Adaptive Implementation of Water Quality Improvement Plans: Opportunities and Challenges

In 2001, at the request of Congress, the National Research Council established a committee to examin the scientific basis of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Total Maximum Daily Load Program. The resultant report, assessing the program's approach to water quality management, was presented to Congress and the EPA. The committee concluded that while the science and data in support of the program were were in a number of instances, practical reforms were possible that would enhance the effectiveness of the program.