WHAT IS A TMDL?
Let's say the upper North Fork Holston River, including the tributaries of Logan Creek, Toole Creek, and a small portion of the main stem of the North Fork Holston River, goes to the doctor to find out why things don't seem "normal." The doctor asks for a list of symptoms and decides to run some tests. The lab results show that these areas are indeed sick. More studies are done to determine why they constantly feel bad. Once the diagnosis is determined, the doctor prescribes various remedies that will help them become healthy again. Typically it takes 2-5 years for the patient to show signs of recovery and the doctor will continue to visit with the patient until their health is good.
This is an everyday example of how the sometimes confusing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program works. A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards.
The doctor is actually an environmental agency like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality). They determined through water quality testing that the upper North Fork Holston River, including the tributaries of Logan Creek, Toole Creek, and a small portion of the main stem of the North Fork Holston River are impaired due to violations of the State's water quality standards for E.coli.
E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli (and fecal coliforms) in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms. Additional information is available at:
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/ecoli.cfm.
Part of the solution (TMDL Implementation Plan) is to offer cost-share programs that will assist people in preventing the E coli and fecal coliform from entering the water. Most of these programs are designed for your backyard!
This is an everyday example of how the sometimes confusing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program works. A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards.
The doctor is actually an environmental agency like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality). They determined through water quality testing that the upper North Fork Holston River, including the tributaries of Logan Creek, Toole Creek, and a small portion of the main stem of the North Fork Holston River are impaired due to violations of the State's water quality standards for E.coli.
E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli (and fecal coliforms) in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms. Additional information is available at:
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/ecoli.cfm.
Part of the solution (TMDL Implementation Plan) is to offer cost-share programs that will assist people in preventing the E coli and fecal coliform from entering the water. Most of these programs are designed for your backyard!
TMDL funding Is Avilable For The North Fork Holston River Tributaries Implementation Project In Washington County!
TMDL Program options
- Septic Tank Pump-out
- Septic Tank Repairs Why Should I maintain my septic system?Proper usage and maintenance of your septic system is vital to prolonging the life of your system. It also increases the value of your home. Other reasons to maintain you septic system include...
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Protecting water quality
Failing septic systems allow harmful bacteria from untreated water to leach into groundwater or into streams as storm runoff. This potentially contaminates your drinking water.
Preventing costly repairs
Failing septic systems can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to repair. Avoid this with routine maintenance and proper use. Most systems should be inspected and pumped out every 3-6 years.
The absence of a septic system in ILLEGAL!
Pipes that lead directly from a home's toilet and drain directly into a ditch, stream, or river are called straight pipes. These directly contaminate drinking water supplies.
Failing septic systems allow harmful bacteria from untreated water to leach into groundwater or into streams as storm runoff. This potentially contaminates your drinking water.
Preventing costly repairs
Failing septic systems can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to repair. Avoid this with routine maintenance and proper use. Most systems should be inspected and pumped out every 3-6 years.
The absence of a septic system in ILLEGAL!
Pipes that lead directly from a home's toilet and drain directly into a ditch, stream, or river are called straight pipes. These directly contaminate drinking water supplies.
CONTACT THE Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ONE OF OUR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
Wayne Turley: (276) 525-6685
This project received funding from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) through the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF), via contract number 16541.
Wayne Turley: (276) 525-6685
This project received funding from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) through the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF), via contract number 16541.
HOw do I know if my septic system is failing?
- Wet spots or standing water in your yard
- Odd growth patterns in your grass
- Septic odor inside or outside of your home
- Slow or backed up drains
These are signs that your septic system could be failing. There could also be problems below the ground that may not be visible. Having your septic tank pumped out and inspected every 3-5 years can prevent costly repairs and help reduce pollution.
What do I do if my septic system is failing or I want to replace my straight pipe? CONTACT US!
There may be financial assistance available to maintain and repair your septic system.
- Odd growth patterns in your grass
- Septic odor inside or outside of your home
- Slow or backed up drains
These are signs that your septic system could be failing. There could also be problems below the ground that may not be visible. Having your septic tank pumped out and inspected every 3-5 years can prevent costly repairs and help reduce pollution.
What do I do if my septic system is failing or I want to replace my straight pipe? CONTACT US!
There may be financial assistance available to maintain and repair your septic system.
Septic Cost Share Assistance Program
What is it?
This cost share program provides financial assistance to repair and/or replace failing systems and straight pipes. The program also funds a portion of the cost of a septic tank pump-out.
Who is this program for?
This program is available to qualifying homeowners in Washington County.
What is it?
This cost share program provides financial assistance to repair and/or replace failing systems and straight pipes. The program also funds a portion of the cost of a septic tank pump-out.
Who is this program for?
This program is available to qualifying homeowners in Washington County.
DOs and Don'Ts
Do grow grass over the system and the drain field.
Do know the location of your system.
Do keep records of maintenance for at least 5 years.
Don’t put grease down the drain.
Don’t plant trees near or over your system.
Don’t drive over your system.
Proper septic system care is important for your health, safety and to avoid unnecessary and costly repairs. A properly maintained septic system can operate with minimal cost to the owner for many years.
Do know the location of your system.
Do keep records of maintenance for at least 5 years.
Don’t put grease down the drain.
Don’t plant trees near or over your system.
Don’t drive over your system.
Proper septic system care is important for your health, safety and to avoid unnecessary and costly repairs. A properly maintained septic system can operate with minimal cost to the owner for many years.
General Tips
1. DO NOT drive, park, or pave over septic system or drain field.
2. Conserve water use in household to prevent system overload.
3. DO NOT plant trees or shrubs near tank or field lines.
4. There are NO independent research studies that show that additives are helpful to a system.
5. Keep trash, grease, oil, paint, kitchen waste, solvents, & pesticides out of the septic system.
MOST SYSTEMS SHOULD BE PUMPED-OUT EVERY 3-6 YEARS!
2. Conserve water use in household to prevent system overload.
3. DO NOT plant trees or shrubs near tank or field lines.
4. There are NO independent research studies that show that additives are helpful to a system.
5. Keep trash, grease, oil, paint, kitchen waste, solvents, & pesticides out of the septic system.
MOST SYSTEMS SHOULD BE PUMPED-OUT EVERY 3-6 YEARS!
