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JIM FORD CREEK STUDY, CLEARWATER COUNTY IDAHO. 1979
Description:
In Water Year 1979, a water quality study was conducted on Jim Ford Creek in Clearwater County, Idaho (17060306) to assess the impact of the City of Weippe and Timberline High School discharges, to assess nonpoint source impacts, and to determine the present water quality of the stream. In the study, 6 mainstem, 1 tributary, and 2 sewage discharge stations were monitored on approximately a bi-monthly frequency for the following parameter categories: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, bacteria, oxygen demand, solids, select ions, nutrients, and trace inorganic toxins. The study indicates that the Jim Ford Creek has consistent bacteria violations and frequent turbidity levels and iron concentrations which exceed recommended criteria. A violation of the dissolved oxygen standard was also observed in August 1979 below the confluence of Grasshopper Creek. A portion, if not all, of the bacteria violations on Jim Ford Creek could be eliminated if the City of Weippe and Timberline High School sewage treatment facilities were upgraded to secondary treatment requirements. Turbidity and iron problems could be reduced by applying best management practices to agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources in the upper watershed. Water Quality Summary No. 11. Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment, Boise, ID.