Nature of Activity: The State of Colorado enacted a control regulation to implement a TMDL in Bear Creek for phosphorus.  The regulation provides for a basin-wide trading program as one method of achieving water quality standards. Further, a local authority for water quality planning and management was established by the Colorado Legislature under Section 208 of the U.S. Clean Water Act. To date, no work has been done drafting guidance or outlining processes for trading, primarily because trading has not yet been needed.

Environmental Problem: The reservoir was hypertrophic and is now eutrophic-mesotrophic.

Pollutant(s) / Pollution Type(s): Phosphorus.

Trade Types: Point/nonpoint.

Stage of Implementation: The control regulation was put in place in 1990, but no trades have occurred yet. Trades may not be needed for another 5 - 10 years because dischargers are expected to be able to meet their reduction obligations through traditional controls.

Relation to TMDL: The control regulation is part of a TMDL.

Number of Potential Participants: There are six POTWs and several industrial dischargers in the area.

Trading Ratios: Unknown

Estimated Cost Savings: N/A

Available Written Information: Annual reports are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Innovative Aspects: Unknown

Obstacles: There has not been sufficient need to develop a guidance for trading. There is not yet much interest because point source dischargers are still achieving mandated reductions at low costs through traditional means. As growth occurs and/or targets are tightened, trading may become a more viable option.

Web Sites: Bear: http://www.epa.gov/surf2/hucs/11040005/

Contact: Dick Parachini, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, (303) 692-3500, dick.parachini@state.co.us