Statement of USDA Involvement

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture Interactions on the Total Maximum Daily Load Public Listening Sessions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing its Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) rule promulgated in July 2000. In August 2001, the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), established a USDA interagency working group charged with examining the effect of the July 2000 TMDL rule on USDA, its partners, and its customers. The workgroup includes representation from the Agricultural Research Service; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Economic Research Service; Forest Service; Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and the Office of the General Counsel. On behalf of the Acting Deputy Under Secretary (NRE), the Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs Division of NRCS serves as the point of contact with EPA on all issues related to the July 2000 TMDL rule.

USDA has substantial interest in the TMDL rule because of the direct relationship between natural resource management and use and the quality of connected waters. Over 80 percent of the land area of the United States is cared for by farmers, ranchers, private forest landowners, and National Forest managers. The approaches this Nation adopts to address TMDLs may have substantial impact on the natural resource base, the agriculture and forestry sectors, and the economic status of individuals and communities across this country.

To gather public input on the TMDL rule, EPA has set up four TMDL listening sessions, each centered on a theme, and one "All Issues" listening session. At the request of EPA, USDA has agreed to participate on panels at the sessions on 1) TMDL Implementation Including NPS Issues, 2) TMDL Scope/Content, and 3) All Issues. USDA's role on these panels will be to present information and participate in discussions related to USDA programs, activities, and expertise that are affected by or may affect TMDLs.

Through participation on these listening panels and in the TMDL rule-making process, USDA seeks to strengthen the agricultural, forestry, and natural resources systems perspective in the final TMDL rule. USDA also seeks to explore opportunities to use USDA programs, activities, and expertise through locally led efforts to help landowners and communities with watershed and natural resource conservation, protection, and enhancement, including TMDL situations.

USDA recognizes that the authority to develop the TMDL rule rests solely with EPA, as does the final responsibility for the content of the rule.

G. Tracy Mehan
Assistant Administrator
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Mack Gray
Acting Deputy Under Secretary
Natural Resources and Environment
U.S. Department of Agriculture

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