Straight to the Point – Watershed-based Plans Should: be designed to restore water quality from nonpoint source impairments using sufficiently analyzed water quality data and watershed characterization utilize a stakeholder process to engage all that are affected by the impairments

What Is EPA Looking For In A Watershed-based Plan? Clearly articulates the water quality problem and how to fix it. Describes what NEEDS to be done to achieve WQ standards Tracks water quality responses in the stream with implementation in the “right” spot.

Basic Review Principles Nine elements Key on Elements A-C development Site specific management strategies Waterbody restoration

Element A – the Cornerstone Establish concentration baseline Recent WQ data Field surveys Land-use characterization Causes/sources of pollution

Element B – Load Reductions Modeling BMPs Likelihood of achieving WQ improvements & attaining standards

Element C Management Measures Contingent on elements A & B Critical to achieving load reductions Sufficient water quality data linkage Appropriate modeling Contingent on elements A & B Element C

Elements A-C Provides the basis for the remaining six elements

Element D – Tech/Financial Assistance and Needs Have funding sources been identified and secured? Has the technical support been identified? anticipated agencies and volunteer groups

Element E – Information/Education Public education/information correct/credible data Stakeholder support Voluntary implementation Generate interest Maintain BMPs Life cycle input mechanism

Element F – Implementation Schedule Schedule includes completion dates to meet goals of WBP Funding commitment to assure timely completion Scale appropriate to achieve goals

Element G – Interim, Measurable Milestones Meeting the implementation schedule will require a series of milestone to assure progress: Interim milestones (measurable/attainable) Address critical areas of watershed Early assessment – midcourse correction Level of detail varies

Element H - Criteria Concentration data from Element A establishes the criteria to measure from Modeled load reduction calculations based on baseline, and end goal Model selection? Model output interpretation? Anticipated load reductions from BMPs and their anticipated placement Decision process to revise as needed?

Element I - Monitoring Monitoring schedule – who,what,when,where and how often Linked to load reduction from edge of field Which Method? Trends analysis Upstream/downstream comparisons Paired watershed designs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Questions lamb.brad@epa.gov Brad Lamb Watersheds/Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator Watershed Management Section U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 · Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 665-6683