Thumb Run, Carter Run, Great Run, and Deep Run Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan
What is TMDL?
TMDL or Total Maximum Daily Load is the maximum amount of pollutant a water body can assimilate without surpassing the state water quality standard. If a body of water surpasses the water quality standard 10.5% of the time during an assessment period, the water body is placed on Virginia’s Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters.
Are there water bodies designated as “impaired” or TMDL waters in Fauquier County?
Yes, among others, Thumb Run, Carter Run, Great Run, and Deep Run are listed on Virginia’s Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters for violating the fecal coliform standard. Furthermore, these four watersheds have an implementation plan that currently is underway. If you would like to know if you live in an impaired watershed, please contact John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District at (540) 347-3120 ext. 3.
What is a TMDL implementation plan?
The TMDL implementation process for these four watersheds included a study to determine the sources of bacteria such as livestock, humans, pets, and wildlife. The study also identified the reductions needed to meet Virginia water quality standards. The development phase of the TMDL process focused on the identification of specific strategies to reduce pollutants reaching impaired waters. The development phase also utilized methods to seek public involvement. Such methods included public meetings to inform constituents, working groups to determine concerns and seek input, and a steering committee to provide guidance.
What types of bacteria are monitored?
The type of bacteria monitored is Fecal Coliform Bacteria (FCB). FCB originates from the intestines of warm-blooded animals such as humans, livestock, and wildlife. Higher levels of FCB in impaired waters may indicate the presence of dangerous viral and bacterial pathogens. For more information on monitoring efforts, click on the individual watersheds: Thumb Run, Carter Run, Great Run, and Deep Run.
What steps must be taken to meet water quality standards in Thumb Run, Carter Run, Great Run, and Deep Run?
The TMDL implementation plan outlines several methods to meet water quality standards. Methods include:
- Excluding of most/all livestock from streams,
- Reducing non-point source loads on pasture and cropland in the watersheds,
- Identifying and correcting all straight pipes and failing septic systems,
- Reducing pet bacteria loads on residential land, and
- Reducing wildlife bacteria loads.
What is John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District’s role in the TMDL implementation plan?
John Marshall SWCD is responsible for designing and implementing a public relations campaign to increase awareness of TMDL implementation goals and financial assistance. Working with federal, state, and local agencies, the specific goals include:
- Installing 10 full livestock exclusion systems,
- Installing 4 hardened stream crossings,
- Installing 16,000 linear feet of livestock exclusion fencing, and
- Creating 10 acres of vegetative buffers on cropland.
Are there financial incentives to participating in the TMDL implementation plan?
Yes, Federal and State Best Management Practices (BMP’s) Cost-Share programs will pay between 50-90% of costs to install conservation practices to improve water quality.
For a description of the conservation practices offered, click here.
Progress Update
The District continues to implement the TMDL program. In December 2006, Melissa Allen began work as the TMDL Conservation Specialist. As part of the outreach effort, staff worked with the Fauquier County Office of Mapping and developed a mailing sequence including a joint letter with Virginia Health Department. The letter explained Virginia’s effort to address bacteria pollution and improve water quality. This letter was mailed to all residents in the watersheds. The second outreach effort included a water quality fact sheet describing the water quality problems. As part of our effort to fully understand the issues and areas of concern within the watersheds, staff members conducted comprehensive windshield surveys. The third letter targeted properties identified in the windshield surveys and invited these landowners to participate in the Cost-Share program. In 2008, the District developed postcards explaining the renewal of the grant. The postcard was mailed to residents with more than 100 acres in the watersheds. The District also hosted two Twilight Farm Dinners and Tours to provide landowners with an opportunity to view installed BMPs, and speak with contractors and past participants in 2007 and 2008.
In 2009, the District developed a postcard explaining the two new BMPs being offered in impaired watersheds. The postcard was mailed to residents with more than 100 acres in the watersheds. The District also plans to host a third Twilight Farm Dinner and Tour during summer 2009.
Currently, 19 projects have been completed in these watersheds. Seven projects are underway and several exist in the development phase. Staff members are continuing outreach efforts in these watersheds. Additional outreach efforts include newsletter articles, newspaper articles, and presentations at civic organizations. Melissa and other district staff members will continue to develop outreach methods to target landowners in the TMDL watersheds.
To learn more about TMDL efforts in Fauquier County, contact Melissa Allen at (540) 347-3120 ext. 3.
Contact the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District at:
98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 31
Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 347-3120 ext. 3
Learn more about TMDL programs from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Date Last Modified: 05/21/2009