Sheboygan County Planning and Conservation is working with partners throughout the  Northeast Lakeshore area to improve water quality. The Northeast Lakeshore TMDL plan is focused on addressing surface water quality impairments in lakes, rivers, streams, and tributaries from two pollutants: phosphorus and total suspended solids. The TMDL plan outlines strategic steps for improving water quality in specific basins bordering Lake Michigan.

The Northeast Lakeshore TMDL area covers roughly 75% of Sheboygan County and roughly 3.5% of Wisconsin, spanning from Door County to Ozaukee County and from Fond Du Lac County to the shores of Lake Michigan.

What Is a TMDL?

Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires states to identify waters within their boundaries that are not meeting water quality standards. Waters not meeting water quality standards are defined as “impaired waters.” Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are calculated for these impaired waters, and more specifically for the pollutant(s) causing the decline in water quality. A TMDL is a numeric value that defines the maximum amount of the pollutant that a waterbody can receive on an average day while still meeting water quality standards. A TMDL includes both point and non-point source pollution. The Northeast Lakeshore TMDL plan was developed using a watershed framework, simultaneously developing a TMDL for multiple water bodies within the area. 

What is this TMDL plan used for?

A TMDL plan provides a framework to establish and implement pollution control and management plans. It helps planners prioritize areas to focus their efforts in order to enhance and protect the surface water within the TMDL area. The NEL TMDL is designed to both address impaired waters and to protect new waters from becoming impaired. 

Our department has cost-share funds available for landowners and farmers in the Northeast Lakeshore TMDL area. Examples of eligible projects include grassed waterways, buffer strips, pollinator plantings, cover crops, low disturbance manure application, and more! Contact us today if you are interested in using or installing conservation practices on your land that help improve water quality!

EPA - Overview of TMDLs:

https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/overview-total-maximum-daily-loads-tmdls

WI DNR - Northeast Lakeshore TMDL information:

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/TMDLs/NELakeshore.html