Publication Summary

Lake Campbell and Lake Erie in Skagit County were listed by Washington State for not providing beneficial uses such as fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. Total phosphorus levels were identified as the potential problem in both lakes.

The objective of this 2004-05 study was to determine if past restoration activities have been successful in restoring Lake Campbell and Lake Erie.

The study found the total phosphorus levels for both lakes show restoration activities have been successful and that the lakes are in compliance with established goals. However, the goals for chlorophyll-a levels were not met during the course of this study.

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is required, under Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, to develop a list of impaired waters within Washington State. For waters included on the list, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study is required for analysis of the pollutants. Following the TMDL study and subsequent clean-up plan implementation activities, effectiveness monitoring is required to ensure water quality improvements have occurred.

Lake Campbell and Lake Erie were listed by Washington State under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act for non-attainment of beneficial uses based on Phase I and Phase II restoration projects. The parameter of concern identified for both lakes was total phosphorus. TMDL studies based on lake restoration plans for both Lake Campbell and Lake Erie were submitted by Ecology and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1997.

The objectives of this study were: