A TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) is the maximum amount (load) of a single pollutant from all contributing point and nonpoint sources that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources. The Federal Clean Water Act, Section 303, establishes the water quality standards and TMDL programs. A TMDL is required for Lake Champlain because phosphorus concentrations in many segments of the lake are higher than the levels allowed in the Vermont Water Quality Standards. Learn more from the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL Fact Sheet (pdf, 470 KB).

Questions about the Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL should be directed to Eric Smeltzer.

• Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL - Final Submittal (pdf, 1 MB)
• Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL - Transmittal Letter to EPA (pdf, 92 KB)
• Lake Champlain Phosphorus TMDL - Summary of Responses to Public Comments (pdf, 149 KB)
• EPA TMDL Website
• The Phosphorus Problem in St. Albans Bay (pdf, 355 KB)

Updated: December 2002