THE ROLE OF RESERVOIR SEDIMENT STUDIES IN THE TMDL PROCESS IN KANSAS

Reservoir sediment studies provide important information for total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), which are used as goals to guide land-management practices in watersheds for the purpose of improving the water quality in impaired water bodies. In Kansas, reservoir sediment studies completed by the U.S. Geological Survey have provided information on sediment loads and yields from watersheds as well as loads, yields, and depositional trends for various sediment-associated contaminants. Such information is used by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of TMDLs for reservoirs and their watersheds throughout the State. For example, information from Kansas reservoir sediment studies has been used in the development of State TMDLs to reduce reservoir sedimentation and control eutrophication. Nationally, reservoir sediment studies can serve a fundamental role as information providers for the ongoing TMDL process.