The Tuscarawas River Watershed TMDL
Background
The Tuscarawas River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report was approved by U.S. EPA on September 15, 2009. TMDL reports identify and evaluate water quality problems in impaired water bodies and propose solutions to bring those waters into attainment with water quality standards.
The Tuscarawas River drains more than 2,500 square miles in northeastern and eastern Ohio. The mainstem originates southeast of the City of Akron and flows for nearly 130 miles, then joins the Walhonding River to form the Muskingum River. There are several large tributaries (Sugar Creek, Sandy Creek, Connotton Creek, and Stillwater Creek) that are or will be covered by their own individual TMDLs. This TMDL covers the mainstem of the Tuscarawas River and several small tributaries including Chippewa Creek.
The upper portion of the watershed has significant urban, commercial and industrial development. The southern and eastern portions are less populated with far fewer industries in a largely forested landscape that has steeper topography. Pastureland and cattle operations are interspersed throughout the hills and forests as are some abandoned mine lands. The distribution of land covers for the entire Tuscarawas River watershed is 34% forest, 31% pasture/hay, 19% cropland, 12% urban, and 4% open water.
Ohio EPA conducted a comprehensive physical, chemical and biological survey of the Tuscarawas River watershed in 2003 and 2004 and several problems were identified. Primary causes of impairment are nutrients, sediment, organic substances and poor habitat quality. Sources are waste water treatment plants run-off from agricultural landscapes and urban areas, channel modification, failing septic systems and acid mine drainage. TMDLs are calculated for total phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, habitat and sedimentation. TMDL recommendations include:
- total phosphorus limits for four major and five minor wastewater dischargers
- agricultural conservation practices for abating sediment, nutrient and manure pollution
- local health departments identify and address septic system failures and provide educational opportunities
- stream setbacks, controls for subsurface drainage, less damaging channel maintenance, and stream restoration to improve or protect habitat quality.
The TMDL Report
Many of the documents referenced in the TMDL report can be found under Forms and Publications on the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water Web page.
Supplemental Information
For more information contact:
Gregg Sablak
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Division of Surface Water
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
e-mail: gregg.sablak@epa.state.oh.us