DEQ seeks comment on proposed plans to lower temperature of streams in Lower North Fork Clearwater River Sub-basin

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on proposed plans to address elevated temperatures in streams within the Lower North Fork Clearwater River Sub-basin.

The sub-basin is located primarily in Clearwater County around Dworshak Reservoir in north central Idaho.

Temperature is a key factor in the health of fish and other coldwater organisms. Recent analyses of water quality data demonstrated that temperatures are above recommended levels in a number of streams in the Lower North Fork Clearwater River Sub-basin due to excess solar loading from a lack of shade.

The Lower North Fork Clearwater River Subbasin Five-Year Review and Addendum proposes to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) designed to lower temperatures in the following water bodies: Elkberry Creek, Robinson Middle and South Fork Creek, Gold, Meadow, and Snake Creeks, Reed Creek and tributaries, Alder Creek and tributaries, Beaver Creek and tributaries, Bingo Creek, Isabella Creek, Stony Creek and tributaries, Floodwood Creek and tributaries, Stony Creek, and Breakfast Creek.

The recommended actions seek to bring the water bodies into compliance with state water quality standards and restore them to conditions supporting their beneficial uses, which include cold water aquatic life, salmonid spawning, primary and secondary contact recreation, and domestic water supply.

The document is available for review at DEQ’s Lewiston Regional Office and on DEQ’s website (download at right).

Submit written comments by 5 p.m. PDT, Monday, April 1, on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to: John Cardwell DEQ Lewiston Regional Office, 1118 F St., Lewiston, ID 83501. Email: johncard well@deq.idaho.gov.