Guidelines for conducting TMDL consultations on selenium

Abstract

This report was prepared to provide Environmental Contaminants Specialists in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) with a step-by-step procedure for consultations involving Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) for selenium. The need for this information stems from recent actions taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will involve the Service in TMDL consultations on impaired water bodies. The states are required to identify impaired water bodies pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The EPA is working with states and implementing the TMDL process as a way to gauge point and non-point sources, allocate/regulate discharges, and improve overall water quality. The EPA has requested that the Service provide input in this process for substances ranging from nutrients and sediments to pesticides and trace elements such as selenium. Every substance identified as a priority must be given a separate TMDL assessment, and this must be done independently for each impaired water body. The Service's role may range from a simple review and recommendation based on available information to coordination/conduct of field work to assess contaminant cycling and fate, fish and wildlife exposure, toxicity, etc., involving considerable time and resources.

Citation

Lemly, Dennis A. 2000. Guidelines for conducting TMDL consultations on selenium. Technical Assistance Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Environmental Contaminants Washington, DC