DOCSLIB.ORG

Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan Final - Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan December 2014 Steve Bullock, Governor Tracy Stone-Manning, Director DEQ Document Number C05-TMDL-04aF Prepared by: Water Quality Planning Bureau Watershed Management Section Contributors: Water Quality Planning Bureau Watershed Management Section Mindy McCarthy, Nutrients Project Manager Christian Schmidt, Previous Nutrients Project Manager Jordan Tollefson, Project Coordinator and Temperature Project Manager Information Management and Technical Services Section Kyle Flynn, Project Modeler Mike Van Liew, Previous Modeler U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Peter Brumm, Metals Project Manager Montana Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Planning Bureau 1520 E. Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901 Suggested citation: Montana DEQ and U.S. EPA Region 8. 2014. Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan. Helena, MT: Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEQ would like to acknowledge multiple entities for their contributions in the development of the TMDLs contained in this document. This project was a joint effort with the Montana Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DEQ would like to thank the EPA staff that contributed to the completion of this project. Peter Brumm was a vital member of this project, serving as the project manager for the metals TMDLs in Section 6.0 and authoring Section 2.0, the Bitterroot Watershed Project Area Description, as well as creating all maps contained in Appendix A. DEQ would also like to thank Jessica Clarke with our Monitoring and Assessment Section who conducted water quality monitoring in support of the metals and nutrients TMDLs; and Carrie Greeley, an administrative assistant, for her time and effort formatting this document. A consulting firm, Tetra Tech, Inc., provided support with temperature field data collection, data analysis, and modeling for Mill Creek, and authored Section 7.0 in the document, as well as authored Attachment A, Modeling Water Temperature in Mill Creek. DEQ would also like to thank the Bitterroot Water Forum and Gil Gale from the Bitterroot National Forest for their input and assistance throughout development of these TMDLs. Draft versions of source assessment reports and this document were sent to stakeholders for review and input. The involvement of all reviewers led to improvements in this document and is greatly appreciated. Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan – Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronym List ................................................................................................................................................ xi Document Summary ............................................................................................................................... DS-1 1.0 Project Overview .................................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Why We Write TMDLs ...................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Water Quality Impairments and TMDLs Addressed by this Document ........................................... 1-2 1.3 What This Document Contains ........................................................................................................ 1-6 2.0 Bitterroot Watershed Project Area Description .................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Physical Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.2 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 Geology ..................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.4 Soil ............................................................................................................................................. 2-2 2.1.5 Surface Water ........................................................................................................................... 2-3 2.1.6 Groundwater ............................................................................................................................. 2-4 2.1.7 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 2-4 2.2 Ecological Characteristics ................................................................................................................. 2-5 2.2.1 Ecoregion .................................................................................................................................. 2-5 2.2.2 Fire ............................................................................................................................................ 2-6 2.2.3 Aquatic and Terrestrial Life ....................................................................................................... 2-7 2.3 Cultural Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 2-7 2.3.1 Population ................................................................................................................................. 2-7 2.3.2 Transportation Networks .......................................................................................................... 2-8 2.3.3 Land Ownership ........................................................................................................................ 2-8 2.3.4 Land Cover and Use .................................................................................................................. 2-9 2.3.5 Point Sources .......................................................................................................................... 2-10 3.0 Montana Water Quality Standards ...................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Stream Classifications and Designated Beneficial Uses ................................................................... 3-1 3.2 Numeric and Narrative Water Quality Standards ............................................................................ 3-3 4.0 Defining TMDLs and Their Components .............................................................................................. 4-1 4.1 Developing Water Quality Targets ................................................................................................... 4-2 4.2 Quantifying Pollutant Sources ......................................................................................................... 4-2 4.3 Establishing the Total Allowable Load ............................................................................................. 4-3 4.4 Determining Pollutant Allocations ................................................................................................... 4-3 12/3/2014 Final i Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan – Table of Contents 4.5 Implementing TMDL Allocations ...................................................................................................... 4-5 5.0 Nutrient TMDL Components ................................................................................................................ 5-1 5.1 Nutrient Effects on Beneficial Uses .................................................................................................. 5-1 5.2 Stream Segments of Concern .......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.3 Water Quality Assessment Method and Information Sources ........................................................ 5-3 5.4 Water Quality Targets ...................................................................................................................... 5-4 5.4.1 Nutrient Water Quality Standards ............................................................................................ 5-4 5.4.2 Nutrient Target Values .............................................................................................................. 5-4 5.4.3 Existing Conditions and Comparison to Targets ....................................................................... 5-7 5.4.4 Nutrient TMDL Development Summary ................................................................................. 5-18 5.5 Source Assessment, TMDL, and Allocation Approaches ................................................................ 5-19 5.5.1 Source Assessment Approach ................................................................................................. 5-19 5.5.2 TMDL and Allocation Approach .............................................................................................. 5-23 5.6 Source Assessments, TMDLs, and Allocations for Each Stream..................................................... 5-26 5.6.1 Threemile Creek .....................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Abandoned-Inactive Mines on Bitterroot National Forest-Administered Land
    Abandoned-Inactive Mines on Bitterroot National Forest-Administered Land Map of the Curlew Mine by Rick Schmidt in MBMG mineral property files Open-File Report MBMG 484 Phyllis A. Hargrave Catherine McDonald Michael D. Kerschen John J. Metesh Robert Wintergerst Prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service-Region 1 Abandoned-Inactive Mines on Bitterroot National Forest-Administered Land Open-File Report MBMG 484 October 2003 Phyllis A. Hargrave Catherine McDonald Michael D. Kerschen John J. Metesh Robert Wintergerst Prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service-Region 1 CONTENTS Page LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................ iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................1 1.1 Project Objectives ....................................................1 1.2 Abandoned and Inactive Mines Defined . 2 1.3 Health and Environmental Problems at Mines . 2 1.3.1 Acid Mine Drainage ...........................................3 1.3.2 Solubilities of Selected Metals ...................................3 1.3.3 The Use of pH and SC to Identify Problems . 5 1.4 Methodology ........................................................5 1.4.1 Data Sources .................................................5 1.4.2 Pre-Field Screening............................................6 1.4.3 Field Screening ...............................................7 1.4.4 Field Methods ................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Petrography of the Kootenai Creek Area Bitterroot Range Montana
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1954 Petrography of the Kootenai Creek area Bitterroot Range Montana Sidney Lavern Groff The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Groff, Sidney Lavern, "Petrography of the Kootenai Creek area Bitterroot Range Montana" (1954). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 7600. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/7600 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PET ROGRAPHY OF THE KOOTENAI CREEK AREA, BITTERROOT RANGE, MONTANA by Sidney L. Groff B. A., Montana State University, 1941 Pr« (sented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY 1954 Approved by; üK&irmasry board ot Exainers Deani Graduate Schol z ____ uate UMI Number: EP38401 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMT UMI EP38401 Published by ProQuest LLC (2013). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Authoi Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC, All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • Final - Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan
    Final - Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan December 2014 Steve Bullock, Governor Tracy Stone-Manning, Director DEQ Document Number C05-TMDL-04aF Prepared by: Water Quality Planning Bureau Watershed Management Section Contributors: Water Quality Planning Bureau Watershed Management Section Mindy McCarthy, Nutrients Project Manager Christian Schmidt, Previous Nutrients Project Manager Jordan Tollefson, Project Coordinator and Temperature Project Manager Information Management and Technical Services Section Kyle Flynn, Project Modeler Mike Van Liew, Previous Modeler U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Peter Brumm, Metals Project Manager Montana Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Planning Bureau 1520 E. Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901 Suggested citation: Montana DEQ and U.S. EPA Region 8. 2014. Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan. Helena, MT: Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEQ would like to acknowledge multiple entities for their contributions in the development of the TMDLs contained in this document. This project was a joint effort with the Montana Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DEQ would like to thank the EPA staff that contributed to the completion of this project. Peter Brumm was a vital member of this project, serving as the project manager for the metals TMDLs in Section 6.0 and authoring Section 2.0, the Bitterroot Watershed Project Area Description, as well as creating all maps contained in Appendix A. DEQ would also like to thank Jessica Clarke with our Monitoring and Assessment Section who conducted water quality monitoring in support of the metals and nutrients TMDLs; and Carrie Greeley, an administrative assistant, for her time and effort formatting this document.
    [Show full text]
  • Departi4ent of the Interior United States Geological
    DEPARTI4ENT OF THE INTERIOR MISCELLANEOUS FIELD STUDIES UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MAP MF-1495-A PAMPHLET MINERAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF THE SELWAY-&IIERROOT WILDERNESS IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, AND MISSOULA AND RAVALLI COUNTIES, MONTANA By Margo L Toth and Berton W. Coxe, U.S. Geological Survey and Nicholas T. Zilka and Michael M. Hamilton, U.S. Bureau of Mines · Studies Related To Wildemess Under the proVIsions of the Wildemess Act (Public Law 88-577, September 3, 1964) and the Joint Conference Report on Senate Bill 4, 88th Congress, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been conducting mineral surveys of wilderness and primitive areas. Areas officially designated as "wildemess," "wild," or "canoe" when the act was passed were incorporated into the National Wildemess Preservation System, and some of them are presently being studied. The act provided that areas under consideration for wildemess designation should be studied for suitability for incorporation into the Wildemess System. The mineral surveys constitute one aspect of the suitability studies• . The act directs that the results of such surveys are to be made available to the public and be submitted to the President and the Congress. This report discusses the results of a mineral survey of the Selway-Bitterroot Wildemess in the Clearwater National Forest, Idaho County, Idaho; the Bitterroot National Forest, Ravalli County, Montana, and Idaho County, Idaho; the Lola National Forest, Missoula and Ravalli Counties, Montana; and the Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho County, Idaho. The Selway-Bitterroot Wildemess was establi$hed as a pr~~itive area by the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • The Historical Role of Fire on the Bitterroot National Forest Stephen F
    THE HISTORICAL ROLE OF FIRE ON THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST STEPHEN F. ARNO is an Associate Plant Ecologist on the Forest Ecosystems research work unit at Missoula. He earned a B. S. in forestry at Washington State University and a mas- ter's degree and a Ph. D. in forestry and plant science at the University of Montanabefore joining the USDA Forest Service in 1970. This study was supported by the Fire inMultiple Use Management Rcscarch, Development, and Application Pro- gram headquartered at the Northern Forest Fire 1,aborator.y in Missouln. USDA Forest Service Research Paper INT-187 December 1976 THE HISTORICAL ROLE OF FIRE ON THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST Stephen F. Arno CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION. METHODS.. 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 5 Data Base . 5 Fire Frequency. 5 Correlations Among Fire Years. 7 Extent and Severity of Fires. .I. 8 IMPLICATIONS FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT . II Effects of Fire Exclusion . 11 Means for Reducing Fuels . 12 Extrapolating Fire History, . 12 PUBLICATIONS CITED. 13 APPENDIX A--Fire Frequencies and Sample Tree Locations . , . 15 APPENDIX B--Area Covered by Individual Fires, Tolan Creek, 1900-1734 . 23 ABSTRACT Presents frequencies, intensities, and influences of fire on stand structure and composition on the Bitterroot National Forest in west- central Montana. Three study areas were established, each having a wide range of elevations and forest types. Findings are based upon study of nearly 900 individual fire scars on living trees, and on age- classes of shade-intolerant trees attributable to fire. During the period from 1600 to 1900 fires were frequent in most Biologists have long recognized that fire historically has had strong influence on the ecology of Northern Rocky Mountain forests (Intermountain Fire Research Council 1970; Habeck and Mutch 1973).
    [Show full text]
  • RC-TBID, Bitterroot Valley Tourism Strategic Plan, 2021-2025
    BITTERROOT VALLEY TOURISM STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025 MARCH 2021 RAVALLI COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (TBID) CONTENTS Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 2 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 3 I. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5 II. Bitterroot Valley Visitors ................................................................................................. 7 III. Bitterroot Valley Tourism Strengths ............................................................................ 10 IV. Tourism Challenges ...................................................................................................... 15 V. TBID Tourism Marketing Efforts and Results ............................................................. 20 VI. Tourism Values, Vision, and Goals .............................................................................. 23 VII. Partners and Roles ........................................................................................................ 24 VIII. Goals and Actions ........................................................................................................ 25 IX. Resources for Implementation .................................................................................... 31 X. Appendix A: May and August
    [Show full text]
  • Bitterroot River Subbasin Assessment for Fish and Wildlife Conservation
    BITTERROOT RIVER SUBBASIN ASSESSMENT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AUGUST 2009 A report prepared for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council This Page Intentionally Blank RESERVATION OF RIGHTS A number of agencies, groups, and entities participated in the development of this Bitterroot River Subbasin Plan, Part I (Assessment Volume), Part II (Inventory Volume), and Part III (Management Plan Volume), its appendices, and electronically linked references and information (hereafter Plan). The primary purpose of the Plan is to help direct Northwest Power Planning Council funding of projects that respond to impacts from the development and operation of the Columbia River hydropower system. Nothing in this Plan, or the participation in its development, is intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, compromise, influence, or preclude any government or agency from carrying out any past, present, or future duty or responsibility which it bears or may bear under any authority. Nothing in this Plan or the participation in its development constitutes a waiver or release of any rights, including the right to election of other remedies, or is intended to compromise, influence, or preclude any government or agency from developing and prosecuting any damage claim for those natural resource impacts identified in the Plan which are not directly and exclusively resulting from, or related to, the development and operation of the Columbia River hydropower system. Nothing in this Plan or the participation in its development is intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, waive any rights of enforcement of regulatory, adjudicatory, or police powers against potentially responsible parties for compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to natural resource damages throughout the Bitterroot River Subbasin whether or not specifically identified in this Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Bitterroot Watershed Strategy-Final
    2017 Bitterroot Strategy Clark Fork Coalition Strategy for the Bitterroot Watershed – 2017 PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to explain and update the restoration strategy of the Clark Fork Coalition in the Bitterroot watershed. This document builds on an earlier version completed by CFC staff in 2012, and better defines the current activities and near-term priorities of the Coalition in the Bitterroot. BACKGROUND: Geography. The Bitterroot River forms the southern-most tributary to the Clark Fork River, draining 2,889 square-miles in Ravalli and Missoula counties (Figures 1). The Bitterroot is the largest tributary in the middle Clark Fork Basin (larger in volume than the Blackfoot and upper Clark Fork Rivers) and its water resources are highly valued by agricultural and recreational users. This region of the state has attracted significant population growth in recent decades-- the population of Ravalli County doubled from 1980 to 2010. This trend towards suburbanization and overall population growth has increased municipal and ground water use and wastewater discharge in the Basin, putting new pressures on valley water resources. From the confluence of the East Fork and West Fork south of Darby, the Bitterroot flows 84 river miles north to its confluence with the Clark Fork in Missoula. The river flows through a 95 mile long basin and range valley that averages 7-10 miles in width. The valley bottom is comprised of broad floodplains, shallow benches and rolling foothills. The Bitterroot is unique for western MT streams due to its low gradient; losing an average of only 12 feet of elevation per mile along the length of the river.
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Driving & Hiking Recommendations
    MONTANA DRIVING & HIKING RECOMMENDATIONS From Rick Graetz – The University of Montana – Geography professor For more detailed information you can Google most of these places and use the Montana Highway Map – Places like the Trailhead outdoor shop in Missoula have Forest Service maps. Missoula Hike to McLeod Peak in the Rattlesnake Wilderness. Cross-country ski or snowshoe in the Lolo Pass area. Travelers Rest State Park at Lolo—just a mile or so up from Hwy 93 towards Lolo Pass. Hike into the Great Burn Roadless area northwest of Missoula off of I-90 – look at a Lolo National Forest map for directions – Fish Creek exit leads to one route. Bitterroot Explore the many canyons of the Bitterroot Mountains. Bitterroot Valley—south of Darby take Hwy 473 to Nez Perce Pass and hike south on the state line-Bitterroot Mountain Crest. Excellent autumn-mid October. Bitterroot Mountains—climb 10,157’ Trapper Peak - there are several routes and access the standard route from Hwy 473 that leads to Nez Perce Pass. Elevation gain is 3,800’ and the trip is 8.5 miles round-trip. Visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley. There is an excellent walking trail on the east side of the river. Hike to the summit of St. Mary Peak in the Bitterroot—it is the easiest climb in the range. Hike up Tin Cup Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains to Goat Lake, El Capitan Peak and the south side of the Como Peaks – 2 to 3 days. Rocky Mountain Front Rogers Pass—carries MT Hwy 200 from Missoula to Great Falls.
    [Show full text]
  • Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 04/01/2019 to 06/30/2019 Bitterroot National Forest This Report Contains the Best Available Information at the Time of Publication
    Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 04/01/2019 to 06/30/2019 Bitterroot National Forest This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact. Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Implementation Project Contact Bitterroot National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) R1 - Northern Region 2017 Bitterroot Stand - Vegetation management On Hold N/A N/A Amy Campbell Improvement Thinning Project (other than forest products) 406-777-7421 CE [email protected] *UPDATED* Description: Non-commercial thinning of small trees in stands previously harvested, planted and are now densely stocked. Thinning will increase tree health and vigor, and reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle caused mortality and large fires in the future. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51131 Location: UNIT - Bitterroot National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Ravalli. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Units are scattered across the Bitterroot National Forest. Bitterroot Fly Company Shuttle - Special use management In Progress: Expected:06/2019 07/2019 Bill Goslin Permit Issuance Scoping Start 04/25/2018 406-777-7419. CE [email protected] *UPDATED* Description: Reissuance of a revoked shuttle permit to another permitee for the remainder of 10 year period. Location: UNIT - Bitterroot National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Ravalli. LEGAL - Not Applicable. FS river access sites along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. Bitterroot Outfitters Permit - Special use management Completed Actual: 02/22/2019 03/2019 Bill Goslin Renewal 406-821-3269 CE [email protected] *UPDATED* Description: Renewal of a special use permit for a 10-year period to allow overnight hunting Location: UNIT - Bitterroot National Forest All Units.
    [Show full text]
  • Bitterroot Watershed Restoration Plan
    2020 Bitterroot Watershed Restoration Plan Bitter Root Water Forum 1/6/2020 0 | P a g e Acknowledgements This Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) was developed through collaboration amongst people invested in the conservation and restoration of the Bitterroot watershed. Special thanks to those who provided the Bitter Root Water Forum (BRWF) invaluable input towards producing this document, including the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF); Clark Fork Coalition (CFC); Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP); Missoula Valley Water Quality District (MVWQD), Missoula County, Lolo Watershed Group, Lolo National Forest (LNF), and Trout Unlimited (TU). The members of the BRWF’s Projects Committee also deserve recognition for their assistance in the construction and revision of the WRP. Finally, this WRP could not have been completed without support from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), especially critical support provided from Water Quality Specialist Hannah Riedl. 1 Contents Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................................. 0 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 4 1.1 WRP Design ................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Collaboration .............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]