U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION X
1200 SIXTH AVENUE
f t>MK^V | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
r
WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT
UPPER SNAKE BASIN
INITIAL BASIN ASSESSMENT AND
RECOMMENDED MONITORING PROGRAM
Surveillance and Analysis Division
Surveillance Branch
Water Quality Monitoring Section
-------
SUMMARY
Data Assessment Findings
1. Oxygen Demanding Wastes
a. Non-point sources of BOD5 loading to the Upper Snake River
appear to be negligible.
b. Upstream of American Falls Reservoir approximately 72% of
all point source oxygen demanding wastes are attributable to
wastes discharged by four food processors.
c. Approximately 95% of the oxygen demanding wastes entering
Milner Reservoir can be attributed to wastes discharged by
three food processors. The Amalgamated Sugar Company at
Paul, Idaho, alone is responsible for approximately 60%
of BOD5 loading to Milner Reservoir.
d. Wastes discharged by food processors are directly or indirectly
responsible for periodic violations of dissolved oxygen water
quality standards in American Falls and Milner Reservoirs.
e. Municipal waste discharges from the City of Pocatello coupled
with oxygen deficient groundwater inflows cause periodic
violations of D.O. standards in the Portneuf River.
f. No dissolved oxygen criteria violations were observed in free
flowing reaches of the Upper Snake River during EPA surveys
and USGS monitoring.
g. Modeling studies suggest that D.O. will not become a problem
in free flowing river reaches even if waste loadings are
-------
increased approximately 20% and river flows reduced to the low
flow of record. In contrast, even under ice free conditions
dissolved oxygen in the reservoirs may drop to zero at 20%
increased levels of loading and decreased river flow.
2. Aesthetic Degradation
a. Phosphorus appears to be the limiting nutrient controlling the
extent of algal blooms which occur in American Falls and Milner
Reservoirs.
b. It is estimated that as much as 90% of observed increases in
phosphorus in the Upper Snake River between Idaho Falls and
Milner Dam are associated with point source waste discharges.
c. Upstream of American Falls Reservoir approximately 77% of
ortho-phosphorus discharged to the river comes from three
industries and two sewage treatment plants.
d. Approximately 92% of ortho-phosphorus entering Milner Reservoir
appears to come from two industrial and one municipal waste
discharge.
e. Nutrient mass balance studies suggest that 100% phosphorus
removal from all known point sources on the Upper Snake would
reduce phosphorus concentrations in free flowing reaches of
the river below the threshold for nuisance levels of algal
productivity.
f. Sediments in American Falls Reservoir are rich in phosphorus.
Phosphorus releases from these sediments may be sufficient to
-------
sustain reservoir algal blooms even if upstream sources were
eliminated.
3. Bacteria
a. Total coliform water quality criteria are frequently violated
throughout the Upper Snake Basin.
b. Total coliform bacteria concentrations are greatest downstream
of major service areas with maximum concentrations exceeding
200,000/100 ml.
c. In-stream total coliform concentrations predicted from known
point sources were at least one order of magnitude lower than
observed ambient concentrations. The most plausible explanation
for this large discrepancy appears to be the existence of in-
stream coliform multiplication supported by high concentrations
of organic material.
Additional Information Requirements
1. Additional information is needed regarding the quantity and
distribution of phosphorus in reservoir sediments as well as the
rate of sediment phosphorus release to the overlying water.
2. Additional data is needed to better define the effects of
irrigation return flow, cattle feedlot runoff and groundwater
upon the Upper Snake River water quality.
3. Additional bacteriological sampling is needed before and after
food processors commence operations to see if in-stream coliform
multiplication does in fact take place and, if so, if the multi-
plication associated with the discharges of food processing wastes.
-------
4. Additional bacteriological field studies focused upon pathogenic
bacteria is needed to determine the significance of coliforms
associated with industrial discharges.
5. Additional algal assay and species diversity biological data is
needed to document increases or decreases in algal productivity
and the general stability of the ecosystem.
6. Additional information is needed regarding phosphorus loading to
the Snake River upstream of Idaho Falls to determine if they are
associated with point or non-point sources.
-------
INTRODUCTION
The Upper Snake River Basin is presently being studied in an effort
to establish a monitoring network from above Idaho Falls to Milner Dam
(see Figure 1). The objective is to provide timely data and information
pertaining to the priority problems of the basin and at the same time
be responsive to the needs of the Region's divisions and programs.
To accomplish this, monitoring activities must be geared to the
priority problems in the basin which are defined in the development of
the regional pollution profile. This profile, developed in 1969, is
composed of two parts. The first, the Water Quality Index (WQI),
provides a measure of the overall quality of the surface water in each
river basin relative to water quality standards criteria. The second,
the Pollutant Source Index (PSI), indicates the impact of sources of
of surface water pollution in each basin.
The PSI for the Upper Snake, which shows the relative problem
severity, is as follows:
1. D.O. 103
2. Aesthetics 22
3. Bacteria 12
4. Temperature 1
5. Toxicity 0
6. Turbidity 0
One objective of the monitoring program will be to more clearly define
the role that these factors play in the water quality profile of the
Upper Snake Basin.
-------
FIGURE 1
MimdohO
RUPERT
Pool* O
Heyburn
,-:
A. X ^-^ oDecto
GURLEV
Robert"
>CoKiey
BtACKFOOT ^
American Folia/''
Roservoir 'J
.Blockfoot
River
BTyho»
- .Chubbuck
. jPOCATELLO
>\
Porlncuf InKom
AMERICAN
FALLS
\Rochlond
\
-------
A number of receiving water locations, in addition to municipal
and industrial effluents and groundwater stations, are proposed for
study. Water quality simulation by mathematical modeling is being
utilized as a tool in the design of the monitoring program.
-------
CURRENT SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The existing system of EPA monitoring stations in the Upper Snake
River Basin is presented in Tables IA and II. It should be noted that
all of these stations are not sampled on a regular basis. Existing
monitoring strategy dictates the performance of intensive surveys to
answer specific questions regarding water quality problems. In-stream,
municipal and industrial effluents, and biological stations are utilized
to accomplish specific survey purposes. Routine monitoring at set
locations on set frequencies for the purpose of obtaining long-term
water quality information is no longer directly accomplished by EPA
personnel. EPA does, however, provide funds to the USGS for this
purpose. All EPA surveillance data in this basin is stored in the
STORET system and is available upon request.
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
The existing system of USGS surface water quality monitoring stations
in the Upper Snake is presented in Table IB. Six of these stations
(shown in the section of this report "Proposed Monitoring Program") are
directly supported by EPA during FY 1973.
The USGS is funded by other agencies to obtain surface water quality
and quantity information routinely at many locations. A number of ground-
water studies have also been performed in this area mostly in cooperation
with the Idaho Department of Water Administration. Much of this data
is available through the STORET system. Additional, data not in STORET
can be obtained from the USGS.
-------
TABLE I-A
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
PRESENT SAMPLING STATIONS
STORET NUMBER
STATION
Snake R. bl Milner Dam 150029
Lk Milner at Milner Dam 153001
Main Drain at 950 W Rd 150057
Lk Milner bl Ore-Ida at Burley 153046
Lk Milner bl Ouster Isl at Burley 153085
Lk Milner at Burley Hwy 27 153047
Snake R. at Burley-Heyburn Rm 150031
Lk Milner 5 mi E of Heyburn (1-80) 153048
Snake R. bl Minidoka Dam 150032
Snake R. nr Massacre Rocks 150061
Snake R. bl Am Falls Dam 153016
Am Falls Reservoir ab Am Falls Dam 153049
Am Falls Reservoir 153050
Aberdeen Drain at Aberdeen 153054
Portneuf R. at Siphon Rd Br 150038
Portneuf R. ab Pocatello STP 153038
Portneuf R. W of Pocatello Hwy 30 150039
Portneuf R. at Portneuf 150042
Snake R. 6 mi bl Tilden Br 153053
Snake R. at Tilden Br 150047
Blackfoot R. at Mouth 150048
Snake R. 5 mi ab Tilden Br 153055
Snake R. at Blackfoot 153037
Snake R. nr Blackfoot 153056
Snake R. 2 mi N of Blackfoot 153057
Snake R. nr Firth 153058
Snake R. 2 mi W of Shelley 153059
Snake R. pr Shelley (Bennett Br) 150050
Snake R. bl Ida Potato Starch 153060
Snake R. at Ida Falls (17 St Br) 153036
Snake R. at Ida Falls Broadway Br 153061
Snake R. at Grandview Dr (Ida Falls) 153035
Snake R. ab Ida Falls Power Plant 150051
AGENCY
RIVER MILE
ESTABLISHED
LAST ENTRY ACTIVE INACTIV1
EPA
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
it
n
ii
M
n
ii
n
n
n
n
n
ii
n
n
n
n
ii
n
ii
ti
n
n
n
639.70
640.01
646.90/1.8
647.20
649 . 50
652.30
654.00
664.40
674.90
699.00
714.00
714.40
725.00
726.10/3.6
736.00/11.7
736.00/13.5
736.00/14.7
736.00/22.0
745.00
751.00
751.00/10.0
755.60
763.80
764.00
764.70
780.20
785.50
792.30
795.00
799.40
799.90
801.20
804 . 70
1962
1968
1971
1971
1971
1971
1962
1971
1962
1971
1969
1971
1971
1971
1962
1971
No Data
1962
1971
1962
1962
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1962
1971
1971
1971
1971
1962
1972
1972
1972
1971
1971
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1971
1971
1972
1972
1971
1971
1971
1972
1972
1971
1972
1971
1971
1972
1972
1971
1972
1971
1971
1972
1972
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
TABLE I-B
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
PRESENT SAMPLING STATIONS
STATION
Snake R. nr Heise, Ida
Bechler R. at Mouth
Henrys Fork at St. Anthony, Ida
Teton R. nr St. Anthony, Ida
S. Fk Teton R. at Rexburg
Henrys Fork nr Rexburg
Grays Lk Outlet nr Herman, Ida
Willow Cr nr Ririe, Ida
Snake R. nr Shelley, Ida
Blackfoot R. ab Reservoir nr Henry
Blackfoot R. nr Blackfoot, Ida
Danielson Cr. nr Springfield, Ida
Portneuf R. at Topaz, Ida
Marsh Cr. nr McCammon, Ida
Portneuf R. at Pocatello, Ida
Batise Spgs. nr Pocatello, Ida
Portneuf R. nr Tyhee, Ida
Wide Cr. nr Pocatello, Ida
Kinney Cr. nr Fort Hall, Ida
Spring Cr. S Ferry Butle
Spring Cr. nr Fort Hall, Ida
Bannock Cr. nr Pocatello, Ida
Aberdeen Wasteway nr Aberdeen
Reuger Spgs. nr Am Falls
Snake R. at Necley, Ida
Rock Cr. nr Am Falls
Raft R. at Peterson Ranch
Raft R. at Yale, Ida
Goose Crab Trapper Cr. nr Oakley
Trapper Cr. nr Oakley, Ida
Lk Milner at Milner Dam Ida
STORET NUMBER
13037500
13046690
13050500
13.055000
13055340
13056500
13057500
13058000
13060000
13063000
13068500
13069540
13073000
13075000
13075500
13075810
13075910
13075920
13075970
13075980
13075985
13076200
13076300
13076600
13077000
13077650
13078000
13079900
13082500
13083000
13087900
AGENCY
USGS
II
II
It
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
It
It
II
It
II
II
II
II
II
It
II
II
II
II
II
II
It
II
RIVER MILE
837.40/34.9
ESTABLISHED
LAST ENTRY ACTIVE INACTIV
640.01
1953
1969
1971
1965
1971
1965
1970
1969
1970
1970
1967
1970
1970
1970
1966
1970
1970
1971
1971
1970
1971
1969
1970
1970
1969
1968
1965
1966
1971
1971
1968
1972
1969
1972
1972
1972
1972
1971
1972
1972
1972
1972
1971
1972
1972
1972
1971
1972
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1972
1971
1971
1971
1972
1972
1972
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
Idaho Department of Environmental Protection & Health (IDEPH)
The existing system of monitoring stations as determined from
STORE! entry is presented in Table 1C. All the stations listed are
part of the state network but many are not sampled on a regular basis.
All IDEPH data in STORET has been entered by EPA. The state conducts
a number of special water quality surveys which involve stream and
municipal and industrial effluent sampling. Data from these special
studies are not now in STORET. Efforts will be made to obtain and
store this data.
Idaho State University
Idaho State University has conducted water quality surveys in the
Upper Snake Basin. Reports from these surveys are available and efforts
will be made to obtain them and enter pertinent data into STORET.
-------
TABLE I-C
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
PRESENT SAMPLING STATIONS
STATION
Raft R. at Peterson Ranch
Raft R. at Yale, Ida
Snake R. bl Lk Walcott, Ida
Goose Cr. at Burley, Ida
Snake R. at Am Falls
Snake R. bl Blackfoot (Tilden Br)
Snake R. at Shelley, Ida
Snake R. at Heise, Ida
Henrys Fork W of Rexburg
Henrys Fork at Parker, Ida
Fall R. nr Chester, Ida
Henrys Fork W of Ashton
Portneuf R. at Michaud Flat
Portneuf R. at Batise Spgs
Portneuf R. at Topaz, Ida
S.F. Teton R. 1 mi N Rexburg
Island Pk Reservoir Henrys Fork
Snake R. ab Blackfoot
Snake R. bl Idaho Falls
Snake R. ab Idaho Falls
Henrys Fork at Last Chance
Snake R. at Palisades Dam
Snake R. at Alpine
Teton R. at Teton
Willow Cr. 2 mi S. of Ririe
Grays Lk Outlet 3.5 mi W Wayan
Blackfoot R. 8 mi SW Blackfoot
Portneuf R. ab Pocatello
Portneuf R. bl Pocatello
STORET NUMBER
151049
151050
151051
151052
151101
151102
151103
151104
151105
151106
151107
151108
151109
151110
151112
151118
151120
151121
151122
151123
151124
151125
151126
151127
151128
151129
151130
151131
151132
AGENCY
IDAHO
RIVER MILE
ESTABLISHED
LAST ENTRY ACTIVE INACTIVE
692.00/45.6
692.00/8.4
674.00
654.20/0.1
714.00
751.00
785.80
857.80
837.40/9.3
837.40/30.6
837.40/40.0/2.0
837.40/43.8
736.00/12.3
736.00/14.0
736.00/79.0
837.40/11.1/7
837.40/93.1
768.00
792.60
804.70
837.40/81.7
901.60
918.00
837.40/11.1/17.6
800.45/25.4
751.20/2.3
736.00/18.8
736.00/14.7
1970
1970
1970
1970
1969
1970
1969
1969
1969
1969
3 1969
1969
1967
1969
1969
5 1970
1970
1971
1970
1970
1971
1971
1971
6 1971
1970
1970
1970
1970
1968
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
TABLE II
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
PRESENT POINT SOURCE STATIONS
MUNICIPAL
Paul STP
Burley STP
Heyburn STP
Rupert STP
Pocatello STP
Blackfoot STP
Shelley STP
Idaho Falls STP
STORET NUMBER
153201
153070
153084
153083
153062
153073
153200
153077
AGENCY
EPA
RIVER MILE
646.9
652.9
653.4
665.1
736.0/13.2
762.0
787.0
797.2
ESTABLISHED
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
LAST ENTRY ACTIVE INACTIVE
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
INDUSTRIAL
Amalgamated Sugar
A&P
Ore-Ida (001)
Ore-Ida (002)
Ore-Ida (003)
Ore-Ida (004)
Bryant's Meat Packing
J.R. Simplot (002)
J.R. Simplot (001)
Papoose Springs Trout Farm
J.R. Simplot (001)
J.R. Simplot (002)
FMC
Idaho Potato Starch
American Potato Co.
R.T. French Outfall
R.T. French Co.
Idaho Potato Starch
U&I Sugar Co. Outfall
U&I Sugar Co. Plant
Rogers Bros. (002)
Rogers Bros. (001)
Western Farmers
Idaho Potato Foods
Lewisville Produce
Golden Valley Packers
153065
153067
153068
153168
153170
153169
153069
153172
153071
153174
153064
153173
153063
153075
153074
153171
153076
153078
153166
153080
153167
153079
153081
153082
153159
153066
n
n
n
n
646.9/8.7
648,
648.
648.
648.9
649.
649.
653.
653.8
736.0/11.6
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
764.1
763.4
787.6
787.6
797.9
799.
799,
.2
.2
799.2/0.1
799.
799.
804.0
815.7/10.6
812.6
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
1972
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
DISCUSSION^
The average flow variation in the Upper Snake River from 19/8 to
1968 is shown in Figure 2. The low flow season usually runs from
October through March, during part of which the greatest water quality
problems exist. The variations in flow from Idaho Falls to American
Falls is from the reservoir regulation. Flows during the October 1971
survey above and below American Falls were approximately 10,000 cfs and
12,000 cfs respectively. Similarly during the March 1972 survey the
flows were 10,000 cfs and 4,500 cfs.
A review of the existing data shows that various pollution problems
exist in the Upper Snake Basin. The priority problems as defined by
the 1969 regional pollution profile are: (1) dissolved oxygen (D.O.),
(2) the parameters associated with aesthetics, and (3) bacteria. The
emphasis in this section is on these parameters.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) concentrations in the Upper Snake River
Basin are periodically below the Idaho Water Quality Standards only in
backwater and reservoir areas. The D.O. concentration is the free-
flowing portion of the river is depressed only slightly by oxygen
demanding wastes.
Past STORET D.O. data (1962 to present) in this Upper Snake reach
shows that the 75% saturation criteria of the Idaho Water Quality
Standards has been violated in only three areas. These areas are the
lower reach of the Portneuf River, in American Falls Reservoir, and in
Milner Reservoir. The low D.O. concentrations in the lower reach of
-------
FIGURE 2
ResooRCEi DOARO
-------
the Portneuf River is due to high five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD5) in the effluents of the Pocatello STP (3,900 Ibs. BOD5 par day),
FMC (92 Ibs. BOD5 per day), and Simplot (46 Ibs. BODs per day) as well
as low D.O. water supplementation from Naural Springs. Effluent BOD^
data is shown on Table III. EPA placed two automatic water quality
monitors at R.M. 13.0 and 17.0 on the Portneuf River. The monitors
were in place from May through September of 1972. Monitor data shows
that standards violations occurred during the month of August 1972
(lowest D.O. was 4.2 ppm).
American Falls Reservoir experiences low dissolved oxygen conditions
throughout the late summer and fall of the year. The low dissolved
oxygen condition usually occurs in the hypolimnion of the reservoir
due to the long residence time of the reservoir allowing the BOD to be
exerted. The lowest dissolved oxygen concentration measured in the
hypoliminon during the October 1971 survey was 5.8 ppm (52% saturation).
The main source of oxygen demanding waste (8005) in American Falls
Reservoir during the food processing season is from the municipal-
industrial waste sources shown on Table III. These sources contributed
about 86,000 Ib/day of BOD5. Seventy-two (72) percent of BOD5 (Table IV)
from these point sources were from four industries (Western Farmers,
Rogers Brothers, Idaho Potato Starch, and American Potato). In
addition, it is estimated that about 1 mg/1 decrease in D.O. is
experienced during the fall of the year due to sludge deposits built
up by organic waste and decaying algae. It is not known at this time
what effect irrigation return flows have on D.O., but future surveys
should be designed to incorporate this as an objective.
-------
TABLE III
AVERAGE POINT SOURCE LOADING I/
UPPER SNAKE RIVE*
Discharger U
Above American Falls
Golden Valley Packers
Idaho Potato Foods
"Western Farmers
* Rogers Bros 001
* Rogers Bros 002
LI & I Outfall
Idaho Potato Star.
Idaho Falls STP
R.T. French O.F.
Shelley STP
Idaho Potato Star.
American Potato
Blackfoot STP
« F.MC
*J.R. Slnplot 002
*J.R. Slr-.plot 001
PocatelJo STP
* Papoose Springs
Below American Falls
Rupert STP
J.R. Simpler 001
J.R. Slmplot 002
Heyburn STP
Burley STP
Bryapts Meats
Ore-K!a 004
Ore-Ida 003
Ore-lcia 002
Ore-I.Ia 001
^A S P
Analganated Sugar
Paul STP
River
Mile
Dam
812.6
804.0
799.6
799.3
799.2/0.1
799.2
797.9
797.2
787.6
787.0
764.1
763.4
762.0
73ft. 0/13. 7
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.2
736.0/11.6
Dam
665.1
653.8
653.7
653.4
652.9
649.9
649.1
648.9
648.7
648.7
648.4
646.9/8.7
646.9/7.2 .
BOD 5
mg/1
81.5
1041.0
2132.0
1103.3
292.5
121.0
2090.0
117.0
14.5
5.0
1607 .-5
905.0
114.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
91.0
3.7 ..
205.5
490.0
45.5
-_
24.0
21.0
2.0
23.5
240.0
61.8
656.0
71.0
fl/day
200
3,500
17,700
18,046
635
5,300
9,000
5,200
140
6
3,500
15,484
650
92
8
38
3,900
2,700
2,600
20,000
880
160
._
84
10
230
7,900
450
48,140
54
NH,
mg/1
77.5
30.0
2.9
30.4
5.4
22.7
87.5
13.7
20.6
69.8
11.5
19.2
.2
20.0
35.0
18.1
.3
5.7
16.2
.9
24.5
6.7
.2
.1
1.2
27.6
1.7
110.0
~
-N
0/day
200
170
24
497
12
1000
390
610
190
170
240
110
5
50
440
780
110
72
670
16
26
43
<1
<1
12
910
11
8070
NO 2
mg/1
.012
.020
.193
.010
.010
.035
.027
.043
.063
.015
.006
.026
.001
.380
4.600
.015
<.010
.097
1.820
.004
.250
.085
.002
.080
.019
5.123
.570
.263
-N
0/day
<.10
oiio
1.44
.20
.04
1.60
.10
1.90
.60
<.1Q
.20
.20
<.10
1.00
58.00
.70
4.00
1.20
75
<.10
.30
.50
<.10
g/l
6.70
5.80
15.80
4.90
1.70
.30
33.20
6.40
3.10
18.40
1.90
9.20
5.72
50.00
24.00
8.88
.11
12.55
10.70
.84
10.40
4.30
.83
.02
1.42
17.10
.52
.60
I/day
16
30
131
81
4
12
150 -
290
29
42
31
52
131
125
298
380
44
160
440
16
6
28
5
<1
14
560
3
44
Ortho
g/1
4.60
1.60
6.80
.04 .
24.50
4.03
2.31
6.55
.55
5.94
6.90
8.00
7.00
6.43
.10
8.09
6.33
1.04
5.00
3.65
.31
.05
1.17
11.30
.07
.18
P
12.0
10.0
49.6
2.0
110.0
180.0
22.0
17.0
9.0
33.0
159.0
20.0
88.0
280.0
40.0
100.0
440.0
20.0
5.0
23.0
_^
1.0
<1.0
11.0
360,0
<1.0
14.0
Flow
MGD
0.30 1'
0.70
1.00
1.10
0.40
5.30
0.50
5.30
1.00 2J.
0. 10 -i'
0.30
2.00
0.70
2.80
0.30
1.50
5.20
48.00
1.50
5.00
2.30 ,,
0.10^
0.80
0.60
0.60
i "3
3.<~'0 2.1
0.80
8.90 -,
0.09 !'
it Average waste loads taken from RAPP permits*or from measured valves from October 1971 survey
21 Grouped by area
3/ Esfloated flow
-------
Milner Reservoir experiences the same dissolved oxygen conditions
as in American Falls except the dissolved oxygen depression is not as
pronounced due to the shorter residence time within the reservoir.
Past EPA water quality monitoring data shows oxygen depressions through
the year. Water quality data collected by USGS on a monthly frequency
since 1968 shows that the D.O. standards has been violated several
times. Water quality measurements made in Milner Reservoir during the
October 1971 survey showed that the dissolved oxygen content reached
a low level of 2.8 mg/1 just downstream of the main drain confluence
with the Snake River. Benthic oxygen demand does not appear to be a
significant factor in Milner Reservoir. Based on the data in Table III
Milner Reservoir receives approximately 81,000 Ib/day of 8005 from
point sources below American Falls Reservoir as well as the remaining
BOD5 from the upstream reach. As shown in Table IV, about 96% of this
waste load enters Milner Pool from three Burley industries: J.R. Simplot,
Ore-Ida, and Amalgamated Sugar. Amalgamated Sugar is by far the largest
contributor accounting for 60% of the total organic waste load in this
area.
Other waste sources which may affect the D.O. content of the
reservoir are irrigation return flows during the summer and cattle
feedlot runoff during late winter through the spring of each year.
These other sources must be investigated as part of the future
monitoring program.
Aesthetics
The existing PSI rates aesthetics as the number two priority
problem in the Upper Snake River Basin. Algal growths in the river
-------
TABLE IV
PERCENT CONTRIBUTION OF POINT SOURCES ±'
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
I/
Discharger .?./
Above American Falls Dam
Golden Valley Packers '
Idaho Potato Foods
""Western Farmers
* Rogers Bros 001
* Rogers Bros 002
U&I Outfall
Idaho Potato Starch
Idaho Falls STP
R.T. French OF .!/
Shelley STP !'
Idaho Potato Starch
* American Potato
Black foot STP
*J.R. Simplot 002
*J.R. Simplot 001
Pocatello STP
"* Papoose Springs
Below American Falls Dam
Rupert STP
J.R. Simplot 001
J.R. Simplot 002
Heyburn STP !'
Burley STP
Bryants Meats
Ore-Ida 004
Ore-Ida 003
Ore-Ida 002
Ore-Ida 001 I/
A&P
Amalgamated Sugar
Paul STP 2/
River Mile
812.6
804.0
799.6
799.3
799.2/0.1
799.2
797.9
797.2
787.6
787.0
764.1
763.4
762.0
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.2
736.0/11.6
665.1
653.8
653.7
653.4
652.9
649.9
649.1
648.9
648.7
648.7
648.4
646.9/8.7
646.9/7.2
BOD5
< 1
4
21
21
< 1
6
10
6
< 1
-------
system are the main reason for this aesthetic PSI rating.
Algal assay (PAAP) tests were run on Upper Snake River water in
June and again in September 1971. Chemical analysis for phosphorus,
nitrogen, carbon, and iron were carried out in conjunction with the
algal assay tests in order to determine the limiting nutrient in the
basin. It was concluded from the June tests that phosphorus is the
primary factor in determining the maximum yeild (biomass) for this
river basin.
Data obtained from the USGS for October 1971 showed that about
48% of the total phosphorus measured in the river above Idaho Falls
was due to the Henrys Fork River. The Henrys Fork receives some
potato washing waste during October and November as well as wastes
associated with recreation; however, much of this phosphorus can be
from natural sources. The monitoring program should include samples
in Henrys Fork River.
Ortho and total phosphorus trends in the Upper Snake River,
shown in Figure 3, generally increase from above the Idaho Falls area
to Milner Dam a reach of approximately 160 miles. The ortho phosphorus
trend during the March survey follows that of the total phosphorus closely
indicating that there were no algae present to utilize the phosphorus;
however, the ortho phosphorus profile for the October survey shows a
general decline below American Falls Dam probably due to phosphorus
levels (October 1971 and March 1972 surveys) exceed the 0.01 mg/1 value
which is considered to be the minimum concentration required by algae.
The 0.01 mg/1 level is exceeded from R.M. 800 downstream through the
Milner Reservoir area. Ortho phosphorus levels upstream of R.M. 800
-------
GFTAtl PHOSPHORUS
ftrt shteftua fORTHO)
uo ao
M 700 710 720 730 740 750 740 770 780 730 800 8/0
RIVER MILE
-------
is below this level showing that the majority of phosphorus enters the
Snake River between Idaho Falls and Milner Reservoir.
Figure 4 shows the total phosphorus (Ib/day) load in the Snake and
the accumulative loading curve derived from known point sources. The
curves are based on the October 1971 EPA survey. Actual October 1971
effluent phosphorus data is shown in Table V. The two curves agree
very closely which indicate that approximately 90% of the phosphorus
load as measured in the river is due to known point source contributions.
The buildup of phosphorus in American Falls Reservoir is probably due
to averaging surface to depth samples. The point source accumulation
curve coincides to the river loading from American Falls Dam to Milner
Dam indicating again that the industrial and municipal loading is the
main source of phosphorus in the river system during this time of year.
Based on the percent loading information on Table IV, 75% of the
total phosphorus and 78% of the ortho phosphorus is due to three
industries and two municipalities in the river above American Falls
Reservoir. Thirty-seven (37) percent and 44% of the total and ortho
phosphorus respectively entering the river above American Falls Reservoir
are from the Idaho Falls and Pocatello STPs. Idaho Potato Starch, FMC,
and J.R. Simplot are the main industrial contributors.
Ninety-five (95) percent of the total and ortho phosphorus in the
river reach from American Falls Reservoir to Milner Reservoir is from
J.R. Simplot, Ore-Ida, and Rupert STPall in the Burley area.
Since the phosphorus load can be tied to the point sources in the
Upper Snake during the food processing season, and since irrigation canals
-------
FIGURE 4
I OTAL FMQSPHORUS
OADING
150 UO 670 680
700 710 720 730 7W 750
RIVER MILE
740 770 750 730
8/0
-------
TABLE v
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS POINT SOURCE LOADING
DISCHARGER
RIVER MILE
MG/L
POUNDS/DAY
MUNICIPAL
Burley STP
Heyburn STP
Rupert STP
Pocatello STP
Blackfoot STP
Idaho Falls STP
INDUSTRIAL
Amalgamated Sugar Eff
A&P
Ore-Ida 001
Ore-Ida 002
Ore-Ida 003
Ore-Ida 004
J.R. Simplot 002
J.R. Simplot 001
Papoose Sprg Trout Farm
J.R. Simplot 001
J.R. Simplot 002
FMC
Idaho Potato Starch
American Potato Co. Eff
R.T. French Outfall
Idaho Potato Starch
U&I Outfall
Rogers Bros. 002
Rogers Bros. 001
Western Farmers
Idaho Potato Foods
Golden Valley Packers
652.9
653.4
665.1
736.0/13.2
762.0
797.2
646.9/8.7
648.4
648.4
648.7
648.7
648.9
653.7
653.8
736.0/11.6
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
764.1
763.4
787.6
797.9
799.2
799.2/0.1
799.3
799.6
804.0
812.6
4.30
10.40
12.50
8.90
9.30
6.40
.55
.52
17.10
1.40
.02
.83
.85
10.70
.11
32.40
29.20
4.70
18.91
6.21
3.04
33.20
.27
1.58
4.80
10.01
5,77
6.30
28
11
158
383
52
286
40
3
560
14
1
5
16
442
36
355
50
108
42
105
29
149
12
5
43
60
30
16
-------
are shut off during this time, water quality effects due to irrigation
return flows are effectively minimized. Nutrient concentrations at
river stations and from point sources should be obtained during the
irrigation season to see if phosphorus levels measured in the river
are still in close harmony with the accumulative loads from the point
sources discharging during the irrigation season. If so, irrigation
return flows may not be a major factor in the cause of algae blooms
in the Upper Snake. A water quality survey during the irrigation
season should substantiate this.
Nutrient loading from cattle feedlot runoff should be assessed
especially during the periods of high rainfall and following the
spring thaw. It is estimated that the annual total phosphorus contri-
bution from the 218 acres of cattle feedlots in the Upper Snake is
about 9,265 Ib/yr. Most of this will be contributed in winter and
spring. The amount of phosphorus loading from feedlots in the basin
during the October 1971 survey was insignificant.
With 100% phosphorus removal from all known point sources in the
Upper Snake, contributions from diffuse sources and background levels
originating avove the Idaho Falls area probably would not be sufficient
to promote nuisance algae growths; however, the phosphorus concentration
in the sediment of the reservoir areas under proper anerobic conditions
could supply enough nutrients to the overlying water to support an algal
bloom. The relationship of phosphorus concentration in the bottom muds
to algal productivity must be known before a complete nutrient mass
balance can be made in the basin. At present, the total phosphorus
-------
FIGURE 5
BACTERIA IN UPPER SNAKE RIVER
OCTOBER 1971
Values::
-Total
-. .- \ r
.* * .' ::::.
FecaJ Co/iform
Feca.1 Stv-eptococci
650 UO MO
100 710 720
River Mile : :
730 TO 750 74) 770 780 750 80) 8/0
-------
Bacteria counts in the lower reaches of the Portneuf River reached
48,000/100 ml (total coliforms) in October 1971. The main sources of
bacteria are Pocatello STP, Simplot, and Papoose Springs Trout Fish Farm
as well as some contribution from agriculture sources. Idaho data since
1969 supports EPA data relative to continual bacteria violations in the
lower reach of the Portneuf River.
According to USGS data the bacteria water quality standards have
been violated in the Milner Reservoir area about 85% of the time since
1968.
About 30% of Idaho state's bacteria samples collected in American
Falls Reservoir showed counts that exceeded water quality standards.
The main bacteria sources in the major service areas are shown on
Table VI. The table shows the maximum coliform concentration (taken
during the October 1971 survey) in the major industrial and municipal
wastes in the Upper Snake Basin. The highest bacteria levels are
associated with potato processing related industries. This does not
seem to be directly from discharges, however, because the number of
bacteria that are going into the river are far less than those found
at various points below major discharges. This indicates that bacterial
regrowth may be taking place in these nutrient rich parts of the river.
Other sources such as diffuse discharge from cattle feeding areas and
other agriculture land use may add to the bacteria contamination, but
these sources appear to be minor when related to M&I sources. Thus,
the possibility of bacterial regrowth raises a question as to what the
levels of nutrients must be reduced to in order to eliminate regrowth.
-------
TABLE VI
COLIFORM CONTRIBUTIONS OF POINT SOURCES
UPPER SNAKE RIVER
October 1971 Survey
Discharger
Above American Falls Dam
Golden Valley Packers
Idaho Potato Foods
Western Farmers
Rogers Bros 001
Rogers Bros 002
U&I Outfall
Idaho Potato Starch
Idaho Falls STP
R.T. French Outfall
Shelley STP
Idaho Potato Starch
American Potato
Black foot STP
FMC
J.R. SImplot 002
J.R. Simplot 001
Pocatello STP
Papoose Springs
Below American Falls Dam
Rupert STP
J.R. Simplot 001
J.R. Simplot 002
Heyburn STP
Burley STP
Bryants Meats
Ore- Ida 004
Ore-Ida 003
Orc-rda 002
Ore-Ida 001
AiP
Amalgamated Sugar
Pnul STP
River
Mile
812.6
80 A. 0
799.6
799.3
799.2/0.1
799.2
797.9
797.2
787.6
787.0
76 A.I
763.4
762.0
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.2
736.0/11.6
665.1
653.8
643.7
653.4
652.9
649.9 No
649.1
648.9
648.7
648.7
648.4
646.9/8.7
646. 9/7. 2
Avg
Flow
MGD
0.3*
0.7
0.7
1.1
0.4
5.2
0.5
5.3
1.1*
0.14*
0.27
2.0 !
0.68
2.8
0.2
1.3
5.2
40*
1.5
5.0
2.3*
0.13
0.78
data
0.59
0.62
1.2
3.9*
0.81
8.9
0.09*
Total Coliform
Count/100 ml
200,000
8,000,000
2,600,000
92,000,000
80,000,000
5.000
23,000,000
< 1,000
5,400,000
280,000
220,000,000
37,000,000
7,000
<: 1,000
20,000
210,000
..
200,000
6 -,000,000
37,000,000
< 1,000
< 1,000
180
84,000,000
300
1,700,000
300 ,000
25,000,000
320,000
260,000
Fecal Coliform
Count/100 ml
7,400
20
<10
<10
«S10
__
11.000
230.000
100
< 100
< 100
< 1,000
»
< 100
< 100
10
< 100
772
Fecal Streptococci
Count/100 ml
> 1,000,000
25,000
41,000
80
> 1,000,000
< 1.000
930,000
2,200,000
2,700
< 100
< 100
10,000
1,000,000
620,000
< 100
< 100
50
70 ,000
100
45,000
710,000
110,000
5,600
\l The values shown represent the colifonn concentrations associated with the maximum Total Coliform values from the October 1971 Survey.
*Estimated flow
-------
This is a point that could be better defined by studying bacteria in the
river before and after food processing begins.
Additional bacteria data is -needed in this basin during July-August
of the year when the food processors are not yet in operation and the
irrigation season is in progress. Possible bacteria contamination could
also occur during the spring of the year as a result of runoff from
cattle feedlots. A water quality monitoring program should be designed
to include these conditions also.
-------
WATER QUALITY MATHEMATICAL SIMULATION
A mathematical model was applied to the Upper Snake River for the
purpose of simulating water quality conditions under various river flows
and point source loadings. Modeling results are used as an aid in
determining where the critical stream reaches are located so that the
most efficient monitoring sampling points can be established. The
model was used as a tool to determine:
1. Nutrient and BOD concentrations in river from waste sources
2. D.O. depression in river from waste sources
3. Nutrient and BOD build up in reservoirs
A. D.O. depression in reservoirs
5. Possibility of algal productivity throughout river system
Modeling Assumptions:
1. Steady state conditions
2. Vertical and horizontal mixing
3. Forward feed of nutrients (N02 to N0.j)
Preliminary model runs were made with data from the October 1971
Upper Snake Survey for model verification. Upon determination and
modification of various rate constants, D.O. and BOD concentrations
were predicted within .5 mg/1 and nutrients within 10% of observed values,
To enable us to look at worst possible conditions, the Idaho Water
Resources Board reports were consulted to determine stream flow during a
low flow year. The water year of 1934, head water flows ranging from
660 cfs in September to 6,070 cfs in May, was selected for this purpose.
-------
Throughout high and low flow periods the Snake River itself showed
very little degradation with respect to D.O., but seemed to act as a
transport media for pollutants. Significant effects were noticed in
the impoundments, however, where average D.O. in many cases dropped to
zero and significant algal blooms were indicated.
Waste sources were varied in concentration from the largest being
RAPP application values where available, to measured values farom surveys
and to various percentages of possible treatment. This tended to support
previous ideas that the river was a transport media because river water
quality was not greatly affected by the reductions. Impoundment
degradation was lessened, however, by the various reductions.
Based upon the modeling simulations, it appears that the water
quality monitoring activity should be concentrated in the reservoir areas.
-------
PROPOSED MONITORING SYSTEM
The inventory and prior survey data presented earlier in this
report, provided enough information to support the initial modeling
activities in the Upper Snake as well as defining the basin problems and
problem areas. The proposed monitoring program is designed to document
Upper Snake River water quality resulting from seasonal changes in
industrial and agricultural practices.
The proposed FY 1973 monitoring program presented on Table VII-A&B
consists of an intensive survey in August 1972 (completed prior to
distribution of this report), a long term cooperative program with the
USGS, and a long term biological program. As the monitoring surveys
are completed and the data reviewed, collective priority re-evaluation,
and additional needs will determine the extent of additional monitoring
activities in this basin. The proposed monitoring program is not to be
interpreted as a continuously annual station sampling program.
Water Quality Monitoring
The objectives of the August 1972 intensive survey will be to:
1. Determine the impact of irrigation return flow upon the
water quality of the Snake River during low flow.
2. Document the bacteria and nutrient and D.O. conditions in the
basin during the warm low flow portion of the season when the
food processing industry operation is minimal.
3. Obtain additional municipal and industrial effluent data in
the basin.
-------
TABLE VII-A
P R 0 P 0
0
STATION NAME STATION RIVER MI AGENCY
NOHBER
RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
5>F TETON NR RbXBORG OS20 150O53 11.1-8.5 EPA
NF TfcTON NR SOGAR CITY 150)54 20.4-11.8 c PA
HrMRYS FK E ST ANTHONY 150055 34.9 EPA
SNAKt H AT LORENZO 150056 844.9 c PA
SNAKt R 2MI E ROBERTS 153299 819.9 EPA
SNAKE R a IDA FALLS 153035 800.8 f PA
SNAKE RIVER a IDAHO FALL 13058990 800.8 OSGS
NF WILLOW CR 9 ID FALLS 153274 HOI. 1-0. 3 c PA
SF WILLOW CR a 10 FALLS 153275 800.4-0.1 EPA
CROW CR ii IDA FALLS 153276 799.2-0.2 c PA
SNAKE BL IDA HALLS 153060 795.0 EPA
WASTE DITCH .2MI AB SHLLY153277 786.1-0.1 c PA
SNAKE 2 Ml W SHELLEY 153059 785.5 EPA
SNAKE NR MRTH 153058 780.2 c PA
SNAKE AT BLACKFOOT 153037 763. .8 EPA
BLACKFIJOT R i, MOUTH 150048 751.2-0.1 tPA
SNAKE a T ILOEN BR 150047 751.0 EPA
SNAKE RIVER ^ T ILOEN BR 13069500 751.0 OSGS
GIBSDN OR a SHEEPSKIN RO 153289 738.5-2.4 EPA
SPRING CR NR FT HALL 153280 738.5-10.1 c PA
ROSS HK CR NR FT HALL 153288 738.3-9.8 EPA '
SNAKE a FT HALL MdNOMENT 153291 738.1 c PA
PORTNEOF a ZWIGERTS 153295 736.0-17.0 EPA
PORTNEOF if ROWLANDS DA I RY1 53296 736.0-13.0 cfPA
PORTNEOF a SIPHON RO BR 150038 736.0-11.7 EPA
SNAKE RIVER a SIPHON R B 13073909 736.0 OSGS
MdNITOR a ZKIC.HRTS (MINI 15 3,- 15 736.0-17.0 EPA
MONITOR a RO-iLANOi, (MINI 15V18 7 36. 0- 1 3. 0 ~ P A
BANNOCK CR NR POCATELLO 153.-S6 730.0-2.7 EPA
WASTE STRtAM a BRONCO RO 153.'93 -.2 rPA
UANIELSON CR NR MOOTH 153282 738.5-0.1 EPA
LUNIELSL'N CR W SPR INGF I L01 53284 738.5-1.8 c PA
OKA1N NR STERLING 153285 738.3-0.4 EPA
LITTLE HOLE OR BL ABERO 150060 726.1-2.2 f. PA
ABERDEEN OR 1 ABERDEEN 153054 726.1-3.6 EPA
SNAKE BL AM FALLS 0AM 153116 714.0 c PA
SNAKE RIVER BL AM FA OAM 13077000 7i4.o OSGS
SNAKE BL AM FALLS DAM 150036 714.0 c PA
AMERICAN FALLS MflMT MIN 153212 713.9 EPA
HALL CR 3MI V. REGISTER RK153272 699.7-0.1 cPA
SNAKE a MASSACRt RK ST t-K150061 699.0 EPA
RAFT R AT MOOTH 150334 692.0-1.4 c PA
SNAKE S> JACKSON BR 153270 671.2 EPA
SNAKE 5MI E HtYBOKN 153)48 664.4 : PA
SNAKE RIVER 5 M E HtYBRN 130*2040 664.4 USGS
GUOSE CR a MTH 3 8ORLEY 153298 654.0-0.1 c PA
SNAKE a BORL6Y-HEY80RN BR150031 654.0 EPA
B CANAL W HEYBORN 153269 652.9-0.6 e PA
LK M1LNER AT BURLEY HY27 153047 652.3 EPA
MAIN DRAIN a 950 W RO 150057 646.9-1.8 e PA
S E 0
P P E
FRE
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
H
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
M
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
H
P
P
P
P
P
K
TIME
EKIO
S
S
S
S
S
S
C
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S
S
S
5
s
5
s
s
5
C
S
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s
s
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s
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c
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s
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c
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s
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c
s
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s
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M 0 N
SNA
MODEL
S
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
*
X
X
X
I T 0 R I N
( E
P-U-K-P-O
AMBNT WASTE
TKNuS LOADS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
*
X
X
X
X X
G f
B A S
-S-E
STOS E(
COMP
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
R 0 G R A H
N
:OLOGICAL
DAMAGE FIELD
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
-A-N-
NUT H
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A-L-Y-S-
ET BAG F
X
X
X
X .
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X
X X
-e-s R-t
>ES CHE PS^
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X
-0-U-I-R-E
1 BIO HVD S
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
_0
EO BOD K
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
. X
X
X
X
X
X
X .
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
-------
TABLE VII-B
p-U-K-y-U-S-E A-N-A-L-Y-S-E-S R-C-0-O-I-R-E-O
STATION NAME STATION RIVER MI AGENCY FRE TIME MODEL AMBNT HASTE STUS ECOLOGICAL
NUMREK PERIOD TRNOS LOADS CUMP DAMAGE FIELD NUT MET BAC PES CHE PSV BIO HYD SED BOO RAO AA
RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
MILNER-GOUDING CNL NR DAM153268
N SIDE MAIN CNL NR DAM 153267
f.AIN S SIUE CNL NR 0AM 153266
MILNcR MONITOR (MIN) 153026
LK MILNER S MILNER DAM 153001
LK MILNER a MILNER DAM 13087900
SNAKE BL MILNER DAM 150029
MUNICIPAL SAMPLING STATIONS
bURLEY STP 153070
8UKLEY N SIDE LAGOON
H=YBURN STP 153084
RUPtRT STP 153083.
AMERICAN FALLS STP 153198
ABERDEEN STP 153199
PUCATELLO STP 153062
IDAHO FALLS STP 153077
SHELLEY STP 153200
BLACKFOOT STP 153073
INDUSTRIAL SAMPLING STATIONS
UCI UIMHALL ID FALLS 153166
J« S1MPLOT BURLEY 153071
URE-IUA BURLEY 153068
FISH HATCH EFF NR AM FAL 153297
FMC PUCAIELLU 153')63
JR SIMPLOr 001 POCATELLO 15306'.
JR SINPLUT 002 POCATFLLO 153173
UNION PACIFIC POCATfcLLO 153197
GULDSN VALLEY PAC RUBERTSI 530 66
RT FRENCH UUTFALL SHELLEY 1531 71
RUEG6R SPK1NC. NR AM F4LLS153273
UNNAMED SPR CR 2MIS SPRFL153283
MCTUCKER SPRING 1532R1
SPRING CR a 6RONCO RO 153292
SPR a KUHLA.'ll'.S OKY.POCAT .1532U7
CLEAR CR H S>-EcPSKIN RD 153290
JEFF CABIN CR NR FT HALL 153279
UIGGIE CR NR FT HALL 15327B
SPR 3.5MI SE SPRINGFIELD 153294
640
640
640
639
652
652
653
665
713
726
736
797
787
762
799
653
648
712
736
736
736
736
812
787
7U
738
739
736
2.4
1.6
0.8
738
01
.01
01
.7
.9
.8
.4
.1
.2
.1-3.8
.0-13.2
.2
.0
.0
.2
.8
.7
.7
.0-13.7
.0-13.6
.0-13.7
.0-16.8
.6
.6
.8
.4-0.2
.4
-16.4
.0-13.3
.5-0.5
EPA P
iPA P
EPA P
>: PA P
EPA P
USGS M
EPA P
EPA P
EPA P
EPA P
cPA P
EPA F
t PA P
EPA F
EPA P
EPA F
cPA P
iPA t
EPA
cPA
EPA
: PA
EPA
tPA
EPA
: PA
EPA
ePA
EPA
c PA
EPA
ePA 1
EPA
ePA 1
EPA
= PA
S
S
S
S
S
c
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
> S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
> S
9 S
> S
P S
> S
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
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X
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X
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X
X
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X
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X
X
X
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X
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X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
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X
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X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X .
FREQUENCY --- «=
--- P=
MONTHLY IN
PERIODIC
COOPERATION WITH THe USGS.
TIME PERIUO --- S- SINGLE SURVfcY H/72, C- COIIPt RAT 1 VE M I TH USGS S/72 - 1/73.
HtLO 00 PH CUND TEMP ALK
NU1 NU2 N03 <.H3 KJEL T
MET AS CD CR FE MN
BAC T CULI FECAL CUL I
PES PESTICIDES
CHE CHEMICAL
PSY CROSS-SECTIONAL UATA
MID BIOLOGICAL
HYD HYPKOLOG1CAL PARAMETERS --- FLOW
SSI) Sti>|M£NT SAMPLES
BUD H/.C5
RAD K41MATION
AA ALC.AL ASSAY
PHOS ORTHO P 0 PHOS
SB CU PB ZN HG
TOC TIC TC
(TOTAL AND DISSOLVED)
-------
4. Qualify the contribution of groundwater in the basin for the
purposes of mass balances.
5. To provide additional data for mathematical model input.
6. Obtain data for trend analysis.
7. Document standards violations during this time of the season.
This type of intensive survey can be repeated in the future to further
document the water quality conditions of the basin if further clarification
or treatment efficiency documentation is required.
The USGS-EPA cooperative sampling program is designed to obtain
data for ambient trends and standards compliance in the basin.
Biological Monitoring
Benthic Macroinvertebrates:
Stations utilizing artifical substrates have been established on
free flowing portions of the Upper Snake River for the collection of
benthic macroinvertebrates. These stations are tabulated on Table VII -A&B.
Samples collected from these stations will be used to develop a
diversity and a population density measurement. These two biological
measurements will establish a baseline and serve as an indicator of
the response of the aquatic community to pollution control measures
being implemented in the basin.
Algal Productivity:
The heavy nutrient loading in the Upper Snake River is responsible
for extensive algal blooms and rooted aquatic growth in the impoundments
throughout the river system. After consultation with several experts
in euthrophication studies, the algal assay was selected as the best
-------
available method to establish a baseline measurement and monitor changes
in these conditions. The algal assay will also be employed as a predictive
tool to estimate the productivity of Upper Snake River waters at various
conditions of nutrient removal.
Bioassay:
Live box studies and other bioassay techniques will be undertaken
in stream and on effluents when toxicity problems are indicated; however,
bioassay tests are not presently indicated or planned.
Monitoring Program Costs
Water Quality Field Sampling:
Personnel Costs $10,000/survey
Freight $ 200/survey
Lab Costs $30,000/survey
USGS Contract Services - Field Sampling
Total Cost................... $ 5,800/yr
Biological Sampling:
Macroinvertebrate sampling
Quarterly
Four (4) trips to Upper Snake @ $400 $1600/yr
Laboratory analyses $600 $ 600/yr
Algal Assay
Quarterly
Samples taken in conjunction with macroinvertebrates
Laboratory analyses $200/trip $ 800/yr
Bioassay
Cost should not exceed $ 500/yr
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|