Publication Summary

Lacamas Creek, a small drainage in Clark County, Washington, violates state water quality standards for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and fecal coliform. As a result, portions of the creek are included on the state's §303(d) list as requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). This report evaluates if past assessment and control activities in the watershed meet EPA's requirements for a TMDL. Each of the five elements of a TMDL -- problem formulation, TMDL calculations, control actions, public involvement, and monitoring -- is addressed in terms of EPA requirements, work completed in the basin, and an evaluation of completeness.

Lacamas Creek, a small drainage in Clark County, Washington, violates state water quality standards for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and fecal coliform. As a result, portions of the creek are included on the state's §303(d) list as requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). This report evaluates if past assessment and control activities in the watershed meet EPA's requirements for a TMDL. Each of the five elements of a TMDL -- problem formulation, TMDL calculations, control actions, public involvement, and monitoring -- is addressed in terms of EPA requirements, work completed in the basin, and an evaluation of completeness.

Lacamas Lake, which is fed by Lacamas Creek, has been the focus of restoration efforts to control phosphorus; such efforts may partially fulfill TMDL requirements for dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform for Lacamas Creek, although increased implementation of best management practices, involvement of the public, and documentation of monitoring may be required. No TMDL requirements for either temperature or pH have been met. However, unless recent data (1992-1995) show continued violations, pH in Lacamas Creek should be considered for removal from the state's §303(d) list. Much work remains to be done in the basin, including control of nonpoint pollution through broad-based implementation of effective best management practices.