Glossary of Terms

A regulatory process that determines the volume or quantity of a given pollutant, calculated by watershed computer modeling, that can be assimilated by a receiving stream or water body on an average daily basis while maintaining the state designated water quality standard and designated use of the water body. Where existing pollutant loads to the receiving water body are in excess of the calculated TMDL, the responsibility for reducing the excess pollutant loads is allocated among existing sources of the pollutant to achieve the reductions necessary to re-attain the designated use of the water body.