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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 02-2235h

[32 Pa.B. 6140]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Chartiers Creek Watershed in Washington and Allegheny Counties

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Chartiers Creek Watershed in Washington and Allegheny Counties. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chartiers Valley High School, Bridgeville, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Lee McDonnell, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnell@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for this watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Chartiers Creek Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Twenty nine stream segments in the Chartiers Creek Watershed have been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals. The listed streams and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

StreamMiles
Code Stream Name Degraded
37086 Allison Hollow 1.76
37039 Brush Run 2.09
36786 Cambells Run 2.0
36787 UNT Cambells Run 0.8
36777 Chartiers Creek 9.61
37043 Chartiers Run 13.03
36858 Coal Run 0.8
36832 Dolphin Run 2.21
36833 Fishing Run 3.47
33001 Cross Creek 0.6
63300 Half Crown Run 1.1
36943 Little Chartiers Creek 12.54
36827 Millers Run 15.76
63294 North Branch Robinson Run 6.0
63295 North Branch Robinson Run UNT 4.2
36823 Thoms Run 4.32

   The proposed plan provides calculations of stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron, manganese and acidity), pH and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5  
0.3  
Total Recoverable
Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable
pH 6.0--9.0 NA

   The primary pollutant source for the watershed is abandoned mine workings. This watershed was heavily mined for coal in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The effects of this mining are still present. All of the allocations made in the TMDL are LA, which are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The TMDL was developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the TMDL. The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected over the past 10 years was the basis of information used in establishing the TMDL for the Chartiers Creek Watershed. The data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.

   In addition to the acid mine drainage listings, TMDLs were completed for Brush Run, an unnamed tributary to Brush Run and Plum Run. The listing of these waterbodies was due to use impairments caused by excessive nutrients and suspended solids from urban runoff and storm sewers. Agricultural land uses have also been identified as a source of impairment in the Plum Run Watershed.

   There are currently no State or Federal instream numerical water quality criteria for nutrients and suspended solids. Therefore, the Department utilized a reference watershed approach to implement the applicable narrative criteria. These TMDLs set allowable loadings of sediment and phosphorous in the Brush Run, unnamed tributary to Brush Run and Plum Run Watersheds. Phosphorous was chosen as the TMDL endpoint for nutrient impairments due to it being the limiting nutrient in these watersheds. The sediment and phosphorous loadings were allocated among all of the land use categories present in the watersheds. Data used in establishing these TMDLs was generated using a water quality analysis model (AVGWLF) designed by the Pennsylvania State University. The following table shows the listed segments and the miles degraded.

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
36873 Brush Run 37.11
36938 Unnamed tributary to Brush Run   0.52
37044 Plum Run   6.32

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Chartiers Creek Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in finalizing the TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Lee A. McDonnell, P. E., Chief, TMDL and Modeling Section, Division of Water Quality Assessment and Standards, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnel@state.pa.us.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Chartiers Valley High School meeting place, contact Lee McDonnell at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2938 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Cooks Run Watershed and Milligan Run Watershed in Cameron and Clinton Counties

   The Department will hold a public meeting during the monthly meeting of the Allegheny Mountain Chapter, Trout Unlimited to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Cooks Run Watershed and Milligan Run Watershed in Cameron and Clinton Counties. The meeting will be held on January 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Big Run, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Chuck Yingling, (717) 783-2300, cyingling@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed were established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Five stream segments in the Cooks Run Watershed have been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals. The listed segments and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
23988 Cooks Run 3.33
23994 Rock Run 1.2
23992 Camp Run 2.0
23989 Crowley Hollow 3.14
23993 Cow Hole 0.79

   Two stream segments in the Milligan Run Watershed have been identified as impaired on the 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals. The listed segments and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
23986 Milligan Run 2.21
23987 Milligan Run 0.26

   The proposed plan for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed provides calculations of stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron, manganese and acidity), pH and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5  
0.3  
30-day average Total Recoverable Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable
pH 6.0--9.0 N/A

   The primary pollutant source for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed is abandoned mine workings. These watersheds were heavily mined for coal in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The effects of this mining are still present in these watersheds. All of the allocations made in the TMDLs are LA, which are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The TMDLs for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed were developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the proposed TMDLs. The proposed TMDLs for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed set allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watersheds. Field data collected from 1983--2001 was used as the basis of information to establish the proposed TMDL for the Cooks Run Watershed, while field data collected from 2000-2001 were used to establish the proposed TMDL for the Milligan Run Watershed. Data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDLs for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed are available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDLs for the Cooks Run Watershed and Milligan Run Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Chuck Yingling, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDLs and associated information or to obtain directions to the First Christian Church meeting place, contact Chuck Yingling at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDLs for the Cooks Run Watershed and the Milligan Run Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2300 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake in Washington County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake in Washington County. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Township Building, 400 Buffalo Center Lane, Washington, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Joe Boylan, (412) 442-4049, jboylan@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake was established in accordance with the section 303(d) of the act. Dutch Fork Lake was listed on the Commonwealth's 1996 and 1998 Section 303(d) list because of impairments of designated uses due to excess nutrient (Phosphorus) loads to the lake.

   The Department currently does not have water quality criteria for nutrients. Therefore, the Department established a water quality objective for nutrients. The water quality objective for phosphorus was established using the Trophic Status Index (TSI) rating system established by Carlson. The water quality objective was set with the expectation that it could be reasonably achieved.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Joseph Boylan, Water Management Program, Southwest Regional Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information sheet or to obtain directions to the Buffalo Township Building meeting place, contact Joseph Boylan at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for Dutch Fork Lake can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (570) 826-2310 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Glanraffan Creek Watershed in Montgomery County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Glanraffan Creek Watershed in Montgomery County. The meeting will be held on Friday, January 17, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Department's Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Mike Boyer, (610) 832-6072, miboyer@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for this watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Glanraffan Creek Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Glanraffan Creek has been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to high concentrations of metals and suspended solids. The listed segment and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
901 Glanraffan Creek 0.46

   The proposed plan provides calculations of stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron and manganese) and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5  
0.3  
Total Recoverable
Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable

   The primary pollutant source for the watershed is leachate from an abandoned landfill. The landfill was in operation until the middle of the century and was closed down before any regulations were enacted. The effects of this are still present. All of the allocations made in the TMDL are LA, which are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The TMDL was developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the TMDL. The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for metals at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected over the last few months was used to establish the TMDL for Glanraffan Creek Watershed. Data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Glanraffan Creek Watershed. Comments will not be accepted through facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Mike Boyer, Regional Biologist, Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL for Glanraffan Creek Watershed or to obtain directions to the Department's Southeast Regional Office meeting place, contact Mike Boyer at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for the Glanraffan Creek Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (610) 832-6072 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for Greenlane Reservoir, Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDLs for the Greenlane Reservoir in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Department's Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Mike Boyer, (610) 832-6072, miboyer@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for the Greenlane Reservoir, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for Greenlane Reservoir was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Greenlane Reservoir was listed on Pennsylvania's 1996 Section 303(d) list because of use impairments due to organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen.

   The Department currently does not have water quality criteria for organic enrichment (total phosphorus). Therefore, the Department established lake specific water quality objectives. The water quality objective for phosphorus is established using the Trophic State Classification established by Thomann and Mueller. The Department does have water quality criteria for dissolved oxygen in lakes. However, data analysis indicated that Greenlane Reservoir is not currently impaired due to low dissolved oxygen. Therefore, a TMDL to address low dissolved oxygen is not necessary at this time.

   The TMDL sets an allowable total phosphorus load for each significant source to Greenlane Reservoir. The basis of information used to establish the TMDL include the Phase I Clean Lakes Study performed by FX Browne, Inc., TSI Studies performed by the Department and data provided by the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. The allowable total phosphorus loads are being developed and allocations will be contained in the report.


Waterbody Listing Date Acres Affected Pollutant Source
Greenlane Reservoir 1996 814 Organic enrichment/low
dissolved oxygen
Agriculture

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for Greenlane Reservoir. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Mike Boyer, Regional Biologist, Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Department's Southeast Regional Office, contact Mike Boyer at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL can be accessed through the Department website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Note that attachments and appendices must be requested through paper mail. Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (610) 83-6072 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for Harveys Lake in Luzerne County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for Harveys Lake in Luzerne County. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at 8 p.m. at the Harveys Lake General Municipal Authority Building, Route 415-Sunset, Harveys Lake, PA 18618. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Raymond Kempa, (570) 826-2310, rkempa@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for Harveys Lake, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for Harveys Lake was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Harvey's Lake was listed on the Commonwealth's 1998 Section 303(d) list because of impairments of designated uses due to excess nutrient (phosphorus) loads to the lake.

   The Department currently does not have water quality criteria for nutrients. Therefore, the Department established a water quality objective for nutrients. The water quality objective for phosphorus was established using the TSI rating system established by Carlson. The water quality objective was set with the expectation that it could be reasonably achieved.

   The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for phosphorus for each land use category identified. The basis of information used in establishment of this TMDL is the Phase One Clean Lakes Study completed by Coastal Environmental in 1996.


   The following table shows the current loading to the lake and the necessary reductions to meet the TMDL. The loads are expressed in pounds per year.

Existing Load TMDL Load Percent reduction to
Parameter(lb/yr)(lb/yr)meet TMDL
Total Phosphorus 1,619 1,471 9

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for Harveys Lake. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comment, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Raymond Kempa, P. E., Sanitary Engineer, Water Management Program, Northeast Regional Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 17110.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information sheet or to obtain directions to the Harveys Lake General Municipal Authority Building, contact Raymond Kempa at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for Harveys Lake can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (570) 826-2310 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Department's Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Mike Boyer, (610) 832-6072, miboyer@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for Lake Nockamixon, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for Lake Nockamixon was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Lake Nockamixon was listed on the Commonwealth's 1996 Section 303(d) list because of use impairments due to excessive suspended solids and nutrient (phosphorus) loads to the lake.

   The Department currently does not have water quality criteria for nutrients or suspended solids. Therefore, the Department established lake specific water quality objectives. The water quality objective for phosphorus is established using the Trophic State Classification established by Thomann and Mueller. The TMDL analysis indicated that Lake Nockamixon is not currently impaired due to suspended solids. Therefore, a TMDL for suspended solids is not necessary at this time.

   The TMDL sets an allowable total phosphorus load for each significant source to Lake Nockamixon. The basis ofinformation used to establish the TMDL include the Phase I and II Clean Lakes Study performed by FX Browne, Inc., TSI Studies performed by the Department and Lake Nockamixon Water Quality Summary Reports performed by FX Browne for the Bucks County Conservation District.

   The following table shows the current loading to the lake and the necessary reduction to the meet the TMDL. The loads are expressed in pounds per year.

Existing Load TMDL Load Percent reduction to
Parameter(lb/yr)(lb/yr)meet TMDL
Total Phosphorus 13,431.4 10,354.9 22.9

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for Lake Nockamixon. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Mike Boyer, Regional Biologist, Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Department's Southeast Regional Office meeting place, contact Mike Boyer at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for Lake Nockamixon can be accessed through the Department website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Note that attachments and appendices must be requested through paper mail. Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (610) 832-6072 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed in Columbia, Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed in Columbia, Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2003, at 7 p.m. at the Girardville Borough Hall in Girardville, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Chuck Yingling, (717) 783-2300, cyingling@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for this watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Four stream segments in the Mahanoy Creek Watershed have been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals. One stream segment has been identified as impaired in the 2002 305(b) report due to high concentrations of metals. The listed segments and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

StreamMiles
Code Stream Name Degraded
17556 Mahanoy Creek 53.66
17683 Shenandoah Creek   4.66
17670 Crab Run   1.3  
17639 Zerbe Run   5.8
17673 UNT Mahanoy Creek   2.3

   The proposed plan provides calculations of stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron, manganese and acidity), pH and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5  
0.3  
30-Day Average Total Recoverable
Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable
pH 6.0--9.0 N/A

   The primary pollutant source for the watershed is abandoned mine workings. This watershed was heavily mined for coal in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The effects of this are still present. All of the allocations made in the TMDL are LA, which are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The TMDL was developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the TMDL. The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected from 1985--2002 was used to establish the proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed. Data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed is available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Chuck Yingling, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Girardville Borough Hall meeting place, contact Chuck Yingling at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for the Mahanoy Creek Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2300 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Montgomery Creek Watershed in Clearfield County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Montgomery Creek Watershed in Clearfield County. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyde Fire Company Social Hall in Hyde, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Chuck Yingling, (717) 783-2300, cyingling@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for this watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Montgomery Creek Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Two stream segments in the Montgomery Creek Watershed have been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) list due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals, as well as three unlisted segments. The segments and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

StreamMiles
Code Stream Name Degraded
26623 Montgomery Creek 3.12
26624 Montgomery Creek, UNT 0.78
26626 Montgomery Creek, UNT 1.35
26627 Montgomery Creek, UNT 0.49
26628 Montgomery Creek, UNT 1.06

   The proposed plan provides calculations of stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron, manganese and acidity) and pH and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5   30-Day Average Total Recoverable
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable
pH 6.0--9.0 NA

   The primary pollutant source for the watershed is abandoned mine workings. This watershed was heavily mined for coal in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The effects of this mining are still present. Most of the allocations made in the TMDL are LA that are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The TMDL was developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the TMDL. The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected over the past 10 years was used to establish the TMDL for Montgomery Creek. Data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Montgomery Creek Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Chuck Yingling, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Hyde Fire Company Social Hall meeting place, contact Chuck Yingling at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for the Montgomery Creek Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2300 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the Proposed TMDLs Developed for the Neshaminy Creek, Little Neshaminy Creek, Park Creek, Cooks Run, West Branch Neshaminy Branch, an Unnamed Tributary to West Branch Neshaminy Branch and Two Unnamed Tributaries to Neshaminy Creek in Bucks and Montgomery Counties

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on proposed TMDLs for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The meeting will be held on Monday, February 10, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Department's Southeast Regional Office, Lee Park, Suite 6010, 555 North Lane, Conshohocken, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Lee McDonnell, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnell@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL, which will be submitted to the EPA.

   These TMDLs were established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. The Commonwealth's 1996 and 1998 Section 303(d) lists included stream segments in all of these watersheds. The listings of these waterbodies were due to use impairments caused by excessive nutrients and organic enrichment and low dissolved oxygen from municipal point sources. Agriculture has been identified as a source of nutrient impairment in one of the unnamed tributaries to Neshaminy Creek and suspended solids has been identified as a cause of impairment in the other unnamed tributary to Neshaminy Creek. Urban runoff has also been identified as a source of impairment in the Cooks Run Watershed.

   There are currently no State or Federal instream numerical water quality criteria for nutrients and suspended solids. Therefore, the Department utilized a reference watershed approach to implement the applicable narrative criteria. These TMDLs set allowable loadings of sediment and phosphorous in the Neshaminy Creek Watershed. Phosphorous was chosen as the TMDL endpoint for nutrient impairments due to it being the limiting nutrient in these watersheds. The sediment and phosphorous loadings were allocated among all of the land use categories present in the watersheds. Data used in establishing these TMDLs was generated using a water quality analysis model (AVGWLF) designed by the Pennsylvania State University. The following table shows the listed streams and miles degraded.

StreamMiles
Code Stream Name Degraded
2776 Cooks Run   4.6
2543 Core Creek 15.8
2638 Little Neshaminy Creek 37.9
2741 Mill Creek   8.7
2484 Neshaminy Creek 84.52
2868 West Branch Neshaminy Creek 29.5
2789 North Branch Neshaminy Creek   3.3
2490 Unnamed tributary Neshaminy Creek   0.5
2701 Unnamed tributary Neshaminy Creek   0.58
2889 Unnamed tributary West Branch Neshaminy Branch   0.2
2661 Park Creek   9.3
2790 Pine Run   8.4

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDLs. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Lee A. McDonnell, P. E., Chief, TMDL and Modeling Section, Division of Water Quality Assessment and Standards, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnel@state.pa.us.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDLs and associated information or to obtain directions to the Department Southeast Regional Office meeting place, contact Lee McDonnell at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDLs can be accessed through the Department website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2938 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the Proposed TMDLs Developed for a Segment of Oil Creek in York County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDLs developed for a segment of Oil Creek in York County. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2003, at 7 p.m. in the Penn Township Municipal Building, 20 Wayne Avenue, Hanover, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Lee McDonnell, (717) 783-2951, lmcdonnell@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2002. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The TMDL was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. The Commonwealth's 1996 and 1998 Section 303(d) lists included stream segments in the watershed. The listings of these segments were due to use impairments caused by sediment as a result of stream bank erosion.

   There are currently no State or Federal instream numerical water quality criteria for sediment. Therefore, the Department utilized a reference watershed approach to implement the applicable narrative criteria. The proposed TMDL sets allowable loadings of sediment in the Oil Creek watershed. The sediment loadings were allocated among all land use categories present in the watersheds. Data used in establishing this TMDL were generated using a water quality analysis model (AVGWLF) designed by the Pennsylvania State University.

   The following table shows the estimated current sediment loading for the segment of Oil Creek addressed in this TMDL. The overall load reduction necessary to meet the TMDL is also identified.

Existing Load TMDL Percent
Pollutant(lbs/yr)(lbs/yr)Reduction
Sediment 1,549,618 1,039,943 33%

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Lee A. McDonnell, P. E., Chief, TMDL and Modeling Section, Division of Water Quality Assessment and Standards, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnel@state.pa.us.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information sheet or to obtain directions to the Penn Township Municipal Building meeting place, contact Lee McDonnell at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2951 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed in Somerset County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on a proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed in Somerset County. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hooversville Community Building in Hooversville, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Tim Kania, Cambria District Mining Office, (814) 472-1900, tkania@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. One stream segment in the Oven Run Watershed has been identified as impaired on the 1996, 1998 and draft 2002 Pennsylvania 303(d) lists due to depressed pH and/or high concentrations of metals. The listed segment and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
45621 Oven Run 1.86

   The proposed plan provides calculations of the stream's total capacity to accept metals (aluminum, iron, manganese and acidity), pH and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter value (mg/l) Dissolved
Aluminum 0.75 Total Recoverable
Iron 1.5  
0.3  
Total Recoverable
Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Total Recoverable
pH 6.0--9.0 NA

   The primary pollutant source for the watershed is abandoned mine workings. This watershed was heavily mined for coal in the late 19th through 20th centuries. The effects of this are still present. All of the allocations made in the TMDL are LA, which are made to nonpoint sources of pollution.

   The proposed TMDL was developed using MCS to determine long-term average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the proposed TMDL. The proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed sets allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected over the past 10 years was used to establish the proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed. The data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Tim Kania, Permits Chief, Department of Environmental Protection, Cambria District Mining Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg, PA 15931-4119.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information sheet or to obtain directions to the Hooversville Community Building meeting place, contact Tim Kania at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for the Oven Run Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (814) 472-1900 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for Pinchot Lake in York County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for Pinchot Lake in York County. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2003, at 7 p.m. at the Warrington Township Building, 3345 Rosstown Road, Wellsville, PA 17365. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Lee McDonnell, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnell@state.pa.us by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for Pinchot Lake, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for Pinchot Lake was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. Pinchot Lake was listed on the Commonwealth's 1996 and 1998 Section 303(d) lists because of impairments of designated uses due to organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen.

   The Department utilized a combination of watershed and lake models in developing the TMDL. The proposed TMDL sets the allowable loading of phosphorus in the Pinchot Lake watershed. Phosphorus was chosen as the TMDL endpoint for organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen, due to it being the limiting nutrient in the lake. The phosphorus loading was allocated among all land use categories present in the watershed. Data used in establishing these TMDLs was generated using a water quality analysis model (AVGWLF) designed by the Pennsylvania State University and the BATHTUB lake model developed by USACE.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for Pinchot Lake. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Lee A. McDonnell, P. E., Chief, TMDL and Modeling Section, Division of Water Quality Assessment and Standards, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 783-2938, lmcdonnel@state.pa.us.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information sheet or to obtain directions to the Warrington Township Building, contact Lee McDonnell at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for Pinchot Lake can be accessed through the Department's website (http://www.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (570) 826-2310 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

Public Meeting and Request for Comment for the TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed in Cambria County

   The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and accept comments on the proposed TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed in Cambria County. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2003, at 7 p.m. at the Patton Ambulance Association Building in Patton, PA. Individuals who plan to make a presentation at the public meeting should contact Chuck Yingling, (717) 783-2300, cyingling@state.pa.us by 4 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2003. The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL for this watershed, which will be submitted to the EPA for approval.

   The proposed TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed was established in accordance with the requirements of section 303(d) of the act. One stream segment in the Rock Run Watershed has been identified as impaired on the 1996 and 1998 Pennsylvania 303(d) lists due to high levels of metals. The listed segment and miles degraded are shown in the following table:

Stream Code Stream Name Miles Degraded
26872 Rock Run 3


   The proposed plan provides calculations of the stream's total capacity to accept metals (iron, manganese and aluminum) and maintain levels below water quality criteria. The applicable water quality criteria are as follows:

CriterionTotal Recoverable/
Parameter Value (mg/l)Duration Dissolved
Iron 1.50
0.3  
1 Day Average
Maximum
Total Recoverable
Dissolved
Manganese 1.00 Maximum Total Recoverable
Aluminum 0.75 1 Hour Total Recoverable
pH* 6--9 At all times N/A

*According to research conducted by the Department, at pH = 6.0 the net alkalinity of a stream has been found to be zero. Therefore, the water quality standard for pH will vary based on in-stream alkalinity at that site with a minimum net alkalinity of zero being maintained. In the case of freestone streams with little or no buffering capacity, the TMDL endpoint for pH will be the alkalinity contained in natural background water quality.

   The primary pollutant for the watershed is abandoned mine workings. The downstream portion of the Rock Run Watershed was mined heavily for bituminous coal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Strip mining had continued in the watershed until the year 2000. The effects of this mining are still present. There are two types of allocations made in the TMDL: load allocations that are made to nonpoint sources of pollution and wasteload allocations that are associated with the active permits in the watershed.

   The TMDL was developed using mass balance modeling techniques coupled with MCS to determine the long-term daily average concentrations that each stream segment could accept and still meet water quality criteria 99% of the time. MCS allows for the expansion of a data set based on its statistical makeup. Since there was no critical flow condition where criteria were exceeded, the Department used the average flow to express the loading values in the TMDL. All analyses were started at the headwaters of each stream segment and a mass balance of pollutant concentration was conducted moving downstream accounting for all sources of pollutants. The TMDL sets allowable loading rates for metals and acidity at specified points in the watershed. Field data collected from 1980 to 2002 was used to establish the TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed. Data and all supporting information used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.

   The Department will accept written comments on the proposed TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed. Comments will not be accepted by facsimile or voice mail. Written comments, which will be considered by the Department in developing the final TMDL, must be postmarked by February 12, 2003, and sent to Chuck Yingling, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555.

   To request a copy of the proposed TMDL and associated information or to obtain directions to the Patton Ambulance Association Building meeting place, contact Chuck Yingling at the previous phone number or e-mail address.

   The proposed TMDL for the Rock Run Watershed can be accessed through the Department's website (http://ww.dep.state.pa.us) by typing ''TMDL'' in the direct link field and clicking ''GO.'' Persons with a disability who require accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the Department at (717) 783-2300 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

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