Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 3 · column 3 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
program’s lack of consequences for property owners who exceed TMDLs. The federal Clean Water Act requires jurisdictions across the United States to determine TMDLs, but has not set consequences for exceeding them.
Many aspects of the program are voluntary, but federal and state programs can reduce the cost for property owners who install best management practices. State agencies estimate such measures will cost the commonwealth more than $500 million during the next 10 to 15 years.
Other parts of the program seek to eradicate illegal practices, such as straight pipes, which already have associated fines.
Community members need to remember what is at the heart of the project’s intentions, said Byron Petrauskas of Engineering Concepts.
“We have potential health consequences to our community that we’re trying to prevent,” he said.
The next public meeting on the TMDL development project is scheduled for March. By that time, a draft of the TMDL report will be ready for public comment. The final report is scheduled for completion by May, at which time it will be sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Control Board for approval.
Implementation of measures to restore the streams’ water quality will begin after the plan is approved.
Email the reporter at kallen@timespapers.com
94.0%