Rethinking TMDLs: Perspective Based on Community Survey

Abstract

The study investigated the perspectives of professionals involved in total maximum daily load (TMDL) development. A survey instrument was developed to understand the challenges and advancements necessary to enhance water quality management. This survey explored various dimensions of TMDL development, including identifying impaired waterbodies, water quality modeling, implementation, postimplementation assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Thirty-seven professionals involved in TMDL development took the survey. The results indicated a consensus on the need to reassess existing methodologies, particularly in the postimplementation phase, with a strong emphasis on the importance of sufficient funding for data collection. Limited resources, computational challenges, and a lack of trust in advanced models were identified as barriers to advancing water quality modeling. The participants also recognized the urgency of incorporating more validation data, especially through conventional monitoring and remote sensing, to enhance water quality modeling efforts. Although including social systems in modeling was considered crucial, it was not universally prioritized. This study developed a survey instrument to capture the evolving perspectives of stakeholders involved in TMDL processes. The survey’s structure provides a framework that can be improved and adapted for ongoing assessment and improvement. A continuous feedback mechanism, such as the one provided by the survey, is essential for ensuring that TMDL practices remain responsive to emerging challenges and are better equipped to manage water quality in an increasingly complex landscape.