Volume 1, Number 5

September 2005

eMDE is a monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. Additional monthly features include: MDE public meetings and hearings schedule, enforcement and compliance notes, and permitting activity. 

Maryland's 303(d) Database is Now Available on MDE's Web Site

By Marti Davis

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In the progressive pursuit of making health protection information more accessible to the public, the Maryland Department of the Environment’s user-friendly water quality database is now available.

The Federal Clean Water Act requires each state to develop a list of impaired waterbodies, and their impairing substances. These substances are measured in Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). Using either the look-up tables or clickable map, anyone with internet access can query the water quality in Maryland’s 127 streams, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries.

The 303(d) List is used to determine the water quality status of selected watersheds. Water bodies listed in category 5 of the List do not meet Water Quality Standards and may require a TMDL. In the past, this list was categorized by impairment, but is now easier to cross-reference by pointing to a visual map location or selecting an easy search pull-down menu.

“Water body impairment status is essential to planning for municipalities, local governments and citizens at-large, to make informed decisions about which waterbodies can be use for swimming, fishing and drinking water,” said Dr. Rich Eskin, Director, MDE’s Technical and Regulatory Service Administration.

The easy lookup database is especially useful when reviewing permit applications and renewals or for any other water quality planning efforts undertaken by MDE or other entities. Click here to access the database search application.

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