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ANTELOPE-PINE CREEK AREA, IDAHO - WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT. 1988-1989
Description:
The Antelope-Pine Creek study area consists of the drainage which flows into the portion of the South Fork, Snake River between Heise and the Palisades Dam, Idaho (17040104). The South Fork of the Snake River was identified in the Agricultural Nonpoint Pollution Abatement Plan as a first priority stream segment for the reduction of agriculture related pollutants. Due to below average winter precipitation during 1988, extremely dry soil conditions in 1989, and cool dry springs, runoff was much less than normal. Agricultural pollution was directly related to the type of stream studied. The intermittent streams showed the greatest pollution concentrations and loads. The perennial streams are somewhat protected from the pollution loading. During the 1988 study period, the Antelope-Pine Creek watershed contributed an estimated 265 tons of suspended solids to the Snake River per day. The Palisades Dam, located on the upper end of the study area, acts as a sediment trap. Therefore, the suspended solids load in the Snake River is almost completely contributed by the watershed. Data taken from the Snake River near Heise showed elevated concentrations of suspended solids, inorganic nitrogen, and phosphorus. Tributaries which contributed the greatest amounts of pollutants were East Birch Creek, Antelope Creek, and Granite Creek, all intermittent streams. Drewes, B.R. 1991. Water Quality Status Report No 99. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, ID. 155 pp.