Research Idea Details

A Comprehensive investigation of Total Maximum Daily Load Reports

  • Focus Area: Water Quality/Wetlands
  • Status: Archived
  • Subcommittee: Natural Resources
  • Cost: Unknown
  • Timeframe: Unknown

Research Idea Scope

The requirements outlined in TMDL reports and drafts are applied broadly to a number of land uses and are often based on assumptions. Quite often, the impacts related to transportation have been placed in the same category as commercial and industrial uses. These requirements have been adopted in certain situations as regulations. This study will evaluate TMDL reports and assess their assumptions, flaws, and benefits.

Urgency and Payoff

This research will shed some light on the assumptions made in a TMDL report. By highlighting their effectiveness or failure as they pertain to transportation uses, better understanding of the applicability of TMDL reports stands to be gained. This could ultimately result in a more clearly defined, appropriate set of requirements for highways.

Suggested By:
Kevin Walsh, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
[email protected]
Submitted:
04/22/2011