Publication Summary

The Salmon Creek Watershed Management Plan identifies degradation of beneficial uses in the Salmon Creek drainage that include primary contact recreation due to fecal waste contamination, and loss of wildlife and salmonid rearing/spawning habitat due to a number of instream and watershed disturbances. Water quality in the Salmon Creek drainage violates water quality standards for fecal coliform, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen due to nonpoint source pollution. In addition, the system has high levels of nutrients.

The Salmon Creek Watershed Management Plan identifies degradation of beneficial uses in the Salmon Creek drainage that include primary contact recreation due to fecal waste contamination, and loss of wildlife and salmonid rearing/spawning habitat due to a number of instream and watershed disturbances. Water quality in the Salmon Creek drainage violates water quality standards for fecal coliform, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen due to nonpoint source pollution. In addition, the system has high levels of nutrients. Factors contributing to the degradation of beneficial uses and poor water quality include devegetation of the upland forests and grasslands, construction projects (road, parking lot, and home construction), reduction of the number and size of natural wetlands, poor agriculture practices, failing or improperly maintained septic systems, and alteration of the stream channels and riparian zones.

Using data collected by local government agencies during 1988-1994, phased TMDLs are recommended for fecal coliform and turbidity to help control nonpoint source pollution in the Salmon Creek drainage. Currently there are a number of local agencies and organizations that have interest in or are working to improve water quality in the Salmon Creek Drainage. In order to facilitate the efforts of local groups to mitigate nonpoint source pollution, Ecology should target grant funds and personnel resources to help with implementing controls and organizing watershed management activities in the basin. Follow-up monitoring is recommended to assess changes in water quality.