Implementing bacteria TMDLs: An extension watershed approach. Boyer, Will^*,1, George, Herschel², ¹ K-State Research and Extension, Lawrence, KS² K-State Research and Extension, Ottawa, KS

ABSTRACT- Kansas has Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans for 505 impaired water bodies. Although they address 27 different types of water use impairments, fecal bacteria TMDLs make up 158 of the 505 TMDLs. Ninety-five percent of the high priority bacteria TMDLs identify smaller, unpermitted livestock operations as primary targeted participants. To help address this water quality concern, K-State Research and Extension has seven Extension Watershed Specialists working primarily with livestock operations having less than 300 animal units. Statewide, small group and one-on-one information and education efforts provide livestock producers with TMDL information, "significant pollution potential" evaluation, management alternatives, and support in securing technical and financial assistance. Several factors are important to project success: 1) providing a service that is strictly educational/non-regulatory, 2) maintaining confidentiality, 3) utilizing established county Extension rapport, 4) cooperating with providers of technical and financial assistance, 5) promoting practices which provide both management and water quality benefits.

KEY WORDS: water quality, total maximum daily load (tmdl), fecal bacteria, livestock