1. 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

2. 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.

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

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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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

14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Questions
Brad Lamb Watersheds/Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator Watershed Management Section
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6 · Dallas, TX
(214)