Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook A Resident’s Guide ©WWW.KESTRELAERIAL.COM The Gallatin River Watershed Welcome to the Gallatin Watershed. A watershed is the land area from which rainfall and snow melt drains into a single water body. Ridges of higher ground generally form the watershed boundary. The Gallatin Watershed encompasses some 1,800 square miles. Graphic: Katie Inc. Graphic: Big Sky Alvin, Planning,

2 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide A Reference Guide to Water Resources in the Gallatin Valley

Contents Page Chapter 1. You Live in a Very Special Place...... page 4 Chapter 2. The Gallatin Watershed...... page 8 Chapter 3. Sensitive Areas in this Special Place...... page 12 Chapter 4. Plumbing the Gallatin: Water Supply and Distribution...... page 16 Chapter 5. Water Rights...... page 18 Chapter 6. Water Quality...... page 20 Chapter 7. Your Septic System...... page 24 Chapter 8. Protecting Your Well from Contamination...... page 26 Chapter 9. Handling Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste...... page 30 Chapter 10. Living in an Urban Environment ...... page 33 Chapter 11. Big Sky Country Living: Backyards, Barnyards, and Beyond ...... page 35 Chapter 12. Watershed Restoration Success Begins with Partnerships & Planning ...... page 39 Chapter 13. Permitting and Regulation Guide...... page 42 Resources...... page 44 Water Glossary...... page 47 Contributors and Acknowledgements...... back cover

Acronyms Used in this Guide AGAI - Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators CMZ - Channel Migration Zone DEQ - Montana Department of Environmental Quality DNRC - Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation EDC - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency GCD - Gallatin Conservation District GGWC - Greater Gallatin Watershed Council GLWQD - Gallatin Local Water Quality District GRTF - Gallatin River Task Force HHW - Household Hazardous Waste MBMG - Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology MCA - Montana Code Annotated FWP - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks MSU - Montana State University NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program NPS - Nonpoint Source NRCS - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service PPCP - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products TMDL - Total Maximum Daily Load USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture USGS - U.S. Geological Survey USFWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WRP - Watershed Restoration Plan

Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide | 3 You Live in a Very Special Place

Contributed by Steve Forest. Updates: Torie Haraldson, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Water on the Landscape valley that existed some fifty million which in turn sustains vigorous fish Shaped by water, the Gallatin Valley years ago. and wildlife populations. Abundant wildlife in and along the Gallatin spans more than one million acres At the canyon’s mouth, where first attracted prehistoric North of southwest Montana and is home rushing water still cuts at the American people to the region. Later, to more than 400 miles of stream canyon floor, the river bursts into Blackfeet, Crow, Bannock, Nez Perce, channel. From its origins on the a broad valley before joining the and Shoshone Indians hunted in the Yellowstone Plateau, the roof of Jefferson and Madison Rivers to valley. In 1806, William Clark and the North American continent, the form the headwaters of the mighty Meriwether Lewis led their Corps of Gallatin River cascades between Missouri River and flowing out of Discovery into the area, and named the Madison Mountain Range to the northwestern Gallatin County. In an it for US Secretary of the Treasury west and the Gallatin Range to the average year, the Gallatin’s rivers and Albert Gallatin. In his journal, Clark east. Descending in a torrent that streams carry enough water to cover described: the Shoshone called “Cut-tuh-o’- 1,200 square miles, an area the size gwa” (swift water), the river slices of Rhode Island, in a foot of water. “a b[ea]utiful navigable stream. Saw through a canyon rimmed by the a large Gangue of Elk in the plains Throughout the valley, numerous fossil remains of a lush tropical and Deer in the river bottoms...I saw springs nurture lush vegetation,

A Perspective View of Gallatin County, Montana

Oblique Projection view of 10m National Elevation Data. Projection: NAD83, 2x vertical exaggeration, Boundary: Gallatin County, Montana.

4 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide several Antelope, common Deer, wolves, beaver, otter, Eagles, hawks, crows, wild gees, does, etc... emence quantities of beaver... I proceeded on about two miles crossing those different channels all of which were dammed with beaver in such a manner as to render the passage impracticable... being swamped as I may say in this bottom of beaver.” A Resource to Use Later settlers to the Gallatin Valley had to cope with the challenges of removing the abundance of water described by Clark, and then bring

that water to higher fertile ground. Historical Gallatin County SocietyPhoto: The first diversion of water in the Digging out a portion of the White Canal ditch, June 1920. valley is credited to the Penwell brothers northeast of Belgrade in Creek area formed the Upper Middle building the Farmers and High Line 1864. In 1871, in one of the first Creek Ditch Company. Other for- Canals, which served ranches on mutual ditch-building efforts in profit companies entered the water both sides of the main stem of the Montana, settlers of the Middle supply arena in the 1880s and 90s, West Gallatin. The last large-scale ©Copyright 2014 Gallatin County GIS, Bozeman, MT GIS, Bozeman, 2014 Gallatin County ©Copyright purposes. for publication and legend modified Background

Chapter 1: You Live in a Very Special Place | 5 effort to supply agricultural water to the valley was the construction of Hyalite Reservoir, completed in 1950. Today, the West Gallatin River is the source of water for three fourths of the irrigated land in the valley. The Gallatin River has seen other use in the service of industry. At the turn of the century, tie cutters working out of the Taylor’s Fork gathered their logs behind retaining dams. The dams were broken in the spring, floating the logs on a flood of water to mills at Central Park, near Manhattan. This practice was Photo: Gallatin County Historical Gallatin County SocietyPhoto: discontinued by 1907. A scheme Log drive on the Gallatin River, ca. 1910. to dredge mine the West Gallatin from West Fork to the Yellowstone Park boundary failed through lack Population Growth in Gallatin County, 2006-2016 of investment in 1917. Proposals to dam the Gallatin surfaced periodically beginning in the 1930s. The most serious of these proposals was to dam the river at the mouth of Spanish Creek, but strong opposition from recreational interests in the 1950s finally laid the issue to rest. A Resource to Protect In 1864, W.W. Alderson described the Gallatin Valley as “one of the most beautiful and picturesque valleys the eye ever beheld, abounding in springs of clear

water.” Others in the late 1800s 2017 Division - Released March Population Bureau, US Census echoed these sentiments, calling it “The Egypt,” or “The Garden Spot Source: of Montana.” These descriptions are still largely fitting. The valley is still fertile, and the water supplying this Eden with its life force is no 26th fastest growing county in the here. As stewards of this resource, less appreciated today. Abundant, nation (Source: 2016 U.S. Census). we have a responsibility to be renewable water from the Gallatin As large tracts of farmland become informed, become involved, and and its tributaries shapes every small residential lots, the watershed make the investment of time and aspect of our daily lives, whether faces new challenges. Protection energy needed to ensure that our for farming, ranching, recreation, or of water resources is critical if we water resources are protected. This household use. are to maintain the water quality Sourcebook will help residents necessary to sustain our growing determine where they can make Flowing, dynamic water is a communities. their contributions to sustaining challenging resource to manage. water resources in the Gallatin Changes in land use alter the nature Ultimately, the well-being of the Watershed. and timing of our demands on water Watershed and our ability to rely resources, and Gallatin County is the on it depend on people who live

6 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Enjoying the Special Place Recreating Responsibly We Live In: Recreating Responsible recreation in and around our waterways requires planning and in the Gallatin care. The riparian corridor is a unique environment that can be rejuvenated Outdoor recreation is an essential by yearly flooding, erasing evidence of casual human use. However, component of our economy within Montana’s riparian corridors are often confined spaces with high densities the Gallatin Watershed. The area of human traffic, particularly in the Gallatin where everyone seems to love provides countless opportunities being outdoors. Please consider the following when you head out to enjoy for people to fish, swim, boat, and the river: otherwise enjoy water resources. • Garbage – If you pack it in, pack it out. See someone else’s garbage? Pick Tourism brings more than eleven million visitors to Montana each year, supporting over 50,000 jobs canit up. be Clean consumed up fishing by animals line that or can dissolve ensnare in water.birds and other animals. In addition to being a fire hazard, cigarette butts contain toxic chemicals that and adding an estimated $3.5 billion • Dogs – It’s great to share the outdoors with your best friend, but dog to the state’s economy. Fly fishing ownership means accepting responsibility for ALL of your buddy’s actions. guides, rafting outfitters, innkeepers Pick up and pack out waste, don’t allow your dog to harass wildlife or and sporting goods dealers are just dig destructively, and hang his food with yours whenever you’re in bear a few of those directly employed in country. providing recreational services. • Human waste – In the event nature calls and no facilities are available, Year-round recreational pack it all out in a sealed plastic bag or make sure you move at least 100 opportunities are plentiful in the feet away from any water source and bury your waste 6+ inches below the Gallatin Watershed. Kayaking, soil. If you choose to bury it, please pack out your TP. rafting, fishing, climbing, and • Camping and outdoor dining – Use only designated camping/picnic backpacking are just a few activities enjoyed throughout areas. Leave unspoiled areas looking unspoiled. When it comes to fires, the calendar year. Winter simply • Soap and other chemicals – Don’t use soap or chemicals like shampoo shifts recreational activities uphill usein the an river existing or lake. fire panWash or and fire rinsering, anddishes leave away a clean from pit. the water’s edge, to snowshoeing, skiing, and ice preferably in an established campground. Choose products labeled for use climbing. The watershed is a in the wilderness. terrific place to encounter wildlife. • Aquatic invasive species – Make sure you know the proper way to Photographers, hikers and hunters inspect any recreation gear you use in multiple water bodies. Zebra and flock here in search of deer, elk, Quagga mussels were detected in Montana in 2016 and extreme care moose, bears, mountain lions and needs to be taken to prevent their spread. migratory birds. • Trails – Stay on existing trails to avoid erosion and damage to streambanks.

Montana’s Stream Access Law In general, the public is allowed recreational access to all river systems in Montana without regard to the ownership of the underlying land (MCA 23-2-300 et seq.). This does not allow travel out of the water onto private land above the high water mark. While everyone is entitled to use waters that cross private lands in Montana, users should first obtain permission from the landowner before accessing private land. Photo: Leah Bellus Leah Photo:

Chapter 1: You Live in a Very Special Place | 7 The Gallatin Watershed

Contributed by Steve Forest. Updates: Christine Miller, Gallatin Local Water Quality District What is the Gallatin Watershed? Chances are that wherever you live in the Gallatin Valley, a stream, river, The Gallatin Watershed or irrigation ditch is less than a few hundred feet from your door. This abundance of free-flowing water gives the Gallatin Valley its unique character. A “watershed” includes the land that water flows over or under from its highest points on hilltops and mountains to its lowest points along streams, rivers or lakes. The Gallatin Watershed is composed of the streams, rivers and groundwater (water stored in rock and soil below ground) that flow to the Gallatin River. Nested within the Gallatin Watershed are the smaller watersheds of its tributaries, such as the Taylor Fork Watershed and the Bozeman Creek Watershed. How we take care of the environment and manage our land affects what happens not only in our watershed but also in larger watersheds downstream. We are all part of the watershed community and we each play a role in keeping it free from contamination. Photo: GLWQD Photo: The East Gallatin River is one of two rivers in the Gallatin Watershed.

Sources of Water Hydrograph of the Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway The primary source of water for streams, springs, groundwater and wetlands in the Gallatin Watershed comes in the form of mountain snowpack. The headwaters of the watershed, in the Gallatin and Madison Ranges, receive nearly 400 inches per year of snow on average. This equals approximately 67 inches of rain. In contrast, the lower Data Source: USGS, Station 06043500. USGS, Station Source: Data watershed at Logan may receive fewer than 12 inches of rain per year–a near desert by comparison. A “hydrograph” shows changes in annual flows, here for the Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway. Spring snowmelt drives large peak flows.

8 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide A Cross-Section of the Gallatin Watershed Vegetation Types

Legend of Watershed Vegetation Subalpine Fir/Shrub Community - Grass/Forb/Shrub Community - Native Lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas vegetation consists of short grasses, various fir, spruce with huckleberry, princess forbs and sagebrush. A large percentage pine, twin flower, spirea, buffaloberry, of area has been converted to small grains, alder and various forbs. alfalfa-grass hay and introduced pasture grasses. Douglas Fir/Shrub Community - Douglas fir overstory with snowberry, Grass/Sedge/Shrub Community - Reed pinegrass, spirea, Oregon grape, grasses, sedges, rushes, willows. ninebark, common juniper and various forbs. Cottonwood Forest - Black and narrowleaf cottonwood, understory of dogwood, willow, alder, snowberry, chokecherry and grasses.

Upland

More than 6 Feet to Water Table More than 6 Feet to Water Table Less than 6 Feet to Water Table AreaSoil: Varied geologic rock Soil: Moderately Soil: Medium to moderately Soil: Medium to Gallatin types consisting of gneiss, fine and fine fine-textured alluvial soils moderately fine- River limestone, shale, sandstone textured loess varying in depth over sand textured alluvial soils and volcanic rocks, covered (wind deposited) and gravels. varying in depth over with a thin mantle of soil. and alluvial (water Vegetation: Grass, forb, sand and gravels. deposited) soils. shrub community. Vegetation: Grass, Vegetation: Douglas fir, shrub Vegetation: sedge, shrub community at higher Grass, forb, shrub community. elevations, subalpine fir, shrub community.

community at lower elevations. NRCS. Rolfes, Tony Diagram:

Geology and Soils River originates in the Bridger deposited Quaternary alluvium is The main stem of the Gallatin Range, which is also composed of mostly composed of pebbles and River originates in the Madison basement rocks overlain by younger gravel. Its thickness ranges from 70 and Gallatin Ranges. These sedimentary formations. Where feet at Bozeman Hot Springs to 800 mountains are composed primarily the streams leave the mountains, feet near Belgrade. The Quaternary of “basement rocks” of gneiss and the valley widens into a large basin alluvium that covers most of the schist, covered in places by a thin filled with sediments, in places central valley is important, because layer of rocks formed from the more than 6,000 feet deep, such it is some of the most permeable sediments that sank to the bottom as east of Bozeman Hot Springs. material in the valley and the most of an ancient shallow sea that These sediments, laid down during reliable source of groundwater. the Tertiary period (from 65 to 2.6 covered Montana from 570 to 65 Coarse-textured rocks like gneiss, million years ago), vary in type, but million years ago. The East Gallatin schist, and sandstone typically are mostly rocks made from sand form gravelly and sandy soils, and silt. On top of these sediments while sedimentary rocks like shale are up to 150 feet of gravel, sand, silt, and limestone form clayey fine- Real-time hydrographs and clay washed from streams and textured soils. Many landslides and for the Gallatin River and the East rivers, called alluvium. More recent earthflows in the watershed are alluvial deposits compose the next Gallatin River are available from the associated with these fine-textured and last layer of fill, which covers USGS National Water Information soils, and contribute high amounts of half of the valley. These deposits sediment to waterways. In contrast, System at waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis extend in large fans from the source soils formed from coarse-textured streams where they break out of rocks usually allow passage of water the mountains. The largest fan is at at a high rate. Valley soils are usually the base of the Gallatin Range south formed from either fine-textured of Bozeman. Other prominent fans sediments, wind-blown silt deposits extend down from the foothills of (called loess), or stream alluvial the mountains on the west side of deposits. the Bridger Range. This recently

Chapter 2: The Gallatin Watershed | 9 Hydrology of the Watershed Groundwater Depth Variability Peak flows in local streams and rivers usually occur in May and June, as snow melts in the high elevation areas and precipitation falls in the form of rain. Irrigation return flows, or water returning to the river as irrigation water not consumed by evapotranspiration, can cause an increase in fall stream and river

flows in the downstream end of the of Mines Montana Bureau and source: Data Center. Information Geology Groundwater valley, such as in the Gallatin and East Gallatin Rivers near Manhattan Depth to groundwater can vary throughout the season, as well as and Logan. It is thought that all among different locations. This graph shows groundwater depth water exiting the Gallatin Valley variability in a well near Manhattan, MT. In this well (GWIC ID# 226764), groundwater is influenced by seasonal runoff and irrigation recharge. does so as surface water near the community of Logan. This is caused by a natural bedrock dam near described above are the primary Irrigation Water Logan that crosses the river valley, aquifers from which most drinking Water used for irrigation is an constricting the aquifer system so and irrigation water is drawn. important part of the hydrologic that the groundwater is pushed to Groundwater flow in the valley system in Gallatin County, where the surface. More recent research is generally from the east and nearly 2,000 miles of ditches conducted by the Montana Bureau southeast to the northwest, where and canals exist. These ditches of Mines and Geology indicates that the Gallatin River exits the valley at and canals convey water across more complicated groundwater Logan. Depth to groundwater varies the landscape to places where flow paths through karst limestone greatly, from a few feet below the streams and rivers do not, and features near Logan may also exist in ground surface in the central valley are used to irrigate agricultural the area. to nearly 500 feet in the Camp Creek land. Groundwater depth is greatly Hills. Groundwater depth fluctuates influenced by irrigation practices. Surface Water seasonally, with the lowest depths Flood irrigation and leaky ditches Water held as snowpack in the usually occurring in late winter. can contribute to higher water tables Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges Periods when groundwater recharge during the growing season, after typically contributes to peak flows in occurs coincide with peak flows from spring runoff has occurred. In years lower watershed streams and rivers surface water and when irrigation when less irrigation water is used, in May and June. A higher percentage water is applied. depth to groundwater drops in areas of runoff from the Gallatin and traditionally irrigated. Madison Ranges occurs later in the summer compared to runoff from the Bridger Mountains. Because of the combination of deeper snowpack and higher elevations (resulting in slower snowmelt), these streams are more reliable sources for late- summer irrigation. Groundwater Groundwater is an important source of water for drinking and irrigation in the Gallatin Watershed. Valley fill deposits from the Quaternary and Tertiary aged geologic deposits Photo: Christine MillerPhoto: Irrigation water is a major component of the hydrologic system in the Gallatin Watershed.

10 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Groundwater - Surface Water Discharge as a Function of Time Connection: One Resource Concept of Baseflow Rainfall and snow melt contribute to surface water flow in streams and rivers within the watershed. Perennial streams (flow year-round), and at times intermittent streams (only flows during certain seasons), also receive flow from discharging GLWQD Source: groundwater. The groundwater contribution to the surface water flows in streams and rivers is would otherwise discharge to the dries up, or a wet season refuge if referred to as baseflow. river as groundwater baseflow. This stream flows are extremely fast. groundwater capture can result in A hydrograph showing the decreased surface water flows. Changing Hydrology discharge of surface water in a river or stream can be analyzed to The Hyporheic Zone When land historically irrigated determine the relative contribution Near stream channels, there are by flood or sprinkler irrigation is of precipitation and snowmelt runoff complex groundwater/surface water replaced by urban and suburban and groundwater baseflow to the interactions and flow patterns. This development, the potential exists total flow in the river or stream. is due to meanders (bends or turns) to change the hydrologic landscape. For a typical river in the western in the stream, abrupt changes in This is because there is a decrease United States, on average, about half stream gradient (slope or angle), and or loss of groundwater recharge of the annual flow is attributed to changes in streambed sediments. from the removal of irrigation on groundwater baseflow. During dry This transition zone between the land, and in most cases the periods groundwater contributes groundwater and surface water is an urban and suburban development is almost all of the flow to the river. ecologically important component accompanied by new groundwater of streams and rivers, and is called pumping, and an increase in Locally, sections of the Gallatin River the hyporheic zone. The width of the impervious area where precipitation and smaller tributaries generally hyporheic zone can vary from just can no longer percolate through behave as a “losing river” meaning a few feet wider than the stream or the surface to groundwater. The net that water is leaking out of the river river channel to more than a mile result of the changes can lead to: bed and recharging groundwater, away! A zone of mixed groundwater 1) declining groundwater levels in or as a “gaining river” meaning that and surface water creates a unique previously irrigated areas and 2) groundwater is discharging to the environment for microorganisms potential decreases in surface water river. and macroinvertebrates (aquatic flows due to the combined effect insects). The hyporheic zone of the decrease in irrigation return Groundwater pumping near a river provides these organisms with a dry- flows, and the new groundwater can “capture” groundwater that season refuge if the stream channel pumping.

Surface-water exchange with groundwater in the hyporheic zone is associated with abrupt changes in streambed slope (A) and with stream meanders (B). Groundwater and Surface Water: A Single and Surface Water: Groundwater Diagram: Diagram: USGS Circular 1139, pg. 17. 1139, pg. USGS Circular Resource.

Chapter 2: The Gallatin Watershed | 11 Sensitive Areas in this Special Place

Contributed by Steve Forest. Updates: Peter Brown & Lucas Cain, Gallatin Valley Land Trust

agricultural activities. It also helps protect the landowner from flooding during spring snowmelt runoff and summer storms. Any activity that occurs in or near a riparian area (cropping, concentrated livestock grazing, forestry, residential and commercial uses) can have significant negative impacts on water quality. Local agencies distribute informational resources that are designed to help landowners mitigate the effects these activities may have on Photo: USDA-NRCS Photo: important streamside resources (see Healthy riparian areas have a lush growth of vegetation. Resources section at the back of this Riparian Areas Activities that might disturb the publication). streambed or the adjacent riparian The surface waters of Montana Wetlands provide 98 percent of the water area require planning as it is likely used to grow food and feed livestock. you will need permits from one or Wetlands are important Although areas adjacent to rivers more regulatory agencies to protect components of any watershed and streams make up less than these sensitive and important areas. and are characterized as land 5 percent of the landscape, they Chapter 13 contains a guide to areas that are either seasonally contain 75 percent of our state’s permitting. If you live in a riparian or permanently inundated with plant and animal biodiversity. area, this means that you also live water. Wetlands typically act as a in a floodplain. Gallatin County sponge–absorbing excess spring A riparian area is the vegetated requires a 300-foot setback from runoff and releasing it over time, interface between land and a river the Gallatin and East Gallatin Rivers, thereby reducing peak flood flows. and a 150-foot setback from all They serve an important role in or stream. other surface waters for residential groundwater recharge. Wetlands Healthy riparian areas usually or commercial construction. provide passive water quality contain a swath of lush growing Setbacks protect the riparian system treatment benefits to our watershed water-adapted plants. Fully from residential, commercial and Effect of Wetlands on Stream Flow functioning riparian areas are critical in maintaining healthy hydrologic systems. Residents near Benefits of Healthy these areas have the most immediate Streamside Vegetation stewardship responsibility to protect • Nutrient Uptake and Sediment this resource as activities closest Reduction to streams are more likely to have • Streambank Stabilization and Erosion Prevention immediate effects on water quality. • Floodwater Velocity Reduction As stewards of the headwaters of the • Critical Wildlife Habitat in Water Dunne and Leopold, Source: Planning. Environmental Missouri River system, we have an • Recreational and Scenic Values obligation to pass these waters on Destruction of wetland and riparian “unimpaired” to users downstream. vegetation results in poor retention of water, resulting in higher peak flood flows and shorter duration of productive flows.

12 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Why are Wetlands important? • Flood Attenuation – slow and disperse floodwaters. • Water Storage – act as a natural reservoir storing water from high flows that are then released during drier times. • Water Quality Benefits – wetlands filter and clean the water before returning it to nearby streams. • Wildlife – Numerous Montana animal species utilize wetland habitats throughout their lives. Photo: Tim Crawford; GVLT conserved property GVLT Crawford; Tim Photo: community, such as trapping many acres of wetlands have been Functional Ecological Value of sediments, removing nutrients filled or drained in the course of Wetlands and Other Ecosystems from agricultural and urban runoff, human activities. Trends in this Ecosystem Type Unit Value and decomposing solids. Wetlands thought have been changing; we now ($/ha/year) provide recreation and economic realize the immense benefits and Estuaries $22,832 benefits, and opportunities for ecological services that wetlands Wetlands $14,785 education as informal laboratories. provide. Recent research has helped Lakes and Rivers $8,498 Wetlands also provide habitat for us determine the economic benefit wildlife and plants, many of which of wetlands. Compared to the cost Forests $969 Grasslands $232 are unique to wetlands. Nearly 60 of man-made systems built to do the MitschSource: & Gosselink (2000) percent of Montana’s threatened and same work, the benefits provided endangered species rely on wetlands by wetlands at no cost can be Since pioneer settlement, to meet all or part of their seasonal substantial. needs. approximately one-third of Montana’s Patterns of human activities in naturally occurring wetlands have Wetlands have historically been the Gallatin Valley and in Montana seen as wastelands that offer few as a whole have greatly impacted been lost to land use conversion. tangible benefits and as a result, wetlands and riparian areas. Photo: GLWQD Photo: GLWQD Photo: Wetlands provide homes for many species and provide Filling of wetlands for residential and commercial water purification and recreation benefits. land use is still occurring.

Chapter 3: Sensitive Areas in this Special Place | 13 In 2001, the GLWQD undertook a Floodplains study to inventory the extent of the In the Gallatin, where few dams exist remaining wetlands and riparian to alter natural flows, spring runoff Regulation to protect valuable areas in the Gallatin Valley. The typically results in flooding of valley inventory revealed only about 38% wetland resources has been implemented at the federal level. streams and rivers. Flooding occurs of the valley’s original wetland “Jurisdictional wetlands” (those regularly in the Bozeman area. Along and riparian habitat remained in wetlands that may receive some the Gallatin and East Gallatin Rivers, 2001. Additionally, a pattern of protection under federal law) have floods occur nearly every year in the following characteristics: human activities that have impacted some areas. wetlands and riparian areas source of water at or near the emerged: surface that occurs with a The floodplain is the low-lying frequency and duration that Contributing factors that have supports life in saturated soil area adjacent to a stream or river diminished wetlands in the Gallatin conditions; where water spreads out when it Valley – late 1800s until present: the presence of distinctive (hydric) leaves its banks. 1. Trapping of beaver and soils, which are poorly drained; Floodplain soils are often poorly significant reductions in beaver the presence of distinctive drained, due to the nearness of populations. The result was a vegetation (hydrophytes) adapted the groundwater table to the decrease in wetlands, ponds and to wet soils. backwater areas. surface. Floodplains result from the continuous process of depositions 2. Agricultural development. of material and later cutting away Wetland draining for grazing of of the surface material over time by wet meadows and clearing of Certain activities affecting the meandering action of rivers. The riparian vegetation for increased jurisdictional wetlands are floodplain may not be much wider grazing and hay production has had regulated by federal, state and local than the rivers channel where banks a negative impact. However, the governments. Section 404 of the are steep. It may extend for many construction of irrigation ditches federal Clean Water Act gives the hundreds of feet from the channel Army Corps of Engineers authority in low-lying areas. Due to deposited number of linear riparian and to issue a permit for discharging sediments and a high water table, wetlandand canals features. has created a significant dredge or fill material into floodplains contain high diversity of plants and animals. 3. Construction of transportation wetlands or for draining wetlands. corridors. Roads and railroad beds Most activities involving wetland Flooding is a natural process. disturbance require a permit, Floodplains dissipate the energy patterns by damming surface water although some farming, ranching of spring torrents, reducing flood onhave the altered uphill surfaceside and water reducing flow and logging activities less than damage downstream and providing three acres may be exempt under recharge areas for adjacent streams. patterns on the downhill side. nationwide permits. Regardless of However, runoff from a watershed surface and subsurface flow project size; if you are contemplating can be greatly influenced by the 4. Urban and suburban activities that may affect a wetland kinds of plants and soils in the development. This has generally or are unsure whether a wetland watershed. Vegetated stream banks resulted in a decrease in wetland is involved, first contact NRCS or reduce the likelihood of flooding. and riparian habitat due to the another professional trained in intensive land use changes within wetland regulation for further urban and suburban areas. Urban information. Gallatin County development associated with the regulations prohibit subdivision growth of Bozeman appears to have within wetlands without prior Corps had the largest impact. Much of the approval. “Swampbuster” provisions land area now occupied by the City of the 1985 Food Security Act may of Bozeman may have originally also involve penalties when wetlands been covered by wetlands that are altered to produce a commodity buffered the East Gallatin River crop.

through town. and other small streams that flow

14 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide What is a 100-Year Flood? A 100-year flood is one that can be expected to occur once every 199 years (1% of the time), based on watershed records. However, just because a 100-year flood occurred last year does not mean that another 100-year flood couldn’t occur next year. The likelihood is related to the magnitude of the flood, not the time that has passed between the 100- year flood events. The 100 year floodplain is the area that will be occupied by water when a 100 year flood occurs. Are you confident that your home site location has not flooded in the past 200 years? Photos: Scott Gillilan Photos:

Where streamside activities remove Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). develop an understanding of river vegetation, flood events occur more NFIP is the only source of flood dynamics, along with the inherent often and with greater severity. insurance in the country. risks and benefits associated with Healthy floodplains are those where those processes. A set of maps from the activities occurring within the Floodplain mapping software has the CMZ study for the West Gallatin floodplain are benefited by or can improved greatly in recent years and East Gallatin Rivers have been adapt to occasional flooding, such as and is now available to the public given to the Gallatin Conservation agriculture, recreation, and wildlife from both the City of Bozeman, as District as a reference tool. uses. well as from Gallatin County. The jurisdictional mapping software Floodplain management involves depicts floodplain boundaries WARNING: reducing the risk of damage to based on the FEMA Floodplain Your home was not built to property from flooding, as well as Insurance Studies. Channel be a boat. maintaining the natural functions Migration Zone (CMZ) mapping is that floodplains provide. To this end, If you are considering purchasing a science-based tool formulated on property, building a structure, or federal, state and local governments the understanding that rivers are altering the landscape in any way regulate certain activities that dynamic, moving laterally across near a stream or river you should occur in floodplains. The Federal their floodplains through time. This contact the Gallatin County or City of Emergency Management Agency tool can be used to help the public, Bozeman Floodplain Administrators (FEMA) administers the National as there are restrictions on landowners, and decision makers floodplain and floodway development. Source: Boyd and Thatcher. East Gallatin Thatcher. and Boyd Source: MappingRiver Channel Migration (2017).

Chapter 3: Sensitive Areas in this Special Place | 15 Plumbing the Gallatin: Water Supply and Distribution

Contributed by Scott Compton, Kerri Strasheim. Updates: Nikki Sandve, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation The Gallatin’s landscape is a product not only of its great natural streams and springs, but also a result of the intricate network of water diverted, pumped and channeled around the valley. The “engineered watershed” helps to determine where people can live and which land is most productive and has affected the aquifer levels. Water Supply Overview Public and Domestic Watershed is the City of Bozeman. Overall, water supplies in the Water Supply Bozeman draws water from three Gallatin Watershed are good— Towns in the Gallatin Watershed sources: Sourdough Creek, Hyalite providing enough water to meet receive their supply of water from Creek (and Hyalite Reservoir), and the needs of the residents. Large different systems. The largest system Lyman Creek. This system supplies quantities of groundwater exist in supplying water for household around 45,250 full-time residents the central valley, although some and commercial use in the Gallatin (2016) and 10,000 to 15,000 foothills areas have experienced transient residents (commuters, declines in groundwater levels visitors, etc.) (2008). at times. Land use changes and Belgrade’s water is supplied conversions from flood to sprinkler by groundwater from six wells. have changed the “engineered Manhattan, by comparison, receives watershed” by lessening the aquifer its supply through both wells recharge from flood irrigation and and a spring. Big Sky, which isn’t ditch seepage. Drought, increased incorporated, is run as a county demand, and climate changes will water and sewer district. The water also affect the timing of seasonal is supplied by multiple wells. water level changes. Late season surface water flows will be affected In addition to the towns within the most, with groundwater levels the watershed, there are over 160 in sensitive areas in the valley also “community” water systems (from a small trailer court to Rae Water and

showing some effect. Depending GLWQD Photo: on weather and climate changes in Domestic wells are the drinking water Sewer District) that supply domestic the coming years, this trend may be source for many residents in the water. All of these systems are watershed. variable. supplied by groundwater. Water supply depends on the yearly snowpack and rainfall. Low water years may cause surface water rights to be cut off sooner than usual and affect some crop production. On the other hand, Hyalite Reservoir is one of DNRC’s most consistent water supplies in the state. While supplies of water are physically available in the Gallatin, new water rights for surface water or large groundwater uses are not legally available. The Gallatin is one of several rivers in the upper Bellus Leah Photo: The water from Hyalite Creek flows into Hyalite Reservoir, where it is stored for current Missouri Basin closed to new and future use. Hyalite Reservoir is one of the three sources serving City of Bozeman’s withdrawals (see Chapter 5). drinking water supply.

16 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Irrigation Water Supply Irrigated Acres in Gallatin County 1952-2012 Many canals and ditches crisscross the valley, delivering water for irrigation. Most of the water taken from the main stem of the Gallatin is diverted between the mouth of the canyon and Four Corners. These diversions have water rights that essentially capture the entire flow of the river until return flows recharge the lower Gallatin below Four Corners. However, cooperation between the court-appointed Sources: Slagle (Hackett et al); Slagle (Parett and Johnson Slagle (Hackett et al); (Parett Sources: 2002 USDA 1997 Census; USDA 1992 Census; et al); USDA 2012 Census. USDA Census; Water Commissioner and irrigators (represented by Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators (AGAI)) work in partnership to keep of water. This water storage facility, Water for the Next Century the river from being dewatered, as it initially created for agricultural As the valley’s population increases, was historically. Montana Bureau of use, is also used for summer the question of how to quench Mines & Geology (MBMG) measured recreating as well as providing for its growing thirst looms larger. losses in ditches and canals in the the municipal water supply for The continually growing city valley, finding that an average of 1.1 the City of Bozeman. Most small of Bozeman will reach several cfs per mile conveyance loss. reservoirs and ponds in the Gallatin milestones in the next few decades, have a recreation/fishing aspect In the Gallatin, most canals and exceeding the existing capacity of to their use. Pond construction for ditches are privately owned (through its water treatment and distribution recreation and aesthetic purposes by ditch easements) and managed infrastructure and, ultimately, the private landowners is increasing in by local irrigators. One exception maximum reliable yield of its current the Gallatin Valley. Some areas may is the Middle Creek Water Users’ water supply. not be ideal for pond development. Association, a non-profit corporation If you are considering creating a While groundwater appears to be that manages some storage rights pond or small reservoir on your plentiful in most areas, changes in to Hyalite Reservoir, a state-owned property, you can find an electronic land use may affect aquifer recharge project. copy of “A Guidebook for Montana and water quality. The biggest threat Reservoirs - Water Storage Ponds: What you Need to Know growth may pose to groundwater is about Ponds and Alternatives” the contamination from increased The largest reservoir in the at montanawatercenter.org/ density of individual septic systems watershed is Hyalite Reservoir, publications. and from localized chemical spills. which stores some 10,100 acre-feet

Major Diversions from the Gallatin River

Irrigated Acres Diversion (cfs) Farmers’ Canal 11,000 250 Lowline Canal 9,500 188 Highline Canal 12,000 170 West Gallatin Canal 8,000 150 Moreland Canal 1,600 125 Middle Creek Supply 5,300 122 Source: DNRC Source: Photo: MT DNRC MT Photo: Diversion dam on Middle Creek.

Chapter 4: Plumbing the Gallatin - Water Supply and Distribution | 17 Water Rights

Contributed by Scott Compton, Kerri Strasheim. Updates: Nikki Sandve, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation The State of Montana owns all surface, underground, flood, and the Gallatin River Watershed (Basin atmospheric waters within the state for the use of its people 41H) in 1985. A second decree process is currently in progress and (Montana Constitution). issuance is scheduled for early 2018. Approximately 5,750 claims were Because all water is state owned, Water Rights History originally filed for historical water water rights holders do not own the In 1973 Montana passed the rights in the Gallatin Watershed. water itself, just the right to use that Water Use Act, which reformed water within state guidelines. Acquiring and Transferring the water rights process. This Water Rights Borrowing from rules worked out in act grandfathered in all previous mining camps, most western states, historic water appropriations (a A permit from the DNRC is required Montana included, adopted the Statement of Claim describing before diverting, withdrawing, Doctrine of Prior Appropriation to the use had to have been filed), impounding, or distributing manage water rights. This doctrine, created a permitting process for groundwater over a certain amount more commonly known as “first in new water rights, adopted a central (presently 35 gallons per minute time, first in right,” determines how records system to be managed by up to 10 acre-feet per year) or any water in a stream is to be allocated the Montana Department of Natural surface water. Groundwater uses for among the water users. The doctrine Resources and Conservation (DNRC), less than these amounts also require gives the priority right (or “senior” and outlined a process to resolve filing a form, a simpler process right) to divert water from a stream water right disputes. In 1979, the done as a notice of completion filed or river for a “beneficial use” to the law was amended to create a Water within 60 days after the water is person (“appropriator”) who first Court to “adjudicate” (finalize) put to use. Many personal ponds puts the water to use. This priority claims for water use in the state. For using groundwater are small enough system is used to settle disputes that administrative purposes, the state to fit under this limited-volume typically arise in low-flow years, has been divided into 85 “basins,” filing process. Currently, the upper when more than one appropriator which reflect the boundaries of the Missouri Basin, including the Gallatin wishes to use the same limited watersheds involved. A temporary Watershed, is closed to any new supply of water. preliminary decree was issued for withdrawals of surface water for consumptive use (some exceptions How Water Rights Work exist for high spring flow, storage, municipal, domestic, or livestock use and groundwater). This action was due to surface water being over appropriated. Changes to some elements of an existing water right are possible following an application process with DNRC. The elements that can be changed are the point of diversion, the place of use, the purpose of use, or the place of storage. When

Source: USGS, DNRC, Water Commissioner Harold Lindvig Harold Commissioner Water USGS, DNRC, Source: land is sold or exchanged, title to appurtenant existing water The total water rights claimed on the upper portion of Hyalite rights is passed from the original (Middle) Creek (blue box) total about 215 cfs, which exceeds the flow of Hyalite Creek (red line = average flow) most of the year. Junior appropriator to subsequent claimants are typically cut off by early July, when storage water use purchasers of the land benefited by is initiated. Remaining diversions essentially take the remaining flow the diverted water, unless severed or for the rest of the irrigating season, resulting in some dewatering. reserved in the deed. The DNRC uses

18 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide land ownership information from the Department of Revenue to assist Resolving Water Rights Disputes with ownership updates for water rights linked to property parcels in 1. Talk is encouraged among users to attempt to resolve the issue. the Gallatin. 2. If a person is wasting water, using water unlawfully, or preventing water from moving to another person having a prior right to use the water, notify the What if a Ditch Crosses DNRC (MCA 85-2-114). My Property? 3. If the water right has been through a decree process, a petition to appoint a Appropriators of water may water commissioner (MCA 85-5-101) may be filed. have easements to convey water 4. Fifteen percent of owners of water rights on a stream or owners of fifteen across the property of others. If percent of the flow rate of water rights affected may petition the court to an irrigation ditch crosses your appoint a water mediator (MCA 85-5-110). property, the owner of the ditch not only has a right to all of the water flowing in the ditch, but a right to access your property to high in the mountains to the sea. create reserved water rights in the maintain the ditch. These rights may Yet diversions from many of the state. Claims for reserved rights on be formal easements recorded at Gallatin Watershed’s streams may the Gallatin River were also made the courthouse, or they may exist reduce flows to a trickle in years under this new law. as prescriptive rights acquired by when water is scarce. Dewatering An appropriator may also lease historic use. is of considerable public concern. (to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks We count on maintenance of or to another party) or convey an Can Water Rights Be Lost? adequate flows to dilute sediment existing water right for an instream Water rights can be lost through and contaminated runoff, maintain flow. Any conversion to an instream abandonment if there is: (1) nonuse, cool temperatures for fish and other use requires a temporary change and (2) intent to abandon. Once the aquatic animals, and provide water authorization from DNRC and adjudication process is complete, for public enjoyment. abandonment can occur if the right must benefit fisheries. Also, local is not used according to its terms In 1969, the Montana legislature agricultural users have an agreement and conditions for a period of 10 authorized the Game and in place to maintain a minimum years. Water transfers and water Fish Commission to file for flow in the Gallatin River – this rights not used because the land is in unappropriated rights for some blue- is voluntary, as they could legally a federal or state set-aside program ribbon fishing streams, including dewater the Gallatin many times are not considered abandoned. the Gallatin River, to maintain over with existing water rights. stream flows. The legislation that Maintaining Instream Flow established these so-called “Murphy We generally think of the water rights” was repealed in 1973. The in our streams as linked in one 1973 Montana Water Use Act unbroken chain from a spring included a new statutory process to

Information booklet available from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and

Photo: USDA-NRCS Photo: Conservation (DNRC): The owner of an irrigation ditch has a right to all of the water dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/ flowing in the ditch. water-rights.

Chapter 6: Water Rights | 19 Water Quality

Contributed by Tammy Swinney. Updates: Torie Haraldson, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Surface and Groundwater Quality in the Gallatin Watershed Our common need for a Impairments may be due to single important for landowners to realize sustainable supply of clean water or multiple land uses within the that most projects within these watershed, and are related to surface sensitive areas require permits in binds the Gallatin Watershed’s water quality and/or availability. order to legally proceed, regardless communities together. of whether they will occur on private The State of Montana derives its property. Please see the Permitting Our surface water and groundwater surface water quality assessment and Regulations Guide chapter for are intimately connected – the water framework from the federal Clean more information. you see as you walk the length of Water Act, which serves as the any stream or river is constantly model for Montana’s Water Quality Groundwater being exchanged with an important Act. Scientists at local and state With the exception of those living groundwater aquifer. Because of this levels gather data on a variety of within the City of Bozeman, close connection, impacts to one metrics of surface water quality, residents of the Gallatin Watershed can affect the other. Virtually every which are analyzed to determine if obtain their drinking water from type of land use in our watershed a stream is supporting any or all of groundwater. Groundwater quality is has some associated impact on its intended beneficial uses. Both evaluated for its safety for domestic the quality of our water resources. physical contaminant data such as use by comparing it to federal and Residents of the Gallatin Watershed sediment and chemicals (nutrients, state drinking water standards. may rely on surface water or metals), and biological indicator There are drinking water standards groundwater for drinking and other data (aquatic insects, algae) are for microorganisms, disinfectants domestic uses, depending where considered when determining the and disinfection byproducts, their home is located. health of a stream. inorganic chemicals like arsenic Surface Water In an effort to preserve surface water and nitrate, organic chemicals like As residents of a “headwaters” quality, several government entities benzene and vinyl chloride, and area, we reap the benefits of living provide oversight of all activities radionuclides such as uranium. upstream of many potential water occurring in or near waterways. It is Municipal and smaller scale quality impacts. Overall, surface water quality in the watershed Most Common Stream Impairments in the Gallatin Watershed is good. However, more than 300 miles of the Gallatin Watershed’s rivers and streams are classified as “impaired” by Montana DEQ. In this legal sense, “impaired” means the stream or river does not fully support one or more “beneficial uses” defined by state water quality statutes (MCA 75-5-300 et seq.),

such as agricultural, industrial, Water 2016 5/30/17. Montana Final , accessed aquatic life support, cold water fishery, recreational contact, and drinking water. The beneficial uses of a given stream reach are often those associated with activities reasonably anticipated to be occurring if 2016 Center, Act Information Water DEQ Clean from Adapted Source: Data Quality deq.mt.gov/Portals/112/Water/wqpb/CWAIC/ Information. Water Reports/IRs/2016/App_A.pdf Report,Quality Integrated A. Appendix the reach were unimpaired. *Streams may have more than one impairment.

20 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Impaired Stream Segments in the and will not adversely affect your Gallatin Watershed health. Groundwater in the Gallatin Watershed typically ranges from low to moderate in hardness and is classified as Class I to Class II, making it “suitable” to “moderately suitable” for all of the beneficial uses. Overall, groundwater quality in the Gallatin Watershed is good and remains relatively free from regional impacts of harmful chemicals or contaminants.

However, like other developed areas, our watershed has its share of threats to groundwater quality. These include leaking underground fuel storage tanks, and state and federal Superfund groundwater contamination sites. Also of concern are the more than 17,000 residential on-site septic systems in use in rural and suburban areas of the watershed. If not maintained diligently, these systems are potential sources of contamination to our groundwater from bacteria, viruses, nitrate, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and household cleaners, which can adversely affect human health. Nonpoint Source Pollution: Connecting Land Use with Water Quality

Sources: GLWQD; DEQ, 2017. DEQ, GLWQD; Sources: Act Information Water Clean Impaired Database. Center on 2016 Montana Streams 303(d) List. Gallatin County’s population continues to grow. With growth and community water supply systems commercial and industrial. These development come numerous and are regulated by the Montana beneficial uses are classified into complex challenges to protecting Department of Environmental Class I, II, or III according to the and maintaining good water quality Quality, and undergo regular testing. Administrative Rules of Montana for drinking water, aquatic life and Those who obtain their drinking (ARM 17.30.1006), based upon other beneficial uses. One of the water from an individual private well the specific conductance of ground most dramatic changes is the rate are encouraged to test it annually to water. Specific conductance, at which traditional rural farm and ensure its continued safety. commonly thought of as hardness, is ranchlands are being developed an indirect measure of the presence for residential, commercial and Like surface water, groundwater of dissolved minerals in the water. industrial use. This change in land in Montana is classified based on Dissolved minerals can affect the use is evident in the number of new its beneficial uses. Groundwater taste and odor of water or cause wells drilled and new septic permits beneficial uses include: domestic staining of household fixtures and issued in rural areas of the county, drinking, culinary and food other aesthetic nuisances, but as large tracts of land are subdivided processing, irrigation, drinking seldom, if ever, warrant treatment into smaller parcels. water for livestock and wildlife,

Chapter 6: Water Quality | 21 New Wells and Approved Septic Permits in Gallatin County, MT Sources: Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology, of Mines Montana Bureau & Geology, Sources: 2017, Gallatin Center Information Ground-Water City-County Health Department

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution compacted soil. As water moves originates from many diffuse sources over these surfaces it picks up Stormwater Runoff and is difficult to measure directly. contaminants such as oil and grease Management It is typically the result of poorly from vehicles, sediment, and road Low impact development (LID) managed land use practices, as salt, and transports them to storm techniques are aimed at reducing rainfall and snowmelt move over drains and outfalls where it enters frequency and intensity of stormwater and through the ground and pick up our waterways. Paved environments runoff. Many of these techniques pollutants that are carried to surface also reduce the time it takes for can be implemented by individual homeowners and land developers. and groundwater. Agricultural- rain and snowmelt to find their way Some common practices include: related runoff was once considered to our waterways, leading to brief • Pervious pavement the biggest contributor to NPS periods of greatly increased stream • Rain gardens pollution within the watershed, velocities that contribute sediment • Native landscaping but residential stormwater runoff to the stream through streambank • Soil quality restoration and other urban contributions are erosion. • Bioswales quickly becoming major sources. More Pavement One of the biggest changes that Pharmaceuticals and urban land use has on water quality Personal Care Products is the increase in impervious As the population of the Gallatin surfaces – various types of pavement Watershed grows, so do the that prevent water from infiltrating challenges of wastewater disposal. A 2016 report on a study conducted into the ground. These include GLWQD Photo: parking lots, roads, sidewalks, Sediment and other contaminants enter by the Gallatin Local Water Quality a storm drain during a rain event. driveways, rooftops, and even District and the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology commonly Types and Sources of NPS Pollutants found pharmaceuticals and personal Type Source care products (PPCPs) in Gallatin . Excess fertilizers, Residential areas, agricultural lands County wells. An emerging problem herbicides and insecticides in the United States, PPCPs are Oil, grease, toxic chemicals Urban and suburban runoff entering aquatic environments (stormwater runoff) from wastewater treatment plants Sediment Construction sites, crop and forest and on-site wastewater treatment lands, eroding stream banks systems (septic systems). While Bacteria and nutrients Septic systems, pet and livestock these treatment systems break down waste some products, others may persist in Salt Winter road salting, irrigation the environment. The human health practices effects of these chemicals are not Pharmaceuticals & Septic systems, onsite community fully understood, but research has personal care products wastewater facilities shown they can be detrimental to Adapted from: U.S. EPA. epa.gov/nps/types-nonpoint-source EPA. U.S. from: Adapted Accessed June 2017. Accessed

22 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide aquatic life. For example, endocrine Land Management Options for Reducing Water Quality Impacts of Nonpoint disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are Source Pollution on Our Water Resources hormones commonly found in a NPS Problem Suggested Best Land-Use Practice variety of PPCPs. Fish and amphibian Bacteria & Nutrients Fertilizers, Pesticides, Herbicides: populations living in aquatic (fertilizers, herbicides, • Reduce the amount used. systems contaminated with EDCs pesticides, yard waste, • Follow proper application instructions. experience dramatic changes to their animal & pet waste, • Don’t use prior to a rain event. reproductive organs, even at low septic systems) Yard, Animal & Pet Waste: levels. • Clean up after your pet. • Manage animal waste by keeping it away from wellheads and surface water. How Can You Help Protect • Leave grass clippings and leaf litter on your lawn to provide Our Water Resources? soil nutrients. Most human-caused ground and • Don’t rake excess yard waste into the street until shortly before your municipality is scheduled to pick it up. surface water problems can be solved through prevention. Land Septic Systems: • Have your system pumped on a regular basis. use and waste disposal best • Have your system inspected periodically. management practices, effective • Don’t drive or plant trees on top of your drainfield. cleanup, and elimination of existing Stormwater Runoff • Properly maintain your vehicle. pollution sources are our best (oil, grease, salt, • Never pour anything down storm drains. strategies. If we all do our part, we sediment, increased • Plant native plants in bare soil and landscape areas. can reduce NPS pollution and keep stream velocities) • Replace impervious surfaces with pavers or stepping stones where possible. our water resources clean for our • Limit use of salt or sand on streets and sidewalks. use as well as for future generations. Pharmaceuticals & • Dispose of unused medications at official drop-off sites, not Personal Care Products in the toilet. About the Gallatin Local • Use the smallest amount needed of products like shampoo, Water Quality District laundry soap, and mouthwash. Created by the Gallatin County Gallatin Local Water Quality District Boundary Commission in 1995 and approved by DEQ in 1997, the Gallatin Local Water Quality District (GLWQD) operates as a non-regulatory department of Gallatin County, located in the north central portion of the Gallatin Watershed. The GLWQD is governed by a nine member Board of Directors and liaisons, and includes representation by the municipalities located within the District. Establishment and maintenance of a long-term water quality monitoring network is an ongoing project for the GLWQD. Work is conducted to establish baseline data and conduct long-term trend analyses on our water resources. The GLWQD collects, compiles, and disseminates Source: GLWQD Source: water resource data and information for the benefit of all those interested in water resources within the District. Contact them at (406) 582- 3168, or visit glwqd.org.

Chapter 6: Water Quality | 23 Your Septic System

Contributed by Lori Christenson, Gallatin County Environmental Health Services

Septic systems are wastewater treatment systems that collect, treat and county regulations require that all disperse wastewater created by a home or business. Septic systems are soil drainfields be located at least designed to break down and neutralize wastewater contaminants before 100 feet from the 100-year flood they enter groundwater or surface water. Contaminants in the wastewater plain and 100 feet from any surface include harmful bacteria that can cause illness, as well as nitrogen and water, as well as being located at phosphorus that can stimulate algae growth in water bodies. least 100 feet from any existing well or spring. A properly designed, installed and maintained septic system is an essential link in maintaining water quality and protecting public Applications for state subdivision review and new local permits health in the Gallatin Watershed. must also provide documentation How Your System Works In combination with household to demonstrate that high quality state surface and groundwater will The typical septic system consists of: chemicals like salts from water softeners, these soils can cause a not be degraded by the proposed 1. A septic tank, which separates, system to fail. development. Nondegradation rules stores and begins to treat solid define limitations for the amount of wastes The Gallatin Watershed has many pollutants from wastewater systems, 2. A distribution system, which is areas of both hydric and gravelly specifically nitrate and phosphorous, generally a series of perforated soils, meaning that septic system that could potentially enter nearby drainpipes design is not a “one size fits all’ surface and groundwater. The 3. proposition. The design of a movement and pollutant load of system system is based on soil and site wastewater after it enters the A drain field, or soil absorption characteristics, including depth to ground is evaluated by developing The septic tank holds the wastewater groundwater and the size of the a predicted ‘mixing zone’ for the long enough to allow solids to settle home. Depending on where you live, drainfield site. A mixing zone begins out and the fats, oils, and grease to soil and site characteristics may as the area under the drainfield float to the top. Effluent flows out to determine that a more sophisticated receiving wastewater. Over time, the drainfield for further treatment septic system is required. The design depending on the groundwater in the soil. and sizing of any septic system in gradient or slope of the site, the Gallatin County requires approval mixing zone plumes through the soil Siting Septic Systems/ of the County Sanitarian. Septic deeper and away from the drainfield Permitting systems are inspected to insure that land in the direction of groundwater Because of its dependence on they are properly installed. State and flow. The purpose of these rules is natural filtering and treatment, soil is the most important part of a Typical Absorption Field septic system. Chemical processes and naturally occurring microbes in soil break down contaminants, while pathogens eventually perish in the inhospitable soil environment. If soils are too wet (hydric soils), oxygen is not available for organisms that break down waste. Gravelly soils allow water to pass through to surface or groundwater too quickly, before breakdown of contaminants is complete. Clay soils may delay the rate at which water is filtered.

24 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide to determine if the site is suitable to receive the pollutant load from the Knowing When to Pump wastewater without exceeding state Your Tank limitations and negatively impacting water supplies. Mixing zones are also If you are unsure whether you need to pump, locate your access or inspection ports and determine the following: prohibited within 100 feet of any nearby wells. Once approved, the • Scum is less than 3 inches from the bottom of the baffle or top of outlet tee. nondegradation analysis requires • Sludge is less than 12 inches from the bottom of the outlet tee. developers, building contractors, and • If the sludge and scum together take up more than half of the tank. registered septic installers to follow strict adherence to the approved location and size of the wastewater system. Periodic pumping - sludge is the • Age of the system. Septic systems buildup of solid material that cannot are designed for an operational be further broken down by bacterial life of 20 to 30 years. If you have action and must be pumped out an aging system, it may be time to every so often. Failure to pump the inspect and replace your system. system allows solids to overflow and clog the drainfield. This not only can Periodic Cleaning of Filter force a costly replacement of the Your septic tank may also have a system but may also result in sewage cylinder shaped filter that is placed surfacing on the ground. While the in the septic tank outlet tee. As frequency of pumping depends on wastewater leaves the tank this the use of the system, the frequency filter collects small solids that of garbage disposal use, and the have not settled to the bottom of number of people using the system, the tank, protecting the drainfield generally a standard tank of 1,000 trench and soil from receiving gallon capacity used by a family of solids that may buildup and four people should be pumped about plug the soil over time. The filter every three years. Additives should

Photo: Tammy Swinney Tammy Photo: requires cleaning, generally twice Installation of a septic system. not be added to your system to a year is recommended, and can be dissolve sludge. Several commercial performed by the homeowner or Common Causes of Septic septic pumping businesses operate a wastewater professional. Since System Failure in Gallatin County. July 2001, septic permits in Gallatin County have required filters and While many things can interfere with Septic system failure can also access ports over the outlet pipe for the operation of your septic system, result from: this maintenance. by far the most important step you • Overloading. Avoid putting too can take to prevent problems is to much water into the system at properly maintain your system. one time; wash clothes at off-peak Your system requires two things to times, for example, rather than Signs Your Septic System operate efficiently: when the shower or sinks are May Be Failing being used. Sewerage backup in drains or Proper bacterial action - the toilets system is designed to accept normal • Adding decay-resistant materials Sluggish drains household waste that contains the into the system. Grease, sanitary Mushy ground or greener organisms necessary to promote grass around septic system digestion. Bacteria-killing products, the tank faster than expected. Outdoor odors napkins and other solids will fill like paint thinner, chemical drain • Tree roots. Roots can clog or Nitrates or bacteria in your cleaners, some water softening salts, destroy the absorption system. drinking water paints, oils, acids and pesticides Algae blooms in ponds Compacting soil over the will destroy or impact the ability of • adjacent to your home your septic system to break down household waste. drainfield. Driving vehicles over the drainfield should be avoided. Chapter 7: Your Septic System | 25 Protecting Your Well from Contamination

Contributed by Tammy Swinney. Updates: Christine Miller, Gallatin Local Water Quality District

Your drinking water resource is precious. In 1996, about 51 percent of Well Contamination Gallatin County’s population relied on groundwater as a source of drinking Sources Include: water. The other 49 percent obtained drinking water from surface water • Fluid leaks from vehicles and sources. By 2006, that percentage had changed to 43% surface water and equipment 57% groundwater. Based on 2015 population estimates, these proportions Improper disposal of waste oil and of surface water and groundwater users stayed the same, although the • antifreeze through storm drains population of Gallatin County has increased. With more than half of the Gallatin Watershed’s population relying on groundwater as their sole source • Surface spills of household of drinking water, it is important that we keep it clean. Groundwater, like hazardous chemicals (oil, surface water, can be contaminated by naturally occurring chemicals and antifreeze, etc.) metals; discharges of human-derived industrial, household or agricultural • Disposal of household hazardous chemicals; nutrients such as nitrogen (nitrate) and microorganisms wastes or chemicals down the (bacteria, viruses) from animal waste or septic systems; and fertilizers, drain and through the septic pesticides and other household hazardous chemicals. system Sources of Drinking Water • Improper use and application of agricultural or household fertilizers, pesticides, or of contaminants through the soil from the land surface near the well casing, herbicides andWell (2) contamination contaminants can can happen enter groundwaterin two ways: (1)directly percolation through (or unsealed infiltration) pipes, or poorly constructed or improperly abandoned wells. So, the key • Manure piles or feed lots to protecting your drinking water well from contamination is prevention. • Leaking or failing septic tanks Trying to clean up groundwater after it has become contaminated is costly • Human waste disposal through unpermitted or obsolete treatment systems and extremely difficult. Well Contamination Sources • around well casing Surface flow through grout failure • Unsealed openings around well casing Graphic: USDA-NRCS Graphic:

26 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Wellhead Protection: • Montana law requires that • Avoid placing your well downhill A Proactive Approach wells be located at least 100 (downgradient) or within 100 feet Wellhead protection (also known feet upgradient from any septic from a livestock pen or barnyard, as source water protection) is a fuel tank or storage area for fundamental strategy for protecting neighbors’. hazardous chemicals or within drainfield, including your 500 feet of any liquid or solid your groundwater resource. • If your lot is less than 20 acres Wellhead protection means keeping waste structures associated with animal feeding operations. If you potential sources of pollution Subdivision Approval (COSA) that plan to board livestock (horses, away from your drinking water hasthere a pre-approved,is likely a Certificate designated of cattle, sheep, etc.), locate the supply. The rule of thumb is: any location for the well and septic barn and corral at least 100 feet substance or material you don’t system. In this case, the well must downgradient from your well. want in your drinking water should be drilled in the proper location be kept away from all wells. This is in order to meet state and local • Shallow wells (60 feet or less) done by identifying the proper site regulations. The COSA for the are more likely to be affected for new well construction, using lot can be found at the Gallatin by contaminants than deeper common sense when managing County Clerk and Recorder’s wells. Generally, the deeper the land uses near your well, properly well is, the less susceptible it will maintaining your well and septic Department. be to contamination if properly system, and eliminating the office or Environmental Health constructed and maintained. potential for hazardous chemical • If your lot does not have this • Wells must also be located a discharges in the vicinity of your document and it is not required, minimum of 100 feet from surface well by minimizing chemical use and you should obtain local septic waters. It is also recommended eliminating chemical storage near permit approval prior to drilling that this 100 foot setback be your well. your well to make sure that the well meets all the regulations and applied near irrigation canals. New Well Site Selection Criteria you don’t have to redrill. If you are planning to drill a new well, proper site selection is very Remember, the greater the distance you can put important in protecting your between your well and potential contamination, drinking water source. The following the better. The GLWQD, DNRC, local well drillers factors should be considered: or groundwater professionals can assist you with identifying an appropriate well site. Graphic: DNRC Graphic: Do a site survey to identify any potential contaminant sources to your well.

Chapter 8: Protecting Your Well from Contamination | 27 Constructing Your Well Employ a Montana licensed well driller. Consult with DNRC on current well construction standards and ensure that proper compliance with those standards is maintained during well drilling. The following factors should be considered: • Well casing should extend at least Sanitary Well Cap 18 inches above the natural ground surface or at least 2 feet above the two-piece, cast metal cap nut & bolt whichever is greater. maximum 100-year flood level, • well cap upon completion (see photo atWells right). should be fitted with a sanitary rubber seal • Wells should be properly grouted to wiring conduit provide a layer of protection from land and screened surface contamination. vent • Wells designed to withdraw more than 35 gallons/minute, or greater than 10 GLWQD Photo: acre-feet of water per year, require a Non-Sanitary Well Cap GLWQD Photo: Drilling a domestic well. water right permit from DNRC before construction. Consult with the DNRC Maintaining Your Well regarding any potential water right permits you may need before you drill. • Test your water annually for bacteria, nitrate and other • File a Notice of Completion with constituents of concern. If you live the DNRC once your well has been west of the West Gallatin River completed and put to use. It is or in Big Sky, West Yellowstone, required by law. or Three Forks, you should also The land use and waste disposal test for arsenic once every 3-5 practices near your well can have a GLWQD Photo: years. Also test if there is a change profound effect on your water quality. If you have an existing well, in your water’s taste, odor, or options for protecting your water may be limited to controlling appearance; the well system is potential contamination sources nearby. • serviced;Annually, orvisually after ainspect flooding the event. Well Casing well casing, well cap and the ground surface around the well Poorly Protected Well Properly Protected Well casing. Any holes or cracks found should be repaired immediately to prevent entry of dirt, surface water, insects or other sources of contamination.

• Replace a non-sanitary well cap with a sanitary one.

• Some older wells are connected to household plumbing systems or livestock watering areas without

prevention devices should be backflow regulators. Backflow Graphic: DNRC Graphic:

28 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide distributed to each residence and through hoses connected to business. Other areas are serviced installed. Backflow can also occur by a water and sewer district an outside water container or (River Rock, parts of Big Sky). chemicalwell hydrants. mixing Whenever tank, always filling These are also considered public maintain an air gap between water supplies. A public water supply is responsible for testing Failure to do so can result in back- the water it provides on a regular siphoningthe container to the and well the andfill hose. direct basis. If problems are discovered, contamination of your drinking GLWQD Photo: the residents are to be notified. Well maintenance or repairs should only water. be performed by a licensed well driller Each year a public water supply is or pump installer. required to prepare and distribute Have your septic system pumped • a Consumer Confidence Report to on a regular basis and operate those it serves. This report contains it properly as recommended in Water Testing: information on the source of your Chapter 7. How Do I Know if My Well Water is Safe to Drink? drinking water and the quality of it. Hazardous materials (paint, oil, • Periodic testing of your well water Individual Private Well pesticides, household chemicals, is important. It is the only way to If you have a wellhead on your etc.) should not be stored, mixed, determine if a water quality problem property, chances are you are the or spilled near the well. Never exists that may affect your health. owner of a private well. This makes dispose of these down the drain. It is also the only way to determine you a “private well water supply • Limit your use of lawn and if the quality of your water has operator”. There are no rules or garden chemicals (fertilizers, changed over time due to changes in regulations that obligate you to pesticides). Excess fertilizer land use either nearby or on-site. At test your water or to maintain your product moves easily through a minimum, an annual test for nitrate distribution system. This also means the soil to groundwater and and bacteria is recommended. Every that no one else is responsible for contributes to high nitrate levels. five years, a full domestic drinking the quality of your drinking water. Excess pesticide use can result in water analysis is recommended. A So, it is very important that you pesticides in groundwater. Always full domestic analysis includes the test your water on an annual basis apply these chemicals sparingly test for bacteria and nitrate as well to ensure a clean and safe drinking and follow the manufacturer’s as additional basic water quality water supply for you and your family. application instructions. characteristics. Also test your water You will want to use a private or for arsenic every 3-5 years if you live public laboratory that is certified • When landscaping, slope the west of the West Gallatin River or in for drinking water analysis. Contact ground away from your well Big Sky, West Yellowstone, or Three the GLWQD, the Gallatin County casing for proper drainage. Avoid Forks. Environmental Health Department, or MSU Extension Water Quality for Public Water Supplies near your well since they will a listing of labs and to obtain the planting flowers, trees, and shrubs If you live in Belgrade, Bozeman or require watering and fertilizing. proper bottles and paperwork. The Manhattan, your water is provided GLWQD can also help you assess • Hire a Montana licensed well by that city and is called a public potential water quality problems, water supply. Outside of these provide help and information on or unused well abandonment and city limits, some subdivisions driller for any well modification collecting water samples, and assist closure. are provided water through you in determining your wellhead a groundwater source that is • Don’t pile snow, leaves, dirt or protection needs. other materials next to or on top of your well. When Should I Test My Water? • Keep your well records in a safe • Annually. place (this includes your well log, • Change in water’s taste, odor or appearance. maintenance records, and water • Pipes show signs of corrosion. test results). • Well system (pump, pressure tank, etc.) is serviced. • After a flooding event.

Chapter 8: Protecting Your Well from Contamination | 29 Handling Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste

Contributed by Tammy Swinney, Gallatin Local Water Quality District. Updates: Rob Pudner, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District Household Hazardous Waste Many homes in the Gallatin Watershed have cupboards and garages that contain some type of household chemical product. These products provide us with a conve- nience. Unfortunately, when they are not used up or disposed of properly, they pose a serious threat to the health of our families and our envi- ronment and are known as house- hold hazardous waste (HHW). While each individual home in the water- shed may have only small quantities of these household products, collec- tively, the amount of waste adds up quickly. Photo: Gallatin Solid Waste Management District Waste Gallatin Solid Photo: Disposal Problems Proper disposal of automotive oils and solvents. Improper disposal of HHW can Reducing the Risk contaminate our drinking water by Sometimes, less toxic alternatives are not available, but you can improve the seeping into groundwater. It is best if chances that these products will not harm our water resources by: you can actually use up the product. Even then, some containers of • Purchasing only the right amount for the job. If you buy more than you hazardous material require special need, products will tend to accumulate, adding storage problems around disposal. the home to your list of concerns. It is never appropriate to dump • Looking for alternatives. Often, non-toxic alternatives are available. For or burn hazardous materials on your example, a metal snake can replace drain cleaner. Some products contain less toxic components than others. There are even businesses in the property, or dispose of products in area that sell non-toxic paints. Several Gallatin businesses specialize in the trash, on the ground, or down “biological control” agents that take the place of some pesticides. storm drains. • Following label instructions. Most manufacturers are explicit about People forget that storm drain when, where and how to use their product and how to store it and dispose systems eventually flow straight into of the empty container. If these instructions are followed to the letter, the local streams or rivers. product should pose little threat to our environment. All wastewater treatment systems • Recycling products. Several area businesses take products for recycling use biological processes to break such as batteries, antifreeze, toner cartridges, and used motor oil. Keeping down sewage. Household chemi- cals disposed of down the drain can contamination potential. HHW out of landfills extends landfill life and reduces groundwater disrupt this process. When this hap- HHW Disposal Options pens, some of these chemicals and untreated sewage may pass through HHW should be disposed of through specialized disposal facilities. Once the system and enter our surface collected, HHW is packaged for transport and taken to a regulated facility waters, or seep into the soil and con- where it may either be incinerated or buried in a landfill specially designed taminate drinking water supplies. for hazardous chemicals. So remember, HHW doesn’t just go away.

30 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide HHW Disposal Options HHW Product Contamination Concern Disposal Option Motor oil, antifreeze Improper disposal can contaminate water • City Shop Complex (5 gallon limit). Bozeman residents only. resources. Antifreeze contains ethylene 582-2273 glycol; poisonous to fish, wildlife, pets, • Bozeman Convenience Site and people. • Logan Landfill Herbicides and pesticides Over-application; improper disposal can • HHW events at the Bozeman Convenience Site lead to contamination of water resources. • Large Quantities? MT Dept. of Agriculture Pesticide Collection Program (406) 465-0531 agr.mt.gov/Pesticide-Waste-Disposal Latex paint Liquid cannot be disposed of in landfill. Dry and dispose with regular trash. Mix with kitty litter, sawdust, or dirt to thicken and dry, or pour into an empty container and dry in layers. Oil-base paint Improper disposal can contaminate water HHW events at the Bozeman Convenience Site resources. Pharmaceuticals Harmful to aquatic life. Unknown health • Belgrade Police Department lobby, 91 E. Central Ave. (2 blocks risks to humans. behind CHP, Belgrade) • Bozeman Police Department Downtown Station lobby, 34 N. Rouse Ave. (1/2 block east of CHP, Bozeman) • Gallatin County Law and Justice Center lobby, 615 S. 16th Ave. • Livingston Police Department lobby, 414 E. Callender Street • Manhattan Police Department lobby, 120 W. Main Street • West Yellowstone Police Department lobby, 124 Yellowstone Ave, (1 block E. of CHP, West Yellowstone) Gas, mineral spirits, Improper disposal can contaminate water • HHW events at the Bozeman Convenience Site thinners resources. • Logan Landfill (gas only, no thinners) Automotive batteries Contain acids. Can contaminate water • Bozeman Convenience Site resources. • Logan Landfill • Most auto parts stores. Call ahead. Mercury (flourescent Never place in trash! Do not break! • HHW events at the Bozeman Convenience Site and compact flourescent Poisonous and harmful to fish, wildlife, • Logan Landfill bulbs, thermometers) pets, and people. Can contaminate water • Lowe’s Home Improvement resources. Chlorinated solvents Extremely toxic and persistent in the • Avoid buying or using products containing “chloro” in the name (brake cleaners, spot environment. Chlorine is added to like trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene. removers, degreasers, make products more stable, making the • HHW events at the Bozeman Convenience Site paint strippers, aerosal substance slow to break down in the lubricants) environment.

The Gallatin Solid Waste HHW Collection Trend What to Do in Management District hosts regular for Gallatin County Case of a Spill HHW collection events at the Year Customers Volume Collected Generally, never hose down a leak Bozeman Convenience Site on the (items) or spill. This will simply spread second Saturday of each month contamination. Use an absorbent 2013 275 3513 material (like kitty litter) on the spill from 9am to noon. Events are free to 2014 363 5502 and dispose of the residue properly. residents of Gallatin County. Small 2015 392 5417 If you have a spill that threatens to quantity commercial generators enter a storm drain or any surface may be charged a fee. For more 2016 327 4767 water, or in case of an emergency, Total 1605 23,118 call 911. Both the Belgrade and

information on these monthly Waste Gallatin Solid Source: Management District events, visit GallatinSolidWaste.org/ Bozeman Fire Departments have hazardous materials teams able to HHW or call (406) 539-1161. respond.

Chapter 9: Handling Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste | 31 Electronic Waste Outdated, unwanted and broken electronic equipment is known as electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is considered hazardous because it contains heavy metals and other materials that can harm humans and the environment. With the rapid advances in computer electronic

technology and the relatively low Management District Waste Gallatin Solid Photo: price of purchasing replacement electronics, items that break or are outdated are usually discarded rather than repaired or upgraded. Contaminants and Environmental Concerns Heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium are used in the production of consumer electronics. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and accumulate in living organisms as they travel up the food chain. Lead is a major contaminant in computers; one cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor can Management District Waste Gallatin Solid Photo: contain up to 8 pounds. Old and unwanted electronics collected for proper disposal at an E-waste collection event. Manufacturers use many different types of plastic in computers and Landfill (Monday through Saturday) What Can You Do About E-Waste? other electronic equipment, making for a small fee. • Reduce. Consider extending the it a challenge to recycle. Recycling life of your computer or other electronics is not very profitable and Some retailers also accept certain electronic devices by upgrading a large volume of e-waste is shipped electronics for recycling. For a list to Asia where labor costs are very of places to bring e-waste, visit parts. Several computer businesses low and health and environmental GallatinSolidWaste.org. infeatures the area and offer fixing these or replacingservices. regulations are less stringent to non-existent. This impacts the E-Waste Recycling Trend • Reuse & Donate. Donate your environment – polluting water for Gallatin County functioning computer or electronic supplies in other parts of the world. Year Volume Collected device to a charitable organization. (tons) E-Waste Disposal Options 2010 45.83 something they can use, otherwise, In the past, the public had to wait for Contact them first to see if it is 2011 110.95 you are just passing on your an annual collection event to dispose disposal problem to someone else. of e-waste responsibly. In Gallatin 2012 110.08 County, free e-waste collection 2013 113.4 • Recycle/Demanufacture. Contact events hosted by Gallatin Solid Waste 2014 142.56 the computer manufacturer or Management District take place 2015 116.22 local retail outlet. Many have recycling, take-back or lease annually around Earth Day, however, 2016 109 programs. They may even give you electronics are also accepted during Total 748.04 normal operating hours at the Logan Management District Waste Gallatin Solid Source: a discount on the purchase of your next system in you return the old one to them.

32 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Living in an Urban Environment

Contributed by Jessica Ahlstrom, Frank Greenhill, and Kyle Mehrens, City of Bozeman Perched at the headwaters of the Missouri River Basin, your landscape beds, watering only the Gallatin Valley enjoys pristine water for drinking, recreating, and when your plants need it, checking your sprinkler system for leaks and agriculture. As the Gallatin Valley expands, the growing population proper function, and installing high- threatens this limited resource. efficiency sprinkler system products such as weather-based irrigation To counteract, the City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation and Stormwater controllers, drip irrigation, rain sen- Divisions take proactive steps to ensure abundant and clean water sors, and high efficiency nozzles. is available for all users. The following article provides background information, a summary of current initiatives, and guidance on how Eighty percent of water used inside residents can ensure a healthier future for Gallatin Valley’s water resources. the home is consumed by toilets, faucets, showerheads, and clothes Water Use and Conservation supplies and identifies water conser- washers. Household leaks account Eighty percent of Bozeman’s drink- vation as the single largest source of for an additional 13%. Average ing water comes from snowmelt water for Bozeman’s future. Water household leaks can account for in the Gallatin Range which feeds conservation creates additional sup- more than 10,000 gallons of water Sourdough Creek and Hyalite plies by reducing water used in and wasted every year. Indoor water Reservoir. The other twenty percent around homes and businesses. It is use can be reduced simply by fixing comes from Lyman Spring in the the most cost-effective, most expedi- leaks, turning the faucet off when Bridger Mountains. ent and environmentally friendly brushing your teeth, installing faucet way to assure a reliable water sup- aerators, and swapping out old inef- Bozeman relies entirely on snow- ply for the future. ficient fixtures for high-efficiency pack for its water supply. Receiving Water Conservation depends on replacements. Installing high ef- only sixteen inches of average ficiency fixtures not only conserves precipitation annually, Bozeman is each and every one of us deciding to use less water in and around our water but can result in energy and considered semi-arid and drought cost savings for homeowners as prone. Shifting climate patterns are homes and businesses. Roughly fifty percent of total household water use well. Simply swapping out one toilet likely to cause our water supplies to in your home for a high efficiency become less reliable. In the future, in Bozeman goes to outdoor water- ing of lawns and landscapes. These model can save 13,000 gallons of more moisture is expected to arrive water per year. as rain instead of snow, and warmer landscapes are important to our temperatures will lead to earlier quality of life, but their value can be The City of Bozeman offers rebate peak flows and drier summers. Plus, maintained while using less water. incentives to Bozeman water cus- with Bozeman’s growing population, Outdoor water use can be reduced tomers for installing high-efficiency more people will need more water, by installing drought tolerant plants irrigation system products and in- and eventually these supplies won’t in your landscape, adding mulch to door fixtures (such as toilets, show- be enough. erheads, and clothes washers). The City also has water conservation tips In 2013, the City of Bozeman and resources available on its web- adopted an Integrated Water site to help everyone do their part to Resources Plan to guide Bozeman’s conserve our limited water supplies. Images: City of Bozeman water supply and use practices for By using less water in and around the next 50 years. The Plan estimates homes and businesses, you are help- that if current water uses are not re- ing to ensure a reliable water supply duced, Bozeman’s demand for water Indoor rebate for the future and leaving more and outdoor will exceed available supply around water in our rivers and streams for 2036, or when the City’s population water use efficiency downstream neighbors and the over- exceeds 62,000. The Plan recognizes outreach all benefit to the environment. the finite nature of Bozeman’s water examples.

Chapter 10: Living in an Urban Environment | 33 Urban Stormwater Runoff Definition of Urban Stormwater Runoff Historically, cities across the country had one thought in mind regarding What is it? Where does it go? Why does it matter? urban stormwater runoff manage- Urban stormwater runoff Urban stormwater runoff Urban stormwater runoff results from rain that dumps into local rivers picks up pollutants as it ment: reduce flood risk by sending falls on and flows over after traveling through a flows, such as trash, dog stormwater to rivers, lakes, and impervious surfaces, network of inlets, manholes, waste, lawn fertilizers, oceans as fast possible. As a result, such as roads, rooftops, and underground pipes. metals, sediment, cities designed and constructed driveways, and parking Wastewater treatment soaps, and oils that can extensive infrastructure systems lots, commonly found in plants do not receive or negatively affect the urban environments. treat urban stormwater health of local rivers capable of moving large quantities of runoff in Montana. once discharged. urban stormwater runoff, success- fully reducing flood risk. However, unbeknown to cities at the time, the connection established between urban landscapes and water bodies resulted in unforeseen water qual- ity impacts to our nation’s surface waters. Today, cities’ priorities are much different. Flood control, the quantity side of urban stormwater runoff, is still important, especially consider- ing the aged and degraded condi- tion of the nation’s infrastructure. Photo: City of Bozeman Photo: However, City officials across the Stormwater infrastructure maintenance. country are increasingly paying more attention to the quality side of rapidly, replacing historically rural some cases, do not do in your yard, urban stormwater runoff, developing and natural landscapes with roads, driveway, field, or garden can have a ratepayer funded stormwater pro- buildings, and parking lots. This meaningful impact. Simple behaviors grams that work to mitigate harmful growth is increasing the quantity that can make a difference include: environmental impacts within their and decreasing the quality of urban • Never dump anything into a storm boundaries. stormwater runoff, requiring local drain leaders to take action. • Never over fertilize, especially The cities and towns found through- right before rain events out the Gallatin Valley are no excep- One such example is the City of • Pick up dog waste and litter tion. Local communities are growing Bozeman, whose elected officials took proactive steps in 2015 by sup- • Fix vehicle drips and leaks porting the development of a 15- • Clean up spills Did you know? year $18 million effort to improve • Sweep, collect, and dispose grass clippings blown into the street A relationship exists between the the management of its stormwater amount of impervious area and the system. Work to date includes de- • Dispose old paints, chemicals, and volume of urban stormwater runoff graded pipe repair and replacement, cleaners at designated sites flowing from a given area. infrastructure maintenance, treat- • Maintain clean construction sites Undeveloped areas with extensive ment project installation, develop- • Maintain vegetated buffer strips vegetation and little impervious area ment standard implementation, and between your property and generate small quantities of urban targeted community outreach. waterways stormwater runoff, because falling • Report pollution events to local rain is able to soak into the ground. Although beneficial, Bozeman’s work Developed areas with little is not enough. The local rivers we all vegetation and extensive impervious cherish need your help. The Gallatin Theofficials biggest thing you can do to area generate large quantities of Valley’s waterways require individ- help is to be conscious of the direct urban stormwater runoff, because connection between your property falling rain does not soak into the ual citizen assistance to stay healthy and local rivers. We all live upstream ground. whether you live in an urban envi- ronment or not. What you do or, in and downstream from someone.

34 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Big Sky Country Living: Backyards, Barnyards, and Beyond

Contributed by Jennifer Mohler, Gallatin-Big Sky Weed Committee Montanans are rightfully proud of their agricultural heritage. While the Protecting Riparian Areas land base in the county is still primarily agricultural, the number of large and Water Resources farms and ranches has decreased as the population in the unincorporated The way in which today’s parts of Gallatin County continues to grow. This means that many people landowners manage their property living in rural parts of the county are relative newcomers. If you live near a directly affects not only the health of farm or ranch, be aware that your proximity to farm and ranch operations their family and livestock, but also requires special tolerance and additional obligations as a neighbor. Odors, their neighbors, community, and our dust, noise and slow-moving machinery are all facets of maintaining a robust watershed. As stewards of the land, agricultural economy. Being a good neighbor means respecting the land and we can greatly influence the health the people who share the land. and vitality of our land simply by For more information on what it means to live in Big Sky Country, the way we manage it. The need for a sustainable supply of clean water check out the Code of the West at gallatin.mt.gov is universal, and every landowner Irrigation Canals whether urban, suburban, or rural, has an impact on water resources. Irrigation canals (sometimes • No water use out of a canal referred to as ditches) are an or ditch is allowed without a Managing Runoff important part of our rural and valid water right. This includes One of the most effective ways to urban landscape. Irrigation practices diverting water with pumps or maintaining water quality is putting have important seasonal effects on dams, constructing ponds, or space between human activities and groundwater levels. Here are some taking water in any way. streams and wetlands. Maintaining aspects of features you should be healthy riparian vegetation is the • Canals require routine aware of: most effective way to trap sediment maintenance. If a canal does cross and pollution before it enters • High groundwater tables and your property, be aware that there surface waters. Vegetative cover also is a conveyance or maintenance provides erosion control and flood season is entirely likely on easement for the canal, and access management benefits, as well as adjacentflooding duringproperties. peak irrigation for maintenance equipment to affording habitat for fish and wildlife. easily pass through must be • Some canals are used seasonally, Depending on where you live and maintained. So, construct fences so dumping leaves, grass clippings the size of the waterway, you should accordingly. Also, do not plant or yard waste into the ditch may consider providing a buffer of one or trees or shrubs alongside the more of the following types: canal, they will likely be removed when canals are cleaned. – NRCS yourobstruct own water property! flow and cause Riparian forest buffers unintended flooding – perhaps on recommends forest buffers (trees and/or shrubs) adjacent to streams, Is it a ditch or a stream? lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Riparian Contact: buffers are tailored to the type • Gallatin Conservation District (406) 282-4350 or stream channel and size of the active • Gallatin County Planning Office floodplain. (406) 582-3130 Filter strips – These grass strips or Do I have a valid water right to the other permanent vegetation at the ditch that crosses my property? edge of a cropped field or animal Contact: • MT Dept. of Natural Resources & confinement area are intended to Conservation (406) 586-3136 or catch sediment and runoff before it • Association of Gallatin Agricultural enters a stream.

Photo: USDA-NRCS USDA-NRCS Photo: Irrigators at AGAIMT.com

Chapter 11: Big Sky Country Living: Backyards, Barnyards, and Beyond | 35 Livestock Management Water Gap Livestock management or the lack of it can have a tremendous A water gap is a controlled access point to a stream impact on the vitality of any that limits the impact on riparian or wetland area on your the resource. The path to property. It can have impacts on the gap should be gently your neighbors downstream as sloped and stabilized with well. When pastured in a stream gravel and construction corridor, animals can cause fabric. You may need a 310 permit to create a extensive damage to riparian water gap, so contact the areas (overgrazing, streambank Gallatin Conservation erosion) if left unmanaged. District if you are Manure from livestock can be considering this. washed or even deposited directly USDA-NRCS Photo: into the stream, allowing bacteria Manure Makes Mud and pathogens to enter waterways. Research is clear on the negative To keep streambank vegetation effect of muddy conditions on animal healthy and restore degraded You have a direct impact on health. Mud harbors bacteria, fungi, riparian areas: your own water sources! pathogens, and provides a breeding 1 average horse produces: • Develop off-stream water sources ground for insects. It results in slick, 40-50 pounds of manure per day (troughs, etc.) unsafe footing for the animals and the or 16,500 pounds per year. runoff is damaging to fish and streams • Create water gaps and gravel pad by introducing excess sediment, 12 gallons of urine per day or crossings 4,400 gallons of urine per year. nutrients, and pathogens. Manage • Consider excluding livestock from animal waste properly by collecting It can add up! riparian areas with fencing and composting. Composting reduces 4 horses produce: volume, kills parasites and weed seeds, • Plant willows and other shrubs 30 tons of manure per year and to control erosion and reestablish reduces odor, and provides slow- 17,500 gallons of urine per year. release fertilizer and soil amendment. That’s enough urine to fill a 15 x Remember to locate manure piles and 30 foot swimming pool! • fishContact and thewildlife Gallatin habitat Conservation drylot (sacrifice) areas away from District for more information. wells and streams – at least 150 feet.

What Is a Drylot? Photos: Jennifer Mohler Jennifer Photos: A drylot is a part of your land that you sacrifice so the rest Grass filter strips surrounding drylots help trap sediment of your land can grow grass! Sacrifice areas or drylots allow and nutrients, resulting in cleaner water. landowners to keep animals off pastures to avoid overgrazing, soil compaction, and damage during wet weather.

36 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Photo: Jennifer Mohler Jennifer Photo:

Pasture Management inches tall and rotate to another Pasture Irrigation For small acreage landowners with pasture. Don’t regraze that pasture until the grasses have regrown grazing animals, water determines Identify what types of grasses you what kind and how much forage to 6-8 inches tall. If your grasses have in the pasture. They are often is available for your animals. haven’t regrown, it’s time to feed planted with introduced species hay (the cheapest form of weed that require additional water and The number and kind of animals fertilizer to keep them productive. combined with land management control). practices determine your impact • The biggest mistake landowners on water resources. A healthy make is putting too many animals stand of grass is your best defense on too few acres. If you have Noxious Weeds against weeds and the best way to limited acreage, and/or dryland Invasive weeds are the greatest protect soil and water resources. pastures, face the fact that your threat to Montana’s environment. Overgrazing can lead to unhealthy pastures will be used primarily Currently, Montana has grass, weed infestations, soil for exercise and plan to feed hay approximately 7.6 million precious compaction, and heavier parasite year-round. acres infested with state-listed loads. Continuous overgrazing Fertilizing noxious weeds, and several new and eventually kills your grass. To Over fertilizing does not improve potentially devastating invaders maintain healthy pastures: plant growth and can damage grass knocking on the door at our borders. • Identify what is growing on your roots, and harms water quality. Noxious weeds, or invasive plant land. Some grasses may not offer Nitrogen and phosphorus are species, have widespread impacts good forage, and many weeds are easily washed into surface waters, such as: poisonous. increasing nutrient loads that cause Reducing agricultural production • Develop a rotational grazing excess algae growth which depletes system so that only a portion of the oxygen needed by other aquatic Reducing property values the pasture is grazed at one time, organisms. To reduce impacts to Decreasing biodiversity and disrupt allowing the remaining pasture water resources and maintain a ecosystems healthy lawn: areas to rest. This improves long- Displacing native species term production and reduces • Test your soil and fertilize only in Increasing soil erosion and bank weed invasions. the amounts needed and at the failure and clog waterways • Follow the take half, leave half right time. Increasing the severity and principle to ensure pastures are Apply manure and fertilizer • frequency of wildfires sustainable. In general, begin when plants are actively growing grazing when grasses are 6-8 (don’t apply on wet soils or frozen Further threatening endangered inches tall, stop when they are 4 ground). and rare species. Do your part to control noxious For more information on sustainable grazing practices, visit: weeds on your property and adopt “clean recreational habits” to ensure • Montana State University Extension: animalrangeextension.montana.edu/ that what we love so much about range/grazing-management.html Montana is not destroyed in our • Horses for Clean Water: horsesforcleanwater.com/horse-keeping pursuit of experiencing it.

Chapter 11: Big Sky Country Living: Backyards, Barnyards, and Beyond | 37 Noxious Weeds

Spotted knapweed. Houndstounge - TOXIC Canada thistle. Musk thistle. Hoary alyssum - TOXIC to horses and cattle. to horses. Property owners are required by kill insects by damaging the Aquatic Invasive Species state law to control noxious weeds central nervous system and can Invasive species are not limited have the same effect on fish and to the land, there are also aquatic on their property wildlife. Herbicides interfere with (MCA 7-22-2116). invasive species. Public waters and photosynthesis or alter plant growth. lands, and the limitless recreational Some 32 different weeds in Gallatin If improperly applied, herbicides opportunities they provide, drive County warrant control and can easily be transported by runoff our economy and serve as the management. Management methods or groundwater, potentially harming foundation for our unparalleled include: biological control, mowing, non-target plants in other areas. quality of life, and active stewardship hand pulling, and herbicide spraying. Pesticide management tips include: of these resources directly benefits Landowners contemplating activities • Do not mix or dispose of lawn everyone. If you fish or boat in that will disturb the land (such as chemicals near wells or surface Montana, get informed and follow road building) are reminded that water. these three steps: a Noxious Weed Management and your boat and equipment Revegetation Plan may be required • Don’t spray in wetlands or Clean every time you use it, especially if from the Gallatin County Weed riparian areas. Look into biological you plan to move it to a new location. Department. and mechanical control options for these areas. all standing water, including Here are some simple actions to help Drain any that may be left in the engine’s prevent the introduction and spread • Avoid applying when wind speeds cooling system, live wells, and bilge of invasive species: are >5 mph, during extreme temperatures, and when rain is in areas. Learn to identify invasive species. the forecast. Dry everything that has come into Remove plants & mud from boots, • Read and follow label guidelines. contact with water. gear, pets, & vehicles. Need assistance? Contact the Clean your gear before entering and Gallatin County Weed Control leaving the trails. District. Stay on designated roads and trails. Use certified or local firewood and For additional information on invasive species, check out these sites: hay. Plant only non-invasive plants in Terrestrial Invasive Species your garden (go native and help our • Gallatin County Weed Department: gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/ pollinators!), and remove any known Public_Documents/gallatincomt_weed/weeddept invasive plants. • Gallatin-Big Sky Weed Committee: bigskyweeds.org • Montana Weed Control Association: mtweed.org Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways. Aquatic Invasive Species Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Pesticide Management • • Montana Mussel Response: musselresponse.mt.gov Surface and groundwater can easily • Clean, Drain, Dry protocols: fwp.mt.gov/cleandraindryfwp.mt.gov/fishandwildlife/species/ais be polluted by improperly applied and stored pesticides. Insecticides

38 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Watershed Restoration Success Begins with Partnerships and Planning

Contributed by Tammy Swinney, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Water moves through every crevice of our daily lives. While the importance of water to human life is paramount, we often assume that abundant supplies of clean water will always be available.

This assumption is challenged by the and identifying restoration projects. WRPs for the Gallatin Watershed: reality of rising demands for supply Activities implemented from a WRP The Upper Gallatin WRP, developed and diversifying threats of pollution. can essentially lead to improved by the Gallatin River Task Force Locally, it is the responsibility of each water quality for a stream that (GRTF), and the Lower Gallatin WRP, of us to do our part to ensure that we was once impaired by one or more developed by the Greater Gallatin pass on the legacy of abundant, clean pollution sources. There are two Watershed Council (GGWC). water to future generations in our watershed and those downstream. But where do we start? How do we identify waters that may be impacted by pollution? What is the process necessary for community action? Who needs to be involved in the restoration of those waters? The answers are simple and, yet, complex at the same time: partnerships and planning are the key to restoration success and improving water quality. There are standards for surface water quality in Montana to ensure our waters meet important beneficial, uses for aquatic life, drinking water, etc. Unfortunately, many streams and rivers in the Gallatin Watershed have water quality impairments that prevent them from fully supporting some, or all, of those important uses. Since many of the pollution problems affecting these waterways are a result of nonpoint source pollution (pollution from many different sources spread diffusely over the landscape), it can be overwhelming or even ineffective for one entity to attempt to restore and improve water quality in these streams. Besides, where do you begin? Watershed Restoration Plans Enter the watershed restoration Source: RESPEC Consulting & Services. RESPEC Consulting Source: plan (WRP). A WRP is a guidance Lower Gallatin Watershed divided into four watershed restoration tool for improving water quality planning areas – Bozeman, East, North and West.

Chapter 12: Watershed Restoration Success Begins with Partnerships and Planning | 39 Photo: KristyPhoto: Burt Lynn Stephanie Photo: Discussing watersheds and the importance of streamside West Fork Restoration Project: Restored streambank near the Big vegetation with Camp Big Sky in the Big Sky Community Sky Golf Course maintenance shed addressing Total Maximum Stormwater Conservation Garden. Daily Loads (TMDLs) for nutrients and sediment. Both GRTF and GGWC are locally- The GRTF, in partnership with the Story Mill Community led, nonprofit watershed groups. Big Sky Golf Course are working to Park Project – Lower Through support from the Montana improve management of the treated Gallatin Watershed Department of Environmental wastewater effluent irrigation and The Lower Gallatin WRP covers Quality (DEQ), funding was made fertilizer application on the golf the entire Gallatin Valley with 15 available to evaluate local stream course to reduce nutrient inputs streams identified with water quality conditions and set priorities for to the West Fork. Another project impairments (excess nutrients, water quality improvements. This outlined in the Upper Gallatin WRP sediment, and E. coli bacteria). With critical information was then that addresses excess nutrients this many streams, prioritizing used by each watershed group, and sediment runoff into the West potential water quality improvement working with local citizens and Fork is a large-scale restoration projects was important. GGWC held other partners, to develop a WRP project at the Big Sky Golf Course community meetings in each of the focused on the unique water quality that will enhance streamside four watershed planning areas to concerns in their portion of the (riparian) vegetation and stabilize gather landowner input tailored to Gallatin Watershed. This included streambanks at 10 sites on the West the unique needs of each area and identifying and prioritizing possible Fork. A demonstration stormwater projects were identified for future water quality improvement projects garden with interpretive signage is implementation in the WRP. along with education and outreach at the entrance of the Big Sky School. opportunities. Restoration strategies This project was completed through were identified for each stream a partnership between GRTF and the Partnerships Key to Story Mill along with restoration projects and Big Sky School District. The largest Community Park Project prioritizations. Having a completed partnership and planning effort in WRP for a watershed enables the the Upper Gallatin is the Big Sky A large, comprehensive watershed restoration project needs partners and local watershed group and other Sustainable Water Solutions Forum local stakeholder buy-in. The Story Mill partners within the watershed to (Water Forum). The Water Forum Project partners include: obtain funding from DEQ’s 319 grant is a collaborative stakeholder- The Trust for Public Land, program for the implementation of driven planning effort to identify City of Bozeman, water quality improvement projects water resource issues in the Big Sky MT Dept. of Environmental Quality, on impaired stream segments. community and develop solutions MT Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, to these issues. The outcome of Gallatin Local Water Quality District, Upper Gallatin Watershed this partnership effort is a water Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Greater Gallatin Watershed Council, Partnerships resources management plan and, as Montana State University, Water quality problems identified in part of this, the Upper Gallatin WRP Trout Unlimited, the Upper Gallatin/Big Sky WRP area will be updated to reflect the future Sacajawea Audubon, include excess nutrients, sediment needs and growth of the Big Sky NorthWestern Energy, and E. coli bacteria in the West Fork community. and numerous local water resource of the Gallatin River (West Fork). professionals.

40 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide The Story Mill Community Park Conservation Partnership Program technical and community entities project was identified as a high promotes coordination by using identified as potential partners for priority for early implementation partnerships between public and restoration projects, monitoring, and in the Lower Gallatin WRP. In 2012, private entities, local communities, education activities. They require The Trust for Public Land in col- and non-governmental organiza- partnerships with landowners laboration with numerous partners tions to invest in conservation. In be formed in order to implement undertook a comprehensive effort to the Lower Gallatin Watershed, the on-the-ground restoration projects transform the 60-acres in the histori- Gallatin Valley Land Trust is the lead with successful outcomes. They cal Story Mill area, located less than partner working with more than a encourage regular review of the two miles from Bozeman’s down- dozen local and regional organiza- WRP to evaluate progress and town core, into a unique city park. tions to help agricultural producers revisit established goals to measure This included the ecological restora- and private landowners establish progress and adapt to changes in the tion of the Story Mill wetlands com- conservation easements and imple- watershed. When it comes to success plex, doubling the existing wetland ment stream and watershed restora- in watershed restoration efforts, it acreage to 14 acres; restoring fluvial tion projects to improve water qual- really does take a village. processes along a half-mile of the ity, water quantity, and soil health East Gallatin River; creating green on private land in the Gallatin Valley; infrastructure for water quality many of which are identified in the improvements at Bozeman Creek; Lower Gallatin WRP along Camp Watershed Restoration Project Implementation and reconnecting over 2.5 acres of Creek and the East Gallatin River. floodplain to Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin River. The result is the Why Watershed Restoration protection of on-site natural pro- Plans are Key to Success cesses necessary for a functioning WRPs are successful for several riparian and wetland system. reasons. They evolve from local input Gallatin Valley Conservation based on unique issues and concerns Partnership for an area. They provide guidance on project prioritization, short-, This Natural Resources Conservation mid-, and long-term milestones Service (NRCS) Regional to evaluate success. They include Photo: Maddy Pope Photo: Stream bank restoration on the East Gallatin River at Story Mill Community Park. Photo: Gallatin Valley Land Trust Land Valley Gallatin Photo: Pivot irrigation efficiency upgrade completed simultaneously with a conservation easement through Gallatin Valley Conservation Partnership.

Chapter 12: Watershed Restoration Success Begins with Partnerships and Planning | 41 Permitting and Regulation Guide

Contributed by Debbie Earl. Updates: Leah Bellus, Gallatin Local Water Quality District

Regulations are necessary to protect one of Montana’s In an effort to facilitate the permitting process, one most precious and limited resources, water. The rivers, can use one joint application for the following permits: streams, lakes and groundwater have shaped the stories 310 Permit, Floodplain Permit, 404/Section 10, and of our rich history of mining, agriculture, recreation, 318 Authorization. Once the application is complete, and quality of life here in the Gallatin Valley. The photocopy it and put an ORIGINAL signature on each impacts of water use in the state over time have created copy and send to the appropriate agency. new stories. Tomorrow’s stories will unfold as future The joint application is titled, “Joint Application for demands on water from growing urban centers as well Proposed Work in Streams, Lakes, and Wetlands in as climate change, impact water quality and quantity. Montana” and can be accessed at dnrc.mt.gov/permits It is obligatory on Montana residents to protect this along with application instructions. resource, to fulfill current uses, and to meet the growing water demands.

It is important to understand the government’s role in Montana Water Law managing water. Montana’s water is managed through an intricate system of federal, state and local authorities. 1. Montana’s water belongs to the state for the use of Water management involves people who allocate its people. Therefore, water right holders do not own the water; they possess the right to use the water. water supplies, issue permits, regulate the resource according to state and federal laws, and enforce laws 2. Doctrine of Prior Appropriation (first in time, first in when violations occur. Management of water resources right) guides Montana’s water right system. also includes legislative and administrative decision- 3. “Use it or lose it.” A water right holder must use the making. Because every layer of government plays some water or risk losing the rights to it. part in water management, effective water management 4. The water diverted must be for a beneficial use, and requires communication and collaboration among all beneficial uses are equal under the law). diverse individuals, interest groups, and government 5. A water right is a property right and can be officials. Below is a list of common permits needed with separated from the land. activities that affect water resources. Although it is may 6. Any changes in the purpose, place of use, place of take some time to obtain these permits, it is worth it in storage, or place of diversion of water right must the long run. Additionally, fines for permit violations can first be approved by the MT Department of Natural be severe. Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Table of Permits Regulated Activity Regulation Length of Application Governing Agency Information Process & Fees (Approx.) Any activity that physically alters or modifies the bed or 310 Permit 30-60 days. Gallatin Conservation District banks of a perennial stream, river or spring. (406) 282-4350 Any activity (such as construction) that will cause 318 Permit 30-60 days. MT Department of Environmental unavoidable short-term violations of water quality $150 fee. Quality standards. (406) 444-2544 Any activity that might discharge into State or Tribal 401 Water Quality 60-90 days. MT Department of Environmental waters. Certification Fee varies by project. Quality (406) 444-2544 Any activity that will result in the excavation, discharge, 404 Permit 45-120 days. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placement of dredged or fill material into lakes, ponds, $0- $100 fee. (406) 441-1375 rivers, streams, and wetlands. Installing an on-site wastewater treatment system Septic Permit 30 days. Gallatin City-County Health Dept., Fee varies by project. Environmental Health Services (406) 582-3120

42 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Table of Permits Regulated Activity Regulation Length of Application Governing Agency Process & Fees (Approx.) Information Ponds that charge a fee for fishing or ponds for rearing and Commercial Fish $10, must renew yearly. MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks selling live fish or fish processing. Pond License Surety bond required. (406) 994-3285 Private fish pond that does not sell fish or fish eggs. Non-Commercial $10, must renew every ten MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Private Fish Pond years. (406) 994-3285 License Construction, repair, or removal of a dam that impounds 50 Downstream Hazard 60 days. DNRC Dam Safety Program acre-feet or more at the normal operating pool. Evaluation Permit $125 fee. (406) 444-6613 Any new construction within a designated 100-year County Floodplain Up to 60 working days. Gallatin County Department of floodplain. Permit Fee varies. Planning (406) 582-3130 gallatin.mt.gov City of Bozeman Planning Department (406) 582-2260 bozeman.net Land subject to being flooded by a flood of 100-year City Floodplain 60 days. City of Bozeman Engineering frequency A13, or land deemed to be subject to flooding by Permit $100 fee. Department the City of Bozeman, shall not be subdivided or developed (406) 582-2280 for building or residential purposes, or other uses that may bozeman.net increase or aggravate flood hazards to life, health or welfare, or that may be prohibited by state or local floodplain or floodway regulations. Any person intending to acquire new or additional water Water Right Permit Up to two years. DNRC Water Rights Bureau rights, or change an existing water right. and Authorization to $200-$800. (406) 444-6601 Change Groundwater appropriation of 35 gallons per minute or less, Certificate of Water File within 60 days of water DNRC Water Rights Bureau but not exceeding 10 acre-feet per year. Right being put to use. (406) 444-6601 $125 fee. Any discharges into surface water or groundwater, including Stormwater Montana Fees and processing time MT Department of Environmental those related to construction, industry, mining, and gas Pollutant Discharge vary. Quality activities. Elimination System (406) 444-2544 Permit (MPDES) Any regulated activity which may impact wetlands as Wetland Regulations City of Bozeman Planning indicated on the Bozeman Area Wetland Map or discovered Department through the development review process, and verified (406) 582-2263 through a site-specific wetlands boundary determination. bozeman.net New Subdivision regulations require development be setback Setbacks Fees are incorporated into Gallatin County Planning 300 feet from these major rivers: Gallatin, East Gallatin, West subdivision application Department Gallatin, Jefferson, Missouri, Madison and 150 from all other process. Processing time (406) 582-3130 watercourses. Watercourse mitigation plans required in order varies. gallatin.mt.gov to reduce setbacks. For setbacks established through zoning City of Bozeman ordinances contact planning department. Department of Planning and Community Development (406) 582-2260 Swampbuster provisions of the 1985 Food Security Act Wetlands NRCS (406) 587-6998 may involve penalties for USDA program participants when wetlands are altered to make it possible to produce a commodity crop. Land subject to being flooded by a flood of 100-year Floodplain Permit City of Bozeman Planning frequency A13, or land deemed to be subject to flooding by Department the City of Bozeman, shall not be subdivided or developed (406) 582-2263 for building or residential purposes, or other uses that may bozeman.net increase or aggravate flood hazards to life, health or welfare, or that may be prohibited by state or local floodplain or floodway regulations. Any regulated activity which may impact wetlands as Wetland Regulations City of Bozeman Planning indicated on the Bozeman Area Wetland Map or discovered Department through the development review process, and verified (406) 582-2263 through a site-specific wetlands boundary determination. bozeman.net Purpose is to encourage the avoidance of regulated activities within the regulated areas and to require best management practices in regulated areas.

Chapter 13: Permitting and Regulation Guide | 43 Resources Bozeman Fish Technology Center holds an annual Weed Department implements an effective noxious weed fishing derby for young anglers. (406) 587-9265 management program for the protection of the open fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/ftc.php space, natural and agricultural resources of Gallatin County. (406) 582-3265 City of Bozeman gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/Public_Documents/ gallatincomt_weed/weeddept Water Conservation. (406) 582-2280 bozeman.net/government/water-conservation Gallatin Local Water Quality District (GLWQD) works Stormwater Division. (406) 582-2270 to protect, preserve and improve groundwater and bozeman.net/government/stormwater surface water quality within the Gallatin Watershed. (406) 582-3168 Floodplain Administration glwqd.org Flood insurance is available in Gallatin County through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contact Gallatin River Task Force (GRTF) focuses their efforts your insurance agent for more information. on the water resources of Big Sky, Montana. Program areas include Watershed Monitoring, Education & City of Bozeman Engineering Division. (406) 582-2280 Outreach, and Conservation. (406) 993-2519 Gallatin County Planning Department. (406) 582-3130 gallatinrivertaskforce.org

Gallatin-Big Sky Weed Committee works to conserve Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) connects people to native plants, wildlife habitat, and water resources the landscapes through the conservation of open spaces through noxious weed education and management. and creation of trail systems. (406) 587-8404 (406) 209-0905 gvlt.org bigskyweeds.org Montana Aquatic Resources Services (MARS) works Gallatin County to identify and implement aquatic restoration projects that enhance stream and wetland functions, conserve City-County Environmental Health Department reviews clean water, and improve fish and wildlife habitat. and permits septic and sanitation proposals for solid montanaaquaticresources.org waste and wastewater treatment under the Montana Sanitation in Subdivisions Act. (406) 582-3120 Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) healthygallatin.org maintains the Groundwater Information Center (GWIC) Conservation District administers the Natural Streambed database. Data include well completion records, well and Land Preservation Act, issuing “310” permits performance and water level measurements, and water necessary for any alteration of a perennial waterways in quality reports. (406) 496-4167 mbmg.mtech.edu Gallatin County. (406) 282-4350 gallatincd.org Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). (406) 444-2544 deq.mt.gov Extension is a statewide educational outreach network that applies unbiased, research-based university Computer Recycling & E-Waste Disposal Options. resources to pratical needs identified by the people of deq.mt.gov/Recycle/Electronics/index.asp Montana in their home communities. (406) 582-3280 Design Standards for Septic Systems. (406) 444-4969 msuextension.org/gallatin Enforcement Division. (406) 444-0379 Health Department is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of county citizens and the Nonpoint Source Program 319 Grant Information. environment through the efforts of dedicated and skilled deq.mt.gov/wqinfo/nonpoint/Grants/319Grants.asp employees and application of sound public health Public Water Supply is responsible for assuring that the principle. (406) 582-3120 public health is maintained through technical review, healthygallatin.org licensing, certifications, compliance monitoring, training and technical assistance related to public water supply systems. (406) 444-4400 deq.mt.gov/Water/PWSUB/pws

44 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Resources Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund. (406) 444-5324 Montana Natural Heritage Map Viewer: Wetland and Riparian Mapping. Water Protection Bureau issues permit authorizations mtnhp.org/mapviewer for stormwater discharges associated with industrial or construction activities and municipal storm sewer systems. (406) 444-3080 Montana State University Extension Water Quality works to address the broad spectrum of water quality deq.mt.gov/Water/WPB/mpdes/stormwater education and information needs of a diverse audience Water Quality Planning Bureau. (406) 444-6697 throughout Montana and its neighboring states through Watershed Management Section TMDL Program research, education, and outreach. (406) 994-7381 identifies sources of nonpoint source pollution to waterquality.montana.edu Montana’s streams and writes pollution reduction plans that can guide local communities in finding solutions to Montana Water Court has exclusive jurisdiction over restore and maintain clean water. (406) 444-6697 the adjudication of water rights claims. (406) 586-4364 deq.mt.gov/Water/WQPB/tmdl courts.mt.gov/water

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Montana Weed Control Association works Conservation (DNRC) towards strengthening and supporting noxious weed management efforts in Montana. (406) 684-5590 Bozeman Water Resources Regional Office. mtweed.org (406) 586-3136 dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/water-rights/ Natural Resources Information System (NRIS), Water water-resources-regional-offices Information Systems is the starting point for finding Water Rights Bureau. water resources information in Montana, such as data on dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/water-rights surface water, groundwater, water quality, riparian areas, wetlands, water rights, climate data and more. Water Rights in Montana information booklet. geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/geography/ dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/water-rights/docs/2014- water_information_system water_rights_in_mt_handbook.pdf Trout Unlimited, Montana Water Project. Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issues fishing (406) 522-7291 and hunting licenses and co-leads the Montana Mussel A Buyer’s Guide to Montana Water Rights. Response Team. (406) 444-2535 waterquality.montana.edu/resources/files_images/A_ fwp.mt.gov Buyers_Guide_MontanaWaterRights.pdf Montana FWP Future Fisheries Improvement Program. fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/habitat/fish/ Trust for Public Land (TPL) helps raise funds for futureFisheries conservation, protects and restores natural spaces, collaborates with communities to plan, design, and Noxious Weeds. create parks, playgrounds, gardens, and trails; they work fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/habitat/noxiousWeeds with communities to ensure that development happens Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program. (406) 727-7400 for them, and not to them. (406) 522-7450 fws.gov/mountain-prairie/PFW/montana tpl.org

Montana Land Reliance partners with private United States Department of Agriculture, Farm landowners to permanently protect agricultural lands, Service Agency, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fish and wildlife habitat, and open space. (406) 443-7027 - rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish mtlandreliance.org long-term, resource-conserving cover on eligible land. Gallatin Co. Farm Service Agency Service Center. Montana Mussel Alert provides guidance on preventing (406) 522-4000 the spread of aquatic mussels, helps locate inspection fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/ stations, and maintains a reporting hotline. conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program (406) 444-2440 musselresponse.mt.gov

Resources | 45 Resources Common Measures United States Department of Agriculture, Natural 1 cfs (cubic foot per second) = 7.48 gallons/second Resources Conservation Service. = 448.8 gallons/minute (406) 587-6811 = 40 miner’s inches mt.nrcs.usda.gov = 646,272 gallons/day = 1.98 acre-feet/day Environmental Quality Incentive Program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural 1 acre-foot = volume of water that covers an acre producers in order to address natural resource concerns to a depth of 1 foot and deliver environmental benefits such as improved = 43,560 cubic feet water and air quality, conserved ground and surface = 325,851 gallons water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or supplies a family of 5 for 1 year improved or created wildlife habitat. nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/mt/programs/ financial/eqip Riparian & Floodplain Management. nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/mt/water/ resources/?cid=nrcs144p2_057479 Water Quality. nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/ quality Web Soil Survey. nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/survey Wetland Reserve Easements. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private landowners and Indian tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through the purchase of a wetland reserve easement. (406) 587-6748 nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mt/programs/ easements/acep/?cid=nrcseprd400837

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Wildlife Program (Private Lands Program), National Wetland Inventory funds projects that create, enhance or restore wetlands and provides technical assistance to private landowners. (406) 761-5450 fws.gov/

US Geologicalwetlands Survey (USGS). (406) 441-1319 mt.water.usgs.gov National Water Info System provides current Water Data for the Nation. waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt

46 | Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook: A Resident’s Guide Water Glossary Aquifer: a sand, gravel or rock formation capable of Irrigation return flow: irrigation water not consumed storing or conveying water below the surface of the land. and returned to a surface or groundwater supply.

Avulsion: the action of pulling or tearing away. Murphy Right: special instream flow water rights recognized in 1969 when an instream flow protection a group of bacteria predominantly Coliform bacteria: bill was passed by the Montana legislature to protect the inhabiting the intestines of man and animal but also unappropriated waters of 12 high-priority trout streams. found in soil. Coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of the possible presence of pathogenic Nonpoint source: entry of a pollutant into a water body organisms. from widespread or diffuse sources with no definite point of entry. The source is not a readily discernible a unit expressing rate of Cubic feet per second (cfs): point like a discharge pipe. discharge, typically used in measuring stream flow. One cfs is equal to the discharge in a stream of a cross-section Ordinary high-water mark: the line that water one foot wide and one foot deep, flowing with an average impresses on land by covering it for sufficient periods to velocity of one foot per second. cause physical characteristics that distinguish the area below the line from the area above it. Dewatered: natural flow of streams reduced due to withdrawals. Permeable: the capacity of porous rock, sediment or soil to transmit water. Erosivity: the capacity of a soil or land surface to be worn down or washed away by the action of water, ice or Riparian areas: land areas adjacent to water that are wind. identified by the presence of vegetation requiring large amounts of water, normally available from a high water any normally dry land area that is Floodplain: table. Common riparian vegetation includes sedges, susceptible to being inundated by water from any willows, alders and/or cottonwoods. natural source. Siltation: particles of soil smaller than sand but larger the channel of a river or stream and those Floodway: than clay particles that are washed into streams and may parts of the adjacent floodplain adjoining the channel impair biological and physical processes. that are required to carry and discharge the base flood. Snowpack: the winter accumulation of snow. Groundwater: water in porous materials beneath the ground surface. Transmissivity: the rate at which water passes through an aquifer. Hydric soil: a soil that, in its undrained condition, is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the Tributary: a stream that contributes its water to growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that another stream or body of water. favor the growth of water-loving plants. Water budget: the accounting of the inflows and Hydrograph: a record showing the changes in flow of outflows of water to and from a system. a river over time, or change in groundwater level over the upper level of a saturated zone in an time. Water table: aquifer below the soil surface. Hyporheic Zone: transition zone between groundwater The land area from which rainfall and and surface water. An ecologically important component Watershed: snowmelt drains into a single waterbody. Ridges of of streams and rivers. higher ground generally form the watershed boundary. Instream flow: the water left in a stream to maintain the removing water from surface or existing aquatic resources and associated wildlife and Withdrawals: groundwater sources in order to use it elsewhere. riparian habitat.

Water Glossary | 47 Contributors and Acknowledgments

The first edition of the Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook was an outgrowth of a symposium held at the Museum of the Rockies in October 1996, entitled “Know Your Watershed: The Gallatin”. The workshop was presented under a unique partnership of local groups interested in public education and natural resources conservation. Since then, our watershed landscape continues to change along with an ever-growing population. New and existing residents enjoy the way of life, recreational opportunities, and the natural and cultural amenities our watershed provides. The Gallatin Watershed Sourcebook continues to be updated so that residents have access to current water resource information. This third edition Sourcebook is the result of contributions made by numerous local partners. Third Edition Contributions by: Jessica Ahlstrom, City of Bozeman Leah Bellus, Gallatin Local Water Quality District/Big Sky Watershed Corps Peter Brown, Gallatin Valley Land Trust Lucas Cain, Gallatin Valley Land Trust Lori Christenson, Gallatin County Environmental Health Services Torie Haraldson, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Kyle Mehrens, City of Bozeman Christine Miller, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Jen Mohler, Gallatin-Big Sky Weed Committee Rob Pudner, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District Nikki Sandve, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Tammy Swinney, Gallatin Local Water Quality District Graphic designer: Mary Myers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Edited by: Leah Bellus, Gallatin Local Water Quality District/Big Sky Watershed Corps The following individuals provided invaluable data or assistance: Karin Boyd, Applied Geomorphology, Inc. Frank Dougher, Gallatin County GIS Department Susan Duncan, Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators; Greater Gallatin Watershed Council Kristin Gardner, Gallatin River Task Force Mary Hendrix, Gallatin Conservation District Maddy Pope, The Trust for Public Lands Tony Thatcher, DTM Consulting, Inc. Funding provided by: City of Bozeman Stormwater Program

Gallatin County Environmental Health Services GallatinDNRC Water County Management Solid Waste Bureau Management District Gallatin Local Water Quality District Gallatin River Task Force Gallatin Valley Land Trust

The Trust for Public Lands Gallatin Conservation District and DNRC’s HB223 Conservation District Grant Program

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2017