When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the first Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations in 1985, Tetra Tech was there. And since then we've been providing support for all facets of the program to every level of government from EPA headquarters and regions to states and local governments. We understand the complex web of technical, legal, administrative, and social issues that influence the TMDL development process, and this understanding is reflected in the full range of services we offer—water quality monitoring, data analysis and assessment, watershed and receiving water modeling, pollutant allocations and trading options, analysis of BMP options, and development of TMDL implementation plans, as well as facilitation and public outreach. We also offer training on the TMDL process, modeling tools, and TMDL implementation as an important means to empower clients to effectively address their changing TMDL needs well into the future. Tetra Tech has completed or supported development of more than 2,000 TMDL projects nationwide, far more than any other firm in the country. More important, Tetra Tech is a national leader in developing TMDL protocols and procedures for challenging pollutants and stressors like pathogens, toxic substances, temperature, sediment, and biological habitat impairments. Tetra Tech has developed the tools that states, tribes, and EPA use to successfully develop TMDLs—BASINS, Watershed Characterization System, Mining Data Analysis System, and TMDL Modeling Toolbox. This practical experience gives us a unique national perspective on the state of the science and the trends in TMDL development techniques. Tetra Tech is experienced in all phases of the watershed management planning process. We bring together state-of-the-art approaches that integrate field investigations, GIS, watershed and water quality data, computer models, and stakeholder input with assessment and planning techniques. Our management planning tools and processes are designed to meet multiple objectives and the interests of different stakeholders and to work at various scales. Having conducted watershed planning efforts across the nation, we know the importance of getting started on the right track. We believe in "beginning with the end in mind"; that is, the policy goals should be made explicit, and the technical analyses should be designed to provide information relevant to policy decisions. Back to top Watershed and receiving water modeling is an essential tool in environmental planning and analysis, providing insight into the cause-effect relationship between pollutant sources and water body response. Tetra Tech has successfully applied models to support environmental management for more than three decades. In fact, the comprehensive use of modeling to solve water resource problems was the primary technology on which our company was founded. Today, our modeling capabilities range from in-depth experience in applying and supporting standard models to the development of advanced modeling systems. Through more than 1,000 projects in nearly all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, we have applied a wide range of models to virtually every water body type (including estuaries, bays, lakes, bayous, reservoirs, major river systems, streams, washes, ponds, and BMPs) and pollutant type (from nutrients, DO, and bacteria to PCBs, metals, and pesticides). We're the undisputed leader in modeling for TMDLs, and we take pride in our unbiased selection and application of public domain models, including SWMM, HSPF, GWLF, SWAT, GLEAMS, WASP, CE-QUAL-W2, QUAL2E, RIV-1, BATHTUB, and PHOSMOD. The complex environmental problems we face often challenge us to create innovative modeling tools, methodologies, and systems. Tetra Tech is an innovator on many modeling fronts, having developed comprehensive environmental assessment and integrated modeling systems such as EPA's BASINS (Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources), WCS (Watershed Characterization System), and the TMDL Toolbox; state-of-the-art hydrodynamic and water quality models such as EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code) and LSPC (Loading Simulation Program in C++); and issue-specific modeling tools such as MDAS (Mining Data Analysis System) and the BMP Evaluation Tool. Our development philosophy is to emphasize strong technical and scientific credibility and practical function in conjunction with the integration of state-of-the-art GIS and software systems to facilitate application. We've received acclaim for our models and methodologies, particularly those that require dynamic simulation integrating wet-weather storm flows and pollutant loadings with complex receiving water response. In addition to model application and development, we place emphasis on transferring modeling capabilities to users through on-site model installation, training workshops, and continued phone- and Internet-based technical support and troubleshooting. Back to top State NPDES permitting programs are facing increasing pressure to implement their Clean Water Act antidegradation policies. These policies, which all states include as part of their water quality standards, contain general statements about maintaining existing uses, keeping high quality waters clean, and protecting outstanding waters. Implementing those policies requires development of a set of procedures that can be used to 1) clarify how waters will be protected; 2) review Individual and general permits, and 3) outline the steps required to demonstrate the economic or social importance of projects that might degrade water quality. Tetra Tech is the national leader in state antidegradation implementation support. Our technical staff can provide assistance in developing surface water protection classification systems (e.g., parameter-by-parameter or waterbody-by-waterbody), and our policy staff has specific state experience in producing guidance documents to implement antidegradation permit review procedures. Tetra Tech scientists, technicians, policy analysts, and economists have helped states devise antideg implementation procedures that are understandable, workable, and protective of water resources. We employ an approach that involves agency staff and designated internal/external stakeholders to ensure that representatives of public and private organizations understand and support the approach chosen. We have developed antidegradation implementation procedure guidance documents for West Virginia and Arizona, and consult regularly with other states on development of their programs. Our integrated approach to assessment, permitting, modeling, and valuation analysis taps the full range of expertise required for successful antidegradation program development. Back to top Controlling pollution from diffuse sources, such as agriculture, forestry, urbanization, and septic systems, requires a complex combination of assessment, prevention, and mitigation techniques. Tetra Tech has extensive experience at the federal, state, and municipal levels in developing and implementing such comprehensive strategies. We work with federal, state, and local governments to develop, design, implement, and monitor Low-Impact Development (LID) practices; develop national guidance for the control of nonpoint source pollution from forestry, agriculture, hydromodification, marinas, and urban areas; and develop strategies for onsite wastewater treatment and management. We conduct onsite wastewater characterization studies, develop design documents and guidance measures, design and present training programs for local officials, and support regulatory and management initiatives. We supported the development of the National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Marinas and Recreational Boating (http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/mmsp/). This document is a technical guidance and reference document for use by state, local, and tribal managers in implementing nonpoint source pollution management programs. It contains information on the best available, economically achievable means of reducing pollution of surface water runoff from marinas and recreational boating. Back to top Tetra Tech provides a suite of professional technical services to assist with all phases of watershed and stream corridor restoration activities. We can provide customized training to meet specific needs and regional conditions. We supported development of the document Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices, which has become the cornerstone of our training program. We perform restoration design and implementation services that include multiple-scale connectivity and dimension, soil properties and plant communities, terrestrial and instream habitat recovery, stream and streambank stabilization, best management practices, storm water measures, sediment transport and erosion control, scheduling, securing funding, plan review, permits, compliance, and inspection. Back to top A key component of the successful implementation of watershed strategies is effective public outreach and stakeholder involvement in the watershed. And when it comes to getting people involved, Tetra Tech wrote the book on public outreach—literally! Getting In Step: A Guide to Effective Outreach in Your Watershed provides some of the tools needed to develop and implement an effective watershed outreach strategy. Using the guide, we conduct training programs throughout the country for federal, states and municipal clients. We develop and implement public outreach strategies for federal, state, and municipal clients as part of their comprehensive watershed protection programs. Researching the needs and concerns of the target audience, as well as effective distribution mechanisms, ensures that the outreach materials we develop will satisfy the objectives of the client's program. In addition, we have extensive experience coordinating and conducting meetings and conferences of various sizes—from small focus group meetings to large technical conferences. Back to top Stakeholder involvement and public outreach in addressing watershed issues has gained momentum in recent years because of the nature of the water quality problems we face today. Solving these problems requires the commitment and participation of stakeholders throughout the watershed. Stakeholder involvement is more than just holding a public hearing or seeking public comment on a new regulation. Effective stakeholder involvement provides a method for identifying public concerns and values, developing consensus among affected parties, and producing efficient and effective solutions through an open, inclusive process. Tetra Tech provides facilitation services to help build and maintain stakeholder groups, as well as conducts workshops to train local watershed groups on how to use stakeholder involvement to strengthen their watershed programs. Tetra Tech has just completed a new Getting In Step Guide, Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed. This guide provides tips and tools needed to effectively work with stakeholders in the community and to maintain partnerships. Back to top