Tomales Bay Pathogen TMDL

Tomales Bay Pathogen TMDL adopted and approved
On February 8, 2007, the Basin Plan for the San Francisco Bay region was amended to incorporate a TMDL for pathogens in Tomales Bay, and an implementation plan to achieve the TMDL. The amendment was adopted by the Regional Water Board on September 21, 2005, and has been approved by the State Water Resources Control Board, the state Office of Administrative Law, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Adopted Order No. R2-2005-0046 (pdf)
Basin Plan amendment (pdf)
Staff Report (pdf, 6.8MB)


TMDL Implementation

New requirements for management of Grazing Lands
On June 11, 2008, at 6:00 PM in Pt. Reyes Station, staff will hold a public workshop on Tentative Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for grazing lands in the Tomales Bay watershed. Download the notice of this event here. If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Fewless.


Background:

Tomales Bay supports a vital shellfish industry and is a popular destination for recreation, such as swimming and boating. It also faces water quality challenges from pathogens, water-borne micro-organisms that can cause disease in humans. Pathogens in Tomales Bay are of fecal origin. Potential sources include agricultural runoff (from dairies and ranch lands), runoff from residential areas, failing septic systems or small wastewater treatment facilities, discharges from boats, and wildlife. The Tomales Bay Pathogen TMDL includes a broad-based strategy for reducing pathogen sources to the Bay, including increased regulation of grazing lands through waste discharge requirements, required actions to reduce polluted runoff and boat discharges, education and outreach, and monitoring to evaluate progress.

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For more information contact:
Farhad Ghodrati
Environmental Scientist
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-622-2331
Fax: 510-622-2460
E-mail: FGhodrati@waterboards.ca.gov