The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will host a meeting to kick off the development of a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for the impaired reaches of the West Branch of the Susquehanna in Cambria, Clearfield, Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming counties.

The meeting will be held on November 15 starting at 7 p.m. in the Clearfield County Conservation District conference room, 650 Leonard St., Clearfield.

The West Branch Susquehanna River was assessed in 1996 through 2004 and was found to have impaired segments. Portions of the watershed are polluted due to acid mine drainage and the stream does not meet its protected uses.

The report will include water quality data, historical information, and information on past and current activities. It will also document any restoration efforts that have taken place or that may be planned for the watershed.

A TMDL is the amount of pollutant loading that can enter a waterbody so the waterbody will maintain its health and meet water quality standards. The maximum load is distributed among all sources in the watershed.

A TMDL plan includes wasteload allocations for point sources, such as permitted discharges; load allocations for nonpoint sources, such as abandoned mine drainage or agricultural runoff; and a margin of safety.

SRBC and the Department of Environmental Protection are interested in obtaining recent stream water quality data, historical information to help describe the watershed, and information regarding watershed restoration projects and plans. The department will consider all information submitted and any pertinent information will be included in the final report.

If you cannot attend the kick-off meeting, but have information you would like to share, please contact: Beth Dillon, SRBC, 1721 Front St., Harrisburg; e-mail bdillon@srbc.net or phone 717-238-0426, ext. 114.

A final public meeting will be held at a location in the watershed after the report is written. There will be an opportunity for public comment on the draft TMDL report. The date and location of the meeting will appear in the PA Bulletin and in the local paper.

11/11/2005