CNMI TMDL and Implementation Plan Development
Practical TMDL Development Relying on Local Reconnaissance While
Developing and Transferring Capacity Building Tools
End Client: US EPA Region 9
Paradigm was tasked by EPA to develop TMDLs and implementation plans for 14 beaches and 1 lake impaired by bacteria. Paradigm worked closely with the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) to develop an analytical approach that leveraged their comprehensive monitoring data and incorporated watershed-specific source information collected during a week-long reconnaissance trip.
Paradigm developed flow and load duration approaches that facilitated source contributions under different flow conditions. The flow duration analysis was performed using streamflow derived for each watershed using the Loading Simulation Program – C++ (LPSC). Detailed trends analyses were conducted to ensure an understanding of the conditions associated with identified sources. Implementation plans were developed that relied on interviews conducted and observations obtained through research and our reconnaissance trip. Paradigm worked closely with BECQ to develop water quality report cards that will be used to educate local citizens, tourists, and businesses on the types of activities causing impairments and the impacts of pollutant sources on water quality.