TMDL Prioritization 2.0

The department will continue to focus TMDL development efforts on waters with verified water quality impairments. One important part of the TMDL priority setting effort is a focus on waters where the TMDL/BMAP approach is the best of the available options for restoration. The department's resultant list of priorities are therefore best interpreted as "those impaired waters where the department expects to develop a site-specific TMDL."

DEP has developed a new prioritization framework, “Prioritization 2.0” which will guide TMDL development beginning in late 2022 when the prior workplan is completed. Under Prioritization 2.0, DEP will lay out the procedures for prioritizing TMDL development for the 10 year period from 2022 through 2032. DEP will use these procedures to develop TMDL work plans on a biennial basis. DEP's goals for Prioritization 2.0 will be to select a set of waterbodies where TMDLs are the best tool to guide ecosystem restoration and support community objectives for those waters.

Calling these waters "priorities" comes from the language contained in the EPA 303(d) long term vision and associated guidance. It does not mean that the waters on the list are the only department priorities for restoration. Other impaired waters may be the subject of alternative restoration activities such as a statewide TMDL project (for example, the statewide TMDL for mercury  or reducing pathogens). In addition, some waters may be good candidates for a TMDL alternative, such as a reasonable assurance plan or water quality restoration plan ("4b plan" and "4e plan"). Other waters may have improving water quality trends or additional source identification information, suggesting naturally high levels of the given pollutant. Therefore, waters labeled a priority by this exercise, are simply those that are favorable for site-specific TMDL development.

Updated Information

The Department of Environmental Protection is in the process of developing the 2024 - 2026 TMDL Priority List of Waters for the total maximum daily load (TMDL) two-year work plan. The proposed two-year work plan is guided by the TMDL prioritization framework for the next decade. The department will accept public comments on the 2024 - 2026 Priority and Draft List of Waters until Oct. 21, 2024.  All comments on the TMDL development two-year work plan and the specific list of waters proposed for TMDL development should be submitted by email to Eric.Simpson@FloridaDEP.Gov.   

Supporting Documents

Past Meetings

TMDL Prioritization 2.0 Public Workshop: December 8, 2022

• Presentation

TMDL Prioritization 2.0 Public Workshop: May 24, 2022

• Presentation 
• Draft Framework Document for Florida TMDL Prioritization 2.0; April 2022