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BEAR RIVER BASIN, IDAHO - WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION, 1974
Description:
The quality of the waters in the Bear River Basin, Idaho (160102) was surveyed from August 27 to August 29, 1974. The purposes of the survey were to determine point and non-point source loading, to determine whether water quality has improved since the adoption of the 1958 Enforcement Conference pollution control measures, to determine the cause and effect relationships between major waste sources and receiving water quality, and to determine whether major waste sources are complying with their NPDES permits. Survey results show violations of Idaho Water Quality Standards in these parameters: bacteria, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Levels of Lindane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide and mercury significantly higher than the recommended maximal levels were found in the upper reaches of the Bear River. Although sufficient data since 1958 was not available to evaluate the pollution control measures, water quality changes in BODs and total coliform bacteria were noted. The Monsanto Co. was found to comply with their NPDES permit in all but one area - there was an apparent temperature violation. Nutrient loading was investigated and related to algal productivity - but not all loading sources were located. Other findings include realization that point sources did not appreciably affect the quality of the Bear River except in very localized areas. Schmidt, B. and K. Beck. 1975. Working Paper No. EPA-910-8-75-091. Environmental Protection Agency, Region X, Seattle, WA. 58 pp. plus appendices.