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<br />0n2971 <br /> <br />Greater anention and a higher priority neecis to be provided to ensure federal agency <br />participation in the entire spectrum ofTMDL activities. Where informal cooperative <br />effons by states have not been adequate and individual states feel that a more formal <br />arrangement is needed. states could then develop appropriate agreements or MODs with <br />individual or groups of federal agencies. When EP A approves a state TMDL plan. the <br />federal land managing agencies must be deemed responsible for being in compliance with <br />the state plan and EP A should ensure that compliance. <br /> <br />6. STATE MANAGEMENT OF 303(d) PROCESS - The priorities established by the <br />states to manage the 303(d) listing process must be respected. This is one of the key tools <br />that states have in the TMDL process. Stakeholders and citizens need to have a real <br />opportunity for input into this process so that it truly reflects the needs of the state. The <br />Act clearly provides for the state management of this process and national and regional <br />guidance and practice should continue to respect the state's role. <br /> <br />7. INTERSTATEIINTERNATIONAL WATERSHEDS - States and EPA will need to <br />develop new tools to improve the coordination of watersheds which traverse state and <br />EPA regional boundaries. In most cases these watersheds will involve only one other <br />state, however, in some cases they may involve multiple states andlor Canada or Mexico. <br />TMDL implementation could be improved through the development of a regional process <br />for the West for coordinating TMDL planning and management activities among states. <br />The WGA can provide the leadership necessary to develop a regional process for the <br />West. In coordination with the states, EPA will need to develop the necessary processes <br />to address international coordination of watershed plans. <br /> <br />8. WATER QUALITY /WATER QUANTITY INTERRELATIONSHIPS - The <br />allocation of water is the primary jurisdiction of the states. Western states recognize that <br />with the implementation ofTMDLs, conflicts could arise between water quality and <br />water quantity. Through the WGA and the Western States Water Council, western states <br />are currently considering how state processes to address quality/quantity conflicts can be <br />improved. The Federal Advisory Committee must respect the historical deference to <br />states regarding water allocation as called for by section 101(g) afthe Clean Water Act. <br /> <br />wtrpolcylandllfaca9.let <br />