New Pollution Regulations for Birmingham Township

What is a TMDL?

TMDL stands for Total Maximum Daily Load. The TMDL represents the maximum amount of pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody. The Pollutants considered for the creeks of New Garden are bacteria, sediment and nutrients. The new rules and regulations are part of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and state that water bodies not meeting the water quality standards are considered to be impaired. Almost all of the creeks in Southern Chester County are considered impaired and do not meet the water quality standards.

What does the TMDL propose?

The TMDL proposes pollution reduction from wastewater treatment plants, municipal Stormwater runoff and nonpoint sources (i.e., runoff from agricultural lands urban areas and residential lands). Reductions are proposed for pollutant sources that will make a positive difference for the surface waters of our area and bring them into compliance with federal and state water quality standards.

Public Participation

The Clean water Act provides for any individual or organization impacted by the development and implementation of the TMDLs to participate in the procedures. The public often contributes useful information about an impaired waterbody and offers insight about their community that might make pollution reduction strategy’s successful.