1. 303(d) List Methodology Jeff Manning
Classifications & Standards, Rules Review Branch
Water Planning Section, DWR

2. 303(d) list: What and Why 303(d) list identifies waters that
Do not meet water quality standards, and
Require development of total maximum daily load (TMDL) or other restoration plan
Federal Clean Water Act, Section 303(d)
Requires states to develop list every 2 years
NC General Statute 143B-282
- Requires EMC to identify impaired waters

3. What are impaired waters?
Impaired waters are where water quality samples for a particular parameter on a waterbody exceed water quality standards and the assessment methodology has determined that the waterbody is indeed impaired for the particular parameter.
Impaired waters are grouped into two categories:
Category 4 = Assessments that do not need a TMDL. Category 5 = Assessments that do need a TMDL. Cat 5 is the 303(d) list.

4. State Role / Federal Role
State determines its methods for listing
State creates the 303(d) list using its methods
US EPA determines whether any waters should be added to state’s proposed 303(d) list
Based on State’s water quality standards
Based on EPA’s policies and opinions

5. Three Opportunities for Public Input on each 303(d) list
EMC established the existing methods for 303(d) listing. Public comment will be sought for any significant changes to the methods.
The DWR prepares the 303(d) list using the EMC approved methods. Public comment is sought on the draft 303(d) list before submitting it to EPA.
EPA seeks public comment before making the list final if making additions.

6. Changes to 303(d) Methodology for 2016
Baseline is the EMC approved 2014 Methodology
Changes for 2016 reflect the revised water quality standards adopted by the EMC in 2014
Clarification made that data for 303(d) must pass Quality Assurance.
Clarification on which Data Qualifiers make data usable/non-usable

7. Timeline of 2016 303(d) List Process
Data preparation and assessment: ongoing through July 2015
DWR review: August – November 2015
Public review and comment: January – March 2016
Submit list to EPA for approval by April 1, 2016

8. More Info on 303(d) List Includes:
All online at
Includes:
Historical information on current & prior lists
Comments and responses
Maps
Methods and instructions
EMC July 2014

9. Action Recommendation
WQC Request Permission to Proceed to the EMC for Approval of (d) Listing Methodology
EMC Request Approval of (d) Listing Methodology