BUCKEYE — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has completed work on a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) analyses for total boron and total selenium (chronic) impairing the water quality of the Middle Gila River. The TMDL analysis is a combined water quality improvement plan and pollutant budget that is designed to bring the impaired reach back to the attainment of water quality standards.

TMDL analyses are written to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution for water bodies on Arizona’s Impaired Waters list as required by the federal Clean Water Act.

A public meeting will be held at City Hall in Buckeye, Arizona on April 23, 2015 to release the draft TMDL document. The meeting will mark the beginning of a 30-day comment period for the general public.

Topics discussed at the meeting will include existing water quality conditions, the implications of impaired water quality on land uses, recreation, and aquatic habitat in the vicinity, and the status of legacy pesticide contamination of the Gila River. Actions stakeholders can take to improve water quality, and funding opportunities available for stakeholders who wish to become involved in making improvements will also be discussed.

Landowners, irrigation district personnel, treatment plant operators, local water managers, and citizens with an interest in water quality and land use issues are all welcome to attend.

Meeting Essentials
What: Final Middle Gila River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) public meeting
Who: Stakeholders, citizens, and interested parties
When: 5:30 -7:00 PM, Thursday, April 23, 2015
Where: Buckeye City Hall City Council Chambers
530 E. Monroe Avenue, Buckeye, Arizona 85326