Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program

 The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program identifies sources of pollution to streams, rivers, and lakes within Montana and determines how much pollution those waters can sustain and still fully support designated uses. Plans are then written that outline how to reduce pollution to those waters while offering ways to assist local communities with finding solutions to restore and maintain clean water.

 

 

 

TMDL Planning Area Project Map

 

 

TMDL Documents

After TMDL documents are reviewed by stakeholders and the public, they are submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. Final, EPA approved documents are provided below.

Most of the TMDL documents contain a framework water quality improvement plan that can be used to guide development of local watershed restoration plans. Some documents also address non-pollutant causes of impairment with water quality restoration recommendations that include the same restoration activities needed to satisfy one or more TMDLs contained in the document.

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Beaverhead Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Protection Plan, July 2012

Beaverhead Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Protection Plan (3.6 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps and Tables (2.3 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regu;atory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.37 MB)
  • Appendix C: 2010/2011 Sediment and Habitat Data Collection Methods and Data Summary – Beaverhead TPA (1.7 MB)
  • Appendix D: Additional Sediment Relevant Data Collected in the Beaverhead TPA (0.60 MB)
  • Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (0.55 MB)
  • Appendix F: Upland Sediment Source Assessment (2.6 MB)
  • Appendix G: Unpaved Road Assessment (3.5 MB)
  • Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.33 MB)
  • Attachment A: Beaverhead River Flushing Flow Study (4.5 MB)
  • Attachment B: Memorandum to FWP from Applied Geomorphology in Regards to the Clark Canyon Creek Field Visit, September 13, 2011 (5.5 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Big Creek (Columbia Basin), May 2003

Big Creek (Yellowstone Basin), December 2000

Big Sandy Creek, February 2002

Big Spring Creek, March 2005

Water Quality Assessment and TMDLs for the Big Spring Planning Area (8.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Big Spring Creek Inventory and Assessment Data, Fergus County Conservation District, June 1990 (16.6 MB)
  • Appendix B: Aerial Photography Assessmentt (Final) Big Spring Creek (0.18 MB)
  • Appendix C: Aerial Photography Assessment (Final) Beaver Creek (0.17 MB)
  • Appendix D: Aerial Photography Assessment (Final) Cottonwood Creek (0.18 MB)
  • Appendix E: Modeling Approach (0.24 MB)
  • Appendix F: Response to Public Comments (0.02 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Bitterroot Headwaters, April 2006

Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Bitterroot Headwaters Planning Area (1.3 MB)

Bitterroot Temperature and Tributary Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, August 2011

Bitterroot Temperature and Tributary Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvment Plan (3.1 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps and Figures (2.7 MB)
  • Appendix B: Bitterroot River Watershed Description (0.47 MB)
  • Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.39 MB)
  • Appendix D: 2007 Sediment and Habitat Data Collection Methods and Data Summary (0.76 MB)
  • Appendix E: 2007 Stream Bank Erosion Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
  • Appendix F: Regional Reference and DEQ Summary Statistics Considered for Sediment Target Development (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix G: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (3.2 MB)
  • Appendix H: Sediment Load Estimates and BMP Scenario Reductions (0.51 MB)
  • Appendix I: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.29)
  • Attachment A: Bitterroot River FLIR Temperature Analysis Interpretive Report (1.6 MB)
  • Attachment B: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in the Bitterroot River, Montana (2.5 MB)
  • Attachment C: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in the Bitterroot River, Montana – Addendum A (.30 MB)
  • Attachment D: Bitterroot River TMDL Planning Area Missoula MS4 Temperature and Thermal Loading Assessment (0.66 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2014

Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan (4.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Tables and Figures (4.0 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.29 MB)
  • Appendix C: Metals Data (0.47 MB)
  • Appendix D: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
  • Attachment A: Modeling Water Temperature in Mill Creek (3.3 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Blackfoot Headwaters Metals, June 2003

Blackfoot Headwaters Sediment Addendum for Sandbar Creek, November 2014

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Blackfoot Headwaters Sediment, April 2004

Bobtail Creek Watershed, January 2005

Bonita-Superior Metals TMDLs, May 2013

Bonita-Superior Metals TMDLs (1.9 MB)

Boulder-Elkhorn Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2012

Boulder-Elkhorn Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (5.0 MB)

  • Appendix A: Watershed Description Maps (3.0 MB)
  • Appendix B: Table of 2012 Impaired Waterbodies, Impaired Uses, and Impairment Status (0.16 MB)
  • Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.21 MB)
  • Appendix D: Surface Water and Sediment Chemistry Data (1.0 MB)
  • Appendix E: Water Chemistry for Natural Background Sites (0.28 MB)
  • Appendix F: Source Assessment and Target Departure Analysis (3.3 MB)
  • Appendix G: Response to Public Comment (0.39 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Boulder-Elkhorn Sediment, Nutrients and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plans, September 2013

Sediment, Nutrients, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plans for the Boulder-Elkhorn Planning Area (8.0 MB)

  • Appendix A: Table of Impaired Waterbodies and Watershed Description Maps (1.8 MB)
  • Appendix B: Boulder River Watershed Description (0.26 MB)
  • Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix D: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale For Sediment (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix E: Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.16 MB)
  • Appendix F: Daily Loads (0.18 MB)
  • Attachment 1: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development within the Boulder Elkhorn TPA (5.8 MB)
  • Attachment 2: Boulder Elkhorn Watershed Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (1.8 MB)
  • Attachment 3: Stream Temperature Assessment for the Boulder River (1.5 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Boulder River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads, September 2009

Careless Creek, February 2001

Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries, September 2014

Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (9.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Status of waterbody impairments in the Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries TMDL Project Area based on the 2014 Integrated Report (0.16 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.27 MB)
  • Appendix C: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.29 MB)
  • Appendix D: Nemote Creek QUAL2K Model Report (2.8 MB)
  • Appendix E: Petty Creek QUAL2K Model Report (3.7 MB)
  • Appendix F: Grant Creek QUAL2K Model Report (2.7 MB)
  • Attachment A: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (3.7 MB)
  • Attachment B: Assessment of Upland Sediment Sources for TMDL Development (2.5 MB)
  • Attachment C: Road Sediment Assessment and Modeling (1.8 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Clark Fork River Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program, October 1998

Cooke City, September 2002

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Dearborn River, February 2005

Deep Creek, March 1996

Elk Creek, June 1997

Flathead Lake, December 2001

Nutrient Management Plan & TMDL for Flathead Lake, Montana DEQ (5.5 MB)

Flathead River Headwaters, December 2004

Flathead-Stillwater Planning Area Nutrient, Sediment, and Temperature TMDL, December 2014

Flathead-Stillwater Planning Area Nutrient, Sediment, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (15.8 MB)

  • Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.28 MB)
  • Appendix B: Chemistry, Flow, Fish Distribution, and Permitted Point Sources Data (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix C: Sheppard/Logan Road BMPs Since 2004 (2.9 MB)
  • Appendix D: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.20 MB)
  • Appendix E: QUAL2K Stream Temperature Modeling for Ashley Creek and the Whitefish River (1.8 MB)
  • Appendix F: Response to Public Comments (0.23 MB)
  • Attachment A: Flathead Stillwater TMDL Planning Area Sediment and Habitat Assessment Summary Report (4.5 MB)
  • Attachment B: Summary of Permitted Point Sources in the Flathead Lake Basin (5.4 MB)
  • Attachment C: Summary of Urban Stormwater Sources in the Flathead Lake Basin (1.8 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Flint creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, October 2012

Flint Creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.5 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps (10.5 MB)
  • Appendix B: Data (0.66 MB)
  • Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition (0.40 MB)
  • Appendix D: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale (0.18 MB)
  • Appendix E: Unpaved Road Assessment: Sediment Load Estimations and Potential Reductions (0.26 MB)
  • Appendix F: Daily Loads (0.14 MB)
  • Attachment A: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development Within The Flint Creek TPA (4.4 MB)
  • Attachment B: Flint Creek Watershed Sediment Assessment: Upland Sediment Assessment and Modeling and BMP Effectiveness and Percent Reduction Potential (1.3 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Flint Creek Planning Area Addendum, May 2015

Addendum to Flint Creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.2 MB)

  • Appendix A: Location of Mining-Related Features and Water Quality Sample Sites (0.53 MB)
  • Appendix B: Vleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or Othere Sources of Metals Contamination (0.13 MB)
  • Attachment A: Analytical Results Report for a CERCLA Site Inspection Philipsburg Mining Area (Douglas Creek) Near Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana (4.8 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Flint Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2013

Flint Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Table of Impaired Waterbodies, Their Impaired Uses, and Impairment Status on the 2012 Water Quality Integrated Report (0.14 MB)
  • Appendix B: Watershed Description Figures (8.5 MB)
  • Appendix C: Fish Species, Surface Water Nutrients, Chlorophyll-a, Macroinvertebrates and Philipsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant Data (0.36 MB)
  • Appendix D: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.19 MB)
  • Appendix E: Flint Creek Watershed Nutrient Assessment (17.5 MB)
  • Appendix F: Subsurface Wastewater Treatment Systems in the Flint Creek Watershed (0.34 MB)
  • Appendix G: Flint Creek TMDL Planning Area Nutrient Source Review, Task 1: Discrete Source Characterization, Granite and Deerlodge Counties (1.6 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Grave Creek Watershed, March 2005

Grave Creek Watershed Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Plan and Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load (9.2 MB)

  • Appendix A: Harvest Analysis Summary (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix B: Roads Analysis Summary (0.44 MB)
  • Appendix C: Rain-On-Snow, Water Yield, Equivalent Clearcut Acreage and Peak Flow Increases Analysis Summary (0.08 MB)
  • Appendix D: Fisheries and Aquatic Life (0.06 MB)
  • Appendix E: Regulatory Framework and TMDL Development (0.10 MB)
  • Appendix F: Summary of Data Collection and Assessment Methodologies (0.05 MB)
  • Appendix G: Stream Conditions (0.36 MB)
  • Appendix H: Reference Value Development for the Grave Creek Watershed (0.17 MB)
  • Appendix I: Road Surface Sediment Analysis Methods and Results (0.08 MB)
  • Appendix J: In-stream Sediment Source Analysis (0.20 MB)
  • Appendix K: Response to Comments (0.16 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter
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Jefferson River Metals Project Area TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2014

Judith Mountains, June 2013

Judith Mountains Project Area TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.3 MB)

Kootenai-Fisher Project Area Metals, Nutrients, Sediment, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, May 2014

Kootenai-Fisher Project Area Metals, Nutrients, Sediment, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (5.9 MB)

  • Appendix A: Table of Waterbody Impairments and Project Area Description Maps (4.8 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.34 MB)
  • Appendix C: Upland Erosion Sediment Assessment (3.5 MB)
  • Appendix D: Road Sediment Assessment (4.4 MB)
  • Appendix E: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix F: Nutrient and Metals Water Quality Data for Impaired Streams in the Kootenai-Fisher TMDL Planning Area (0.55 MB)
  • Appendix G: Wolf Creek QUAL2K Model Report (7.5 MB)
  • Appendix H: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or Other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
  • Appendix I: Response to Public Comments (0.55 MB)
  • Attachment A: Kootenai-Fisher TMDL Project Area Sediment and Habitat Assessment (4.9 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Lake Helena Volume I, December 2004

Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area Volume 1 (1.9 MB)

  • Appendix A: Watershed Characterization (5.2 MB)
  • Appendix B: Montana Water Quality Standards (0.53 MB)
  • Appendix C: Preliminary Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
  • Appendix D: Nutrient Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
  • Appendix E: GWLF/Bathtub Modeling for Lake Helena (0.41 MB)
  • Appendix F: Sediment Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
  • Appendix G: Metals Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
  • Appendix H: SSTEMP Model (0.31 MB)
  • Appendix I: Fish Tissue Sampling (Available on Request)
  • Appendix J: Major Land Resource Area Data Description (0.03 MB)
  • Appendix K: Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium Data Description(Available on Request)

Lake Helena Volume II, August 2006

Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area Volume II (2.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Summary (2.0 MB)
  • Appendix B: DEQ and EPA Responses to Public Comments (0.22 MB)
  • Appendix C: GWLF/BATHTUB Modeling Results (2.0 MB)
  • Appendix D: Supplemental Sediment Source Assessment Results (1.1 MB)
  • Appendix E: Permitted Point Source Discharges (1.1 MB)
  • Appendix F: LSPC Metals Modeling Results (4.1 MB)
  • Appendix G: SSTEMP Temperature Modeling Results (0.47 MB)
  • Appendix H: Supplemental Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (0.12 MB)
  • Appendix I: Phased Wasteload Allocation Strategy (0.08 MB)
  • Appendix J: Wasteload Allocations for Regulated Stormwater Discharges (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix K: On-Site Domestic Wastewater Treatment Requirements and Alternatives (0.12 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Lake Helena Planning Area Metals Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Addendum, September 2013

Landusky Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, March 2012

Landusky Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.5 MB)

  • Appendix A: TMDL Status Summary Table and Maps (3.0 MB)
  • Appendix B: Surface Water Chemistry Data (3.4 MB)
  • Appendix C: Surface Water Chemistry Data - Selected Background Sites (0.51 MB)
  • Appendix D: Groundwater Chemistry Examples Zortman and Landusky Mines (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix E: Landusky TMDL Planning Area Fish Distribution Report (0.25 MB)
  • Appendix F: Target Departure Analysis (2.2 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Little Blackfoot River Watershed TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2011

Little Blackfoot River Watershed TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.8 MB)

  • Appendix A: Figures and Tables (4.2 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.48 MB)
  • Appendix C: 2009 Sediment and Habitat Assessment (2.2 MB)
  • Appendix D: Little Blackfoot River Watershed Sediment and Nutrient Assessment (1.9 MB)
  • Appendix E: Road Sediment Assessment (2.4 MB)
  • Appendix F: Detailed Source Assessment and Data Review (0.44 MB)
  • Appendix G: Metals and Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.69 MB)
  • Appendix H: Response to Public Comments (0.31)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Little Blackfoot River Watershed TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan - Metals Addendum, March 2014

Lone Tree Creek, February 2001

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Lower Blackfoot Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2013

Lower Blackfoot Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2009

Lower Clark Fork Tributaries Sediment TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration, December 2010

Lower Clark Fork Tributaries Sediment TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration (2.5 MB)

Lower Beaverhead River and Upper Jefferson River Temperature TMLDs, November 2014

Lower Beaverhead River and Upper Jefferson River Temperature TMDLs (3.6 MB)

  • Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.18 MB)
  • Appendix B: Beaverhead River Temperature Model (1.5 MB)
  • Appendix C: Upper Jefferson River Temperature Model (1.3 MB)
  • Appendix D: Temperature and Flow Data (0.17 MB)
  • Attachment A: Evaluation of Fishery Trends in the Jefferson River Drainage Related to Changes in Streamflow Pattern and Habitat Restoration Activities (2.3 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Lower Gallatin Planning Area TMDLs & Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, March 2013

Lower Gallatin Planning Area TMDLs & Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (7.2 MB)

Lower Musselshell, December 2001

Madison River, March 2019

Madison Nutrient, E. coli, and Metal TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (7.2 MB)

  • Appendix A: Surface Water Nutrient, E. coli, and Metal Data for the Madison TMDL Planning Area (.5 MB)
  • Appendix B: Method for Estimating Attenuation of Nutrients from Septic Systems Model Results (MEANSS) for the Madison TMDL Planning Area (0.20 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Middle Blackfoot-Nevada Creek, September 2008

Middle Blackfoot-Nevada Creek TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (6.5 MB)

  • Appendix A: Figures and Maps (8.5 MB)
  • Appendix B: Aerial Assessment and Reconnaissance Results (0.20 MB)
  • Appendix C: Stream Bank Erosion Inventory (0.04 MB)
  • Appendix D: Sediment/Habitat Target Development (0.27 MB)
  • Appendix E: Example of Daily Sediment TMDLs, Upper Nevada Creek (0.07 MB)
  • Appendix F: Water Quality Analysis Results for Field Parameters and Trace Metals (0.41 MB)
  • Appendix G: Representative Reference Shade Conditions and Daily Temperature Loading (0.55 MB)
  • Appendix H: Restoration Plan (0.08 MB)
  • Appendix I: Streamflow, Sediment, and Nutrient Simulation Using SWAT (0.43 MB)
  • Appendix J: Sediment Loading Analysis (0.12 MB)
  • Appendix K: Response to Public Comments (0.18 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Middle Blackfoot-Nevada Creek Addendum, December 2014

Middle Blackfoot-Nevada TMDL and Water Quality Improvement Plan Addendum (3.0 MB)

Middle and Lower Big Hole Planning Area TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2009

Middle and Lower Big Hole Planning Area TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.8 MB)

Missouri-Cascade and Belt TMDL Planning Area Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, January 2011

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Ninemile Creek, January 2005

Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Ninemile Planning Area (2.3 MB)

  • Appendix A: Nimemile TMDL Fish Passage Assessment and Recommendations for Forest-Managed Lands (0.06 MB)
  • Appendix B: Forest Road Sediment Assessment Method (FROSAM), Results and Maps (4.2 MB)
  • Appendix C: DEQ Responses to Public Comments (0.11 MB)
  • Maps (7.8 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Prospect Creek Metals, October 2006

Prospect Creek Watershed Sediment, January 2009

Redwater River Nutrient and Salinity TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2010

Redwater River Nutrient and Salinity TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.2 MB)

Rock Creek Watershed TMDLs, September 2013

Rock Creek Watershed TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plans (8.4 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps (4.9 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.30 MB)
  • Appendix C: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development within the Rock TPA (3.4 MB)
  • Appendix D: Rock TPA Biological Sampling 2011: Macroinvertebrate and Periphyton Results (1.7 MB)
  • Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment – Rock Creek TPA (0.34 MB)
  • Appendix F: Rock TPA Assessment of Upland Sediment Sources for TMDL Development (2.5 MB)
  • Appendix G: Rock Creek TPA Road Sediment Assessment & Modeling (4.4 MB)
  • Appendix H: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.16 MB)
  • Appendix I: East Fork Rock Creek Temperature Modeling Report (5.1 MB)
  • Appendix J: South Fork Antelope Creek Temperature Modeling Report (3.9 MB)
  • Appendix K: Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.19 MB)
  • Appendix L: Surface Water and Sediment Metals Data, Rock Creek TMDL Planning Area (0.25 MB)
  • Appendix M: Source Assessment and Target Departure Analysis (4.0 MB)
  • Appendix N: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options For Mine Operations Or Other Sources Of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Ruby River Watershed, December 2006

Ruby River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework for a Water Quality Restoration Plan (6.9 MB)

Sage Creek, January 2002

Sheep Creek E. Coli TMDL and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2017

Shields River Watershed Water Quality Planning Framework and Sediment TMDLs, June 2009

Shields River Watershed Water Quality Planning Framework and Sediment TMDLs (1.1 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps (5.9 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.07 MB)
  • Appendix C: Reference Value Development and Target Justification (0.05 MB)
  • Appendix D: Sediment Contribution from Roads (0.68 MB)
  • Appendix E: Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (0.15 MB)
  • Appendix F: Sediment Contribution from Streambank Erosion (0.68 MB)
  • Appendix G: Daily TMDLs (0.15 MB)
  • Appendix H: Restoration Priorities for the Shields Valley Watershed Group (0.05 MB)
  • Appendix I: Sediment and Habitat Assessment and Data (0.25 MB)
  • Appendix J: Response to Public Comments (0.06 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Silver Bow Creek and Clark Fork River Metals, May 2014

St. Regis Watershed, September 2008

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Sun River Watershed, December 2004

Swan Lake Watershed, June 2004

Water Quality Protection Plan and TMDLs for the Swan Lake Watershed (2.6 MB)

  • Appendix A: Applicable Water Quality Standards (0.04 MB)
  • Appendix B: Impairment Determination Listing Details for the 1996 and 2002 303(d) Lists (0.04 MB)
  • Appendix C: Summary Ecological Classification Swan River Basin, Montana (2.5 MB)
  • Appendix D: Mapping Chlorophyll Distribution Over Lakes of Northwest Montana (0.27 MB)
  • Appendix E: Forest Road Sediment Assessment Methodology (0.10 MB)
  • Appendix F: Forest Roads Sediment Results (9.1 MB)
  • Appendix G: Swan Bank Inventory Results (0.80 MB)
  • Appendix H: Local Stream Corridor Protective Regulations and Covenants (0.50 MB)
  • Appendix I: Riparian Assessment & Characterization of the Swan River & Select Tributaries (0.21 MB)
  • Appendix J: Tributary Physical Assessment for TMDL Development Support (0.24 MB)
  • Appendix K: DEQ Response to Public Comment (0.13 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Teton River, September 2003

Water Quality Management Plan and TMDLs for the Teton River Watershed (5.3 MB)

Thompson Project Area Metals, Nutrients, Sediment and Temperature, August 2014

Thompson Project Area Metals, Nutrients, Sediment, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (7.6 MB)

Tobacco Planning Area Nutrient and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2014

Tobacco Planning Area Nutrient and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.8 MB)

Tobacco Planning Area Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2011

Tobacco Planning Area Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.8 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps and Tables (5.5 MB)
  • Appendix B: Tobacco River Watershed Description (0.46 MB)
  • Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix D: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (2.9 MB)
  • Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
  • Appendix F: Tobacco River Watershed Upland Sediment Source Assessment (1.7 MB)
  • Appendix G: Road Sediment Assessment, Tobacco TMDL Planning Area (2.2 MB)
  • Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.40 MB)
  • Appendix I: Response to Public Comments (0.33 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Upper Clark Fork Phase 2 Sediment and Nutrients TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, April 2014

Upper Clark Fork Phase 2 Sediment and Nutrients TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (11.5 MB)

Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries Sediment, Metals, and Temperature TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration, March 2010

Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries Sediment, Metals, and Temperature TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration (1.3 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps (15.8 MB)
  • Appendix B: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale (0.04 MB)
  • Appendix C: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.13 MB)
  • Appendix D: Data (0.31 MB)
  • Appendix E: Road Network Aerial Assessment Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (0.11 MB)
  • Appendix F: Upland Sediment Model Scenario Development (0.03 MB)
  • Appendix G: Stream Temperature Assessment for Peterson Creek Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (0.23 MB)
  • Appendix H: Stream-Irrigation Network Relationship in the Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (1.6 MB)
  • Appendix I: Sediment Loads and Reduction Determinations (0.08 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries Sediment, Metals, and Temperature TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration - Addendum, April 2014

Upper Jefferson River Tributary Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2009

Upper Jefferson River Tributary Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.5 MB)

  • Appendix A: Watershed Characterization Report Jefferson River Water Quality Restoration Planning Areas (7.6 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.07 MB)
  • Appendix C: 2004 Aerial Photo Review and Field Source Assessment, Upper Jefferson River Watershed (11.5 MB)
  • Appendix D: Upland USLE Based Sediment Model, Sediment Contribution From Hillslope Erosion For Tributaries of the Upper Jefferson TMDL Planning Area (0.17 MB)
  • Appendix E: USLE Generated Upland Erosion Corrected for Existing and Potential Riparian Health (0.13 MB)
  • Appendix F: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment, Upper Jefferson River TMDL Planning Area (1.4 MB)
  • Appendix G: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment, Upper Jefferson River Water Quality Restoration Planning Area (0.40 MB)
  • Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.16 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter
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Upper Lolo, April 2003

Upper and North Fork Big Hole River Planning Area TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Restoration Approach, June 2009

Upper and North Fork Big Hole River Planning Area TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Restoration Approach June 2009 (3.6 MB)

  • Appendix A: Sediment Contribution From Hillslope Erosion (0.40 MB)
  • Appendix B: Modeling Stream Temperatures in the Upper Big Hole River – 2003 (0.54 MB)
  • Appendix C: Data Summary Appendix (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix D: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in The Big Hole River, Montana – 2006 (2.2 MB)
  • Appendix E: Temperature Daily TMDLs and Instantaneous Loads (0.12 MB)
  • Appendix F: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.13 MB)
  • Appendix G: Sediment Contribution from Road Erosion (0.11 MB)
  • Appendix H: Sediment Contribution from Streambank Erosion (0.27 MB)
  • Appendix I: Big Hole River Watershed Nutrient TMDL GWLF Monitoring Documentation (1.1 MB)
  • Appendix J: Streamside Vegetation Nutrient Filtering Function (0.03 MB)
  • Appendix K: Upper and North Fork Big Hole River Planning Area TMDL Maps (3.5 MB)
  • Appendix L: Response to Public Comments (0.07 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

West Fork Gallatin River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Framework Watershed Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2010

West Fork Gallatin River Watershed TMDL and Framework Watershed Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.0 MB)

  • Appendix A: Maps and Figures (3.3 MB)
  • Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.17 MB)
  • Appendix C: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.05 MB)
  • Appendix D: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (0.38 MB)
  • Appendix E: Hillslope Sediment Model and Riparian Health Addendum (0.72 MB)
  • Appendix F: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (0.79 MB)
  • Appendix G: 2008 Sediment and Habitat data collection Methods and Data Summary Upper Gallatin TMDL Planning Area (0.62 MB)
  • Appendix H: Response to Public Comments (0.02 MB)
  • EPA Approval Letter

White Pine Creek Temperature TMDL, November 2014

White Pine Creek Temperature TMDL (3.6 MB)

Yaak River Watershed, September 2008

Yaak River Watershed Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (2.3 MB)

Yaak River (East Fork) Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Loads, July 2014

East Fork Yaak River Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Loads (1.4 MB)

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EPA Region 8 TMDL Review Form

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Implementation Evaluations

DEQ is required to assess the waters for which TMDLs have been completed to determine whether compliance with water quality standards has been attained. This assessment will use the suite of objectives specified in the TMDL document to measure compliance with water quality standards and achievement of full support of all applicable beneficial uses.

The outline below describes the evolving framework and components for the DEQ TMDL Implementation Evaluation (TIE). The TIE should document progress made toward meeting: TMDL objectives, water quality standards, and beneficial uses in the impaired water bodies. Although these assessments will likely require different sets of data for evaluation, each may be evaluated as part of the evaluation. It is important to note that elements of the implementation strategy are largely voluntary in nature for nonpoint pollution sources. The purpose of the TIE is to:

  • Recognize and document implementation of reasonable land, soil, and water conservation practices;
  • Assist in determining the effectiveness of those practices on water quality improvement;
  • Assess progress towards meeting water quality standards;
  • Provide recommendations for changes in implementation activities, monitoring, or address changes in the watershed that are likely to impact water quality;
  • Promote TMDL implementation and beneficial use support.
Location Reports
Cramer Creek Cramer Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, March, 2019 (1.9 MB)
Lake Helena Nutrients Lake Helena Nutrients TMDL Implementation Evaluation, August, 2018 (8.4 MB)
Swan Lake Swan Lake TMDL Implementation Evaluation, July, 2017 (1.2 MB)
Lone Tree Creek Lone Tree Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, May, 2017 (1.3 MB)
Reimel Creek Reimel Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, February, 2016 (1 MB)
Deep Creek Deep Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, November 2011 (0.81MB)
Cooke City Cooke City TMDL Implementation Evaluation, July 2011 (0.70MB)
Upper Lolo Upper Lolo Sediment TMDL Implementation Evaluation, May 2011 (0.53MB)
Big Creek (Columbia Basin) Big Creek Sediment TMDL Implementation Evaluation, March 2011 (0.83MB)