Restoration (TMDL)

The Clean Water Act (CWA) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program requires that states and EPA identify impaired waters and develop clean-up plans (TMDLs) for those waters. The clean-up plans must specify the amount of pollution from "point sources" (such as sewage treatment plants, industrial discharges, regulated stormwater, etc.) and from "non-point sources" (such as runoff from agricultural fields) that can be allowed without violating water quality standards. Citizens may participate in this program by commenting on the impaired waters list (usually referred to as the 303(d) list) which is revised every few years, attending stakeholder meetings for TMDL development, and commenting on TMDLs at public hearings and in writing. The Clean Water Networkprovides helpful guidance on reviewing the impaired waters list (303(d) list) and reviewing clean-up plans.

To review the most recent information on Illinois' TMDL program, including the most recent 303(d) list, TMDLs under development, and notices for proposed TMDLs, check Illinois Environmental Protection Agency TMDL website.