Events Calendar

Total Maximum Daily Load for Trash

Eric Wu, Ph.D., P.E., TMDL Unit IILos Angeles Regional Water Quality Control BoardAbstract In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency entered into a Settlement Agreement with Heal the Bay and other environmental groups regarding Clean Water Act requirements to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) in region of the State administered by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Los Angeles Region, including TMDLs for trash impaired waterbodies. Up to date, Regional Board has adopted eight trash TMDLs, seven of which have become effective after USEPA approval since 2001. Currently, Regional Board staff has one trash TMDL under development. Trash has been demonstrated to be detrimental to environment and ecological systems. To protect beneficial uses of waterbodies in the Los Angeles Region, including coastal waterbodies, a numeric target of "zero" trash was determined by the Regional Board. Both point sources, such as storm drains, and nonpoint sources, commonly resulting from random trash disposal, are significant contributors to trash impairments. Compliance with zero trash discharge compels municipalities to enforce and evaluate existing trash control practices and to develop innovative approaches such as "full capture" systems which prevent trash from entering municipal stormdrain systems. Many full capture systems have been designed and installed to remove point sources trash and a program of Minimum Frequency of Assessment and Collection in conjunction with Best Management Practices (MFAC/BMP) has been developed to manage nonpoint source trash. Zero trash is expected to be attained with schedules prescribed by the Regional Board for point and nonpoint sources trash.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 210

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes