TMDL

City of Dallas TMDL Implementation Plan

The City of Dallas is a Designated Management Agency (DMA) as identified by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). As a DMA, the City of Dallas has authority over the sources of pollution entering Rickreall Creek which contributes to water quality issues in the Willamette River. The City must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control pollution in Rickreall Creek and other waterways as required by the Department of Environmental Quality. DEQ requires many local governments to develop and implement a TMDL Implementation Plan. According to the federal Clean Water Act, Oregon is required to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads for streams segments which do not meet water quality standards. The TMDL identifies the level of pollutants that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards. TMDLs take into account pollution from all sources, including residential areas, businesses, industry, and construction sites.

In response to DEQ, the City has developed a revised TMDL Implementation Plan according to DEQ regulations. This document sets out specific BMPs that will address contributions of mercury to local waterways. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Bioaccumulation of mercury in fish tissue can lead to fish consumption limits due to health hazards associated with consuming fish. Waterways can become contaminated when soils that naturally contain mercury are eroded. The City is also required to address elevated bacteria and temperature in local waterways.

DEQ is interested and supports public involvement in these activities. A link to the TMDL Implementation Plan is below for your review.