What does the TMDL process help to establish?

The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process is essential in managing and improving water quality within a specified watershed. It is designed to establish allowable pollutant loadings for a water body that will help meet water quality standards. By assessing the total amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive while still meeting those standards, the TMDL process directly guides the application of state water quality standards.

The primary goal of the TMDL process is to ensure that states develop action plans that address the sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments. These plans help states prioritize the implementation of management practices and regulatory measures needed to restore impaired waters, ensuring that water quality standards are upheld for various uses, including recreational, drinking water, and habitat protection.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what the TMDL process is designed to achieve. For example, it does not set an annual water quality budget or dictate waivers for state standards, nor does it limit stormwater management practices in a direct manner that would fit under the TMDL framework. Instead, TMDL serves as a foundational aspect that guides the development and application of state standards to improve and protect water quality effectively.