There will be a brief opportunity to ask questions about this TMDL during the Water Quality Committee Report at the Partnership meeting February 27th. This represents a change from the Agenda in this packet.
The "Public Review Draft TMDL for Upper Chehalis River Fecal Coliform Bacteria" is available for your review from the Washington State Dept. of Ecology. An overview of the TMDL study and its recommendations was presented by its author, Anise Ahmed, at the January 8th meeting of the Chehalis Partnership's Water Quality Committee. The study reviewed the most current data available to determine the extent of fecal coliform bacteria pollution throughout portions of the upper Chehalis system. It recommends fecal coliform bacteria load reductions (stated as a percent of current bacteria loading) needed for the basin to achieve state water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria and protect beneficial uses of the water.
Fecal coliform bacteria pollution reduction goals are identified for 27 mainstem river segments and tributaries in the upper Chehalis Basin on page 42 of the study. The fecal coliform bacteria goals will help achieve some of the objectives identified in the Partnership's draft Watershed Plan. Fecal coliform bacteria levels in water segments need to be reduced in order for impaired beneficial uses to be restored, while several other segments need cleanup before conditions worsen to the point they might require more formal attention.
The draft report contains graphics that show the relative water quality conditions among the segments and priorities for cleanup work. The report builds upon the recommendations of the March 2000 TMDL for reducing fecal coliform bacteria pollution in the lower Chehalis/Grays Harbor. The 2000 TMDL study showed that 40% of the fecal coliform bacteria loading to Grays Harbor is coming from upstream of Porter. Cleanup of the upper river is needed in order for cleanup of the lower basin and Grays Harbor to be effective.
I think you will find the report to be a useful compliment to the Watershed Plan nearing completion. Please contact me if you want a copy of the DRAFT report mailed to you.
Even though the public comment process began at the committee meeting on January 8th, the comment period won't close until March 15th. All written comments will be considered for possible changes to the report. Thanks for your interest in this work.
Dave Rountry (360) 407-6276drou461@ecy.wa.gov
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