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WEST FORK OF LITTLE BEAR CREEK, LATAH COUNTY, IDAHO - WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT, 1985
Description:
The intent of this study was to determine if designated current and future uses of Little Bear Creek, Idaho (17060306) are appropriate. At the Troy wastewater facility, BOD, coliform, and flow limitations have been frequently violated. Restrictions on suspended solids were narrowly met during the time of this study. The great majority of summer flow in West Fork of Little Bear Creek emanated from the municipal discharge. Phosphorus and nitrogen loadings in West Fork of Little Bear Creek were greatly impacted by municipal effluent. No salmonids were observed at the lower-most station of this study, although 0-age rainbow steelhead were observed at the confluence of Little Bear and Big Bear Creeks. A significant oxygen sag was noted in the West Fork of Little Bear Creek; there was apparently no recovery in DO concentrations at the lower-most station. Instream bacterial quality was improved by the discharge of chlorinated effluent. One sample data showed effluent bacterial densities greater than those allowed for secondary contact recreation. The unspecified designation of West Fork of Little Bear Creek in the Idaho Water Quality Standards is appropriate given the low stream volumes and high temperatures. Salmonids were documented near the mouth of Little Bear Creek, but it is doubtful that low stream flows, high temperature, and gradient in excess of 2% will sustain either salmonid spawning or cold-water biota in Little Bear Creek. Moeller, J.R. and R. Latham. 1986. Water Quality Status Report No. 55. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Water Quality Bureau, Boise, ID. 37 pp.