Statewide Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Approved

The Statewide Mercury TMDL that was completed by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in 2013 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency effective September 26, 2018. The purpose of the TMDL is to gather data, identify problems, and develop appropriate goals and reasonable assurance that will work toward restoring the designated uses to the water bodies. 

The TMDL identifies the mercury reductions necessary to meet water quality standards in inland waters. Human exposure through consumption of fish is the principal public health concern with mercury in the environment. In Michigan, the majority of mercury pollution in water bodies is a result of atmospheric deposition. The water bodies covered by the statewide TMDL were included on Michigan’s Year 2012 Section 303(d) list due to high concentrations of mercury in fish tissue and the water column. Now that the TMDL has been approved, the MDEQ will continue adding newly impaired waters to the TMDL as they are identified.

Please visit the Statewide Mercury TMDL Web site for more information or a copy of the final approved document.

Contact information: TMDLs - Molly Rippke 
Integrated Report and 303(d) List - Kevin Goodwin