TMDL/Watershed Liaison Program

The TMDL/Watershed Liaison Program was created to develop TMDLs and make support easier to access for groups interested in sponsoring TMDLs and those currently involved with a watershed project.

What is a TMDL?
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is the amount of a particular pollutant that a particular stream, lake, estuary or other waterbody can "handle" without violating state water quality standards. Of course, this is a greatly simplified explanation!

So what's the big deal?
Once a TMDL is established, responsibility for reducing pollution among both point sources (pipes) and diffuse sources is assigned. Diffuse sources include, but are not limited to, run-off (urban, agricultural, forestry, etc.), leaking underground storage tanks, unconfined aquifers, septic systems, stream channel alteration, and damage to a riparian area.

Who's responsible for writing TMDLs?
Ultimately, the state of North Dakota. However, according to the Clean Water Act, EPA is responsible ... if the states forgo their responsibility.