ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
,
B r
REPORT ON
•
WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES
FROM
WALTERS FERRY TO WEISER, IDAHO
.
.
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER
DENVER.COLORADO
.
•
•
AND
-
-
REGION X, SEATTLE,WASHINGTON
FEBRUARY 1973
/ATE]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AHENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
Report on
WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATIONS
OF
SNAKE RIVER AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES
WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
National Field Investigations Center-Denver
Denver, Colorado
and
Region X, Seattle, Washington
February 1973
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES iv
LIST OF APPENDICES v
LIST OF APPENDICES TABLES v
LIST OF APPENDICES FIGURES viii
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ix
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 5
III. DESCRIPTION OF AREA 13
IV. STREAM SURVEY 15
A. INDIAN CREEK 15
B. BOISE RIVER 18
C. PAYETTE RIVER 24
D. SNAKE RIVER 24
V. WASTE-SOURCE EVALUATIONS 31
A. INTRODUCTION 31
B. IMPACT OF THE FWPCA AMENDMENTS OF 1972 32
C. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO INDIAN CREEK 33
D. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO THE BOISE RIVER 36
E. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO THE PAYETTE RIVER 39
F. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO THE SNAKE RIVER 40
REFERENCES 42
iii
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Page
1 EFFECT OF J. R. SIMPLOT COMPANY WASTE
DISCHARGE ON WATER QUALITY, BOISE RIVER,
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971 22
LIST OF FIGURES
Follows
Figure No. Page
1 Sampling Locations - Snake River and Inside
Tributaries (1971) back cover
2 Bacterial Densities (Arithmetic Mean),
Indian Creek, Idaho. November, 1971 .... 16
3 Bacterial Densities (Arithmetic Mean),
Payette River, Idaho. November, 1971 .... 20
4 Algae (Chlorophyll a) and Biomass (Volatile
Solids) Boise River, Idaho. November, 1971 . 20
5 Rainbow Trout Flavor Test Results, Boise
River, Idaho. November, 1971 20
6 Rainbow Trout Flavor Test Results, Snake
River, November, 1971 26
7 Bacterial Densities (Arithmetic Mean),
Snake River, October-November, 1971 26
8 Algae (Chlorophyll a) and Biomass (Volatile
Solids) Snake River, November, 1971 26
iv
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A EXTRACTS FROM IDAHO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
B EXTRACTS FROM OREGON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
C STUDY METHODS
D LIST OF STREAM STATIONS
E FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES
STREAM SURVEY
F BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS
G AQUATIC GROWTHS
H FISH
I BENTHOS
J DATA FROM WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
K EFFLUENT GUIDELINES FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
DISCHARGES
LIST OF APPENDICES TABLES
Table No.
D-l
E-l
E-2
STREAM SAMPLING LOCATIONS IN THE SNAKE RIVER
AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES IDAHO-OREGON
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL
ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS ON INDIAN
CREEK, NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL
ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS ON THE BOISE
RIVER, NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Page
D-l
E-l
E-2
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LIST OF APPENDICES TABLES (Cont.)
Table No. Page
E-3 SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL
ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS ON THE
PAYETTE RIVER, NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971 E-4
E-4 SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL
ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS SNAKE RIVER
BASIN - WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM
WEISER, IDAHO, OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 1971 E-5
F-l RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT
SELECTED STATIONS INDIAN CREEK STREAM SURVEY
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971 F-l
F-2 RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT
SELECTED STATIONS BOISE RIVER STREAM SURVEY
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971 F-2
F-3 RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT
SELECTED STATIONS PAYETTE RIVER STREAM
SURVEY, NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971 F-3
F-4 RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT
SELECTED STATIONS SNAKE RIVER BASIN STREAM
SURVEY, OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 1971 F-4
F-5 SAU40MLLA ISOLATIONS FOR SNAKE AND BOISE
RIVERS, OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 10, 1971 F-6
G-l AQUATIC GROWTHS FROM ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRACTS,
BOISE RIVER, OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 10, 1971 G-l
G-2 AQUATIC GROWTHS FROM ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRACTS,
SNAKE RIVER, OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 10, 1971 G-2
H-l ELECTROFISHING RESULTS, BOISE RIVER
(RM 58.2 to 0.1)
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1971 H-l
H-2 CHECKLIST OF FISHES, BOISE RIVER
(RM 58.2 to 0.1) H-2
H-3 RAINBOW TROUT FLAVOR TEST RESULTS BOISE RIVER,
IDAHO, NOVEMBER, 1971 H-4
vi
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LIST OF APPENDICES TABLES (Cont.)
Table No. Page
H-4 CHECKLIST OF SNAKE RIVER FISHES
(RM 442.5 to 351.3) H-5
H-5 RAINBOW TROUT FLAVOR TEST RESULTS SNAKE RIVER,
IDAHO, NOVEMBER, 1971 H-6
1-1 BENTHOS, INDIAN CREEK OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1971
(NUMBERS PER SQUARE FOOT) 1-1
1-2 BENTHOS, BOISE RIVER OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1971
(NUMBERS PER SQUARE FOOT) 1-3
1-3 BENTHOS, SNAKE RIVER OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1971 1-5
1-4 BENTHOS, SELECTED TRIBUTARIES OF THE SNAKE
RIVER BASIN OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1971
(NUMBERS PER SQUARE FOOT) 1-7
J-l SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL RESULTS-MUNICIPAL WASTE
SOURCE EVALUATIONS SNAKE RIVER AND ITS
TRIBUTARIES OCTOBER 18-25, 1971 J-l
J-2 SUMMARY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES MUNICIPAL
WASTE DISCHARGES SNAKE RIVER AND ITS
TRIBUTARIES OCTOBER 18-25, 1971 J-2
J-3 FINDINGS OF MUNICIPAL WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-25, 1971 J-3
J-4 SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL RESULTS-EFFLUENTS FROM
INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES SNAKE RIVER AND ITS
TRIBUTARIES OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971 J-5
J-5 SUMMARY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES-EFFLUENTS
FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES SNAKE RIVER AND
ITS TRIBUTARIES OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971 J-7
J-6 FINDINGS OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971 J-8
vii
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LIST OF APPENDICES FIGURE
Follows
Figure No. Page
C-l Artificial Substrate Assembly C-4
viii
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 5-Day
COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand
DO - Dissolved Oxygen
Kj - Kjeldahl Nitrogen as Nitrogen
LWK - Live Weight Killed
NH - Ammonia as Nitrogen
NO - NO - Nitrite-Nitrate as Nitrogen
RM - river mileage
Total P - Total Phosphorus
TOC - Total Organic Carbon
TSS - Total Suspended Solids
WTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant
cfs - flow rate given in cubic feet per second
gpm - flow rate given in gallons per minute
mgd - flow rate given in million gallons per day
mg/1 - concentration given in milligrams per liter
ymhos/cm - unit of specific conductance (mho — the inverse of
the standard unit of electrical resistance, the ohm)
measured over a 1-centimeter distance, conventionally
made at 25°C
ix
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I.. INTRODUCTION
During the period 1964-1968 the Northwest Regional Office of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration (FWPCA) conducted a study
of water quality and pollution sources in the entire Snake River Basin.
The objectives of the study were to determine the magnitude as well as
sources of pollution and to develop water quality control and management
programs for the Snake River Basin. Supplementary data were obtained
from various local, State, and Federal agencies.
The FWPCA office compiled data from previous studies and prepared
a report— that outlined the problems associated with fish kills, algal
blooms, bacterial contamination, thermal discharges, radioactive wastes,
and pesticide contamination. Detailed conclusions were drawn and specific
recommendations made for needed State and Federal actions. Waters of the
study area were impaired for beneficial uses by the increasing pollution
from industrial, municipal, and agricultural sources. The primary reason
given for the gain in water pollution was poor management of various im-
poundments that drastically modified natural flow patterns and impaired
assimilation of wastes. While secondary treatment, or its equivalent,
would enhance water quality, maintenance of minimum stream flow was
essential to proper, water quality management. As a result of this
study and of implementation of water quality standards, there has been
limited improvement in wastewater treatment.
At the request of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region X,
the EPA National Field Investigations Center-Denver (NFIC-D) conducted
waste-source evaluations and a water-quality and biological study of the
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Snake River and principal tributaries between Walters Ferry (RM 442.5)
and Weiser, Idaho (RM 350.3) [Figure 1, inside back cover]. The investi-
gations were carried out from October 18 to November 10, 1971.
The tributaries evaluated include: Indian Creek, from upstream of
Nampa to the Boise River; the Boise River, from upstream of Boise to its
mouth; and the Payette River, from upstream of Emmett to its mouth.
The objectives were:
1. To determine whether interstate pollution occurs between Idaho
and Oregon;
2. To evaluate water pollution control practices at principal
industrial and municipal x^aste sources and to determine waste
loads discharged;
3. To ascertain whether municipal and industrial waste discharges
are in compliance with applicable water quality standards and
regulations;
4. To determine the effects of industrial and municipal waste dis-
charges to water quality and the aquatic biota;
5. To determine whether enteric pathogens contaminate these waters;
6. To provide a basis for evaluation of Refuse Act Permit appli-
cations; and
7. To determine the need for abatement measures.
Water quality and biological conditions observed during the stream
survey are discussed in Section V. Waste source evaluations and pol-
lution abatement needs are discussed in Section VI. [Water quality
standards established by Idaho and Oregon for the Snake River and its
tributaries are summarized in Appendices A and B, respectively. Study
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methods and sampling locations are discussed in Appendices C and D,
respectively. Physical, chemical, bacteriological, and biological data
are presented in Appendices E through I. Waste source data are summarized
in Appendix J. Proposed effluent guidelines for the major industrial
waste categories relevant to this study are listed in Appendix K.]
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 were
enacted subsequent to the completion of the survey and preparation of
the draft report. The document has, accordingly, been extensively re-
vised to reflect the requirements of the 1972 Amendments.
Additional studies by EPA Region X and the Idaho State Board of
Health are under way at this time. These studies may indicate that
treatment requirements more stringent than those suggested herein, may
be necessary in order to protect the receiving waters for their desig-
nated uses.
The cooperation of personnel of City, State, and Federal agencies,
and industries, in supplying information and assistance is gratefully
acknowledged.
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II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Stream surveys, conducted from October 18 to November 10, 1971,
on the Snake River from Walters Ferry (RM 442.5) to Weiser, Idaho (RN
350.0), revealed that water upstream of the Boise River (RM 391.3) was
relatively unpolluted; however, bacterial standards were violated. In
the reacli of the Snake River between the mouth of the Boise River and
Weiser, gross violations of the Idaho and Oregon Water Quality Standards
that are applicable to the interstate waters of the Snake River were
documented.
2. Downstream from the Boise River (RM 391.3) the water quality of
the Snake River was degraded. Blue-green algae and slime growths were
present because of excessive nutrient levels. While total-coliform
bacterial densities increased 15-fold above levels upstream of the Boise
River, fecal-coliform bacterial densities increased by more than a factor
of 1,000; Salmonella, a pathogenic microorganism, was isolated. Coliform
bacteria, discharged by municipalities and industries on the Boise River
and Indian Creek, contributed to violations of Idaho and Oregon Water
Quality Standards that are applicable to the interstate waters of the
Snake River.
3. The Amalgamated Sugar Company at Nyssa, Oregon (RM 389.0), dis-
charged untreated wastes containing an average BOD load of 13,800 Ib/day
(2.1 Ib/ton of sugar beets), and excessive numbers of coliform bacteria
were noted. This discharge greatly exceeded the waste loads that are
permitted by the effluent guidelines proposed for the sugar beet industry
[Appendix K], The discharge also violated Oregon Water Quality Standards
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that require secondary treatment or the Industrial equivalent (85 percent
removal of BOD and TSS). The numbers of coliform bacteria that were dis-
charged contributed to the violation of Oregon and Idaho bacterial cri-
teria applicable to the interstate waters of the Snake River. Company
officials should be formally advised that permit conditions include
limitations of BOD and suspended solids discharges each to 0.5 Ib/ton
of beets processed, requirement for disinfection, and may require con-
tainment during low-flow periods.
A. The quality of the Snake River water improved in the reach up-
stream of Ontario, Oregon, but was again degraded by waste discharges in
the Ontario area.
5. The waste discharged from ORE-IDA Foods, Inc. (RM 370.0) con-
tained a BOD of approximately 5,000 Ib/day (6.2 Ib/ton of vegetables).
This discharge exceeded waste loads permitted by the proposed effluent
guidelines for the fruit and vegetable canning and preserving industry.
Moreover, this discharge violates the provision of the Oregon Water
Quality Standards that requires secondary treatment or the industrial
equivalent (85 percent removal of BOD and TSS). Numbers of coliform
bacteria that were discharged contributed to the violation of Idaho and
Oregon bacterial criteria applicable to the interstate waters of the
Snake River. Company officials should be advised that the permit con-
ditions for ORE-IDA Foods, Incorporated will be those provided by
Schedule A, for the Canning, Preserved and Frozen Foods Processing
Industry [Appendix K], and that disinfection of the effluent will be
required.
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6. Treatment and disinfection of municipal wastewaters by the City
of Ontario were found .to be adequate.
7. The Cities of Weiser and Payette, Idaho, provide only primary
treatment of domestic wastes, thereby violating the Idaho Water Quality
Standards requirements for "highest and best practicable treatment and
control." City officials should be advised that Federal regulations are
to be published requiring secondary treatment and disinfection by publicly
owned wastewater treatment plants.
8. In the reach downstream from Weiser the water quality of the
river was similar to that observed in the unpolluted upper portion of
the study area.
9. The waters of Indian Creek upstream of Namna, Idaho, were
moderately degraded by wastes discharged from the Armour Heat Packing
Company (RH 11.9) which discharged 92 pounds of BOD/day, equivalent to
0.22 lb/1,000 Ib Live Weight Killed (LWK). This discharge of BOD exceeds
the waste loads that are permitted by the proposed effluent guidelines
(0.17 Ib BOD/1,000 Ib LWK). The discharge also violates Idaho Water
Quality Standards that require secondary treatment or the industrial
equivalent (85 percent removal of BOD and TSS). Densities of coliform
bacteria contained in the Armour effluent contributed to violations of
the bacterial criteria that are applicable to Indian Creek and the
Boise River. Studies currently in progress may indicate the need for
containment and/or re-use of this wastewater.
10. The Nampa municipal wastewater treatment plant, during the time
of the survey, was the principal source of the pollution of Indian Creek.
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The plant was organically overloaded because of inadequately pretreated
industrial waste loads. This plant was removing only 72 percent of the
influent BOD load. Excessive numbers of total- and fecal-coliform bacteria,
1,200,000 and 96,000/100 ml, respectively, were being discharged to Indian
Creek. The discharge of inadequately treated and poorly disinfected
municipal and industrial waste caused violations of the Idaho Water
Quality Standards pertaining to turbidity, odors, sludge banks, dissolved
oxygen, bacteria, and to the requirement for "highest and best practicable
treatment and control." Bacterial contamination also contributed to
violations of the bacterial standards for the Boise River and for the
interstate waters of the Snake River. In order to comply with appli-
cable water quality standards, as indicated by the results of this
survey, the City of Nampa must provide a very high degree of removal
of BOD and TSS. Preliminary, computer-model results, based on the best
available hydrologic information, indicate that the necessary treatment
level will require an alternative comparable to complete containment and
re-use of wastewaters, change in the point of effluent discharge, or inter-
ception and treatment at the Caldwell Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP).
This type of treatment measure is necessary to prevent water-quality
degradation of Indian Creek during periods of low flow.
11. Boise River, upstream of Boise, Idaho, was of good water quality.
Downstream from the city of Boise discharges of municipal and industrial
wastewaters, plus inflow from Indian Creek, caused violations of dis-
solved oxygen and bacterial standards.
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12. The Boise (municipal) WTP provided marginally adequate treat-
ment; disinfection was not adequate. City officials should be advised
that Federal regulations are expected to limit fecal-coliform bacterial
densities in the discharge to weekly and monthly averages of 400 and
200 per 100 ml, respectively.
13. Treatment and disinfection of municipal and industrial waste-
waters by the Caldwell WTP was inadequate. The BOD removal was approxi-
mately 68 percent; the effluent contained levels of total- and fecal-
coliform bacteria of 18,000 and 1,100/100 ml, respectively. Therefore,
the discharge from this plant violated Idaho Water Quality Standards
pertaining to bacterial densities and treatment levels. In order
to comply with applicable water-quality standards the results of this
survey indicate that the City of Caldwell must provide a high degree
of removal of BOD and TSS. To prevent water-quality degradation the
Idaho State Board of Health is recommending that the effluent discharged
from the Caldwell WTP contain no more than 1,000 Ib/day of BOD. To
attain this level of treatment may require complete containment and
re-use of wastewnters. City officials should be advised that dis-
infection must be provided such that the total-coliform bacterial den-
sities do not exceed 1,000/100 ml, and the fecal-coliform bacterial den-
sities do not exceed weekly and monthly averages of 400 and 200/100 ml,
respectively. Further, ordinance(s) must be enacted to implement Federal
regulations pertaining to pretreatment of industrial wastewaters dis-
charged to publicly owned wastewater treatment systems, and that a
schedule, acceptable to State and Federal authorities, must be developed
to attain compliance with the ordinance(s).
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14. Wastewaters discharged by the J. R. Simplot Company potato-
processing plant contained an average BOD load of 30,800 Ib/day
(13.7 Ib/ton of raw potatoes), thus greatly exceeding effluent loads
permitted by the proposed effluent guidelines [Appendix K], This
discharge caused violations of the DO standards for the Boise River.
The effluent contained very high levels of total- and fecal-coliform
bacteria, 1,500,000 and 64,000 per 100 ml, respectively, contributing
to violations of bacterial standards in the Boise and Snake Rivers.
Attainment of effluent quality prescribed by the effluent guidelines
cannot be expected to protect water quality in Indian Creek. Addi-
tional treatment or containment/re-use will be required.
15. The Garden City and Meridian municipal wastewater treatment
plants attained BOD removals of 33 and 63 percent, respectively. Dis-
infection, by the Garden City WTP was inadequate. City officials should
be advised that disinfection must limit total-coliform bacterial densities
to 1,000 per 100 ml and fecal-coliform bacterial densities to weekly and
monthly averages of 400 and 200 per 100 ml, respectively. Studies now
in progress could require that these communities provide additional
treatment to protect water quality of the receiving stream.
16. The Triangle Dairy discharged wastewater to the Boise River
through a drainage ditch. Levels of total- and fecal-coliform bacteria
present in the effluent were 3,300,000 and 7,700/100 ml, respectively.
This discharge contributes to violations of the bacterial criteria
for the Boise and Snake Rivers. Adequate disinfection or containment
is required in order to eliminate this standards violation.
10
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17. Discharge, by the. Boise-Cascade Corporation, of untreated waste-
waters to the Payette River violates the Idaho Water Quality Standards
requirement for "highest and best practicable treatment and control." The
small quantity of wastewater involved suggests containment or re-use.
11
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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
Headwaters of the Snake River are in the high, rugged Teton Mountains
of northern Wyoming. The river flows in a southwesterly curving arc
across southern Idaho to the Oregon border, near its confluence with the
Boise River. At this point the Snake turns north and forms the Oregon-
Idaho boundary for 216 miles. From the northeast corner of Oregon to
Lewiston, Idaho, this river forms the Washington-Idaho boundary and then
turns west to join the Columbia River. The Snake River is the largest
tributary of the Columbia River, with a total length of 1,038 miles,
draining an area of 109,000 square miles.
The study area [Figure 1, inside back cover], i.e. the Snake River
Plain, is characterized by gently rolling hills. Until the widespread
use of irrigation this plain was semi-arid; today it has been transformed
into a highly productive farming area. The flood plain and valleys formed
by the Boise, Payette, and Weiser Rivers are used extensively for farming
and ranching. Crops produced include potatoes, onions, sugar beets,
beans, alfalfa, wheat, and hay. Truck and fruit farming flourish along
the Idaho-Oregon border. Beef and dairy cattle and sheep are raised
extensively.
Although the economy of the area in primarily agricultural, indus-
trialization is expanding rapidly, with accompanying growth of urban areas,
The principal urban centers in the study area arc: Boise, Idaho with a
population of approximately 00,0^0: Nanpa, Idaho, with 21,000; Caldwell,
Idaho, with 14,000: Ontario and Nyssa, Oregon, with a combined population
of 9,100; and Payette, Idaho, with 4,500. The development has resulted in
an expanded and intensified use of the Snake River and its principal tri-
butaries, particularly the Boise River.
13
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IV. STREAM SURVEY
A. INDIAN CREEK
Indian Creek, a tributary of the Boise River, originates south of
Boise, Idaho. The upper reach of the creek is impounded by the Indian
Creek Reservoir. Downstream from the dam the stream flows northwest
past the towns of Nampa and Caldwell, Idaho, to its confluence with the
Boise River.
A
Upstream of the Armour T'eat Packing Company, at RM 11.9, the BOD
values and TOC concentrations x^ere moderately high [Table E-l], as expected
in an agricultural area. Dissolved oxygen ranged between 8.8 and 10.8 mg/l
(SO to 109 percent saturation), exceeding the DO criterion (75 percent
saturation) established by Idaho. The stream bottom was sandy and free
from sludee. The benthos reflected these conditions of good, but slightly
enriched, water quality. Organic pollution-sensitive mayflies and caddis-
flies were common in the diverse benthic community, which also contained
organisms that prefer an enriched environment [Table I-ll.
Downstream at RM 11.2, the Armour Meat Packing Company discharged un-
treated cooling water directly to Indian Creek. Process waste was treated
in a two-cell lagoon prior to discharge. The combined load discharged to
the creek averaged 92 Ib BOD/day. Total- and fecal-coliform bacterial
densities in the discharge averaged 17,000/100 ml and 3,800/100 ml,
respectively. At RI! 10.4, dissolved oxygen ranged from 8.3 to 10.4 mg/1
(84 percent saturation or better) and TOC values were within the same
range as that recorded upstream from the Armour Company wastewater
* Mileage is measured from the mouth of Indian Creek.
15
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discharge. The benthos was dominated by pollution-tolerant flatworms and
sludgeworms. The numbers of benthic organisms increased moderately to
2
1,954/ft , and diversity decreased from 14 kinds upstream to nine in this
reach [Table 1-1] . Water quality in this reach was judged to be moder-
ately degraded.
From RM 10.4 to 7.5 Indian Creek flows through a residential area
of Nampa. At RM 7.5 the DO levels, slightly lower than they were upstream,
ranged from 8.2 to 9.4 mg/1 (89-95 percent saturation). Densities of
total- and fecal-coliform bacteria in this reach were 14,000/100 ml and
*
350/100 ml, respectively [Table F-l and Figure 2]. The Idaho standard
for bacteria, applicable to all waters of the State, was violated. The
Nampa (municipal) Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges treated sewage
and food-processing wastes to Indian Creek at RM 7.4. Downstream at
RM 5.0 the creek was turbid, gray in color, and smelled of sewage. The
biochemical oxygen demand averaged 13 mg/1. Dissolved oxygen concen-
trations decreased to 3.2 mg/1 (34 percent saturation). Total- and fecal-
coliform bacteria numbered 30,000/100 ml and 900/100 ml, respectively. The
stream bottom was blanketed with organic sludgebeds and supported only benthic
organisms tolerant of organic pollution. Sludgeworms, numbering over
2
40,000/ft , constituted more than 99 percent of the benthos. The diversity
decreased to only six kinds of tolerant organisms. Idaho Water Quality
Standards were violated in this severely polluted reach of Indian Creek:
Section 5-B, F, and G, prohibit excessive turbidity, odors, and the buildup
* Except where otherwise noted densities of coliform bacteria are expres-
sed are arthimetic means.
16
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100,000-1
KEY
TOTAL COLIFORM
FECAL COLIFORM
FECAL STREPTOCOCCI
10,000-
1,000-
100-
i
12
10
RIVER MILES
VIOLATION OF
WATER QUALITY
STANDARDS
(1,000 COLI~
FORM/100-l)
Figure 2. Bacterial Densities, (Arithmetic Mean) Indian Creek, Idaho. November, 1971
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of sludgebanks; dissolved oxygen concentrations were consistently lower than
are permitted; and coliform densities exceeded the Idaho maximum criterion.
Downstream at KM 2.8 Indian Creek waters recovered to some extent from
the damaging effects of wastes discharged at Nampa, although they were
still degraded. The BOD was 9 mg/1; DO concentrations increased slightly
to a range of 3.6 to 6.4 mg/1 (40 to 65 percent saturation). The benthic
community was dominated by tolerant sludgeworms and flatworms, but the
2
density of the organisms decreased drastically to only 64/ft . Pollution-
sensitive mayflies and caddisflies inhabited the reach, and diversity
increased to 11 kinds [Table 1-1].
Water quality near the mouth of Indian Creek (RM 0.1) improved but
was still in a degraded condition. Levels of BOD and TOC decreased to
about 7 and 5 mg/1, respectively, and DO levels increased to more than
75 percent saturation [Table E-l]. Densities of coliform bacteria con-
tinued to be excessive (total coliforms, 18,000/100 ml; fecal coliforms,
2,500/100 ml) in this reach [Table F-l]. Benthos typical of a recovery
zone of an organically polluted stream inhabited this reach. Sludgeworms
and flatworms were uncommon, their numbers being replaced by blackflies
and midges [Table 1-1]. Pollution-intolerant caddisflies inhabited the
2
reach; the density of organisms decreased to 53/ft . Despite these
improvements in the quality of Indian Creek waters, they carried an esti-
mated 10,900 Ib BOD/day to the Boise River.
No historical, hydrologic records for Indian Creek were available to
indicate low-flow frequencies. Therefore, present and projected effects
of waste discharges were calculated on the basis of estimated flows.
17
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Estimates of waste-load assimilative capacities were made based on best
available hydrologic information. Preliminary computer model results,
based on estimated flows, indicated that a maximum of 1,000 Ib/day of BOD
can be discharged from this wastewater treatment plant. Hydrologic
studies should^ be initiated in order to provide the basis for decisions
regarding permitted discharges to Indian Creek. Such studies are expected
to indicate that installation of best available treatment, by dischargers
to Indian Creek, will not preclude violations of DO standards (75 percent
saturation) during low-flow periods. Containment and re-use of waste-
water may be necessary in order to prevent water quality standards
violations.
In summary, from KM 11.9 to EM 7.5 Indian Creek was moderately degraded
by wastes discharged from the Armour Meat Packing Company and untreated
domestic wastes discharged in Nampa. Idaho bacterial criteria were
violated at RM 7.5. From RM 7.5 downstream to RM 2.8, treated domestic and
food-processing wastes discharged from the municipal wastewater treatment
plant, at Nampa, caused violations of the standards for turbidity, odors,
sludgebanks, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria. Although the stream assimi-
lated some of the waste load, it contributed nearly 11,000 Ib BOD/day to
the Boise River and also contributed to violations of bacterial standards
in the river.
B. BOISE RIVER
The headwaters of this river are at the confluence of the North, South,
and Middle Forks Rivers. The Boise River flows west, through the cities of
Boise and Garden City, and continues westward past Caldwell, Notus, and
Parma, Idaho, to join the Snake River downstream from Parma.
18
-------
During the survey (November 4-10, 1971) stream flows varied from
106 cfs at RM 52.8 in the city of Boise to 835 cfs at Notus, Idaho
(RM 13.8). The flow at Boise was 30 percent of the historical average
for October and November, while at Notus it was 30 percent greater than
this average. Streamflow in the upper reach is controlled by releases
from both Lucky Peak and Barber reservoirs. Flows increased downstream
at Notus because of groundwater accretions, irrigation returns, and
21
waste discharges. Abnormally high groundwater levels— at the time of
the survey increased the accretion rate.
From Eckert Road Bridge (RM 58.2), upstream of Boise, to RM 52.8
the Boise River was clear and of good water quality [Table E-2], Bacterial
pollution x«is not evident [Table F-2 and Figure 3], These conditions
favored the development of a benthic community that included pollution-
sensitive mayflies and caddisflies [Table 1-2]. Growths of attached algae
were nominal and no slimes were found [Table G-l and Figure 4], Rainbow
trout, exposed in cages, acquired no off-flavors and remained palatable
[Table H-3]. A diverse population of game and non-game fish, including
rainbow trout, was collected by electroshocking [Table H-l],
The effects of the waste discharges in the Boise area were evident
at the Strawberry Glen Bridge (RM 47.1). The Garden City (RIl 48.0/0.8)
and Boise (RM 49.1) municipal wastewater treatment plants discharged a
combined load of approximately 15,300 Ib BOD/day. Total phosphorus in-
creased to 0.60 mg/1 in this reach, 15 times the concentration found at
RM 52.8. Total- and fecal-coliforia bacterial densities were 15,000/100 ml
and 6,600/100 ml, respectively, (in violation of the bacterial standard).
19
-------
Salmonella infantis and S. typhirman-um were isolated at this location.
Dense mats of algae and slime were evident, thus constituting a violation
of Section 5E of the Idaho General Water Quality Standards for Waters of
the State. The benthic community was rich in kinds (15 types) , but was
dominated by hydropsychid caddisflies (85 percent). The same types of
fish, including rainbow trout, were found here as at RM 58.2. Trout,
exposed for palatability tests, were found undesirable for human con-
sumption [Figure 5].
There was a partial improvement in water quality downstream from
Star, Idaho (RM 33.9). Numerous riffles increased the turbulence, and
stream aeration increased (DO ranged between 9.0-13.0 mg/1). The diver-
sity of the benthic community (14 kinds) remained essentially the same as
that found at the Strawberry Glen Bridge. However, the total numbers pre-
2 2
sent were reduced from 1,468/ft to 195/ft because of the significant
reduction in the number of hydropsychids. Trout exposed at this location
acquired an undesirable taste.
Near Middleton, Idaho (RM 26.5), the trend toward recovery continued.
Levels of dissolved oxygen remained high, ranging from 9.5 to 14.8 mg/1.
The benthos was similar to that found near the town of Star. Mountain
whitefish and large-scale suckers were collected by electroshocking.
Upstream of Caldwell, Idaho (RM 21.8), patches of attached algae,
mixed with slimes, covered portions of the river bed, in violation of
general standards that prohibit slime growths. Such growths were not
widespread. The benthos was diverse (15 kinds) , and the density of
organisms remained low. 5. dublin was isolated at this location.
20
-------
KEY:
TOTAL COLIFORM
10,000-,
1 ODD-
1 f U U U
100-
3
5
'
S
s
s
1
30
I FECAL COLIFORM
•1
1 FECAL STREPTOCOCCI
(J LESS THAN VALUE
i i i i i
25 20 15 10 5
0
\
VIOLATION OF
WATER QUALITY
STANDARDS
(1,000 COLIFORM/
100ml)
RIVER MILES
Figure 3. Bacterial Densities,(Arithmetic Mean)Payelte River,Idaho.October-November,1971
-------
60-<
50-
40-
-1 30-
KEY:
CHLOROPHYLL«&(ALGAE]
3 VOLATILE SOLIDS (BIOMASS)
A CITY OF BOISE
A CALDWELL WTP, SIMPLOT,
INDIAN CREEK COMPLEX
6
40 30
RIVER MILES
dl
,'o
-30
-20
ts>
figure 4.Algae (Chlorophyll^) and Biomass (Volatile Solids) Boise River, Idaho
November, 1971
-------
KEY:
6-
4-
M
-
••
^
m
V/^r-
•
\
\
\
N
N
777?
s
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S
s
s
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s
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s
s
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s
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s
s
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s
s
s.
s
s
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s,
s
s
y
\
s
s
s
V
s
N
s
S
s
V
s
s
V
s
vssss^
SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM REFERENCE
NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM REFERENCE
•
ACCEPTABLE
UNACCEPTABLE
o
^
«
t
•
h
b
f
a
^
^
u
t/)
0
c
i
u
a
Ixl
1
0
^
X
s
X
X
\
\
\
s
s
s
s
y
\
s
\
\
s
!
$
^
N
N
s
\
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\
0
^
s,
N
\
^
\
i
I
Y//////y,
X
S
^
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
o
X
^
V
x
x
V
^
x
X
x
X
^
o
v
x
^
o
Y//////A
1 1 1 1 1 1
50 40 30 20 10 0
RIVER MILES
Figure 5. Rainbow Trout Flavor Test Results, Roise River, Idaho
November, 1971
-------
Total- and fecal-coliform bacterial densities averaged 2,400/100 ml and
490/100 ml, respectively, a violation of the bacterial criteria.
At RM 17.7, upstream of the J. R. Simplot potato-processing waste
discharge, water quality was affected by the waste load from the Caldwell
(municipal) WTP (RM 19.8) and the waste inflow from Indian Creek (RM 19.7).
Daily discharges from the Caldwell treatment plant and Indian Creek were
about 2,000 Ib and 11,000 Ib of BOD, respectively. The density of total-
coliform bacteria in the Boise River at 27,000/100 ml was ten times
greater than the density found at Caldwell and was in violation of the
Idaho bacterial criteria. The DO levels remained high (9.4-10.3 rag/1) .
The J. R. Simplot Company (RM 17.6) discharged wastes on a periodic
basis (batch discharges for 3-hr periods, twice daily). The quantity of
water discharged averaged 4.3 mgd and contained 30,800 Ib BOD. Total- and
fecal-coliform bacterial densities in the effluent were 1,500,000/100 ml
and 63,000/100 ml, respectively.
The effect of the waste discharged from the J. R. Simplot Company
on water quality was determined by sampling the river under two condi-
tions, waste discharge (allowing for flow time from the point of dis-
charge) and no-waste discharge [Table 1]. Downstrean at Notus (KM 13.8),
under no-discharge conditions, water quality was similar to that measured
upstream at RM 17.7. During discharge conditions the BOD levels increased
from 5.3 to 13 mg/1 and the DO levels ranged between 6.4 and 7.3 mg/1.
These levels of dissolved oxygen (60-fiR percent saturation) constituted a
violation of the Idaho standards. The density of total-coliforin bacteria
21
-------
TABLE 1
EFFECT OF J. R. SIMPLOT COMPANY WASTE DISCHARGE
ON WATER QUALITY, BOISE RIVER
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Parameter
(unless otherwise noted
all units are mg/1)
DO
DO % Sat.
BOD
TOC
Kj Nitrogen as N
NH -N
NO -NO -N
Total P
Total coliforms—
Fecal coli forms-
Fecal streptococci—
a/ This is a single value.
b/ Two values are less than
c/ One value is less than 0
d/ This value Is reported at
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
Range
Average
0.1.
.1.
3 count/100 ml.
Upstream of
J.R. Simplot Co.
(RM 17.7)
9.4-10.3
9.9
85-97
91
4.1-4.8
4.4
3-5
4
0.1-0.6
0.4
<0. 1-0.1-'
0.1
1.70-2.20
1.95
0.38-0.45
0.42
4,500-76,000
27,000
320-1,300
950
470-1,800
1,100
Notus^ Idaho (RM 13.8)
No-Discharge
Condition
9.0-10.4
9.8
89-97
92
3.1-7.4
5.3
2-4
3
0.2-0.5
0.4
0.1
1.77-2.20
2.00
0.41-0.45
0.43
2,300-22,000
10,000
100-500
320
450-2,100
1,000
Discharge
Condition
6.4-7.8
7.1
60-68
64
13a/
13
6
6
0.4-1.9
1.0
0.3
1.66-2.00
1.79
0.65-0.76
0.69
>80, 000-260, 000
140,000
1,600-9,300
5,100
2,100-21,000
10,000
-------
increased from 10,000 to 140,000/100 ml during discharge, thereby contri-
buting to violations of Idaho standards. S. dublin was isolated, indi-
cating sewage contamination.
Pollution-tolerant sludgeworms and dipterans increased from 61 per-
cent at RM 21.8 to 89 percent at Notus. Diversity decreased (16 to
2 2
12 kinds), while the total population increased (114/ft to 1320/ft ).
Increased turbidity in the river favored development of non-chlorophyll-
bearing slimes and a corresponding decrease in algal growths.
At Parma (RM 5.0) the water quality was similar to that found at
Notus [Tables E-2 and F-2], On several occasions during the survey the
total-coliform bacteria density was 26,000/100 ml and the DO levels were
below 75 percent saturation; both were in violation of Idaho standards.
The benthic community x*as dominated (87 percent) by pollution-tolerant
2
sludgeworms and dipterans (density, 94/ft ). No game fish were found
at this station. Rainbow trout exposed for palatability tests were
judged suitable for consumption.
Conditions at the mouth of the Boise River were similar to those at
RM 5.0. Densities of bacteria violated the standards. S. neujpovt was
2
isolated. The benthos was extremely sparse (7/ft ). Mountain whitefish
(a game fish), carp, and suckers were collected by electroshocking.
In summary, the Boise River was degraded by the waste discharges
in the Boise and Caldwell areas, and by waste inputs from Indian Creek.
Violations occurred of the bacterial and DO standards and the general
standards applicable to the Boise River. Bacterial densities in the
Boise River contributed to violations of Idaho and Oregon Water Quality
Standards for the interstate waters of the Snake River.
23
-------
C. PAYETTE RIVER
The headwaters of the Payette River are in the Sawtooth mountains,
northeast of Emmett, Idaho. The stream flows south and then westward
through the town of Emmett [Figure 1], About 20 miles downstream from
Emmett the river flows to the northwest. The confluence of the Payette
River with the Snake is near the town of Payette.
A stream survey was conducted from upstream of Emmett (KM 33.3) to
the confluence. Water quality in the study reach was good [Tables E-3
and 1-3]. Downstream from Emmett (RM 28.0) the river bed of rocks and
cobbles was free from sludge deposits. It supported a diverse benthic
community that included many forms sensitive to pollution, such as may-
flies and caddisflies [Table 1-3].
Downstream from RM 4.1 wastewaters from both the Payette municipal
treatment plant and a small sanitation district plant (Gayway) discharge
to the Payette River. Except for a significant increase in the densities
of total coliform bacteria (660 to 9,600/100 ml), the quality remained
essentially the same at RM 0.1. The Payette River, throughout the study
reach, supported a diverse benthic community including many forms sensi-
tive to pollution. In summary, the Payette River was of good quality and
did not cause violations of water quality standards in the Snake River.
D. SNAKE RIVER
From Walters Ferry (RM 442.5) the Snake River flows first northwest
to Adrian, Oregon (RM 401.8) and then north, forming the Idaho-Oregon
state line [Figure 1].
24
-------
The strearaflows, measured at Weiser, Idaho, averaged 25,200 cfs
during the survey period, October 27 to November 2, 1971. The flow rate
was twice the historical average for the months, October and November;
flow was 120 percent greater than the record high (62 years) for October.
High-flow conditions hampered biological sampling and precluded fish
population studies. Swift currents also prevented quantitative sampling
of the resident benthos in the natural bed of the river.
Qualitative benthos samples were collected from inundated shoreline
vegetation and by use of artificial substrates. In the evaluation of
water quality these samples were of limited value because they repre-
sented organisms in catastrophic drift conditions rather than the resi-
dent benthos. Algal growths attached on the artificial substrates were
inhibited both by reduced light penetration and by the scouring action
of the turbid waters. These high-velocity currents also caused mor-
talities among caged trout exposed for palatability tests.
The Snake River from RJI 442.5 downstream to EK 401.8 was relatively
unpolluted [Table E-4]. The flavor of trout exposed at control stations
(RI1 416.0, 401.3, and 393.0) was acceptable and did not differ signifi-
cantly from that of the reference fish [Figure 6], Sparse aquatic growths
2
(volatile solids <0.58 mg/in. ) collected by artificial substrates consisted
of green algae and numerous diatoms [Table G-2]. Both the diverse com-
munity of these kinds of algae and the absence of slime growths indicated
that this reach was unpolluted. However, total-coliform bacterial densi-
ties in the reach [Table F-4 and Figure 7] exceeded the values established
in Idaho standards.
25
-------
The Owyhee River discharges to the Snake River, downstream from Adrian,
at RM 392.3.' As mentioned previously, benthic sampling of the Snake River
was hampered by high streamflow. However, the benthos in the tributaries,
in the study reach, was sampled adequately. The Owyhee River at RM 2.9 had
a shifting sand and silt bottom. The density of benthic organisms was
low and they were dominated by sludgeworms and midge larvae [Table 1-4].
A few pollution-tolerant mayflies were present. This river was judged to
be enriched by organic materials. Densities of total- and fecal-coliform
bacteria were 1,700 and 74/100 ml, respectively.
The Snake River (RM 390.5) downstream from the mouths of the Owyhee
and Boise Rivers contained sufficient soluble nutrients (average total P,
0.10 mg/1 and average N0_-N0_, 1.12 mg/1) to sustain dense aquatic growths
on the artificial substrates placed on the Idaho side of the Snake River.
[The increase in biomass along the Idaho shoreline is depicted in
Figure 8.] This biomass was principally composed of organic pollution-
indicator organisms including blue-green algae and slime bacteria, consti-
tuting violations of the Idaho general standards. Bacterial densities
[Table F-4] greatly exceeded the Idaho and Oregon standards applicable
to the interstate waters of the Snake River. The pathogenic bacteria,
Salmonella enteritidis, S. neupovt, and 5. -typhimurium, were isolated
from the reach, indicating fecal contamination. Trout exposed at this
station acquired an unacceptable off-flavor.
At RM 389.0, upstream of Nyssa, Oregon, the Idaho and Oregon bacterial
standards were also exceeded. The chemical quality of the water was
similar to that found at RM 390.5.
26
-------
7-1
5-
4-
LEFT BANK
_ .ACCEMA.IIE
UNACCEPTAILE "
420
410
400
390 380
RIVER MILES
370
360
350
RIGHT BANK
6-
5-
4-
t
t
4
20 410
>
S
|
400
z JJ •-
»^
^^
o a
n e
0- •
en o
3
^
!
>
1*
»
9
1 ACCEPTAIIE
UMACCEPTAILE
r i i
90 380 370
360
3
50
RIVER MILES
KEY:
DIFFERENT
FROM REFERENCE
SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT
FROM REFERENCE
Figure 6. Rainbow Trout Flavor Test Results,Snake River,
November,1971
-------
100,000-1
10,000-
1,ooo-
ioo-
KEY:
TOTAL COLIFORM
FECAL COLIFORM
FECAL STREPTOCOCCI
f) GREATER THAN VALUE
(J LESS THAN VALUE
TRIBUTARIES
OWYHEE RIVER 392.3
360
RM 0.1
368.5 MALHEUR RIVER
50
RM 1.0
351.8 WEISER RIVER
450
400
380 370
RIVER MILES
360
* VIOLATION OF
WATER QUALITY
STANDARDS
1(1,000 COLIFORMS
/100ml)
350
Figure 7. Bacterial Densities, (Arithmetic Mean) Snake River October- November, 1971
-------
3.0 •
2.0-
1.0
L
420
410
400
390 380
RIVER MILES
370
3(0
350
40-1
30-
^ 20-1
10-
0-
I
420
410
400
390
380
RIVER MILES
370
3(0
KEY:
LEFT BANK
RIGHT IANK
Figure 8. Algae (Chlorophyll^) and Biomass (Volatile Solids) Snake River.
November. 1971
350
-------
The Amalgamated Sugar Company (RM 388.0) discharged wastewater
(6.2 mgd) containing a biochemical oxygen demand of 13,800 pounds. Ef-
fluent from the Nyssa WTP enters the river immediately downstream from
this sugar-beet processing mill. Downstream, at RF 387.0, the poor
quality of Snake River water was sustained. Trout exposed for palata-
bility tests were significantly off-flavor. Densities of total-coli-
form bacteria, still in violation of the Idaho and Oregon standards,
had decreased to 2,800/100 ml.
Near Ontario, Oregon (RM 373.0), the water quality of the Snake
River had improved. Nutrient values were similar to those found in
the river upstream of the Boise River inflow (average total P, 0.07 rag/1
and average NO-NO , 0.78 mg/1). Sparse growths of filamentous green
algae and diatoms on artificial substrates were similar to the growths
*
collected from unpolluted river reaches [Table G-2].
At Ontario, ORE-IDA Foods, Inc. (R1 370.0) discharged industrial
wastes (1.72 ragd) containing an average biochemical oxygen demand of
4,930 pounds and bacterial densities of 6,100,00^/10^ ml for tot.il-
coliforms and 320,000/100 ml, fecal-coliforms. This discharge contri-
butor! to violations of Idaho and Oregon strr.ar1. criteria in that densi-
ties of total- and fecal-co.l.i FOTTT bacteria in the interstate water of
the Snake Fiver, at RM 369.0, increased to 19,000 and 440/100 ml,
respectively.
* Filamcats of slime uacteria, SpliaeTot'iZ'u^, were observe:! floating
downstream (R"I 370.T); thus, to find filaments on artificial sub-
strates in clean water was not unexpected.
27
-------
The chlorinated effluent from the Ontario, Oregon, municipal treat-
ment lagoon was discharged to the Malheur River approximately one mile
upstream of its confluence with the Snake River.- At the mouth of the
Malheur River (RM 368.5/0.1) the bottom was composed of sand and silt.
The benthos was sparse and dominated by pollution-tolerant sludgeworms.
The stream was judged to be polluted with organic matter.
Inflows from the Malheur River carried sufficient nutrients to stim-
ulate aquatic growths at RM 364.0. Sphaerotilus growths tripled in this
river reach [Table G-2]; nevertheless, the principal growths were algae
[Figure 8]. Growths indicated that this reach was, in organic enrichment,
second only to the area immediately downstream from the polluted Boise
River. The total- and fecal-coliform bacterial densities were 9,600
and 380/100 ml, respectively.
The water quality upstream of the Weiser River, at RM 353.9, was
i
similar to that found in the unpolluted upper reach of the study area,
except for the total-coliform bacterial density of 9,700/100 ml (fecal
coliform density averaged 220/100 ml).
The Weiser River at its mouth (RM 351.8/0.1) was relatively unpol-
luted. The river bottom consisted of rocks and occasional silt deposits.
The benthic community, consisting of nine kinds, included pollution-
sensitive caddisflies and mayflies.
At RM 350.3 downstream from the mouth of the Weiser River and the
Weiser municipal waste discharge, the water quality of the river was
acceptable. Inorganic nitrogen concentrations increased to 1.03 mg/1,
but phosphorus levels remained the same (0.07 mg/1), as at RM 353.9.
28
-------
Aquatic growths were minimal; a variety of diatoms and green algae was
present. Nevertheless, Salmonella. Saintpaul was isolated from this
station.
In summary, violations of the Oregon and Idaho bacterial standards,
applicable to the interstate waters of the Snake River, occurred at all
stations sampled. Primary sources of bacterial contamination were the
inflow of the Boise River and the municipal and industrial waste dis-
charges on the Oregon side of the Snake River. Salmonella was isolated
from the waters of this reach, thus indicating fecal contamination.
Blue-green algae and slime growths were present as a result of increased
nutrient concentrations, thereby violating the general water quality
standards for interstate waters.
29
-------
V. WASTE-SOURCE EVALUATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION
Twelve waste sources (six industrial and six municipal) were eval-
uated, during the period October 13 to November 8, 1971, in order to
determine characteristics of the discharges and their effects on the
receiving stream. The.industries included the Amalgamated Sugar Company
at Nyssa, Oregon (sugar beets); Armour Meat Packing Company at Nampa,
Idaho (slaughterhouse); Boise Cascade Company at Emmett, Idaho (plywood);
ORE-IDA Food Incorporated at Ontario, Oregon (potatoes, onions, corn);
J. R. Simplot Company at Caldwell, Idaho (potatoes); and Triangle Dairy
at Boise, Idaho (milk products). The municipalities included Ontario,
Oregon, and the Idaho communities of Boise, Caldwell, Garden City,
Meridian, and Nampa. These industries collectively discharge to the Snake
River or to its tributaries wastewaters (15 mgd) with a biochemical oxygen
demand load of 50,000 pounds. Sixty-two percent of this total load (BOD)
was discharged by the J. R. Simplot Company. Amalgamated Sugar and Boise
Cascade discharged wastes without treatment. The four remaining industries
discharged waste loads that were not consistent with "best treatment."
The six municipal waste treatment plants discharged a total of 34 mgd,
with a biochemical oxygen demand load of 22,750 pounds. Forty-four percent
of this flow, with a BOD load of 17,490 Ib/day, was discharged by the Nampa
WTP. The five municipal plants in Idaho did not meet the Idaho require-
ments for secondary treatment (i.e., 85 percent BOD removal); adequate
disinfection was not provided by the plants at Caldwell and Nampa. The
Ontario, Oregon, WTP provided more than 85 percent BOD removal and had
31
-------
adequate disinfection. A brief discussion of the waste sources discharging
into selected reaches of the Snake River and its tributaries follows.
This section summarizes information and data on industrial and
municipal waste sources that are contained in individual reports on file
at the EPA National Field Investigations Center-Denver. [Descriptions of
waste treatment facilities and waste discharge data are contained in
Appendix J.]
B. IMPACT OF THE FWPCA AMENDMENTS OF 1972
Pursuant to enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972, proposed effluent limits for major industrial cate-
gories have been developed by EPA. Final effluent limits — to be issued
in the future, are not expected to differ greatly from the proposed
limits. [Those limits applicable to industrial discharges evaluate during
this survey are found in Appendix K.]
The 1972 Amendments also require at least secondary treatment and
disinfection of wastewaters discharged by publicly owned treatment faci-
lities. Regulations that define secondary treatment and which limit
concentrations of BOD and suspended solids, and fecal-coliform bacterial
*
densities are to be issued by EPA.
The 1972 Amendments further require pretreatment of industrial
wastewaters that are discharged to publicly owned collection and treat-
ment systems. Regulations, to be issued shortly, are expected to require
* The BOD and suspended solids are expected to be limited to a monthly
average of 30 mg/1 and a weekly average of 45 mg/1 or 85 percent over-
all reduction, whichever produces the best quality effluent. The
fecal-coliform bacterial density are expected to be limited to a weekly
average of 400/100 ml and a monthly average of 200/100 ml.
32
-------
pretreatment of wnstewaters to levels comparable to domestic sewage and
removal of substances that could inhibit treatment processes or pass
through such systems in concentrations detrimental to the quality of
the receiving waters.
Waste sources were evaluated to determine compliance with the Idaho
and Oregon state requirements, State-Federal water quality standards,
and the requirements of the 1972 Amendments. In several cases, treat-
ment to meet the criteria promulgated pursuant to the 1972 Amendments,
will not be adequate to protect receiving water quality for designated
uses. Those cases are subject to further study; no attempt is made, in
this report, to define the levels of treatment required in those cases.
C. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO INDIAN CREEK
The Armour Meat Packing Company (RM 11.4) discharged combined boiler
blowdown, condensate, and ammonia condenser water (estimated at 0.5 mgd)
containing 12 Ib/day of BOD. Process wastewater and plant sanitary wastes
(effluent from a septic tank) were treated in a one-acre facultative
lagoon followed by a large aerobic lagoon (4.2 acres). The aerobic
lagoon discharges contained a biochemical oxygen demand load of about
80 Ib/day (0.19 Ib BOD/1,000 Ib LWK). The total load discharged,
92 pounds BOD per day (treated and untreated wastes), was equivalent
to 0.22 Ib BOD/1,000 Ib LWK. Densities of total- and fecal-coliform
bacteria were 13,000 and 3,900/100 ml, respectively. The nutrient load
was 59 pounds inorganic nitrogen and 17 pounds of total phosphorus per
day. Bacterial densities discharged contributed to violations of
a) the Idaho Water Quality Standards that are applicable to Indian Creek
33
-------
and the Boise River and b) the Idaho and Oregon Water Quality Standards
that are applicable to the interstate waters of the Snake River. Moreover,
the present treatment does not meet the criteria contained in the proposed
effluent guidelines applicable to the meat packing industry [Appendix K].
Treatment of the Armour Meat Packing Company wastewaters to meet
these guidelines may not be adequate to preclude violations of DO stan-
dards during low-flow periods in Indian Creek. Studies in progress should
indicate the need for additional treatment, or total containment and
re-use of the wastewaters.
The principal waste source discharging to Indian Creek was the Nampa
WTP (RM 7.4). In addition to receiving domestic wastes, this plant accepts
wastes from several industries, including:
Avg Flow BOD load
Industry (mgd) Ib/day
Amalgamated Sugar Co. 3.5 28,000
Western Farmers, Inc. 0.8 13,000
World Wide Foods 0.8 5,000
Birds Eye 1.4 2,500
Idaho Animal Products 0.3 2,500
Simplot Poultry* 0.4 1,200
Although waster-raters from Amalgamated Sugar Company and Western
Farmers, Incorporated, are pretreated prior to entry into the Nampa muni-
cipal system, the industrial waste loads caused the treatment plant to be
organically overloaded. During the EPA survey the plant removed only
72 percent of the imposed BOD. Disinfection of the effluent was inade-
quate; the total- and fecal-coliform bacterial densities were 1,200,000
* Not to be confused with the J. R. Simplot Company (potato processing
plant) Caldwell, Idaho.
34
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and 96,000/100 ml, respectively. The Nampa wastewater effluent (about
14.8 mgd) contained an average dally load of 17,400 pounds BOD (141 mg/1),
2,200 pounds of inorganic nitrogen, and 390 pounds of total phosphorus
[Table J-l].
The discharge of inadequately treated municipal and industrial waste-
water degraded Indian Creek, as set forth in Section IV (A) of this report.
Any provision for removal of less than 85 percent BOD violates the Idaho
Water Quality Standards that are applicable to all waters of the State.
The inadequately disinfected effluent violated the general standards and
contributed to violations of a) bacterial criteria for the Boise River
and b) the Idaho and Oregon Standards that are applicable to the interstate
waters of the Snake River.
In order to protect the water quality of Indian Creek and to comply
with applicable standards the City of Nampa must provide a very high
degree of treatment. Studies now in progress are expected to show that
attainment of the necessary treatment level will require an alternative
comparable to complete containment and re-use of wastewaters, change in
the point of effluent discharge, or interception and treatment at the
Caldwell WTP. This type of treatment measure is necessary to prevent
water quality degradation of Indian Creek during periods of low flow.
The City must also disinfect adequately to prevent the total-coliform
bacteria density from exceeding 1,000/100 ml. Federal regulations are
expected to limit fecal-colifortn bacteria densities to weekly and monthly
average of 400 and 200 per 100 ml, respectively.
35
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City officials should be formally advised that ordinance(s) must be
enacted to implement Federal regulations pertaining to pretreatment of
industrial wastewaters discharged to the Nampa system. Further, an
implementation schedule, acceptable to the Idaho State Board of Health
and the EPA, must be developed to attain compliance with the ordinance(s) .
D. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO THE BOISE RIVER
During the EPA survey the principal sources of wastewaters dis-
charged directly to the Boise River were the Cities of Boise and Caldwell,
Idaho, and the J. R. Simplot Company. Other sources of wastes evaluated
included the Triangle Dairy (Boise) and the Harden City and Meridian
municipal waste treatment facilities, none of which provided adequate
treatment.
The Boise WTP (RM 49.1) was discharging wastewater (approx. 11.3 mgd)
containing 2,600 pounds BOD (27 mg/1), 1,200 pounds inorganic nitrogen,
and 600 pounds of total phosphorus. The BOD removal efficiency averaged
85 percent. Total-coliform bacteria densities were high (36,000/100 ml),
but those of the fecal-coliform bacteria were low (63/100 ml) . City
officials should be advised that disinfection must be improved to main-
tain average total-coliform bacteria densities, in the effluent, of not
more than 1,000/100 ml. Monthly and weekly fecal-coliform bacteria
densities should not exceed 200 and 400 per 100 ml, respectively.
In addition to domestic wastes, the Caldwell WTP (PJt 21.3) received
wastes from two manor industries, Dairyman's Cooperative Creamery and
the Idaho Meat Packing Company. This municipal treatment plant dis-
charged wastewater (4.4 mg<1) containing about 2,100 pounds of BOD (57 mg/1),
36
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300 pounds of inorganic nitrogen, and 135 pounds of total phosphorus.
The 30D removal efficiency was approximately 63 percent. Disinfection
of the effluent was inadequate; densities of total-coliform bacteria
averaged 18,000/100 ml and those of the fecal-coliform bacteria averaged
1,000/100 ml.
In order to comply with applicable water quality standards the City
of Caldwell must provide a very high degree of treatment. The effluent
discharged from the Caldwell UTP should contain no more than 1,000 Ib/day
*
of '-JOD. To attain this level of treatment could require containment and
re-use of wastewaters. To protect the quality of the Boise River and
to comply with applicable standards disinfection must be such that the
density of the total-coliform bacteria does not exceed 1,000/100 ml.
Applicable Federal regulations are expected to' limit fecal-coliform
bacteria densities to weekly and monthly averages of 400 and 200 per
100 ml, respectively. Industrial wastewaters accepted for treatment by
the. municipal plant should receive pretreatment to levels comparable to
domestic sewage in order to prevent plant malfunction attributable to
shock and seasonal loadings. City officials should be formally advised
that ordinance(s) must be enacted to implement Federal regulations per-
taining to pretreatment of industrial wantewaters accented for treatment
in the Caldwell system. Further, an implementation schedule acceptable
to the Idaho State Board of Health and the EPA must be developed to
attain compliance with the ordinance(s).
The J. R. Simplot potato-processing plant (R.M 17.^.) treats industrial
* This limit is currently recommended by the Idaho State Board of Health.
37
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and domestic wastes in a series of five laeoons. The effluent from
the lagoons was discharged on a batch basis (3-hr discharge, twice daily),
The effluent BOD was 30,800 Ib/day (13.7 Ib/ton of potatoes processed);
the inorganic nitrogen, 645 Ib/day; and the total phosphorus, 350 Ib/day.
These loads caused violation of the DO standard for the Boise River. The
effluent was not disinfected; total- and fecal-coliform bacteria numbered
1,500,000 and 64,000/ml respectively, and contributed to a) violations
of the bacterial standards that are applicable to the waters of the
Boise River and b) the Idaho and Oregon Water Quality Standards appli-
cable to the interstate waters of the Snake River. Attainment of the
proposed effluent guidelines cannot be expected to protect water quality,
in the receiving-stream, for the designated uses. Although further eval-
uation of acceptable waste loading, during low-flow conditions, is under
way, it is clear that provision must be made for additional treatment or
containment/re-use of all wastewaters (e.g. plant discharges, intermit-
tant discharges to the drainage ditch paralleling Idaho Highway 19, etc.).
The Garden City WTP discharged inadequately treated effluent to
the Boise River at RM 48/0.8. The effluent contained a BOD load of
138 Ib/day (37 mg/1). Biochemical oxygen demand removal averaged about
33 percent. This treatment efficiency constitutes a violation of the
Idaho Water Quality Standards that require "highest and best practicable
treatment and control." Disinfection of the effluent was inadequate as
indicated by average total- and fecal-coliform bacterial densities of
10,000 and 486/100 ml, respectively. City officials should be advised
38
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that in order to comply with applicable State and Federal regulations,
disinfection must be improved to limit total coliform densities to
1,000 per 100 ml, and fecal coliform densities to weekly and monthly
averages of 400 and 200 per 100 ml, respectively. Studies now under
way may indicate the need for additional treatment.
At the time of the survey the City of Meridian provided secondary
treatment of domestic sewage and discharged to the Boise River at
RM 30.5/16. The effluent contained a BOD load of 135 Ib/day (61 mg/1) ;
this value amounted to a 63 percent removal. This treatment efficiency
constitutes a violation of the Idaho Water Quality Standards that require
"highest and best practicable treatment and control." Disinfection of
the effluent was adequate. City officials should be advised that a)
present treatment is inadequate and b) treatment beyond that required
by Federal regulations could be necessary in order to prevent stream
standards violations during low-flow periods.
Triangle Dairy discharged effluent from a two-cell lagoon to the
Boise River at RM 57.7/1.5. The BOD load contained in the discharge was
insignificant, but, no disinfection was provided. Densities of total- and
fecal-coliform bacteria in the effluent were 3,300,000 and 7,700/]00 ml,
respectively. The effluent must be disinfected or totally contained in
order to comply with applicable water quality standards.
E. WASTE'fATER DISCHARGES TO THE PAYETTE RIVER
The Boise Cascade Corporation (R/T 32.3) discharged 0.029 mgd of
untreated wastes to the Payette River with an average BOD of 497 mg/1
(120 Ib/day). This discharge violates the Idaho Water Quality Standards.
39
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The relatively small quantity of effluent suggests that total containment
and/or re-use of this wastewater is necessary to eliminate this violation
of the Standards.
The City of Payette, Idaho, provides onlv primary treatment of
domestic wastes, thereby violating the Idaho Water Quality Standards
requirements for "highest and best practicable treatment and control."
City officials should be advised of the 1972 Amendments and of the
regulations pertaining to secondary treatment that are to be published.
F. WASTEWATER DISCHARGES TO THE SNAKE RIVER
The major waste sources discharging directly to the Snake River in-
cluded the Amalgamated Sugar Company at Nyssa, Oregon (RM 389.0) and
ORE-IDA Foods, Inc. at Ontario, Oregon (RM 370.0). The Amalgamated Sugar
Company discharged untreated wastes (floor drainage, spills, storm run-
off, and condenser cooling water) into the river through three outfalls.
The untreated wastes averaged 6.2 mgd and contained 13,800 pounds BOD
(2.1 Ib/ton of sugar beets processed) as^well as 330 pounds of inorganic
nitrogen and 10 pounds of total phosphorus. Densities of bacteria in the
effluents were high; the major effluent had total- and fecal-coliform
bacterial densities of 290,000 and 12,000/100 ml, respectively. The plant
had a closed flume water circuit. Lime wastes were discharged to three
evaporative settling ponds. The Oregon Department of Environmental Control
issued a permit to the Amalgamated Sugar Company that required the treated
waste discharged not to exceed, after September 30, 1972, 50 mg/1 BOD
(5,000 Ib/day) . At the present production rate this is equivalent to
0.76 Ib/ton of sugar beets processed. The proposed effluent guidelines
40
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for the sugar beet industry [Appendix K] limit BOD in the discharge to
no more than 0.5 Ib/ton of sugar beets processed. The presently dis-
charged waste loads constitute a violation of the Oregon Water Quality
Standards that require secondary treatment or the industrial equivalent.
The industrial equivalent is defined as 85 percent removal of BOD and TSS.
Company officials should be formally advised that permit conditions
will limit BOD and suspended solids discharged and require disinfection.
Further, containment and/or re-use could be required during periods of
low-flow in the receiving waters.
ORE-IDA Foods, Incorporated, discharged an average of 4,980 Ib BOD/day
(6.2 Ib/ton of vegetables) with densities of total- and fecal-coliforms
of 3,100,000 and 220,000/100 ml, respectively. The effluent contained
approximately 350 pounds of inorganic nitrogen and 175 pounds of total
phosphorus. The Oregon Department of Environmental Control approved a
discharge permit limiting the maximum BOD discharged to 3,000 Ib/day
(3.8 Ib/ton of vegetables) by the end of 1975. The waste loads discharged
greatly exceed thone permitted by the proposed effluent guidelines
[Appendix K] and constitute a violation of the Oregon Water Quality
Standards that requires secondary treatment or the industrial equivalent.
The industrial equivalent is defined as 85 percent renoval of BOD and TSS.
The discharge of hi.eh, coliform bacterial densities is a major contribution
to the violations of Idaho and Oregon Standards that are applicable to the
interstate waters of the Snake River. Company officials should be advised
that thf. permit conditions for ORE-IDA Foods, Incorporated, x^ill be those
provided by Schedule A, for the Canning, Preserved and Frozen Fruits and
41
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Vegetables Processing Industry [Appendix K], and that disinfection of
the effluent will be required.
The municipal treatment plant at Ontario discharged 2.1 mgd of
wastewater into the Malheur River (RM 368.5/1.0) with an average BOD
load of 140 pounds (8 mg/1) , equivalent to 93 percent removal. The
average inorganic nitrogen and total phosphorus discharged were 40 and
70 pounds, respectively. Disinfection was adequate.
The City of Weiser, Idaho, provides only primary treatment of
domestic wastes, thereby violating the Idaho Water Quality Standards
requirements for "highest and best practicable treatment and control."
City officials should be advised of the 1972 Amendments and of the
regulations pertaining to secondary treatment which are to be published.
REFERENCES
1. Water Quality Control and Management, Snake River Basin, U.S.
Department of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration, Northwest Region. Portland, Oregon. September
1968.
2. Water Resources Review for October 1971, U.S. Department of
the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
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APPENDIX A
EXTRACTS FROM IDAHO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
WHICH APPLY TO THE
INTERSTATE AND INTRASTATE WATERS OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
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A-l
PART 1
GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR INTERSTATE STREAMS
The following General Water Quality Standards shall apply to all
interstate waters of the state in addition .to the water quality standards
set forth herein for the various specified and unspecified interstate
waters of the state. Interstate waters shall not contain:
A. Toxic chemicals of other than natural origin in concentrations found
to be of public health significance or adversely affect the use
*
indicated. (See Appendix 2)
B. Deleterious substances of other than natural origin in concentrations
that cause tainting of edible species or tastes and odors to be
imparted to drinking water supplies.
C. Radioactive materials of other than natural origin shall not be
present in any amount which reflects failure in any case to apply
all controls which are physically and economically feasible. In
no case shall such materials exceed the limits established in the
1962 U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards.
D. Floating or submerged matter not attributable to natural causes.
E. Excess nutrients of other than natural origin that cause visible
slime growths or other nuisance aquatic growths.
F. Visible concentrations of oil, sludge deposits, scum, foam or other
wastes that may adversely affect the use indicated.
G. Objectionable turbidity which can be traced to a point source.
* Guides such as the Water Quality Criteria published by the State of
California Water Quality Control Board (Second Edition, 1963) will be
used in evaluating the tolerance of the various toxic chemicals for
the use indicated.
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WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC WATERS OF THE MAIN STEM OF THE SNAKE
RIVER FROM THE WYOMING-IDAHO BORDER (RIVER MILE 918) TO THE OREGON-IDAHO
BORDER (RIVER MILE 407); NORTH FORK TETON RIVER; HENRY'S FORK FROM
JUNCTION WITH FALLS RIVER TO THE SNAKE RIVER; RAFT RIVER; GOOSE CREEK;
SALMON FALLS CREEK; JARBRIDGE RIVER AND THE BRUMEAU RIVER.
1. No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be conducted
which either alone or in combination with other wastes or activities will
cause in these waters:
A. Organisms of the Coliform Group where Associated with Fecal
Sources (MPN, equivalent MF or appropriate test using a repre-
sentative number of samples)
Average concentrations of coliform bacteria to exceed
1,000 per 100 milliliters, with 20 per cent of samples not to
exceed 2,400 per 100 milliliters.
B. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO to be less than 75 per cent of saturation at seasonal low
or less than 100 per cent saturation in spawning areas during
spawning, hatching and fry stages of salmonid fishes.
Exception; Five parts per million at Milner Dam based on a
minimum stream flow of 600 cubic feet per second at this point.
C. Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
pH values to be outside the range of 7.0 to 9.0. Induced
variation not to be more than 0.5 pH unit.
D. Temperature
Any measurable increase when stream temperatures are 68°F.
or above, or more than 2°F. increase when stream temperatures
are 66°F. or less.
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WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC WATERS OF THE MAIN STEM OF THE SNAKE
RIVER FROM THE OREGON-IDAHO BORDER (RIVER MILE 407) TO THE HELLS CANYON
DAM (RIVER MILE 247).
No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be conducted
which either alone or in combination with other wastes or- activities will
cause in these waters:
A. Organisms of the Coliform Group where Associated with Fecal
Sources (MPN, equivalent MF or appropriate test using a repre-
sentative number of samples).
Average concentrations of coliform bacteria to exceed 1,000
per 100 milliliters, with 20 per cent of samples not to exceed
2,400 per 100 milliliters.
f
B. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO to be less than 75 per cent of saturation at seasonal low
or less than 100 per cent saturation in spawning areas during
spawning.
C. Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
pH values to be outside the range of 7.0 to 9.0. Induced
variation not to be more than 0.5 pH unit.
D. Temperature
Any measurable increase when stream temperatures are 70°F.
or above, or more than 2°F. increase when river temperatures are
68°F. or less.
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A-4
PART 2
RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS OF WATER QUALITY AND FOR
WASTE WATER TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR WATERS OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
LEGAL AUTHORITY
The Idaho State Board of Health, pursuant to the authority granted in
Title 29, Chapter 1, Idaho Code, sections 39-106 and 39-112, did adopt the
following Rules and Regulations for the Establishment of Standards of Water
Quality and for Waste Water Treatment Requirements for Waters of the State
of Idaho while in regular quarterly session on August 15, 1968, at Coeur
d'Alene, Idaho, and did determine the effective date to be September 4, 1968,
PREAMBLE
It shall be the policy of the State Board of Health to provide for an
orderly and economically feasible comprehensive water pollution control
program, which program shall be administered to conserve the waters of the
State for all legitimate beneficial uses, including uses for domestic pur-
poses, agriculture, industry, recreation, and fish and wildlife propagation.
The Board recognizes that the control of water pollution involves many
factors, including multiple water uses, economic considerations and overall
benefits to the citizens of the State. It shall be the policy of the Board
to carry out such a program on a cooperative voluntary and educational basis
insofar as such a policy is compatible with statutory duties of the Board.
The Department of Health shall, on the basis of necessary technical
studies, determine waste treatment needs throughout the State and shall
establish recommended time tables for the provision of such treatment facil-
ities as will be necessary to abate pollution of the waters of the State.
These regulations are intended to be in harmony with existing inter-
state stream regulations and as an administrative guide for the continuation
and supplementation of the program previously carried out by the Board. The
regulations are general in nature and are intended for use until such time
as the staff of the Department of Health may be able to gather sufficient
data to determine more precise quality standards for such individual streams
as uses may indicate and until such time as the staff of the Department
develops the capability of initiating a permit system as provided in the
Idaho statutes.
For these reasons, paragraph 3A should be considered as the basic
working arrangement of the water pollution control program which provides,
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A-5
in effect, special consideration for each and every waste source on the
basis of special problems peculiar to that source.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply to the interpretation and the
enforcement of these regulations:
"Sewage" means the water-carried human or animal waste from residences,
buildings, industrial establishments or other places together with such
ground water infiltration and surface water as may be present. The admix-
ture with sewage as above defined of industrial wastes or wastes, as defined
in the following paragraphs 2 and 3, shall also be considered "sewage."
"Industrial waste" means any liquid, gaseous, radioactive or solid
waste substance or a combination thereof resulting from any process of
industrial, manufacturing, trade or business, or from the development or
recovery of any natural resources.
"Wastes" means sewage, industrial wastes, and all other liquid,
gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substances which will or may cause
pollution or tend to cause pollution of the public waters of the State.
"Pollution" means such contamination or other alteration of the
physical, chemical or biological properties of the public waters of the
State, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity or odor
of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radio-
active or other substance into the waters of the State which either by
itself or in connection with any other substance present, will or can
reasonably be expected to create a public nuisance or render such waters
harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health, safety, or welfare,
or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or
other legitimate uses or to.livestock, wildlife, fish or other aquatic
life or the habitat thereof.
"Standard" or "standards" means such measure of quality or purity in
relation to their reasonable and necessary use as may be established by
the State Board of Health.
1. WATER RIGHTS
It shall be the policy of the State Board of Health that the adoption
of water quality standards and regulations and the enforcement of
such standards and regulations is not intended to conflict with the
apportionment of water to the State of Idaho, to any of the inter-
state compacts or court decrees, or to interfere with the rights of
Idaho appropriators in the utilization of water rights.
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2. HIGHEST AND BEST PRACTICABLE TREATMENT AND CONTROL REQUIRED
Notwithstanding the water quality standards contained herein, where
a higher standard can be achieved, the highest and best practicable
treatment and/or control of wastes, activities and flows shall be
provided so as to maintain dissolved oxygen at the highest desirable
levels and overall water quality as good as practicable, and water
temperatures, coliform bacteria concentrations, dissolved chemical
substances, toxic materials, radioactivity, turbidities, color, odor
and other deleterious factors at the lowest desirable levels.
3. RESTRICTIONS ON THE DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE AND
HUMAN ACTIVITIES WHICH AFFECT WATER QUALITY IN THE WATERS OF THE
STATE
A. No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be con-
ducted in such a way that said wastes or activities either alone
or in combination with other wastes or activities will violate
or can reasonably be expected to violate the water quality stand-
ards and/or regulations contained herein.
B. It is noted that from time to time certain short-term activities
which are deemed necessary to accommodate essential activities
and protect the public interest may be specially authorized by
the Department of Health under such conditions as the Department
of Health may prescribe even though such activities may result
in a reduction of water quality conditions below those criteria
and classifications established by this regulation.
4. MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS OF QUALITY
A. The degree of sewage or waste treatment required to restore and/or
maintain the standards of quality and/or maintain existing quality
shall be determined in each instance by the State Board of Health
and shall be based upon the following:
(1) The uses which are or may likely be made of the receiving
stream.
(2) The size and nature of flow of the receiving stream.
(3) The quantity and quality of the sewage or wastes to be
treated.
(4) The presence or absence of other sources of pollution on
the same watershed.
B. For purposes of enforcement of these standards and regulations,
sampling will be done at a point where these standards and/or
regulations can be evaluated, except for areas immediately
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A-7
adjacant to outfalls. Cognizance will be given to the opportunity
for admixture of waste effluents with receiving waters, where such
admixing is planned and carried out in a manner that will provide
minimum degradation to receiving waters.
5. GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR WATERS OF THE STATE
The following general water quality standards will apply to waters of
the State, both surface and underground, in addition to the water
quality standards set forth on specifically identified waters. Waters
of the State shall not contain:
A. Toxic chemicals of other than natural origin in concentrations
found to be of public health significance or to adversely affect
the use indicated. (Guides such as the Water Quality Criteria,
published by the State of California Water Quality Control Board
(Second Edition, 1963) will be used in evaluating the tolerances
of the various toxic chemicals for the use indicated.)
B. Deleterious substances of other than natural origin in concentra-
tions that cause tainting of edible species or tastes and odors
to be imparted to drinking water supplies.
C. Radioactive materials or radioactivity in water which exceed (1)
l/30th of the MFC values given in Column 2, Table I, Appendix A,
Part C, Rules and Regulations for the Control of Radiation in the
State of Idaho, (2) exceeds concentration limits of the Idaho
Drinking Water Standards for waters used for, or likely to be used
for, domestic supplies, (3) results in accumulations of radio-
activity in edible plants and animals that present a hazard to
consumers, and/or (A) is harmful to aquatic life.
D. Floating or submerged matter not attributable to natural causes.
E. Excess nutrients of other than natural origin that cause visible
slime growths or other nuisance aquatic growths.
F. Visible concentrations of oil, sludge deposits, scum, foam or
other wastes that may adversely affect the use indicated.
G. Objectionable turbidity which can be traced to a point source or
sources.
ON THE BASIS OF THE PRECEDING GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS, THE
FOLLOWING NUMERICAL STANDARDS, WHERE APPLICABLE, SHALL BE APPLIED, EXCEPT
WHERE DIFFERENCES OCCUR BETWEEN NUMERICAL STANDARDS CONTAINED HEREIN AND
THOSE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED FOR SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED INTERSTATE STREAMS.
IN SUCH CASES, STANDARDS FOR INTERSTATE STREAMS SHALL APPLY.
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6. NO WASTES SHALL BE DISCHARGED AND NO ACTIVITIES SHALL BE CONDUCTED
WHICH EITHER ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER WASTES OR ACTIVITIES
WILL CAUSE IN THESE WATERS:
A. Organisms of the Coliform Group where Associated with Fecal Sources
(MPN, equivalent MF or appropriate test using a representative
number of samples.) Average concentrations of coliform bacteria
to exceed 1,000 per 100 milliliters, with 20 percent of samples
not to exceed 2,400 per 100 milliliters.
B. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO to be less than 75 percent of saturation at seasonal low or
less than 100 percent saturation in spawning areas during spawning,
hatching, and fry stages of salmonid fishes.
C. Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
pH values to be outside the range of 6.5 and 9.0. Induced vari-
ation not to be more than 0.5 pH unit.
D. Temperature
Any measurable increases when stream temperatures are 68°F. or
above, or more than 2°F. increase when stream temperatures are
66°F. or less.
E. Turbidity
Turbidity, other than of natural origin, to exceed 10 Jackson
Turbidity Units (JTU). (This turbidity requirement shall not be
deemed to rigidly apply to streams, drain ditches, etc., receiving
irrigation return flow. However, every reasonable effort should
be made to prevent excessive turbidity from such wastes.)
IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL STANDARDS CONTAINED HEREIN, THE FOLLOWING
NUMERICAL STANDARDS SHALL APPLY TO THOSE WATERS OF THE STATE WHICH ARE
PRESENTLY UPSTREAM FROM EXISTING SIGNIFICANT WASTE SOURCES AND TO ALL LAKES
AND RESERVOIRS USED PRIMARILY FOR RECREATION, DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES,
FISH AND WILDLIFE PROPOGATION AND/OR AESTHETIC PURPOSES.
7. NO WASTES SHALL BE DISCHARGED AND NO ACTIVITY SHALL BE CONDUCTED WHICH
ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER WASTES WILL CAUSE IN THESE WATERS:
A. Organisms of the Coliform Group
Average concentration of coliform bacteria to exceed 240 per 100
milliliters with 20 percent of the samples not to exceed 1,000 per
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A-9
100 milliliters and fecal colifonn not to exceed 50 per 100
milliliters with 20 percent of the samples not to exceed 200 per
100 milliliters.
B. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO to be less than 75 percent of saturation at seasonal low or
less than 100 percent saturation in spawning areas during spawn-
ing, hatching, and fry stages of salmonid fishes.
C. Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
pH values to be outside the range of 6.5 to 9.0. Induced vari-
ation not to be more than 0.5 pH unit.
D. Temperature
Any measurable increase when stream temperatures are 66*F. or
above, or more than 2°F. increase when stream temperatures are
64°F. or less.
E. Turbidity
Turbidity, other than of natural origin, to exceed 5 Jackson
Turbidity Units (JTU).
F. Phosphorus JJT Nitrogen Compounds
Measurable concentration of phosphorus or nitrogen compounds
above those of natural origin.
8. REGULATIONS GOVERNING WASTE DISCHARGES
A. Any person or persons, corporation, officers of any municipality,
sewer district or association which owns or operates any facility
or carries out any operation which results in the discharge of
waste water shall furnish to the Department of Health such Infor-
mation concerning quality and quantity of discharged waste waters
and maintain such treatment records as the Department may reason-
ably require to evaluate the effects on any receiving waters.
B. For the purposes of these regulations, minimum adequate treatment
for domestic sewage or industrial wastes containing significant
organic material shall be equal to that which is commonly known
as secondary treatment or the equivalent of 35 percent removal
of the biochemical oxygen demand including adequate disinfection
of any wastes which may contain organisms that may produce disease
in man or animals. In industrial processes, in-plant process
controls or alterations, carried out for the primary purpose of
waste reduction, shall be considered as a part of the treatment
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A-10
process. Exceptions to secondary treatment requirements may be
made by the Department of Health when it can be demonstrated that
such exceptions will not adversely affect classified water quality
and will offer adequate protection for all beneficial uses.
Failure to provide adequate treatment shall be considered a vio-
lation of these regulations.
C. Any person, persons, corporation or officials of a municipality
or sewer district who owns or operates any sewage or other water-
borne waste treatment facility shall at all times operate such
facility under reasonably competent supervision and with the
highest efficiency that can reasonably be expected and shall
maintain such facility in good repair.
D. In cases of subsurface sewage or waste disposal, such disposal
facilities shall be so located that such sources of pollution
including bacteriological, organic or inorganic nutrient pollution
will not or will not be likely to enter adjacent waters. In no
case shall any portion of such disposal system be located closer
than 50 feet horizontally from the edge of any water course,
including lakes or reservoirs, as determined from the known high-
est water level of such water course, lake or reservoir. Impro-
perly or inadequately treated sewage shall not be allowed to
accumulate on the ground surface in such a manner that it may
create a health hazard.
E. It shall be a violation of these regulations to store, dispose
of, or allow to accumulate any deleterious material adjacent to
or in the immediate vicinity of any portions of the waters of
the State in such a manner that such material will or is likely
to enter the stream at times of high water or runoff or where
drainage from such materials or accidental failure of storage
facilities may transport or allow deleterious material into the
water course. Such materials shall include, but not be limited
to, trash, rubbish, garbage, oil, gasoline, chemicals, sawdust
and accumulations of manure. '
F. In case of accidental spills of deleterious materials, persons in
responsible charge shall make every reasonable effort to contain
spilled material in such a manner that it will not contaminate or
pollute any waters of the State, and shall immediately notify the
Department of Health of any such spills.
G. Sewage sludge or solid material which may contain disease-producing
organisms, when applied to lawns, root crop fields or fields pro-
ducing foods which may be consumed raw, or otherwise used in such
a manner that exposure to persons may be a health hazard, shall be
heated to 135°F. or higher for a period of one hour or any equi-
valent combination of time and temperature approved by the
Department of Health before such use.
-------
A-ll
H. Waste discharges to underground waters shall receive, prior to
discharge of such wastes, such treatment as is necessary to render
them equal in quality to existing underground waters or such treat-
ment as is necessary to bring such discharge into conformance with
the Idaho Drinking Water Standards. The provisions of Paragraph
8H will not be considered as strictly applicable to the existing
sink wells used exclusively for irrigation waste water disposal
where such disposal does not adversely affect domestic water
sources. However, it should be recognized that the long-term
preservation of Idaho's vast underground water resources is of
great importance and that every reasonable effort should be made
to reduce pollution from this source and that a long-term research
and development program should be established that will lead to
the total elimination of disposal wells that directly affect under-
ground aquifers that are not subject to adequate filtration and
percolation to eliminate significant pollution.
Further, this paragraph shall not be construed to preclude the
use of deep disposal wells which may be constructed to discharge
into underground water strata whose quality is such that it is
not likely to be used for other beneficial purposes, provided
necessary precautions are taken to prevent contamination of
usable aquifers.
I. Sewage Treatment Design Standards and Subsurface Sewage Disposal
Standards, as adopted by the Idaho Department of Health, shall be
revised from time to time and shall be used as a guide in the
review of plans and specifications for waste treatment facilities
as required by Section 39-112, Idaho Code.
Regulations relating to Water Pollution Control adopted by the Idaho
State Board of Health May 11, 1959, are hereby rescinded.
These Regulations shall be in full force and effect on and after
September 4, 1968.
Section 39-112, Par. E — All plans and specifications for the con-
struction of new sewage systems, sewage treatment or disposal plants or
systems, or other waste treatment, or disposal facilities, or for improve-
ment or extensions to existing sewerage systems or sewage treatment or
disposal plants, shall be submitted to and be approved by the board, before
construction thereof may begin.
-------
APPENDIX B
EXTRACTS FROM OREOON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
WHICH APPLY TO THE
SNAKE RIVER-WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
-------
B-l
EXTRACTS FROM OREGON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
WHICH APPLY TO THE
SNAKE RIVER-WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
"11-011 RESTRICTIONS ON THE DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES
AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES WHICH AFFECT WATER QUALITY IN THE WATERS
OF THE STATE. No wastes shall be discharged and no activities
shall be conducted such that said wastes or activities either
alone or in combination with other wastes or activities will
violate or can reasonably be expected to violate, any of the
general or special water quality standards contained in this
subdivision.
"11-015 MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS OR QUALITY. (1) The degree of waste
treatment required to restore and maintain the above standards
of quality shall be determined in each instance by the State
Sanitary Authority and shall be based upon the following:
(a) The uses which are or may likely be made of the receiving
stream.
(b) The size and nature of flow of the receiving stream.
(c) The quantity and quality of the sewage or wastes to be
treated, and
(d) The presence or absence of other sources of pollution on
the same watershed.
(2) All sewage shall receive a minimum of secondary treatment
or equivalent (equal to at least 85% removal of 5-day biochemical
oxygen demand and suspended solids) and shall be effectively
disinfected before being discharged into any public waters of
the state.
"11-016 GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS. The following General Water
Quality Standards shall apply to all waters of the state except
where they are clearly superseded by Special Water Quality Stan-
dards applicable to specifically designated waters of the state.
No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be
conducted which either alone or in combination with other wastes
or activities will cause in any waters of the state:
1) The dissolved oxygen content of surface waters to be less
than six (6) milligrams per liter unless specified other-
wise by special standard.
2) The hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) of the waters to be
outside the range of 6.5 to 8.5 unless specified otherwise
by special standard.
3) The liberation of dissolved gases, such as carbon-dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide or any other gases, in sufficient quantities
-------
B-2
to cause objectionable odors or to be deleterious to fish
or other aquatic life, navigation, recreation, or other
reasonable uses made of such waters.
4) The development of fungi or other growths having a delete-
rious effect on stream bottoms, fish or other aquatic life,
or which and injurious to health, recreation or industry.
5) The creation of tastes or odors or toxic or other conditions
that are deleterious to fish or other aquatic life or affect
the potability of drinking water or the palatability of fish
or shellfish.
6) The formation of appreciable bottom or sludge deposits or
the formation of any organic or inorganic deposits delete-
rious to fish or other aquatic life or injurious to public
health, recreation or industry.
7) Objectionable discoloration, turbidity, scum, oily sleek or
floating solids, or coat the aquatic life with oil films.
8) Bacterial pollution or other conditions deleterious to
waters used for domestic purposes, livestock watering, irri-
gation, bathing, or shellfish propagation, or be otherwise
injurious to public health.
9) Any measurable increase in temperature when the receiving
water temperatures are 64°F. or above, or more than 2°F.
increase when receiving water temperatures are 62°F or less.
10) Aesthetic conditions offensive to the human senses of sight,
taste, smell or touch.
11) Radioisotope concentrations to exceed Maximum Permissible
Concentrations (MFC's) in drinking water, edible fishes or
shellfishes, wildlife, irrigated crops, livestock and dairy
products or pose an external radiation hazard.
"11-033 WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE MAIN STEM OF THE SNAKE RIVER IN
AND ADJACENT TO OREGON. The provisions of this section shall
be in addition to and not in lieu of the General Water Quality
Standards contained in Section 11-016, except where this section
imposes a conflicting requirement with the provisions of
Section 11-016, this section shall govern.
No wastes shall be discharged and no activities shall be
conducted which either alone or in combination with other wastes
or activities will cause in the waters of the Snake River:
1) Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO concentrations of surface waters to be less than
75% of saturation at seasonal low or less than 95% of
saturation in spawning areas during spawning, hatching
and fry stages of salmonid fishes.
2) Organisms of the Coliform Group Where Associated with Fecal
Sources (MPN or equivalent MF using a representative number
of Samples)
Average concentrations of coliform bacteria to exceed
1000 per 100 ml, with 20% of samples not to exceed
2400 per 100 ml.
-------
B-3
3) Turbidity (Jackson Turbidity Units, JTU)
Turbidity to exceed 5 JTU above natural background
values except for certain short-term activities which
nay be specifically authorized by the Sanitary Authority
under such conditions as it may prescribe and which are
necessary to accommodate essential dredging or construc-
tion where turbidities in excess of this standard are
unavoidable.
4) Temperature
Any measurable increase when river temperatures are
70°F. or above, or more than 2°F. increase when river
temperatures are 68°F. or less.
5) Dissolved Chemical Substances
Guide concentrations listed below to be exceeded except as
may be specifically authorized by the Sanitary Authority
upon such conditions as it may deem necessary to carry out
the general intent of Section 11-008 of this subdivision
and to protect the beneficial uses set forth in Table A.
mg/1
Arsenic (As) 0.01
Barium (Ba) 1.0
Boron (Bo) 0.5
Cadmium (Cd) 0.01
Chloride (Cl) 50
Chromium (Cr) 0.05
Copper (Cu) 0.005
Cyanide (CN) 0.01
Fluoride (F) 1.0
Iron (Fe) 0.1
Lead (Pb) 0.05
Manganese (Mn) 0.05
Phenols (totals) 0.001
Total dissolved solids 750
Zinc (Zn) 0.1
Heavy metals (Totals 0.5
including Cu, Pb, Zn,
and others of non-
specific designation)
6) Hydrogen-Ion Concentration (pH)
pH values to fall outside the range of 7.0 to 9.0."
-------
APPENDIX C
STUDY METHODS
-------
C-l
STUDY METHODS
A. WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
Six municipal and six industrial waste sources were investigated.
Background data on these sources were obtained from the Idaho Environ-
mental Improvement Division files, STORET inventories, and 1899 Refuse
Act Permit applications.
Three-day influent and effluent sampling was done at all municipal
waste sources, except the Nampa, Idaho, facility, which was sampled for
four days. Intermediate points were sampled at the Boise and Nampa plants.
Wastewater samples were collected manually at Nampa; automatic sampling
equipment (SERCO) was used at the other facilities. Samples were com-
posited on a 24-hour flow-weighted basis. These samples were iced during
collection and transportation. Chemical analyses included BOD, COD, TOC,
and nutrients. Periodic measurements were made for pH, temperature, con-
ductivity, and chlorine residual (effluent only). Grab samples were col-
lected for bacteriological analyses. When flow-measuring devices were
not available at a plant, continuous flow recorders (Stevens Model F)
were used.
Samples were collected manually at the J. R. Simplot Company. Auto-
matic sampling equipment was used at the five other industries. Samples
were composited on a 24-hour flow-weighted basis at the J. R. Simplot
Company and the Amalgamated Sugar Company. An equal volume basis for
sample composites was used at the other industries. Flows were measured
continuously at all the industries except Boise Cascade and Triangle Dairy
-------
C-2
where instantaneous flows were measured. Bacteriological grab samples
were collected at all waste-source locations except Boise Cascade. Mea-
surements were made for pH, temperature, and conductivity periodically
during the survey. All samples were transported to the EPA mobile
laboratory at Nampa. BOD and DO analyses were conducted at Nampa. All
other samples were preserved and shipped to the NFIC-Denver laboratory
for analyses.
Chemical, Physical, and Bacteriological Parameters
The BOD and DO analyses were conducted according to Standard Methods,—
using the azide modifications of the Winkler method.
Bacteriological analyses for total and fecal coliforms and for fecal
streptococci were performed according to Standard Methods, using the
membrane filter technique.
All other chemical analyses and field measurements were conducted
2/
in accordance with EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes.—
Salmonella sampling was accomplished by submerging sterile gauze pads
at selected locations for 5- to 7-day periods. The pads were retrieved,
placed in plastic bags, chilled, and transported to the EPA mobile lab-
oratory for analysis (within 6 hours after collection). Because there
is no standard procedure for detection of Salmonella in surface waters,
the elevated temperature technique of Spino— was used with modifications.
1 Standard Methods for the Exami.nati.on of Water and Wastewater, 13th
Edition, American Public Health Association. New York, New York. 1971.
2 Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Environmental Pro-
tection Agency, National Environmental Research. Center, Analytical
Quality Control Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1971.
3 Donald F. Spino "Elevated-Temperature Technique for the Isolation
of Salmonella from Streams," Applied fficrobiology, Vol 14, No. 4,
pp 591-595. July 1966.
-------
C-3
Selective enrichment media included dulcito-Selenite enrichment broth and
tetrathionate-broth base. Growth from these media containing the pads
were subsequently streaked onto selective plating media that consisted
of Brilliant Green and XLD agars. Colonies with characteristics typical
of Salmonella were picked and subjected to biochemical identification,
using a commercial multi-test system. Representative Salmonella isolated
from each location were sent to the National Center for Communicable
Disease, Atlanta, Georgia, for serological identification.
B. STREAM SURVEYS
The stream surveys were conducted October 27-November 10, 1971, in
two, 7-day phases. The first phase (October 27-November 2) included the
Snake River and selected stations of the Owyhee, Boise, Malheur, Payette,
and Weiser Rivers. The second phase (November 4-10) included Indian
Creek and the Boise and Payette Rivers.
Samples for chemical analyses were collected in clean, unused con-
tainers; those for bacteriological analyses were collected in sterile
glass containers, iced, and transported to the laboratory, all within
6 hours. Dissolved oxygen samples were collected in 300 ml bottles
using an APHA sampler. The samples, except those for BOD analyses,
were preserved, iced, and transported to the NFIC-D laboratory for
analyses. BOD samples were analyzed at the EPA mobile laboratory sta-
tioned in Nampa, Idaho.
The pH, conductivity, and temperature were measured in the field at
the time of sampling. Flow data were collected from existing gaging
stations where possible.
-------
C-4
All chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses were performed
in accordance with the methods outlined in Section A of this appendix.
C. BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Aquatic Growths
Artificial substrates used in this study were designed for collecting
both benthic and periphytic organisms from 12 locations in the Snake and
Boise Rivers. The part of the substrate designed to accumulate periphyton
growths consisted of a series of eight 1 x 3-inch glass slides attached to
a nylon line with clothespins [Figure C-l]. After a 14-day exposure in
the stream, four slides from each substrate assembly were placed in 10
percent formalin (for microscropic examination) and 90 percent acetone
(for chlorophyll analyses), respectively. Those slides placed in acetone
were stored on dry ice in the dark.
In the laboratory, aquatic growths from the glass slides were analyzed
according to Standard Methods for the following: (1) extracted chlorophyll
(2) total and volatile solids, and (3) enumeration of attached organisms.
Most organisms were identified to the generic level.
Benthos
Bottom-dwelling invertebrates were sampled using Hester-Dendy arti-
ficial substrates [Figure C-l] and standard qualitative and quantitative
bottom sampling gear. After 14 days of exposure, substrates were recovered,
and the invertebrates found were preserved in 10 percent formalin. Addition-
ally, qualitative or quantitative samples of benthos were collected at
each station and similarly preserved. Results from the artificial sub-
strates were expressed as number of animals per substrate; results from
-------
C-5
Ekman, Petersen, and Surber samplers were expressed as number of animals
per square foot. Organisms collected in qualitative samples, on the
Hester-Dendy substrates, were assigned values of one organism per square
foot, and included with quantitative data.
Fish Population
The Idaho Fish and Game Department provided a checklist of fish
found in the Boise and Snake Rivers. The relative distribution of some
of these fish was determined during this study by electroshocking.
Fish Palatability Tests
Six-inch rainbow trout, obtained from the Eagle Fish Hatchery, Idaho
Fish and Game Department, were used for palatability studies. The test
fish were transferred from the hatchery growth pond to an aerated tank
filled with hatchery water for transport to the various test sections.
At the start of the test, healthy fish were killed, gutted, wrapped
in foil, and frozen with dry ice for use as a flavor reference sample.
The remaining fish were used for palatability tests after stream exposure.
Wire baskets, each containing 10 fish, were placed at the selected
river stations. After 72-hour exposures, the fish were retrieved and
examined. Survivors were killed, gutted, wrapped in foil, and frozen with
dry ice. The frozen fish were shipped to the Department of Food Science
and Technology at Oregon State University, Corvallis, for flavor evalu-
ations by a panel of experienced judges.
For testing, the frozen samples were thawed for 2 hours so the fish
could be separated and beheaded. Partially frozen samples were enclosed
-------
C-6
separately in aluminum foil, placed on a broiler cooking pan, and cooked
in a gas oven at 400°F until the flesh flaked from the bones, approximately
60 minutes. The cooked fish were skinned, boned, lightly mixed to insure
uniform serving samples, and placed iin the top of double boilers over
hot water for serving. Samples were served in coded paper cups (including
a duplicate control sample) and were were compared with the reference control
sample. The Judges scored the intensity of off-flavor from 7 (no off-flavor)
to 1 (very extreme off-flavor) and scored the hedonic value from 7 (very
desirable) to 1 (very undesirable). When the quantity of sample was suf-
ficient, the test was repeated.
-------
APPENDIX D
LIST OF STREAM STATIONS
-------
TABLE D-l
STREAM SAMPLING LOCATIONS IN THE
SNAKE RIVER AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES
IDAHO - OREGON
Type of Analysis Performed
Map Key
1
2
3
1|
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
li)
15
16
17
Station Description
Snake River at Walters Ferry, Idaho
Snake River at Marsing, Idaho
Snake River at Homedale, Idaho
Snake River at Adrian, Oregon
Owyhee River at Mouth
Boi.se River at Mouth
Boise River at Parma, Idaho
Boise River at Notus, Idaho
Boise River, upstream of Simplot
Indian Creek at Mouth
Indian Creek, upstream of Cal dwell
Indian Creek at Midway Road
Indian Creek, upstream of Nampa Treatment Plant
Indian Creek, downstream from Armmir
Indian Creek, upstream of Armour
Boise River at Caldwel 1
Boise River, south of Middleton
River
Miles Chemical
M2.5
l*2k.O
1|16.0
'toi.S
392.3/2.9
391.3/0.1
391.3/5.0
391.3/13.8
391.3/17.7
391.3/19.7/0.1
391.3/19.7/2.8
391.3/19.7/5.0
391.3/19.7/7.5
391. 3/19. 7/10. it
391.3/19.7/11.9
391.3/21.8
391.3/26.5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bacteriological
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Biological
Aquatic Growths Fish Palatability Benthos
X
X
X XX
X XX
X.
X
X XX
X X
X
X
X
X .
X
X XX
X
-------
TABLE U-l (Cont.)
STREAM SAMPLING LOCATIONS IN THE
SNAKE RIVER AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARY'S
IDAHO - OREGON
Type of Analysis Performed
Map Key
18
19
20
21
22
23
21*
25
26
27
28
29
30
32
33
34
35
36
Station Description
Boise River, south of Star
Boise River at Strawberry Glen Bridge
Boise River at Capitol Boulevard
Boise River at Eckert Road
Snake River, downstream from Boise River
Snake River, upstream of Nyssa, Oregon
Snake River, downstream from Nyssa, Oregon
Snake River, upstream of Ontario, Oregon
Snake River, upstream of Malheur River
Malheur River at Mouth
Snake River, upstream of Payette River
Payette River at Mouth
Payette River at Payette
Payette River at New Plymouth
Payette River at Letha
Payette River, downstream from Emmett, Idaho
Payette River at Emmett
Snake River, downstream from Payette River
River
Miles
391.3/33.9
391.3A7.1
391.3/52.8
391.3/58.2
390.5
389.0
387.0
373.0
369.0
368.5/1.0
367.0
365.6/0.1
365.6A.1
365.6/23.5
365.6/28.0
365.6/32.0
365.6/33.3
36*). 0
Chemical
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bacteriological
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Biological
Aquatic Growths Fish Palatability Benthos
X X
X X
X
X XX
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X
X
X
X
X XX
-------
TABLE n-1 fCnnt.}
STREAM SAMPLING LOCATIONS IN THE
SNAKE RIVER AND PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES
IDAHO - OREGON
Type of Analysis Performed
Map Key
37
38
39
Station Description
Snake River, upstream of Weiser, Idaho
Weiser River at Mouth
Snake River, downstream from Weiser, Idaho
River
Miles
353.9
351-8
350.3
Chemical
X
X
X
Bacteriological
X
X
X
Biological
Aquatic Growths Fish Palatability Benthos
X X
X
• X XX
-------
APPENDIX E
FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA
STREAM SURVEY
-------
TABLE E-l
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA AT SELECTED STATIONS ON INDIAN CREEK
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Map
Key
15
14
13
12
11
Station Description
Indian Creek
of Armour
(RM 391.3/19
Indian Creek
of Nampa
(RM 391.3/19
, upstreav
.7/11.9)
, upstream
.7/10.4)
Indian Creek, upstream
of the Nampa Wastewater
tTreatment Plant
(RM 391.3/19.7/7.5)
Indian Creek
Midway Road
(RM 391.3/19
Indian Creek
of Caldwell
(RM 391.3/19
at
.7/5.0)
, upstream
.7/2.8)
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
Temp. Cond. pH D
°C ymhos/cm S.U.
9
5.5-11.5 470-750 7.7-8.1 8
9
6.5-10.5 750-800 7.8-8.0 8
8
9.0-13.0 625-750 7.7-8.0 8
4
13.0-15.5 775-825 7.4-7.7 3
5
11.5-15.0 750-800 7.5-8.0 3
issolved
mg/1
.8
.8-10.8
.3
.3-10.4
.7
.2-9.4
.4
.2-5.8
.2
.6-6.4
Oxygen
% Sat.
92
80-105
90
84-103
87
89-95
47
34-61
54
40-65
Alkalinity
mg/1 as
CaCO,
283
274-294
289
276-306
277
268-287
302
288-327
300
291-321
b/
BOET
mg/1
4.3
<2-10.0
2.8^
13.0
7.6-20.0
9.2*'
TOC
mg/1
5
3-7
5
4-7
5
2-14
11
9-14
9
6-13
10 Indian Creek at
Mouth
(RM 391.3/19.7/0.1)
AVERAGE
8.1
82
RANGE 10.0-14.0 600-775 7.8-8.2 7.4-8.6 76-88
281 7.5 5
260-303 4.3-11.2 4-5
a/ This is a single value.
b_/ All values recorded as "less than" have not been used to calculate average.
m
i
-------
TABLE E-2
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA
AT SELECTED STATIONS ON THE BOISE RIVER
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Map
Key
21
20
19
18
17
16
9
Temp Cond .
Station Description °C vimhos/cm
Boise River, upstream Range 4.5-7.5 80-85
of Boise Average
(RM 391.3/58.2)
Boise River at. Range 5.0-7.0 70-100
Capitol Blvd.— Average
(RM 391.3/52.8)
Boise River at Range 5.0-7.0 150-170
Strawberry Glen Average
Bridge
(RM 391.3/47.1)
Boise River, south Range 5.5-6.0 190-250
of Star Average
(RM 391.3/33.9)
Boise River, south Range 4.5-5.5 310-340
of Mlddleton Average
(RM 391.3/26.5)
Boise River, upstream Range 5.5-6.5 430-480
of Caldwell Average
(RM 391.3/21.8)
Boise River, upstream Range 6.0-9.5 480-580
of Simplot Average
Dissolved
Oxygen
pH mg/1
7.1-7.6 9.9-11.4
10.6
6.9-8.6 9.7-13.6
11.7
7.1-7.7 9.2-12.4
10.8
7.3-8.1 9.0-13.0
10.9
7.5-8.5 9.5-14.8
11.9
7.6-8.2 9.4-12.7
11.0
7.9-8.1 9.4-10.3
9.9
% Sat.
86-102
95
84-118
104
80-109
96
79-110
95
83-130
104
84-114
98
85-97
91
Alkalinity
mg/1 as
CaCO-t
36-50
42
41-67
47
60-103
70
91-135
105
113-192
137
142-176
166
208-218
212
BOD TOC
mg/1 mg/1
/ 1~3
<2- 2
1-3
<2-' 2
<2-8.1 1-7
5.7 4
2.1-4.8 2-9
3.5 5
d/ 2'5
8.1-' 4
<2-8.2
4.6
4.1-4.8 3-5
4.4 4
Kj NH-,
mg/1 as N
<,.£/
<0.1—
0.2
<0.1—
<0.1-1.9 <0.1-0.4
1.1 0.3
0.3-0.7 0.1-0.3
0.5 0.2
<0.1-0.4 0.2-'
0.3
<0.1-0.7 <0.1-0.2
0.4 0.1
0.1-0.6 <0. 1-0.1
0.4 0.1
NO? + NOi
0.10-0.15
0.14
0.08-0.13
0.11
0.28-0.38
0.32
0.75-1.03
0.89
0.63-1.47
1.16
1.43-1.73
1.67
1.70-2.20
1.95
Total P
mg/1
0.01-0.06
0.04
<0. 01-0. 13
0.05
0.39-0.77
0.6
0.34-0.59
0.44
0.20-0.44
0.33
0.24-0.37
0.31
0.38-0.45
0.42
(RM 391.3/17.7)
-------
TABLE E-2 (Cont.)
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA
AT SELECTED STATIONS ON THE BOISE RIVER
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Map
Key
8
7
Temp Cond.
Station Description °C (imhos/cm
Boise River at
NotusS/
(RM 391.3/13.8)
Boise River at
Parmai/
(RM 391.3/5.0)
Range 5.0-9.0 700-850
Average
Range 5.0-8.0 700-900
Average
Dissolved
Oxygen
pH mg/1
7.1-8.1 6.4-10.4
8.5
8.1-8.2 8.4-11.2
9.6
% Sat.
60-97
77
79-105
87
Alkalinity
mg/1 as BOD
CaCXh mg/1
206-231
216
199-240
222
3.1-13.0
7.8
2.5-6.6
3.6
TOC
rag/1
2-6
4
2-5
3
KJ
0.2-1.9
0.7
0.2-1.7
0.7
NH-i NO? + NO-j
mg/1 as N
<0.1-0.5 1.60-2.20
0.3 1.88
0.7-' 0.63-2.30
1.82
Total P
mg/1
0.41-0.76
' '0.56
0.35-0.40
: 0.36
a/ All values are equal.
b/ All other values were less than detectable.
cj Stream flow averaged 106 cfs, with a range of 23-120 cfs.
d/ Single value.
e/ Stream flow was measured as 885 cfs on all days of the survey.
f/ Stream flow averaged 1115 cfs, ranging from 1061 to 1218 cfs. This station was also sampled October 27-November 2, 1971.
-------
TABLE E-3
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA
AT SELECTED STATIONS ON THE PAYETTE RIVER
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Alkalinity
Map Station Flow Temp. Cond. Dissolved Oxygen mg/1 as BOD TOC Kj _ NH^ NO? + NO-i Total P
Key Description _ cfs _ ^C _ umhos/cm pH _ mg/1 _ % Sat. CaCO^ _ mg/1 mg/1 _ mg/1 as N _ mg/1
35 Payette River Range 890-1020 2.0-5.0 130-160 7.4-8.7 10.5-12.8 88-109 34-49 <2-3.8 2-4 <0.1-0.4 . 0.04-0.10 0.02-0.07
Eramett Average 977 . 12.2 102 39 3.4 3 0.3 <0.1- 0.07 0.05
(RM 365.6/33.3)
34 Payette River, Range 4.0-5.0 130-170 8.2-8.5 11.8-12.9 100-108 34-47 , 2-3 0.1- . 0.04-0.05 0.03-0.04
downstream from Average 12.4 105 40 <2- 3 <0.1— ' 0.04 0.03
. (RM 365.6/32.0)
33 Payette River Range 800-900 2.0-5.0 150-180 7.4-8.8 10.8-13.8 91-118 39-53 <2-4.2 2-5 <0. 1-1.0 , 0.04-0.10 0.03-0.05
at Letha Bridge Average 850 12.2 101 46 3.1 3 0.6 <0.1- 0.06 0.04
(RM 365.6/28.0)
32 Payette River Range 800-1400 2.0-7.0 200-260 7.9-8.7 10.8-13.0 93-111 67-79 . 2-3 !.(£' . 0.09-0.19 0.02-0.09
at New Plymouth Average 1100 11.9 101 73 <2-' 2 <0.1- 0.14 0.06
(RM 365.6/23.5)
30 Payette River Range 1050-1680 4.0-7.0 250-290 8.0-8.6 11.2-12.8 96-107 73-177 <2-2.8 2-5 0.2- 0.14-0.23 <0. 01-0. 06
at Payette Average 1360 11.9 102 108 2.8 3 <0.1- 0.18 0.05
(RM 366.6/4.1)
a/ All values are equal.
b_/ All other values were less than detectable.
cl This station was also sampled during the period October 27-November 2, 1971.
-------
TABLE E-4
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA AT SELECTED STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN - WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 1971
Temp.
Map Key Station Description °C
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
Cond. pH Dissolved
ymhos/cm S. U. mg/1
Oxygen
% Sat.
Alkalinity
mg/1 as
CaC03
f/ mq/1 as N
mg/1
TOC
mg/1
U U
K, NH3 N02 + N03
Snake River at Walters
Ferry (RM 442.5)
Snake River at
Marshing
ORM 424.0)
Snake River at
Homedal e
(RM 416.0)
Snake River at
Adrian
(RM 401.8)
Owyhee River
near mouth
(RM 392.3/2.9)
Boise River—'
at Parma
(RM 391.3/5.0)
Boise River
near mouth
(RM 391.3/0.1)
AVERAGE
RANGE 7.0-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 6.5-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 6.5-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 5.0-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 1.5-8.5
AVERAGE
RANGE 6.0-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 3.0-9.0
11.5
400-800 8.2-8.4 10.4-12.9
11.5
480-725 8.0-8.6 9.9-13.2
11.5
480-775 8.0-8.6 10.7-13.0
11.3
500-775 8.1-8.6 10.1-12.4
13.7
1,300-3,000 6.5-8.5 8.9-16.6
9.8
310-1.100 7.7-8.1 7.5-11.9
10.0
420-750 7.2-8.5 8.6-11.2
105
97-118
104
93-120
104
92-117
102
91-112
120
79-148
88
68-110
88
78-99
179
171-202
176
167-184
178
173-183
182
176-185
314
302-340
237
215-244
235
222-243
2.9
<2-3.8
2.7
<2-3.2 -
2.8
<2-3.7
3.0
<2-3.8
3.0
<2-3.8
3.6
2.7-7.2
4/0
<2-7.0
3
1-6
3
2-4
2
1-4
3
2-5
5
3-8
3
2-4
3
3-4
0.1
<0.1-0.2
0.1
<0.1-0.2
0.2
<0.1-0.2
0.3
<0.1-0.8
0.3
0.3-0.4
0.4
0.2-0.9
0.4
0.1-0.6
I/
<0.1 0.68
' 0.65-0.
a/
<0.1 0.67
0.65-0.
a/
<0.1 0.67
0.65-0.
a/
<0.1~' 0.74
0.70^0.
a/
<0.1J 2.25
2.03-2.
a/
0.1 2.04
1.75-2.
0.1 2.04
<0. 1-0.2 1.68-2
70
68
73
83
48
50
.45
Total P
mg/1
0.06
0.05-0.07
0.07
0.05-0.12
0.06
0.04-0.07
0.06
0.05-0.08
0.12
0.09-0.27
0.35
0.25-0.65
0.38
0.27-0.68
-------
TABLE E-4 (Cont.)
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA AT SELECTED STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN - WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 1971
Map Key
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Station Description
Snake River, down-
stream from the
Boise River
(RM 390.5)
Snake River at
Nyssa
(RM 389.0)
Snake River, down-
stream from Nyssa
(RM 387.0)
Snake River, up-
stream of Ontario
(RM 373.0)
Snake River, up-
stream of Malheur
River (RM 369.0)
Malheur River
near mouth
(RM 368.5/0.1)
Snake River, up-
stream of Payette
River (RM 367.0)
Temp.
°C
AVERAGE
RANGE 3.0-9.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 3.0-10.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 4.0-10.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 5.0-10.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 4.0-10.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 3.0-7.5
AVERAGE
RANGE 5.0-8.0
Cond. pH Dissolved
umhos/cm S. U. mg/1
10.
390-610 7.4-8.5 9.
11.
230-530 7.2-8.7 10.
11.
480-580 7.1-9.0 10.
11.
450-600 7.2-8.6 10.
11.
500-580 7.2-8.6 10.
11.
1,250-2,200 8.0-8.4 9.
11.
440-600 7.2-8.7 10.
8
3-11.8
2
6-12.0
3
8-11.8
2
8-11.8
1
1-11.6
4
6-13.4
0
6-11.3
Oxygen
% Sat.
95
77-106
97
87-107
100
91-105
97
92-103
98
91-104
97
87-112
97
93-103
Alkalinity
mg/1 as
CaC03
207
181-239
177
160-185
186
175-208
189
175-222
184
172-202
402
370-431
196
180-227
BOD^/
mg/1
2.5
2.2-3.2
2.6
<2-3.1
- 3.0
<2-4.3
2.8
2.3-3.4
3.5
<2-5.6
2.3
<2-2.6
3.0
2.4-3.9
TOC
mg/1
3
1-4
2
1-4
3
2-4
3
1-4
2
2-3
6
4-8
3
1-4
mg/1 as N
I/ 11
K - MM.*
j /
0.2 y
<0.1-0.4 <0.1-0.
a/
0.2 <0.1-'
<0.1-0.2
a/
0.2 <0.1-
<0.1-0.3
a/
0.2 <0.1~
<0.1-0.3
a/
0.3 -
<0.1-0.4 <0.1-0.
a/
0.3 <0.1~
0.2-0.4
I/
0.2 <0.1
0.1-0.3
N02 + N03
1.12
1 0.90-1.70
0.72
0.68-0.74
0.76
0.70-0.83
0.78
0.73-0.90
0.79
,5 0.69-0.83
2.11
1.83-2.40
1.38
0.65-3.95
Total P
mg/1
0.10
0.08-0.14
0.06
0.04-0.09
0.07
0.06-0.09
0.07
0.05-0.10
0.07
0.05-0.08
0.32
0.28-0.43
0.07
0.05-0.10
-------
TABLE E-4 (Cont.)
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND CHEMICAL DATA AT SELECTED STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN - WALTERS FERRY TO DOWNSTREAM FROM WEISER, IDAHO
OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 1971
Map Key
30
29
33
34
35
36
a/ All
E> This
cY All
3/ All
Station Description
b/
Payette River-' at
Payette
(RM 365.6/4.1)
Payette River
• near mouth
(RM 365.6/0.1)
Snake River, down-
stream from the
Payette River
(RM 364.0)
Snake River, up-
stream of Weiser
River (RM 353.9)
Weiser River
near mouth
(RM 351.8/0.1)
Snake River, down-
stream from
Weiser^/
(RM 350.3)
Temp. Cond. pH
°C ymhos/cm S. I).
AVERAGE
RANGE 4.0-7.0 190-280 7.3-8.0
AVERAGE
RANGE 4.5-8.0 320-490 8.5-8.9
AVERAGE
RANGE 6.0-8.0 450-560 7.0-8.8
AVERAGE
RANGE 6.0-8.0 500-540 7.6-8.7
AVERAGE
RANGE 2.0-7.0 200-360 7.5-8.3
AVERAGE
RANGE 5.0-10.0 480-575 7.2-8.7
Dissolved
mg/1
11.4
10.8-12.2
10.0
7.0-11.0
11.0
10.4-11.7
10.6
10.2-11.0
11.8
10.0-13.2
10.9
10.1-11.6
Oxygen
% Sat.
98
94-107
89
59-99
98
93-104
96
94-98
97
82-112
97
93-104
Alkalinity
mg/1 as
CaC03
72
64-78
128
73-163
184
179-198
180
176-186
95
78-112
177
168-183
BOD^
mg/1
2.4
<2-2.7
2.5
<2-3.3
3.0
2.4-4.9
2.9
2.0-3.8
d/
<2-2.1
4.0
<2-3.6
TOC f/
mg/1 KJ
a/
2.1 <0.1~
1.0-6.0
2.6 0.1
2.0-4.0 <0.1-0.2
2.8 0.2
1.0-4.0 0.1-0.4
3.5 0.2
1-6 <0.1-0.3
2
1-3 <0. 1-0.1
3.6 0.2
1-6 <0.1-0.5
mq/1 as I
NH3~
ft
y
<0. 1-0.1
a/
-------
APPENDIX F
BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS
-------
Table F-l
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS
INDIAN CREEK STREAM SURVEY
November VIO, 1971
Map Station Description
Key
Total Conforms Fecal Conforms Fecal Streotocncct
MF Count/100 ml J Samples MF Count/100 ml MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean Minimum > 2,^00 Maximum Mean Minimum Maximum Mean Minimum
13 Indian Creek, uostream of Nampa, Idaho
(RM 391.3/19.7/7.5)
12 Indian Creek at Midway Road
(RM 391.3/19.7/5.0)
10 Indian Creek near Mouth
(River Mile 391-3/19.7/0.1)
47,000 14,000 3,100 100 600 350 120 8,000 2,800 310
86,000 30,000 3,600 100 2,700 900 270 7,000 2,300 680
48,000 18,000 .2,500 100 12,000 2,500 390 2,700 1,300. 130
-------
TABLE F-2
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS
BOISE RIVER STREAM SURVEY
NOVEMBER 4-10, 1971
Map
Key
21
20
16
9
8
7
Station Description
Boise River, upstream of Boise, Idaho
(RM 391.3/58.2)
Boise River at Strawberry Glen Road
(RM 391.3/47.1)
Boise River, upstream of Caldwell,
Idaho (RM 391.3/21 .8)
Boise River, upstream of J. R. Simolnt
Company (RM 391.3/17.7)
Boise River at Notus, Idaho
(RM 391.3/13.8)
Boise River at Parma, Idaho
(RM 391.3/5.0)
Total Col i forms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Meani/
270
> 80,000
2,800
76,000
260,000
44,000
210
15,000
2,400
27,000
66,000
26,000
Minimum
130
710
1,900
4,500
2,300
3,400
% Samples
>. 2,400
-0-
85.5
66.7
100
85.5
100
Maximum
<100
39,000
800
1,300
9,300
1,500
Fecal Col i forms
MF Count/100 ml
Meani/
10
6,600
490
950
2,400
480
Minimum
<4
<100
280
320
100
160
Fecal Streptococci
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean— Minimum
1,200
280
1,900
1 ,800
21 ,oro
2,200
380
160
960
1 ,100
4,800
830
50
<10
500
470
450
290
— Values reported as " < " not included in calculation of mean.
-------
TABLE F-3
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS
PAYETTE RIVER STREAM SURVEY
November It-10, 1971
Map
Key
35
31,
33
30
Station Description
Payette River, upstream of Emmett
(RM 365.6/33.3)
Payette River, downstream from Emmett
(RM 365.6/32.0)
Payette River at Letha Bridge
(RM 365.6/28.0)'
Payette River at Payette
(RM 365.6/4.1)
Total Conforms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean—' Minimum
100 58 12
4,200 1,500 360
680 250 40
640 400 76
% Samples
>_ 2,1(00
-0-
25
-0-
-0-
Fecal Conforms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Meani' Minimum
<100 19 <4
180 88 20
1 10 48 8
64 39 20
Fecal Streptococci
MF Count/ 100 ml
Maximum Means/ Minimum
2,300
100
280
180
340
57
100
120
8
40
40
84
— Values reported as " < " not used in calculation of mean.
-------
TABLE F-4
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STREAM SURVEY
October 27-November 2
1971
Map
Key
1
4
5
7
6
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
29
Station Description
Snake River at Walters Ferry (RM 442.5)
Snake River at Adrfan (RM 1)01.8)
Owyhee River near Mouth (RM 392.3/2.9)
Boise River at Parma (RM 391.3/5.0)
Boise River near Mouth (RM 391.3/0.1)
Snake River, downstream from Mouth of
the Boise River (RM 390.5)
Snake River, upstream of Nyssa (RM 389.0)
Snake River, downstream from Nyssa (RM 387.0)
Snake River, upstream of Ontario (RM 373.0)
Snake River, upstream of Malheur River
(RM 369.0)
Malheur River near Mouth (RM 368.5/0.1)
Snake River, upstream of the Payette River
(RM 367.0)
Payette River at Payette (RM 365.6/4.1)
Payette River at Mouth (RM 365.6/0.1)
Total Coll forms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean— Mi
3, '(OO
6,600
6,300
130,000
> 80, 000
120,000
52,000
7,300
5,600
92,000
5,200
4,300
2,900
3,800
MOO
2,200
1,700
5,300
37,000
33,000
8,900
2,800
3,800
19,000
1,000
3,900
930
9,600
nimum
220
150
110
2,800
1,900
100
90
WO
1,900
1,300
120
3,500
290
330
% Samples
1 2,400
33.3
28.5
28.6
100
83.3
57.1
28.6
28.6
66.7
71.4
14.3
100
14
4o
Maximum
1,000
32
140
130,000
130,000
7*4,000
460
1,600
200
1,500
100
760
88
1 ,000
Fecal Conforms
MF Count/100 ml
Mean-'
190
17
74
23,000
29,000
21 ,000
130
440
160
440
51
470
64
270
Minimum
8
<10
30
690
no
<4
<4
24
120
40
8
180
16
40
Fecal Streptococci
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean— Minimum
15,000
>l 0,000
9,300
110,000
87,000
2,700
2,000
560
2,600
7,700
5,900
3,900
4,500
29,000
4,800
2,900
1,900
27,000
14,000
800
490
310
1 ,800 1
3,300
1 ,500
3,900 3
1,500
5,000
64
210
450
700
190
70
40
130
,200
480
570
,900
100
530
-------
TABLE F-l* (Cont.)
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES AT SELECTED STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STREAM SURVEY
October 27-November 2
1971
Map
Key
36
37
38
Station Description
Snake River
at Idaho 52 Bridge (RM 36^.0)
Snake River, upstream of
(RM 353.9)
Weiser River
at Mouth (RM
the Welser River
351.8/1.0)
Total Conforms
MF Count/100 ml %
Maximum Mean_ Minimum
21)
29
2
,000
,000
,800
9
9
1
,600 •
,700
,100
2,800
1,500
130
Fecal Conforms Fecal Streptococci
Samples MF Count/100 ml MF Count/100 ml
— 2,^00' Maximum Mean — Minimum Maximum Mean- .Minimum
ion •
50
28.5
81)0 380
530 220
100 1)6
50 A, 000 3,000 ,',, 1,900
88 2,1(00 l.^OO " 580
<1( 17,000 2,700 / 200
39 Snake River, downstream from the Welser
River (RM 350.3) 27,000 8,500 2,200 80 ' 310 200 56 6,100 3,000 770
a/ Values reported as "<" are not used in calculating the mean.
-------
F-6
TABLE F-5
SALMONELLA ISOLATIONS FOR SNAKE AND BOISE RIVERS
October 27-November 10, 1971
Map
Key Station Description Serotype Isolated
22 Snake River, downstream from the Salmonella enteritidis
Mouth of Boise River (RM 390.5) S. newport
S. typhimurium
39 Snake River, downstream from Weispr, S. Saintpaul
Idaho (RM 350.3)
M-** Boise, Idaho Sewage Treatment 3. heidelberg
Effluent s
19 Boise River at Strawberry Glen
Bridge, downstream from Boise s. infant-is
(RM 391.3A7.1) . S. typhimirium
M-l Nampa, Idaho Sewage Treatment
Plant Effluent 5. derby
16 Boise River, upstream of Caldwell,
Idaho (RM 391-3/21.8) 5. ditblin
8 Boise River at Notus, Idaho
(RM 391.3/13.8) 5. cMHn
6 Boise River near Mouth (RM 391-3/0.1) 5. newport
-------
APPENDIX G
AQUATIC GROWTHS
-------
TABLE G-l
AQUATIC GROWTHS FROM ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES, BOISE RIVER
October 18-November 10, 1971
River Pennate Diatoms Centric Diatoms Green Coccoid Blue-Green Coccoid Blue-Green Filamentous Slime
Location Mile Type Cells/in.2* Type Cells/in.2 Type Cells/In.2 Type Cells/ in.2* Type Cells/in? Type
Fi laments/in,2*
Barber Rd 58.2 Fragllarla 1,215,683
Navlcula
Meloslra
Nltzschla
Sunedra
Caldwell 21.8 Navlcula 3,213,708
Nltzschla
Dlatoma
Fragllarla
Cymbella
Notus 13.8 Dlatoma . 29,839,500 Stephanodlscus
Fragllarla
Navlcula
Parma 5.0 Dlatoma 16,490,250
Fragl larla
Navlcula
Nltzschla
Closterlum
3,199 Merlsinonedla 6,398 n5c!llatorla
6,398
Osclllatorla
Sphaerot!I us
Sphaerotllus
SphaerotIlus
-0-
6*2,7*I
15,472,333
8,114,250
* These are maximum values.
Q ° observed in qualitative scan
-------
TABLE G-2
AQUATIC GROWTHS FROM ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES, SNAKE RIVER
October 18-November 10, 1971
Locat ion
Homedale
Homeda 1 e
Adrian
Adr ian
Nyssa
Ontario
Payette
Payette
Weiser
Weiser
River
416.
416.
401.
401.
389.
373.
364.
364.
350
350
Mile
000
0(0
8(R)
8(0
0(L)
000
0(R)
o(0
.3(R)
.3(0
Pennate
Type
Diatoma
Navicula
Diatoma
Navicula
Nltzschla
Diatoma
Navicula
Cyitbella
Diatoma
Fragl larla
Navicula
Nltzschia
Synedra
Cymbe 1 1 a
Diatoma
Fragl larla
Navicula
Synedra
Cymbella
Diatoma
Fragl larla
Navicula
Navicula
Synedra
Diatoma
Fragl larla
Navicula
Synedra
Diatoma
Fragi larla
Navicula
Diatoma
Fragl laria
Navicula
Synedra
Diatoms
Cells/in.2
Total
26,
244,
183,
691 ,
4,560,
337,
291
300
923
020
266
366
239,937
Centric Diatoms Green Coccoid Green Filamentous
Type Cells/in, Type Type Filaments/in2
Total Total
Stephanodlscus
Stephanodiscus
Stephanodtscus
Stephanodlscus
Stephanodiscus
Stephanodlscus
Stephanodiscus
Stephanodlscus
65,
34,
65,
83,
537,
118,
728 Protococcus Ulothrix 6,572
Schroederla
900 Protococcus Ulothrix
Schroederia
263
760 Schroederla
460 Ulothrix
078 Ulothrix
63,983 Ulothrix '5.995
Blue-Green Coccoid Blue-Green Slime
Type Filamentous Type F i laments/ia2
Type Total
Anoceptis Oscillatoria Sphaerotilus 'i56,026
Sphaerotilus 371,103
Sphaerotilus 351,908
Sphaerotilus 997,846
106,l5t Protococcus
1 ,889, ";4it
118
225
,460
,119
Stephanodlscus
Stephanodiscus
20
59
,940
,330 Protococcus
Sphaerotilus 65,263
-------
APPENDIX H
FISH
-------
Fish Taken
Barber Road
391.3/58.2
TABLE H-l
ELECTROFISHING RESULTS, BOISE RIVER
(RM 58.2 to O.I)
October-November, 1971
Strawberry Glen Rd.
391.3/^7.1
Middleton
391.3/26.5
Parma
391.3/5.0
Mouth
391-3/0.
Mountain white-
fish X
Rainbow trout X
Carp
Speckled dace X
Redside shiner X
Largescale sucker
Mountain sucker X
Mottled sculpin X
X
X
X
X
-------
H-2
TABLE H-2
a/
CHECKLIST OF FISHES, BOISE RIVERA
(RM 58.2 to 0.1)
Common Name
b/.
Mountain Whitefish—
Rainbow trout— ' — /
Chi sel mouth*
Northern squawfish
Longnose dace*
Speckled dace^A
Redside shineril/*
Tu i chub
Bridgel ip sucker-
Largescale sucker—'
Mountain sucker-
Brown bul 1 head
Channel catfish
Tadpole mad torn
Bluegill
Sma 1 1 mouth bass
Largemouth bass
Black crappie
Yel low perch
Scientific Name
Prosopium uilliamsoni (Girard)
Salmo gairdneri Richardson
AoTooheilus alutaoeus Agassi z and
P ickeri ng
Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus
Ptychocheilus oregonensis (Richardson)
Khiniahthys cataractae (Valenciennes)
Khinichthys osculus (Girard)
Richardson-ins balteatus (Richardson)
Siphateles biaolor (Girard)
CatostontUB colwrb-ianus (Eigenmann
and Eigenmann)
Catostomus maapodheiltis Girard
Pantosteus platyrhnchus (Cope)
Ictdlwms nebulosus (LeSueur)
Ictaliams punatatus (Rafinesque)
Noturus gyrinus (Mitchill)
Lepomis maarochirus Rafinesque
Micropterus dolomieui Lacepede
Micropterus salmoides(Lacepede)
Pomoxis nigromaculatus (LeSueur)
Perca flavescens (Mi tch ill)
-------
H-3
TABLE H-2 (Cont.)
CHECKLIST OF FISHES, BOISE RIVER
(RM 58.2 to 0.1)
Common Name Scientific Name
Mottled sculp ink/* Cottus bccirdi Girard
Columbia sculp in* Cottus hiibbsi Bailey and Dimick
~List was supplied by William E. Webb, Regional Fishery Biologist,
Idaho Fish and Game Department. .Common species are marked with an
aster i sk.
— These are collected in EF*A survey, November 1971.
— Approximately 20,000 catchable size Rainbow trout are stocked
annually between Barber Bridge and Star.
-------
TABLE H-3
RAINBOW TROUT FLAVOR TEST RESULTS BOISE RIVER, IDAHO^-/
NOVEMBER, 1971
Station (RM)
58.2
47.1
33.9
21.8
13.8
5.0
Test
6.07
4.72SL/
5.80^
5.60*/
6.22
6.37
Flavor
Reference
6.17
6.17
6.27
6.27
6.27
6.27
Mean Scores^-'
^
0.39
0.39
0.46
0.46
0.46
0.46
Test
5.42
3.80^
5.521/
5.25±>-
6.00
6.10
Desirability
Reference
5.60
5 . 60
6.02
6.02
6.02
6.02
LSE£
0.51
0.51
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
a/
— There are 20 judgments per sample.
— The score range is: 7, no off-flavor; 1, very extreme off-flavor
7, very desirable; 1, very undesirable.
c/
— LSD refers to least significant difference at the five percent level.
— The test sample was significantly different from reference.
-------
H-5
TABLE H-4
CHECKLIST OF -SNAKE RIVER FISHES^/
(RM 442.5 to 351.3)
Common Name
White sturgeon
Mountain whitefish^/
Rainbow trout
Chiselmouth
Carpi./
Peamouth
Northern squawfish
Longnose dace
Speckled dace
Redside shiner
Bridgelip sucker^/
b/
Scientific Name
Ae-Lpenser transmontanus Richardson
Prosopium willicansoni- (Girard)
Salmo gairdneri Richardson
Aoroohe-ilus alutaceus Agassiz and
Pickering
Cypr-Lns-Ls carp-io Linnaeus
Mylocheitus cauT-ihus (Richardson)
Ptychocheilus oregones-is (Richardson)
Rhiniohthys aataraetae (Valenciennes)
Rhinichthys oseulus (Girard)
: Richardsonius balteatus (Richardson)
Catostomus colwribianus (Eigenmann
and Eigenmann)
Catostomus macrocheilus Girard
lotaluyus nebulosus (LeSueur)
latalurus punotatus (Rafinesque)
Noturus gyrinus (Mitchill)
Micropterus dolomieui- Lacepede
M-LcTOpterus salmoides (Lacdpede)
Pomasis n-igromaculatus (LeSueur)
Cottus bcdrdi Girard
Largescale sucker—'
Brown bullhead
Channel catfish
Tadpole madtomk/
Smallmouth bass
Largemouth bass
Black crappie
Mottled sculpin
—This list was supplied by James C. Simpson, Chief, Fisheries, Idaho
Fish and Game Department.
—'These were collected in EPA survey, November, 1971.
-------
TABLE H-5
RAINBOW TROUT FLAVOR TEST RESULTS SNAKE RIVER, IDAHOi/
November, 1971
Mean Scores-
Flavor
Des i rabi1i ty
Station (RM)-/
416.0(L)
401. 8(O
401. 8(R)
393.0(L)
390. 5( )
390. 5(R)
387.0(0
387. 0(R)
369.0(L&R)
367. 0(R)
364.0(0
353. 9(L)
353. 9(R)
Test
6.15
5.45
6.10
6.30
5.45
4.55^
5-90
4.75^
6.40
6.20
6.40
4.85^X
5.65
Reference
6.40
5.90
5.90
5.75
5.90
5.90
6.40
5.90
6.40
6.40
6.40
5.75
5.75
LSDl/
0.52
0.86
0.86
0.70
0.86
0.86
0.52
0.86
0.52
0.52
0.52
0.70
0.70
Test
5.10
4.70
5.50
6.10
4.90
3.46^
5.25
3. 40^
5.55
5.45
5.60
4.30^
5.20
Reference
5.20
5.20
5-50
5-30
5.20
5-20
5.20
5.20
5.20
5.20
5.20
5.30
5-30
LSD*-'
0.71
0.88
0.88
0.85
0.88
0.88
0.71
0.88
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.85
0.85
-------
TABLE H-5 (Continued)
RAINBOW TROUT FLAVOR TEST RESULTS SNAKE RIVER, IDAHO-7
NOVEMBER, 1971
Mean ScoresE'
b/
Flavor
Station (RM)-' Test Reference LSD
350.3(L&R)
6.25
5.75 0.70
Des i rabi1i ty
Test Reference LSD-'
c/
6.00
5.30
0.85
a/
— There are 10 judgments per sample.
— The score range is: 7, no off-flavor; 1, very extreme off-flavor
7, very desirable; 1, very undesirable.
—LSD refers to least significant difference at the five percent level.
— The notation concerning left and right is as follows:
(l) left bank, (r) right bank (LSF) left and right bank facing upstream.
e/
— Test sample is significantly different from reference.
-------
APPENDIX I
BENTHOS
-------
FLATWORMS (TURBELLARIA)
ROUNDWORMS (NEMATA)
SLUDGEWORMS (TUBIFICIDAE)
LEECHES (HIRUDINEA)
SCUDS (AMPHIPODA)
'Gammarus
-MAYFLIES (EPHEMEROPTERA)
Tricorythodes
Pseudocieon
Stenanema
DRAGONFLIES (ODONATA)
Gomphidae
DAMSELFLIES (ODONATA)
Coenagrionidae
WATER BOATMAN (CORIXIDAE)
TABLE 1-1
BENTHOS, INDIAN CREEK
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
Station (River Miles)
19.7/11.9
k
2
1
Q
Q
I,it08
72
19.7/5.0
2
40,710
5
19.7/2.B
22
Q
23
19.7/0.1
11
Q
-------
CADDISFLIES (TRICOPTERA)
Hydropsyche
BITING MIDGES (CERATOPOGONIDAE)
BLOODWORMS (CHIRONOMIDAE)
BLACK FLIES (SIMULIIDAE)
SNAILS (GASTROPODA)
Physa
GyrauluB_
Numbers per square foot
Number of kinds
TABLE 1-1 (Cont.)
BENTHOS, INDIAN CREEK
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
Station (River Miles)
ro
19.7/11-9
3
1
6
1
Q
33
14
19.7/10.4 19.7/5.0
9
Q
8 9
8
1,954 40,737
9 6
19-7/2.8
2
5
5
2
Q
64
11
19-7/0.1
5
15
19
53
7
Q = Organisms collected qualitatively; arbitrarily assigned a value of 1 for computations.
-------
TABLE |-2
BENTHOS, BOISE RIVER
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
FLATWORMS (TURBELLARIA)
ROUNDWORMS (NEMATA)
SLUDGEWORMS (TUBIFIClDAE)
LEECHES (HIRUDINEA)
SCUDS (AMPHIPODA)
MAYFLIES (EPHEMEROPTERA)
; ' • ,i ' J
Baetis
Tricorythodes
Pseudooleon
Stenonema
Heptagenia
Ephemevella
Rithrogenia
Ephemera
RUE BUGS (HEMIPTERA)
Corixidae
Maorouliidae
Station (River Hiles)
58.2 52.8 47.1 33.9 26.5 21.8 13.8
Q
2 71
9 32 8 10 28 779
Q 0. Q Q
1 30 kO 6 1 Q 2
k Q -
10 18 Q 15 8 Q
a Q Q
17 3 Q 3 2 11
5 5 1 '
Q
2 2
Q Q Q Q Q
Q Q
5.0 0.1
6k 2
2
2
Q Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
-------
TRUE BUGS (HEMIPTERA) cont.
Gerridae
CADDISFLIES (TRICOPTERA)
Hy dropsy ohe
Che umatopsyohe
Agraylea
AQUATIC CATERPILLARS (LEPIDOPTERA)
CRANEFLIES (TIPULIDAE)
BITING MIDGES (CERATOPOGONIDAE)
BLOODWORMS (CHIRONOMIDAE)
BLACK FLIES (SIMULMDAE)
HORSE FLIES (TASINI DAE)
SNAILS (GASTROPODA)
Physa
GyvauLus
Numbers per square foot
Number of kinds
TABLE 1-2 (Cont.)
BENTHOS, BOISE RIVER
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
i
-P*
Station (River Miles)
58.2 52.8 47.1 33.9 26.5 21.8 13.8
Q
54 59 1,240 30 300 0_ Q
1 36 258 2
V
Q
2 Q 2 10
Q Q 4
Q
119 303 132 86 80 57 460
30 160 4 4 Q Q
8 Q
Q
Q
240 591 1,467 19** 685 113 1,320
10 11 14 13 14 15 12
5.0 0.1
a
2
Q
18 Q
Q
94 7
12 5
Q. = organisms collected qualitatively only; arbitrarily assigned a value of 1 for computations.
-------
TABLE 1-3
BENTHOS, SNAKE RIVER
October-November, 1971
FLATWORMS (TURBELLARIA)
ROUNDWORMS (NEMATA)
SLUDGEWORMS (TUBIFICIDAE)
SOWBUGS (ISOPODA)
SCUDS (AHPHIPODA)
MAYFLIES (ERHEMEROPTERA)
Baeti.8
Triooiythodee
Peeudooleon
Stenonema
Heptagenia
DAMSELFLIES (COENAGRIONIOAE)
WATER BOATMAN (CORIXIDAE)
BEETLES (COLEOPTERA)
Chryaorne l-idae
CAODISFLIES (TRICOPTERA)
Hydfopsyohe
Station (River M!les)
.5 'ta't.O 1416.0 kQ] .8 393.0 390T5 389.0 387.0 373.0 369.0 367TO 3614.0 353.9 350.3
Q
Q Q
Q QQQ QQQQQ
Q Q ...
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Q
Q
QQQ
Q
Q
Q
Q Q Q Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
-------
AQUATIC CATERPILLARS (LEPIOOPTERA)
BLOODWORMS (CHIRONOMIDAE)
BLACK FLIES (SIMULIIDAE)
Simuliitm
HORSEFLIES (TABINIDAE)
SOLDIER FLIES (STRATIOMYII DAE)
ANTHOMID FLIES (ANTHOMYII DAE)
SNAILS (GASTROPODA)
Phyaa
Ferrieaia
Lymnaea
GHraulue
TABLE 1-3 i(Cont.)
BENTHOS, SNAKE RIVER
October-November, 1971
Station (River Miles)
it2¥70 TtlbTO frOl .E 393.0 390.5 389.0 387.0 373.0 369.0 367.0 36*1.0 353-9 350.3
Q
QQO_QQQQO.QO_QO.O_
Q
Q Q
Q
Q Q
Q
Q
Number of kinds 9
Q = Organisms collected qualitatively only
10 10 5 4 7 9 6
-------
ROUNDWORMS (NEMATA)
SLUDGEWORMS (TUBIFICIDAE)
SCUDS (AMPHIPODA)
MAYFLIES (EPHEMEROPTERA)
Baetie ^
Tricorythodes
Peeudooleon
Heptagenia
WATER BOATMAN (CORIXIDAE)
BEETLES (COLEOPTERA)
SteneImia
CADDISFLIES (TRICOPTERA)
Sydropayohe
LepidoBtoma
Agraylea
AQUATIC CATERPILLARS (LEPIDOPTERA)
BLOODWORMS (CHIRONOMIDAE)
BLACK FLIES (SIMULIIDAE)
TABLE I-It
BENTHOS, SELECTED TRIBUTARIES OF THE SNAKE RIVER BASIN
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
Station (River Miles)
Owyhee
392.3/2.9
64
Q
Malheur
368.5/0.1
12
365.6/28.0
4
1
Q
Payette
ayette
365.6/4.1
365.6/0.1
11
Weiser
351.8/1.0
351.8/0.1
1
9
Q
2
2 . Q
14 Q
2
• Q
4
• Q
• Q
0.
103
1
1
21
Q
6^ 2
Q
2 4
21
166 186
4
Q
97 Q
Q Q
-------
TABLE I-It (Cont.)
BENTHOS, SELECTED TRIBUTARIES OF THE SNAKE RIVER BASIN
October-November, 1971
(Numbers per square foot)
Station (River Miles)
SNAILS (GASTROPODA)
Phyaa
Numbers per square foot
Number of kinds
Q = Organisms collected qualitatively only; arbitrarily assigned a value of 1 for computations.
Owyhee
392.3/2.9
Q
72
6
Malheur
368.5/0.1
lit
3
365.6/28.0
Q
11.5
12
Payette
365.6A.1
Q
261
9
365-6/0.1
Q
230
10
Weiser
351.8/1.0 351
9
120
9
.8/0.1
6
6
-------
APPENDIX J
DATA FROM WASTE-SOURCE EVALUATIONS
-------
TABLE J-l
SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL DATA - MUNICIPAL WASTE-SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-25, 1971
Map
Key
M-3
M-2
M-4
M-5
M-l
M-6
Location and Date Sampled
Boise, Idaho, City of
(RM 391.3/49.1)
October 22-25
Caldwell, Idaho, City of
(RM 391.3/21.3)
October 18-21
Garden City, Idaho, City of
(RM 39V.3/48. 0/0.8) '
October 22-25
Meridian, Idaho, City of
(RM 391.3/30.5/16.0)
October 22-25
Nampa, Idaho, City of
(RM 391.3/19.7/7.4)
October 21-25
Ontario, Oregon, City of
(RM 368.5/1.0)
October 18-21
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
Flow
MGD
11.3
10.4-12.0
4.4
4.3-4.4 .
0.45
^
0.47
0.42-0.50
15.1
12.6-17.0
2.1
2.0-2.2
Influent
mq/1
a/
15827
110-210
177
170-190
57
40-70
87
60-110
499s/
123
70-180
BOD
Effluent
mg/1
27
16-50
57
50-60
37
30-45
61
32-110
141*
8
5-13
Ibs/day
2,600
1,390-4.800
2,090
1.830-2,210
138
113-169
239
125-431
17,400
11,750-23,000
140
88-228
COD
Influent
mg/1
243*/
170-320
167
100-230
170
100-230
103
' 70-160
573s/
227
140-240
Effluent
mq/1
108
100-120
53
50-60
37
30-45
72
42-120
141*
137
120-170
TOC
Influent
mg/1
a/
57J
36-120
103
69-140
32
13-66
370
356-385
187s/
64
36-95
Effluent
mg/1
30
16-57
36
29-43
25
14-47
135
112-158
d/
50
27
22-34
K.i
16.0
13.0-18.0
8.7
7.0-9.6
3.4
2.8-4.2
10.0
8.0-13.0
28.0
7.0
5.4-10.0
NH3
mg/1 as N
13.0
11.0-16.0
7.7
6.3-8.6
1.7
1.1-2.3
7.7
6.3-10.0
17^0
2.3
2.0-2.5
N02-N03
0.08
0.05-0.13
0.79
0.6-1.05
0.72
0.70-0.73
0.45
0.42-0.47 .
0.33^
0.18
0.12-0.21
Total P
mg/1
.6.3
4.7-8.6
3.7
3.3-4.0
1.2
1.1-1.4
4.3
3.4-5.0
3.1*
2.9 -
2.2-3.3
a/ Average calculated from concentrations of two influent streams (flow weighted).
B/ Flow measured by Stage recorder on one-day.
c/ Average calculated from concentrations of three influent streams (flow weighted).
3/ Average calculated from concentrations of two effluent streams (flow weighted).
-------
TABLE J-2
SUMMARY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
MUNICIPAL WASTE DISCHARGES
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
October 18-25, 1971
C-i
i
ro
Map Location and Date Sampled
Key
Total Coli forms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean— Minimum
Feca1 Coli forms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean— Minimum
M-3 Boise, Idaho, City of (RM 391-3/49-0
October 22-25
M-2 Caldwell, Idaho, City of (RM 391-3/21.8)
October 18-21
220,000 36,000
51,000 18,000
M-4 Garden City, Idaho, City of (RM 391-3/48.0/0.8)
October 22-25 >80,000 10,000
M-5 Meridian, Idaho, City of (RM 391-3/30.5/16.0)
October 22-25 1,700
480
M-l Nampa, Idaho, City of (RM 391-3/19-7/7-'*)
October 21-25 >8,000,000 1,200,000
M-6 Ontario, r>regon, City of (RM 368.5/1.0)
<100
400
<100
4
12
350
<4
190
3,100
1,900
20
63
1,100
486
12
760,000 96,000
<100 4
<4
20
<4
a/
— Values reported as " < " not included in calculation of mean.
-------
TABLE J-3
FINDINGS OF
MUNICIPAL WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-25, 1971
Map Key
Location
Type of Treatment
Findings
M-3
M-2
M-4
M-5
a/
Boise, Idaho
October 22-25
(RM 391.3/49.1)
Caldwell, Idaho"
October 18-21
(RM 391.3/21.8)
a/
a/
Garden City, Idaho'
October 22-25
(RM 391.3/48.0/0.8)
a/
Meridian, Idaho
October 22-25
(RM 391.3/30.5/16.0)
Primary treatment followed
by conventional activated
sludge with sludge thicken-
ing. Anaerobic digesters
and four sludge lagoons.
Chlorine disinfection.
Primary treatment followed
by trickling filter and
secondary clarifier; anae-
robic digesters. Chlorine
disinfection.
Primary treatment followed
by trickling filter and
secondary clarifier.
Chlorine disinfection.
Primary treatment followed
by trickling filter and
secondary clarifier.
Chlorine disinfection.
1. Plant provided 84 percent BOD
removal.
2. Disinfection was adequate.
1. Treatment was inadequate.
2. Disinfection was inadequate.
1. Treatment was inadequate.
2. Disinfection was adequate.
1. Treatment was inadequate.
2. Disinfection was adequate.
CO
-------
TABLE J-3 (Cont.)
C-i
I
FINDINGS OF
MUNICIPAL WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-25, 1971
Map Key
Location
Type of Treatment
Findings
M-l
£/
Nampa, Idaho
October 21-November
(RM 391.3/19.7/7.4)
M-6
Ontario, Oregon"
October 18-21
(RM 368.5/1.0)
d/
Pretreatment of industrial
10 wastes. Primary treatment
followed by trickling fil-
ters and secondary clari-
fier. Chlorine disinfection.
Four lagoons operated in
series. Chlorine disin-
fection.
1. Treatment was inadequate.
2. Disinfection was inadequate.
1. Treatment was adequate.
2. Disinfection was adequate.
a/ Receiving stream:
b/ Receiving stream:
£/ Receiving stream:
d/ Receiving stream:
Boise River.
Drain to Boise River!
Indian Creek.
Malheur River.
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TABLE J-4
SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL DATA - EFFLUENTS FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971
Map Name of Industry, Location
Key and Dates Sampled
1-4 Amalgamated Sugar Company
Nyssa, Oregon (RM 389.0)
October 18-21
CSF Discharge
Cooling Water Discharge
Main Sewer Discharge
1-2 Armour Meat Packing Company
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
0
0
4
2
0
0
Flow pH S/ Temp.i/
MGD S. U. °C
.36
.32-0.40 7.9-8.4 34-43
.9
.8-5.0 8.2-8.4 39-50
.96
.34-1.36 8.7-10.3 30-37
' Cond.2/
ymhos/cm mg/1
148
575-800 100-220
63 b/
575-825 <10-9(P
1,280
100-4,000 700-2,400
BOD
Ibs/day
444
300-587
2,575
417-3,750
10,200
5,604-19,200
COD
mg/1
117
110-130
37
18-65
1,890
1,050-3,200
TOC
mq/1
73
59-85
14
9-22
667
400-980
Ki
18
16-19
4.2
3.4-5.0
37
33-42
NH3 NO
mq/1 ac M
10 1.
8.2-12 0.
3.4 0.
2.8-3.8 0.
15 1.
11-18 0.
2 - N01
7
8-2.1
85
68-1.00
23
07-2.61
Total P
mq/1
0.51
0.08-0.73
0.15
0.09
0.34
1.4-6.7
Nampa, Idaho (RM 391. 3/19. 7/11. 4)
October 18-21
Waste Treatment Lagoon
Effluent
Cooling Water Effluent
1-6 Boise Cascade Company
Emmett, Idaho (RM 365.6/32.
October 23-25
Log Pond Discharge
Glue Line Effluent
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
3)
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
0
0
5
0
•27r/ £/
-£/ 7.1-7.6 10
.5^
7.5-7.7 19-22
.3^
6.4-6.7 10-12
.029,
57 5.6-6.8 29-39
35 ,
1,000-2,600 £/
3.2
1,000-1,600 0.5-5
3.3
50-80 2-5
497
90240 92-860
79
y
13
2.1-21
146
88-221
120
22-208
81
68-100
7.3
4.5-12
16
9-23
680
130-1,140
51
40-68
6
<5-6
4
3-4
179
26-310
44
38-47
<0.2
<0.1-0.3
<0.1C/
2.4
0.3-5.0
21 0.
19-22 <0.
2.
2.
<0.1 c/ 0.
y o.
0,8 0.
0.2-l.G
05
05-0.05
84
57-3.15
06
05-0.07
05C/
7.4
6.9-7.6
0.05
0.02-0.07
0.04
0.02-0.05
2.3
0.3-4.6 1-
-------
TABLE J-4
SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL DATA - EFFLUENTS FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971
Hap
Key
1-5
1-1
1-3
Name of Industry, Location
and Dates Sampled
ORE- IDA Foods, Inc.
Ontario, Oregon (RM 370.0)
October 18-20 and
November 1-3
Waste Treatment Lagoon
Effluent
Cooling Water Effluent
J. R. Slmplot Company
Cal dwell, Idaho
November 4-8 (RM 391.3/17.6)
Triangle Dairy
Boise, Idaho
(RM 391. 3/57 ..7/1. 5)
October 23-25
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
AVERAGE
RANGE
Flow pH
MGD S. U.
1.72
1.55-1.96 7.3-7.7
1.87
1.75-1.96 7.4-8.4
4.3
3.7-4.9 6.3-6.7
0.06
0.04-0.09 7.2-7.5
Temp. Cond. BOD
°C jimhos/cm mg/1
347
7-12 1,500-2,000 140-700
8.7
7-23 1,000-1,450 5-15
820
9-12 1,100-1.350 500-1,500
i
c/ 60e/
5 200-390
ibs/day
4,980
2,010-10,040
132
76-228
30,800
15,300-60,700
29e/
t-t
COD
mg/1
463
100-1.100
15.4
7.4-27
1,000
640-1,370
87
81-90
TOE
mg/1
206
89-280
8
4-11
270
110-370
12
7-17
Ki
54
49-6.3
0.24
<0.1-0.5
32
30-34
3.8
2.3-5.4
NH3
mq/1 as
23
18-25
0.17
<0.1-0.5
18
15-22
0.6
0.3-1.0
NU2 - NU3
N
0.15
0.05-0.21
1.04
0.74-1.50
0.11
<0. 05-0. 17
0.13
<0.05-0.20
Total P
- mg/1
12.1
10.3-14J
0.16
<0. 02-0.31
10.1
9.1-10.
4.8
4.3-5.3
a/ Measureoents are made from grab sanples.
E/ Value of <10 Is not Included In calculating the average concentration or load.
C/ All values are equal.
3/ This Is a Company estimate.
e/ This Is a single value.
-------
TABLE J-5
SUMMARY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
EFFLUENTS FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
October 18-November 8, 1971
Map
Key
1-4
1-2
1-5
1-1
1-3
Name and Dates Sampled
Amalgamated Sugar Company, Nyssa, Oregon
(RM 389.0) October 18-21
CSF Discharge
Cooling Water Discharge
Main Sewer Discharge
Armour Meat Packing Company, Nampa , Idaho
(RM 391.3/19.7/11 .4) October 18-21
Ore-Ida Foods, Inc., Ontario, Oregon
(RM 370.0) November 1-3
J. R. Simp lot Company, Cal dwell,
Idaho (RM 391-3/17.6) November 4-8
Triangle Dairy, Boise, Idaho
(RM 391.3/57.7/1.5) October 22-25'
Total Col i forms
MF Count/100 ml
Maximum Mean—
19,000
51 ,000
760,000
25,000
21 ,000,000
4,200,000
>8, 000, 000
3,300
14,000
410,000
17,000
3,900,000
1,500,000
3,300,000
M i n imum
250
<100
<100
5,000
<100
260,000
3,700
Max
3
4
33
4
890
82
30
Feca 1 Col i forms
MF Count/100 ml
imum Mean— M
,100 1,000
,700 1,400
,000 17,000
,700 3,800
,000 140,000
,000 64,000
,000 7,700
i n imum
160
<10
<100
2,800
40,000
40,000
40
— Values reported as " < " not included in calculation of mean.
C-i
i
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TABLE J-6
FINDINGS OF
INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCE EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971
I
00
Map
Kep
Name and Date Sampled
Type of Treatment
Findings
1-4
1-2
1-6
1-5
a/
Amalgamated Sugar Company^
Nyssa, Oregon
October 18-21
(RM 389.0)
Armour Meat Packing Company"
Nampa, Idaho
October 18-21
(RM 341.3/19.7/11.4)
Boise Cascade Company
Emmett, Idaho
October 23-25
(RM 365.8/32.3)
ORE-IDA Foods, Inc.
Ontario, Oregon
October 18-November 3
(RM 370.0)
c/
Flume water recycled. Lime
wastes to non-overflowing
lagoon. CSF wastes, process
wastes, and cooling waters
discharged without treat-
ment.
Two-cell lagoon for process
wastes. Boiler blowdown
water, condenser steam, and
ammonia condenser water dis-
charged without treatment.
Cooling water to log pond
then to the Payette River.
Steam vat discharged with-
out treatment.
Process wastes through pri-
mary clarifiers followed by
two-cell lagoon operated in
series.
The plant discharges 6.2 mgd of untreated
wastewaters, containing 13,800 Ib BOD, a
violation of Oregon Water Quality Standards.
Treatment is inadequate.
The plant discharges 0.029 mgd of untreated
wastewaters containing 120 Ib BOD, a viola-
tion of Idaho Water Quality Standards.
Treatment is inadequate.
-------
TABLE J-6 (Cont.)
FINDINGS OF
INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCt EVALUATIONS
SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
OCTOBER 18-NOVEMBER 8, 1971
Map
Key Name and Date Sampled
Type of Treatment
Findings
1-1 J. R. Simplot Company"
Caldwell, Idaho
November 4-8
(RM 391.3/17.6)
e/
1-3 Triangle Dairy
Boise, Idaho
October 23-25
(RM 391.3/57.7/1.5)
d/
Process wastes through
primary clarifier followed
by five-cell lagoon oper-
ated in series.
Two-cell lagoon.
1. Treatment is inadequate.
2. Water quality of the Boise River is
degraded by the discharge.
Plant does not provide adequate disin-
fection and BOD removal.
a/ Receiving stream:
b/ Receiving stream:
c/ Receiving stream:
d/ Receiving stream:
Snake River.
Indian Creek.
Payette River.
Boise River.
e/ Receiving stream: Drain to Boise River.
vo
-------
APPENDIX K
EFFLUENT GUIDELINES
FOR
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER DISCHARGES
-------
K-l
EFFLUENT GUIDELINES
FOR
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER DISCHARGES
The proposed waste load limitations for the industries evaluated
have been summarized.
A. ARMOUR MEAT PACKING COMPANY
1. The BOD discharged shall not exceed 0.17 lb/1,000 Ib LWK, or
165 Ib/day, whichever is less.
2. The suspended solids discharged shall not exceed 0.23 lb/1,000
Ib LWK, or 110 Ib/day, whichever is less.
3. The BOD and the suspended solids concentration shall not exceed
10 mg/1 each, as the average of 24-hour composite samples collected over
any 14-day discharge period. Final effluent concentrations shall not
exceed 15 mg/1 for more than 10 percent of the 24-hour composite samples
or 20 mg/1 for any single sample.
B. J. R. SIMPLOT COMPANY, CALDWELL, IDAHO
Because of low-flow conditions in the Boise River at the point of
discharge, treatment levels must be more stringent than those attainable
by best practicable control technology. The following time schedule and
limitations are required.
1. By December 31, 1973 -
BOD and TSS - maximum concentration 400 mg/1 and ten-day
average loading 13,000 Ib/day* (5.8 lb/ton)**
Ammonia - maximum concentration 10 mg/1 (0.3 lb/ton)**
Temperature - no more than 5° F above receiving water
temperature
* It is not to exceed this value by 20 percent on any single day.
** This value is based on present production.
-------
K-2
Odor - undetectable in the receiving water
2. By December 31, 1974 -
BOD and TSS - maximum concentration 120 rag/1 and ten-day
average loading 2,000 Ib/day* (0.9 lb/ton)**
Turbidity - less than five Jackson Turbidity Units above
natural background level of receiving water
Ammonia - 5.0_mR/l (0.15 lb/ton)**
Flow should be continuous and should not exceed 8.5 mgd, or I/20th
the flow of the Boise River, whichever is less. At the 7-day, 10-year
low flow of the Boise River, 120 cfs, the discharge volume may be limited
to as little as 3.9 mgd.
C. THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY, NYSSA, OREGON
1. The BOD discharged shall not exceed 0.5 lb/ton of beets processed
or 3,300 Ib/day, whichever is less.
2. The suspended solids shall not exceed 0.5 lb/ton of beets pro-
cessed or 3,300 Ib/day, whichever is less.
3. The pH shall be maintained in a range of between 6.0 to 8.5.
4. No toxic or hazardous material, as designated under the provisions
of Section 307 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended, or
known to be hazardous or toxic by the permittee, shall be discharged except
with the approval of the Administrator (EPA) or his deslgnee.
5. No discharge shall be made which may either cause toxic or
hazardous conditions or accelerate eutrophication in the receiving water,
except with the approval of the Administrator (EPA) or his designee.
* It is not to exceed this value by 20 percent on any single day.
** This value is based on present production.
-------
K-3
D. ORE-IDA FOODS, INCORPORATED, ONTARIO. OREGON
Effective by September 1, 1974:
1. Biochemical oxygen demand discharged shall not exceed 2.4 Ib/ton
of potatoes and onions processed, or 0.8 Ib/ton of corn processed, with
the total waste load not to exceed 2,000 Ib/day, whichever is less.
2. Total suspended solids discharged shall not exceed 1.6 Ib/ton
of potatoes and onions processed, or 1.1 Ib/ton of corn processed.
3. Chemical oxygen demand discharged shall not exceed 8.8 Ib/ton
of potatoes and onions processed, or 5.3 Ib/ton of corn processed.
4. No discharge which may either cause toxic or hazardous conditions
or accelerate eutrophication in the receiving water, except with the
approval of the Regional Administrator (EPA) or his authorized representative.
-------
-38
-N-
BARBER
Barber Dam
ill
UJ- •*
s!2
i
j
i
j
i
i
GIVENS NOT
SPRINGS
• STREAM SAMPLING LOCATIONS
A MUNICIPAL SOURCE EVALUATED
• INDUSTRIAL SOURCE EVALUATED
MAP KEY
SEE TABLE D-l
SEE TABLE II
SEE TABLE j-6
\0bw
^
WALTERS FERRY
Figure I. Sampling Locations - Snakr Kivn- and Tribularie.s( 1971)
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