The Mad River Watershed TMDL
Background
The Mad River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report was approved by U.S. EPA on January 26, 2010. 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 Mad River is located in southwest Ohio in Logan, Champaign, Clark, Miami, Greene, and Montgomery counties. The Mad River is a subwatershed of the Great Miami River, flowing southwest until it joins with the Great Miami River in Dayton. The watershed drains 657 square miles.
Ohio EPA conducted a comprehensive physical, chemical and biological survey of the Mad River watershed in 2003, and several problems were identified. The survey results were published in May 2005 (see below). The primary causes of impairment are nutrients and degraded habitats, and contamination by pathogens. TMDLs were calculated for nitrate, sedimentation, fecal coliform, and habitat via the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index. Potential solutions include habitat improvement and stream restoration, reduction of nutrients through agricultural best management practices, fixing and replacing failing home sewage treatment systems, and implementation of the combined sewer overflow long term control plan in Springfield (once it is final).
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
The following documents provide background information on the Mad River watershed.
Groups Active in the Watershed
For more information contact:
Beth Risley
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Division of Surface Water
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
e-mail: beth.risley@epa.state.oh.us