA estimator screen shot). Assuming the INF1 retrofit doubled the Residential-medium density land area treated (2 acres treated by INF1 in 2014; 4 treated by INF1 in 2015 after completed retrofit), the cumulative reduction reported in 2015 for the Lake 2: Phosphorus TMDL would increase from 2.004 pounds to 4.008 pounds.

screen shot of 2015 cumulative reductions worksheet
Screen shot of City A's Cumulative reductions worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report.

City B

City B had implemented no structural BMPs within its jurisdiction from the baseline to the first year of reporting. All reductions are therefore reported as Category 2 and would appear as follows in the screenshot below.

screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet
Screen shot of City B's Cumulative reductions worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.


City C

City C had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Similar to City A, reductions have been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the MPCA estimator and examples of its use can be found in the guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator.

screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet
Screen shot of City C's Cumulative reductions worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.


MS4 College

MS4 College had implemented a variety of BMPs from the baseline of the TMDL to the first year of reporting. Reductions have therefore been reported in both Category 1 and 2. Category 1 reductions were calculated using the MPCA estimator and examples of its use can be found in the guidance and examples for using the MPCA Simple Estimator.

screen shot of 2014 cumulative reductions worksheet
Screen shot of MS4 College's Cumulative reductions worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.

Category 3 BMPs-Activities worksheet

This is the portion of the TMDL form that must contain planned BMPs that have not yet been implemented but were submitted as a part of the compliance schedule in the MS4 Permit TMDL Attachment spreadsheet at the time of application. This worksheet will also store records that constitute progress but do not achieve a reduction (e.g. planning, feasibility studies, acquisition of funding, etc.). The subsequent section will only cover an example for City A.

City A

The screen shot below illustrates the Category 3 BMPs-Activites worksheet for 2014. This contains all but two of the BMPs ("Permeable pavement with no underdrain" and "Increased street sweeping") from the compliance schedule screen shot in the BMP-Actvities completed section for City A. Those BMPs have been reported in the BMP-Activities completed worksheet because they were fully implemented in 2014. You will notice that one activity ("Feasibility study - Raingarden retrofit assessment") fully implemented in 2014 remains in the Category 3 BMPs-Activites worksheet. This is because it does not receive credit for a reduction in pollutant loading but does demonstrate that the permittee is making progress.

The following screen shot illustrates the Category 3 BMPs-Activites worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report. This submission will contain all the BMPs from the 2014 Annual Report except for the highlighted record ("Implement raingarden retrofit"). This has now been translated to the BMP-Activities completed worksheet because it was fully implemented in 2015 (see the screen shot of City A's BMP-activities completed worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report). This process will continue each year of the permit term as BMPs/activities are completed.

Screen shot of City A's Category 3 BMPs-Activites worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.
Screen shot of City A's Category 3 BMPs-Activites worksheet for the 2015 Annual Report.

Adaptive management worksheet

Refer to the Adaptive Management Strategy section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.

Scenario 2: Big River TMDL

screen shot of ReportingEx3
Map 3 - Structural BMPs
screen shot of ReportingEx4
Map 4 - AUIDs

The following example covers a theoretical outstate area TMDL, the Big River TMDL, with one MS4 Permittee (City D). Maps 3 and 4 will be used to aid the discussion. Each map covers the same area, all of which is within the jurisdictional boundary of City D. Map 3 depicts structural BMPs and Map 4 depicts the six AUIDs (Assessment Unit ID, or different stream reaches) TMDLs have been completed on.

As you may know, stream TMDLs use a Load Duration Curve (LDC) approach. The result is WLAs assigned to MS4s across five flow regimes (High, moist, mid-range, dry, low), which in this example, would equate to 30 total TSS WLAs and 30 total E. coli WLAs. Permittees are not required however, to report on each individual flow regime. For ease of reporting, the Permittee is allowed to report on groupings of WLAs within the same report. Stream TMDLs will therefore be represented according to TMDL Project Name + Pollutant by default. In this example, City D has been assigned TSS and E. coli WLAs for each of the six stream reaches (AUIDs) in the Big River TMDL project (6 TSS TMDLs and 6 E.coli TMDLs). These will be grouped into two TMDL WLAs to report on:

  • Big River TMDL: TSS
  • Big River TMDL: E. coli
Information: Note: For the sake of the example, we will assume the baseline year for each of the TMDLs is 2005.

BMP-Activities completed worksheet

This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will provide information on all BMPs being applied to a TMDL WLA/s.

City D

summary of BMPs and activities implemented by City D
Summary of BMP/activities City D has implemented toward reducing pollutant loads for TMDLs..

As mentioned previously, City D has been assigned WLA for TSS and E. coli TMDLs on all six of the impaired stream reaches included in the Big River TMDL. As a result of the grouping approach, the reporting requirement is as follows:

  • Big River TMDL: TSS
  • Big River TMDL: E. coli

Since the baseline of the TMDL (2005), City D has implemented 11 BMPs that can be credited as progress toward achieving an applicable WLA. The table below illustrates which TMDL each BMP can be credited to and in what category. All BMPs are implemented within the Big River TMDL study area. Per the grouping approach, all BMPs are applied to all stream reaches so long as the BMP addresses the pollutant of concern. The following screen shot is an example of how the BMP-Activities completed worksheet may look when complete.

screen shot of bmp-activities tab for City D
Screen shot of City D's BMPs-activities completed worksheet for the 2014 Annual Report.

Cumulative reductions worksheet

This is the portion of the TMDL report form that the permittee will report the cumulative reduction achieved for each TMDL WLA. See the cumulative reductions section of the guidance for information on each of the reporting categories.

Information: Though not required to be provided with each annual report, MS4 permittees are strongly advised to keep detailed records on production of Category 1 reductions (methodology, input values, etc.).

City D

screen shot of tss and e. coli reduction calculations with associated cumulative reductions worksheet.
Screen shot of TSS and E. coli reduction calculations with associated Cumulative reductions worksheet for City D's 2014 Annual Report.

City D used the MIDS calculator to estimate TSS pollutant reductions associated with implemented BMPs. The following model inputs and assumptions were used in the MIDS calculator.

  • 3000 acre watershed, consisting of 1000 acres of forest/open space, 1000 acres of managed turf, and 1000 acres of impervious surface
  • Annual rainfall of 31.9 inches
  • Average TSS concentration of 54.5 mg/L
  • B (SM) soils (design infiltration rate of 0.45 inches per hour)
  • The two infiltration BMPs (INF5 and INF6) were combined into a single BMP designed to exactly treat the MIDS performance goal of 1.1 inches of new or redeveloped impervious surfaces
  • The two filters (FIL4 and FIL5) were combined into a single BMP that treated 20 acres of impervious surface
  • The constructed pond was Design Level 2 and treated 20 acres of impervious surface
  • The grass channel was treated as a wet swale treating 10 acres of impervious surface
  • The level spreader was modeled as a main channel swale that treated 10 acres of impervious surface and exactly met the MIDS performance goal of 1.1 inches off new and redeveloped impervious surfaces

Total TSS reduction by the BMPs was 28331 pounds or 7% of the total load.

The MIDS calculator does not address E. coli. The following assumptions were made for bacteria removal by BMPs.

  • For INF5, INF6, and the level spreader, bacteria removal was 100 percent for infiltrated water and 0 percent for non-infiltrated water
  • For sand filters and the constructed pond, removal was 70 percent
  • Removal for the grass channel was 0 percent

To estimate bacteria removal, the following steps were followed.

  • Calculate total annual volume = 2823.15 acre-feet
  • Calculate total annual bacteria load = 1.39E+12
  • Calculate total annual bacteria input to each BMP = Volume from direct watershed * bacteria concentration
  • Calculate total annual bacteria reduction using the assumptions above

The annual reduction in bacteria loading associated with these BMPs is 5.47 percent.

The following tables summarize the calculations for each BMP, all BMPs combined, and resulting annual reduction expressed as a percent.

Adaptive management worksheet

Refer to the Adaptive Management Strategy section of the guidance for an example on how to fill out this portion of TMDL form.

This page was last edited on 5 January 2023, at 15:54.