What is a 303 D listed stream?
The term “303(d) list” or “list” is short for a state’s list of impaired and threatened waters (e.g. stream/river segments, lakes). States are required to submit their list for EPA approval every two years. For each water on the list, the state identifies the pollutant causing the impairment, when known.
What is a 305 B report?
Section 305(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) requires each state to submit a report about the quality of the state’s surface and ground waters to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a biennial basis.
How is the water in Tennessee?
The Tennessee average is 26.2 ppb and the federal average is 23.4 ppb — both well below the legal limit. However, EWG puts its guideline number at 0.8 ppb. Area utility district officials contacted by USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee said their drinking water is safe and defend the job they are doing to keep it that way.
What is Section 303 D of the Clean Water Act?
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act authorizes EPA to assist states, territories and authorized tribes in listing impaired waters and developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waterbodies.
How clean is the Tennessee River?
It is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world. A study announced earlier this year found that the level of microplastics in the Tennessee River is among the highest ever measured.
Is it OK to swim in the Tennessee River?
Is the Tennessee River’s water considered fishable and swimmable? The answer is maybe. According to TDEC, most of the river’s pollutants are at levels considered safe for swimming except where fishing and swimming advisories exist.
What does the EPA mean by an impaired water?
Waters are assessed as impaired when an applicable water quality standard is not being attained. Impaired waters require a total maximum daily load (TMDL) or alternative restoration plan to reduce pollutant loadings and restore the waterbody.
How does the Clean Water Act define impairment?
The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to adopt water quality standards to protect waters from pollution. These standards define how much of a pollutant can be in the water and still allow it to meet designated uses. Impaired waters are those waters that don’t meet water quality standards for one or more pollutants.
Are alligators in the Tennessee River?
And, in 2019, a baby gator was spotted in the Tennessee River, just across the border in north Alabama. “Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states,” TWRA says on its website.
What are signs of good quality water?
Water that’s safe to drink should ideally be clear with no odor or funny taste. If your tap water tastes metallic, smells fishy, or comes out cloudy, it could signal the presence of unsafe contaminants.
Where is most of the freshwater on Earth located?
ice and glaciers
And, of the total freshwater, over 68 percent is locked up in ice and glaciers. Another 30 percent of freshwater is in the ground. Fresh surface-water sources, such as rivers and lakes, only constitute about 22,300 cubic miles (93,100 cubic kilometers), which is about 1/150th of one percent of total water.
What is the 303 (d) list?
The term “303 (d) list” or “list” is short for a state’s list of impaired and threatened waters (e.g. stream/river segments, lakes). States are required to submit their list for EPA approval every two years.
What is a Clean Water Act Section 303 (d) list of impaired water?
What is a Clean Water Act Section 303 (d) list of impaired water? The term “303 (d) list” or “list” is short for a state’s list of impaired and threatened waters (e.g. stream/river segments, lakes). States are required to submit their list for EPA approval every two years.
What is the difference between Section 305 (B) and 303 (d) lists?
Section 305 (b) reports provide information on the water quality status of all waters in the state, whereas section 303 (d) lists are a subset of these waters – those that are impaired by a pollutant and in need of a TMDL.
Where can I find 303 (d) impaired waters data?
Geospatial data for 303 (d) Impaired Waters are available as prepackaged national downloads or as more current GIS web and data services. EPA provides geospatial data in a variety of formats including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) compatible shapefiles and geodatabases, as well as ESRI and OGC web mapping services.