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MIDDLE POTLATCH CREEK, LATAH COUNTY, IDAHO - PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT, 1993
Description:
The 1992 Idaho Water Quality Status Report listed the Middle Potlatch Creek (17060306) as an Idaho Impaired Stream Segment Requiring Further Assessment and listed the creek as a water body not fully supporting at least one beneficial use. This preliminary resource assessment focussed on the inventory and evaluation of non-irrigated cropland, rangeland, forest land, and several potential miscellaneous point and nonpoint sources. The study team concluded that changes in earth cover type from grass/herbaceous/tree cover to predominantly crop cover and subsequent management has resulted in a change in the timing and magnitude of spring peak flows, delivering the majority of the sediment load to the Potlatch and Clearwater Rivers, rather than allowing deposition within the Middle Potlatch Watershed. The investigation developed the following alternative solutions: 1) Implementation of cropland BMPs designed to increase infiltration and decrease soil erosion, coupled with multipurpose water retention structures to reduce peak flows. 2) Increase Forest Practice Act (FPA) compliance by targeting Idaho Department of Lands technical assistance in the watershed. 3) Implementation of riparian BMPs to allow for the installation of planned grazing systems, reduction of streambank erosion, and riparian zone restoration. 4) Installation of site specific road BMPs designed for sediment reduction. 5) Limiting in-stream activities associated with the operation of the county operated rock quarry. 6) Installation of a sewage treatment system for the community of Joel. 1993. Latah Soil and Water Conservation District. 30 pp. plus appendices.