While with a previous firm, The Reese Group staff in association with subcontractor HydroQual Incorporated, completed a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study with respect to elevated E.coli concentrations causing use impairment for Trail Creek, a watershed located in northwest Indiana. The Trail Creek watershed includes agricultural land uses as well as the urban features of Michigan City.
The TMDL planning process included facilitating three meetings with stakeholders to determine the perceived impairments, the perceived use of the water body and to discuss potential control measures that could be applied to mitigate water quality impacts caused by nonpoint pollution sources. Stakeholder involvement was initiated as a joint effort of The Reese Group staff and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
Water quantity and subsequent water quality changes associated with different control measures were determined using the Basins model. Alternative control measures were identified, along with the parties responsible for implementation. A recommended plan will be determined based on stakeholder preference and actions needed to facilitate water quality levels in achieving the designated use.