Resources for Developing TMDLs
Information for contractors and other organizations that manage TMDL projects in Texas.
The documents available on this page provide information for contractors and other organizations that carry out TMDL projects under managment of the TCEQ.
Overview
The goal of a TMDL is to restore the full use of a water body that has limited quality in relation to one or more of its uses. The TMDL defines an environmental target by determining the extent to which a certain pollutant must be reduced in order to attain and maintain the affected use. Based on this environmental target, the state develops an implementation plan to mitigate anthroprogenic sources of pollution within the watershed and restore full use of the water body.
The TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) work closely on the preparation and approval of TMDLs when one or more of the sources of pollution are from agriculture or silviculture. A Memorandum of Agreement between the TCEQ and the TSSWCB provides the framework for collaboration between the two agencies to develop and implement TMDLs.For additional information or questions about TMDLs managed by the TSSWCB, see the TSSWCB’s TMDL Program web page. 
For an overview of the TCEQ’s approach to defining and managing the quality of surface waters in Texas, see Preserving and Improving Water Quality. Read Texas Surface Water Quality: What Is It, and How Is It Measured? (PDF) for a brief overview of water quality standards and the means by which surface water quality is evaluated.
Return to topGuidance for Project Lead Organizations
A lead organization accepts primary responsibility for guiding a TMDL project. Often, the TCEQ is the lead organization. However, the TSSWCB, other state agencies, consultants, universities, river authorities, communities, or private consortiums may lead the development of TMDLs. Ultimately, the TCEQ is responsible for ensuring that all TMDLs developed for Texas water bodies conform with state and federal law; therefore, the TCEQ participates in all TMDL projects, regardless of who leads them.
Managing Data
Guidance, forms, and contact information for people who monitor surface water quality under the state’s assessment program.
Quality Assurance
Shell documents for quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) and quality assurance plans (QAPs) are provided for download below. Help with PDF and downloading files.
- Quality Assurance for Monitoring and Modeling
- Monitoring QAPP Shell (Word. October 2009)
- Modeling QAPP Shell (Word. October 2009)
- Quality Assurance for Recreational Use Attainability Analyses (June 2009)
- QAPP for RUAAs (PDF)
- Procedures for Recreational Use Attainability Analyses (PDF. May 2009)
- QAP Shell for RUAAs (Word)
- Adherence Letter Shell (Word)
- QAPP for RUAAs (PDF)
See the TSSWCB’s Environmental Data Quality Management Web page for their quality assurance documents.
Federal Regulations and EPA Guidance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the federal TMDL program.
