Sonoma Creek Sediment TMDL

U.S. EPA approves the Sonoma Creek Watershed Sediment TMDL and Habitat Enhancement Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the Basin Plan amendment adopted by the Regional Water Board in December 2008, incorporating the TMDL and an implementation plan to achieve the sediment TMDL and related habitat enhancement goals. The TMDL was approved by the State Office of Administrative Law and became effective on July 12, 2010. It is now fully approved and part of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin (Basin Plan), the master planning document for water quality in the Bay Area. Water Board staff is now focusing on implementing the TMDL and habitat enhancement. Current work includes developing a conditional waiver program for vineyard facilities (see below for more information) and facilitating stream restoration projects through our grant programs.

• Adopted Resolution, and Basin Plan Amendment (see contact at bottom of page to request this material)
• Final Staff Report
• Response to Comments
• Written Comments

TMDL Implementation

Background:

Sonoma Creek exceeds water quality standards for sediment. The listing was prompted by declines in native fish populations. The Sonoma Creek Sediment TMDL addresses this water quality problem, identifies pollutant sources, and specifies actions to create solutions.

Links:

• Southern Sonoma Resource Conservation District
• Sonoma Ecology Center