In October 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the Bear Creek TMDL for temperature, bacteria, and sedimentation in Reeder Reservoir.  As part of the TMDL, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality developed a water quality management plan (WQMP) that outlines steps the region will take to meet the targeted water quality conditions.  In the WQMP, calculated pollutant loadings and subsequently management responsibilities are divided up among all sectors contributing to the pollution loads to the creek (see Figure 1.1). 

Figure 1.1:  Distribution of TMDL Responsibilities

The TMDL also establishes Designated Management Agencies (DMAs) that represent land management entities that are responsible for meeting the TMDL requirements.  Figure 1.2 summarizes the DMAs for the Bear Creek Watershed.

Figure 1.2:  DMAs for the Bear Creek Watershed

All DMAs in the watershed have a responsibility to reduce pollutant loadings and must undertake activities to meet the TMDL requirements.  This page focuses on the responsibilities of the urban DMAs and the Irrigation Districts.  These DMAs must develop and submit Water Quality Implementation Plans (WQIPs) to DEQ.  Plans must be approved by DEQ.  Final plans were submitted to DEQ on September 1st, 2009.  Information on other DMAs responsibilities is shown on Figure 1.3.  For more information, contact the appropropriate agency or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Bear Creek Water Quality Implementation Plan (Plans will be available once approved by DEQ)

Urban DMAs (Jackson County, Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville)

Irrigation Districts (Talent, Medford, Rogue River Valley)

Other TMDL Information

Water Quality Monitoring Program (1992 TMDL)

TMDL Implementation Homepage

Document Drafts and Forms

Project Reporting Form (Tracking Form) March 2010