LAND USE AND WATER QUALITY
IN THE FLATHEAD DRAINAGE
Prepared by the staff of the University of
itarANA Biological Research Station - T. R,
Seastedt, Coordinator, Jom F. Tibbs,
Supervisor
Prepared for:
Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Montana Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation
Montana Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences
February 19 7L\
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the sponsoring agencies and
approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents
necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, the Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission, the State
of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation or the State
of Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences. The findings
and conclusions in the report are those of its authors.
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ABSTRACT
Flathead Lake, Montana, and the streams and land in its drainage
area, comprises some of the most scenic mountain environment in the
United States. Flathead Lake and its contributing waters face serious
degradation from man's activities and land uses. Rural-domestic waste-
water, municipal sewage, livestock wastes, farming practices, sub-
divisions, recreation activity, forestry practices, industrial pollution,
reservoirs, and the associated rapid population and economic growth in
the area are major components of the water and land use problems in the
drainage. Land use controls need to be implemented and strengthened to
advert serious water quality degradation in the Lake and its contributing
streams.
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Table of Contents
Pag.
Objectives 1
Acknowledgements 2
Previous Studies 5
History of the Region 7
Geology of the Flathead Drainage 8
Vegetation and Wildlife 11
Climatology 13
Surface Waters 16
Groundwater 19
Mining 21
Survey of Water Quality Studies on Flathead Lake 21
Water Quality Studies on Streams and Tributaries
on Flathead Lake 26
Survey of Fish and Game Studies on Flathead
Drainage 29
Studies m Progress 30
Evaluation of Information Being Gathered by Other
Agencies Indirectly Involved i_n Water
Quality Monitoring 36
Population 41
Eooncsra.cs 42
Water Use 43
Chemical Constituents of Natural Waters 45
Effects of Suspended Solids an Aquatic Biota 48
The Flood of 1964-Natural Alteration of Water
Quality 49
Rural-Domestic Wastewater 51
Municipal Sewage System 57
Livestock Wastes 66
Farming Practices 71
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Page
Subdivision Activity 80
Subdivisions and Water Quality 82
Recreation 87
Problems of Growth of Tourism and Subdivision Activity . 91
Legislative Needs • 91
Forest Management 93
Methods Employed in Forest Management to Prevent
Water Quality Degradation 99
State and Corporate Fbrested Tanrfs 105
Forestry on Indian Lands 106
Forest Fertilization 106
Industrial Pollution 108
Watercraft 109
Reservoir Operation Ill
Whitefish Lake 115
Lake Mary Roman 118
Kettle Lakes Itegian 124
Other Lakes on the Flathead Drainage 126
Pesticides and Herbicides 129
Bacteriological Monitoring 133
Environmental Research Needs for Assessing Water
Quality Problems in the Flathead Drainage 134
Surrmary of Existing Programs to Monitor Control of
Water Pollution 137
Literature Cited 145
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List of Figures
Page
Figure 1 3
Figure 2 4
Figure 3 10
Figure 4 17
Figure 5 60
Figure 6 94
Figure 7 116
Figure 8 117
Figure 9 119
Figure 10 120
Figure 11 125
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List of Tables
Page
Table 1 11
Table 2 23
Table 3 67
Table 4 77
Table 5 95
Table 6 96
Table 7 122
Table 8 140
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Objectives:
On May 15, 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency, Denver Office,
contracted the University of Montana Biological Station to:
1) Ccnpile existing data on water quality and land management practices
affecting water quality in the Flathead drainage; 2) Evaluate methodologies
employed in obtaining water quality data in this region, and examine
methodologies presently utilized in land managanent activities to prevent
deleterious effects to water quality; 3) Develop proposed methodologies
for assessment of inportant ecological parameters toward prevention and
abatement of water quality problems in the drainage, and suggest methods
to prevent continued degradation of water quality frcm present land use
activities.
A literature review and contact with appropriate agencies was conducted
in order to determine the availability of data on the following: 1) Land
and forest management, 2) Stream flow management, 3) Reservoir operation,
4) Irrigation return flews, 5) Recreation facilities and watercraft, 6) all
forms of wastewater disposal, and 7) Animal wastes disposal. Biological
Station personnel conducted studies and surveys in certain areas where
information was badly lacking. When data could not be obtained, estimates
ware made by utilizing information obtained in other studies conducted
elsewhere which appeared appropriate to the Flathead drainage.
Population and economic statistics and trends were examined to gain
seme understanding of future development and management needs of the
Flathead drainage. Much time was necessarily involved in gathering
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stream flow data, water quality data, and information on biological
studies, including bacteriological, floral and faunal data that have
been recorded for aquatic habitats in the drainage. Geological,
climatological, and terrestrial floral and faunal information was
also collected.
Agencies contacted in carrying out this wark: Flathead National
Forest, United States Geological Survey, Glacier National Park, Soil
Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation (Boise, Idaho and Spokane,
Washington), United States Army Corps of Engineers (Seattle),
Environmental Protection Agency (Seattle), Pacific Northwest River
Basins Cormission, Montana Fish and Game, Montana State Department of
Health and Environmental Sciences, Montana Water Resources Board,
Montana Department of Planning and Economic Development, Joint Montana
University Water Resources Research Center, Lake and Flathead County
Sanitarian1s offices.
Acknowledgments:
We gratefully acknowledge the data, ccnments and criticisms from
the following persons: Dr. Arden Gaufin, University of Utah; Dr.
Richard Konizeski, University of Montana; Mr. Wilbur Aikin and Mr. David
Nunnallee, Montana State Department of Health and Environmental Sciences;
Mr. Robert Schumacher and Mr. Delano Hanzel, Montana Department of Fish
& Game; Mr. Robert Delk, Flathead National Forest; and personnel of the
several Counties Sanitarians' offices.
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DRAINAGE ARIA Of FLATHEAD LAKE
ELC
¥—
ALA.
^ MISSOULA
MONTANA
OJ
I
ND
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HUNGRY
HORSE
RES
SWAN
k LAKE
SCALE MILES
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5
Previous Studies
No agency has studied land management with respect to its affect
on water quality in the drainage. The Bureau of Reclamation surveyed
the Kalispell Valley for irrigation potential (1951) and later made
a reconnaissance report of the entire Clark Pork drainage (1959).
Situation statements have recently been published on both Flathead and
Lake Counties (U.S.D.A. extension offices, 1972). Various comprehensive
sewage and water use plans have been reported for communities and counties
within the study area (Thomas, et al, 1968; Petrini, et al, 1971;
Tumbull and Plunmer, 1972; Montana Dept. of Planning and Economic
Development, 1970). Water resources with respect to water use in Lake
and Flathead counties were surveyed by the Water Resources Board in 1963
and 1965 respectively.
Currently, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is
conducting a land use inventory within the study area between Bigfork and
Echo Lake. That study will look at land use and its effects on water
quality. Flathead County is ccnnencing a comprehensive land use plan
for that oounty that will prepare the way for county-wide zoning.
Specific land use and pollution studies have been done within limited"
areas of the study area. Bover (1969) sampled for coliform bacteria
as a result of human sewage in Flathead Lake. Hern (1970) repeated this
study and included the lover part of the Upper Flathead Mainstem and
tributaries in his research. Casey (1971) measured thenrol increases in
a stream caused by a clearcut in the North Fork drainage area. Spindler
(1957) determined the effects of Kalispell sewage on Ashley Creek, and
measured water quality on certain rivers in the drainage. Numerous other
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studies by University of Montana Biological Statical personnel, Montana
fish and Game Dept., and U.S. Geological Survey have obtained water quality
data, but have not attempted to correlate this data with land use
activities.
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History of the Region
White settlement occurred relatively late in the 19th century. Prior
to the 1820's the land was wilderness and belonged to Indians of the
Salish Tribal Nation. The rate of settlement was slow but steady, and was
enhanced by the ooming of the Great Northern Railroad in 1891. Lumber
was, and remains, a principle industry of the area. The Stillwater,
White fish, Flathead and Swan Rivers served as transport systems for the
earliest lumber center, Samers, located on the northwest shore of Flathead
Lake.
Flathead Lake served as a transport system from Poison to points
north until a road (now Highway 93) was built along the west side of the
lake. Steamboats carried passengers and cargo to points along the lake
and upper Flathead River. As a result, almost all virgin timber around the
lake was cut to fuel these boats. The land now occupied by the University
of Montana Biological Station represents the largest tract of relatively
pristine forest along the lake.
The Flathead River system remained largely unmodified until the
construction of Kerr Dam below Poison in 1938. The dam regulates the upper
ten feet of Flathead Lake and has a capacity of 1,219,000 acre-feet. (Montana
Water Resources Board, 1968).
The Flathead drainage system was significantly modified by the
Hungry Horse Reservoir.. This dam began operation in 1953 on the South
Fork of the Flathead River; the dam has a capacity of 3,468,000 acre-feet
(ibid). The dam regulates much of the spring run-off on the South Fork,
reducing the flow of the Flathead River during this period. Conversely,
the dam discharges water during other periods of the year, correspondingly
increasing the volume of the Flathead River.
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Geoloqy of the Flathead Drainage
The geological processes which have resulted in the present rugged
terrain of the Flathead drainage have been discussed by many investigators.
A current review can be found in Silverman (1971) and Johns (1970).
TWo major occurrences have been responsible for present land structure.
The first and most significant event, was the tremendous crustal deformation
that occurred in the Late Cretaceous Period, and which is responsible for
the mountain formation in the area. Pre-Cambrian sediments predominantly
Ravalli quartzite and Piegan limestones compose much of the present mountain
formations. The second factor responsible for much of the present land
conditions, lakes and drainages, was the massive glaciation, especially
the last glacial advance of the late Wisconsin age (Fig. 1). The moraines
left by this last ice movement are directly responsible for the formation of
Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead Lake's present configuration (Smith, 1966).
Konizeski (1968), reports that Whitefish Lake is also of similar origin.
He further states that the Flathead arm of Glacial Lake Missoula "inundated
the entire Kalispell Valley to an altitude of 4,200 feet. Sand, silt, and
clay (glacier flour) accumulated in the glacial lake to a thickness of
several hundred feet" and covered older deposits, (Konizeski, 1968). These
lacustrine deposits, then, along with numerous moraines and glacial debris,
compose much of the subsoils in the lower areas (below 3,400 feet).
Konizeski (ibid) found that Tertiary and Quaternary deposits were as much
as 4,800 feet deep in the Kalispell Valley.
Soils
Soil formations that occur in the Flathead drainage have had only about
12,000 years to evolve. Previous to that time the glaciers had scoured out
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ariy prehistoric soil during the last ice advance. Hence, soils are
usually very thin except where aluvial, lacustrine or aeolian deposits
of silt, sand or clay can be found. These areas are almost entirely
within the Kalispell Valley.
A comprehensive study of soil types was conducted by the Soil
Conservation Service and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station for the
Kalispell Valley (1946). A generalized soil map for Flathead County
is represented by Figure 3.
In relation to runoff, soils under natural vegetation are generally
very stable. The Columbia-North Pacific Study (1971) found that the
sediment yield in rivers was very lew for most of the study area, between
.02 and .1 acre-feet per square mile per year. Most of Glacier National
Park and the Middle Fork area lost about 0.1 to 0.2 acre feet per year,
while the south west portion of the study area eroded 0.2 to 0.5 acre-feet
per year. Limestone silts in the Middle Fork area cause the clear water
of the Middle Fork River to appear a blue green hue even during low flow
periods. Lacustrine silt deposits to the west side and below the study area
cause a much more apparent coloring of the Flathead River below Poison.
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Figure 3
¦
SOIL TYPES - FLATHEAD COUNTY
Dominantly Chernozem and Chestnut soils with associated
Solodized-Solonetz and Alluvial soils along streams.
Dominantly Gray Wooded soils.
Dominantly Brown Podzolic soils.
Steep mountainous land above 8500 feet.
Dominantly Lithosois and associated Solodized-Solonetz soils.
Note: Alluvial soils occur along most streams but
in areas too small to show on the map.
(Water Resources
Survey, Flathead
County, 1965)
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Vegetatian and Wildlife
Over 90 percent of the Flathead drainage is forested. Flathead County
reports that the predominant species of trees are the lodgepole pine,
Douglas fir, western larch and Englemann spruce. (Table 1).
Table 1: species ocniposition in Flathead County
Species Precent of area
Lodgepole Pine 26
Douglas Fir 19
Western Larch 19
Englemann Spruce 17
Sub-Alpine Fir 13
White Pine 1
Ponderosa Pine 1
White Bark Pine 3
Other Species 2
(USDA, Flathead Co. Ccnmittee for Rural Development, 1972)
Species composition is somewhat similar for other counties in the study
area, however, Missoula, Powell, and Lewis and Clark Counties contain less
lodgepole pine.
Pfister, Actio, Presby, and Kovalchik (1972) have described eight habitat
types of western Montana Forests, all of which occur in the study area.
The reader is referred to their study for detailed species composition.
Many of North America's big game animals can be found in the Flathead
drainage. Moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mule deer, and white-
tail deer exist in the mountains of the drainage. Large carnivores
including grizzly and black bears, vrolf, mountain lion and wolverine occur
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in limited numbers. Both golden and bald eagles nest in the drainage.
Over 300 bald eagles were observed by Seastedt in the lower McDonald Creek
area in Glacier National Park on one day in Novanber, 1969. Nunerous
species of smaller manmals and birds are to be found, in recent tines,
it appears that only the bison has been totally eliminated fran the terrestial
vertebrate fauna. Population dynamics of many species have suffered severe
modifications as the result of human activities.
One member of the aquatic fauna, the west-slope cutthroat trout,
a rare and endangered species, can still be found in fair numbers in the
drainage.
Protective measures required to maintain fish and wildlife habitat
have been prescribed by the Bureau of Spcprt Fisheries and Wildlife (Spokane
office 1972) and by Robert Schumacher of the Montana Fish and Game Department
(1972). These proposals are included in Appendix I.
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Climatology
Monthly tenperatures and precipitation for various stations in the
drainage have been reoorded for over fifty years at same locations.
Precipitation records for Kalispell were initiated in 1897.
Mountain ranges are responsible for varying local climatological
differences. The western side of the stuiy area is in a rain shadow
and receives less rainfall than the comparable altitudes on the east side
of the study area. The growing season varies from about 150 days at
Kalispell to an estimated 30 days in the high mountainous areas.
Flathead Lake can be shewn to modify local weather conditions somewhat,
especially on the east side of the lake. Bigforfc, Montana has the warmest
annual tenperatures, and is cooler in the sunnier and warmer in the winter
than other stations in the drainage. Weather modifications by the Lake,
then, is responsible for the ability of the east side to support a local
cherry orchard industry.
A summary of monthly mean values for temperature and precipitation
is as follcws:
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Loc^ "¦ \ oi
Years on
record
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May Jun.
Jul.
Aug.
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Ann
Biefork, 12S
21
26.2
29.8
35.2
45.2
53-5 59.1
61.5
65.9
57.1
47.0
35-3
31.0
1)6.1
I'unqry
Horse Dam
13
19.5
24.7
29.9
40.8
51.1 57.6
65.0
63.1
5^.3
43.1
31.4
26.2
1
42.2
Kalispell
33
21.4
25.2
33.1
43.7
52.0 58.4
68.4
63.3
54.0
43.9
32.2
24.9
43.2
Poison
Airoort
47
24.1
27.7
33-2
44.7
52.7 59.9
67.5
65.8
56.2
46.1
34.7
28.6
^5.1
'vest
Glacier 46 20.8 24.6 31.7 41.8 50.5 57.0 64.5 62.5 53.2 42.9 30.9 24.3 1)2.1
Total Precipitation
location Years on Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun.. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Ann
record
B\r:forkf 12S 22 1.86 1.42 1.15 1.75 2.46 3.18 1.28 1.31 I.58 1.91 2.09 1.92 21.91
Hungry
"orse Dam 13 3.65 2.71 1.93 2.02 2.49 2.94 I.58 2.05 2.13 3*33 3.29 3.02 31.1'i
55 1.51 1.12 0.92 0.87 1.51 2.05 1.13 1.00 1.17 1.06 I.36 1.42 15.31:
Kalis pell 13 1.28 1.14 .81 1.17 1.71 2.02 1.26 1.52 .87 1.18 1.40 1.31 15.67
52 1.57 1.11 0.95 0.80 1.46 2.06 1.10 0.87 1.24 1.06 1.35 I.Z15 15.0?
Poison
Airport 49 1.11 .93 .94 1.1? 1.74 2.24 1.02 .94 I.32 1.23 1.2o 1.24 15.14
Kerr Ham 30 1.07 0.91 0.78 1.23 2.0 3 2.44 0.99 1.08 1.35 1.20 1.28 1.18 15.54
/test
glacier 45 3.10 2.34 1.74 1.73 2.20 2.83 1.44 1.39 2.02 2.64 2.91 3.24 27.5^
White!ish
5 NW
21
2.13 1.80 1.34^1.58 2.29 2.88 1.39 1.46 1.46 1.74 2.19 1.97 22.23
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Snowfall averages axe as follcws: (U.S. Weather Bureau statistics)
Location Snowfall (amount in inches) # of Y^ts Recorded
Kalispell
49.4
50
Poison
37.5
20
West Glacier
137.0
32
Whitefish
67.0
13
Hungry Horse
110.5
15
Precipitation and runoff maps are available in the "Columbia-North
Pacific Comprehensive Framework Study", Appendix V, Vol. I. Annual
rainfall varies from 15 inches in the Kali spell Valley to perhaps up to
100 inches in the high mountains on the east side. Likewise, runoff varies
frcm less than 5 inches in the Kalispell Valley to over 40 inches in the
mountains.
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Surface Waters
Hie drainage area of Flathead Lake at Poison encompasses approximately
7010 square miles in Montana and Canada. The North Fork of the Flathead
River, at the international border has a drainage area of about 450 square
miles in Canada, with an additional 175 sqvore miles of drainage in Canada
that flews into tributaries that enter the North Fork below the border.
Of approximately 6,375 square miles of the drainage in Montana, 4,550 are
in Flathead County and 850 square miles are in Lake County. Powell,
Missoula, Lincoln and Lewis and Clark Counties contain about 425, 410,
90, and 65 square miles of the Flathead drainage respectively (Fig. 3).
All of Glacier National Park west of the divide, or 875 square miles, and
most of Flathead National Forest's 3,680 square miles are located in the
drainage. The major rivers include the South, North, and Middle Forks
of the Flathead River which join to form the Flathead River at Colombia
Falls, Montana. The Whitefish and Stillwater Rivers merge and empty
into the Flathead River be lew Kalispell. The Swan River enters directly
into Flathead Lake at Bigfork, Montana (Fig. 4).
An average of 8,405,000 acre feet of water flew through the gaging
station near Poison yearly (11,610 cfs average). The average flow of
the Flathead River as it erpties into Flathead Lake has not been gaged but
is estimated to average between 9,500 to 11,000 cfs. The Swan River near
Bigfork discharges an average of 1,127 cfs to Flathead Lake.
The largest tributary of the Upper Flathead River is the South Fork,
which discharges an average of 3,523 cfs as modified by Hungry Hoarse Dam.
Next largest is the North Fork, discharging an average of about 3,000 cfs
over the year. The Middle Fork discharges about 2,920 cfs average at the
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Figure 4
Oounties of the Flathead Drainage
CANADA
U.S.
rCO.)
LINCOLN
CO.
LATHEAD CO
LAKE CO.
MISSOULA CO
AND
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junction with the North Fork, forming the Flathead River Mains tan. The
Stillwater and Whitefish Rivers discharge an estimated average respectively
of 350 cfs and 200 cfs as they empty into the Flathead River.
The Upper Flathead drainage contains literally hundreds of lakes
ranging from high alpine oligotrophia lakes to dystrophic bogs. This
report places special enphasis cai Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, and
Lake Mary Fonan. All waterways, lakes, streams, and groundwater supplies
that drain into Flathead Lake are the concern of this report, but
discussion has generally been limited to the above three lakes unless
specific problems on other lakes were brought to the attention of the
investigators during the oourse of study.
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Groundwater
The only ocraprehensive study of groundwater within the Flathead
drainage was conducted by Konizeski et al. (1968) for the upper Kalispell
Valley. He delineated six types of aquifers: flood plain gravel, deep
artesian, dune sand, outwash sand and gravel, flood plain sand, and
Precambrian bedrock. Of these, all but the deep artesian and Precambrian
bedrock aquifers could be subject to pollution by industrial and dares tic
wastes and sewage. Chemical analysis of select wells is presented in
Appendix IV. Dune sand aquifers were particularly prone to high nitrate
content, and the four aquifers subject to contamination average 41.4
milligrams per liter (mg/1) nitrates.
Konizeski found that the flood plain gravel aquifer stores about
170,000 acre-feet of water and discharges 21,000 acre feet to streams
per year. Assuming total movement and mixing within this aquifer (a
questionable assumption) retention time would be about 8 years. Movement
of groundwater was found to be less than 0.1 feet per day for deep artesian
aquifers, to 50 feet per day for the gravel aquifer.
Groundwater levels fluctuate with the season, generally reaching a
lew in early spring. The sand aquifer on the flood plain north of the
Lake has been shewn by Konizeski to be directly correlated with the
regulated levels of Flathead Lake.
Changes in groundwater quality and quantity could be altered by the
spectrum of man's activities including: 1) clear-cutting (increased
recharge, nitrate enrichment); 2) irrigation (increased recharge, nutrient
enrichment); 3) livestock (possible decreased recharge by compacting soil,
nutrient enrichment); 4) industrial settling ponds (increased recharge,
phenols, and other solutes); 5) septic tanks (increased recharge, nutrient
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enrichment); 6) roads, housing and other activities which carpact the
soil could lessen recharge potential.
Each of the above activities is discussed as it relates to groundwater
in the respective sections of each below.
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Mimng
The search for precious metals in the Flathead drainage occured
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Very little was found,
however, and few scars note early attempts to mine for gold, silver and
copper. Few mineral deposits in concentrations of economic value are
present in the drainage (Flathead National Forest, 1972). Barite
deposits occur in the South Fork of the Flathead of ocnmercial quality,
but lack of access make mining uneconomical. Aikin (pers. ccrrcn.) reports
that only six patented mining claims exist in the Flathead National Forest.
The presence of coal, reported by Rowe (1933), is found in the
three forks of the Flathead River. He stated that over three billion
metric tons exist in the field. Seme coal was mined on private lands
near Coal Creek in the North Fork, but this operation closed in 1930.
Future energy requirements might result in the removal of these
deposits, hewever, the coal is not of high quality. Furthermore, the
environmental problems encountered in roroval are many and perhaps
insurmountable. It is doubtful that these deposits will be mined m
the foreseeable future (Tcmlinson, pers. conn.).
No knewn water pollution problems are known to exist from the
very limited number of mines m existence in the Flathead drainage.
Survey of Water Quality Studies on Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake has basically been studied frcm an ecological
viewpoint, with chemical and physical characteristics being studied
as parameters of the biota. Forbes (1893), conducted the first survey
of invertebrates. Elrod (1899, 1901, 1902, 1903), and Elrod, Clapp,
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Young, Shallenberger and Howard, (1929), conducted a series of
limnological investigations on and around the late. The a of
the lake were first studied in 1934 (Graham and Young, 1934). Later
studies on bacteria were conducted by Potter and Baker (1956, 1961).
Young (1935) , accumulated data of irony co-workers to report on
the physical, chemical and biological conditions of Flathead Lake.
More recent vrorks on phytoplankton, zooplankton, fisheries, and
chemical and physical properties of Flathead lake have produced an
abundance of data. Bjork (1967) and Tibhs and Potter (1972), have
reported on zooplankton and its distribution and eoology. Recent
phytoplankton studies include work by Moghadam (1969), Morgan (1968) ,
(1970) and Hanzel (1971). The Montana Fish and Game Department has
surveyed fish populations along with physical and chemical characteristics
of the lake (Hanzel, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972). Continuing work
is underway on phytoplankton productivity and zooplankton (Ivory,
in progress; Potter, in progress). A summary of plankton populations,
distributions and ecology has been included in Appendix II. (From
Morgan, 1970 and Tibbs and Potter, 1972).
Morgan (1970) summarized water chemistry data accumulated since
1929. (Table 2). Unfortunately, the methods and techniques utilized
in obtaining the analyses varied, and ccinparison of the data to determine
nutrient changes are tenuous. However, our synthesized data of nutrient
inputs from sewage systens and land use activities in the Upper Flathead
drainage support the trends of increased aitmonia and nitrate nitrogen
and ortho-phosphate concentrations.
Specific studies of contamination of lake waters are limited.
Torangeau (1968) analyzed members of the aquatic biota for pesticide
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Table 2
Flathead Lake water Chemistry
Forty Year Span
Potter
Howard
1929
& Baker
1961
Morgan
1967
Morgan
1968
I lorgan
1969
Aluminum
9.3
*
0.04
0.04
0.03
nig/
Bicarbonate
-
10.2-85.7
80.0
80.0
75.0
mg/
Carbonate
20.5
4.0
10.0
7.5
5.0
mg/
Carbon Dioxide
2.0
0.0
Trace
0.0**
0.0
rag/
Chloride
0.32
~
0.50
1.00
0.75
mg/
Iron Total
0.02
0.60
0.10
0.05
0.05
mg/
Ammonia-Nitrogen
0.13
0.01
0.32
0.25
0.23
mg/
Nitrite-Nitrogen
-
Trace
Trace
Trace
Trace
mg/
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Trace
0.05
0.16
0.12**
0.19
mg/
Dissolved Oxygen
8.0
11.0
10.3
10.8
10.5
mg/
PH
8.4
8.0
8.>8.7
8.2-8.7**
8.3-8.8
uni
Phosphate-Ortho
Trace
0.20
0.16
0.11
0.15
mg/
Silicate
8.2
5.0
4.7
4.5
mg/
Sulfate
24.9
*
5.5
7.0
6.8
mg/
* Not determined by researcher
** Denotes extremes not included
7-8-68 detection of Titanium - Deep Vater
7-2^-68 detection of Titanium - Flathead River S. 1'outh of Flathead
11-1-68 detection of Acid pollution - Flathead River £ ; outh of Flathead
pH dropped from 8.7 to 606
-------
-24-
content. He found significant quantities in certain species of higher
trophic levels. Bauer (1969) and Hem (1970) measured collform bacteria
numbers as indices of sewage contamination. Bauer found that ooliform
bacteria concentrations obtained near the shores often exceed the state
standard for the lake (50 ooliforms per 100 ml). Samples taken away
from the shoreline were consistently low, and no fecal ooliforms were
found. "Septic tank seepage into the lake was shewn to be capable of
producing total coliform populations greatly exceeding the state standard."
Hern's conclusions were very similar to those stated by Bauer. Coliform
bacteria data has also been obtained frail 1966 to the present by the
Lake County Sanitarian personnel (Robertson, unpublished data). This
data also found high ooliform concentrations near the shores, with
late August, early September being the period of highest contamination.
This sunmer, 1200 hares surrounding Flathead Lake were tested to
determine potential faulty sewage systems. Florescent dye was flushed
into the sewage systems and boat and aerial observations were made to
watch for the appearance of the dye in Flathead Lake. 67 sewage systems
were tentatively determined to be faulty by the appearance of dye or
local algal blooms.
Bauer (1969) and Gagiernuen (pers. ocrrm.) have shown that severe
bacterial contamination can occur frcm septic tank seepage while these
same systems show a negative response to the dye test. The fact that
over 5% of the systesns tested were believed faulty frcm either the presence
of the dye or algal blooms, undoubtably indicates a more severe bacterial
contamination problem.
More information exists for Flathead Lake than for any other body
of water in the drainage. Yet the status of water quality and possible
-------
-25-
changes in trophic status are unclear. Morgan (1970) maintained that
the 50 meter level of the lake marks a point of permanent stratification.
He argues that no mixing occurs below this level, thereby creating a nutrient
sink. If this be the case, the lake could remain relatively unproductive
despite high nutrient input. Other researchers demur at this hypothesis,
because nutrient differences between shallow and deep water samples
are not great. Vertical temperature profiles as determined by Hanzel (1970)
support the belief that the lake is dimictic.
Flathead Lake is obviously receiving larger amounts of nutrients of
all categories at present than in the recent past. Whether or not the
lake has experienced a significant increase in productivity remains
unanswered.
Quantitative plankton data are not available for comparison with work
done by Bjork (1967), Morgan (1968, 1971), Ivory (in progress) or Potter
(in progress). No quantitative data are available for periphyton or
higher aquatic plants.
Morgan (1970) concluded that Flathead Lake is in an oligotrophic
state. Ivory (in progress) found phytoplankton productivity in shallow
Poison Bay of the lake to be very low this summer. Potter (pers. caim.)
contends, however, that the productivity of the 20 to 40 neter zone of the
lake is rather high for an oligotrophic lake. Morgan found the species
Tabellaria quadrisepta to occur at a maximum population of 186,180 per
liter at the 30 meter level. His computer analysis showed this organism
to be a cold water form requiring high nutrient levels. Morgan also
correlated coliform bacteria with species of blue-green algae appearing
in the lake.
Estimates of increased nutrient inputs from cultural practices are
reason for same alarm and vigilance. Potter's research and the continuing
-------
-26-
sanpling program done by the Montana Fish and Game Department should
enable detection of any significant increase in plankton productivity within
the lake. It would be very useful, however, if the State Department of
Health and Environmental Sciences could place a sanpling station on the
Flathead River near Bigfork. "Phis station is needed to assess the
amounts and fluctuations of nutrients entering the lake frcm the river.
Analyses should include amronia and organic nitrogen, and total phosphorus,
besides those tests already being conducted by the Kalispell office.
Chemical analysis of discharges from the Bigfork sewage facility, and
samples frcm the Swan River as it enters the lake might also be useful
to complete information of nutrient inputs frcm the upper Flathead
drainage system.
Schuster (1971) has determined that hydrocarbon wastes from outboard
engines are capable of supporting microbial populations without the
addition of other nutrients. Motorboat wastes have been estimated to
contribute a significant amount of organic carbon during the sunmer
months. While boat use in the open waters of the lakpg is deemed low,
extensive use occurs in protected bays and shoreline areas. Pollution
control devices appear warranted an boats utilizing Flathead Lake.
The bacteriological monitoring program, discussed elsewhere in this
report, is particularly desirable for Flathead Lake.
Water Quality Studies on Streams and Tributaries on Flathead Lake
Stream flow data have been gathered by the U.S.G.S. in conjunction
with Montana agencies for over 50 years in the Flathead drainage. A
complete list of gauging stations, periods of operations, and drainage
areas is listed in Appendix III. Stations currently in operation and
those to be operable in the near future are aisr. listed.
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-27-
Water quality data were first gathered and analyzed by the U.S. Geological
Survey on the Flathead River in 1949 (U.S.G.S., 1951). Yearly samples
from rivers in the drainage began m 1963, but were discontinued in 1970.
Most sanples were frcm the three forks and mainstem of the Flathead River.
Monthly sanpling for chemical parameters of the Flathead River at Columbia
Falls (1949, 1963-1967), Bigfork (1969-70) and Poison (1969-70) are available.
Daily water temperature data (max-min) are available for seme locations.
Water chemistry grab samples are available for all three forks of the
Flathead River, and also for Ashley Creek.
The State Board of Health conducted physical, chemical and biological
surveys of the Flathead and Whitefish Rivers and Ashley Creek for purposes
of stream classification (Spindler and Brink, 1957). Information on the
biota collected from this study, though considered inconclusive because of dif-
ficulties with small sample sizes, represents the only published biological
survey of the drainages into Flathead Lake. A sunmary of their findings
is included as follows:
Sunmary:
1. "In many cases, the number of bottcm samples Collected frcm streams
of the Flathead River Study Areas is considered inadequate, however,
other determinations (chemical and bacteriological) substantiate
the conclusions drawn from biological results."
2. "The Flathead River constitutes a relatively soft to moderately
hard source of water for domestic use, however, sewage pollution
frcm Whitefish via the Stillwater River, Ashley Creek, and Poison
render the entire stream frcm Kalispell to its confluence with the
Clark Fork, unsafe for use as a Class A water supply."
3. "A short section of the Flathead adjacent to Kalispell and the river
from its confluence with the Little Bitterroot to the Clark Bork is
unsafe for any use except agricultural and industrial."
4. "The Flathead River frcm Kalispell to about ten miles above Flathead
Lake and from Poison to the Clark Fork is considered potentially
dangerous frcm a bacterial standpoint for use by swimmers, anglers,
hunters and trappers."
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-28-
5. "Bottan collections indicate an adverse effect on the Flathead River
by the discharge of inadequately treated sewage frcm Kali spell
via Ashley Creek and frcm Polscn with recovery to normal stream
ccnditions retarded by silt loading frcm agricultural practices
particularly along the Little Bitterroot River."
6. "Sewage discharge frcm Whitefish exerts an adverse effect upon the
White fish River frcm the point of discharge to its confluence with
the Stillwater River. Ihe Whitefish River and Lake above town
constitutes a very good water supply requiring only chlorinatian,
however, the river below town is unsafe for any use except
agricultural and industrial."
7. "Near septic conditions of gross pollution exist in Ashley Creek
below the discharge of inadequately treated sewage frcm Kali spell
and MPN ooliform organism analyses indicate that the creek below
this point is extremely unsafe for any use."
U. S. Geological Survey data for Ashley Creek (1969-70) reveal that
statement seven above is still an accurate description of lower Ashley
Creek. To our knowledge, these sunmary statements are all still valid
with the exception of statement two. Data of Bauer (1969) and Hern (1970)
indicate that the main portion of Flathead Lake is a safe Class A water
supply. Utilization of lake water near the shores, however, may not be safe.
The Forest Service has taken sarrples for chemical analyses cn the
North, Middle, and South Forks of the Flathead River plus samples taken
belcw their junction at Columbia Falls (Delk, unpublished data). Insecticide
and herbicide tests were run cn these same drainages and revealed a total
absence of these chemicals in the Upper Flathead drainage at Columbia Falls
(Delk, unpublished data).
A Forest Servioe study on stream tenperature variability and fluctuations
due to logging was conducted on a tributary of the North Fork in 1969-1970
(Casey, 1971). Representatives of the aquatic flora and fauna have been
gathered in many drainages by Sons tell pi, but data is presently in unavailable
form (Sans be lie, personal conmunication, 1972).
Ihe Montana Fish and Game Department has done extensive sampling
of lakes and streams to determine present and potential fish populations.
Water samples are generally tested for dissolved oxygen, standard
-------
-29-
oonductance, total alkalinity, pH, and water temperatures. Data are
available for many of the minor tributaries and lakes, with particular
emphasis on Flathead River and Lake, and Lake Mary Ronan. Of particular
interest to us are sairples taken from the South Fork, below Hungry
Horse Dam. These samples have shewn reservoir-caused modification of
physical and chemical characteristics (Hanzel, 1965, 1967; Damrose, 1971).
A sunmary of studies oanpleted to date cure as follows:
Survey of Fish and Game Studies on Flathead Drainage
Project Number
Containing Water Quality Data
Period of Survey Area Surveyed
Data Obtained
F-7-R-13
Job III
F-7-K-15
Job III
F-7-R-18
Job I
F-7-R-19
Job 1-a
F-7-R-19
Job I-b
F-7-R-20
Job I-a
F-7-R-20
Job I-b
7/1/63-6/30/64
1/1/65-6/30/66
4/1/68-3/31/69
4/1/69-3/31/70
4/1/69-3/31/70
4/17/70-3/31/71
4/1/70-3/31/71
Flathead River and
tributaries
Flathead River and
tributaries
Small lakes, Lake
Mary Ronan
Small lakes and
streams, Lake Mary Ronan
Flathead River and
tributaries, Lake
Mary Ronan
Lake Mary Ronan,
other lakes
Lake Mary Ronan,
other lakes
Survey of cutthroat
trout and dolly
varden, water
chemistry*
Survey of cutthroat
trout and dolly
varden, water
chemistry
Gill net surveys,
water chemistry
Gill net surveys,
water chemistry
Water chemistry
Water chemistry
Water chemistry,
dissolved oxygen
profiles
*Water chemistry here means the following analyses were made: pH, temperatures,
alkalinity, standard conductance, dissolved oxygen
-------
-30-
Project Number Period of Survey Area Surveyed
Data Obtained
F-32-R-4
Job No. I
F-32-R-5
Job No. I
F-32-R-6
Job I-a
F-33-R-2
Job No. I
P-33-R-3
Job No. I
F-33-R-4
Job No. I-b
F-33-R-5
Job II-a
7/1/67-3/31/68
3/31/68- 4/1/69
7/1/69-6/30/70
7/1/67-6/30/68
11/67 - 8/69
7/1/69-12/70
10/70-9/71
Mission Mountain
lakes, Jewel
Basin Lakes
Lake survey - Swan,
Middle & North Fork
Flathead River
drainages
Lake survey-Stillwater
and South Fork of
Flathead River
drainages
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake
Flathead lake
Gill net
surveys, water
chemistry
Gill net surveys,
water chemistry
Gill net survey,
water chemistry
Gill net survey,
plankton, benthos,
water chemistry
Gill net survey
plankton, water
chemistry
Surface plankton,
light penetration,
water chemistry
Vfater chemistry,
plankton
production, and
physical
characteristics
Several water quality studies have been conducted in Glacier National
Park, by park personnel. Wasem (1968) reports chemical analyses for nost
of the larger drainages in the park, including a eutrophication study of
McDonald Valley. Chemical analysis of nany water supply systems (surface
and ground water) was done for the park by the State Board of Health in
1971 (Glacier National Park, unpublished data).
Studies in Progress
Evaluation of Present Methods Employed for Monitoring water Quality
The State Board of Health and Environmental Sciences (hereinafter
referred to as "The State") currently has 20 water quality monitoring stations
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-31-
located in the upper Flathead drainage. A list of chemical arid physical
parameters being measured, methods, and general locations of these
sampling stations is included on the following pages. Exact locations
are recorded m Appendix V. These sites are sampled once a nonth,
beginning July 1972, and are expected to be sampled for a two year
period.
Throughout, methods discussed are compared to "Standard Methods,
13th Edition." The analyses being used by the State should therefore
provide quite an exact assessment of the chemical parameters rreasured.
The questions to be addressed in this report are 1) whether or not these
tests provide adequate indices for measuring or detecting eutrophication
of the Flathead drainage system, and 2) whether deleterious results frcm
land management practices and waste disposal methods can be detected by
this monitoring system.
The terms "oligotrophic" and "eutrophic" are often used - and misused
in discussing water quality. Hutchinson (1969) defines the criteria for
such classifications. He states, "It is now apparent that we should think
not of oligotrophic or eutrophic water types, but of lakes and their
drainage basins and sediments as forming oligotrophic or eutrophic
systems — By a eutrophic system, I mean one in which the pot^n-i-iql
concentration of nutrients is high; there may happen to be an extremely
lew concentration in the water because the whole supply at the ano'int is
locked up somewhere else in the systan - in sediments or in the bodies of
organisms. This is exemplified by what evidently happens in many shallow lakes
in the tenperate zone." Also, lakes of high nutrient content can be low m
productivity because seme limiting factor (e.g. C, N, P, Fe, Mo, Mg, Na)
may be lacking (Ibid).
-------
-32-
Kalispell Water Quality Tests
Test
Method
pH
Temperature
Turbidity
Alkalinity, P.M. Dotal
Acidity
Hardness
Portable meter
Thermometer
Hach Kit
(with buffers)
Standard Methods,
Standard Methods,
EOTA titration
titration
titration
Solids (all types)'
Dissolved Oxygen
B.O.D.c
drying, ccsnbustion, weighing
Winkler-Alkaline Iodide Azide Mod.
Standard Methods
C.O.D.
Nitrate Nitrogen_
Nitrite Nitrogen
Total (dissolved)
Ortho (dissolved)
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Chlorides
Sulfides2
Sulfate
Conductivity
Phosphorus
Phosphorus
Standard Methods
Phenoldisulfonic acid
Standard Methods
Persulfate Method
Stannous chloride
Membrane Filter Technique
Membrane Filter Technique
Argentcmatric method
Titrimetric (Iodine) Method
Gravimetric
Wheatstane Bridge
\lo
chemicals needed.
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-33-
Hooper (1969) discusses physical, chemical, and biological paraireters
that serve as eutrophication indices. Indices applicable to the Flathead
drainage will be discussed below. He states that though plant nutrients
are widely accepted indices of eutrophication, correlations and relationships
of these chemicals to productivity are not as yet clear.
Hooper cites Beeton (1965) as having successfully correlated increasing
concentrations of sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium and total
dissolved solids with a progressing eutrophication of the St. Lawrence
Great Lakes. These chemicals are generally conceded to provide relatively
stable indices, their values fluctuating less, seasonally, than is the case
with various forms of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. Hooper considers
total phosphorus to provide the best index for measuring al lochthonous
phosphorus inputs. Inorganic nitrogen, specifically nitrates, are often
used as an index. Hcwever, Hooper feels that nitrogen fixation, nitrification
and demtrificatian abilities of certain blue-green algae and bacteria
prevent this measurement fron being used as an accurate index.
Nitrogen and phosphorus content does, however, correlate with excessive
growths of algae and other aquatic plants. Lee (1970) cites Sawyer et al
(1945) and Vollenweider (1968) as having shown that when airmoma and nitrate
nitrogen concentrations are equal or greater than 0.3 mg/1 N, and
orthophosphate content equals or is greater than 0.1 mg/1 P, high productivity
is likely. Unfortunately, such criteria are good only "after the fact",
and indicators with same predictive utility must be used before the algal
blocms appear.
We conclude then that the measurements for sulfates, chlorides, and
total dissolved solids being carried out by the State represent the rrost
important indices for information and prediction with reference to the
aquatic milieu. U.S.G.S. data are available for comparison at the Columbia
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-34-
Falls station. Data obtained in the periods fran 1949-50, and 1963-67
are available.
For water chemistry information, an additional station on the Flathead
River near Bigfork would be of use in determining the chemical characteristics
of Flathead River water as it flews into Flathead Lake, and for acmparison
with the Columbia Falls station.
It is predicted that monthly sampling on the South Fork below
Hungry Horse Dam will produce data, the "artificial variations of which
merely indicate associated variations in discharge from the dam. This has
been indicated by previous Fish and Game Department studies (Hanzel 1965;
Damrose, 1971). Data should be correlated and compared with Fish and Gams
Department's monitoring stations and water release data from Hungry Horse Dam.
Baseline water quality data are lacking for surface waters in the
drainage for comparison with information currently being gathered. Stations
are expected to be receiving varying degrees of pollution fran different
sources as explained by the following chart:
-------
Station
.unbor
Name
-35-
Pollution Sources Expected
to be Degrading Water
Previous
1,2,3.
Spring Creek
N.E. of Kalispell
Agriculture, individual sewage
systems*
None
4,5,6
Stillwater River
Agriculture , individual sewage
systems
None
7
Whitefish River
near Kalispell
Municipal sewage, agriculture, 4
individual sewage systems
None
8
Whitefish River
below Whitefish
Municipal sewage, agriculture,
individual sewage systems
None
9
Whitefish River
below Whitefish Lake
Water quality of Whitefish Lake
discharge, individual sewage
systems
Countv Sanitarian
(1952)
10
Ashley Creek above
Kalispell
Agriculture, individual sewage
systems
State Board of
Health (1957);
U.S.G.S. 1969-1970
11
Ashley Creek below
Kalispell
Kalispell Municipal Sewage, and
as in station 10
State Board of
Health (1957):
U.S.G.S. 1969-1970
12
Ashley Creek below
Kalispell
Kalispell Municipal sewage, and
as in station 10
None
13
North Fork of
Flathead River
Timber management practices,
roads
None
14
Middle Fork
Flathead River
Individual sewage systems. Lake
McDonald Lodge sewage
U.S.G.S. grab
samples; Fish and
Game Surveys
15
South Fork
Flathead River
Modification of physical and
chemical characteristics by
Hungry Horse Dam
U.S.G.S. Rrab
samples; Fish and
Game surveys
16
Flathead River at
Columbia Falls
Composite effects of stations
13-15 + increased individual
sewage systems
U.S.G.S. 19^9-50,
1963-67, Fish and
Game surveys
17
Swan River below
Swan Lake
Water quality of Swan Lake
discharge, individual sewage
systems
None
18
Swan River above
Swan Lake
Timber management practices,
roads and animal wastes
None
19
Swift (Whitefish)
Creek
Timber management practices,
roads
None
20
Lazy Creek
Timber management practices,
roads, animal wastes
None
•These stations were originally designed for monitoring effluent from a feedlot
that has since ceased operation. The possibility exists that the lot may be
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-36-
The State is at present fully occupied with existing stations and
sanples given the limitations of existing personnel and facilities. However,
it is believed that taro periods during the year may be peak pollution periods ;
if so, these deserve none frequent observation. Spring run-off usually
carries a natural high sediment load. Sedimentation is believed to be
increased fran logging production and presence of forest roads, and
agricultural practices (including livestock wastes). Low flow periods of
late August - September are predicted to carry high nutrient loads. At
that time, dilution of municipal sewage is greatly reduced. Maximum tourist
use is believed to overload existing septic tank systems. Sunner home
systems are also in maximum use. Irrigation return flows to ground waters
are maximum during this period (Columbia Inter Agency Ccrrmittee, 1957),
and ground water discharge to surface waters is believed to constitute a
considerable percentage of total stream flow at this tine. For these
reasons, monthly sampling may not be sufficient to determine the extent of
water quality degradation which may occur during these periods.
Existing stations have obvious limitations toward assessing the extent
of pollution frcm specific sources. This is because of the number of potential
different pollution sources which may exist above each station. The stations
above and be lew the sewage outfall of Kalispell should give aHpgnatv* assessment
of nutrient input and BCD that will be useful in determining the improvement
of water quality by the proposed secondary treatment plant. Oxygen depletion;
however, can only be assessed by using the 24-hour oxygen analysis procedure.
Evaluation of Information Being Gathered by Other Agencies Indirectly Involved
in Water Quality Monitoring
The Montana Fish and Game Department, Kalispell Office, has gathered
baseline water quality data for many lakes and streams in the drainage
-------
-37-
as part of their fish management program. Water physical and chemical
properties measured include temperature^ pll, aDialimty, dissolved oxygen,
and specific conductance.
A list of major studies in progress or yet to be published is as
follows:
Project No.
Fish and Game Dept. St11d3.es in Progress
Completion Date Area of Study
Analyses
F-7-R-21
Job no. I-a
F-7-R-21
Job no. I-b
F-33-R-7
Job no. I-a
F-33-R-7
Job no. I-b
F-33-R-7
Job no. I-c
F-33-R-7
Job no. II-a
6/30/72
6/30/72
6/30/73
6/30/73
6/30/73
6/30/73
Lake and stream
survey
Lake Mary Ronan,
Swan River
tributaries,
Flathead River
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake
Physical,chemical
and biological
data
water chemistry
gill net surveys
age and growth
analyses of fish
techniques for
sampling kokanee
populations
water chemistry,
plankton production
and physical
characteristics
Fish and Game Water Physical and Chemical Data
Methods m Use at Present
Temperature: {continuous monitoring of Flathead)
Foxbourough or Taylor 30 day continuous recorder
pH: Bechman pH meter, line operated with regulated voltage
Alkalinity: Methyl orange-phenol-phenolthalian titration
Dissolved Oxygen: Modified Winkler method (Sodium azide standardized with
thiopotassium dichrcmate)
Standard Conductance: Battery operated conductance meter (Allied Industrial Co.)
-------
-38-
Dissolved oxygen measurements, specifically vertical series sampling,
are reported as a useful eutrophication index. Hooper (1969) considers
the change in the shape of the oxygen curve and the change in hypolimnetic
oxygen deficit as adequate indices of changes caused by enrichment,
especially for deep stratified lakes. He states that oxygen budget data
and oxygen curves appear relatively stable with changes other than enrichment.
Hooper cites Edmctidson et al (1956) in stating that a relationship exists
between hypolimnetic oxygen deficits and phosphate concentrations, indicating
that this index might correlate with phosphate enrichment.
The Fish and Game Department's studies of Lake Mary Ftonan and
Flathead Lake have provided data on oxygen distribution in these lakes.
Yearly comparisons are warranted to detect potential nutrient enrichment.
Populations of fishes, particularly the west-slope cutthroat trout
and Dolly Varden, are useful indicators of clean water. Reproductive success
of these fishes indicates a stream with hiqh oxygen content, stable low
temperatures, and lew concentrations of suspended sediments. Such criteria
are useful in determining effects of logging and roads in forested areas of
the drainage.
Conversely, population changes and the appearance of catostcmids
(suckers) as dominant species provide well known indications of pollution
(e.g., lew oxygen content, thermal increases, high suspended sediment
aontent, and the like) in the dynamics of fish papulation changes. Hence,
populations and species composition serve as indices, whether the fishes
themselves are directly or indirectly affected by ecosystem modification.
The sensitivity of fishes to minor sources of pollution is questionable,
however, they represent one of the easiest biological indicators to assess.
Compilation of existing data and yearly evaluation are warranted.
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-39-
The University of Montana Biological Station at Yellow Bay has a number
of studies in progress that will provide further baseline data on Flathead
Lake and on the North, Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River along
with the rrainstern frcsti Columbia Falls to the lake.
Mr. Thcmas Ivory, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Utah, is
finishing a three-year study on phytoplankton productivity in Poison Bay.
Population characteristics along with productivity measurements of phytoplankton
and corresponding physical and chemical parameters of the bay will be
reported. His thesis should be finished within the year.
Ivory's methodologies in measuring productivity deserve some content.
The standard light and dark bottle technique, utilizing evolution of oxygen
as a measurement of productivity often did not produce statistically
significant results. (Arithmetic difference between the two oxygen contents
often less than 0.15 mg/1). Therefore, the more sensitive technique
utilizing uptake of "^C was employed. Productivity of Poison Bay was often
found so low that the volume of sample filtered was increased from 50 ml to
200 ml to produce more accurate results.
David Potter, a University of Montana Ph.D. candidate, is beginning
a three-year study of zooplankton of Flathead Lake that will include
sediment analysis at the Flathead River delta. This analysis should provide
a historical reference of the rate of sedimentation along with an historical
record of crustacean populations. Such information will complement
existing knowledge of the chanical and physical parameters of the lake
and reveal cultural inpact on sedimentation rates.
Jack Stanford, a University of Utah Ph.D. candidate, is beginning a
three-year study of the benthos, especially pleooptera of the Flathead
River. This information will determine what affect Hungry Horse Dam
-------
-40-
has had on changes in species oanposition and population dynamics of
aquatic insects on the South Fork and main stem of the Flathead River.
This knowledge should give an indication of the indirect influences of the
dam on fish populations.
Hie Flathead National Forest is conducting a limited program of water
quality analysis as part of their wild and scenic river study. Grab
samples are collected and analyzed for: pH, specific conductance, total
ooliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, alkalinity, total
hardness, and suspended solids. Methods used are those of the HftCH DR-EL
Field Kit and HACH 106QA Lab Turbidity Meter. Fecal ooliform culturing
is done by the Kalispell General Hospital.
Mr. Christopher Hunter has initiated a study of the increasing
eutrophication of Tally Lake. Dr. A. R. Gaufin has worked for rany
years on lakes and streams in the drainage, focusing his efforts especially
upon ecology of the staneflies, but also devoting considerable attention
to the limnology of Flathead Lake itself.
Drs. G. W. Presoott and W. C. Vineyard have collaborated for seme years
on a monographic treatment of the desmids of North America, deriving much
of their material frcm the Flathead drainage.
-------
-41-
Populatian
An estimated 47,000 permanent residents live within the study area
(U.S. Census Bureau, 1970). A majority of the population is located
north of Flathead Lake in the Kali spell Valley. Personal observation of
the Canadian drainage area leads this investigator to believe that
the penranent population is less than 200 residents. Most of the Flathead
County's 39,460 persons reside within the study area, with approximately
7,000 in the Lake County and 50 persons residing in the Missoula County
sections of the study area. The portions of Powell and Lewis and Clark
counties which are within a wilderness area lack a permanent population,
and Lincoln County has fewer than 100 persons living within the study area.
Thomas et al, (1968), projects the 1990 population of Flathead County
to be about 50,600. A corresponding projected increase for the total study
area would be about 59,400. However, by 1970, Thomas' estimate was 5%
low in its predictions, and at Flathead County's present growth rate,
(19.7% growth between 1960-1970), a population of about 56,500 would exist
in 1990 for Flathead County and approximately 67,500 persons living
full time in the study area. This later projection is felt to be more
valid and perhaps even low. While specific data are lacking, the rate of
subdivision development is extremely rapid. It appears that people are
moving into the drainage sinply because of the high quality environment to
be found therein. Certainly there appears to be no economic incentives
for moving into the area. Howaver, by September 1972, the Kalispell Chamber
of Commerce had received more specific inquiries for moving to Kalispell
than the total mail inquiries received for all reasons {visiting, conventions,
etc.) in 1969 (Kalispell Chamber of Catmerce, written cortnunication). We
therefore suggest that a predicted population growth of 20% in the next
10 years is highly probable.
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Eooromcs
Agriculture, forestry and wood products, tourism, and aluminum
reduction ocnprise the basis for the economy of the Flathead drainage
(U.S. Census Bureau, 1970). Per capita inocme is around $2,500 (U.S.
Census Bureau, 1970). Present trends indicate no dramatic change will
occur in the next ten years to either stimulate or retard present economic
conditions. Agriculture and forest products can be expected to be relatively
stable, with continued growth in the tourian industry.
Unemployment fluctuates seasonally, becoming lower during the summer
tourist season, but considerably higher than the national average. Data
for Flathead County have shown the unemployment rate to be over seven percent
for the last four years. For the first five months in 1972, the State
Employment Service reported an unemployment rate of 11.3 percent. The
orployment service stated that such a rate may continue for sate time
(Missoulian 1972).
Figures for other counties have not been obtained, but are believed
to be similar to Flathead County. No large industry other than forest
products exists within the remainder of the study area.
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Water Use
Flathead County reports that only ten towns in the county have either
public or privately owned water systems. One percent of rural farms and
39% of rural non-farms have a public water supply. The remainder of
the population draws its water from individual wells or other sources
(Thomas, et al, 1968).
Lake County has a similar situation, with 37% of the total population
on ccmnunity water systems (U.S.D.A. Ccnmittee for Rural Development,
Lake Co., 1972). Private wells are assumed to be the source of water for
persons living in other counties of the study area.
The larger ocmnunities, with the exception of Kali spell, draw upon
surface water for their municipal water supply (Pacific Northwest River
Basins Ccmmission, 1971, Appendix XI).
Groundwater is usually obtained from twD of the six types of aquifers,
the deep artesian and flood plain gravel aquifers (Konizeski, et al, 1968).
While total dares tic, agricultural and industrial water use is not
known, an estimated 7 billion gallons per year is utilized in the Kalispell
Valley alone. This estimate excludes surface waters or springs utilized
for irrigation or livestock. Konizeski (1968) reported the following
estimates for groundwater use in 1966:
Aquifer Gallons per year
Deep artesian 1,585,000,000
Shallow artesian ca. 4,000,000
Outwash sand & gravel 101,000,000
Floodplain gravel 3,430,000,000
Sand aquifer 15,000,000
Total 5,135,000,000
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The largest consumer of water is the Anaconda Muminum Reduction
Plant at Columbia Falls, which consumes 3.6 billion gallons per year
from groundwater sources (ibid).
Oamnunity use of water is projected to almost double in the area,
from 7.2 million gallons per day in 1970 to about 13.2 million gallons
per day in 2020 (Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission, Appendix XI,
1971).
Kalispell's water supply is primarily from the flood plain gravel
aquifer. Most of Kalispell's suburban areas utilize this source. Kbnizeski
found evidence to shew that this aquifer oould became badly polluted from
industrial and domestic sewage.
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Chanical Constituents of Natural Waters
No naturally occurring rivers and lakes contain "pure" water,
and the Flathead drainage is no exception. Naturally occurring dissolved
and suspended elements, ions and organic compounds are to be found in all
waters. Data on these natural levels are unknown for most "impurities"
ui the Flathead drainage; however, inferences can be made from the
oligotrophic status of Flathead Lake. The geologic, climatologic and
biologic factors that contribute nutrients, salts, and organic materials
are such that in the past productivity of the lake was very lew.
Geologically, the Flathead basin lakes are very young, perhaps only
12,000 years old. The bedrock that ccnposes the mountains and subsoil
is basically Ravalli Quartzite and Peigan limestone. These rocks contribute
minute amounts of heavy metals, elements and ions such as calcium, potassium
magnesium, sodium chloride, sulfate, phosphate and other ions necessary
for plant growth. The bedrock, and particularly the Peigan limestone,
is soluble to the extent that the salts content of the Flathead River
causes the water to be considered "moderately hard."
Precipitation in the form of rain or sncw contribute dissolved
substances that have been recognized as important to lake and stream
productivity (Gambell and Fisher 1964). Calcium, sodium, sulfate
chloride, aimonia, nitrate and some nitrite and phosphorus are contributed
to surface waters frcm this source. These substances originate frcm the
soil and sea, or as in the case of nitrite, frcm man-caused air pollution.
Junge (1958) correlated agricultural activity and soil reactions as
principal sources for anmonia and nitrate, respectively. McGauhey, Dugan
and Porcella (1971) found precipitation in the lake Tahoe basin to
average 0.357 mg/1 nitrogen and 0.015 mg/1 phosphorus. This concentration
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of nutrients was higher than that of Lake Tahoe water, and bioassay
determinations revealed an increased algal growth reponse to the
precipitation. Air pollution frcm California cities and intensive
agriculture west of the basin are believed responsible for the enriched
precipitation.
Nutrient content of precipitation in the Flathead drainage has not
been determined. Data frcm Junge (ibid) indicates that the anount of
ammonia plus nitrate content of rainwater in the Flathead drainage to be
about 0.25 to 0.30 mg/1 nitrogen. Organic nitrogen content of rainwater
is not kncwn for the area, but McGauhey, Dugan and Porcella (ibid) found the
organic nitrogen content of precipitation to be more than total inorganic
content.
A comprehensive study of nutrient inputs to the Flathead drainage
wuld not be complete without measurement of the nitrogen and phosphorus
content of precipitation.
Terrestrial plant and animal activities significantly affect water
chemistry. Photosynthetic and chenosynthetic organisms act as nutrient
pumps that result in solute changes in runoff and percolate. Organic
materials are formed and carried to surface waters by runoff or groundwater
flow. Nitrogen-fixing organisms transform elemental nitrogen to nitrate,
which can then be leached to ground and surface waters. Historically,
the organic and inorganic inputs from these terrestrial sources must have
been low.
The bacterial content of natural waters can be altered by runoff
containing soil bacteria and fecal bacteria frcm terrestrial animals.
Prior to the introduction of domesticated animals, slight fecal contamination
undoubtedly was usual. Walter and Stuart (1971) investigated the bacteriology
of both open and closed (no public access) watersheds near Bozeman, Montana.
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They found that the numbers of ooliform bacteria and enterococci were
higher in the stream closed to public access than in an open watershed.
The answer to this phenomenon appeared to be that large populations of
wild animals utilized the closed watershed. Hence, pristine waters
in such areas in the Flathead drainage such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness
and Glacier National Park may be expected naturally to have seme fecal
bacterial contamination.
Similarly, pristine waters will receive organic and nutrient
contributions frcm wild animal populations.
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Effects of Suspended Solids can Aquatic Biota
Suspended solids, measured as turbidity of the water, may be revised
by inert substances, such as silt and clay from soil erosion, organic
debris from sewage discharges and feedlots, or by living or dead plankton.
Combinations of the above causes are cannon in the study area. Only the
physical presence of the particles or degree of opaqueness of the water
caused by the above materials, is to be discussed in this section.
All streams in the study area carry or have carried same materials
that cause turbidity. Spring runoff from snowmelt causes very high flows.
Streams and rivers fill their flood plains and often cut new channels
through the plain. The lower Flathead River, below Columbia Falls is an
excellent exanple of this sort. The Middle Pork, southeast of Glacier
National Park, is essentially a wild river with no human modifications.
Fairly high turbidities recorded on occasion by DelJc, Flathead National
Forest Hydrologist (1972, unpublished), indicate the extent of natural
turhidity.*
Duchrcw (1970), has reviewed the literature on the effects of
turbidity on fish. He states that the cold water fish that feed by sight
are prevented from feeding by turbid waters. When the sediment load is
very high, sediments can cause abrasion and loss of the protective mucus
surface, smother fish eggs, or bury benthic invertebrates and thus remove
a form of available food. Wallen (1951, in Duchrcw 1970), reported fish
killed by high clay turbidities had opercular cavities and gill filaments
clogged with clay particles. Such high turbidities seldan occur naturally,
but rather they are associated with human activities.
Sediments can absorb light energy, thus raising the water temperature.
Duchrcw (1970) cites Eschmeyer (1954), Bachman (1958), Casey (1959), Cordone
^Note: The 1964 flood has apparently caused the stream beds to have been
altered, aTfd natural stabilization may not have yet been completed.
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-49-
and Pennoyer (1960), and Cordone and Kelley (1961) as reporting changes
from cold water species to warm water species or a reduction in size of
cold water fish populations frcm increased turbidities caused by mining
or logging practices.
Tarzwell and Gaufin (1962), report that a type of detrimental and
synergistic effect may occur when suspended sediments are present in
combination with organic materials such as sewage or animal wastes.
Turbidity decreases light penetration and limits growth of phytoplankton
and other aquatic plants. Available food for herbivores is thus reduced
and an amount of dissolved oxygen frcm photosynthesis is lost. While
plant gravth is reduced, bacterial action is not affected and mineralized
organic materials frcm this bacterial action are carried for greater
distances. Upon sediment settling in reservoirs or lakes, the mineralized
products act as fertilizer for plant growth, and troublesome algal blooms
may occur far from the source of organic pollution. Ashley Creek below
Kalispell might be observed for the above effect.
High amounts of suspended sediments can thus greatly reduce or alter
the structure of aquatic systems, reducing the aesthetic qualities of
waterways and lowering the economic benefits of cold-water fisheries.
High turbidity is a naturally occurring spring phenomenon in the
Flathead drainage. Human activities must obviously have increased suspended
sediments; however, data supporting this statement are lacking for the
major tributaries of the drainage. Suspected causes of increased turbidity
will be discussed in sections evaluating land practices.
The Flood of 1964 - Natural Alteration of Water Quality
Between June 8-10, 1964, an unprecedented flood occurred on the
Upper Flathead drainage. The stream gauge at Columbia Falls recorded a
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-50-
height of 22.7 feet with an estimated flew of 176,000 c.f.s. as regulated
by Hungry Horse Dam. Damage was estimated at $23,580,000 for the upper
Flathead basin, (U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers, 1967). The regulation by
Hungry Horse Dam is credited with protecting 18,400 acres of land and
having prevented $10,000,000 in damages (U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers,
1971). For the first time in the history of Hungry Horse Dam, turbid
water was observed be lew the reservoir and turbid water in the South
Fork below Hungry Horse was evident for months after the North and
Middle Forks cleared (Hanzel, 1965). Turbid water was present in Flathead
Lake in late sunnier and fall, long after the lake usually clears.
No unequivocal data exist concerning the irrpact of this flood on
the biota (there were no University of Montana studies underway on
Flathead Lake that year). Hanzel (1965), postulates:
"The far reaching effects of the flood on aquatic life in the river
and lake regions have not been determined. However, the heavy silt load
carried into the lake could reduce the plankton and other aquatic life.
Hie tributary streams, heavily scoured by the flood, may have had heavy
losses of resident stream cutthroat."
Stream stabilization nay have been greatly affected by this record
flood. The Middle Fork, much of which is a wild, unmodified river, has
been exceedingly turbid in the spring season since the flood, as Forest
Service data indicate, and mud slides have occurred in its tributaries
recently (Delk, personal omwiunication, 1972). Effects of this increased
turbidity should be studied in comparison with almost identical but stable
tributaries.
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Rural-Domestic Wastewater
A year-round population of about 27,000 persons is estirrated to use
private sewage facilities, a large percentage of which are septic tank
systems. An influx of tourists and summer residents increase the use of
this form of sewaqe disposal to a year-round equivalent of perhaps 33,000-
35,000 persons. Private sewage system usage then is almost double that of
municipal sewage system usage within the Flathead drainage. Only one percent
of the rural farms and 39% of rural non-farm hemes have a public water
supply (U.S.D.A., 1972). With continued rural development, septic tank
use along with private wells may present health problems and will cause
degradation of water quality.
A septic tank of adequate design and size, with a proper drain or
absorption field will remove almost all BCD and suspended solids of the
sewage for an extended period of tine. Hcwever, residual solids accumulate
in the absorption system and will gradually reduce the system's efficiency.
Finally, the drainage from the septic tank will surface at or above the soil
surface and/or channel through the soil to a point of free discharge, such
as a stream or lake (Daniel, et al, 1971).
Assessment of pollution contributions to surface and ground waters
frcm private sewage systems has been difficult. Two extreme situations
may occur; either the system is capable of digesting sewage to mineral
components or the system is clogged and discharges raw sewage to surface
or ground waters. The former condition is assumed for the majority of
the systems operating, however, the fate of the mineralized components
especially the nitrogen cornpounds, is questionable. Hypothetically, under
aerobic conditions, organic nitrogen is oxydized to nitrate, and then could
be denitrified to elemental nitrogen. Whether denitrification occurs
under "normal" (which more often than not may mean "overloaded" or otherwise
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abused) septic tank systems is very doubtful. MoGauhey, et al. (1971).
found that seepage frcm septic tank leaching fields near Lake Tahoe to
contain 30 milligrams per liter (mg/1) amnonia, 0.026 mg/1 nitrate and 0.010
mg/1 nitrite. MoGauhey believes that the high concentrations of ammonia
were due to the close proximity of the sample site to the drain field, and
that "its ultimate conversion to soluble nitrates is certain and can be
expected eventually to enrich the lake via a ocmbination of routes":
1. "Movement as soluble nitrogen (nitrates) in ground water
directly or through outcropping in surface streams."
2. "Surface wash from decaying vegetation which grew more
luxuriant as a result of nitrogen in the ground water."
The time required for these nitrates to appear in surface waters is
unknown. If a septic tank drain field is located on a groundwater recharge
area, nitrates could readily move into groundwater aquifers. Furthermore,
a septic tank system may create or aid groundwater recharge. Assuming that
a person utilized 75 gallons of water per day, which is discharged to septic
systems, then almost one billion gallons of waterwastes are discharged into
systems in the Flathead drainage yearly. A high percentage of this amount
is believed to percolate to groundwater aquifers, carrying most, if not all,
soluble nitrates frcsn septic tank effluent to groundwater sources.
Groundwater movements vary with the aquifer substrate and have been
reported by Konizeski, et al. (1968), to vary frcm 50 feet per year for
the perched gravel aquifer to less than 0.1 feet per year for the deep
artesian aquifer in the Kalispell Valley. Hence, the lag time for nitrate
input frcan septic systems is usually measured in years, but the present
amount of nitrate—nitrogen being discharged to groundwaters is estimated
at 230,000 pounds per year.
The role of the aounty sanitarian is inportant in controlling new
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souroes of water quality degradation from individual sewage systems. The
sanitarian must have knowledge of soil types, groundwaters, and drainage
patterns in determining placement and size of septic systens. Criteria
for such systons are included in Appendix V. Reference guides, especially
including the "Soil Survey of the Upper Kalispell Valley, and Geology and
Groundwater Resources of the Kalispell Valley", are useful to the Flathead
County Sanitarian. No such information exists for other areas in the
drainage, and it would be exceedingly useful if these categories of
information could be compiled for the use of the several counties'
sanitarians.
The political situation involving the county sanitarian deserves note.
The sanitarian is under the supervision of the county's aonrmssloners
who are generally strongly interested in expanding the tax base. That
goal is at times at variance with the orderly performance of the sanitarian's
duties.
Furthermore, the county sanitarians' salaries are lew, making it
difficult to hire and retain competent persons.
The rapid suburban development of the drainage is such that the
sanitarians' offices can barely keep 15) with new development, much less
inspect potentially faulty systems. Mcaiitoring existing systems occurs
only if a complaint is filed, or if other matters bring a problematical
situation strongly to the sanitarians' attention.
Systems of adequate capacity and design which are used the year around
are probably more efficient than those used only seasonally. An efficient
system can remove almost all BOD, but it is doubtful if nutrients,
especially nitrates, are prevented frcm eventually entering ground or surface
waters. Groundwater temperatures are reported to be around 50 degrees F
(Kbnizeski et al. 1968), and septic systems provided only with cold well
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water, such as that available in canpgrounds, can be expected to have
lew BOD rerajval and no nutrient removal.
Septic system failures, caused by overloading, improper construction,
or placement in irrpermeable soils or on bedrock, cause local serious
pollution problems. McGauhey and Winneberger (1965) have set forth the
following criteria of septic tank design and maintenance:
"1) Any soil continuously inundated will lose most of its
initial infiltrative capacity. In leaching systems,
this leads to failure if the system is designed on the
basis of initial infiltration rates higher than the
ultimate lew rate.
2) Maintain an aerobic system by alternate periods of resting
and loading on an optimum cycle.
3) Destruction of infiltrative capacity (of the drain field)
by construction methods: a) smsaring sidewall and bottcm
surfaces; b) coarpactian of bottcm surface by feet or nachinery;
c) silting of excavation during the rain. Hence, the
infiltrative surface (of the drain field) must be kept as
near as possible representative of an internal plane in the
undisturbed soil.
4) The entire infiltrative surface should be loaded uniformly
and simultaneously.
5) There should be no abrupt change in particle size between
trench fill material and infiltrative surface of the soil.
6) Hie system should provide a maximum of sidewall surface per
unit volume of effluent and a minimum of bottcm surface.
7) The amount of suspended solids and nutrients in the septic
tank effluent should be minimized. A tvro—ccrrpartment septic
tank with a screen-protected outflow pipe behind a scum baffle
is reoanrended."
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Should a static system beccme overloaded and became totally anaerobic,
ferrous sulfide is precipitated which can totally clog the infiltrative
surface. By not utilizing the system for a time, oxygen can reenter the
system, oxydizing the ferrous sulfide to ferric sulfate, which is soluble
and can be removed with water.
Size of the septic system should be determined by "the most conservative
value for anaerobic clogged infiltrative capacities, "which McGaughey and
Winneberger found to be 0.03 feet/day in their test sites.
Annual inspection and biennial pumping of the septic system are
suggested.
Proper installation and maintenance of a septic system of adequate
size to prevent overloading with annual inspection should prevent direct
discharge to surface waters. A bacteriological monitoring program
recommended elsewhere in this report vrould provide a necessary check on
irresponsible irotel, trailer court, or campground cwners. Other specific
recanmendations have been made under the criticisms of existing legal controls.
A feasibility study and perhaps a pilot project should be undertaken
to determine whether areas of high seasonal populations oould utilize a
seasonal municipal sewage system with spray irrigation facilities. Perhaps
such a system oould be utilized in conjunction with the locally expanding
Christmas tree plantations, forested areas, or croplands.
An alternative plan oould involve the construction of concrete vaults
which could be pumped regularly and disposed of in a closed lagoon system
built at a centralized location. Again, the wastes collected in these
vaults oould be pumped and disposed of by spray irrigation.
For less populated areas that are unable to install septic systems
due to bedrock, impermeable clay or other restrictions, individual sewage
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systems are available that are essentially no-discharge, closed systems.
A number of these systems are available an the market, yet the public is
relatively unaware that such systems exist. An educational program on
these systems may be beneficial.
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Muncipal Sewage Systems
Five public sewer systems exist in the study area serving the
canrnunities of Kali spell, White fish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Poison.
In addition, Lake MacDonald Lodge and the Lakeside Air Force Base also
have municipal systems. A sunmary of the types of existing systems and
population served is as follows:
Location Type Population Daily Flow BOD
Capacity Discharge Removal
(million gal/day)
Kalispell
Primary
18,000
2.251
53.1%4
Whitefish
Lagoons
3,936
• 292
79.4%4
Bigfork
Trickling Filter
2006
1
CM
CO
O
95%(est.)
Poison
Lagoon
2,400 (est.)
.1453
?
Columbia Falls
Aerated lagoon
2,200 (est.)
0.3
95%
(potential)
Lakeside Air
Force Base
Closed lagoon
system
1605
none
100%
Lake MacDonald
Lodge
Trickling Filter
Seasonal
0.1 (?)
90%
1. Petrini, et al, 1971. Comprehensive Development Plan, Flathead-Kalispell
City-Co. Planning Area. 1971. 90 pp.
2. Thcmas, et al, 1968. Comprehensive County Water and Sewer Plan.
3. Robertson, Duane, Lake County Sanitation Officer. Personal oornnunication.
4. State Board of Health, Kalispell Office, 1972. Unpublished data.
5. Nunnallee, Dave. State Dept. of Health and Environmental Science,
Sanitary Engineer, Personal aomnunicatian. 1972.
6. Willems, P.E. Chief, Water Quality Bureau, Environmental Sciences Division,
State Board of Health & Environmental Sciences. Written ocmnuracation.
1972.
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Our estimate of the permanent population currently utilizing municipal
systems is about 20,000. Poison's lagoon system discharges into the Flathead
River below Poison, has no direct affect on Flathead Lake, and has not
been evaluated in this report.
Recent improvements, or improvements scheduled in the near future
are as follcws:
T-aifPgjde Air Force Base. Work is underway to seal all joints in the
piping system; that should assure no discharge from their 80 acre
lagoon system, of three ponds in series.
Columbia Falls. The aerated lagoon-sand filter system is currently
being sealed to prevent rapid discharge of untreated sewage into
ground waters.
Bigfork. The trickling filter system presently has leakage and drainage
problems caused by inproper construction. Known defects have been
determined by television analysis (Butler, 1967). Litigation is
underway to determine liability for repairs.
Kalispell. A secondary treatment plant awaits approval of engineering
plans by EPA. 'Hie proposed secondary plant, utilizing oxidation
towers, secondary clarifiers, and secondary recirculation system, is
designed to remove 96% of BCD and 97% of suspended solids.
Lake McDonald - Park Headquarters: A proposed spray irrigation sewage
disposal system has been budgeted for fiscal year 1974. Treated sewage
will no longer be discharged into Lake McDonald.
Future municipal systems must conform to Montana's non-degradation
clause and must be no-discharge, closed systems. (See Brink 1967, Policy
Statement 14).
With the installation of secondary treatment at Kalispell, all
municipal systems with effluents tributary to the Lake are secondary
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treatment equivalents. Oxygen depletion of receiving waters should not be
a problem but for Ashley Creek during the sumner's reduced flow and the
Whitefish River during cold periods of the winter.
The 10-20 year plan for new public sewage systems for Flathead County
include plans for installations at Rose Crossing, Creston, Mountain Brook,
Holt, Echo Lake, Ferndale, and Montford School (Thomas, et al, 1968).
Soil conditions and present water contamination indicate that Lakeside is
also in need of scare form of sewage disposal other than septic tanks.
The Kali spell sewage system produces by far the worst pollution from
a single discharge source in the study area. Ashley Creek, which receives
the Kalispell sewage effluent, is grossly polluted from the point of sewage
plant discharge to the place where the stream empties into the Flathead
River. The State Board of Health (Spindler 1957) had this to say of
Ashley Creek:
"Near septic conditions of gross pollution exist, m Ashley Creek
below the discharge of inadequately-treated sewage frcm Kalispell and MPN
(most probable number) coliform organism analysis indicate that the creek
belcw this point is extremely unsafe for any use."
Though the sewage plant was enlarged in 1959, U.S.G.S. data for 1969-1970
reveal that conditions have not significantly changed.
A secondary sewage facility is pending for Kalispell. The proposed
secondary plant, utilizing oxidation towers, secondary clarifiers and a
secondary recirculation system is designed to remove 96% of the BOD and 97%
of the suspended solids. Whether or not oxygen depletion will then occur in
Ashley Creek will depend upon the amount of water in the creek at the time.
Ashley Creek water is removed above the sewage plant for irrigation water.
U'.S.G.S. streamflow data reported "no flew" as a minimum for this creek above
Kalispell. The Pacific Northwest River Basins Contiission (1971, Appendix XII)
nairmiatpH minimum flow needs to maintain Montana dissolved oxygen standards
criteria in the following graph.
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Figure 5
Minimum flow rates in sewage treatment
necessary for conformity with Montana dissolved oxygen criteria
MONTANA
ELEV 3000 FT
Tr 16*C
no allow 7m^l
14
o
o
o
K
z
>
5
o
treatment levels
A 90%
¦
It!
z
o
<
3
a
s
20
25
30
REQUIRED FLOWS (CFS)
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Frcm this graph the study concluded:
"Frcm a brief examination of the above mentioned graph, it was found
that only Ashley Creek is the only area in which existing
streamflcws do not seem sufficient to assimilate projected wastes after
treatment." Currently, Ashley Creek is classified an "E" stream below
Kalispell and has no specified oxygen criteria (Brink 1967) . The above
study's criteria would allow for the survival of trout (D.O. = 7 irq/1).
It would appear then, that only by preventing the sewage effluent frcm
entering the creek could oxygen levels be maintained suitable for trout.
Direct piping to the Flathead River with provisions for spray irrigation
has been suggested to solve this problem. The engineering firm that
designed the secondary treatment facility that is tentatively to be installed
at Kalispell superficially examined this proposal and rejected it because
of the costs involved.
Lagoon systems suffer from temperature variations. Bckenfelder and
Englande (1970) report that photosynthetic oxygen production and BOD removal
rates are greatly modified by temperature variations. Optimum photosynthetic
activity is reported at 20 degrees C, with upper and lower limits at 35
degrees C and 3 degrees C, respectively. Freezing of the lagoon surface
can reduce light penetration, and a sncw-cover can result in a completely
anaerobic system. Spring and Fall overturns may also create short-term
anaerobic conditions.
Sawyer (1968) and Carpenter et al (1968) concluded that aerated
lagoons with short retention times will be very sensitive to tsnperature
change. Vermes and Olson (1970) concluded that the limiting parameter
in BOD,, reduction in an aerated continuous discharge lagoon in North Dakota
was available oxygen, while tenperatures were of little importance. These
authors were reporting on a two-celled series system with a 20 day retention
time.
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Tarperature effects on BOD reduction are minimal an activated sludge
and trickling filter processes (Eckenfelder and Englande, 1970).
Processes of nutrient removal by municipal sewage treatment facilities
are apparently far more sensitive to tenperature changes than is the case
with BOD renoval. Terashima et al, (1971) found that nitrogen removal
(Organic N + airmonia) ceased belcw 10 degrees C in an activated sludge
process. Above that tenperature, a relatively stable amount (of 23-24%)
was removed. Tenperatures of municipal sewage are not available for those
systems operating in the drainage, but it can be assumed that tenperatures
belcw 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) are caiman.
The processes that occur in sewage sludge result in the production, of
a vitamin, biotin, by sewage bacteria. Fillip and Vermes (1970) have
correlated biotin production and algae growth. Vennes and Olson (1971)
feel that the disappearance of biotin frcm sewage sludge my be directly
related to algal numbers. Further research is needed before any conclusions
can be drawn, but methods employed to remove nutrients other than biotin
from municipal sewage may be insufficient to reduce algal blooms should
this vitamin be found to be a factor enhancing growth.
Water quality data was obtained by the U.S. Geological Survey on
Ashley Creek above and belcw the sewage outfall near Kalispell on four
different dates in 1969-70.
Calculations were attempted to determine daily nutrient inputs frcm
the sewage facility. Pounds per day of nitrogen and phosphorus can be
calculated assuming the sample is representative of the average nutrient
content of the water both above and below the outfall.
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The following estimates were obtained:
Date Net increase in total nitrogen per day Net increase in
(NOo-N+NO -N + QrgN+NH^-N) total phosphorus
2 per day
7/8/69 884.0 LB 343.8 LB
10/14/69 192.2 LB 109.5 LB
1/13/70 235.3 LB 119.2 LB
4/14/70 87.0 LB 130.8 LB
Assuming that each person contributes about 7 pounds of nitrogen and
2 pounds of phosphorus to sewage facilities yearly, and that 11,000
persons utilizing Kalispell's sewage system per day, then 230 pounds of
nitrogen and 60 pounds of phosphorus would enter the system daily. The
above erratic data are perhaps the result of inccnplete mixing of the
sewage effluent with Ashley Creek. Furthermore, the volume of sewage
effluent has daily cyclic patterns, and it appears that most samples were
taken during midmorning, a peak discharge period.
It is safe to assume that the existing primary treatment plant
renoves alirost no nutrients. We estimate, therefore, that 70,000 pounds
of nitrogen and 20,000 pounds of phosphorus are being discharged into
Ashley Creek frcm this facility yearly.
After Kalispell, the most inefficient treatment of sewage occurs at
the Whitefish sewage facility. The system consists of two lagoons in
series. A nonaerated lagoon system is subject to severe fluctuations in
efficiency ranspH by climatic changes. The State Board of Health and
Environmental Sciences determined BCD,, efficiency of the lagoons on May
12, 1972 to be 79.4% removal. Hie efficiency probably improved during
the warm sunner ironths but may drop well below 50% during the cold months
of winter. Gordon (1971) reports that the addition of sewage effluent,
especially that containing high nitrate and phosphate levels, increased
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microbial activity of the receiving waters at zero degrees centigrade and
markedly reduced dissolved oxygen levels. Therefore, the Whitefish River
may experience serious oxygen depletion problems be lew the Whitefish sewage
outfall during the coldest parts of winter.
Nanaerated lagoons do not appear suitable for use in climates such
as western Montana where the temperatures average belcw freezing for
alirost 4 norths out of the year. The Whitefish system should be modified
at least to an aerated system. Vermes and Olson (1970) found that such a
system in North Dakota with a minimum of a 20-day retention time would
not suffer frran temperature fluctuations, but is dependent only upon
available oacygen. A comparable system, then, should solve Whitefish*s
oxygen depletion problems.
Kalispell and Whitefish represent the only municipalities where
oxygen depletion is a problem. Nutrient contributions, hewever, are
relatively uncontrolled, and will remain a problem even when Kalispell
and Whitefish install systems equivalent to secondary treatment. Lew
annual temperatures apparently limit even the low nutrient removal
potential of these systems. We therefore suggest a 10% removal of
nitrogen and phosphorus is a better estimate than the 30% removal we
previously indicated. Annual use of municipal sewage facilities in the
upper Flathead drainage (excluding Poison) is currently estimated at 17,000.
We estimate, therefore, about 110,000 pounds of nitrogen and 30,000 pounds
of phosphorus are discharged to surface waters of the Flathead drainage yearly.
Further improvement of existing or planned municipal systems to
enhance water quality by removing these nutrients, while desirable, is
questionable. Nutrient inputs from municipal sewage are relatively lew
compared with certain other land practices in the Flathead drainage.
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Conversely, the systems represent point discharges of high nutrient
concentrations that can be easily controlled. Continued population growth
within the municipalities will eventually necessitate tertiary treatment.
The present disposal of sewage effluent is a waste of a valuable
agricultural resource, as Parizek, et al. (1967), determined by utilizing
sewage effluent to spray irrigate crops and woodlands. Yields for
certain crops could be tripled by utilizing the effluent for irrigation
waters. Unlike conditions prevailing in the Pennsylvania State study,
hcwever, it is doubtful that spray irrigation could be utilized here year
around.
While it is a well documented fact that the installation of tertiary
treatment faciliti.es oould lcwer the productivity of receiving waters,
the expense of tertiary treatment might be more beneficially utilized by
control ling nutrient inputs from other, more deleterious sources of water
degradation. These sources in the Flathead drainage include agriculture,
and livestock. Individual sewage systems are estimated to contribute
almost twice as much nitrogen to the drainage.
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Livestock wastes
The agricultural census of 1969 reported 36,641 cattle on 539 farms
and the sale of 18,439 swine front 77 farms in Flathead County (Bureau of
Census 1971). Five cannercial feed lots with the annual capacity of
about 45,000 head were reported in 1972, (U.S.D.A. Ccrmittee for Rural
Development, Flathead Co., 1972). The animals are rather evenly dispersed
over the Kalispell Valley and lower parts of the drainage. Total
confinement feeding is employed for a large portion of the swine production.
Animal wastes frcm this procedure are pumped into manure spreaders. Durrpirtg
of this waste is not known but may occur.
Feedlots have caused considerable water pollution in local streams
in the past, particularly in the area around Spring Creek northeast of
Kalispell. The feedlot presenting the greatest problems is not operating
at present. Only three feedlots are known to be in operation at the
present time (Nunnallee, personal uuiununication). The State Board of
Health and Environmental Sciences in Helena is currently working on
potential control measures for feedlots across the state.
Using Flathead County's livestock estimates as a minimum number of
animals on the study area, total waste figures can be calculated frcm data
accumulated by Rbbbins, Howells, and Kriz (1971). Cattle within Flathead
County produce an estimated 1,282 tons of solid wastes and 412 tons of
liquid wastes daily (1969 livestock figures). Assuming market size of swine
to be about 225 pounds, 160 tons of wet manure is produced daily by swine
in Flathead County. Another 35 tons of manure per day is estimated to be
produced by horses in the county. The organic carbon, nitrogen, and
phosphorus contents of these wastes are of particular concern to water quality.
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Oxygen depletion and nutrient enrichment from these sources are believed
very significant in the drainage. Control of this source of pollutants
is generally lacking in the drainage. Monitoring systems to detect such
pollution are absent except for those stations operated by the State.
Local problems exist; it is apparent as discussed elsewhere that cattle
in the Lake Mary Ronan drainage are rapidly degrading the water quality
of that lake. Cattle are also known to have direct access to Flathead
Lake in seme areas, (Robertson, personal acmnunication).
Fobbins, Howells, and Kriz (1971) have determined nitrogen and
phosphate (PO^) inputs from cattle and swine to surface waters for certain
drainages m North Carolina. These values can be used to estimate
nutrient inputs for livestock in the Flathead drainage .
LB/day/animal Total inputs for all
animals/yr
Nitrogen Phosphate , Nitrogen Phosphate
Cattle (37,000 head)
Direct discharge
0.034
0.027
460,000
365,000
Land spreading
0.008
0.003
108,000
40,000
Swine (19,000 head)
Direct discharge
0.032
0.017
222,000
118,000
Land spreading
0.002
0.001
14,000
7,000
Table 3. Estimates of nutrients frcm livestock (Nitrogen and Phosphate
LB/day/animal data frcm Howells, et al., 1971).
Minimum nutrient inputs can then be estimated by adding the calculated
wastes of cattle and swine which assume that all manure was disposed by
land spreading techniques. Estimates of 122,000pounds of nitrogen and
47,000 pounds of phosphates (15,300 pounds of phosphorus) are obtained.
Maximum estimates obtained by assuming direct discharge are 682,000 pounds
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of nitrogen and 483,000 pounds of phosphates (160,000 pounds of phosphorous).
The actual amount of nutrient enrichment caused by livestock wastes in the
Flathead drainage is between these estimates, and probably closer to the
higher figures. Manure spreading is not oonmon practice for cattle
wastes in the Flathead drainage. Furthermore, the soil is frozen for
about a three-month period and livestock wastes accumulate on the soil
surface or on sncw. Spring runoff on winter cattle range is believed to
be highly enriched with livestock wastes, tfe estimate, then, that
nutrient enrichment from animal wastes to surface waters is about half
of the maximum estimate, or over 300,000 pounds of nitrogen and about
80,000 pounds of phosphorous per year.
No data are available to determine nutrient enrichment of ground
waters from livestock wastes. No problems of phosphorus enrichment are
expected, but nitrate enrichment may be significant. Konizeski, et al.
(1968), reported high nitrate levels in certain perched aquifers in the
Kalispell valley that may in part be due to livestock wastes. A ground
water study of the area should include assessment of potential nitrogen
enrichment frcm livestock wastes.
Reuoiiiuendations to control this source of water pollution have been
made by Bobbins, Howell and Kriz (1971) and are as follows:
North Carolina State University Study (1971)
Conclusions
1. "Hie natural pollution load on streams draining agricultural basins
free of farm animals can be appreciable during periods of rainfall
and runoff and should be taken into consideration in water quality
management."
2. "Except for nitrate penetration into the groundwater at one site,
pollution indices for land drainage frcm waste spreading and control
watersheds paralleled stream hydrographs with extended dragout
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on cessation of surface runoff. The rise in indices with runoff
was roughly proportional to increase in flow of stream over base
flew. Where nitrate had entered the groundwater, concentrations
in stream were inversely proportional to flow, peaking under dry-
weather conditions."
3. "The extent of water pollution caused by farm animal production units
is more dependent on production and waste management practices than
on the volume of wastes involved."
4. "The land provides a natural treatment system for animal wastes and
land spreading is a very effective means to prevent water pollution.
Even in cases where the disposal sites are poorly located or managed
or where pastured animals have access to streams, the amount of
pollutants (natural plus animal wastes) which reach streams is a
very small proportion (less than 10 percent) of the potential from
the animal wastes deposited in the watersheds. Proper land spreading
can reduce pollutants entering streams by more than 99 percent.
Criteria for this purpose is provided."
5. "Differences in watershed characteristics such as slope, soil
permeability, surface culture, drainage pattern, degree of erosion
and other factors are of great significance in determining the
quality of streams draining agricultural basins. This emphasizes
the inportance of good soil and water conservation practices to
minimize the movement of wastes into streams."
6. "Although estimating equations developed from this study with temperature,
number of animals and rate of land runoff as independent variables
and pollution parameters as dependent variables do not have general
applicability, predictive relationships held quite well for many sets
of data collected over short periods of time showing premise that
estimating equations to serve the needs of water quality management
can be developed with a more detailed and longer term study, particularly
if the equations include effects of more hydrological variables."
7. "The use of anaerobic lagoons as the sole means for treatment of
animal wastes is an unsatisfactory practice in areas where rainfall
exceeds evaporation. Even when lagoons provide more capacity per
animal than USDA and other reoormended standards recommended,
effluents still exceed raw domestic sewage in strength. Although the
amount of surface discharge and resulting stream pollution fron lagoons
can be lessened by reducing the amount of wash-water, diverting runoff
from surrounding areas, and locating lagoons to prevent surface and
subsurface inflcw, at least intermittent surface discharge is assured
unless deep seepage is excessive."
8. "The practice of dumping fresh animal wastes directly into streams
causes severe pollution. Swine and dairy production units are the
principle sources in North Carolina. Although the water quality
dewnstream frcm a discharge point is largely predictable from
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characberization of fresh wastes, the quality varies erratically
with flow rate depending on the amount of solids carried by the
water. The large pollution load imposed on a stream by a direct
discharge operation overshadows the load from surrounding pastures
or other land disposal operations. The streams are generally more
polluted in the surrmer and pollution increases with surface runoff."
9. "Sirtple regression analyses support the conclusion that total organic
carbon can be used as a rapid and reliable measurement of pollution
frcm animal wastes and for the estimation of other pollution indices."
10. "Antibiotics and toxic metals in animal feeds apparently interfere
with the BOD5 analysis of animal wastes at levels above 60 mg/1,
necessitating the concurrent use of TOC (or CCD) for the estimation
of degradable organics and oxygen demand at BOD5 levels above 60
mg/1."
11. "The state of the art of animal waste management for pollution
control is primitive, indeed. Many questions remain with regard to
animal waste characterization, related water quality studies, and
the proper design of lagoons and other waste treatment facilities
used in conjunction with or independent of land spreading."
Preventive measures are necessary to prevent massive contamination
by livestock wastes during spring runoff. Cattle and swine overwinter
m relatively small areas in lower portions of the valley. Collection of
manure for later land spreading may be possible and may be an economical
alternative for inorganic fertilizers.
All cattle should be immediately removed from the Lake Mary Ronan
drainage until some workable solution can be found to keep the cattle out
of the lake and feeder streams.
Fencing livestock away from streams may be warranted in certain
areas.
large numbers of livestock should not be allowed an land serving as
major groundwater recharge areas, especially during the late spring, early
simmer period, until studies have been conducted to determine the extent
of nutrient enrichment frcm livestock wastes to groundwater supplies.
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Farming Practices
The majority of the lands in the drainage now sustaining seme form
of agricultural use are found in the Kalispell Valley. 82,522 acres
of harvested cropland were reported in Flathead County during 1969
(Bureau of Census, 1971). Of this cropland, about 17,000 acres were
wheat, 22,500 acres of other snail grains, and about 40,000 acres of
hay. Only about 15,000 acres of this cropland were irrigated.
Camnercial fertilizer was applied to over 44,000 acres at the
average rate of 189 pounds per acre, or 4,175 tons annually (ibid).
Assuming the average content of fertilizer to contain 33% nitrogen and
20% P2®5' t^ien about 2,500,000pounds of nitrogen and 660,000 pounds of
phosphorus are added yearly to the soil on these 44,000 acres. In fact,
the amount of fertilizers used and number of acres fertilized have
increased since 1969, making these estimates low.
Agricultural data for other counties in the study area are not available
as figures can be found summarized only for counties, not for portions
of counties. Farming also occurs in the part of Flathead County that is
excluded frcm the study area, making the previously stated figures for
Flathead County slightly inaccurate.
No agriculture or livestock was observed by Seastedt in the
Canadian part of the study area. Pcwell and Lewis and Clark Counties
are in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area and receive only pack-horse use.
The Swan Valley in Lake and Missoula Counties has been described "essentially
nonagricultural" by the Bureau of Reclamation (1959), however, sane hay
is grewn and grazing occurs at least during the warmer seasons of the year.
Cherry orchards cover about 1,100 acres around Flathead Lake of which
about 700 acres are irrigated, (U.S.D.A. Ccnmittee for Rural Development,
Lake County, 1972).
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The number of farms m Flathead County has dropped frczn 1,701
farms in 1940 to 825 by 1969 (Bureau of Census 1941, 1971). The Bureau
of Census (1971) has reported that frcsn 1964 through 1969, 77,000 acres of
farm land were lost to other land classification types. Subdivision to
ranchettes, surnner homes, and suburban developments may be presumed to
have gained a considerable portion of this acreage.
Acreage under irrigation in Flathead County has increased frcm 8,000
to 28,000 acres in the last 25 years. Continued growth at this rate would
result m 90,000 acres under irrigation by the year 2000. Estinates
for irrigation for the entire drainage area are only slightly higher
than these figures.
Irrigation, in principle, must supply enough water for transevaporation
requirements of the crop and to leach frcm the subsoil any excess build-up
of salts remaining fran the application of irrigation waters and
fertilizers. Rhoads and Bernstein (1971) summarize the change in solute
aontent as follows:
"When irrigation waters are reduced in volume by evapotranspiration,
sparingly soluble salts present in the waters tend to precipitate. At
the same time, soil minerals are being weathered and are releasing soluble
salts. Soil mineral surfaces are charged, so that ions are absorbed. As
penetrating waters equilibrate with the soil, an exchange of ions
between the water and the soil can occur, so that specific ion composition
of the soil water may change as the water moves through the soil. Salts
are also added to soils as fertilizers and soil amendments, and these are
solubilized to varying extents and may then enter into the exchange and
precipitation reactions. Finally, other chemicals added to control plant
pests and diseases may dissolve in the soil water and modify the water
properties.
Thus, the water penetrating the soil is modified m its solute content
by evapotranspirational loss of part of the water, by various precipitation
and soil solubilization reactions, and by the introduction of fertilizers
and soil amendments and pest-regulating chemicals."
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The Soil Conservation Service and Montana State University County
Extension Offices are in charge of instructing and advising farmers on
proper irrigation methods. According to the Soil Conservation Service,
Kalispell Office, the major problem with present irrigation practices
involves the application of insufficient water for proper crop growth.
It is assumed, then, that return flews are minimal for the amount of
irrigation waters applied.
No return flows to surface waters are known to occur above Flathead
Lake. Seme drainage frraxi irrigation canals is believed to enter the
south end of Flathead Lake. In 1969, 23,565 acre-feet of water were used
for irrigation purposes in Flathead County (Bureau of Census, 1971) .
Return flows to ground waters are estimated to be less than 50% of the
total water used for irrigation. (Calculated frcm Pacific Northwest
Interagency Committee, 1957).
No methods are employed to prevent ground water degradation
from the solute content of return flows. By the year 2000, the irrigation
needs of the Kalispell Valley are estimated to be of the order of
293,000 acre-feet of water per year. (Pacific Northwest Interagency
Oonmittee, 1957). At the time of these calculations, sprinkler systems
were not considered on a full scale basis, so that the estimate is
probably high. However, over 100,000 acre-feet per year of return flows
to ground water supplies should be anticipated by the year 2000.
Biggar and Corey (1969) have accumulated and summarized the data of
many investigators. The literature contains many similar interactions
and characteristics of soil solute properties that appear applicable to
the Flathead drainage.
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Biggar and Corey state, "Precipitation from the atmosphere (or by
irrigation) is disposed of by 1) surface runoff; 2) ground water runoff
(interflow); 3) deep percolation; 4) storage; and 5) evaporation and
transpiration. The first three of these can, and do, contribute to
eutrophication by providing pathways of nutrient movement to lakes and
streams."
When nutrients percolate to the ground water, their movenent to lakes
and streams is dependent on ground water movement. Yet mixing of soil
solutes with ground water and their subsequent movsnents are extremely
complex and variable depending on the substrate and other factors.
Biggar and Corey summarize: "Therefore, it is not safe to assume that
nutrients derived from percolating waters will be diluted by the entire
ground water mass prior to discharge into a lake."
Biggar and Corey state: "Runoff waters usually contain very little
soluble inorganic nitrogen. In fact, the nitrate contents of runoff
waters are usually lower than the average nitrate content of rain water.
The first rain that falls sweeps most of the nitrate frcsn the air and
carries it into the soil."
"The relative concentrations of soluble phosphorus in surface runoff
and soil percolates are the reverse of the nitrogen system. If phosphorus
fertilizers were applied to the soil surface . . . the concentration of
phosphorus in the runoff water might range up to a few tenths of a
milligram per liter. In the water that percolates through the soil, the
soluble phosphorus concentration is usually very low because the
phosphorus precipitates in the subsoil. Therefore, most of the soluble
phosphorus should reach the waterways via surface runoff."
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"Nitrate is oonpletely soluble in the soil solution and moves with
it. Thus the soil percolates generally contain more nitrate than do
surface waters. This nitrate eventually reaches the waterways unless the
water emerges in a marsh, where it may be absorbed by the vegetation or
reduced to gaseous nitrogen."
The movement of nitrates and phosphorus through the soil has been
studied by numerous investigators, all in apparent agreement. Scalf,
et al. (1968), found that the nitrate ion does not readily absorb but
moves freely through aquifers, and there appears to be little denitrification
occurring in saturated soils. Parizek, et al. (1967), found that phosphorus
concentrations were reduced 99% during passage of sewage effluent through
only one foot of soil.
Btggar and Corey cite Bertrand (1966) as having determined that in
the great plains area, with an average of 20 inches of precipitation,
about 18.8 inches are lost by evaporation and transpiration, 1 inch as
surface runoff and 0.2 inches as percolate.
The Kali spell valley has about a 15 inch annual rainfall. Rainfall
is believed to be more evenly distributed than m the plains with more of
the percentage of precipitation falling during the nongrcwing months.
This might indicate a higher percentage of surface flew and percolate, but
supporting data are lacking. If this be the case, however, estimates
utilized from studies under conditions of lesser rainfall, or frcan areas
where the percentage of precipitation occurring during nongrowing months
is less will result in underestimates of nutrient percolation to ground
waters.
To calcualte nutrient loss to surface runoff and ground waters is
difficult at best. Lipnan and Ccnybeare (1936) estimated nutrient loss
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in soils to erosion and leaching and found an average (and remarkably
high) value of 52.0 pounds per acre per year of nitrogen and 12.17 poinds
per acre per year of phosphorus lost to surface and ground waters. More
recently Sawyer (1947) estimated the average loss of 6 pounds per acre
per year of nitrogen and .062 pounds per acre per year of phosphorus to
certain lakes in Wisconsin. Erickson and Ellis (1971) found that an
average value for nitrogen and phosphorus losses from fertilized, non-
irrigated farm lands of clay-loam soils to be about 10 and 0.1 poinds
per acre per year, respectively. These farms applied about 140 pounds of
fertilizer per acre per year. These investigators also estimated the
amount of nitrogen fixed frcm the atmosphere to be 20 pounds per acre
per year.
Irrigation greatly increases the amount of percolate and nutrient
leaching. Sylvester and Seabloom (1962) determined nutrient loss on
irrigated lands in the Yakina Basin of Washington. Sixty-eight pounds
of nitrogen and 1.0 pound of phosphorus were estimated to be leached
frcm an acre of irrigated, fertilized farm land to surface waters. Other
values obtained were 33 pounds of nitrogen and 1.3 pounds of phosphorus
per acre per year.
Assuming all irrigated lands in the Flathead drainage also to be
fertilized, then estimates for nutrient inputs to surface waters can be
calculated for the Flathead drainage (Table 4).
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Table 4. Estimates of nutrient loss to surface waters frcm agricultural
practices.
Nitrogen
Loss
Phosphorus Total N
Loss
Loss
Total
P Loss
Nonfertilized,
nanirrigated cropland
53,500
6.01
0.0621
321,000
3,317
Fertilized, non-
irrigated cropland
14,000
10.02
0.12
140,000
1,400
Fertilized, irrigated
cropland
15,000
33.03
1.03
495,000
15,000
Fertilized, irrigated
pasture
15,000
33.03
1.03
495,000
15,000
Totals 97,500
1,451,000 34,717
1. Frcm Sawyer (1947)
2. From Ericksan and Ellis (1971)
3. Most conservative estimates of Sylvester and Seabloam (1962)
We estimate, then, that over 1,400,000 pounds of nitrogen and over
34,000 pounds of phosphates are contributed to surface waters from cropland
and irrigated cropland.
Utilization of fairly similar estimates of nutrient loss frcm non-
irrigated nonfertilized lands and nanirrigated fertilized lands may seem
unreasonable. However, frcm the preceding discussion it is noted that
phosphorus losses are largely due to surface runoff. Therefore, fertilization
would obviously cause an increase in phosphorus content if surface runoff
remains constant. However, increased nitrogen in the form of nitrates
will percolate into the soils, where the lack of percolation waters will
prevent excess leaching. Hence, it appears that nitrogen losses to surface
waters are more dependent upcn irrigation than upcn fertilization.
Should the Kalispell valley eventually have 100,000 acres under
fertilization and irrigation, the drainage may be enriched by an estimated
3,300,000 pounds of nitrogen and 100,000 pounds of phosphates yearly!
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Proper land management will prevent surface runoff, reducing phosphorus
levels somewhat, but will increase subsurface flow, and therefore probably
increase nitrate levels further. It may be impossible, then, to control
nitrogen inputs, but to maintain phosphorus levels below concentrations
where it remains a limiting factor.
The conclusions of Zwerman and others (1971) are therefore reocnmended
here to encourage proper agricultural methods frcm excessively enriching
surface runoff and which might limit nitrogen leaching.
"Long term hay rotations produce the most stable soil physical
conditions, which result in the lowest losses of water, soil, and plant
nutrients frcm the land surface."
"By avoiding applications of nitrogen fertilizer in months when crop
uptake is lew and deep seepage of water is high (October-May) and by
restricting the quantity applied to just meet crop requirenents, leaching
losses of nitrate can be kept to a tolerable level."
"Manure has been demonstrated to have a very beneficial effect on
reducing surface runoff. This property is particularly important with
respect to limiting phosphorus runoff. Manure may be a good substitute
for considerable amounts of fertilizer nitrogen and phosphorus."
Irrigation waters should be applied as sparingly as possible utilizing
sprinkler systems to help prevent surface return flows to waterways.
Rhoades and Bernstein (1971) suggest the use of anrnonium-nitrogen
fertilizer to reduce nitrate inputs to ground waters. While the aimtmium
will be nitrified with time, plant utilization may lessen nitrate leaching.
Irrigation return flews will be discharging an estimated 140 cfs
(year-round average) to ground waters should irrigated acreage reach its
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potential in the Kalispell valley. Specific studies of 1) the chemical
constituents of return flews; and 2) ground water interactions with surface
waters are warranted to assess this pollution source.
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Subdivision Activity
The Department of Revenue reports that over 68,000 acres of Flathead
County have been assessed as suburban small tracts (Tcmlinson, 1972).
This figure represents approximately 9.2% of the privately owned lands
in the county.
There has been an alarming growth of subdivision activity in Montana
and especially in the study area over the last decade. Subdivisions which
were approved in Montana m 1961 numbered 13, whereas the estimate for
1972 is 130 (Ibid). However, Tbmlinson considers even these figures to
be only a poor indicator of what is happening with land transactions
across the state. The regulations governing land transactions include:
1) the filing of plats; 2) zoning, and 3) sanitary restriction.
Tcmlinson states, "Mounting control seemingly has not stemmed the
increase in activity, but has instead resulted m more widely practiced
illegal subdivision by developers. As speculation increases and land
prioes rise, the motivating forces at work make this activity all the more
lucrative."
"Application of the Environmental Impact Statement requirement has
created for the developer a high risk-low return situation. If by
subjecting the development to public scrutiny, the development is rejected,
the publicity might drastically reduce the value of the ground."
It can be assumed that the developer who knows or suspects that his
land would not qualify for removal of sanitary restrictions for individual
sewage systems is likely to engage in illegal and unknown subdivision.
Hence, all of the known suburban tracts may not pose as severe a threat to
water quality as those that go unrecorded. Finally, the unknowing buyer
may fail in his attempt to obtain a septic tank permit and may then install
a system illegally.
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The State Board of Health and Environmental Sciences has the authority
to approve water and sewaqe facilities for subdivision of land into
parcels of less than five acres. (Statutory Authority 69-5003) . A summary
of legal controls and regulations, and a form copy of the Environmental
Impact statement which must be submitted is included in Appendix VI.
With respect to private sanitary facilities, parcels of land larger than
five acres are not regulated by the State, but these still must meet the
county sanitarian's requirements for water and sewage facilities.
Water quality degradation caused by rural subdivision development
involves increased nutrients to ground and surface waters. Increased
BOD demand and fecal bacterial contamination of surfaoe waters result
from systems that have failed, were improperly installed, have inadequate
capacities or drain fields, or by direct discharge. Improper land
management practices around streams and lakes, including: 1) stream
channelization or modification; 2) removal of stream overstorv; 3) surface
and ground water enrichment frcm lawn fertilization, and 4) weed and
pest control contaminants, are causes of thermal, chemical and biological
changes in streams and lakes.
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Subdivisions and Water Quality
A two-day field survey was conducted with Dr. Richard Konizeski,
hydrologist, and members of the Montana Department of Natural Resources
and conservation field study team who are currently conducting a resource
inventory of an area between Bigferk and Echo Lake. Dr. Konizeski
demonstrated the complexity of the soil substrate, subsurface deposits and
bedrock formations for this area north of Bigfork. The complexity and
diversity of the subsurface deposits make the standardized criteria for
sewage disposal facilities and distances frcm wells and surface waters for
sewage drain fields or pit privies totally unacceptable for maintaining
water quality.
The following facts were also revealed during the field survey:
1) The rate of subdivision growth greatly exceeds known estimates
and is proceeding without sufficient regulation, zoning, or
any form of planning.
2) Developers are selling land unseen and are misleading purchasers
concerning the availability of water supplies and the ability of
the land to be used for individual sewage disposal.
3) Extensive subdivision activity is occurring in aquifer recharge
areas. Extensive road construction, housing and other cultural activies
may alter the quality and quantity of ground water.
4) Total development of the Kettle lakes area, as presently planned,
will speed eutrophicatian of those lakes unless collective sewage
systems are installed.
5) Subdivision development on flood plains is occurring which is
totally incompatible with the flood plain concept.
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The field survey, along with discussions with W. O. Aikin and David
Nunnallee, sanitary engineers for the State Board of Health and Environmental
Scaenoes, have allowed the investigators to be able more critically to
examine the state regulations for water and sewage facilities for subdivisions.
In general, state controls and regulations are not explicit enough for areas
of complex geologic and hydrologic morphology, nor does it appear that these
regulations were designed in anticipation of such intensive subdivision
activity as is occurring in the Flathead drainage.
State regulations governing subdivision development are presented in
Appendix VI. We submit a critique of these regulations as they apply to
the Flathead drainage.
Title 69-5002 Section 149 limits regulatory authority to parcels of less
than 5 acres. Authority should be expanded to all subdivision activity
(the division of a piece of land into two or more parcels). Whether this
regulatory authority should be handled by the state or delegated to a more
local authority is discussed below.
Title 69-5003 Section 150 in part states, "No building or shelter
which necessitates supplying water or sewage or waste disposal facilities
for persons shall be erected until the sanitary restriction has been removed
or modified. Enforcement of this requirement has been totally lacking. The
public is unaware of the requirement and subdividers are known to pass this
responsibility by contract to the individual owner. In same instances the
land is sold to the unwary buyer without informing him of this condition either
verbally or by contract.
Reccranendations:
1) The public must be cane aware of the sanitary restriction regulation.
Advertising of land for sale should plainly stipulate (not in fine print)
that the parcel has or has not had the sanitary restriction removed.
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2) Building permits and septic tank permits should not be issued
unless the cwner has valid proof of the removal of sanitary
restrictions.
3) Certain geographical or geological areas within the drainage
including, but not limited to, bedrock outcroppings, ground
water recharge areas, clay and lime-aemented fill, are unsuitable
for septic tank systems. Ihese areas should be mapped and
classified "not for subdivision" unless public water and
sewage treatment facilities are provided by the subdivider.
Regulation 51.300 Section 3.5 at present allows the subdivider
to pass the responsibility for the removal of sanitary restrictions
on to the individual cwner. Under the above geologic conditions,
the cwner is caught with an expensive sewage disposal problem.
Regulation 51.300 Section 5 is felt to be unacceptable due to the
ocnplex nature of subsoil characteristics within the Flathead drainage.
Section 5.4.6 requires infomaticn between ground water and the sewage
disposal system. Depending cn the intervening substrate, a "safe"
distance oould constitute a few feet to perhaps hundreds of feet. No
"safe" criterion exists should the area be a ground water recharge area
or the intervening substrate be sand.
Table I (Section 6.2.2) presents criteria for minimum safe distances
between sewage disposal sites and water supplies. For reasons similar to
those stated above, such criteria are invalid.
Section 6.1.1 states that "Individual water supply systems shall be
constructed to provide an adequate supply of water . . ." Wells are being
drilled into bedrock in the drainage that are tapping "old" water. These
are aquifers that have virtually no recharge capabilities. Water may be
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supplied for a period of a few years, but will eventually go dry. Hence,
ground water in certain areas of the drainage is literally an unrenewable
resource and must be recognized and treated as such.
Section 7.1.1 requires that adequate treatment shall be provided for
all sewage and waste water to prevent contamination of surface waters.
This criterion apparently rigorous, is blatantly violated withm the
drainage because:
1) no monitoring system to detect pollution sources exists.
2) enforcement is lacking, mainly because the burden of proof is
contingent en #1 above.
3) lack of ground water quality criteria allows for indirect
contamination of surface waters.
Section 7.2.2 provides criteria for horizontal distances frcro sewage
disposal sites to surface waters. Supposedly, a minimum of 100 feet frcm
the 50-year flood level of any river or lake and, "a distance of greater
than 100 feet . . . may be required in seme instances." Mapping of 50-year
flood levels is virtually nonexistant for most rivers and lakes in the
drainage. It appears this criterion has been more or less modified to
known water levels, which have proved grossly inadequate in the Kettle
lake area, especially at Echo Lake. Presumably, this criterion serves
the double function of preventing pollution frcm drainage fields frcm
entering surface waters and preventing periodic inundation of septic systems.
Again, the complex hydrology and geology of certain areas make such
criterion of questionable value.
Section 7.4.1 requires that an adequate number of percolation tests
be made to demonstrate the absorptive ability of the soil throughout the
sub-division. Dr. Kanizeski has ocrrmented on the fact that percolation
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tests could vary greatly, not fran acre to acre, but within only a few
inches. The layering of lacustrine deposits, gravels, sand and fill is
so complex in certain areas that the percolation tests reveal little
except infiltration rates at that specific point.
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Recreation
Canpgrounds, motels and trailer courts accomodate the large number
of seasonal visitors traveling through the drainage. Glacier National
Park is expected to record over 1,400,000 visitor-days this year. The
Flathead National Forest is estimated to sustain about 600,000 visitor-
days this year.
Seasonal use of a septic system presents special problems. There
is apparently a "lag time" before bacterial organisms reach maximum
density for proper BOD removal. Overloads obviously occur in Glacier
National Park (Daniel, et al, 1971), and around Flathead Lake (Robertson,
personal camiunicatian). Low water temperatures found in canpground
facilities result in low BCD removal rates, slowing the digestive processes
and lowering capacities of the septic tank systems. Once a system exceeds
its capacity, efficiency rapidly drops with retention time.
Except for Flathead Lake and part of Glacier National Park, no systematic
studies of septic tank efficiency (as measured by coliform bacterial cultures)
have been made. Furthermore, the absence of coliform bacteria gives no
indication of the BOD or nutrient inputs of septic tank effluent.
A survey by University of Montana Biological Station personnel was
conducted to determine visitor^days to Flathead Lake, Swan Lake, and Lake
Mary Ronan. Data was accumulated from campgrounds, motels, trailer courts
and sunmer hemes. Excluding permanent residents, Swan Lake and Lake Mary
Ronan each receive about 40,000 visitors-days per year. Flathead Lake is
estimated to receive a minimum of 750,000 visitor-days during 1972. Data
for other popular recreation lakes, such as Whitefish Lake, Ashley Lake,
Tally Lake, and the Kettle lakes have not been accumulated.
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It is very safe to estimate that the drainage currently sustains a
minimum of 3,000,000 visitor-days per year. The rate of increase in
tourism in the past has been estimated at about 5%; but the current rate
is believed to be between 8% and 10% per year. State campgrounds, for
example, have experienced a 60% increase in visitor use in the three-year
period between 1969 and 1971 (Montana Fish and Game Department, unpublished
data). At least 80% of the total visitor-days occur within the 90-day period
between June 15 and Septerrber 15, currently giving the drainage an average
daily increase in population of about 26,000 persons during this period.
With the exception of Lake McDonald Lodge and a few motels in the cities,
the wastes frcm these visitors are discharged into private sewage facilities,
usually septic tank systems.
The following premises are made and control measures suggested:
1) We estimate current seasonal use of the drainage to be above
3,000,000 visitor-days annually; more than 80% of these visitor-days
occur between June 15 to September 15.
2) The present rate of increase in tourism is estimated to be
between 8 and 10% per year. If that rate remains oonstant, then
by the year 2000 the wastes frcm tourists will exceed those of
the permanent population of the drainage (daily, year-round
average).
3) The majority of campgrounds, motels and trailer courts are near
or adjacent to waterways.
4) Individual sewage facilities, usually septic tanks, are used to
handle most of the wastes of tourists.
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5) These sewage systems are inefficient for seasonal use due to the
lag time necessary to develop adequate populations of sewage
micro-organisms, to overloading, and to low water temperatures
in the systems. Nutrient removal, especially removal of nitrates,
is estimated to be near zero, with the soluble nutrients eventually
discharged to ground or surface waters.
Reocmmendations:
1) A specific study should be ccramssianed to determine the
efficiency of seasonal septic tank use within the Flathead
drainage. BOD removal and nutrient enrichment to surrounding
ground and surface waters should be assessed.
2) A monitoring program should be established by the offices of
the county sanitarian to assess overloading of existing septic
tank systems by utilizing the membrane filter-total coliform
bacteria measurement. All existing tourist facilities should be
monitored. Late August is believed to be the best time for
determining whether overloading does occur.
3) Existing tourist facilities located near areas which experience
high population densities during the summer months should
install municipal systems or vaults as reccnmended in the rural-
domestic wastewater section.
4) Future tourist developments should install sane form of closed
system, either vaults or spray irrigation facilities, if the
latter are shown to be effective in this region.
5) Future individual sunmer hemes adjacent to surface waters should
install one of the variety of closed (no-discharge) systems.
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6) Glacier National Park will no doubt eventually establish a quota
on the maximum number of visitors allowed withm the Park at any
one time. This quota, of course, must not exceed the maximum
capacity of sewage facilities.
7) Federal, state and private campgrounds and paries should utilize
chemical toilets. Pumping and disposal into closed lagoons and/or
spray irrigation is warranted. The Federal and State campground
and park facilities should take the lead in developing no discharge
sewage systems.
8) All existing tourist facilities should be required to have their
septic tanks pumped yearly.
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Problems of Growth of Itourism and Subdivision Activity
Tourism and subdivision activity could be considered to express a
negative synergism on land use and water quality in the Flathead drainage.
While both activities are rapidly increasing, subdivision activity results
in less public access for an ever-increasing number of tourists. The end
result is overcrowded campgrounds and parks causing soil erosion, over-
loaded septic system, and not very satisfying recreational activities.
The land and water can caily withstand a certain limit of human use
before the natural ecosystem is unalterably destroyed. The present lack
of planning and management has lowered the human carrying capacity from
the potential limits, and certain waterways of the drainage are shewing
acute symptoms of eutrophicaticn caused by cultural enrichment.
The ultimate cause of the Flathead drainage's environmental problems
is continued rapid, unplanned growth. Responsible officials should
recognize and deal with this cause and not merely with the symptoms of
growth.
Legislative Needs
Greenbelt planning and land purchase by State and Federal agencies
are urgently needed to provide protection to flood plains and other lands
adjacent to waterways. Unless such action is taken, these areas are
doomed to beccme areas of high subdivision activity. It is a well known
fact that once the public is deprived of access to waterways, their ooncem
for the quality of these waters rapidly diminishes. Such areas are also
warranted to relieve populaticn pressure on existing areas of public access.
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Whether the State of Montana will enact the strict legislation
adequate to protect the Flathead drainage may be questioned. The
environmental problems are of concern to certain areas of the state and
would probably not receive support or funding fran the less-developed
ranching counties. Furthermore, any legislation to be effective must have
monitoring and enforcement provisions. The personnel and facilities of the
State Board of Health and Environmental Sciences at Kalispell should be doubled
to meet existing duties and responsibilities. Any increase in regulatory
authority should correspond to an increase in personnel - a dubious
eventuality in light of the State's economic status.
These problems of development could perhaps be resolved at the county
level. We say "perhaps" because up until now county governments have
shewn little desire to assume the role of a regulatory authority.
Flathead County, by far the largest portion of the study area and containing
the most developed areas of the drainage, has approved county-wide zoning
and planning. However, the zoning board is still in infancy and with few
powers. Before the board could adopt strict zoning, monitoring, and
enforcement policies, a comprehensive plan must be completed. Ihe
plan is perhaps two years from ocrpleticn. In the meantime, the county
could pass interim zoning regulations and regulate subdivision development.
To date there has been little interest shown in this approach.
The State must recognize the dynamic interrelationships between
surface and ground water supplies. Water quality criteria must be
established for ground water. Surface water quality cannot be maintained
in the Flathead drainage unless the progressive enrichment of ground water
supplies is controlled.
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Forest Management
Timber in the drainage began to be harvested for aaimsrcial sale
in the 1880's. Hie Great Northern Railway was extended into the area
in 1891 expanding local markets. The first major sawmill was at Somers
and the Whitefish, Stillwater, Flathead and Swan Rivers were used
extensively to float logs to the mills. Deadhead logs found in these
rivers recall that period of water use. Clear^cutting began in
earnest in 1953 (Flathead National Forest 1972).
No data have been obtained for annual cutting in the Canadian portion
of the area. Personal observation revealed thick stands of lodgepole
pine covering much of the Canadian drainage. Large bums in the early
1900's may have produoed this oonditicn. Limited cutting was observed
on the flood plain and lower slopes of the Canadian drainage. Hie U.S.D.A.
Ccnmittee for Rural Development (1972) reports that about 1/500,000 acres
are utilized for ocntnercial timber in Flathead County. It should be noted
that actually 93%, or 3,084,268 acres of Flathead County is forested; however,
Glacier National Park, specially classified federal and state lands, and
areas of ncn-cxrrtnercial timber lower ocmmercial acreage considerably (see
Figure 6).
Flathead National Forest lands in the Missoula County part of the
study area, account for about 184,000 acres of the estimated total of 262,400
acres within the study area. Hie State of Montana and Burlington Northern
(Glacier Park Company) also have large holdings in the area.
Lake County has about 100,000 acres of Flathead National Forest within
its boundaries. Tribal lands, state, corporate and private lands account for
325,224 acres of ccttmercial timber, most of which appear to be in the study area.
Powell and Lewis and Clark Counties, parts of the Bdb Marshall Wilderness
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FLATHEAD DRAINAGE - FEDERAL LANDS
Figure 6
BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL FOREST
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have never been extensively logged. No figures are available for Lincoln
County.
Data on sane of the varying aspects of federal forest management activities
in the Flathead drainage have been obtained (Table 5).
Table 5. Management activities of the Flathead National Forest^.
Management Practice
Fiscal
Year
1970
Acres Imrolved
Fiscal
Year
1971
Fiscal
Year
1972
Future
Fteforestatian
Dozer piling and
site preparation
Broadcast burning
Planting
Seeding
Natural Regeneration
8,519
370
1,988
1,921
5,290
284
841
3,879
2,458
5,880 6,300 to 7,100
500 to 1,000
1,599 1,000
2,364 2,000
3,759 5,900 to 8,500
Thinning
Pre-ccmmercial
Ocrnnercial
3,624
8,302
6,074 6,800 to 8,100
2,000
Harvesting
Clearcut
Shelterwood
Seed tree
Selection
Overs tory removal
5,372
817
0
1,334
3,162)
672)
826
1,605
4,887
1,086
274
15%)
) 8,900
80%) to
5% 11,500
1,003 3,400 to 4,300
^Flathead National Forest, unpublished data, 1972.
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TabLs 6. Flathead National Forest Road System^.
Year Total miles of road Acres lost to productivity^
1972 2,060 6,592
1975 2,123 7,112
Final Projection 8,000 25,600
l-From: Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Three-Year Road Construction
Program for Flathead National Forest, 1972.
2Calculated by assuming 3.2 acres permanently 'removed fran productivity per
mile of road constructed.
Regretfully, these data give no indication of such factors as degree
of slope being cut, size of cuts, special protective measures employed, care
in construction of roads, and so forth. These are the important factors in
relation to maintaining water quality.
Logging practices, especially indescriminate clear-cutting have been
shewn to have deleterious effects on streams. A federal study (Pad. Water
Pollution Control Admin., 1970) lists detrimental effects of timber management
that include: increased sediments, temperature increases, and organic and
mineral nutrient leaching frcm the soil.
Casey (1971) gathered data on Hay Creek on the North Fork drainage to
determine temperature effects of clear-cutting in the area. The study
revealed that daily temperature fluctuations could affect survival of
coldwater fish. Casey reccrmended that buffer strips of natural tirrber
and vegetation be a standard requirement on all timber sales.
It is quite probable that sizeable buffer strips vrould also act as
a filtering and slewing mechanism on runoff, thus removing at least some
of the larger sediments.
The Flathead National Forest has recognized its agency's contribution
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to water degradation. In the Flathead National Forest Basic Management
Plan (1972), it is stated:
"Stream habitat has been affected by logging and road building.
Debris frcm logging activities, especially on tributaries to the National
Forest (of Flathead) has created barriers to fish migration. Water
temperature has been increased significantly in sane areas. Silt frcm
logging activities and road building has occurred. Road crossings have
created migration barriers en many streams in the forest, and many miles
of spawning habitat are not used to their fullest extent."
"Timber management activities have been first priority on much of the
Flathead for the last 20 to 30 years. Most of the timber harvesting was
accomplished through clear-catting. Clear-catting and related road systems
have had a tremendous iirpact on water quality and timing of run-off.
Cn-site damage was considered tolerable in many cases but accumulative
effects which caused downstream damage in several cases were not recognized."
Clear-cutting may drastically ciiange soil moisture and base flow of
streams. Krygier, Brown and Kingeman (1971), state that base flow has
increased by 50-75% after entire watersheds have been cut. Spring run-off
can be expected to occur at a much faster rate due to increases in solar
radiation on snow. Moisture, once lost through transevaporation, becanes
run-off or peraolate. Rapid run-off may lessen the ability of the soil to
absorb its former level of moisture in the spring. Ifris in turn would lower
available moisture for vegetation during the surmer growing season. Slope
and exposure are obvious factors of inportanae here, and large cuts cn steep,
south-facing slopes may take many years to re-vegetate to forest conditions.
Krygier, Brown and Kingeman (1971) have discussed in detail the effects
of roading, skid trails, logging and slash burning. Minimum damage to the
watershed can be obtained by well-planned logging operations. In an area
with extensive planning, the maxinum turbidity was recorded at 25 ppm
(Jadcscn Turbidity Units). An adjaoent watershed cut without any plan,
naximum turbidities of 56,000 ppn were recorded (Bernhardt and Eschner, 1962) .
Slash burning appears to be a carman practice in the Flathead National
Forest. Effects on watersheds frcm this practice are not vrell known (ibid).
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Fredncksan (1970), reported a large increase in turbidity after burning,
the increase presumably caused by the release of trapped sediments in the
logging debris.
Available data en increased nutrient levels in clear-cut drainages
are few. The Hubbard Brook Study (Bormann, et al, 1968) , was a dramatic
example of extreme nutrient enrichment of waters. Nutrient loss was eight
times greater than on undisturbed areas. This loss is attributed to increased
activity of soil microflora, breaking down organic matter with hydrogen ions
replacing nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Na) an soil cation exchange sites. Nitrates
were lost as the result of Nitrosatoias and Nitrobacter activity en antnonia
produced frcm deocmpositicn of organic nitrogen.
Natural nutrient loss frcm the forest ecosystem is unknown for Montana.
Cooper (1969) cites Livingstone's (1963) statement that nutrient oanoentratiens,
and seme times total nutrient output, are often lower at times of high flow
than at low flow. Apparently, the natural conditicn is for water to flow
beneath the litter layer in the upper soil layers. Surface overland flow
is uncommon in the natural forest system. Though traveling through the
soil substrate, nutrients are not removed to any extent due to the failure
of the water to remain in interstices between soil particles.
The importance of this sub-surfaoe flow may not be fully appreciated,
as Cooper states, "Thin films of water moving slowly through unsaturated
soil make a major contribution to base flow of streams during dry periods
(Hewlett 1961, Elrick 1963). Unsaturated flow is particularly important
in the relatively steep basins with deep soil that characterize many forest
catchments."
Cooper is quick to point out that generalities cannot be made unless
the exact nature of the complex interactions of soils, vegetation, geology
and topography are understood as factors influencing the water chemistry
of forest streams. He cites Dugdale and Dugdale (1961) as discovering that
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the presence of alder (a plant carman to the upper Flathead drainage) alongside
a stream can change nitrate content by that plant's ability to fix
atmospheric nitrogen, making more nitrogen available for leaching.
The forest ecosystem controls nutrient loss to streams by 1) storing
nutrients in standing vegetation, 2) modifying precipitation effects en
surface substrate, and 3) influencing water movements through the soil,
Cooper states: "It has been demonstrated repeatedly that removal of forest
cover lowers transpiration and increases runoff; however, only rather
severe reduction of vegetation affects runoff significantly (Goodell, 1966)."
Cooper cites Gessel and Cole (1965) as having measured nitrogen loss frcm
a Washington forest soil before and after clearcutting. Nitrogen loss by
leaching doubled, as did potassium and calcivm ions. However, much more
water passed through the soil after clearcutting so that actual concentrations
of these ions in runoff water was not correspondingly increased.
Methods Bnployed in Forest Management to Prevent Water Quality Degradation
The Flathead National Forest prepares an "environmental analysis"
as part of the multiple use report made before any area of the forest
is put up for a timber sale. An environmental impact statement is not
made except for controversial projects. In the multiple use report, seme
assessment of increased run-off and damage to streambeds that would occur
from the potential sale is reported. Depending on the particular area
evaluated, the district ranger or soil and water specialists make these
evaluations. Various recanmendaticms and/or alternatives are offered.
The district ranger generally has the final decision on whether an area
is to be cut, and if it is to be cut, what methods will be employed.
Stipulations for protection of watersheds, unstable soil areas, etc. are
written into the contract before the sale is made. Whether or not these
stipulations are followed by the contractor is sometimes not clear. The
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Flathead National Forest has neither the personnel nor the funds to act as
a watchdog agency while a cut is in progress.
Hie district ranger has been trained to sate extent to reaognize
potential soil and water disturbances caused by various methods of timber-
cutting. The district ranger is usually responsible rally for the final
decision on where and how a road is to be constructed. His decisions,
then, are critical for maintaining water quality as it may be influenced
by the forested drainage. It is perhaps asking too uracil of a district
ranger that he be hydrologist, soils scientist, liimologist and construction
engineer. Limnological considerations, at least in the past, have received
the least attention.
Hie Flathead National Forest does have specialists, including a
soils scientist, fisheries biologist, and hydrologist; however, their
expertise is not always employed for sales, nor their recannendatians
necessarily followed:
Part I of the Flathead National Forest's Basic Land Management Plan
(1971) has generally outlined that certain areas of the forest are to be
considered "water influence zones" with the following management criteria
prescribed:
1. "Protect aquatic vegetation to this zone.
2. Viewing wildlife is a recreational opportunity of this zone.
Favor protection of habitat over recreation developments and
activities where conflicts exist.
3. All uses and activities will be planned to improve or maintain
visual and water resources."
General forest management criteria include:
"Spawning and rearing areas for native west-slope cutthroat and
Dolly Varden fish will be identified and a protection plan developed where
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roads and sales are planned." "Road plans will include design criteria
for options which will result in • , . maintaining water quality."
"Avoid or modify harvesting in drainages involving unacceptable
watershed degradation, either existing or anticipated, based on hydrologic
analysis." (Qnphasis ours).
An inference that can be made regarding the last statement is that
the Forest Service accepts a certain unspecified degree of watershed
degradation as part of their harvesting practices.
Certainly there is a new awareness for watershed protection; however,
the Forest Service's ability to assess potential water quality degradation
problems and insure adequate protection may be questioned.
State and corporate logging operations employ similar methods as the
Federal Forest Service. Specialists are not known to assess environmental
effects of logging. The State Board of Health and Environmental Scienoes
has regulatory pcwer over these agencies only if stream beds are distrubed
by mechanical means. Therefore, removal of stream overstory and disturbance
of the soils causing thermal, sediment and nutrient increases, are legal
under Montana law.
There is very little in the way of watershed protection with which
this study can assist the Flathead National Forest. That agency is aware
of the problems involved. On the other hand, no published studies, with
the exception of Casey (1971), have measured the extent of water quality
degradation caused by management activities.
Personal observation by Seastedt revealed erosion frcm forest roads
and clearcuts, but we are sirrply unable—as is the Forest Service—to
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state the extent of the problems. Therefore, our suggestions for control
measures are based on three assumptions:
1) Timber harvesting and road construction is causing damage to
local watersheds by modifying a) runoff, b) temperature, c) sediments,
and d) nutrients to an unspecified, locally varying degree. Downstream
modification, at least increased turbidity, occurs.
/ 1
2) Long term cumulative effects of logging and roads in forested
lands during the last 20 years have significantly modified water quality
and quantity in certain drainages of the National Forest.
3) Demand for vrood and vrood products will result in an intensified
management program. The timber harvest, which has recently been lowered,
may be increased if reforestation measures are increased.
Small sized timber cuts, less clearcutting, buffer strips around surface
waters, protective measures in fragile areas, minimal damage to the forest
soil mat, and well designed and constructed roads would solve most water
quality problems of existing forest management activities. Unfortunately,
these suggestions also raise the cost of timber. However, this increase is simply
the price of maintaining water quality that has not been paid in the past.
"Clean" water has been regarded as intangible and difficult to assess by cost-
benefit analysis. Certainly the rapid grwth in recreation and tourism is,
i •
at least in part, due to the drainage's clean water, and this form of land
use may become the most important economic factor for the drainage. But to
even attempt to argue water quality from an economic standpoint is invalid.
This is because, as Aldo Leopold (1948) states, "It tends to ignore, and thus
eventually eliminate, many elements in the land community that lack oarrmercial
value, but that are (as far as we knew) essential to its healthy fuctioning.
It assumes, falsely, I think, that the economic parts of the biotic clock will
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functuon without uneconomic parts." This statement, of course, applies to any
land practice that lowers the natural diversity of the aquatic biota. More
specifically of forest management, Wambach (1972) states, "It seems obvious
that if we are going to denand a higher quality of management, more research,
and a more balanced program (by which I mean more support for wildlife, water,
and recreation — not less support for timber) , we will have to provide more
money to get the job done."
The Flathead drainage has been the site of a running battle between
the timber industry and conservationists. Ecancnu.cs has been the major
argument by the timber industry, but many of the timber sales may be
subsidized by the Federal Government. Wamtbach (Ibid) states,
"Another suggestion is that we explicitly acknowledge that the timber
industry in this region is subsidized. Let's abandon the pretense that
it functions under the free enterprise system. It's a fact. Why not
admit it? Stumpage prices paid for federal timber often do not cover the
cost of administering the timber sale — let alone the cost of growing
the trees, protecting the environment, and maintaining the management
agency itself. We might still justify the timber harvesting program in
terms of employment, stability in the regional eaoncmy, maintainance of
the health and vigor of the forest itself, etc. But if the subsidy were
explicit, the public (and our political representatives) could make an
open and direct choice about the kind of subsidy they wanted. If we
wanted the forest cleaned up after a harvest, vre could appropriate the
money to get the job done. If we wanted to insist on a more expensive
logging system to protect the amenity values in the forest, we could
assist the logger financially (or technically). If we decided that we
had a pressing need for more lumber or pulp, we could elect to pay the
cost by cxmprcmising on our demands for a high quality natural environ-
ment. We do all these things anyway, but m a sub rosa fashion. Why
not be overt and direct about it? We would lose nothing (as far as I
can see), and we might end up by having all the facts and information
out in the open. It's hard to pick the prettiest girl when your eyes
are shut and your hands are tied."
Wambach is perhaps too considerate of the timber industry in this
case. Private industry is making a profit by cutting timber on lands
that belong to the public and is damaging watersheds in the process.
Federal tax moneys support these activities.
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We feel it tx> be the responsibility of the Flathead National Forest
either to monitor streams before, during and after certain timber haryegts
are made or to provide funds to another agency to monitor their management
activities. While this program need not apply to all areas cut, certainly
large cuts and areas that have had a significant percentage of trees
removed within a single drainage need to be assessed.
In each environmental impact statement or multiple use report prepared
before a sale, the following information should be presented:
1) increased runoff (presently estimated)
2) increased sediments
3) thermal fluctuations
4) nutrient increases
This data should then be incorporated into an accurate assessment of
damages or changes to stream biota and downstream effects.
This assessment of activities may indeed be impossible with existing
personnel and funds. On the other hand, processing in the absence of
unequivocal data toward proper management is irresponsible and unacceptable
behavior for a federal agency.
Additional research is warranted in the Rocky Mountain forest region
to determine the relationships between fire, soil nutrients and runoff.
The coniferous forest envolved with fire as a naturally occurring phenomenon.
Studies by Debano (1970) and Krammes and Osborn (1970) have adequately
shewn that forest soils respond to fire by forming a water repellant
layer. Such a layer may increase surface runoff, but protect soil
nutrients frcm leaching out of the soil into ground and surface waters.
Timber harvesting, on the other hand, often destroys the soil mat and if
slash is burned, it bums so hot as to vaporize the organic materials
-------
-105-
that may have formed a water repellant layer. Nutrient enrichment of
surface and ground water, then, may be greater in areas cut than in areas
burned.
This hypothesis should be tested, as it pertains not oily to water
quality but to timber productivity as well.
State and Corporate Forested Lands
State forested lands, administered under the Montana State Forester,
Department of Natural Resouraes, are primarily located in the upper
White fish and Swan drainages. Management of these lands may have
particular impact on the Whitefish and Swan River drainages.
The State Forester's Office is required to submit an Environmental
Impact statement before timber sales are made. Ihe statement is designed
after federal guidelines as published in the Federal Register: 7724-7729,
4/23/71. Within this statement is a general question concerning adverse
effects on water quality. We propose that the impact statement be more
specific, modeled after the proposed federal forest's statement. The
state must assure the responsibility for adequate assessment of its
activities. Hie State Forester's Office should supply funds to the State
Board of Health and Envircffmental Sciences to assess and monitor a
representative portion of its management activities to determine deleterious
effects on water quality.
Corporate holdings in forested regions of the Flathead drainage are
estimated at about 400,000 acres. By far the largest owner is Burlington
Northern. Its management activities are crucial to water quality in the
Lake Mary Ronan drainage, and are of considerable importance to the Whitefish
and Swan River drainages. In recent years, the canpany has shown sane
response to public demands to curtail excessive damage to water quality
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-106-
from timber harvesting and grazing allotments on their lands. Legislation
of controls en land management practices may still be necessary to protect
water quality. The state might consider subsidizing the company for
protection of streambeds with buffer strips in exchange for permission
of public access to those streams.
It is perhaps cnly a matter of time before Burlington Northern begins
extensive subdivision of its lands. Seme leasing and land exchange programs
currently exist. Such action will naturally lower the timber productivity
of the drainage somewhat and remove public acoess to certain waterways, but
also double and redouble water quality problems frcm subdivision activity.
It is hoped that Burlington Northern will be responsive to the concerns
of proper land planning methods.
Forestry en Indian Lands
Forested lands within the drainage on the east and west sides of
the lcwer portion of Flathead Lake belong to the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes and are administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
While no ma]or waterways pass through these lands, management activities
do have local impact on small streams and are of more than aesthetic
concern to Flathead Lake. These lands are unique in that the State has
no control over water quality and Federal control appears to be entirely
regulated by the B.I.A.
Extensive damage to local water sheds have been observed by the
investigators, and control measures similar to those requested for the
Flathead National Forest, are warranted.
Forest Fertilization
Though no known fertilization projects have been undertaken in
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-107-
forested areas within the Flathead drainage, projected intensified
management practices may call for such activities.
Grcman (1972) surveyed the literature en the effects of forest
fertilization cn water quality. He found that nitrogen compounds other
than nitrates were likely to be found in increased concentrations in
forest streams only if fertilizers were directly applied to surface
waters. As could be expected from the readily soluble properties of
nitrate, this ion was the greatest and most persistent, pollutant to
surface waters fran fertilization.
The excessive nitrate enrichment that has been predicted to be
occurring within the Flathead drainage frcm other land use practices
should be considered before another source of nitrate pollution is
created. Bioassay algal programs are warranted on Flathead Lake and
river waters to determine the effects of present nitrate enrichment.
New land practices which add to existing nitrate levels may not be
compatible with drainage management programs to curtail nutrient
enrichment.
Should fertilization programs be implemented, hand application should
be used in the vicinity of waterways. Aerial applications are not
justified and direct application to waterways frcm this sourae is probably
a violation of Montana water quality laws. (A violation would occur if
direct application raised nutrient levels of a classified stream to
levels specified in Brink, 1967).
The agency sponsoring the fertilization program should assume the
responsibility of monitoring the effects of the fertilization project an
adjacent streams by chemical analysis before and for a suitable period
after fertilization.
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-108-
Industrial Pollution
No industries are currently discharging wastes into surface waters.
Occasional oil seepage frctn the Burlington Northern Station at Whitefish
into the Whitefish River may still occur, but plans are underway to
remove this potential source of pollution.
While surface waters are not being contaminated, ground waters
are being polluted by industry. Konizeski (1968) reports the following
example:
"Sane well owners in the Evergreen (Kalispell suburb) area noticed
a medicinal taste and brown tinge to their water. Water samples sent
to the State Board of Health were found to contain phenols. An investigation
by personnel of the State Board of Health revealed that waste glue fron
an industrial plant (plywood canpany) was being placed in a pit dug
below the water table, and phenol compounds dissolved from the glue were
assumed to have migrated southward in the ground water. Dilution of the
ground water frcm the Flathead River helped to keep the problem fron beocming
more widespread."
This situation has not been corrected.
Another source of ground water contamination has resulted frcm the
ban an burning waste wood fron lumber mills. The companies, in order
to dispose of this waste, have offered it as "fill". Numerous backwater
channels, ditches, and low areas have recently been filled with these
wood products. Samples of stagnant waters around these wastes have been
reported to contain high phenol content by the State Department of Health
and Environmental Sciences in Helena. The potential for these phenolic
wastes to be carried in spring-run-off waters exists.
Control measures for the above two problems do not exist. Montana
has no laws governing discharges into ground waters. This situation poses
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-109
serious problems in areas such as the study area where ground water is
believed to discharge a considerable percentage of total flew to surface
waters, especially during low flew periods.
The problems with wood waste disposal, may be alleviated by the
construction of a particle board plant m Columbia Falls. Wood chips,
bark and other wastes of lumber industry, new being disposed by using
this material as land fill, will be utilized by this plant. Liquid
wastes by a plywood plant near Kali spell, hewever, will continue. Only
groundwater quality criteria legislation appears to be the solution to the
latter problem.
Watercraft
Glacier National Park reported 5,062 and 3,826 private boats entering
Glacier National Park in 1970 and 1971, respectively (Glacier National
Park, 1972). No data is available on boat-days within the park. Flathead
National Forest reported about 7,000 power boat-visitor days on Forest
Service lakes in 1971 (Flathead National Forest, unpublished data). The
number of boats utilized en Flathead Lake probably corresponds to the
nunber of hemes and summer cabins surrounding the lake plus an increased
factor corresponding to the number of tourists. About 1600 boats could
be expected to be found either moored or in use an the lake en any day
during the summer months.
The impact frcm this recreational use is knewn to contribute to
turbidity and organic pollution fran outboard exhaust. Ttoilet facilities
with direct discharge through the hull, though illegal, have been knewn to
have been used at least en Flathead Lake.
Oil and gasoline pollution contributed by outboard motors can cause
tainting of fish consumed frcm extensively used waterways (Surber, et al,
1962). Shuster (1971) determined that microbial populations could
-------
-110-
utilize motorboat exhaust without additional nutrient supplements. Oxygen
depletion, then, could be an additional detrimental effect, but certainly
not a critical problem for o la go trophic lakes.
No control measures exist for preventing gas and oil exhaust wastes
frcm motorboats from contaminating surface waters in the drainage. Same
lakes, mostly in Glacier National Park, are classified to prohibit boating,
however, all lakes named in this report allcw motorboat use.
No previous studies or surveys have been atterrpted to assess boating
impact cn the Flathead drainage. Therefore, a survey was conducted by
University of Montana Biological Station personnel as part of this study
to determine the extent of this pollution source. Marinas, resorts and
motels were asked to estimate the amount of gasoline sold for motorboat
use, and oil consumption was then calculated to be 1/50 of this estimate.
No service stations were contacted, therefore the estimates are likely to
be very low. Over 620,000 liters of gasoline and 12,400 liters of oil
were used to fuel boats operated in Flathead Lake during 1971. Motorboat
operation on Lake Mary Ronan utilized over 17,000 liters of gas and 340
liters of oil during 1971.
Shuster (1971) determined that a two-cycle outboard engine discharged
between 3% to over 30% of fuel consumed to surrounding waters. The study
also estimated one engine-day to discharge 9.6 liters of fuel. This
discharged fuel, estimated to be 85% degradable carbon, was considered to be
equivalent to the wastes of 400 people. Assuming that about 15% of all
fuel in motorboats is the average discharge to surrounding waters, then
over 95,000 liters of fuel is discharged annually into Flathead Lake.
Lake Mary Ronan receives about 300 liters of fuel annually. These
discharges are the pollutianal equivalent of the wastes of almost 4,000,000
and 12,000 persons for Flathead Lake and Lake Mary Ronan, respectively!
No evaluation or correction factor has been made for inboard motorboat use.
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-111-
The validity of these estimates may be questioned for a number of
reasons, however, the figures are certainly an indication that motorboat
use may have significant impact on productivity of the Flathead basin
lakes. Most of the pollution frcm motorboat discharges occurs during
the simmer months. Assuning motorboat use to be increasing at the same
rate as tourism, this pollution source will increase at 8% or more per year,
and double in 8 years or less.
Additional research is warranted to determine 1) a more accurate
estimate of engine fuel discharge into Flathead basin lakes, 2) the
effects of fuel discharges en water quality with reference to factors
that stimulate microbial growth, and 3) effects of fuel discharge on
planktcnic and periphytic algae. This information is imperative in
establishing regulatory criteria.
Shuster (Ibid.) reports that a significant outboard motor pollution
abatement device has been designed by the Goggi Corporation. This "Goggi"
device is capable of recycling fuel that otherwise would be discharged to
surrounding waters. Sinae fuel wastage is often a considerable percentage
of fuel consumed, the eccnanics of such a device appear very beneficial to
mototboat owners. Inboard engines, similar to autcmobile engines, can
install similar pollution abatement devices.
Legislation requiring installation of these pollution abatement
devices appears warranted frcm data collected for this study and a review
of the literature available on outboard motor pollution. While State
legislation is preferred, local county governments cure encouraged to take
action to protect the Flathead basin lakes.
Reservoir Operation
There are 3 reservoirs in the upper Flathead drainage with capacities
-------
-112-
over 20,000 acre-feet (Montana Water Resources Board, 1968). Ashley Dam
has a capacity of 20,000 acre-feet. Its purpose is solely for irrigation,
and it is constructed with earthfill.
Bigfork and Hungry Horse dams serve to produce hydroelectric power;
Hungry Horse dam also serves for flood control. Its use for recreation
and irrigation, however, has not been utilized to any extent.
Hungry Horse Dam is 5.2 miles upstream frcm the confluence of the
South Fork with the Flathead River. The dam generates 285,000 kilowatts.
Usable storage is 2,982,000 out of a total of 3,468,000 acre-feet (Bureau
of Reclamation, 1959).
The Bigfork Dam is a flow-of-the-river diversion dam an the Swan River
at Bigfork. Hie dam is capable of generating 4,150 kilowatts (Bureau of
Reclamation, 1959).
Discharge rates and resulting streamflow, temperature, nutrients and
BODs modifications have been recorded as changes caused by the impoundment
(Kerr Water Rase arch Oenter, 1971).
Hungry Horse Dam has prevented movements of Kdkanee Salman, Dolly Varden
and Cutthroat Trout of Flathead Lake frcrn gaining access to spawning .grounds
in the South Fork drainage. Kokanee Salmon have been reported to move 60
miles above Flathead Lake. Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout have been
recorded to move 99 and 102 miles, respectively (Hanzel, 1964, 1965).
These fish, then, did utilize much of the South Fork drainage before the
dam was constructed. According to Schumacher (Pers. Catm), 50% of ail
available spawning sites of trout and salmon have been lost.
Violent fluctuations in streamflow have been reported below the .dam.
Such fluctuations could be expected to be deleterious to the benthos,
restricting these organisms to the unaffected portion of the streambed.
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-113-
This in turn would limit the amount of food available for fish which could
survive stream fluctuation.
Hungry Horse Dam modifies downstream water temperatures by releasing
water fran the Reservoir's hypolimnion at penstocks located at 285 and
at 325 feet below maximum pool elevation (Hanzel, 1965) . Water temperatures
are stabilized around 39 degrees Farenheit during the winter months.
Fluctuations in streamflow between July and October caused by power demand,
result in temperature variations up to 24 degrees in a 24 hour period
(Dcmrose, 1971). Abrupt changes of temperature may be harmful or
deadly to fish even within normal toleranoe ranges (Huet, 1962).
Ihe reservoir acts as a settling pond for suspended solids. Turbidity
is usually not appreciable in waters below the dam. Hanzel's data (1965;
1967), reveal that dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and standard conductance
an the South Fork are generally lower and subject to less fluctuation than
data obtained from the Flathead River at Columbia Falls. Reservoir operation
cools sunnier water temperatures and warms winter water temperatures of
the entire Flathead River from Columbia Falls to the lake. Sonstelie,
(personal cammunication), notes that increased flow frtm the reservoir
during low flow periods of August-September allows for swifter flow of
the Flathead River below Columbia Falls and may act as a flushing agent
for organic growths that might otherwise take plaoe in this part of the
river.
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-114-
There are no known ways to correct the damage caused by this
reservoir without impairing the functions of power and flood control
of the dam.
Schumacher (Ibid) reports that the Bigfork Dam creates a
partial barrier to spawning grounds of Flathead Lake fishes and causes
added wanning of Swan River waters. As the power generated from this
facility is very minimal, Schumacher suggests removal of the dam to
re-establish full use of available spawning sites in the Swan drainage.
For protection of the rare and endangered west-slope cutthroat
trout and other biota, we strongly reoaimend no further damsites be
developed on the upper Flathead River system.
Kerr Dam, below Flathead Lake, controls the lake level and has
modified the Flathead River 15) to a point in the Kalispell valley known
as Etoy's Bend. While the lake has not risen above previously known
flood stage levels, the lake remains at what were previously considered
flood stages for about a 3 to 4 month period. Seine increased bank
erosion and increased organic inputs from decaying vegetation are
acknowledged as having been increased by the continuance of raised
levels caused by the dam.
At present, the dam regulates about ten feet of water. Plans
have been suggested to allow the dam to regulate the lake by 20 feet.
Destruction of a considerable area of littoral habitat would occur
should this plan be accepted, and we are emphatically contraposed to
such a plan.
Lake stabilization projects are planned for Whitefish Lake and
being considered for Swan Lake. Such modification could cause problems
similar to Flathead Lake unless proper planning and design measures are
considered.
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-115-
Whitefish Lake
Available data on Whitefish Lake are limited to Montana Fish and Game
fish-census sampling and contour mapping (Schumacher, per. ocnm.). A few
coliform bacteria samples indicate contamination from septic tank seepage
(Espeland, Flathead County Sanitarian, unpublished data). No chemical studies
have been conducted.
Whitefish Lake has been described as "a miniature Flathead Lake"
(Sonstelie, per. acrni., 1972). Though considerably smaller (surface acreage,
3350 acres) (Figure 7), it is similar to Flathead Lake in origin and in
certain physical characteristics. The drainage area is estimated at about
125 sq. miles (Figure 8). No data are available for inflow frcm its major
tributaries, Whitefish (Swift) Creek and Lazy Creek, Whitefish River and a
stream gaging station 8 miles north of Kalispell that reported an average
flow of 191 cfs for a 21 year period. A large part of this flow can be
attributed to the discharge from Whitefish Lake. A stream gaging station is
scheduled for Whitefish Lake's largest tributary, Whitefish (Swift) Creek,
that should be operational in the very near future.
Water quality problems are believed similar to those of Flathead Late;
however, contributions frcm municipal sewage and irrigation return flews do
not occur.
As Figure 8 illustrates, the drainage is predominantly owned by the State
of Montana and Burlington Northern, hence proper forest management practices
are essential to prevent water quality deterioration.
Subdivision activity is rapidly dividing the prime recreational lands
within the drainage, especially around Whitefish Lake, into smaller and
smaller parcels for svntner heme use. A major oondcmiriiixn development is
being constructed on land just east of Whitefish Lake.
The extent of livestock activity in the drainage is not known.
-------
Figure 7
LOlf C?t9»
WHITEFISH LAKE
T3IN-R22W
Flatheod County
TOTAL SURFACE AonES 3350
Conlou' interval -
*m:tefism
Cwr«kO- SI
-------
-117-
! k .»
60
I ' '
'"'-Figure 8. Whitefish Lake drainage area.
Private (or corporate but not
Burlington Northern)
- |
State lands
Burlington Northern
Federal lands _
1965 U.S. Forest Service district map
- x—-
, t »M y I 'I V"-
1 \ Mit T I ,,\ 1 ia
1 J' & 1 if
" ; Bj , -v
. -:~r > ? ' v»-*
J i • •"> " • i •* \X
\ O *> k i " ¦ - ^
% \Vi>\
JNQRTHJ
4
7z
£
-------
-118-
No water quality data exists for this lake. The rapid rate of growth
of subdivision development and tourism necessitate that a ocrtprehensive
study of the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the
lake be undertaken to provide baseline water quality information. While
a year-long study is desirable, a summer study would suffice to gather
baseline data an the following parameters:
Physical: Vertical temperature profiles
Turbidity - light intensity and penetration
Chemical: Those outlined by the State in preliminary report II,
plus ammonia and organic nitrogen, total organic carbcn,
and total phosphorus
Vertical oxygen profiles
Biological: Quantitative and qualitative plankton analyses
Carbon 14 a productivity measurement
Coliform bacteria analysis
Gill-net surveys
Since the State is monitoring the two major tributaries above the
lake, water chemistry information fran the lake would reveal 1) the
degree to which land practiaes above the lake are affecting water
quality, as opposed to 2) the effects of developments surrounding the
lake. Specific control measures can then be aimed at those activities
believed to be the most serious sources of water quality degradation.
Lake Mary Ronan
Lake Mary Ronan is a particularly productive late well on its way to
eutrqphy.
Personal observation has revealed high quantities of vegetation,
zooplankton, and large numbers of warm-water fishes. Hie lake is small,
(about 3000 acres), sliallcw, (47 foot maximum depth), with snail volumes
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-119-
Figure 9. Drainage area, Lake Mary Ronan.
U.S. Forest Service Boundary mm
Logging Project zza
Sec. 16 as delineated belongs to State of Montana (clearcut 1969).
Areas not shadowed are property of Burlington Northern Railroad.
IKtrr Mtn
(From Aikin, 1970)
-------
GiUINN, R.ANCW A'
- Campground 4 \5uboiv
Property Lines Are
Rough ( Estimate Oniy !
ActuavVPeepep Property is""-
Probabl\. Smaller Tham 5uou/n
cmwbcu.
RtsOftT
Public Access /
/STATE CAMPGROUND
State •{ MoKrAiw
HAWKINS
PROPtRTT
TUFF] | \
Mtlbufn Creek
CHB.HTIAW CrtU.%<*,
7 lotj Csunncft howsm)
LeASto WK>f\ .
Aa Qrounp Not B\ocV^g> Our Is \
Oujnep By THE PurUngton Northern R.R
-------
-121-
of water entering from the surrounding drainage. Cattle are allowed to
graze around much of the drainage, and logging on private lands within
the drainage has occurred. A logging operation is beginning this sunnier
on National Forest lands, with road building already underway. Coliform
1
bacteria counts along the shoreline have not shown any gross pollution
fron surrounding resorts (Robertson, unpublished data).
The Montana Fish and Game Department conducted a study to determine
dissolved oxygen profiles during the sunrners of 1969, 1970 and 1971 (Domrose,
1970, 1971, 1972). Kokanee salmon habitat was found to be restricted to the
thernoclme, or one vertical foot of water, because of oxygen and temperature
tolerance limitations.
A study was conducted during the week of July 17, 1972 by University
of Montana Biological Station students and staff under the direction of
Dr. Arden Gaufin. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics of
the lake were determined. Chemical and physical data agreed with earlier
studies conducted by the Montana Fish and Game Department (Domrose, 1970,
1971, 1972). Bacteriological and plankton data obtained enhanced information
on the extent of eutrophication of the lake.
Coliform bacteria and fecal streptoooccus tests were conducted
(Table 7).
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-122-
Table 7. Bacterial contamination of Lake Mary Ronan
Total Ooliform Fecal Strep
Colony Counts1 Colony Count^
Area Sampled July 20 August 6 July 20
1, 2
Inlet at Bible Camp
740
550
84
3
Hilbum Creek South Fork
990
4
Hilbum Creek North Fork
640
5, 6
Outlet of Lake Mary Ronan
1040
930
76
7
Tuffit Camp
130
32
8, 9
Public Swiirming Area at
Recreation Area
158
190
10
10, 11
Danalsan Creek at Bridge
Near Lake
1900+
4610+
1050+
12
Donalson Creek at Entrance
to the Lake
1500+
192
13
Lake Mary Renan Lodge
20
6
14, 15
Swimming Area at Bible Cartp
370
120
15
16
Center of Lake Mary Ronan
(Surface Sample)
2
2
^Standard Methods: Total ooliform membrane filter procedure.
^Standard Methods: Fecal streptococcus membrane filter technique.
Quantitative information cn plank ten populations was not clear because
of differences in sampling methods used during the study. However, the most
numerous organisms, listed in the order of abundance, are as follows:
Aphanizomenon spp.
Anabaena spp.
Geratium spp.
Daphnia spp.
Fragilaria spp.
Pandorina spp.
Volvox spp.
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-123-
Bacterial contamination within the lake itself is not as high as at
the inlets, indicating that possible septic tank failure from resorts and
private hemes is not the cause. Numerous cattle observed throughout the
drainage (and indeed in the lake itself) are surely the major factor
causing enrichment. Logging on state and Burlington Northern lands
appears to have caused seme increased nutrient inputs. Likewise, a
logging operation currently underway on federal lands can be predicted to
cause seme deleterious effects on the lake (Figure 9).
How Lake Mary Ronan qualified for A-open-Dl classification (Brink, 1967)
may be questioned, but permitting continued bacterial and nutrient contamination
is a mockery of Montana's Water Quality Standards.
Because the lake constitutes a popular cold water fishery, it would
be economically advantageous to enact strict protective measures, including:
- total removal of cattle frcm the watershed, or drastic herd reduction
with fencing to prevent direct access to the lakes and feeder streams.
-strict protective restrictions an timber harvesting, delineation of
unstable slopes and total protection of stream overstory with required
buffer zones protecting adjacent streamside vegetation.
Septic tank systems, while not shown to cause bacterial contamination,
are a source of nitrate enrichment. The three resorts and campgrounds
along the lakeshore (Figure 10) should consider alternative methods of
sewage disposal.
We estimate outboard motorboats contribute an organic carbon source
equivalent to the wastes of 12,000 persons. Pollution control devices
should be installed on boats utilizing this lake.
Burlington Northern Company cwns much of the drainage; the fate of
the lake is in their hands. The company might find it economically
feasible to utilize their lands for limited resort-subdivision development
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-124-
and provide artificial aeration to the lake.
Whatever management plan is implemented, it should be made npar that
continuation of the existing situation will cause severe algal blooms
with an eventual fish kill that will mark the end of the cold-water
fisheries for that lake.
Kettle Lakes Region
The Kettle Lakes region is an area of metre than 30 lakes north-
east of Bigfork. These lakes are small, varying frcm unnamed pends of
less than an acre in surface area, to Echo Lake, which is reported to
have a surface area of 700 acres (Kcnizeski, et al., 1968). These lakes,
because of their unique construction and hydrology, appear to be very fragile
and may not withstand increased human use. At present, and sadly, however,
the entire area is planned for subdivision development.
Human activities are believed already to have seriously modified the
hydrology and water quality of Echo Lake. Not only is the lake reported
to be entering nuisance phases of eutrophication, in addition the lake
level itself has been rising and flooding suntner hates and their sanitary
facilities. A recent report by the Bureau of Reclamation (1972) concluded
that diversion of a small stream into the lake has caused the problem.
Hcwever, Kcnizeski (pers. carm.) believes that increased precipitation and
the clearcutting of a significant percentage of the drainage has caused
increased groundwater flows to the lake. The Bureau of Reclamation
apparently did not consider the groundwater hydrology of the area. The
fact that the lake reaches its peak height in late July, rather than early
June after peak runoff supports a groundwater increase rather than surface
flew increase. The rather expensive control measures to divert surface
runoff frcm the lake as proposed by the Bureau may have little effect on
lake levels.
-------
Figure 11. Simplified drawing of perched aquifer of the Kettle lakes region showing groundwater
barrier (Konizeski, et al., 1968).
These barriers cause lateral groundwater movements. (Not to scale.)
O
CD
CO o
CU £Z
n> a»
~n
Z3
to
V
o
Sand
o
Till
o
Bedrock
O
o
-------
-126-
Kcaiizeski, et al. (1968), has shown that the Kettle Lakes are little
more than depressions below a perched aquifer (Figure 11). The lakes fill
and drain with groundwater flow. Hence, the lakes will rapidly become
eutrophic if the groundwater is enriched by septic tank use. Septic
tanks and drainfields in use around the lakes are very close to/ if not
periodically innundated by, groundwater.
Echo Lake and Lake Blaine receive extensive motorboat use which may
add considerable amounts of hydrocarbons. While specific data for these
lakes are lacking, motorboats are believed to contribute significant
quantities of hydrocarbons to Flathead Lake and Lake Mary Ronan. Control
measures similar to those suggested for those lakes may be warranted for
Echo Lake and Lake Blaine.
Clearcutting that has occurred within the Kettle Lakes drainage may
have significantly increased groundwater flows. A number of these cuts
are above or on what is believed to be the major recharge area for ground-
water. Sane increase in nutrient levels to groundwater is believed to
have occurred from this activity. As suggested elsewhere in this report,
activities over major recharge areas should be further researched for
impact to groundwater quality and quantity.
The potential subdivision development of this area should not be
permitted unless same form of municipal or individual closed sewage systans
are provided.
Other Lakes of the Flathead Drainage
Other lakes of the Flathead drainage system of fairly large size, of
recreational importance and in danger of eutrcphication, include Swan,
Ashley and Tally Lakes. We have excluded the lakes within Glacier
National Park as the Park Service is charged with the responsibility of
-------
-127-
maintaming those lakes in their natural state. National Park Service
directives necessitate that the Park 1) remove any source of sewage
discharge as is being done in the Lake McDonald area and 2) prevent ground-
water enrichment, and subsequent surface water enrichment, frcm septic
tank systems. The Park Service may have to resort to other forms of
sewage disposal than are currently being used for its campground
facilities to prevent nitrate enrichment.
Tally Lake, while relatively small (surface area, 1,326 acres) is a
beautiful lake in the Flathead National Forest northwest of Kali spell.
It is unique in that it is the deepest lake in the drainage; it is over
450 feet in depth, and its maximum depth is not kncwn. (Mont. Fish and
Game Dept. contour map, 1967). Seastedt observed a large algal bloom in
mid-July on the lake that was identified by Dr. G. W. Prescott, U. of M.
Biological Station, as Anabaena flos-aquae. This blue-green alga, in
addition to other nuisance characteristics, is responsible for production
of substances toxic to livestock. Seastedt observed many large clearcuts
and many cattle in the drainage of Tally Lake. These factors were believed
to contribute the nutrients respcnsible for the algal blocm.
Ashley Lake, a fairly large lake (surface area, 3,244 acres) west of
Kalispell, superficially appears to be a relatively clean, oligotrcphic
lake. (However, this was the case with Tally Late until the algal blocm
was observed.) Hie upper few feet of this lake are regulated for irrigation
purposes. The drainage area of Ashley Lake consists of corporate, private,
State and Federal ownership. Burlington Northern Corporation is believed
to own a considerable portion of the area. Private holdings and surmer
hemes appeared numerous around the lake.
Swan Lake is another fairly large lake (surface area, 2,680 acres)
located east of Flathead Lake. The drainage area of this lake is quite
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large, over 500 square miles. Quite a volume of water passes through the
lake yearly, as the Swan River averages about 1,200 cfs as reoorded at
Bigfork. The drainage is in multiple ownership, with the Flathead
National Forest, Burlington Northern, and the State forest owning much of
the land. Anticipated water pollution problems are similar to those stated
for Whitefish Lake.
But for Montana Fish and Game fish surveys and occasional grab
samples for temperature, dissolved oxygen, standard conductivity, pH and
alkalinity, no information is available on the water quality of these
lakes. Baseline water quality data are essential, and must be gathered
as soon as possible. Such data are the sine qua nan of future management.
The rate of subdivision, recreation, timber management, and other activities
appear to be intensifying in all of these drainages.
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Pesticid.es and Herbicides
Use of chlorinated hydrocarbons has declined in recent years in
the Flathead drainage. Other short-term toxins are used or permitted
for use by several agencies to oontrol plant and insect pests.
The Flathead National Forest has oeased to spray the forests to
oontrol insect infestations; however, the Forest Service can, under
certain conditions, spray for insect oontrol.
The Flathead mosquito oontrol district has used organic phosphates
and pyrethins to control insect larvae during this past year. Baytex
{0,0-Dimethyl O- (4-Methyl + hlO)-m-folyl) phosphorothioate), Lethane - 384
(B-Butoxy-B1-thiocyano diethyl ether) , Malathian (0,0-Dimethyl phosphoro
dithidate of diethylmercaptosuccinate) and Pyrethrins were utilized to
control mosquito larvae and adults.
Vfeed oontrol personnel use 2-4-D (2-4-Dichlorophenoxyaoetic acid)
predominantly to control weed growth on over 10,000 acres in Flathead
County.
Chemical treatment of cherry orchards on the east shore of
Flathead Lake includes application of the following: Diazinane
(Geigi Chemical Co.), sulfur, Benlate (Dupcnt), Parathian (Stopher
and Niagra Chemical) , Guthian (Chemical Agricultural Corp.), Malathian
(American Cyan amide) , and a paraffin-based spray-oil. Amounts of
chemicals applied are not known; however, Diazinone is most widely
used. Acreage for orchards is increasing, especially on the south
shore and Finley Point areas of Flathead Lake.
Individual use of herbicides and pesticides has not been assessed
but is believed limited to organic phosphates and 2-4-D.
The U. S. Geological Survey (1970) reported no measured c lor mated
hydrocarbons (.00 micrograms per liter) for the three forks of the
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Fla the ad River. Tourangeau (1969), however, reported eggs of ospreys an
Flathead Lake to contain up to 135 parts per million (ppn) DDT.
Gaufin (pers. cortm. 1972) believes that if chlorinated hydrocarbons
are to be found within the aquatic ecosystem, the area of concentration
0
and accumulation would be in bottcm sediments and not in the water itself.
According to Sonstellie (pers. uuitm. 1972), certain drainages that were
sprayed lcng ago have not shown oaiplete recovery as evidenced by the
present lack of certain Plecoptera (stcne flies) which were previously
to be found in the streams.
There is ample opinion that the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons
should be totally banned fran use. This is certainly our re commendation
for the Flathead drainage. Organic phosphates used by mosquito control
personnel and crop growers, in general, are reported to have only short-
term toxic effects. Baytex (reg. Chemagrow Corp.) is reported to
hydrolize in a few weeks (Chemgro Corp. 1967). However, this pesticide
is reported toxic to certain aquatic organisms of concentrations of
5 parts per million (ppn) or less (Kenp, Abrams and Overbeck, 1971).
Malathion has reported half life on the soil of 4 days (American
Cyan amid Co. 1967). This pesticide has been reported toxic to
Rainbcw trout fry at concentrations of 1.0 parts per million (ppn)
(Kemp, Abrams, and Overbeck, 1971). Diazinan (0,0-diethyl O- (2
isoprapyl-4 methyl-6 pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate), the pesticide
most commonly used in Flathead cherry orchards, is reported to have
no residual effects (Geigy Chem. Corp., 1967). This chemical is
reported toxic to Rainbow trout at oonoentrations of less than 0.2
parts per million (ppn) and toxic to certain zooplanktan at oonoentrations
of less than 1 part per billion (ppb) (Kemp, Abrams and Overbeck, 1971).
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While long term effects of these chemicals are not kncwn, it is quite
apparent that these chemicals must be applied properly and carefully
to prevent poisoning of aquatic organisms. Aerial spraying, then,
should be discontinued in certain areas of the drainage.
Chemical controls, in general and in the long run, are likely to
fail because of the reproductive and adaptive ability of the target
insects. Responsible agencies involved in insect control should realize
this fact and use chemicals only after all available forms of biological
control have failed. Of course extensive research should be undertaken
toward the goal of manageable biological control.
Herbicide use should be limited to chemicals rapidly destroyed by
soil bacteria or other means of breakdown. Again it should be recognized
that these chemicals are toxic to aquatic organisms at very lew concentrations
and should be used with care around waterways.
The investigators are concerned that the weed control personnel
might be perpetuating their roles by creating disturbed sites by
continually spraying and cutting the "weeds". Naturally, this creates
a setting for primary succession where the pioneer plant is inevitably
the same or another "weed". Overgrazing, another cause for weed grevrth,
should not be encouraged by county-funded programs to protect mis-
management practices. The weed control program should be reviewed.
Perhaps it will not be possible to justify the program in future
drainage management practices.
Biological indicators are useful m assessing potential toxicity to
aquatic life caused by indiscriminate use of pesticides and herbicides.
Certain members of the Pleooptera (stone flies) and other insects have
been recognized as sensitive organisms. Organisms of higher trophic
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lfivels (such as trout or the osprey) have been recognized to accumulate
chlorinated hydrocarbons, and periodic analysis is warranted as long as,
and perhaps long after, these chemicals have been used in the drainage.
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Bactenological Momtoruiq
We suggest that a comprehensive bacteriological monitoring program
be established for the Flathead basin lakes. The membrane filter technique
for total coliform bacteria is a siirple yet sensitive method for determining
fecal contamination. Ihis test is valid for detection of possible violations
of Montana's Water Quality Criteria (Brink, 1967).
All agencies involved in activities, including management of camp-
ground facilities or issuance of grazing permits that could cause
bacteriological contamination should be made responsible for seeing that
activities are not violating Montana law. Agencies should either monitor
these sources themselves or fund either the State or the County to do so.
The Forest Service should provide for the monitoring of streams and lakes
adjacent to their campgrounds and in drainages where cattle allotments
have been sold. The State should do likewise. Glacier National Park
officials should monitor lakes and streams adjacent to their campground
facilities.
Private campgrounds, motels, and summer hemes should be monitored by
County sanitation personnel. An increased number of personnel than exist
at present may be required for this work. Hcwever, monitoring could be
limited to the sunnier months when the use of these facilities is high.
The sanitarian's office should also monitor potential bacterial contamination
from cattle grazed on private lands. Spring runoff and lcw-flcw periods
may be the most appropriate tures to monitor these areas.
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Envircnmsntal research needs for assessing water quality problems in the
Flathead drainage.
Mr. David Nunnallee, Environmental Sanitation Engineer for the State
Department of Health and Environmental Sciences has prepared a tentative
list of research needs required to understand more fully the water pollution
problems of the Flathead drainage. A complete description and study
outline prepared by Nunnallee has been included as an appendix to this
report. We concur with these research needs and would expand certain
aspects of the studies.
As mentioned in numerous sections of this report, groundwater movements
and chemistry need to be more fully understood. The effects of subdivision
development, recreation, agriculture, livestock and forest management practices
all need to be assessed for impact an groundwater quality, quantity and
movement patterns. Major recharge areas for groundwater need to be identified.
Nunnallee has outlined the need to assess nutrient inputs frcm the
spectrum of land use activities. While this report has attempted to provide
such an assessment, the evaluations suffer from a lack of data. Indeed,
more estimates have been obtained by utilizing pollution input per unit of
land practice, as found by other researchers, recalculated with Flathead
drainage statistics on that land practice. The degree of error of such
calculations is dependent upon unaccounted variables and the accuracy of
available statistics. Our assessment of pollution inputs, then, are
acknowledged to be extremely rough estimates, and further researches into
deleterious effects of land use activities on water quality are warranted.
We do, however, feel confident enough in these estimates to justify
implementation of suggested control measures.
Water chemistry data in undisturbed areas would be of interest to assess
further the extent of water pollution in the drainage. Such data could be obtained
from Glacier Naticnal Park, the upper Middle Fork, the upper South Fork, and
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other areas.
Should the State Board of Health and Environmental Sciences be able
to expand their chemical analysis program, certain additional tests are
suggested. Eutrophication indices as discussed by Hooper (1969) not being
sampled by the State include sodium, potassium and calcium. Pollution
indioes could be enhanced with the sampling for anrnoriia and organic
nitrogen. Productivity measurements could be obtained by utilizing
Carbon 14 or Qilorophyll-a measurements.
Bioassay experiments, utilizing both in situ algal techniques and
laboratory algal assay techniques should be conducted to determine
1) which nutrients are limiting growth factors for certain representative
species of phytoplanktan of Flathead Lake, and 2) the critical levels of
nutrients needed to cause eutrophication of Flathead Lake. Miller and
Maloney (1971) have found that algal assays appear to be more sensitive
than standard chemical analyses m determining and predicting the effects
of enndnrent on natural waters. While it is believed that no one factor
can stimulate excessive productivity, waters have been recognized to be
phosphorus and/or nitrogen sensitive. McGauhey, Dugan and Poroella (1971)
found Lake Tahoe waters to be nitrogen sensitive. Sinning (pers. ccnm. 1972)
in his preliminary analysis, believes Lake McDonald in Glacier National
Park to be phosphorus sensitive. If the growth-stimulating nutrient(s)
can be determined for Flathead Lake, control measures can be directed
toward the nutrient (s), and the desired control measures may or may not
need to be as stringent as has been proposed by this report. Tabellaria
quaHrisepta, a diatan abundant in Flathead Lake and which was shewn by
Morgan (1970) to be a cold water plankter requiring high nutrient
concentrations, might serve as one species for these experiments.
It) acmpliment bioassay studies, knowledge of certain physical and
chemical par aire tars are essential in determining the relationships between
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nutrients and productivity. Ihe hydrologic budget should be determined
for Flathead Lake. The outline of Simons and Rorabaugh (1971), used to
determine the hydrology of Hungry Horse Reservoir, could simplify this
research. Seasonal current patterns and benthos water interactions,
at present only superficially understood, need further study. Finally,
the total nutrient budget of the lake should be determined by utilizing
existing information, the preceding suggested research, and sane additional
analyses.
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Surrmary of Existing Pi.ixji.cmis to Monitor or Control Water Pollution
The existing monitoring system for measuring water quality will
gather baseline water quality data for those streams being monitored.
The stations and number of samples represent the maximum load the State
can handle with existing personnel. All stations will be monitoring
sane pollution souraes. Most stations will be receiving pollution from
a number of souraes making identification and extent of individual pollution
sources impossible. Pristine (historical) water quality is lacking for
most stations, making it impossible to assess the extent of cultural
pollution.
An additional station on the Flathead near Bigfork appears necessary
to determine total pollution load of the upper Flathead and to assess
affects on Flathead Lake. Additional sampling (more than anae a month)
is believed to be necessary to assess what are believed to be peak
pollution periods during peak flow periods and in late August - early
September.
Methods employed for municipal sewage treatment are or soon will
be adequate to prevent oxygen depletion below outfalls. Exceptions may
include Ashley Creek, especially during low flow periods, and the
Whitefish River during extrsnely cold periods. Though nutrient removal
is% low, total input to the upper Flathead Drainage is relatively small.
Individual sewage systems, including septic tanks and other methods,
are comparatively unregulated. Monitoring is time consuming and currently
not possible due to lack of qualified county personnel. Growth in the use
of these systems is rapid while knowledge of the overall effects cn
water quality are not well known, but may represent a serious problem.
Industrial discharge to surface waters is not believed to exist in
this region. Wood wastes and chemicals are polluting ground waters,
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but no regulations exist to control these practices.
Irrigation return flows are small at present due to small amounts
of total irrigation water utilized, and insufficient amounts applied per
acre. No controls are employed to prevent high solute content in return
flews to groundwaters. Return flows to surface waters may not be significant
and have not been measured in the upper Flathead drainage.
No controls are employed to prevent animal wastes frcm entering
surface waters. Feedlot pollution may not be problematical at the
present time, but it has been in the past. Livestock are seriously
polluting Lake Mary Rcnan. The addition of nutrients frcm animal wastes
is believed to enrich significantly both surface and ground waters.
Insufficient research of Rocky Mountain forest ecosystems prevents
an accurate assessment of nutrient input to surface and groundwaters frcm
forest management practices. In the past, timber cutting and road construction
proceeded with only cursory attention to water quality degradation. At
present, neither sedimentation nor thermal or chemical changes to water
quality are properly evaluated. Approval of road design, size and type
of cut cn Federal lands is usually the decision of the district ranger.
Specialists in the fields of fisheries biology, hydrology, and soils
science are not always available to evaluate environmental effects of
management activities. Their reccmrendatians have not always been followed.
Specifications to protect streams and fragile areas are assumed to be
followed by individual contractors. Monitoring by Porest Service personnel
is not always possible. The Flathead National Forest has neither the
funds nor the personnel to assess adequately environmental degradation to
water quality (e.g. sedimentation, thermal, and nutrient changes) caused
by their management activities. Educational programs by the regional
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and forest offices are urprovmg this situation by training existing
personnel.
The State Board of Health and Environmental Sciences is unable
to control water quality degradation frcm State and private forestry
practices when actual mechanical disturbance of the streambed does not
occur.
Water quality in the Flathead drainage can be expected to continue
to deteriorate due to the failure of present methods used to aontrol
water pollution frcm the following sources:
Source
1) Municipal Sewage
2) Individual sewage systems
3) Irrigation return flews
4) Livestock wastes
5) Wood wastes and industrial ground
water discharges
6) Timber management practices
7) Watercraft
Major Pollutant(s)
nutrients (esp N and P)
nitrogen ions
nutrients, salts
nutrients, organic carbon
phenols
sediments, streamflow & terrp.
modiflcations
organic carbon
The first four sources are the most critical with regard to aquatic productivity.
The number and usage of individual sewage systems is believed to be increasing
at a rate much faster than other pollution sources, but farming and livestock
appear to be the major sources of nutrient enrichment.
SECTION IV
Surrmary and Conclusions
A surrmary of nutrient inputs frcm cultural activities believed to be
entering Flathead Lake frcm the Flathead River are presented below (Table 8).
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Table 8. Estimates of nutrient inputs into upper Flathead River.
Souroe
Nitrogen (lbs) Phosphorus (lbs)
Municipal Sewage^
(Kalispell, Whitefish,
Columbia Falls)
Agriculture
Farming2
Livesbock^
Individual Sewage4*
Systems
Timber Management5
Itital Cultural Inputs
Estimate of Total Nurtient^
Flow in Upper Flathead River
Estimate of Natural Occurring
Nutrient Flow
(Tbtal - cultural Inputs)
Percent Increase Caused by
Cultural Inputs
(Cultural/Natural)
107,000
1,450,000
300,000
200,000
Minor
2,057,000
3,844,000
1,787,000
115%
30,000
34,000
60,000
Minor
Minor
124,000
2,042,000
1,918,000
6.5%
Assumptions:
1. Municipal sewage use = 11,000 persons. Removal efficiency = 10%
personal equivalents = 7 lb/person/yr N, 2 lb/person/yr p
2. As explained in Agriculture section, no correction factors for
Swan drainage or areas around Flathead Lake. No correction for
lag time for groundwater to surfaoe/water enrichment.
3. As explained in Livestock section, no estimate of groundwater
enrichment included.
4. No lag time for groundwater movements to surface waters.
McGauhey, Dug an and Poroella (1971) determined the ratio of
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nitrogen to phosphorus pollution frcm this source to be 714/1.
Phosphorus inputs therefore estimated to be about 300 lb.
5. Natural nutrient loss frcm the forest ecosystem in Montana is
unknown. Utilizing figures frcm Cole and Gessel (1965) and
assuming 10,000 acres/yr disturbed soil mat, estimates of 4,000
lb nitrogen and 700 lb of phosphorus are obtained. However,
long-term effects and climatological variables prevent any sort
of realistic estimate.
6. Frcm U. S. Geological Survey water quality data of Flathead River
near Bigfork 1970 monthly samples of nitrogen (NO^-N, nh^-n, and
Organic N) and total phosphorus averaged and calculated with
average monthly discharge.
The validity of these estimates are regretfully questionable. Most
figures are mean averages of estimates with extremely wide ranges. While
individual inputs fran the sources are believed realistic, the assumption
of no lag time between the enrichment of groundwaters and discharge to
surface waters may be a considerable error. Hie absence of estimates of
groundwater enrichment from livestock wastes may be a serious omission of
nitrate pollution.
Other forms of water pollution that cannot be assessed in this manner
include: increased thermal modifications by clearcuts and reservoir operation;
increased sedimentation caused by timber management, roads, and agriculture;
organic carbon pollution fran motorboats, livestock, woodwastes, and
municipal sewage; and phenols, lignens and tanins fran woodwaste disposal.
Perhaps the most serious pollutant of the above is organic carbon.
Ruttner (1963) reported that investigations of lakes in Wisconsin found
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eutrophic lakes to contain 12.5 mg/1 organic carbon, whereas oligotrcphic
lakes had a content of about 5 mg/1 organic carbon. U. S. Geological
Survey data (1970) for the Flathead River near Bigfork revealed an average
of about 3 mg/1 total organic carbon. Livestock appears to be by far the
largest contributor or organic carbon to the Flathead system. Data obtained
by Rabbins, Howells, and Kriz (1971) applied to Flathead livestock
statistics result in an estimate of over 1.8 million pounds of organic
carbon contributed yearly to the Flathead drainage. Municipal sewage
may contribute over 250,000 lbs yearly, while motorboat wastes contribute
perhaps 160,000 pounds per year.
Nutrients critical with regard to eutrophication have yet to be
identified. Extensive research has been undertaken to resolve this inter-
national problem. The conclusions of these studies, plus data synthesized
for this study yield sane insights in determining the critical growth
factors for the Flathead drainage.
Thcmas (1969), speaking of European lakes, has stated, "It is certain,
moreover, that oligotrcphic lakes cn which man has had little or no
influence all have phosphate as the limiting factor; free nitrate ions
were present in these lakes throughout the year. Elimination of sewage
nitrate in these cases, therefore, would be useless."
"lb avoid algal damage in lakes, we need to reduce the supply of
phosphates."
Edmonson (1972) reached a similar conclusion for Lake Washington, near
Seattle:
"It is clear that phosphorus has had a central role in the control of
productivity of the lake as expressed by the abundance of phytoplanktan."
McGauhey, Dugan and Poroella (1971) determined that Lake Tahoe was
nitrogen sensitive, and responds in proportion to the concentration of this
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nutrient. However, the study found the average ratio of nitrogen to
phosphorus (N/P ratio) of Tahoe waters to be 2.08 while citing Fencl
(1963) as having determined the N/P ratio for algal cells to range frcm
6.9 to 18. This would indicate an excess of phosphorus in Lake Tahoe
waters.
Powers, Schults, Malveg, Brice and Schuldt (1972) found that
pristine Waldo Lake in Oregon would respond with algal grcwth when
phosphorus or phosphorus plus nitrogen were added to the lake waters,
but showed no response to nitrogen or carbon alone.
Winning (pers. ccmm.) believes phosphorus to be the limiting grwth
factor in Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.
Our synthesized data indicate that nitrogen inputs to Flathead Lake
have doubled, while phosphorus input has increased between 5 to 8%.
Increased productivity, while not determined, is certainly not believed
to correspond to the nitrogen increases.
The literature and available information an the Flathead drainage
support the statements of Thomas (1969). Oligotrophia lakes in teirperabe
climates appear initially to be phosphorus limited. Onoe critical levels
of phosphorus are reached, the additions of other nutrients, such as
nitrogen or carbon, then cause increased productivity. Our data, while
certainly not conclusive, supports the hypotheses that the productivity
of Flathead Lake is phosphorus, or phosphorus plus nitrogen limited.
Nitrogen alone is not believed a critical factor and control measures
specifically designed to control nitrogen ions in an effort to abate
potential eutrcphication of Flathead Lake appear unwarranted. The major
sources of phosphorus; livestock, farming, and municipal sewage, should
receive special attention. Proper land management practices suggested
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for the agriculatural sources, as suggested in Section I of this report,
should be immediately inplsnented as the exists of these changes in land
management are believed minimal. Tertiary treatment specifically designed
for removal of phosphorus frtm municipal sewage, should be
studied for cities in the upper Flathead drainage. As contributions of
phosphorus frcm minicipalities other than Kalispell are currently small,
seasonal spray irrigation facilities, for these minicipalities might be
installed that could be of agricultural benefit.
Flathead basin lakes that are moderately eutrophic, such as Late
Mary Rcnan and Echo Lake, may contain phosphorus concentrations well above
those levels where phosphorus is limiting. Hence, nitrogen or carbcn
inputs may now directly increase productivity. Removal of phosphorus
inputs, then, would not shew result in a reduction of productivity for
that period where phosphorus levels, though reduced, remain above critical
levels. Hence, these lakes should initially attempt to control all
nutrient sources. Perhaps at a later date, then, one critical factor
may be specifically controlled.
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-146-
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-148-
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-150-
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an open and a closed watershed. Montana University Joint Water Resources
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Wantoach, Robert F. 1972. Forestry in the environmental seventies. Forest
land use and the environment. Richard Weddle, editor. University of
Montana. P. 62-77.
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progress report, Glacier National Park, 1966-1968.
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Zwerman, P. J., D. R. Bouldin, T. E. Greweling, S. D. Klausner, D. J. Lathwell
and D. O. Wilson. 1971. Management of nutrients on agricultural land
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13020 DPB. 150 pp.
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Appendix I
Information adapted frcm:
"Tentative proposals for maintaining fish and wildlife
habitat in the Upper Flathead Drainage," presented by
Robert Sdiumadier to a meeting of the Columbia North
Pacific Interagency Canmittee at the University of
Montana Biological Station at Yellow Bay cn Flathead
Lake.
18 September, 1972.
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Habitat Preservation for the North Fork, Flathead River
This is one of the two remaining free-flowing forks of the Flathead
River whose tributaries constitutes better than 95% of the total spawning
and nursing area for the native westslope cutthroat trout and Dolly
Varden trout that populate the 125,000 acre Flathead Lake and Tributaries
waters. Any loss of gravel habitat will result in a smaller harvestable
sport fish population as the quantity of suitable nursery area is believed
to be the populations limiting factor. Habitat Preservation will have
to be concerned with the following:
1. Maintain North Fork free-flowing with no obstructions to fish
passage.
2. Maintain tributary and main stream water temperature and chemistry
most suitable for cutthroat trout.
3. Minimize erosion from road construction and timber harvesting.
4. Maintain migrating fish passage routes.
5. Insure channel stability below culverts or bridges.
6. Insure bank stability recognizing channel capacities and vegetative
cover.
The major concerns of habitat preservation in North Fork waters in
addition to preserving it as a free flowing river will be mostly involved
with land management policies of the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Department
of Forestry and the road construction activities of these two agencies
plus the Flathead County Road Department, Montana Highway Department and
to some extent the Federal Highway Administration. Some private lands
more immediately adjacent to the North Fork may become problems in
habitat abuse if they are exploited commercially into housing developments.
Policy statements from the government agencies would be a first step
in assuring that their management plans would recognize the aquatic habitat
preservation and provide the necessary guideline for their action programs.
Implementation of County zoning laws concerning housing development would
insure pollution control from these potentially detrimental areas. The
possibility of habitat destruction by coal mining would be reduced by
the Strip Mining Act in Montana. The potential for considerable damage
exists from mining coal deposits on the Canadian port of the North Fork.
Control would likely only be possible by treaty or by jaw-boning and bad
press releases.
Fresh cutting practices destroy wildlife habitat when large open
areas are created, when clearcut areas cause winter snows to get too deep
and where security cover is removed causing game animals to avoid being
exposed either in migration or feeding activities. Reduction in clear-cut
sizes leaving strips of cover in connecting runways and avoiding calving
and winter range areas with roads would do much to preserve game habitat.
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Habitat Enhancement for the North Fork, Flathead River
The aquatic habitat has suffered from roads located on potential
land mass failure areas, especially adjacent to trout streams.
Frequently culverts were installed in place of bridges and have caused
channel instability, erosion, and fish passage barriers. These are mainly
on state and federal forest lands and with some occurring on private
holdings. Such structures should be replaced with adequate timber
bridges. A survey of problems caused by culverts should be made and
reconstruction planned. The plan should provide a schedule of the reconstructi
work.
Stream braiding and channel instability has occurred following timber
sales on some North Fork tributaries. Resulting deposits of downed timber
slash and debris have caused some barriers to fish movement, bank erosion
and water pollution from silts and sediments. A survey by Forest Service
personnel should include the number of problems and estimated man days
to correct them.
Seeding exposed soil on road cuts and fills and using hand-cleared
fire brakes downhill instead of using bulldozers would enhance aesthetic
appearance of ugly road scars and reduce erosion.
Instream Mater Requirements for the North Fork, Flathead River
Formula must be developed to determine the percent of mean flows
which would minimumly meet the needs of trout during two seasons
of the year. During flood flows some level of high water is necessary
to reach the full nursery habitat. Data being obtained under West Wide
Water Study is expected to allow projection of minimal needs.
Preliminary figures being subjected to tests are for 30 percent of
the daily mean flow for October 1 through March and 60 percent of the daily
mean flow from April 1 through September.
Management of Public Access for the North Fork, Flathead River
Considerable land areas immediately adjacent to the North Fork are
in private holding. The river flows through 25 sections of land on the
west bank that are in private hands and through 17 sections under Federal
or State management. The east bank is in Glacier National Park where
present policies are to restrict further access by limiting road building
within the park. Access to most tributary streams outside the park are
possible by motor vehicle. Four out of the ten major North Fork tributaries
are closed to fishing all year as a means of protecting spawning and
nursery streams for the migratory Dolly Varden (Bull trout) and westslope
cutthroat trout. Lakes in this tributary system are open to fishing. Also
as a means of further protecting the Dolly Varden, a minimum size limit
of 18 inches is enforced.
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Land should be acquired and developed for one additional campground
in the Polebridge area and two day-use access areas for shore angling and
the launching of small boats.
Management of Harvest for the North Fork, Flathead River
Fish and Game harvest is regulated by orders of the Fish and Game
Commission within the framework of Montana Statutes. Limits for game
fish are quite liberal and have remained constant in the area for the last
ten years. Fishing pressure estimates for the North Fork alone were
9,278 man days per year while tributaries that are open to fishing receiving
about 200 man days each. The four of the larger North Fork tributary
streams are closed to fishing. Study should be conducted to determine if
these closures cause these streams to make any greater contribution to the
young down-stream migrants. The Dolly Varden also is protected by an 18 inch
minimum size limit. This regulation also should be studied in detail
to determine if the restriction is asserting the Dolly Varden to maintain
itself or if harvestable fish are being lost.
Greater use could'be made of the mountain wlntefish but more liberal
limits and seasons have not accomplished this. A very generous angling
and snagging season for kokanee causes good utilization of that species.
Big game is not particularly abundant in the North Fork Area due
to very limited winter range and areas of deep snow.
Artificial Propagation for the North Fork, Flathead River
Needs for artificial propagation of fish for the North Fork waters
would primarily be for the initial introductions of fish into waters
where migrating fish have not had access in the past. These areas include
the high mountain lakes and stream areas above natural barriers. Other
needs would be to reestablish spawning runs into waters where man-made
obstructions have obliterated previous runs. Stocking of migratory fish
as a put-and-take fishery does not generally provide a successful fishery
unless the fish are constrained in their movement by weirs and dams.
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Habitat Preservation for the Middle Fork, Flathead River
This is one of the two remaining free-flowing forks of the Flathead
River which, with their tributaries constitutes better than 95% of the
total spawning and nursing area for the native westslope cutthroat trout
and Dolly Varden trout that populate the 125,000 acre Flathead Lake
tributaries waters. Any loss of gravel habitat will result in a smaller
harvestable sport fish popluation as the quantity of suitable nursery
area is believed to be the populations limiting factor. Habitat preservation
will have to be concerned with the following:
1. Maintain Middle Fork free-flowing with no obstructions to fish
passage.
2. Maintain tributary and main stream water temperature and chemistry
most suitable for cutthroat trout.
3. Minimize erosion from road construction and timber harvesting.
4. Maintain migrating fish passage routes.
5. Insure channel stability below culverts or bridges.
6. Insure bank stability recognizing channel capacities and vegetative
cover.
Major habitat preservation will be concerned mainly with governmental
agencies. Policies of the electrical companies and controlling agencies,
U.S. Forest Service, Montana and Flathead County Highway Departments,
Federal Highway Department plus private landowners will determine if
the environmental quality of the Middle Fork will be upheld. Policy
statements from agencies and large companies should be obtained stating
to what degree they recognize quality management of the fish and wildlife
and water quality resources as important for the well-being of the area,
the state and the human population. From these statements guide lines
should be developed by the agency or company concerned.
Roads should avoid winter range and calving areas. Winter range is
about the most critical aspect in Big Game survival in areas where winters
are very long and severe.
The U.S. Forest Service should survey and prepare a report on all
culverts and bridges giving in each case a satifactory or unsatisfactory
status as far as causing erosion, or being passable to spawning game fish.
The Federal, State, and County Highway Departments should make the same
type of survey and report.
All construction of roads, railroads, power lines and all timber
removal must protect streams against summer changes in water temperature by
maintaining vegetative cover adquate in height and density to provide
shade to the stream during the summer sun angles.
Stream banks must be protected against operating equipment to avoid
compacting, bank sloughing and vegetative distrubance which is essential to
prevent bank erosion.
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Habitat Enhancement for the Middle Fork, Flathead River
Parts of the Middle Fork have much less snow depth and better exposures
than most of the North Fork, thus resulting in more favorable winter range
for both elk and deer. Preservation of this wildlife habitat should be
a prime consideration in future road building and timber harvest designs.
The U.S. Forest Service should be asked to determine the amount of
potential winter range for elk and deer in the area where they still have
management options. Timber harvest and fire control could be useful tools
in developing additional winter range.
A survey of bridges and culverts on tributary streams should be made
by Forest Service, State and County Highway Departments. The evaluation
of the culverts to pass fish should be made by a fishery biologist. This
can be done by field surveys in specific site locations described in as
being questionable or from physical measurements provided him. These
measurements should include culvert diameter, culvert length, stream
gradient above and below culvert area -- culvert gradient, height of outfall,
and deposition of bed load above culvert.
A reconnaissance should be made of major tributaries to determine if
there are many barriers to fish migration caused by debris blocking streams
from fires. A plan to remove such barriers should be developed and carried out.
Instream Water Requirements for the Middle Fork, Flathead River
Formula must be developed to determine the percent of mean flows
which would meet the minimum needs of trout during two seasons of the year.
During flood flows some level of high water is necessary to reach the full
nursery habitat. Data having obtained under West Wide Water Study is
expected to allow projection of minimal needs.
Preliminary figures being subjected to tests are for 30 percent of the
daily mean flow for October 1 through March and 60 percent of the daily
mean flow from April 1 through September.
Management of Access for the Middle Fork, Flathead River
Much of the Middle Fork is in either a roadless area or has a Wilderness
designation. Above Bear Creek near the Java Ranger Station, the main
river flows through 37 sections and is fed by 12 major tributaries in
the roadless area. This roadless area is now a candidate study area for
possible Wilderness designation. Access by other than foot or horseback
will be the only means of getting into the area and is not likely to be
greatly increased during the study period or in wilderness designated
areas. This area is all under U.S. Forest Service Administration.
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Some consideration should be given to priorities and aesthetics
in trial system use or development. Foot trails can be laid
"easier-on the land" than horse trails and have less environmental
impact. Many foot trails could be developed in closer contact with the
river to allow angler access without environmental harm. Some foot trails
could connect corrals and streams thus reducing horse trail impact on more
fragile areas.
Access into the middle of the roadless area and within three miles of
the .Bob Marshall Wilderness is now possible by small aircraft. A landing
field at Schaffer Meadows will be closed to use if this candidate study
area becomes wilderness. This airfield is used both in hunting and fishing.
Many "float trips" in rubber rafts originate at the airfield and traverse
the roadless area to Bear Creek.
Access on the Middle Fork below Bear Creek has some seven sections
of private land and 20 sections of public land on the west side of the
river. The east side in this area is all part of Glacier National Park.
Portions of the park are in a Wilderness candidate study area also but
access has been previously restricted to foot or horse travel in most
of this area in the past.
Management of Harvest for the Middle Fork, Flathead River
Fish and Game harvest is regulated by orders of the Fish and Game
Commission within the framework of Montana Statutes. Limits for game fish are
quite liberal and have remained constant in the area for the last ten years.
Fishing pressure estimates for the Middle Fork were 6,435 man days and
tributaries that are open to fishing probably had less than 100 man days
due to restricted access. The four of the larger Middle Fork tributary streams
are closed to fishing. Study should be conducted to determine if these
closures cause these streams to make any greater contribution to the young
down-stream migrants. The Dolly Varden should be studied in detail to
determine if the restriction is asserting the Dolly Varden to maintain
itself or if harvestable fish are being lost.
Greater use could be made of the mountain whitefish but more
liberal limits and seasons have not accomplished this.
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Habitat Preservation for the South Fork, Flathead River
Below Hungry Horse Dam there is only limited opportunity for habitat
preservation, one exception would be to zone against stream bank or bed
alteration. One realtor plans to develop a campground with fish ponds,
trailer spaces, etc., right on the river flood plain near the mouth of
the South Fork River. Increases in minimal flows controlled by the Bureau
of Reclamation generation at 160 cfs should be increased to 350 cfs.
Habitat Preservation in the reservoir area should deal with amount
of total annual draw-down and also the length of the year which draw-down
is affecting the fish habitat. Draw-downs occur annually for power generation
and flood control storage. Schedules and recommendations for draw-down
should be programmed to cause the least habitat degradation compatable
with flood storage base on snow pack information. In 1970-71, maximum
draw-down was 119' and the reservoir was at full pool for less than a
month. At 119' draw-down, the reservoirs surface inundates only a small
fraction of the area it would at full pool. Insects, plants, and
periphyton living in the lake bottom are at least partially destroyed
and the productivity area is put completely out of production after having
just a few weeks of "summer growing season". Recently power demands have
caused draw-downs to commence August 15 to September 1. There is no flood
problem that demands that the total storage be available before April 1st.
Delayed draw-downs would greatly increase the "growing season".
The aquatic habitat should be protected from accumulations of bark
and chemicals leached from both when logs are rafted and floated in the
reservoir.
Road construction and timber sales must be refined to be non-degrading
of the aquatic habitat. Road building and stream crossings should be held at
an absolute minimum. The system need not be designed so all drainages
are inter-connected with loop roads. All streams should be protected against
these six critical habitat problems:
1. Maintain South Fork free-flowing with no obstructions to fish
passage.
2. Maintain tributary and main stream water temperature and chemistry
most suitable for cutthroat trout.
3. Minimize erosion from road construction and timber harvesting.
4. Insure channel stability below culverts or bridges.
5. Maintain migrating fish passage routes.
6. Insure bank stability recognizing channel capacities and vegetative
cover.
The South Fork and tributaries above the reservoir are important
spawning and nursery areas for the Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.
A study should be made to determine if cutthroat and Dolly Varden from the
reservoir are able to migrate past the high velocity flows in a narrows on
the South Fork known as Meadow Creek Gorge. Although it is suspected
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that the Dolly Varden can negotiate the obstacle there is no positive
tagging and recovery data to indicate that either species can make it
through on their spring spawning runs which coincide with high
water flows.
Habitat Enhancement for the South Fork, Flathead River
There are culverts on both the main Forest Service haul roads and
logging roads that are completely impassible to fish with many causing
serious erosion problems.
A survey reconnaissance of all roads crossing permanent stream
tributaries to the reservoir or South Fork river should be made. A report should be
prepared detailing culvert length, diameter, stream gradient above and
below culvert, culvert gradient and height of outflow. Problem culverts
should be inspected by a fishery biologist and Forest Service personnel
to prepare a plan on the extent of replacement or modification found necessary
to provide fish passage or to maintain water quality standards.
Management of Access for the South Fork, Flathead River
Downstream from the Wilderness boundary to the junction of the
main Flathead, access is very adequate. In fact, access is too great
for benefit of migrating and calving elk herds. In the future many side
roads should be closed to vehicular hunting traffic to reduce the
road hunting and to spread the harvest among the ever increasing hunters.
Some restriction of winter over snow vehicles may also have to be enacted
to reduce winter harassment when animals are in jeopardy due to cold, deep
snow and high body energy requirements.
Within the Bob Marshall Wilderness travel is restricted to
non-vehicular, non-motorized equipment. Travel by horse or foot trail
can get one to all the major sections of the Wilderness. There are many
areas without marked or improved trails and will probably remain that way.
Wilderness users have increased to the extent that a true wilderness
experience is frequently impossible due to the repeated contact with other
people. Further increase of use will require a policy of requiring reservations
for group travel which would limit party size and routing schedules.
Tentative regulations are now being drafted by the U.S. Forest Service.
There are nine campgrounds on the reservoir or South Fork River
outside the Wilderness area. Five are equipped with boat launching
areas that are usable during full pool. (July 10 - August 30 the last
few years) It is nearly impossible to get a boat into the reservoir
after the draw-down exceeds 25 feet.
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Management of Harvest for the South Fork, Flathead River
Restricted access and the length of the hunting and fishing seasons
provide management tools to regulate the harvest. The Bob Marshall
Wilderness is not on a quota system for deer, elk or bear. Further harvest
control is available through drawings for restricted numbers of permits
when harvest trends, winter browse conditions and herd conditions warrant
that type of control.
Fisheries regulations are quite liberal and angler pressure doesn't
justify further restriction at present. Data gathered on fish populations
indicate the potential for a considerable increase of harvest by a better
distribution of anglers. This does not mean more access but as angler
success rates decrease, anglers will get further off the beaten trails where
harvest is negligible.
Artificial Propagation for the South Fork, Flathead River
Spawning and rearing habitat is well utilized in all areas to which
fish have access. River and reservoir populations are believed to be
at or near carrying capacities although population size is controlled by
the carrying capacity at the most critical time of the year, the minimum
pool habitat at maximum draw-down levels. Artificial stocking is done on
some high mountain lakes which do not have available trout spawning areas.
Some introductory stocking has been done and will continue for streams where
natural barriers had prevented naturally established populations.
Instream Water Requirements for the South Fork, Flathead River
A formula must be developed to determine the percent of mean flows
which would meet the minimum needs of trout during two seasons of the year.
During flood flows some level of high water is necessary to reach full nursery
habitat. Data being obtained under West Wide Water Study is expected to
allow projection of minimal needs.
Preliminary figures being subjected to tests are for 30 percent of the
daily mean flow for October 1 through March and 60 percent of the mean flow
from April 1 through September.
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Habitat Preservation for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
Fisheries habitat preservation of Flathead and Swan Lake depend almost
entirely on the free-flowing tributary streams where all cutthroat, Dolly
Varden and rainbow trout, mountain whitefish and to a large extent kokanee
salmon are naturally propagated. Water quality has to remain non-degraded
in chemical purity, free from silt and debris, and of suitable temperature
or the fishery of the entire river and lake system will collapse, with the
possible exception of lake trout and lake whitefish.
Regulation of Hungry Horse discharge during fall spawning season would
give control over kokanee salmon spawning success and subsequent size of the
mature salmon four years later as this species size is density dependent.
Regulation of the Flathead Lake levels is a factor in the success of
lakeshore spawning kokanee, as well as perch and bass in the Poison Bay
area. Maximum draw-down is now is now restricted to ten feet, partially by
agreement with landowners and partially by restrictions in the outlet channel
above Kerr dam. Habitat Preservation demands that outlet channel clearance
not be considered favorably. Such fluctuations destroy the productive area
or "pasture" area of the lake, the greater the draw-down, the greater the
total reduction of food producing area. In a lake basin as low in basic
fertility as this system its growth of resident fish would suffer to an
unacceptable extent.
Swan Lake is subject to the same low fertility and short summer growing
seasons as Flathead Lake. The lake has suffered from poor fishing since the
Swan River Dam was built at Big Fork which was built without a fish ladder.
Years later a fish ladder was constructed but considered inefficient. The
ladder was modified in 1963 but has not been effectively tested as no
migratory cutthroat trout were planted in tributaries above the dam and
lake to attempt to reestablish the migratory runs. Cutthroat trout fry
were planted in more than twenty Swan River tributary streams in 1967 and 1968
in an attempt to reestablish migratory cutthroat that would utilize a fish
trap during the spring migration in 1971 and 1972, but was poorly used with
less than a half a dozen cutthroat collected in the trap.
Swan Lake outlet can not be altered without adversely effecting the
ecological relationships of the lake and its game fish population. It would
be better to remove the Pacific Power and Light dam which already is an
ecological misfit and doesn't produce much more than enough electricity to
pay for the supervision and maintenance.
Tributary streams of Swan River are in heavily forested lands. Low
lands with good timber were partially cut in the 1930's and 1940's. In the
last decade, many timber sales have been made and many of them have been
large clearcuts. The land ownership is a checkerboard pattern in the Swan
Valley with the large private holdings by Burlington Northern Railroad,
owned previously by Anaconda and now by Champion Plywood, the U.S. Forest'
Service, and Montana State Forest are the other large landowners.
Habitat preservation is critical when adjacent sections are in various
ownerships. Habitat degradation has been frequently blamed on "the other
guy". Game habitat has suffered by clear cutting large areas of winter range
for elk and whitetail deer. Many small woodland ponds were clearcut to the
edge completely destroying wildlife habitat for many smaller animals
and waterfowl.
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Strips of cover and timber should be left between timber sales until
cover is adequate on the cut areas. Timber strips following natural draws
and water courses serve both as avenues of travel for big game and protection
of the stream bank and shade to minimize stream warming.
A cooperation agreement should be signed between the U.S. Forest Service,
State Forestry Department, Burlington Northern, and Champion Plywood
(Anaconda) to effect a joint effort and responsibility in their timber
management. In any drainage, consideration must be given to the other
owner's harvest plans, roads, etc. in order that peak run off doesn't
exceed channel capacity, that too much forest cover isn't disturbed at one
time and general overall benefits to all landowners can accrue.
Habitat Enhancement for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
A survey of all culverts and bridges on the Swan River tributaries
should be made to determine probability of fish passage during spawning runs
and if they are causing erosion. Reports on culvert length, diameter, stream
gradient above and below culverts, and culver grade, the outfall drop and
the amount of bedload deposited above the culvert site.
Fish and Game has 21 stream gauging stations on Swan River and tributaries
on which water temperature and cnemical water quality are being monitored
periodically. Data will be used to evaluate quality of trout habitat and
rates of change in quality.
Road cuts and fills should be seeded as soon as constructed to reduce
erosion and the amounts of silt entering the stream. Trees should be felled
away from streams to minimize the amount of debris and limbs entering the
stream. Some additions or enhancement can be made to winter game range,
especially for elk and deer. Controlled burns on browse plants that have
either grown out of reach or that are in a dormant stage can cause resprouting
and increase the food production on critical winter range. Some timber
sales might enlarge winter range if located on favorable south and west
facing slopes in areas with the appropriate aspect slope and snow depth.
Removal of some debris caused by "cedar" timber sales on trout streams
would improve streams that were once quality spawning areas.
Habitat enhancement can frequently be obtained by population control of
undesirable non-game fish species, such as perch, squawfish, sunfish and suckers.
The first three species are predacious on small trout, cause trout mortalities
when partially swallowed and their spiny fins prevent rejection. All the species
are competitors for food space and in some cases, spawning areas. Populations
can be controlled with chemical fish toxicants that are biodegradable. The control
works especially well in small to medium sized lakes and to some extent in
rivers. Control measures frequently need repeating from annual treatment in
some streams, to periods of seven to ten years in closed lakes systems*
Instream Water Requirements for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
A formula must be developed to determine the percent of mean flows
which would meet the minimum needs of trout during two seasons of the year.
During flood flows some level of high water is necessary to reach the full
nursery habitat. Data being obtained under West Wide Water Study is expected
to allow projection of minimal needs.
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Preliminary figures being subjected to tests are for 30 percent
of the daily mean flow for October 1 through March and 60 percent of the daily
mean flow from April 1 through September.
Management Access for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
Road systems traverse nearly everywhere in the Swan Lake and River basin
except into the wilderness or on steep slopes. Some road closures have been
made for big game habitat enhancement and more will be necessary. A survey
should be made of logging roads and spur roads that could be closed to benefit
quality game habitat management without adverse effect on other resources
used. Access is available to streams on all government forest lands for hunting
and fishing. The position which the new owner of Anaconda lands will take
is unknown.
Access to Swan Lake is limited, one campground and boat launching area
exits on the south end. A campground and boat access on the north end of the
lake is desirable. Access to the main Swan River is becoming more restricted
as segments of river front are being acquired for home sites or summer homes.
Access to Flathead Lake is quite adequate with seven State Parks with'
boat launching ramps, one State boat access area and one National Forest
campground.
Management of Harvest for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
Fishing pressure estimates for Flathead Lake are more than 65,000 man
days, Swan Lake 5,064 man days, Swan River 9,940 man days plus over 1,000
man days on larger Swan tributaries. Numerous high mountain lakes in the wilderness
area support unknown, relatively small, amounts of pressure.
Angling limits are generous but angler capacities and the time of the year
are more restrictive than the fish populations or regulations. Dolly Varden
are restricted by a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length. Larger game
fish are protected to the extent that a ten-pound plus one fish limit
constitutes a limit of larger fish.
Artificial Propagation for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
Flathead Lake populations of kokanee salmon are egg sources for stocking
most waters where kokanee reproduction is not successful. Eggs taken by
Somers Hatchery crew from the main river, Swan River and Flathead Lake are
hatched at the station to the fry stage and planted. The Somers Hatchery is
antiquated and has an inadequate water supply. It or an alternate hatchery
should have capacity for hatching 6,000,000 salmon eggs, raising 600,000
cutthroat to 3 to 4 inches annually plus 150,000 cutthroat to a size of 6
inches annually. In addition, it should have brood fish holding capacity for
10,000 pounds of mature stock.
This capacity would meet the needs for all westslope cutthroat in Region
One including all the Flathead River system except Flathead Lake. This would
also meet the needs of the Kootenai River drainage, except for Libby's
Koocanusa Reservoir.
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Any dams constructed on the main Flathead River tributaries would have to
carry mitigative costs to stock a minimum annually of an estimated
1,000,000 pounds of cutthroat and other trout species to minimally sustain the
main lake and the main tributaries.
The Creston Hatchery operating at full capacity uses nearly all its product
to produce fishing on Indian Reservations. Further expansion potential
is questionable.
The Jocko River State Hatchery at Arlee, Montana is operating at field
capacity now with little room for potential expansion. The entire State's
rainbow brood trout are raised here. Eggs taken and partially incubated
are then distributed to the other state hatcheries.
Libby mitigative moneys have been promised during the whole construction
and preconstruction program. Nothing has materialized except suggestions
that the State keep going back to Congress seeking adequate funds to finance
and operate a hatchery with the productive capacity of 30,000 to 50,000 pounds
of cutthroat trout exclusively for Lake Koocanusa.
Acquisition of Wetlands for Waterfowl for Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Tributaries
Lands are being acquired for refuge and waterfowl management areas with
approximately 5,000 acres in Flathead County, 6,430 acres in Lake County and
2,900 acres in the Swan River Drainage. A collective total of 14,330 acres
will ultimately be acquired. Water will be held in pools by dikes, courtship
and resting areas will be built as well as nesting islands. A portion
will be managed as a hunting area during the open seasons.
Improvement of Fish Passage to Swan Lake
The only worthwhile recommendation would be to remove the dam and
discontinue the small inefficient generating plant rather than to spend more
money to provide questionable improvement to the existing questionable
fish ladder.
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Habitat Preservation for the Lower Main Stem, Flathead River
The enactment of County zoning laws which would control development on
the flood plain needs laws to prevent stream channel alteration by
individuals. Feed lot regulations are needed to preserve the aquatic
habitat where drainage enters streams or lakes and control sediments
from irrigation returns which are now exempt from the state pollution laws.
Habitat Enhancement for the Lower Main Stem, Flathead River
Cattle grazing on the stream bank yields erosion and causes stream
sediments. Cattle should be fenced from lakes and streams and water piped to
livestock. The amount of fencing and cattle guards necessary to protect the
streams should be made along both sides of the Stillwater, Whitefish,
Swan and Main Flathead Rivers below Columbia Falls.
Grass and non-noxious plants should be left on irrigation ditch banks and
fenced which would provide wildlife cover and nesting areas.
Habitat enhancement can frequently be obtained by population control of
undesirable non-game fish species; such as perch, squawfish, sunfish and suckers.
The first three species are predacious on small trout, cause trout mortalities
when partially swallowed and their spiny fins prevent rejection. All the species
are competitors for food space and in some cases, spawning areas. Pppulations
can be controlled with chemical fish toxicants that are biodegradable. The
control works especially well in small to medium sized lakes and to some extent
in rivers. Control measures frequently need'repeating from annual treatment
in some streams, to periods of seven to ten years in closed lakes systems.
Instream Water Requirements for the Lower Main Stem, Flathead River
A formula must be developed to determine the percent of mean flows which
would minimumly meet the needs of trout during two seasons of the year. During
flood flows some level of high water is necessary to reach the full nursery
habitat. Data being obtained under the West Wide Water Study is expected to
allow projection of minimal needs.
Preliminary figures being subjected to tests are for 30 percent of the
Daily Mean Flow for the period October 1 through March and 60 percent for the
period April 1 through September.
Management of Access for the Lower Main Stem, Flathead River
Public access points and boat launching areas on the Flathead River
from Columbia Falls to Flathead Lake total six in some thirty miles of river.
Access to the Stillwater or Whitefish Rivers is almost nil south of Whitefish,
Montana. Small access acreages should be acquired on both of these rivers.
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Management of Harvest for the Lower Main Stem, Flathead River
Game and Fish regulations are adequate at present and are sufficiently
flexible to allow changes. Fishing regulations are quite liberal with
bonus limits for extra abundant species like the mountain whitefish and salmon.
Snagging seasons for salmon recognize they die after spawning and utilization
of all but necessary brood fish is desirable.
Restrictions on Grazing for the Lake Mary Ronan and Little Bitterroot Lake Areas
A cooperative agreement should be sought between the U.S. Forest Service,
Montana State Forest Department, Burlington Northern and Champion Plywood
to establish grazing quotas in mixed landownership areas. Animal grazing months
can be calculated and prorated for all cattle in the area. Where
cattle grazing is a serious detriment to other resources, particularly water,
reduced grazing should be done. The grazing fees do not pay for loss of
quali ty water.
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Appendix II. Phytoplankton Identification and Distribution m
Flathead Lake (Morgan 1970)
Discussion of Flora. Dr. Moghadan (1969) in her systematic study of the
diatom communities of Flathead Lake identified 337 different taxa of which
five species and two varieties were new. During the period covered by this
study, a total of 199 species and varieties was identified. Five divisions
of algae were encompassed in this numeration. Delation of species common
to both studies yields a caiibined total of 503 different species and
varieties of algae found in Flathead Lake's phytoplanktcn papulation.
Dominant species of Chrysophyta. The planktanic algae which exhibited
daninanoe throughout the study are almost entirely of the sub-division
Bacillariophyoeae. The genera most frequently encountered are: Asterionella,
Fragilaria, Rhizosolenia, Synedra, and Tabellaria, with occasional
appearances of Cyclotella, Navicula, Cyrobella, Canpylodiscus, Surirella,
Gyrosigma, and Eunotia. Other algae encountered frequently of the same
division, Chrysophyta, sub-division Chrysophyceae, were four species of
the same genera: Dinobryon bavaricum Imhof, D. diverqens Imhof, D. sertularia
Ehrenberg, and D. sociale Ehrenberg. Other genera of the same sub-division
were Mal lomcnas, Khizochrysis, and Synura. "Hie latter three genera
occurred less frequently and are listed in their order of frequency. The
total number of species identified in the order Chrysophyta was 109.
The Cyanophyta or blue-green algae most often found were Chrooooccus,
Gomphosphaeria, Gloeocapsa, Microcystis, Meriamopedia and on occasions
Spirulina, Anabaena, Aphanocapsa plus Aphanizcmenan. Aphanizanencn
occurred one time only in the phytoplankton of Flathead Lake. The
blue-green algae did not exhibit any dcminancy except for cne blocm of
Aphanizamenan flos-aquae Ralfs in late simmer. The blocm occurred just to
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the west of Bigfork Bay. This area is relatively shallow (2-8m) and is exposed
to the diurnal mixing action of the south wind. The continual eddying returns
the nutrients frcm the sediments to the water above for algal utilization.
The blue-green algae occurred most frequently in the late sumrter and
early fall when the nutrients were at their lowest aonoentraticns.
Chrooooocus limnetica Lennermann, C. Presoottii Drouet & Daily, and
Aphanocapsa elastista G. M. Smith are the most carmen species found in the
pelagic zone of the lake.
A total of 25 species was identified during the study of which 10 are
rather rare in occurrence. Genera, such as, Dactylococcus, E^^sis,
Gloeotrichia, Lynqbya, and Synechococcus appear rarely and then cnly in
limited numbers.
The division Chlorcphyta (green algae) are even less frequently found
in the plank tonic samples of Flathead Lake. Oocystis spp. are the
most frequent, followed by Spaerocystis, Cosmarium, Pediastrum, and
Staurastrum. Dictyosphaerium pulchellum Wood is often found in samples
containing Chrooooccus spp. during the late surmer manths. The remaining
species are infrequent and most times are transported from areas along the
shoreline or rivers to the pelagic region of the lake. Filamentous species,
such as, Mouqeotia genuflexa (Dillw.) Zygnema pectinatum Fritsch & Stephens
represent transported species. These species are sessile forms cunitmly
found along the shore areas.
Sixty-three different species were found in the plankton samples
during the study.
The small division Pyrrophyta was well represented with five genera
and 14 species. Most ccmmanly encountered were the species Oaratium
hirundinella, Glenodinium KulcZynskii (Wolosz.) Schiller, and
Peridimim cin^-Lum var. tuberosum (Meunier) Lindsnan. This division
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is limited in numbers during the spring. The increased temperatures of
sunnier and possibly the increased organic compounds (Hutchinson, 1967)
released by previous plankters facilitate these plankters growth and
reproduction.
The fifth and smallest division Euglenophyta was represented by
only one genera, Trachelcmanas sp., at the Bigfork Bay station. This
division undoubtedly has many more species in the shoreline areas where
more organic matter is available for their use.
Ecological Relationships
In planktmic studies of algae certain species appear to be
associated with one another. The name of the dominant species or
sometimes the dcminant and subdartinant will be used as designations
for the association. Hutchinson (1967) hsps this form naming the
dcminant species-and then the subdominant, e.g., Fragilaria - Astp»rionella;
Fragilaria being the dominant and Asterionella the associated subdcminant.
One or more subdcminants may be associated. This type of association is
used in shewing relationships between genera found during the study.
The genera shewing dominance during the study ware Tabellaria
quadrisepta Knudson, Fragilaria crotanensis Kitton, Khizosolenia eriensis
H. L. Smith, Dinobryon divergens, Stephanodiscus sp., and As^prionella
formosa. Each of these genera showed pulses during the study but ncne
were strong enough to exhibit a blocm. The genera are listed in the order
of seasonal pulses observed during the study.
Tabellaria quadrisepta occurred in its greatest numbers during June
and early July. The largest population of this species, 186, 180 per liter,
occurred at the Deep H2O 30m level. Computer data indicates this species
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as being a cold water, high nutrient requiring species.
Fragilaria crotcnensis was declining in total numbers at the beginning
of the study and gave the impression of just completing a pulse, ©lis
species exhibited another pulse shortly after the fall turnover.
Dinobryon bavaricum and D. sociale showed preference for colder
temperatures and higher nutrient levels than D. diverqens or D. sertularia.
Silicon dioxide levels are known to limit D. diverqens.
Khizosolenia eriensis, a diatan of the order Centrales, showed high
population figures shortly after the ice breakup in the spring of 1969.
Another pulse was detected during the sunnier when nutrients are more limited.
Pears all (1932) reported R. eriensis as requiring less nutrients than
Asterionella formosa, Fragilaria crotonensis and Tabellaria fenestrata.
Asterionella formosa, a pennate form of the family Fragilariaoeae,
was found throughout the study. Asterionella formosa is considered to be
a cold water form requiring high nutrient levels. Uiis species during the
summer is a subdcminant associated with all the species described previously.
Concentration of A. formosa fluctuated throughout the study with a general
increase being noted fron August an. Hie increase of A. formosa can be
attributed to increase of dissolved nutrients two weeks prior to the pulse.
Synedra del i catissima W. Smith and S. fasciculata var. fasrri mila+^
(Ag.) Kutz. were found in numbers totaling 174,000 and 34,800 per liter
respectively during and shortly after the spring thaw of 1969. The Synedra
spp. showed a decline with the decreasing of silica, nitrate and sulfate in
the summer months. S. acus var. acus Kutz. is limited mainly to the rivers
and those stations more directly influenced by the rivers.
Other diatoms of the order Pennales that appeared ocrnnonly in the
plankton samples were the genera Amphora, Cymbella, Navicula and
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-5-
Pinnularia; other pennale genera were identified but occurred less
frequently.
Cymbella and Navicula appeared in minor concentration throughout the
study. Both genera, although usually free-floating, are often found
attached to submerged objects, which accounts for limited numbers in
plankton samples. Both genera were found in plankton samples at each
station sporadically.
Cyclotella and Melosira, of the order Centrales, occurred at all
stations and at the various depths sampled. Melosira, a diatom
forming filamentous chain, is considered to be a cold water, high nutrient
demanding diatom. Melosira occurred in limited numbers at all stations
and depths. Hie nutrient level required, plus the physiological structure
influenced by density, limits Melosira to periods of seasonal overturn.
Cyclotella appeared in increased numbers during the late surnner and fall
periods similar to the distribution patterns of Stephanodiscus.
Ecological succession of dominant algal forms are the direct result
of the chemical and physical requirements (see specific ecological requirements;
analysis of oovariance with multiple oovariates).
Phytop lank ton numeration was determined for each sampling period (exact
dates are recorded in the Appendix, Interpretation of Numbers and
Abbreviations). Phytop lank ton in total number per liter was determined
for each genera and where possbxle the species were aounted, e.g., Dinobryon
bavaricum, D. divergens, D. sertularia and D. sociale.
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Appendix II. Description, distribution and ecology of the Rotifer and
Crustacean Plankton Ccmnuniti.es, Flathead Lake, Montana:
Tibbs and Potter (1972).
A preliminary list of the Flathead Lake zooplankton appears in Table 1.
The table also presents the depth distribution of eadi species and temporal
occurrence. Abundance is relative as ocmpared to other species with consideration
allcwed for unusual temporal abundance of the more cannon forms.
Hie more cannon forms, Daphnia spp., Kellicottia lonqispina,
Keratella oochlearis, Cyclops bicuspidatus thcmasi, and Diaptcmus ashlandi,
oatpose a ocrmunity similar to that described by Scheffer and Robinson (1949)
for Lake Washington. These forms occur commonly across the lake; the less'
common forms display more specific preferences for depth, temperature, and
other factors associated with open lake or bay environments.
The three species of Daphnia, D. thorata, D. longiremis, and D. rosea
(Fig. 1), are of particular interest due to temporal and spatial distributions
that seem to be influenced primarily by temperature. Neither Daphnia
lanqirerais nor Daphnia rosea have been reported frcm the lake though
Bjork (1967, personal ocmnunicaticn) incorrectly determined D. longi nprni g
to be D. lonqispina. We have not yet determined whether these species have
always been present or are recently introduced. Neither species has been
observed in the few recovered samples from collections by Forbes and Elrod.
Daphnia longiremis is noted by Brooks (1957) to be a cold stenotherm.
This species does maintain an association with cold waters of Flathead
Lake and exhibits peak populations during late winter. At that season,
D. langiraias is the mast abundant cladoceran in the lake and occurs from
the surface to depths of 50 meters. During sunnier and fall months when
-------
Table 1. Preliminary Seasonal and Depth Distributions for Rotlfera and
Crustacea in Flathead Lake, Montana
Organism
ROTIFERA
Asplanchna sp.
Brachionus sp.?
Chromoga9ter sp.
Collotheca sp.
Conochilus unicornis Rousselet
Dissotrocha sp.?
Euchlanis sp.?
Filinia longiseta (Ehrenberg)
Kellicottia longispina (Kellicott)
Keratella cochlearis (Gosse)
Keratella quadrata (Muller)
Ploesma sp.
Polyarthra vulgaris Carlin
Trichotria sp.
Tylotrocha sp.?
CLADOCERA
Acroperus harpae Baird
Bosmlna longirostris (O.F. Muller)
Chydorus sphaerlcus (O.F. Muller)
Daphnia longiremis Sars
Daphnla rosea Sars
Daphnia thorata Forbes
Eubosmlna sp.
Eurycercus lamellatus (O.F. Muller)
"'Leptodora kindtii (Focke)
Scapholeberis kingi Sars
Sida crystallina O.F. Muller
COPEPODA
Depths
surface
surface
surface
surface
all depths
surface
surface
mid, deep
all depths
all depths
surface
surface
surface
deep
surface
surface
surface
surface
all depths
deep
all depths
surface
surface
surface
deep, surface
at night
surface
mid
Seasons
1,2,3*.A
2
2
2.3
1*.2*,3,4
2
1
1*,2,3,4*
1*,2*,3*,4*
1*,2*,3*,4*
1*,2,3,4
2
1.2
1.4
1
1*,2,3,4
1,2,3,4
1*,4
2,3
1,2,3,4
1,2*,3*.4
1,2*,3,4
1,2,3,4
2*,3
1,2,3*,4
2
Cyclops bicuspldatuB thomasi
S.A. Forbes
Diaptomus ashlandi Marsh
Dlaptomus leptopus S.A. Forbes
Epischura nevadensis Lilljeborg
Eucyclops agllis (Koch)
Ergasilus sp.
Salmincola sp.
all depths
surface, mid
surface
surface, mid
surface
deep
on fishes
1*,2*,3*,4*
1*,2*,3*,4*
2
1,2,3
2
1,4
1,2,3,4
l.spring; 2,summer; 3,autumn; 4,winter; *,abundant
surface - epilimnlon
mid - metalimnion
deep - hypolimnion
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Figure 1. A. Daphnla rosea, mature female, Yellow Bay, 2 February,
1971; B. Daphnla longlremls, mature female, Yellow Bay,
30 January, 1971; C. Daphnla thorata, mature female, Woods
Bay, 21 July, 1969.
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-4-
the lake is stratified with warm surface temperatures D. longiremis restricts
itself to hypolimnetic depths. At that time it is cannon, but it is not
nearly as abundant as during winter months.
Daphnia rosea is the least abundant of the three species. It occurs
at all depths at all seasons with modest populations developing in spring.
Daphnia rosea has not previously been reported fran the lake. It may
have been present since early collection though riot recognized as distinct
fran the other species. It may be a recent introduction from other
Flathead Valley ponds where it is often abundant.
Ttie most interesting temporal sequence is demonstrated by Daphnia
thorata. Early exephippial females appear in the plankton as water
temperatures reach five to seven degrees centigrade during April and May.
These early individuals appear in shallow bays and near shore. The populations
increase gradually through the sunnier. Daphnia thorata replaces D. langiremis
in surface waters as surtner stratification develops.
Highest densities occur in October and November when males appear in
the population. Sexual reproduction with the formation of ephippia
persists through early February, but populations begin to decline with
aooling water temperatures of mid November. Between late February and
April, D. thorata is absent from the Flathead Lake plankton ccmnunity.
These three species are much used as food by pygmy whitefish
(Prosopium ooulteri (Eigenmann and Eigenmann)) and landlocked silver
salmon or kokanee (Qncorhynchus nerka Waldbaum) (Hanzel, 1972). Possibly
predation is an important influence on population size and particularly
when females carry ephippia and are most visible.
Other species important in fish diets are Leptodora kindtii and
Epischura nevadensis. Both are sunnier forms that display temporal periodicity
-------
-5-
similar to Daphnia thorata. The seasonal occurrence of L. kindtii in
Flathead is supported by observations of Chanters, Burbidge, and
Van Engel (1970) who noted the species to be present only at temperatures
near and above ten degrees aentigrade.
Leptodora displays distinct diel migrations. Individuals disperse
between five and thirty meters depth during the day and congregate in the
top ten meters of water during the night hours. Day distribution seems to
be at depth with light below twenty foot candles, yet the few individuals
that occur near the surface indicate that light may be only one influential
factor.
Epischura is a form oatmonly eaten by planktivore fishes, yet it
is much less carmen in the plankton than the cladocerans mentioned above.
Importance as a food organism as compared to uncamoi occurrence in the
plankton probably reflects selectivity of fish predators (Brooks and
Didson, 1965).
Discussion
These few species displayed the most distinct periodicities and
seemed to be controlled by environmental factors. Hie perennial species
may be more tolerant of seasonal fluctuations or may display similar
population variations that will become evident when quantitative analyses
are completed.
Description of the modem plankton acmnunity and its comparison to
earlier investigations has indicated a few changes of ocmnunity structure
that may have been influenced by accelerated eutrophicaticn, fish
introductions, and natural factors. We conclude that our efforts can
profitably continue with a comparison between present conditions and previous
-------
-6-
collections and accounts. Analysis of sediment cores for plankton
micro fossils (Deevey, 1942) will be completed as another comparator.
A final goal will be the development of management suggestions
based en previous history and the manner we expect that the lake may
react to future fish introductions, pollution, and damning.
-------
-7-
Literature Cited
Bjork, C. D. 1967. The Zooplankton of Flathead Lake, Montana.
M. S. thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Pp. xi + 141.
Brooks, J. L. 1957. The systematica of North American Daphnia.
Mem. Conn. Acad. Arts Sci. 13:1-180.
Brooks, J. L. and S. I. Dodson. 1965. Predation, body size, and acrpositicn
of the plankton. Science. 150:28-35.
Chairbers, J. R., R. G. Burbidge, and W. A. Van Engel. 1970.
The occurrence of Leptodora kindtii (Focke) Cladocera) in Virginia
tributaries of Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science. 11(4) :255-258.
Deevey, E. S. 1942. Studies on Connecticut lake sediments. 3.
Amer. J. Sci. 240:233-264, 313-338.
Elrod, M. J. 1901. Limnological investigations at Flathead Lake, Montana,
and vicinity, July, 1899. Amer. Microscop. Soc., Trans. 22:63-80.
• 1902. A biological reconnaissance in the vicinity of Flathead Lake.
Bulletin of the University of Montana No. 10. Biological Series No. 3.
Pp. 91-182. Plates XVIII-XLVI.
Forbes, S. A. 1893. A preliminary report on the aquatic invertebrate fauna
of the Yellowstone National Park, Wycming, and of the Flathead
region of Montana. Bull. U. S. Fish Cam. for 1891. 11:207-258.
Hanzel, D. A. 1972. Personal ocmnunicatian. District One Office, Montana
Fish and Game Department, Kalispell, Men tana.
Morgan, G. R. 1968. Phytcplankton Productivity Of the East-Shore Area of
Flathead Lake, Mentana. M. S. thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah. Pp. 148.
Scheffer, V. B. and R. J. Robinson. 1939. A limnological study of Lake
Washington. Eool. Mcnog. 9:95-143.
Smith, D. G. 1966. Glacial and Fluvial Land Forms Adjacent to the Big
Arm Bttoayment, Flathead Lake, Western Montana. M. A. thesis, University
of Montana, Missoula, Montana. Pp. vi + 74 with one map.
Young, R. T. 1935. The life of Flathead Lake, Montana. Eool. Monog.
5:91-163.
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Appendix III
SURVEY OF STREAM GAGING STATIONS
I. Flathead River at Flathead, British Columbia
Location: Lat. 49 deg.00'06", long. 114deg.28'30", on left bank
200 ft. north of international boundary and Flathead, British
Columbia, 1.6 miles upstream from Sage Creek, 6.5 miles northwest
of Trail Creek, Mont., and at mile 216.6.
Drainage Area: 450 sq. mi., approximately.
Period of Record: March 1929 to current year (no winter records
prior to 1952). Prior to October 1934, published as "near Trail
Creek, Mont."
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Datum of gage is 3,966.74 ft. above
mean sea level. Prior to Sept.l, 1949, non-recording gage, and
Sept. 1, 1949, to Oct. 4, 1964, water-stage recorder, at site
1,200 feet upstream at datum 9.22 ft. higher.
Average Discharge: 19 years (1951-70), 971 cfs (29.30 inches per
year, 703,500 acre-ft. per year).
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 6,150 cfs May 26 (gage
height, 7.30 ft); minimum daily, 105 cfs Feb. 13-15.
Period of record: Maximum discharge, 16,300 cfs June 8, 1964
(gage height, 8.00 ft, in gage wall, 8.6 ft from outside floodmarks
site and datum then in use), from rating curve extended above
8,000 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement of peak flow; minimum
observed, 65 cfs Apr. 9, 1929, but may have been less during
periods of no winter record.
Remarks: Records good except tnose for winter period, wnich are poor.
II- Flathead River near Columbia Falls
Location: Lat 48 deg. 21'43", long 114 deg. 11'02", in NWJfcNWkSE^
sec.17, T.30N., R.20 W., Flathead County, on right bank 200 ft
downstream from county road bridge at Columbia Falls, 5.7 miles
downstream from South Fork, and at mile 143.0.
Drainage Area: 4,464 sq. mi.
Period of Record: May 1922 to Sept. 1923 (fragmentary), June 1928
to current year. Monthly discharge only for some periods, published
in WSP 1316.
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Datum of gage is 2,977.67 ft above mean
sea level (levels by Corps of Engineers). Prior to Nov. 12,1928,
nonrecording gage at bridge 2oo ft upstream at datum 0.19 ft higher.
Average Discharge: 42 years, 9,652 cfs (29.36 inches per year,
6,993,000 acre-ft. per year), adjusted for change in contents in
-------
2
Hungry Horse Reservoir since Oct. 1, 1951.
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 43,900 cfs June 5 (gage
height, 12.34 ft); minimum daily, 1,010 cfs Jan. 7. Period
of record: Maximum discharge, 176,000 cfs June 9, 1964
(gage height, 25.58 ft, from floodmarks), from rating curve extended above
95,000 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement of peak flow; minimum, \
798 cfs Dec. 8, 1929 (gage height, -.08 ft ). *
Flood in June 1894 reached a stage of 22.7 ft, from floodmarks (discharge,
142,000 cfs, from rating curve extended above 95,000 cfs on basis of
slope-area measurement of peak flow in 1964).
Remarks: Records excellent. South Fork Flathead River, which contributes
about one-third of flow, completely regulated by Hungry Horse
Reservoir 11 miles upstream since Sept. 21, 1951,
III. Middle Fork Flathead River near Essex
Location: 1 mile downstream from Charlie Creek and 7^4 miles southeast
of Essex.
Gage: Water-stage recorder
Drainage Area: 408 square miles
Period of Record: April 1957 to September 1961 (no winter records after
1958).
Extremes: The maximum discharge during the period of record was
10,500 cfs (June 6, 1959) and the minimum daily determined,
85 cfs (January 1, 1958). The maximum discharge during the
flood of June 8, 1964 was 57,900 cfs, f rom slope-area measurement
of peak flow.
Remarks: There are no diversions above station.
IV. Skyland Creek near Essex
Location: 150 feet upstream from mouth and lOmiles east of Essex.
Drainage Area: 8.09 square miles.
Period of Record: January 1946 to September 1952.
Gage: Water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 6 years (1946-52), 19.2 cfs or 13,900 acre-feet
per year.
Extremes: Annual maximums for water years 1954, 1959 to date (1965).
The maximum discharge during the period of continuous record was
284 cfs (May 22, 1948)and the minimum, 0.1 c£e (November 15, 1946).
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3
The maximum discharge during the flood of June 8, 1964 was 3,580 cfss
from slope-area measurement of peak flow. The highest
annual runoff was 18,140 acre-feet (1950) and the lowest,
9,440 acre-feet (1949).
Remarks: There are no diversions above station.
V. Bear Creek near Essex
Location: 1 mile downstream from Autumn Creek and 84 miles east of
Essex.
Drainage Area: 20.7 square miles.
Period of Record: January 1946 to September 1952
Gage: Water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 6 years (1946-52) , 46.0 cfs or 33,300 acre-feet per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge during the period of record was 696 cfs ( May
22, 1948) and the minimum daily, 5.5 cfs (January 21 to March 4,
March 8-16, 1949). The maximum discharge during the flood of June 8,1964
was 8,380 cfs, from slope-area measurement of peak flow.
The highest annual runoff was 41,500 acre-feet (1951) and the
lowest, 22,170 acre-feet (1949).
Remarks: There are a few small diversions above station.
VI. Middle Fork Flathead River at Essex
Location: At the highway bridge 0.6 miles upstream from Ole Creek, 0.7
miles southeast of Essex, and 4 miles downstream from Bear Creek.
Drainage Area: 510 square miles.
Period of Record: October 1939 to September 1953, June 1956 to
September 1964.
Gage: Water-stage recorder.
Average Discharge: 21 years, 922 cfs or 766,700 acre-feet per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge was 75,300 cfs (June 8, 1964), from slope-area
measurement of peak flow, and the minimum daily, 30 cfs (January 22,
1940).
Highest annual runoff was 1,142,000 acre-ft. (1959), and the
lowest 336,400 acre-feet (1941).
Remarks:
There are no significant diversions above the station.
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4
VII. Kiddle Fork Flathead River at West Glacier (Belton)
Location: West Glacier (Belton), 5$ mile upstream from highway bridge, and
two miles upstream from outlet of Lake McDonald.
Drainage Area: 943 sq. miles
Period of Record: October 1911 to September 1923 ( no winter records
some years), March 1929 to September 1933, August 1943 to November
1947.
Gage I Staff gage
Average Discharge: 13 years (1910-12, 1915-16, 1918-19, 1920-21,
1929-33, 1943-47) ; 2,294 cfs or 1,661,000 acre-feet per year
Extremes: Maximum discharge during the period of record was 45,000 cfs
(June 21, 1916) and the minimum observed, 115 cfs (March_l,1929).
The highest annual runoff was 2,450,000 acre-feet (1916) and the
lowest 914, 800 acre-feet (1944).
Remarks: There are no significant diversions above the station.
VIII. Lake McDonald Outlet at Lake McDonald
Location: On the highway bridge at lower end of Lake McDonald, in Glacier
National Park.
Drainage Area: 175 square miles.
Period of Record: Records are available for some summer months during the
period 1912-1914.
Gage: staff gage
Extremes: Maximum and minimum discharges were not determined.
Remarks: No diversions above station.
IX. Middle Fork Flathead River near West Glacier (Belton)
Location: Lat. 48 deg. 29'43", long. 114 deg. 00' 33", in SisSW^NEA;
sec. 34, T.32N., R.19 W., Flathead County, on left bank
0.8 mile downstream from McDonald Creek, 1.3 miles west of West
Glacier (formerly Belton), and 3.8 miles upstream from mouth.
Drainage Area: 1,128 sq mi.
Period of Record: Oct. 1939 to current year. Prior to October 1947,
published as "near Belton."
Cage: Water-stage recorder. Altitude of gage is 3,130 ft (from
river-profile map). Prior to Nov. 22, 1950, nonrecording gage
-------
at present site and datum.
Average Discharge: 31 years, 2,916 cfs ( 35.11 inches per year, 2,113,000
acre-ft. per year).
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 23,400 cfs June 5 (gage
height, 9.34 ft); minimum, 244 cfs Jan. 8
(gage height, 0.84 ft).
Period of record: Maximum discharge, about 140,000 cfs June 9,
1964 (gage height, 36.36 ft, from flood-marks), from rating
curve extended above 35,000 cfs on basis of flood volume-
hydrographic comparison; minimum, less than 173 cfs Nov. 27,
1952 (stage below intake pipe).
Remarks: Records excellent.
South Fork Flathead River at Spotted Bear Ranger Station, near Hungry Horse:
Location: Lat 47 deg. 55'20", long 113 deg. 31'25", m SE^sSWlfi
sec. 17, T.25 N., R. 15 W ., on left bank 600 ft south of Spotted
Bear ranger station, 1,000 ft upstream from Spotted Bear River,
40 miles southeast of Hungry Horse, and at mile52.9
Drainage Area: 958 sq. mi.
Period of Record: August 1948 to September 1957, August 1959 to September
1967 (di scontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Altitude of gage is 3,670 ft
(from river-profile map).
Average discharge: 17 years, 1,935 cfs (1,401,000 acre-ft per year).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during year, 18,500 cfs May 23,
(gage height, 12.09 ft); minimum daily, 240 cfs
Jan. 24.
1948-57, 1959-67: Maximum discharge, 36,700 cfs June 8, 1964
(gage height, 18.96 ft in gage well, 19.5 ft from outside flood-
marks), from rating curve extended above 18,000 cfs on basis
of slope-area measurement of peak flow; minimum, less than
121 cfs Dec. 26, 1952 (stage below intake pipes).
Remarks: Records excellent except those for period of no gage-height
record, which are good. No regulation or diversion above
station.
Spotted Bear River near Hungry Horse
Location: 1/3 mile upstream from mouth and 40 miles southeast of
Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area: 184 square miles
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6
Period of Record: October 1948 to September 1956.
Gage: Water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 8 years, 380 cfs or 275,100 acre- feet
per year.
Extremes: Tae maximum discharge during trie period of record
was 5,480 cfb , (May 20, 1954) and the minimum, 20 cfs
(January 5, 1953), out may have been less during periods
of ice effect. The maximum discharge during the flood of
June 8. 1964 was 20,200 cfs, from slope-area measurement of
peak flow. The highest annual runoff was 324,100 acre-
feet (1954) and the lowest 208,700 acre-feet (1949).
Remarks: There are no diversions above the station.
XII- South Fork Flathead River above Twin Creek, near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat 47 deg. 58'45", long 113 deg. 33'36", in
NEitNW'tNESs sec. 36, T.26 N., R. 16 W. , Flathead County, Flat-
head National Forest, on left bank 0.1 mile downstream from
Tin Creek, 0.4 mile upstream from Twin Creek, 36.3 miles
southeast of Hungry Horse, and at mile 46.7
Drainage Area: 1,160 sq. mi.
Period of Record: October 1964 to current year.
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Altitude of gage is 3,575 ft ( from
river-profile map).
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 23,800 cfs June 6
(gage height, 14.02 ft); minimum daily, 180 cfs Jan. 7.
Period of record: Maximum discnarge, 23,800 cfs June 6,
1970 ( gage height, 14.02 ft.); minimum daily, 180 cfs
Jan. 7, 1970.
Flood of June 8, 1964, reached a stage of 20.87 ft, from
high- water profile ( discharge, 50, 900 cfs, by slope-area
measurement of peak flow).
Average Discharge: 6 years, 2,344 cfs (27.45 inches per year,
1,698,000 acre ft per year).
Remarks: Records excellent except those for winter period, which
are poor.
XIII. Twin Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat 47 deg. 59*10", long 113 deg. 33'30", in E*s
sec. 25, T.26 N., R.16 W , on left bank 300 ft.
upstream from road bridge, 0.1 mile upstream from mouth, and
36 miles southeast of Hungry Horse.
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7
Drainage area: 47.0 sq. mi.
Period of Record: August 1948 to September 1956, October 1964
to September 1967 (discontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder with thermograph attachment. Altitude
of gage is 3,610 ft (from river-profile map).
Average Discharge: 11 years, 121 cfs (87,600 acre—ft. per year).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during year, 1,950 cfs May 22
(gage height, 7.77 ft); minimum, 9.9 cfs Oct. 1, but may
have been less during period of ice effect.
1948-56, 1964-67: Maximum discharge, 2,790 cfs May 22 (gage
height, 8.33 ft), from rating curve extended above 1,000 cfs
on basis of slope-area.measurement at gage height 8.1 ft;
minimum, 3.9 cfs Mar.8, 1952, Nov.-26, 1952 (gage height,
1.77 ft), but may have been less during periods of ice
effect.
Flood of June 8,1964, reached a stage of 12.34 ft. from
high water mark in well, 13.1 ft from high water profile, ,
backwater from channel obstructions (discharge, 5,830 cfs
by slope-area measurement of peak flow).
Remarks: Records fair. No regulation or diversion above station.
XIV. Lower Twin Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: % mile upstream from mouth and 35 miles southeast of
Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area: 22.4 sq. mi.
Period of Record: August 1948 to September 1956.
Gage: Water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 8 years, 69.4 cfs or 50,240 acre-feet per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge during period of record, 909 cfs
(May 21, 1956) and the minimum, 0.8 cfs (January 28, 1952).
Maximum discharge during the flood of June 8, 1964 was 5,110
cfs, from slope-area measurement of peak flow.
The highest annual runoff was 58,810 acre-feet (1950) and
the lowest 40,890 (1949).
Remarks: There are no diversions above the station.
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8
XV. Soldier Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat. 47 deg. 59'30", long. 113 deg. 34'50", in
NE^sNEls sec.26, Y.26 N. , R.16 W. , on left Dank 200 ft upstream
from culverts on west snore road, 0.2 mile upstream from mouth,
and 35 miles southeast of Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area; 4.77 sq mi.
Period of Record; October 1964 to April 1967 (discontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder with thermograph attachment. Altitude
of gage is 3,640 ft (from river-profile map).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during period of October to April,
24 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 3.02 ft); maximum gage height,
3.04 ft Jan. 25 (backwater from ice); minimum, 2.1 cfs
Nov. 8 (gage height, 2.30 ft), but may have been less during period
of ice effect.
1964-67: Maximum discharge, 128 cfs Dec. 23, 1964 (gage
height, 4.20 ft); minimum, that of Nov. 8, 1966.
Flood of June 8, 1964, reached a stage of 5.7 ft, from high
water profile (discharge, 206 cfs, by flow-through-culvert
measurement).
Remarks: Records good. No regulation or diversion above station.
XVI. Sullivan Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat 48 deg. 01'45", long 113 deg. 42'12", in NW^SWh;
sec.12, T.26 N., R.17 W. , Flatnead County, Flathead National
Forest, on left bank 0.3 mile downstream from Quintonkon
Creek, 1.7 miles upstream from Hungry Horse Reservoir flow
line, and 29.5 miles southeast of Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area: 71.3 sq mi.
Period of Record: September 1948 to September 1956, August 1959
to current year.
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Altitude of gage is 3,630 ft. (from
topographic map).
Average Discharge: 19 years, 220 cfs (41.91 inches per year,
159,400 acre-ft per year).
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 2,770 cfs June 16
-------
9
(gage neight, 5.65 ft); minimum daily, 25 cfs Jan. 7.
Period of record: Maximum discharge, 5,020 cfs June 8,
1964 (gage height, 7.21 ft in gage well, 8.3 ft from
outside floodmarks), from rating curve extended above 1,800 cfs
on basis of slope-area measurement of peak flow; minimum
daily, 10 cfs Nov. 26, 1952
Remarks: Records good except those for winter period, which
are poor.
XVII. Graves Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat 48 deg. 07'50", long 113 deg. 48'35", in SE*s
sec. 1, T.27 N., R.18 W., on left bank 500 ft upstream
from Hungry Horse Reservoir flow line and 22 miles southeast
of Hungry Horse.
Drainage area: 2 7.0 sq mi.
Period of Record: August 1948 to September 1956, October 1964
to September 1967 (discontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder with thermograph attachment. Altitude
of gage is 3,600 ft (from topographic map). Prior to Oct.
1, 1951, at site 2^ miles downstream at different datum.
Average discharge: 11 years, 135 cfs (97,740 acre-ft per year).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during year, 1,190 cfs Hay 22
(gage height, 4.75 ft); minimum, 7.9 cfs Sept. 29 (gage
height, 1.97 ft).
1948-56, 1964-67: Maximum discharge, 3,780 cfs June 18,
1965 (gage height, 6.27 ft), from rating curve extended
above 1,300 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement at
gage height 5.83 ft; minimum daily, 4.5 cfs Nov. 26, 1952
Remarks: Records good. No regulation or diversion above station.
XVIII. Canyon Creek near Hungry Horse
Location: Lat 48 deg. 12'50", long 113 deg. 45'40", in NW^SE^SW^;
sec.4, T.28 N., R.17 W. , on right bank 50 ft downstream
from bridge on east shore road, 400 ft upstream from Hungry
Horse Reservoir flow line, and 18 miles southeast of
Hungry Horse.
Drainage area: 5.8 sq mi, approximately.
Period of Record: October 1964 to April 1967 (discontinued).
-------
10
Gage: Water-stage recorder with thermograph attachment.
Altitude of gage is 3,580 ft (from river-profile map).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during period October to April,
13 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 2.33 ft); minimum, 1.2 cfs
Mar. 15-17 (gage height, 1.76 ft).
1964-67: Maximum discharge, 140 cfs June 4, 1965 (gage
height, 3.25 ft); minimum, 1.2 cfs Mar. 4, 1966, Mar.
15-17, 1967.
Remarks: Records good. No regulation or diversion above station.
XIV. Wounded Buck. Creek near HunRry Horse
Location: Lat. 48 deg.16'40", long 113 deg. 56'10", in
SW^tSWJtNWt sec. 17, T. 29 H. , R.18 W. , on right bank 10 feet
upstream from culvert on west shore road, 800 ft upstream
from Hungry Horse Reservoir flow line, and 9 miles southeast
of Hungry Horse.
Drainage area: 13.6 sq mi.
Period of Record: October 1964 to April 1967 (discontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder with pressure recording bubbler system.
Altitude of gage is 3,580 ft (from topographic map).
Extremes: Maximum discharge during period October to April, 150
cfs Jan. 28 (gage height, 3.80 ft); minimum, 13 cfs Mar.
7, 14 (gage height, 1.17 ft)
1964-67: Maximum discharge, 970 cfs June 18, 1965 (gage
height, 14.13 ft), from rating curve extended above 240
cfA on basis of flow-through-culvert measurements at gage
heights 10.8 and 14.13 ft.; minimum, that of Mar. 7, 14,
1967, but may have been less during period of ice effect
in 1966.
Remarks: Records good. No regulation or diversion above station.
XV. Emery Creek near HunRry Horse
Location: Lat. 48 deg. 21*30", long. 113 deg. 55'35", in
SEhW&iSUh sec. 17, T.30 N, R.18 W. , on left bank 1,000
ft upstream from bridge on east shore road, 900 ft upstream
from Hungry Horse Reservoir flow line, and 6 miles
southeast of Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area: 26.4 sq mi.
-------
11
Period of Record: October 1964 to April 1967 (discontinued).
Gage: Water-stage recorder with thermograph attachment. Altitude
of gage is 3,590 ft (from topographic map)
Extremes: Maximum discharge during period October to April,
37 cfs Apr. 25 (gage height, 1.70-ft); maximum gage
height, 2.43 ft Jan. 25 (backwater from ice); minimum
daily discharge, 4.5 cfs Nov. 11.
1964-67: Maximum discharge, 371 cfs Apr. 29, 1965
(gage height, 2.89 ft); maximum gage height, 3.90 ft.
Dec. 19, 1964 (backwater from ice); minimum daily,
3.0 cfs Feb. 15, 1966.
Flood of June 8, 1964, reached a stage of 3.39 ft, from
high-water profile (discharge, 832 cfs by slope-area
measurement of peak flow).
Remarks: Records good.No regulation or diversion above station.
XVI. South Fork Flathead River near Columbia Falls
Location: Lat. 48 deg. 21'24", long. 114 deg. 02'12",
in SW*sSEAsSsec. 16, T. 30 N. , R.19 W1, Flathead County,
on right bank 1.7 miles downstream from Hungry Horse Dam,
3.5 miles upstream from mouth, and 6.8 miles east of
Columbia Falls.
Drainage Area:
1,663 sq mi.
Period of Record: September 1910 to January 1911 (discharge
measurements only), February 1911 to September 1913
(no winter records), October 1913 to August 1916
(scattered daily discharge only), water years 1917-22
(annual maximum), April 1923 to November 1924 (no winter
records), July to October 1925, May to November 1927,
May 1928 to current year. Monthly discharge only for
some periods, published in WSP 1316.
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Datum of gage is 3,040.0 ft
above mean sea level (levels By Bureau of Reclamation).
September 1910 to September 1916, nonrecording gage,
and April 23,1923, to Sept. 30, 1928, water-stage
recorder at site 3 miles downstream at different datum.
Oct. 1, 1928, to Sept. 30,1952, water-stage recorder
at site 1.5 miles downstream at different datum.
Average Discharge: 42 years, 3,523 cfs (28.77 inches per
year, 2,552,000 acre-ft per year), adjusted for change
in contents in Hungry Horse Reservoir since Oct. 1, 1951.
Extremes: Current year. Maximum discharge, 11,300 cfs Apr.
25 (gage height, 10.76 ft); minimum daily, 163 cfs
-------
12
June 29, July 1, 14. Period of record: Maximum discharge
observed, 46,200 cfs June 19, 1916 (gage height, 16.6 ft,
site and datum then in use), from rating curve extended
above 20,000 cfs; minimum observed, 7.3 cfs Sept. 24, 1951
(g«ige height, 0.52 ft, dam closure), site and datum then
in use; minimum daily, 7.3 cfs Sept. 24, 1951.
Remarks: Records excellent. Flow regulated since Sept. 21, 1951,
by Hungry Horse Reservoir
XVII. Flathead River at Columbia Falls
Location: Lat 48 deg. 21'43", long. 114 deg. 11'02", in NV/JsNW^SE^
sec. 17, T. 30 N., R.20 W., Flathead County, on right bank 200 ft down-
stream from county road bridge at Columbia Falls, 5.7 miles
downstream from South Fork, and at mile 143.0
Drainage Area: 4,464 sq mi.
Period of Record: May 1922 to September 1923 (fragmentary), June
1928 to current year. Monthly discharge only for some periods,
published in WSP 1316.
Gage: Water-stage recorder. Datum of gage is 2,977.67 ft above
mean sea level (levels by Corps of Engineers). Prior to
Nov. 12, 1928, nonrecording gage on bridge 200 ft upstream at
datum 0.19 ft higher.
Average Discharge: 42 years, 9,652 cfs (29.36 inches per year,
6,993,000 acre-ft per year), adjusted for change in contents
in Hungry Horse Reservoir since Oct. 1, 1951.
Extremes: Current year: Maximum discharge, 43,900 cfs June 5
(gage height, 12.34 ft); minimum daily, 1,010 cfs Jan. 7.
Period of record: Maximum discnarge, 176,000 cfs June 9, 1964
(gage height, 25,58 ft, from flood marks ), from rating curve
extended above 95,000 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement of
peak flow; minimum, 798 cfs Dec. 8, 1929 (gage height, -0.08 ft).
Flood in June 1894 reached a stage of 22.7 ft, from floodmarks
(discharge, 142,000 cfs, from rating curve extended above
95,000 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement of peak flow
in 1964).
Remarks: Records excellent. South Fork Flathead River, which
contributes about one-tnird of flow, completely regulated
by Hungry Horse Reservoir 11 miles upstream since Sept.
21, 1951
-------
13
XVIII. Flathead River near Kalispell
Location: at highway bridge, 3 miles east of Kalispell.
Period of Record: May 1928 to September 1945 (gage heights only).
Gage: chain gage, datum of gage is at mean sea level (Somers datum).
Extremes: Maximum elevation 2,913.95 ft (May 27, 1928) and the
minimum elevation, 2,899.25 ft (December 17, 1940)
XIX. Logan Creek at Tally Lake near Whltefish
Location: 2% miles downstream from Tally Lake and 10 miles west
of Whitefish.
Drainage Area; 183 sq mi.
Period of Record: August 1931 to August 1934 (fragmentary),
May 1936 to September 1942, May 1945 to September 1947
Gage: staff gage
Average Discharge: 8 years (1936-42, 1945-47), 75.0 cfs or
54,300 acre-ft per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 1,380 cfs (May 11, 1947), minimum,
0.7 cfs (September 1, 2, 1940). Highest annual runoff was
125,600 acre-feet (1947), lowest, 15,920 acre-feet (1941).
Remarks: There is natural storage in Tally Lake.
XX. Logan Creek near Whitefish
Location: 100 feet upstream from Good Creek and 10 miles northwest
of Whitefish.
Drainage Area: 199 sq mi.
Period of Record: April to September 1931.
Gage: staff gage
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 240 cfs (May 8), minimum, 1.2 cfs
(September 4, 5)
Remarks: There is natural storage in Tally Lake.
-------
14
XXI. Stillwater River near Whitefish
Location: 600 ft downstream from highway bridge, 7 mi. southwest
of Whitefish, 10 miles upstream from Whitefish River.
Drainage Area: 524 sq mi.
Period of Record: October 1930 to September 1950.
Gage: water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 20 years, (1930-50), 340 cfs or 246,100 acre-ft
per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge: 4,330 cfs (Hay 26, 1948) and
the minimum daily, 40 cfs (December 24, 1944). The highest
annual runoff was 405,400 acre-feet (1948) and the lowest
90,200 acre-feet (1944).
Remarks: There are a few diversions for irrigation above the station.
XXII. Stillwater River near Kalispell
Location: On highway bridge 5 miles upstream from Whitefish River and
5 miles north of Kalispell.
Drainage Area: 537 sq mi.
Period of Record: October to December 1906, January to May 1907
(gage heights only), May to August 1922, July 1928 to
October 1930 (fragmentary).
Gage: staff gage
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 2,750 cfs,(May 22, 1922), minimum, 26 cfs
(November 11, 1929).
Remarks: There were no diversions above the station.
XXIII. Whitefish River near Kalispell
Location: 8 miles upstream from mouth and 8 miles north of Kalispell.
Drainage Area: 170 9q mi.
Period of Record: August to November 1928, April 1929 to Sept. 1950.
Gage: Water- stage recorder
Average Discharge: 21 years (1929-50), 191 cfs or 138,300 acre-ft
per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 1,290 cfs (May 30, 1948), minimum, 4.5 cfs
(October 18, 1934). Highest annual runoff, 202,400 acre-ft
-------
15
(1934) and the lowest, 73,990 acre-ft (1944).
Remarks: There were diversions for Whitefish municipal water supply and
for irrigation of about 120 acres above the station. Some regulation
by Whitefish Lake.
XIV. Flathead River at Demersville
Location: At Demersville, 3 mi south of Kalispell.
Period of Record: April 1909 to July 1912, April 1928 to September 1945
(gage heights only)
^Jage: wire-weight gage. Datum of gage is at mean sea level (Somers
datum).
Extremes: Maximum elevation, 2,904.94 ft (June 17, 1933), minimum,
2,881.86 ft (Dec. 18-26, 1936)
XV. Ashley Creek near Kila
Location: upstream end or right abutment of bridge, about 1^5 mi downstream
from Ashley Lake, and 7 mi northwest of Kila.
Drainage Area: 44.2 sq mi.
Period of Record: Aug to Nov. 1916.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 20cfs (Aug 9), minimum, 4.2 cfs (Sept 29).
Remarks: No diversions above station. Floodwater stored in Ashley
Lake for release during irrigation season.
Gage: staff gage
XVI. Ashley Creek near Kalispell
Location: 2% mi downstream from Smith Lake, 5 mi west of Kalispell.
Drainage Area: 201 sq mi.
Period of Record: May 1931 to Feb 1933, June 1934 to Sept. 1950.
Gage: wire-weight gage
Average Discharge: 17 years (1931-32, 1934-50), 30.4 cfs or 22,010
acre-ft per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 749 cfs (May 27, 1948), minimum, no flow at
times. Highest annual runoff, 78,940 acre-ft (1948),
lowest, 1,080 acre-ft (1941).
Remarks: There are diversions for irrigation of about 100 acres above the
station. Floodwater stored in Ashley Lake for release during
irrigation season.
-------
16
XVII. Flathead River at Damon Ranch near Kallspell
Location: At Damon Ranch, 7 mi southeast of Kalispell.
Period of Record; April 1909 to July 1912, May 1928 to Sept. 1945,
(gage heights only).
Gage: wire-weight gage. Datum of gage is at mean sea level (Somers datum).
Extremes: Maximum elevation, 2,900.94 ft (June 17, 1933), minimum,
2,881.55 ft (Jan 27-31, 1937
XVIII. Flathead River at Therriault Ferry near Kalispell
Location: at Therriault Ferry, 9 mi southeast of Kalispell.
Period of Record: Oct 1934 to Sept 1945 (gage heights only)
Gage:staff gage. Datum of gage is at mean sea level (Somers datum).
Extremes: Maximum elevation, 2,894.23 ft (May 16, 1936), minimum,
2,881.28 ft (Jan 21-23, 1937).
XIX. Flathead River near Holt
Location: At Keller Ranch, 0.7 mi upstream from Holt.
Period of Record: April 1909 to July 1912, June 1928 to Sept 1938,
Oct. 1939 to Sept. 1945 (gage heights only)
Gage: staff gage. Datum of gage is at mean sea level (Somers datum).
Extremes: Maximum elevation, 2,897.35 ft (May 29-30, 1928), from
floodmark, and the minimum, 2,881.24 ft (Jan 25-28, 1930).
XX. Little Bitterroot River near Marion
Location: at log bridge 70 ft downstream from outlet of Little
Bitterroot Lake and 2 mi southwest of Marlon.
Drainage Area: 31.8 sq mi.
Period of Record: Jan 1910 to Sept 1916 (no winter records 1911-14).
Gage: staff-gage
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 53 cfs (Ap 27, 1916), minimum, no
flow (Jan 19-23, 1915).
Remarks: There was natural storage in Little Bitterroot Lake
-------
17
with some regulation by temporary dams at lake outlet.
RESERVOIRS
XXII. Hungry Horse Reservoir near Hungry Horse
Location: In block 14 of Hungry Horse Dam, 3 miles southeast
of Hungry Horse.
Drainage Area: 1,654 sq. mi.
Period of Record: September 1951 to date (1965).
Gage: water-stage recorder
Extremes: Maximum contents, 3,461,000 acre-ft (July 3-4, 1955,
August 6, 1956) and the minimum contents observed since
normal low operating level reached in May 1952, 607,700
acre-ft, (January 13, 1953).
Remarks: Storage began September 21, 1951. The usable capacity
is 3,428,000 acre-ft. Water is used for power, flood control,
irrigation and recreation.
XXIII. Flathead Lake near Holt
Location: 2 miles east of the mouth of the Flathead River
near Holt.
Period of Record: April 24 to August 4, 1900.
Gage: Staff gage.
-------
18
Datum of gage is unknown.
Extremes: The maximum elevation was 12.60 ft (May 17), minimum,
4.00 ft (Aug. 4-5).
XXIV. Flathead Lake at Somers
Location: At the steamboat dock at Somers.
Drainage Area: 7,086 9q mi.
Period of Record: January 1910 to date (1965). Published as "at
Poison" prior to April 1923. Staff-gage readings were reported
prior to 1924. Some supplemental readings were obtained in
1900, 1908 and 1909. The Poison readings were obtained at the
south end of the lake at Poison in Lake County.
Gage: water-stage recorder
Extremes: The maximum contents was 2,208,000 acre-feet (June 19, 1933)
and the minimum 347,000 acre-feet (Dec. 5, 1936). The lake was
nearly 4 ft higher during the flood of June 1894.
Remarks: Natural storage was increased by construction of Kerr
Dam 4 miles downstream from natural lake outlet. Storage began
April 11, 1938. The usable capacity is 1,791,000 acre-ft.
Water is used for power, flood control, irrigation and recreation.
STREAM GAGING STATIONS
XXV. Swan River near Blgfork
Location: At outlet of Swan Lake, 1,000 ft downstream from Johnson
Creek, and 5 miles southeast of Blgfork.
Drainage Area: 671 sq. mi.
Period of Record: May 1922 to date (1963) and gage heights only from
October 1910 to May 1911.
Gage: water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 39 years (1922-61), 1,127 cfs or 815,900 acre- ft
per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 8,400 cfs (May 24, 1948), minimum, 193
cfs (January 26-29, 1930). Highest annual runoff, 1,350,000
acre-ft (1928), lowest, 439,300 acre-ft (1941).
Remarks: There are diversions for irrigation of about 360 acres above
-------
19
the station.
XXVI. Hell Roaring Creek (Big Creek) near Poison
Location; Just downstream from the power plant, 3/4 mi. upstream
from mouth, and 7 miles east of Poison.
Drainage Area: 6.41 sq mi.
Period of Record: June 1917 through September 1932. 1960 to date.
Gage: water-stage recorder, crest-stage records(from 1960 to date.)
Average Discharge: 15 yrs. (1917-32), 6.64 cfs or 4,807 acre-ft
per year.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 104 cfs (June 9, 1917), minimum,
no flow at times during November and December, 1932, when
power plant was shut down. Highest annual runoff, 7,420
acre-ft (1928), lowest 3,180 acre-ft (1920).
Remarks: Records include water diverted by the Flathead irrigation
project canal for irrigation of lands downstream and the Poison
municipal water-supply pipeline. The flow is regulated by the
power plant and two reservoirs with a combined capacity of
about 200 acre-ft.
XXVII. Flathead River Near Poison
Location: \ mi downstream from Kerr Dam, 4 mi. west of Poison,
5 mi downstream from Flathead Lake.
Drainage Area: 7,096 sq mi.
Period of Record: July 1907 to date (1963).
Gage: water-stage recorder
Average Discharge: 54 years (1907-1961), 11,610 cfs or 8,405,000
acre-ft per year, adjusted since October 1, 1952 for change in
contents in Hungry Horse Reservoir and Flathead Lake.
Extremes: Maximum discharge, 82,800 cfs (May 29, 1928), minimum,
probably less than 5 cfs (April 13, 1938), and the minimum
daily, 32 cfs (April 12, 1938). Flood of June 1894 was about
110,000 cfs, from lake elevation-discharge study. Highest
annual runoff, 12,500,000 acre-ft (1927), lowest, 3,762,000
acre-ft (1941) not adjusted for Flathead Lake regulation.
Remarks: There are diversions above the station for irrigation of
about 10,000 acres . Flathead Projects pumps can divert up
-------
20
to 12,000 acre-ft per month when required for irrigation of lands
downstream from station. Flow has been regulated by Flathead Lake
(Kerr Dam) since April 1938 and Hungry Horse Reservoir since
September 1951.
-------
-21-
USGS STKEAMFLOW STATIONS CURRENTLY
IN OPERATION IN UPPER FLATHEAD BASIN
WATER YEAR 1972
Flathead River Basin
12355000
12355500
12358500
12359800
12361000
12361950
12362000
12362500
12363000
12370000
12371500
12371550
12372000
Miscellaneous Measurements
Bowman Creek
McDonald Creek
Quartz Creek
Crest-Stage Gages
57-1
57-2
57-3
Flathead River at Flathead B. C.
Flathead River near Colutibia Falls
M. ETc. Flathead River near West Glacier
So. Fk. Flathead River above Twin
Sullivan Creek near Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse Creek near Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse Reservoir
So. Fk. Flathead River near Columbia Falls
Flathead River at Columbia Falls
Swan River near Bigfork
Flathead Lake at Scmers
Flathead Lake at Poison
Flathead River near Poison
Sky land Creek near Essex
Moccasin Creek near West Glacier
M. Fk. Flathead River Trib. 0 West Glacier
-------
Appendix IV
Chemical analyses of water from selected wells and springs, Ka11spel 1 Valley, Mont.
^Analyses made by Montana State Board of Health. Analytical results in
mi Hi grams per liter)
Loc- Date of Aquifer Temp- Iron Cal- Magne- Sodium Bicar- Carb- Sulf- Chi or- Fluo- Nit- Diss- Total
ation Collect- erature (Fe) cium sium Potas- bonate onate ate ide ride rate olved Hardness
ion (deg. F) (Ca) (Mg) sium (HCO,) (CO,) (S04) (CI) (F) (NO.) Solids (CaCO,)
(IJa+K) 0 J
327-20-3ab 11/3/64 Deep 49 0 31 15 1 159 0 6 2 0 0 146 133
artesian
327-20-8aa 9/29/65 Flood-plain -- 1.36 118 112 255 700 0 200 250 .6 208 1,430 755
sand
627-20-20ab 9/22/64 Flood-plain -- 14.12 108 20 20 406 0 15 31 0 .9 402 352
sand
B27-20-26ab 9/29/65 Precambrian -- .96 36 34 14 300 0 6 5 .2 .9 234 230
bedrock
827-21-12ab 9/22/64 Deep 53 0 47 26 14 290 0 5 7 .10
artesian
220 224
\
B27-21-12dc 11/4/64 Flood-plain 48 4.00 88 31 21 421 0 8 21 0 5.0 382 347
sand
828- 20-3bb 11/3/64 Deep — .20 43 18 6 223 0 7 2 0 0 182 180
artesian
B28-20-15cb3 11/3/64 Deep 48 .54 26 24 9 204 0 11 3 0 0 162 163
artesian
B28-20-18bd2 11/4/64 Deep
artesian 49 0 39 21 0 204 0 5 3 0 0 150 1C.
328-20-20dc 9/22/64 Deep 51 .54 45 13 9 214 0 3 5 .1 0 165 Is 3
artesian
328-20-22aa 9/22/64 Shallow 50 .14 53 17 0 232 0 4 3 0
artesian
K"
-------
Total
Hard-
ness
(CaCO
133
184
155
232
140
250
225
235
199
250
210
158
Chemical analyses of water from selected we]1s and springs, Kalispell Valley
Conti nued
Date of Aquifer Temp- Iron Cal- Magne- Sodium Bicar- Carb- Sulf- Chlor- Fluo- Nit- Diss-
Collect- erat- (Fe) cium sium Potas- bonate onate ate ide ride rate olved
ure (Ca) (Mg) sium (HC03) (co3) (SOJ (CI) (F) (NO-,) Sclids
(F) (Na+K) 4 J
ion
9/24/64 Deep — 0 33 12 12 177 0 5 5 0 0 140
artesian
11/4/64 Perched -- .60 43 19 33 247 0 28 9 0 13.3 246
lacustrine
sand
4/20/54 Flood-plain 0 47 9 4 183 O 2 5 .1 0 175
gravel
2/10/55 Deep -- 0 50 26 2 244 0 8 3 0 0 225
artesian
9/30/65 Flood-plain -- 0 38 11 12 190 0 4 4 0 1.1 150
gravel
2/29/65 Precambrian -- .40 74 16 23 238 0 11 23 0 68 360
bedrock
6/4/64 Deep -- .10 70 12 5 275 0 3 2 0 .5 238
artesian
9/29/65 Deep -- 1.46 58 22 2 280 0 3 3 0 0 220
artesian
11/4/64 Flood-plain -- .34 57 14 24 198 0 20 22 0 46 7 288
sand
9/29/65 Flood-plain -- 3.74 68 20 22 335 0 12 7 .1 0 296
sand
9/29/65 Deep 51 0 42 26 19 293 0 4 5 .1 0 212
artesian
9/22/64 Deep -- .76 35 17 18 223 0 5 6 .7 0 180
artesian
-------
Hard-
ness
(CaCC
321
214
430
224
219
135
469
184
143
214
194
200
-3-
Chemical analyses of water from selected wells and springs, Kalispell Valley
Continued
Date of Aquifer
Collect-
ion
Temp- Iron Cal- Magne- Sodium Bicar- Carb- Sulf- Chlor- Fluo- Nit- Diss-
erat- (Fe) cium sium Potas- bonate onate ate ide ride rate olved
ure (Ca) (Mg) sium (HCOJ (CO ) (SO.) (CI) (F) (NO,) Solids
(F) (Na+K)
10/1/58 Deep
Artesian
9/22/64 Perched 49
dune sand
9/28/65 Shallow
artesian
9/22/64 Deep 50
artesian
11/2/64 Deep
artesian
9/29/65 Flood-plain
gravel
9/22/64 Perched dune
sand
11/2/64 Flood-plain
gravel
11/3/64 Deep 49
artesian
11/3/64 Perched dune 51
sand
9/23/64 Flood-plain
gravel
9/29/65 Flood-plain
gravel
.10 40 51
.1 72 9
0 86 52
.60 59 19
3.80 45 26
0 38 10
.1 122 40
.14 51 14
2.10 53 2
0 53 20
0 57 12
0 52 17
6 351 0 10 14 .1
2 247
10 525 0 10
3 271 0 5
12 290
9 177
0 223
3 238 0
5
2
2 216
23 201 0 18
.2
.2
.2
2 316
7.5 234
0 430
0 214
.5 228
0 132
28 244 0 18 52 .1 292 788
1.4 180
0 184
11 235 0 14 11 0 21.2 250
1.8 194
,1 0 210
-------
-4-
Chemical analyses of water from selected wells and springs, Kalispel 1 Valley
Continued
oc-
tion
Date of
Collect-
ion
Aqui fer
Temp- Iron Cal- Magne- Sodium Bicar- Carb- Sulf- Chlor- Fluo- Nit- Diss- Total
erat- (Fe) cium si urn Potas- bonate onate ate ide ride rate olved Hard-
ure (Ca) (Hg) sium (HCO,) (CO,) (SO.) (CI) (F) (H03) Solids ness
(F) (Na+K) J S 4 fr*rr
(CaCO;
,29-22-3cd 11/3/64
,29-22-lOdcl 11/3/64
!29-22-21bb 9/29/65
129-22-27-dd 9/22/64
S29-22-34dc 11/3/64
iB29-22-35dd2 11/3/64
B30-20-19dd 9/22/64
B30-20-21da 9/28/65
B30-20-27bdl 11/2/64
B30-20-32cb 11/2/64
B30-20-33bc 11/2/64
B30-20-34ca 11/2/64
Perched sand
and gravel
Deep
artesian
Perched sand
and gravel
Deep
artesian
Perched sand
and gravel
Deep
artesian
Perched sand
and gravel
Perched sand
and gravel
Deep
artesian
Perched dune
sand
Deep
artesian
Perched dune
sand
47
66
0 43 26 0 235 0
0 37 4 12 134 0
0 58 22 19 268
0 46 38 4 320
0 59 12 0 229
0 61 16 12 281
.14 40 15 47 284
0 80 18 15 342
0 12 5 335
0 65 50 68 403
0 41 32 9 287
.14 126 11 39 381
20
8.0 194 214
0 116 107
0 10 8 0 40 280 235
0 8 3 0 5.3 246 230
1.1 180 199
7 1 0 2.6 218 219
10 5 .1 14.3 280 260
.2 8.0 288 275
827 12 0 52 4.4 2.7 848 51
0 27 29
10
29 12
.2 135 600 367
.2 .5 222 235
.2 99 546 362
-------
-5-
)C-
tion
Chemical analyses of water from selected wells and springs, Kalispell Valley
Continued
Date of Aquifer
Collect-
ion
Temp- Iron Cal- Magne- Sodium Bicar- Carb- Sulf- Chlor- Fluo- Nit- Diss- Total
erat- (Fe) cium sium Potas- bonate onate ate ide ride rate olved Hard-
ure (Ca) (Mg) sium (HC03) (C03) (S04) (CI) (F) (N03) solids ness
(F) (Na+K) (CaC03)
330-21-9dd 9/29/65
B30-21-21dd 9/29/65
B30-21-26ba 9/23/64
B30-21-28ba1 9/22/64
B30-22-12ab 9/29/65
B30-22-25aa 9/22/64
B31-21 -28cc 11/3/64
Perched
lacustrine
sand
Perched dune 51
sand
Flood-plain
gravel
Deep
artesian
Deep
artesian
Deep
artesian
Deep
artesian
50
0 78 25
.12 ' 124
0 61
2.66 57
1.16 50
.50 69
0 35
30
13
13
17
18
15
330 0 11 5 .2 5.3 300 295
39 387 0 35 44 .1 122 630 435
5 244 0 9 3 12 3.2 210 204
9 244 0 9 2 .1 2.1 204 194
30 3>0 0 0 4 0 0 228 195
19 320 0 15 5 .1 0 258 245
3 183 0 1 3 0 0 142 148
-------
APPENDIX V
ADOPTED BY THE MONTANA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL, OCTOBER 5, 1967.
WATER QUALITY
WATER USE
ORGANISMS OF THE COL I FORM G1
BY THE MOST PROBABLE NUMBER
OR THE EQUIVALENT MEMBRANE
FILTER METHODS, DURING ANY
CONSECUTIVE 30-DAY PERIOD,
AND USING A REPRESENTATIVE
NUMBER AS SAMPLES, SHALL
» DISSOLVED OXYGEN
MILLIGRAMS/LITER (MG/L)
NO REDUCTION SHALL BE ALLOWED
BELOW THE LISTED MINIMUM
CONCENTRATION
A-CLOSED. WATER SUPPLY FOR AVERAGE KESS TGAB 50 OER
DRINKING, CULINARY AND FOOD 100 MILLILITERS (50/100 ML)
PROCESSING PURPOSED SUIT-
ABLE FOR USE AFTER SIMPLE
DISINFECTION.
NOT APPLICABLE
PUBLIC ACCESS AND ACTIVITIES
SUCH AS LIVESTOCK GRAZING AND
TIMBER HARVEST SHOULD BE STRICT-
LY CONTROLLED UNDER CONDITIONS
PRESCRIBED BY THE STATE BOARD
OF HEALTH.
A-OPEN. WATER SUPPLY FOR AVERAGE LESS THAN 50/100 ML WHERE
DRINKING, CULINARY AND FOOD DEMONSTRATED TO BE THE RESULT OF
PROCESSING PURPOSES SUIT- DOMESTIC SEWAGE NOT APPLICABLE
ABLE FOR USE AFTER SIMPLE
DISINFECTION AND REMOVAL OF
NATURALLY PRESENT IMPURITIES
B. WATER SUPPLY FOR DRINKING,
CULINARY AND FOOD PROCESSING
PURPOSES SUITABLE FOR USE
WITH ADEQUATE TREATMENT EQUAL
TO COAGULATION, SEDIMENTATION,
FILTRATION, DISINFECTION, AND
ANY ADDITIONAL TREATMENT
NECESSARY TO REMOVE NATURALLY
PRESENT IMPURITIES.
AVERAGE LESS THAN 1000/100 ML
WHERE DEMONSTRATED TO BE THE
RESULT OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE, WITH
NOT MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF THE
SAMPLES EXCEEDING THIS VALUE
NOT APPLICABLE
C. BATHING, SWIMMING AND
RECREATION
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE.
NOT APPLICABLE
D-l . GROWTH AND PROPAGATION
OF SALMONID FISHES AND ASSOCIATED
AQUATIC LIFE, WATERFOWL AND SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE 7 MG/L
FURBEARERS.
D-2. GROWTH AND MARGINAL
PROPAGATION OF SALMONID FISHES
AND ASSOCIATED AQUATIC LIFE,
WATERFOWL AND FURBEARERS.
SAME AS FOR "D" ABOVE
6 MG/L
D-3. GROWTH AND PROPAGATION OF
NON-SALMONID FISHES AND ASSOCIAT-
ED AQUATIC LIFE, WATERFOWL AND
FURBEARERS.
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE
5 MG/L
E. AGRICULTURAL WATER SUPPLY
INCLUDING IRRIGATION, STOCK SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE NOT APPLICABLE
WATERING AND TRUCK FARMING
F. INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
(OTHER THAN FOOD PROCESSING).
NOT APPLICABLE
NOT APPLICABLE
-------
STATE OF MONTANA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
APPLICABLE AFTER REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCHARGES TO MIX WITH
RECEIVING WATERS AFTER REASONABLE
OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCHARGES TO MIX WITH
RECEIVING WATERS AS DETERMINED BY THE
MONTANA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL
PH
TURBIDITY
TEMPERATURE (OF)
INDUCED VARIATION WITHIN
LISTED RANGE SHALL BE LESS
THAN 0.5 pH UNIT. NATURAL
pH OUTSIDE LISTED RANGE SHALL
BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT CHANGE.
NATURAL pH ABOVE 7.0 SHALL
BE MAINTAINED ABOVE 7.0.
JACKSON CANDLE UNITS (JCU)
ALLOWABLE INCREASE TO NA-
TURALLY OCCURRING TURBIDITY:
ALLOWABLE CHANGES TO NATURALLY
OCCURRING WATER TEMPERATURE:
NO CHANGE IN NATURAL pH
SHALL BE ALLOWED.
NONE
NONE
6.5 TO 8.5
NONE
NOT APPLICABLE
6.5 TO 9.5
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTI-
TIES TO ADVERSELY AFFECT ES-
TABLISHED LEVELS OF TREATMENT
NOT APPLICABLE
SAME AS FOR UB" ABOVE
10 JCU
NOT APPLICABLE
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE.
5 JCU
INCREASING:
32° TO 670 : 20 MAXIMUM
ABOVE 670 : o.50 MAXIMUM
INCREASING:
OVER 550 : 20 PER HOUR
550 TO 320 : 20 MAXIMUM
PROVIDED THAT WATER TEMPERA-
TURE MUST BE BELOW 400 DURING
THE WINTER SEASON AND ABOVE 440
DURING THE SUMMER SEASON.
6.5 TO 9.0
SAME AS FOR "C" ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "D-l" ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "C" ABOVE
INCREASING:
320 JO 850 : 40 MAXIMUM
ABOVE 850 : 0.50 MAXIMUM
INCREASING.
SAME AS FOR "D-l" ABOVE.
PROVIDED THAT WATER TEMPERA-
TURE MUST BE BELOW 40° DURING
THE WINTER SEASON AND ABOVE
440 DURING THE SUMMER SEASON.
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES
TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE DSE
INDICATED.
NOT APPLICABLE
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "b" ABOVE
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES
TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE USE
INDICATED.
-------
RESIDUES
OILS, FLOATING SOLIDS AND
SLUDGE DEPOSITS.
ALLOWABLE INCREASES ABOVE
NATURALLY OCCURRING CON^
CENTRATIONS.
SEDIMENT
OR
SETTLEABLE
SOLIDS
ALLOWABLE INCREASE ABOVE NATURAL-
LY OCCURRING CONCENTRATIONS:
TOXIC OR OTHER DELETERIOUS
SUBSTANCES, PESTICIDES AND
ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MATERIALS
INCLUDING HEAVY METAL COMPOUNDS
(EXCEPTIONS FOR BENEFICIAL PUR-
POSES MAY BE AUTHORIZED BY THE
MONTANA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
COUNCIL AND THE FEDERAL WATER
POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
NONE
NONE
NONE ALLOWED IN ADDITION TO
CONCENTRATIONS NATURALLY PRESENT
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTI-
TIES TO ADVERSELY AFFECT
THE USE INDICATED.
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES
TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE USE
INDICATED
CONCENTRATIONS OF CHEMICAL CONSTI-
TUENTS SHALL CONFORM WITH THE
1962 U. S PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
DRINKING WATER STANDARDS. INDUCED
VARIATIONS WITHIN THESE STANDARDS
SHALL BE LIMITED TO AN INCREASE
OF NOT MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF
THE CONCENTRATION PRESENT IN THE
RECEIVING WATER
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTI- NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES CONCENTRATIONS OF CHEMICAL
TIES TO ADVERSELY AFFECT TO ADVERSELY AFFECT ESTABLISHED CONSTITUESNTS SHALL CONFORM WITH
ESTABLISHED LEVELS OF LEVELS OF TREATMENT. THE 1962 U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH
TREATMENT. SERVICE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS
AFTER CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN1
ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE
CONCENTRATIONS OF CHEMICAL
CONSTITUENTS SHALL BE MAINTAINED
BELOW LEVELS KNOWN TO BE (OR
DEMONSTRATED TO BE) OF PUBLIC
HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATIONS
SHALL BE LESS THAN ACUTE OR
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" CHRONIC PROBLEM LEVELS AS RE-
ABOVE SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE VEALED BY BIOASSAY OR OTHER AP-
PROPRIATE METHODS IN NO CASE
SHALL THE FOLLWOING BE EXCEEDED
ONE-TENTH OF THE FOUR-DAY, MEDIAN
TOLERANCE LIMIT (TLm 96) FOR SHORT
RESIDUAL MATERIALS AND ONE-
HUNDREDTH OF THE TLm 96 FOR PEST-
ICIDES AND ORGANIC MATERIALS
EXHIBITHING A RESIDUAL LIFE EXCEED
ING 30 DAYS IN WATER.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN ABOVE. SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE SAME AS FOR D-l ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE SAME AS FOR "D-l" ABOVE
ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN"
ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE
CONCENTRATIONS SHALL BE LESS THAN
THOSE DEMONSTRATED TO BE DELETER-
IOUS TO LIVESTOCK OR PLANTS OR
THEIR SUBSEQUENT CONSUMPTION BY
HUMANS
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN"
ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE.
NONE IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES TO
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE USE INDICATED.
-------
NOTE: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF WATER SAMPLES FOR COMPARISON WITH THESE
CRITERIA SHOULD BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE TWELTH EDITION
OF "STANDARD METHODS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF WATER AND WASTEWATER", APHA, AWWA, AND
WPCF, 1965.
RADIOACTIVITY
(LIMITS LISTED SHALL INCLUDE NATURAL
BACKGROUND)
AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS NOT COVERED UNDER WATER
QUALITY CRITERIA.
NO WASTES SHALL BE ALLOWED WHICH INCREASE NO EVIDENCE OF MATTER OTHER THAN THAT NATURALLY
RADIOACTIVITY ABOVE NATURAL BACKGROUND. OCCURRING.
CONCENTRATIONS OF RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES NO EVIDENCE OF MATTER OTHER THAN THAT NATURALLY
SHALL CONFORM WITH THE 1962 U. S. PUBLIC OCCURRING, EXCEPT REAL COLOR SHALL NOT BE INCREASED
HEALTH SERVICE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS. MORE THAN TWO UNITS ABOVE NATURALLY OCCURRING
COLOR.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE.
NO WASTES {INCLUDING PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND VISI-
BLE OILS) OFFENSIVE TO THE SENSES OF SIGHT, TOUCH,
SMELL OR TASTE, NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NATURAL CAUSES,
SHALL BE ALLOWED.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "B" ABOVE
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN ABOVE, EXCEPT WHERE
CONCENTRATION FACTORS OF AQUATIC FLORA AND
FAUNA EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED REDUCTION
FACTORS, THAN MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LIMITS
SHALL BE REDUCED BELOW ACUTE OR CHRONIC
PROBLEM LEVELS.
NO WASTES {INCLUDING PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND VISIBLE
OILS) OFFENSIVE TO THE SENSES OF SIGHT, TOUCH,
SMELL OR TASTE, NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NATURAL CAUSES,
SHALL BE ALLOWED. NO EXCESS NUTRIENTS WHICH CAUSE
NUISANCE AQUATIC GROWTHS, TASTE AND ODOR CAUSING
MATERIALS SHALL NOT EXCEED LEVELS WHICH CAUSE
TAINTING OF THE FLESH OF EDIBLE SPECIES. REAL
COLOR SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE UNITS ABOVE NATURALLY
OCCURRING COLOR.
SAME
AS
FOR
"D-l" ABOVE.
SAME
AS
FOR
"D-l" ABOVE
SAME
AS
FOR
"D-l" ABOVE.
SAME
AS
FOR
"D-l" ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE.
WATER SHALL BE MAINTAINED IN A CONDITION NOT
OFFENSIVE TO THE SENSES OF SIGHT AND SMELL.
SAME AS FOR "A-OPEN" ABOVE.
SAME AS FOR "E" ABOVE.
-------
Appendix VI:
Regulations governing subdivision development.
-------
-1-
SUBDIVISIONS
69-5001. Section 143. It is the public policy of this state to
extend present laws controlling water supply and sewage disposal to
include individual wells affected by adjoining sewage disposal and
individual sewage systems.
69-5002. Section 149. As used in this chapter, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise, "subdivision" means any tract of lana which
is divided into two (2) or more parcels, any parcel of which is less than
five (5) acres in size along an existing or proposed street, highway,
easement, or right of way for sale, rent, or lease as residential,
industrial, or commercial building lots described by reference to a
map or survey of the property.
69-5003. Section 150. Any subdivision map or plat filed with
tr.e county clerk and recorder shall be subject to a sanitary restriction
which must be recorded on, or attached to, the map or plat by the county
clerk and recorder. No building or shelter which necessitates supplying
water or sewage or waste disposal facilities for persons shall be erectec
until the sanitary restriction has been removed or modified. Before
any restriction can be removed or modified by the county clerk and recorder,
trie map or plat of the subdivision must be submitted to the state department
of health for their approval. Conditional approval may be given by the
department after construction of a part of tne water and sewage system,
but permanent buildings shall not be occupied until the restriction has
been removed or modified. The county clerk and recorder shall remove
the sanitary restriction upon notice from the department that:
(1) the department approves plans and specifications for public
water facility and sewage facilities; or
(2) the subdivision map or plat is approved by the department for
a subdivision not providing public water or sewage systems.
69-5004. Section 151. The county clerk and recorder shall not file or
record any map or plat showing a subdivision unless it complies with the
provisions of this chapter.
69-5005. Section 152. The state board shall make rules, including
adoption of sanitary standards, necessary for administration and enforcement
of this chapter. The rules and standards shall provide the basis for
approving subdivision maps or plats for various types of water and sewage facilities
both public and private, and shall be related to size of lots, contour of
land, porosity of soil, ground water level, type and construction of
private water and sewage facilities, and other factors affecting
public health.
-------
-2-
MONTAMA STATS DEPARTMENT OF KX1ALTH
Division of Er.viron.-r.or.tii Sanitation
Ragulscion 51.3C0
APPROVAL CP WATZrt AXD S^T.-.^R FACILITIES IX SUBDIVISIONS
Statutory Authority 62-5005
Adopted 5/27/61. Rovised 9/21/63.
Revised S/12/70.
Section 1. Definitions.
1.1
1.2
"approved Potable Water Supply" -.aaac any water supply which has been a-aprovad
oy tno State Department of Health.
"Approvod Sewer System" means a sanitary cewar system which has boon approved
by tno State Department of Health.
1.3 "Approved Public Water Supply System" means any installation or structure
designed to provide domestic or potable water supply and which has boon
aP?»ovod tho State Department of Health and corves or is intended to
serve ten or more dwellings in a subdivision.
1.4 Sewerage Facilities" moans any installation or structure doaicned to provide
sewage collection ar.d disposal.
*.5 W<.ter Facilities" means any installation or structure dooignod to provide
an approved potable water supply.
1.6 "Board of Health" means the State Board of Health of the Stato of Montana
hereafter roforrod to as the Board.
1.7 "Department of Health " means the State Department oZ Health of too Stato of
Montana hereafter referred to as the Department.
1.8 "Plat" means a plan, map, or chart, especially of a towncite.
1.9 "Well" means an artificial excavation that dorivos water from the interstice
oi. the rocks or soils which it penetrates.
1.10 "Spring" means a surface feature where, without the agency of man, water
ioGUoa from a rock or soil onto the land, the place of issuance boing
relatively restricted in size.
1.11 Septic Tank" means a single-story sottlmg tank in which tho eattlcd sludgo
is in immediate contact witn the scwago flowing through the tank, whilo
tho organic solids are decomposed by anaerobic bactorial action.
1.12 "Subsurface Drainfiold" means the process of sewage treatment in which the
septic tank effluent is applied to land by distribution beneath surface
through open-jointed pipos or drains.
1.13
Mochanical Sowage Treatment Device" moans any mechanical dovico or cquipaont
utilised in the treatment of wastewater by chomical or biological moans.*
-------
1.14 "Swidivision" as defined by Section C9-50C2, The v;ord "SubciviaiOr." as usad
All W4ti>5 hCta St4(*4A >"Outt fcttty La C* W fc. 2« XUitU Wiaa Cit i"»0 k Ld«T G^.V^uCCi 1, Pi tO 'tlWQ
or mc.ro parcels, any parcel or whicn is lc.cc. than five acros ir. sii-c, along
t*»4 oaxs bA 1*15 0^ p»opOucCk ^ CuJu< >c.rt\» oC"0«.'•wuy jcr sulc/
rent or lease, as residential lots or rcci.donci.al or industrial or ccr.r.orcial
ouilding plots wnicri a.c d^scri-cd iy rc:'wrance to a rsap or survey of the
property or by any other n.othod of doscrip i_or..
Section 2.C Procedure for Su^itting Plats for Water and Sower for Subdivis_on
2.1 Submit plat and completed copy of £. S, SI with s-ppiav.ontal ir.i-oi-.ation.
• 1«1 puol*.c Wu^u" b*«^d scAv"v.r i^ywtOu, »o _na_Ct«tC; ana su*x*..kt pj.j..*c
approval as required .ay Section 6S-4205 C4i R.C.M., 1347. Obtain
Deparci.ent of Hculu approval.
a. Water ano scv/cr installed—plat approved.
b. If witor and sower not installed bat piano approved, :?.iy file plat
with county clerk ar.d recorder witr. ":oodiiied sa.ni.tari' raiU'.ccio.'."
and furnish Dopartr-er.t of Ucalth with a stater,-.ont that r.o c. cr^ctures
v*** be occupies u»»cii thw«.tor sevw* sys ce«us aro completed.
c. With approved plat—can build and occupy houcos.
2.1.2 11 individual water a.-.d/or sewer facilities or such individual facility
coupled With public water or sewer system,
a. Submit information requested in regulations.
b. Show tainimua sise lot.
c. Indicate location of seepage tests for soil porosity.
d. Submit necoGsary information concerning groundwater.
a. If subdivider is building houses—
Cil S'ub.T,it typical water and sev/er facility plan.
f. If subdivider is selling lots for building—
f
CI) Submit statement that will bo inserted in deed or contract
requiring proper location of water and sewer syster...
(2) Purchaser or subdivider s,uas\it individual water and sewer
facility plan.
g. Plat will be approved upon receipt of acceptable propor infoi~\ation.
Section 3.0 General.
3.1 A plat together with the necessary information rr.ust be filed with the State
. Coparurtent of Health for approval of the waccr and sewage facilities in any
subdivision proposed in Montana as defined above.
3.2.1 Plata are to be filed witn the State Department of Health as required under
Section 69-5003 as amended, which is quoted herevithj
-------
-k-
"T.tia 00, Sactio.n 5003, R..C.X. ruling cf Xap or pla'; Subject Sa.-.it-.-y
Restrictions—Submission to ar.d Approval by Stata Dep^rt-~ar.t of i.C-alu.-. —Kc-
'..-.oval or Xodificatior. of aesirictions . Any c~.sdiv_sion map or plat f_lcc
wi.tr* ti"*g county clerk anc recorder snaxl bo £iuCjCct to a sanitary -roctTiCti&r.
w«*ic*« mm£>w 1)6 iroco*Cu^ o. •, o*. u^»>uCnod uo, c.>o r>•"o or c^ tno ccuTt'c1/ c*c4.*jc
and recorder. No building or shelter wmcn necessitates suppiy-r.g v,ito. or
eg wage or waste disposal f-c_lit.es -or pore, o.-.s £-.*.a 11 be erected *.ntil th»_
sanitary restriction has aeer. removed or modified. Before any rc:U"ii.i^or. cc..-.
be -e..^vod or t^od^.icd by une cou.'t^y ur*c recorder, tne '¦ • p* or *o .~ o*. tne
subdivision must be submitted to tne state department of healtn for t.-.eir
approval. Conditional approval may be gj.vcr. by the department a^ter construction
of a part of the water and sewage system, bi-t permanent bi Idir.gc shall not be
occupied un>.i^ utO restriction ..as boon removed or modified. The co«-.»".ty c_.er^c
and recorder shall remove the sanitary restriction upon noti.ee from tne deport-
ment tnat i
(1> tna department approves plans and specifications Jor the public wacer
facility and sewage facilities, or
(2) the suodivision map or plat is approved by the department for a subdivision
not providing public water or 6ewage systems."
3.2.2 With the plat it will ba necessary to aubrr.it plan- for the type of water and
sewer system proposed. If a public water supply and sewer system is eo be
installed, tne data submitted should so indicate. Plans for these facilities
will oe submitted to the Stata Department of Health under present laws covering
public water supply and sewer systems. Tnose are sot forth under Title 60,
Section 4905 (4). Wnen the water and sewers have been installed as approved,
tne plat would then be approved.
3.2.3 If the plans wore approved but if the water and sewer lines were not installed,
tho conditional restrictions would remain until the water and sower lines
wore installed. Until the conditional restriction was removed, permanent
buildings as set forth above could be erectad bat not occupied,
3.2.4 When service from an acceptable public or community water or sewer system
is not available or foasiblo, an individual water supply and sewage d-spcsal
system may be considered acceptable providing it is installed in accordance
with tho standards sat forth in these regulations. If the subdiVicor dees
not construct the dwellings, then ho shall include in tho deed a restr-caive
clause setting forth tho procedures that shall be followed in the construction
of the individual water and sewer facilities. x
j.3 A plat may be filed with the county clerk and recorder when it has the
approval of tho State Department of Health. Such plat is filed witno^t any
sanitary restrictions. If the State Department of Health approval .-.as noe
been obtained, it will be necessary that the county clerk, and recorder place
a restriction on the plat whicn will prohibit the construction of any
buildings as sot forth above in Section 3 until such "sanitary restriction"
has beon removed or inodified by State Department of Health approval. The
county clork and recorder's responsibilities are set forth in Section 53-
5003 of the law,
3.4 County clerk and recorder may file or record or accept for filing or recording
any cap or plat showing such subdivision of land in any city, town or county
-------
-5-
ovon tnougn tho Stata Dapart-icr.t of Kcaltr. approval nac r.ot bctn first oj-
ta^r.cd for tno waia.* £..~.d/cr sewage c.^ cpoc.il eysce.r.s. When sue.-. is tr.c cc.cc,
^ "sanitary restriction" shall .ce recorded or. or attacnod to tho map or plat
by uiS county cler* and recorder. Tna Suodiv^der snail oo so informed a - tne
time of filing that the "sanitary restriction" nas scan placed on ihe c-o-
diVxSion and that r.o dwellings, s.-clcorj, or iL.1ldar.5a requiring water or
gowage facilities shall be constructed until such sanitary restriction shall
be ramoved or modified as sat forth in t.-.eso regulations,
3.5 Tna sabdividar should no sail any lot or plots of ground within tr.o sub-
division wr.ile the sanitary restriction -s ccill in force shall so ir.dicatG
on tna deed or othor documents of sale, the restriction tnat no dwel-ir.g,
shalter or building requiring water or sewaga facilities shall be erected
on the prop or ty until tne sanitary restriction has bean resr-ovad or f.oained
ir. accordance with thasa regulations.
3.6 Tho sanitary restriction shall ba removed or Mdified when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled 1
3.6.1 The subdividar, owner or othar authorised pc.rc.on shall curr.Mt to the
Stato Department of l-Iaaltn for review a plat or plan o£ tho subdivision
containing all of tna information as sat rortn in tnese regulations.
3.6.2 Tha Stata Department of health after review of the plat and accompanying
information finds all of the requirements as set forth ir. these
regulations and Section 62-5001 to 60-5005 as amended have been
complied with.
3.6.3 A letter to be attached to the plat of the subdivision or an endorse-
ment thereon from tna Stata Depar emer.t of Health approving tha r..ethods
proposed or systems constructed for water supply and/or sewage dis-
posal facilities is racoivod and property attached by the county
clerk and recorder.
Section <.0 Submission of Plans.
4.1 P. plan suitable for filing Cwith ccalo no smaller than one inch equals one
hundred feet) to become a part of tho permanent record of tho State Depart-
ment of Hoalth shall be eubmittod to tna Depart:,lent for its review ana approval.
Tno plan shall indicate tne size of lots, tne topography, tho proposed locat_c.".
for tna water and sewage facilities, soil conditions, soil tests, and detailed
information for all water and sewerage facilities. If additional coo100 o1
tna map aro to be approved for filing with tnc county clerk ana recorder or
„.r tno owner desires to have copies, these additional copios snail be sub-
mitted at the timo that the plans are reviewed. Criteria covering the
requirements for satisfactory/ water supply systens <\r.d sewage disposal ~ys ce-v.s
are included in Section 5 and 3 of theso regulations.
4.2 Individual water supply and sewaga disposal not provided by subdivider,
4.2.1 In the event that lots are sold by tna subdivider without first con-
structing the water supply and/or sowage disposal systems ir. the .-snner
approved by the State Department of Health on the filing plat, tr.o s^b-
dividor shall tnon include in tno deed or document of tho transaction
of sale a clause to the effect that tho buyer shall install ar.y water
or sewaga facility 1 r. accordance witr. tr.e lot layout as previously
approved by the State DGpartaont of Health.
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-6-
Section 5. Criteria for Xr.diVi.dual Water Supply Syster.s ar.d Sewage Disposal Systems.
5.1 Goneral«
5.1.1 Tno minimum size of iota may bo regulated oy local planning Boards or
other officials suoject to c,ini;,,u.« rec-irer-Gntc of tr.c St-ito Board o.
Health as set fort.*, oelow, out tno size approved oy tr.e Statu Department
of riealth will be governed largely by tr.e area necessary for the c«fc.
accommodation of individual water supply ar.d &ewago disposal syst^s,.
The lots must bo s~fficior.tly largo to provide a cafe soparatio.-. ^ocwocr.
wator supply and sewage disposal systems a.-.d to accor.u-ocate cewgo
disposal systems w_tnm the oounds of tho property allowing a reasonable
distance to the property lines. Sowago disposal systems oa Xv.pt a
safe distance from the houso and a proper distance from tr.o property
lines. Table I gives minimum safe distances ir. foot. A sufficient
and dofinito set-back for the houses shall be determined based on the
design of the sewage disposal system.
5.1.2 When an individual water supply and sowago syscem are to do provided
to serve tne property, tho minimum size will be determined by the soil
porosity, groundwater daptn, amount of water usage anticipated a.-.d i.-.
general, will not bo less than 20, COO cquaro foot, but -.ay bo aorc - if
so indicated by the data submitted. When either ar. individual water
system or an individual sewer system is to be provided to serve the
proporty and the otner service will be provided by the community, tha
lot size will be determined by the physical characteristics listed
aoove, and in general, will be not less than 10,000 square foot, but may
' bo more if so indicated by the applicable data and the rules and
regulations pertaining thereto.
5.1.3 Included with each plan for a subdivision shall be typical layout or
layouts of the individual lots showing the location and typo of
arrangements for wator supply and sewage disposal which tho developer
or purchaser of the lot nuGt follow when ho erects a dwelling or
sholtor on the lot. If the size of lots, topography and soil conditions
' are uniform throughout tho subdivision, a single typical lot layout
will bo sufficient. However, if topography or groundwater conditions
nay vary over the subdivision development, additional typical lot lay-
outs shall be required.
5.2 A typical lot layout detail will include the following information and shall
t oc drawn to scale.
5.2.1 All critical dimensions and distances, (for one lot, length and width;
1 or for irregular shaped lots, distensions of each side).
\
5.2.2 Location of house with distances fro-, street and property lines.
5.2.3 Location of water supply with distances to sewers, sewage disposal
device and the property lines.
5.2.4
Location of sewage disposal systems including septic tanks and subsur-
face drainfields, when used, with distances to water supply and property
lines.
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-7-
5.3 KuCo." supply for mdivid^ai lot;: chill include:
S.Z.I Detailed drawings cr description of cg__"cg of supply.
5.3.2 Docile of construction of water systc.~.
5.3.3 Methods for protection of water supply fron; contamination.
sewage disposal systems for individual lots Will include the following
_n~-orn^tion j
5.*.1 Size of sowars.
5.<,.2 Slope of sewers.
5.4,3 Size of sewage treatment device.
5.C.4 Moans for disposal of effluent.
5.4.5 Size of drainfield and slopo of drain lir.os if subsurface effluent
disposal is utilized.
5.C.6 Distance to groundwater from ground surface during period of year
groundwater is the highest.
5.5 Future expansion possibilities shall be indicated by dotted lines in instances
wnere such expansion is probable.
Section 6.0 Individual Water Supply Systems.
6.1 General.
6.1.1 Individual water supply systems shall be constructed to provido an
adequato quantity of water which is free of and protected from
bacteriological contamination and is of a satisfactory chemical
quality so as to cause no unfavorable physiological effects on those
consuming the water.
6.1.2 The water system shall provide a sustained yield of at least five
gallons per minute.
6.2 Location.
6.2.1 ?he water supply source snail be so located as to be adequately
protected against contamination. 7
6.2.2 The minimum safe distances shown in Table Z shall be maintained.
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-8-
TA2L£ :
^ r*C O W
?ROX
Septic
Tank
?idc
SOCpuij i!
Pit
A^sor >c:on
Weil
50
100
100
O
O
r<
Property line
10
5 ' V
5
1.0
10
Foundation wall
5
20
s
Water lines
10
10
10
' 10
Secpago pit
6
6
. Cl>
~~
(1) Recoi^aendation of health Authority.
6.2.3 The location of water facilities shall bo at least ten feet inside the
property line.
6.3 Contraction.
6.3.1 Water wells shall be constructed in accordance with tne criteria -et
forth in State Department of Health Circular 12 attached to those
regulations as Appendix 3.
6.3.2 Springe shall be constructed in accordance with State Department oi Health
Circular 11/ attached to the regulations as Appendix C.
6.3.3 Surface water shall be derived frosi an approved source and at ar. approved
depth. All surface water shall bo continuously and adequately dis^/.-
facted at all tiaes.
6.3.4 Other methods for obtaining water way ba considered under special con-
ditions, provided that detailod plane and explanations are sulxr.it ccd
to the Department for review and approval at the tiae of filing the
subdivision plat. ~
Section 7. Individual Sewage Disposal Systcas.
/
7.1 kfonoral.
7.1.1 Adoquato treatment shall bo provided for all sewage and wastewater so
that the effluent thorefroa will not contaminate waters of tho state.
7.1.2 Sewage treatment nay be of any of the following devicesi
a. Soptio tank with subsurface effluont disposal either by aeans of
drainfiolds or soopage pits.
i
b. Mechanical troatriO.it utilizing chemical and/or biological processes
with affluent disposal.
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-9-
c. Mechanical treatment utilizing incineration of wastes.
o. Sanitary pit or vau.»t privy, in rc.v.oto areas whore electricity
is not available.
7.2 uec&tion.
7.2.1 The sewage treatment facility shall bo located convenient for uoe er.c
shall not causa a nuisance, water pollution or public health hazard
in any manner.
7.2.2 No sowage disposal davica or systom for individual dwellings j.-.all bo
located within 100 feat horizontal distance from the maximum high uator
lavel of a 50-year flood from any river, stream, lake, pond or flowing
, watercourse. A distance greater than 100 feet froa the maximum hig.-.
water level may ba required in soma instances.
7.3 Construction.
7.5.1 Septic tanks and the respective means of effluent disposal shall be con-
structed to conform with the criteria set forth in State Departmo.-.t o-
Health—Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin 332 attached to thouo
regulations as Appendix 5.
The maintenance of a four-foot separation between the bottom of the
tror.ch or seepage pit and the water table is required to ainiaiza
groundwater contamination.
7.3.2 Construction of mechanical sewage treatment dovicas may be approved o*'
tho State Department of Eoalth if a thorough review of the piano a.-.o
specifications indicate tho equipaont and process meet all requirements
of Section 7.1 above and there is assurance of competent operation.
7.3.3 Sanitary pit privios, when approvod, shall be constructed in accoraar.co
with State Department of Health Circular 13, attached,to those regulations
as Appendix F. v
7.4 Percolation Tests for Subdivisions.
7.4.1 An adequate number of tests shall be made Cono per acre, or if coil
conditions indicate, a greater number may be required) to adequately
I demonstrate the absorptive ability of the soil throughout the tract.
7.4.2 Each test hole shall be located by a key number on a topographic map
of the tract.
7.4.3 Soil borings shall be made (one every five acres, or if sub-ooxl con-
ditions indicate^ a greater number will bo required) to show clearly
the type of soil existing beneath tho absorption area. Boringo
should extend to a point at least six feet below the finished gradu
of proposed absorption trenches.
7.4.4 IndividU4l lots. One percolation tost shall be made (or if site con-
ditions so indicate, sevoral tests in separata holes spaced uniformly
ovar the^proposed site) within the proposed absorption field site.
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7*4.5 Procedure. A^i porco-L&tior. tGsts >wd cha^* be performed i»*fc
ChOCo^kTwc«r&co wi. t*~» uh8 rolJ.owj.ng*
a. . Dig or bore the hole;; with horizontal dimensions of from Z tc 12
inches and vorCuj. ^^ to tha ccptn oif the oottoru of tho propo^^c
absorption device. Sales may ba bored with 4-iach di&aotar past-hole
type auger,
b. Roughen or scratch the bottom and sides of the holes to provide c. ^
ural surface. Rerr.ova all loose materials from the hole. Place abou\i
two inches of coarse sand or fine gravel in the hole to prevent botta:
scouring.
c. F.*.j»l the hole wxtn clear water to a minimum c«epth of 12 in CttCS O V OiT
the gravel. By refilling, if necessary, or by supplying a surplus
raacrvoir of water Cautomatic siphon}, keep water- in hole for at
least four hours, ana preferably overnight. In sandy Soils con-
taining no clay, tho above saturation- procedure is not -necessary and
tne test can be made after the water fro.Vt one filling
d. Percolation rata measurements should be r.-ada on the day following the
saturation process, except in sandy soils. ,
a. .Ix wa^ar remains ..n ehe hale after overnignt saturation/ ^a^ust
the depth to six inches ovar the gravel, From a fixed rafcra&ca
point, measure the drop in water leval over a 30-mir.uta period.
£, If no water remains in the hola after overnight saturation, add clear
water to a depth of about six inches over the gravel, ¦ ¦"Cui 'ji ^ -w C C.
xdi.03T0nco point/ mGicuiro tiio ¦t*oiC;,ivu oz '¦ ••—'
30-minute intervals ovar a 4—hour period, refilling the ho-.a 'co a
depth of 6 inches as necessary. The drop which occurs during the
final 30-minute period is used to calculate the'percolation rata.
g. In sandy soils, or other soils in which the first six inches of
water seeps away in lass than 30 minutes after the overnight-sat-
uration period, the time interval between measurements can bo
taken as 10 minutes and the tost run over a period of one hour. "he.
drop which occurs in tha final 10-minuta period is used to calculate
the percolation rata. Sae Table. Ill, Bulletin 332.
Section 3,0. Form E. S., 91. Appendix G
8.1 .Staterr.ont of information Form E. S. 91 shall ba completed and shall be filed
with -the plan for the subdivision.
5.2 T.-.e measurements required in Form 2.S. 91 must be accurately determined and must
agraa with the data shown on the plans.
3.3 Dor mi,ta ..maximum and minimum elevations shall be indicated, not the average
elevations. (Item 11>.
5.4 Approximate distances under one mile shall ba in hundreds of feet (Item 12 and 15
3.5 If answers to any item need explanation, further information shall be provided.
(A "yes" answer to Items 17 and 18 oh Form £.S. 91 shall be explained in second
part of the item).
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-11-
3.6 v.'.u &eat._ment:y ''not available" or "none" will r.ot be considered uii acceptable
u/tswuiT s • y
/
° • 7 No faC wiop'^xll ba taken r ec^erc.1..*v^* tna rg.to v.^ 1. o~1 Sur*i^ary res trietion ~-~c.~. s,
i,uic»v»f/'LO/. until a.k^ ir.fo.T.ciio." r.otcd cr. the las'; pega of ^fort. 2,£, £1 n^s
oaer. r/iomitted to the State Department of Health for review.
APPENDIX "A"
MONTANA STATS DZ?AST>vENT Or1 K2AZ.TH
Division of Environmental Sanitation
Pipes, Wells ar.c Reservoirs
)
is necessary to disinfect; u^l r.aw wacer pipelines, wells ar.d resa:'vci.'j
^a.orc. tnesa iiruciurcs ara placed in regular service. This procodi.ro snc-ld he
^ollowod by all. When linas are opened for repair or reservoirs are cleaned, dis-
infection anould oa used to eliminate tha contamin,a tio n which invariably follows.
"Jw.".o£>t care snc-la be taker, m tna laying ar.d handling of pipe to prcve."._ air*
and roreign matter from entering tho pipeline. All new pipe, before it is placed
position, sha^_d oa thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, gravel and other iora_cr. reeo;
k*4.d u.5o wO ir.a1,
Tha casing snould ba thoroughly swabbed, using alkali if necessary, to remove oil,
groasa or pipe dope. Tho wall should tnen be disinfected with a chlormo sol\ o.-..
cn-orino solution of at least 50 parts per million should ba added to the annual
opening oecwoen tna casing and tho drop pipa. Tr.c pump equipment should tnen
z ^artoo and operated until the odor of chlorine is detoctod at the discharge «_nd oi
wiO p"..?. Tna equipment should then be shut off and the chlorine solution allowed
to remain in contact with the pump and casing for a period of at least two ho«_rs.
/\ftor t.-.e ius^rod retention time, the equipment should again ba operated and t.-.,_
w^-- fiusned until tho odor of cnlorine is no longer detected.
P.pOiinas can be disinfected by using liquid chlorine gas and water rnixcur..,
^..ic.u.1. or sodium nypochlorite and water mxitures, or chlorinated lime and wecer
m^xturea. Tno chlorine-bearing compounds should ba placed in solution and added c.e
u.ic oeg^.-.ning of a pipeline extension or at tha head of any valved section. It has
bcv,.- round, by using a corporation stop and a small injector pump, that the cnlcr^ne-
oearing .-..ntorial can ba placed into tna pipeline vary easily, if there Lt, no pressure
An uitornato method of treating water mains is to add tho required amount of c.-.c^ical
at tho joints of the pipe as they are being laid, tnen, upon completion or a section
of tno system, thi« portion can ba slowly filled with water and allowed to stand tna
required t^mo.
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-12-
r*.". ¦ O* lat*Sla ^0 W& pOfc &t»Ou*U \aSCC U44U Uau~
ir.f^c^^or. of WAbdif &yst&ui£»« In sorr.o iTiSCur>cCo t !fiO"o ch.OiTirtG r.\ay oo *o^uijroCi uo ic
is raccr.vrior.dad that a chlorine residual of at ioc.ct 10 parts per mill.c:-. bo detected
at tne ox-rami ties of the system, after the required holding tine. A l-.olcir.o, tirr.o oi
24 not*rs rbc<*dt2d ro* all wa«*or *u<4*ris/ cm*g ^o* n^v/ cAC0r«s*OaiL• 7**6 **»ic.
io» d*a*niQCbion of repairs l«4 ^r« system Qup6r*cortt upor* riuCuJ^Mwy o*¦
tAO Gy&tQIil OaCk lAtO SfiiTViCu* ¦>H &UCr* Xi«S?iirtCd31 thd lOTi^iiS w iTd^QiVw*Or» 'CmuC
possible, up to 24 hours, should bo used.
Valves, should bo manipulated so that tno chlorine solution in cha lir.c bci.-.s c_ ^ ^
will not flow back into the line supplying wator. All now valves, and I-.ydthe.
aysterr. should be operated to provide contact with the chlorine solution and be
thoroughly disinfected.
After tn«a required retention tisie, all the chlorir.a should be thorougr.ly flushed
from t.-.e nowly laid pipeline at its extremities, until the replacement wator through-
out its length shall, upon test, be proved comparable to the quality of tho water serve
to the public from the existing water supply system.
Tnere are a number of products on the market at the present time containing nypo-
chionto wmcn can be used in the disinfection procedure • *hc ^ol^ow^.*g '¦ o ^
oased on tno use of hypochlorite with 70 percent availaole chlorine, gives tne rcqu^.rea
amount of matonal to use in^the disinfection of various size pipelined
Pipe Size I Ounces or Pounds | Convenient Intervals for Kypocnlontcj
(Inside Diameter) Hypochlorite | Additions
Inches Per 100 Feet of Pipe (1 ouncei i (6 ounces) I (2 00 una. a5 _
4
0.67 ounce
144 foot
i
|
6
1.50 ounces
64 feet
....
1
3
2.67 ounces
36 foet
1
10
4.19 ouncos
24 foet
12
6.03 ounces
16 feet
96 feet
"" [
lo
10.72 ounces
60 foot
20
1.05 pounds
36 feet
----
24
1.51 pounds
24 feet
— -
30
2.36 pounds
16 feet
84 luCt 1
36
3.40 pounds
6C foet
42
4.62 pounds
48 i^cct
_ J
43
6.03 pounds
->6 feOt
60
9.43 pounds
j 24 ir^ct
NOTE: The above dosage is based on a dry pipe in a dry ditch.
Other chlorine-bearing products, such as chloride of lime, Clorox, Purex. and
other home bleaching materials may be used, but the amount of chlorine available is
less; therefore# more material is needed to provide adequate disinfection. {One
ounce HTH - 2.S ounces chloride of lime " 14 ounces C lor ox solution).
Wator tanks, reservoirs, and basins should also be thoroughly disinfectoc
after cleaning or upon being originally installod. For now tanks, the residue of
oils, groasos and other materials that may retain contaminating organisms shou-d be
thoroughly disinfected. To disinfoct tanks and reservoirs, a chlorine solution con-
taining 500 parts per million available chlorine should be used. This solution may
be propared in the following formula;
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-13'
•:.i cur.ocu of hypochlorite (70 percent available chlorine} to each SO g£llc.-.&
Wu'ccr ue>o&.
A orush or spray may be used to —J-ka the application of the chlorine
to the sz.dos ar.d bottom of the tc.^k. C.-.o bejt results obtained by allowing u
period of two to four hours to elapcw aster the application before turning -r. t.-.o
witor to flush tho tank. Zn all cc^cs, the first water or.tcring the tank should
bo pamutttid to run to waste to eliminate loose aatorial not entirely ronovwd by
previous cleaning.
U is recommended that, upon completion of the chlonnation of the w^tcr
sii-.plo& bo collected and sent to the State Deportment of Health laboratory for
examination. If containination is found present in the water supply, tho cnlorination
procedure must be repeated until tho desired satisfactory results are obtained.
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-lA-
/UO
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
STATEMENT 0? INFORMATION
REGARDINC WATER AND SEWERAGE SERVICE FOB. REALTY
SUBDIVISIONS
Form E.So 91
The following statasuint is made ar.d subnitted with the plat of a proposed realty sub-
division In tha State of Montana under tha provisions of Chapter 69-5001 to 69-5005, K
vised Codes of Montana, 1947 and the Environmental Policy Act, Chapter 69-6504 (b) (1
I. DESCRIPTION 07 PROJECT.
1. Nama of Subdivision ________________________ Location
(City "or Count
Legal description: Section _______ Township __________ Range __________
2. Owner
(State name of person, company, corporation, or association owning tne
division. Zf organized, give name of officers.)
3. Business address ,
4, Area of subdivision _____ Number of lots _______ Families accomodated _
(Total siza in acres)
5, Do you intend to build housas on this subdivision? ______ Do you intend to sell
lots only? _____ Do you intend po build on some lots and sell others without
buildings? .
6, Water Supply]
a. Proposed method of supplying water
(Describe in detail,-giving r»amfi~of ~~
municipality, water district or company if a public water supply is to be
used.)
b. State approximate distance to nearest public water supply main of cu^icipal
or community system.
(Give name of municipality, water district or-company.
7. Sewerage Service:
a. Proposed method of collection and disposal of sewage __
(Cive name of mu.i^cipal-
ity or sewer district if public sewers are to be used.)
1>. State approximate distance to nearest public sewer main of existing nunicipc
' or community system. ______________________________
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-15-
3. Drainage and Runoff.
a. Streets and roads.
(1) State arrangements for disposing of surface water froa siructs and
roadA
(2) type of road surface proposed _______________________________
, (3) Description of roadway drainage systems _______________________
(A) Are stream crossings required? If so, how will they be construe:
(5) Will there be cut and fill sections on 6treets and roads? _____ If 6o,
indicate locations on topographic map along with a sectional drawing of
the proposed cuts*
b. Other drainage problem areas.
(1) Does there exist any low or wet areas that require drainage?
(2) Are there any watercourses, ditches or ravines which may be filled in?
(3) Indicate provisions for handling such problems If not shown on the pi-
9. Subdivision owners who Intend to build homes must submit the following addltlor
information:
a. Cellar drainage* Are cellar or footing drains to be Installed?
If so, how will drainage be disposed of? ^
b. Laundry wastes; Are laundry tubs to be located in basement? _________
If so, how will wastes be disposed of? _______________________
EXISTING ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.
1. Present land use
2. Mature of soil
(Describe to a cepth of 10 feet if tile fields ere to be usea~f
sewage disposal or 20 feet if seepage pits are proposed giving thickncus of
various strata such as top soil, clay, loam, sand, gravel, roclc, etc.)
By whom determined 1 How determined
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-16-
3. Topography
(StiCa whether ground is fiat, rolling, steep, or ^^r.rlc. clope, c;
to be accompanied with a topographic map with contour intervals
sufficient to 6how local topographic conditions.)
A. Will there be any grading (either cut or fill) one or core feet ir. depth? __
If so, designate clearly on plans or describe in report.
5. Depth to water table: Maximum ________________ Minimum
Date determined _____
6. Has this land or any portion thereof evor been flooded? . If so, give
Bixiaua high water elevation and year of occurrence _
7. Is thio area located in the 50-year flood plain? _
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT.
1. Probable impact of the project on the environment.
2. Any probable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided.
w. Alternates considered with evaluation of each.
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-17-
4. Relationship Detween local shore-term uses of environment and sr-aintenance and
enhancement of long-tern productivity.-
5. Any irreversible or irretrievable coaaitaont of resources.
IV. PU3LIC OBJECTIONS TO PBOJECT, IF ANY,' AND THEIR RESOLUTION.
V. AGENCIES CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROJECT.
1. State agency and representative's' naae
2. Local agency and representative's name ________________________
3. 16 this subdivision or any pare thereof located in an area under the control of
local planning, zoning or other officials? ____________________________
If so, have these plans been submitted to such authorities? -
Have these plana been approved or disapproved by such authorities?
is r.crcay agreed that if the attached plans dated or a.
or„c.-.u aanc or revision thereof, are approved by the State Department of Health and Hr.vi.-
Sciences, installation of water supply and sewage disposal facilities will be ir.a.
ir. accordance with the details thereof as shown on such approved plans. If the ujbdivi
i^r.u^, sr.ow-n on such plans are sold before such installations are nade, it is agreed t'.\
al- pa/c.-.a£.ers of lots will be furnished with a legible reproduction of the approved pi.
-..-.d tr.oy will be notified of the necessity of making installations in accordance with a
-fv'ovca plans.
La tea __________________________ Signature ___________________
Official Title
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-18-
The statement must be signed by the owner of the land platted for subdivision or the
responsible official of the company or corporation offering the same forsale.
Important N'ote:
The completed Fora E.S. 91 nust be accompanied by:
1( One general nap showing exact location and approximate boundaries of subdivision.
If suoc^vision is adjacent to a watercourse, indicate maximum high water (flood)
elevation and year of occurrence.
2. One topographic map of subdivision with contour intervals to show.the.local ground
conditions.
3. A print suitable for filing with the State Department of Health and Environmental
Sciences together with such other tracings and prints (sea below) as may be r.ccccsary
for filing with the county clerk and recorder and owner of the subdivision showing;
a. Subdivision layout, including streets, building lines, lot diaensions and other
pertinent data.
b. Existing and proposed water mains, if available. If public water supply ij avail-
able, show existing and proposed water sains for all lots and submit a copy ot
the contract between the developer and the water works officials or a letter from
such officials stating that an agreemont has been reached regarding the supplyi.-.-
of such facilities.
c. Existing and proposed sewers. If already approved by the Department, give date
of approval; or, if not approved, application cu&t be made and detailed plant* of
6ewer extensions submitted by officials in charge of sewer systems in accordance
with Title 69, Section 4901 to 4908.
d. Details of a typical lot arrangement showing general location of well and septic
tank, subsurface absorption devices, etc., (where either or both public water
and sewerage services are inaccessible) plus the followingi
1) Development of well (giving sufficient details to show how the well will be
developed and protected from pollution, its depth and strata penetrate).
2) Cross section of soil showing depth of various strata to a depth of at least
10 feet if dralnfields are to be used and at least 20 feet if seepage pits
are proposed.
3) Plan and section of all, parts of sewage disposal system, giving all
dimensions and grades.
4) Actual field results of soil tests to determine absorptive capacity of soil
(may be submitted with correspondence). This report is to be signed by a
person recognized as qualified to make such tests.
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ITEM III. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT.
1. Probable impact of cha project on the environment.
Indicate the effect the development may have on the ecological systems of
tho area, the soil, the vegetation, the wildlife and other factors. What
will be the primary and secondary effects of this project on the environment?
2. Any probable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided.
Include such things as the effects on the land, air, water and environment
and such thinga as damage to the life systems, the effects of urban congestion,
threats to health or other consequences adverse to the environmental goals for
the area.
3. Alternates considered with evaluation of each.
Objective evaluation of alternative actions. Analyze each alternate including
cost and its Impact on tho environment. The alternative action oust be
reviewed in order not to overlook options which might have less detrimental
environmental effects.
4. Relationship between local short-term uses of environment and maintenance
and enhancement of long-term productivity.
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Wr.at are the immediate and short-term potentials of this development as
compared to the long-term projection of the effects on the enviro.\r.one?
Tais should be considered iron the perspective that each generation is
trusteu of the environment tor succeecia0 generations. Will the cc.Vwlo>-
ment be detrimental to the preservation of this area for posterity?
5. Any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.
Identify the extent to which the action nay curtail the beneficial usea of
tne environment. What materials such as petroleum products, ga&, timacr,
minerals, etc. will be committed to this development?
ITEM IV. PUBLIC OBJECTIONS TO THE PROJECT, IF AXY, AND THEIR RESOLUTIONS.
Include statements made by wildlife groups, nature groups, and environmentalists
together with objections they may have to the project and how they nay be overco;ucd.
ITEM V. AGENCIES CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROJECT.
Theje should include the State Department of Planning and Ecor.o-.^c D^Vv-l^p.r.^r.t.,
tat City-County Planning Board, County Commissioners, and other reviewing autnoriti..»
together witr. the n^mes of the persons to whom tho material was sub-.ittea. A
mant is needed to the effect that the development _is or is not under the control or
local planning, zoning, or other officials anc if these agencies co have juvis^-^tioa,
have they had the opportunity to review the proposal? If there is such an agency,
what was its action regarding the proposal? •
Tr.o completed Form E. S. 91 must be accompanied by:
1. Gr.e general nap showing exact location and approximate boundaries of subdivision.
If suoGlvision is adjacent to a watercourse, indicate maximum high water (flood)
elevation and year of occurrence.
2. One topographic map of subdivision with contour intervals to show the local
ground conditions.
3. A print suitable for filing with the State Department of Health and Environmental
Sc-a.-.ces together with such other tracings and prints (6ce below) as may b«.
necessary for filing with the county clerk and recorder and owner of the sub-
divijior. showing:
a. Subdivision layout, including streets, building lines, lot dimensions anc
otner pertinent data.
b. Existing and proposed water mains, if available. If public water SL.pp^.y is
available, show existing and proposed water nair.s for all lots and bua:,.;
a copy of the contract between tho developer and the water works officials
or a letter froa such officials stating that an agreeaeat has beer, reached
regarding the-supplying of such facilities.
c. Existing and proposed sewers. If already approved by the Department, give
date of approval; or if not approved, application oust be cade and detailed
plans of sewer extensions submitted by officials in charge of 6ewer 6yotcas
in accordance with Title 69 Section 4901 to 4908.
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-21-
a. Details of & typical loc arrangement showing ce.-.eral location ol well a.-.a
septic tank, subsurface absorption devices, etc. (vhcr& cit'.-.er o; bo;/.
paolic water and sewerage services are inaccessible) plus the ioliowir.~:
1} Development of wall (giving sufficient details to show how tne well will
be developed and protected fro~ pollution, its depth and strata
penetrated).
2) Cross section of soil showing depth of various strata to a depth of at
least 10 feet if drainficlds are to be used and at least 20 iecc if
seepage pits are proposed.
3) Plan and section of all parts of sewage disposal systea, giving all
dissensions and grades.
4) Actual field results of soil tests to deteraine absorptive capacity of
soil (may be submitted with correspondence). This report is to be
signed by a parson recognized as qualified to malt* such tacts.
i/72-1,000
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Appendix VII
Recaimendaticris of the Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife,
Spokane, Washington, area offioe, August, 1972.
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Alternate Plan Flathead Basin
No large storage dams or diversions in the Flathead Basin above Kerr Dam.
Minor projects that are properly planned and developed such as the
Stillwater Diversion Project and other minor water diversions shall be
permitted with the following stipulations:
1. Corridors alcng all natural and major developed waterways
associated with the project to be placed in public owner-
ship. Width of these corridors to be determined by State
and Federal fish and wildlife agencies. These corridors to
be planted with native grasses and shrubs if needed.
2. At least 5% of project lands or an equivalent amount of off
project lands to be dedicated to fish and wildlife purposes
and deeded to fish and wildlife agencies (State or Federal).
Higher percentages of land exchange to be required depending
on fish and wildlife potential of project lands. Such lands
to be selected fran the following:
a. Class 6 lands.
b. Selected class 1-4 lands. To be selected by the
originators of the project and State and Federal
fish and wildlife agencies.
c. Lands that go wet as a result of project.
d. Off project lands of high value.
3. Acquisition, initial development and maintenance costs to
be ncnreimbursable project costs.
4. Management to be the responsibility of the Montana Fish and
Game.
5. Sufficient quality and quantity of water will be retained
or supplied to each natural waterway to maintain and support
potential levels of aquatic life.
6. Artificial fish habitat will be developed an suitable streams
developing frati irrigation return flows or waste waters.
Settling ponds for silt removal will be provided.
7. Natural streans and lakes should not be damaged by any
project. Where damages cannot be avoided, for each mile
of natural stream or acre of natural lake affected by
the project, an equal amount of stream or lake including
not less than 1/8 mile on each side of the stream or
around the lake will be legally protected frcm future
development. Where exceptional values are involved no
development will be permitted.
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8. Fish hatcheries and spanning channels will be supplied to
supplement fish production where deemed necessary by fish
and wildlife agencies.
9. Stream changes will be avoided.
10. Domestic livestock will be excluded from all project lands
acquired for fish and wildlife, with the following exceptions:
a. Where grazing is compatible with fish and wildlife use.
b. Where special water access is required for stock
watering. Such areas to be fenced to exclude
livestock frcm the remainder of the area. Fencing
to be a project cost.
11. All areas disturbed by construction associated with the project to
be re vegetated with native grasses and shrubs if deemed necessary
by fish and wildlife agencies.
12. All project associated lands lost to fish and wildlife frcm roads,
powerlines, barrow areas and associated facilities will be
compensated for on an acre-for-acre basis.
13. Where rare or endangered species are involved the project will be
generally opposed.
14. Money will be provided to the State and/or Federal fish and wild-
life agencies by the project for pre and post project studies and
surveillance. Such studies to be identified for specific proposed
projects by the State and/or Federal fish and wildlife agencies.
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-3-
Jsftate department of Jtaaltlj
of (JHmtfema
JOHN S ANOERbON M U
c *rt utivl orpiCFR
Helena. Montana 59601
October 6, 1971
TO: Persons Receiving Montana Water Quality Criteria, Water Use
Classifications and Policy Statements
Attached are "Water Quality Criteria", "Water Use Classifications",
and "Policy Statements" as adopted by the Montana Water Pollution Control
Council, together with a map of the surface water classifications to
facilitate understanding these classifications.
It is felt that with these water quality standards, the clean
waters in Montana will be maintained and those waters that are
currently degraded will be Improved to meet the criteria established.
It is the intent of this office, through our control program and the
standards, to maintain the best water possible in Montana.
Yours very truly
Claiborne W. Brinck, P.E., Director
Division of Environmental Sanitation
CWB:sh
Attachments
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J+-
MONTANA STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL
POLICY STATEMENTS
Quality of waters classified for multiple use shall be governed by the most
stringent criteria listed for any use.
The Council has classified as "A-Closed" only those waters on which access
and other activities are presently controlled by the utility owner. If
other uses are permitted by the utility owner, these waters shall be re-
classified "A-Open" or lower. Conversely, waters in the "A-Open" classifi-
cation, if shown to meet the "A-Closed" criteria, may be so classified by
the Council at the request of the utility owner.
Where "A-Open" water is used for swimming and other water contact 3ports, a
higher degree of treatment may be required for potable water use.
The water quality standards are subject to revision (following public hear-
ings and, in the case of interstate streams, concurrence of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration) as technical data, surveillance pro-
grams, and technological advances make such revisions desirable. There are
waters in the £ate on which little water quality data are presently avail-
able. Water quality criteria for these waters were established to protect
existing and future water uses on the basis of the most representative in-
formation available.
In some cases, particularly in eastern Montana, waters have been classified
"B" and "C" where the upper ends of the streams will probably be suitable
for this use while the lower ends will not. However, not enough data is
available to determine where the "B" and "C" designation should be dropped.
Whenever a water supply or swimming area is developed, the regulations and
the advice of the State Board of Health should be acquired. As time permits,
data will be obtained and the classifications reviewed.
As used in the Water Quality Criteria, the phrases "natural," "naturally
present," and "naturally occurring" are defined as conditions or material
present from runoff or percolation over which man has no control or from
developed land where all reasonable land, soil and water conservation
practices have been applied. Haters below existing dams will be consid-
ered natural.
It is the intent of the criteria that the increase allowed (temperature
for example) above natural conditions is the total allowable from all
waste sources along the classified stream.
Although the water quality criteria specify minimum dissolved oxygen con-
centrations, it shall be the policy of the Council to require the best
practicable treatment or control of all oxygen-consuming wastes in order
to maintain dissolved oxygen in the receiving waters at the highest possi-
ble level above the specified minimums.
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2
-5-
7. For treatment plant design purposes, stream flow dilution requirements shall
be based on the minimum consecutive 7-day average flow which may be expected
to occur on the average once in 10 years.
8. Where sampling stations and points of mixing of discharges with receiving waters
as mentioned in the water quality criteria are to be established on inter-
state waters, the concurrence of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration will be solicited.
9. It is not the intent of these criteria to provide for a swimming water
immediately below an existing treated domestic sewage outfall.
10. Where common treatment is practicable, it is the policy of the Council to
restrict the number of sewer outfalls to a minimum.
11. Tests or analytical procedures to determine compliance with standards will, in-
sofar as practicable and applicable, be made in accordance with the methods
given in the twelfth edition of "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Waste Water" published by the American Public Health Association, et al,
or in accordance with tests or analytical procedures that have been found to
be equal or more applicable.
12. Because of conflicting testimony, it is the intent of the Water Pollution Control
Council to obtain additional information on temperatures and fisheries on waters
below existing steam generating stations at Billings and Sidney on the Yellow-
stone River. This can probably be best accomplished by a cooperative study
between the utility. State Fish and Game Department, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, and the Montana State Department of Health.
13. Insufficient information is available for establishing fixed sediment criteria
at this time. Until standards can be set, reasonable measures, as defined bv
the Water Pollution Control Council, must be taken to minimize sedimentation
from man's activities.
14. Waters whose existing quality is better than the established standards as of
the date on which such standards become effective will be maintained at that
high quality unless it has been affirmatively demonstrated to the state that a
change is justifiable as a result of necessary economic or social development
and will not preclude present and anticipated use of such waters. Any
industrial, public or private project or development which would constitute a
new source of pollution or an increased source of pollution to high quality
waters will be required to provide the necessary degree of waste treatment to
maintain high water quality. In implementing this policy, the Secretary of the
Interior will be kept advised in order to discharge his responsibilities under
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Note: A statement with
similar meaning is included in the revised Water Pollution Control Act (H. B.
No. 85, Chapter 25, Montana Session Laws, 197L)
MINIMUM TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Domestic sewage « the minimum treatment required for domestic sewage shall
be secondary treatment or its equivalent with the understanding that properly
designed and operated sewage lagoons will meet this requirement.
2. Industrial wastes -- the minimum treatment required for industrial wastes
shall be secondary treatment or its equivalent.
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WATER USE Ui.'JCKIPTIONS AND APPLICATION
Water use classifications assigned to the Columbia and Missouri
Basin and the Hudson Bay drainage in Montana are described as follows1
"A-Closed"--Water supply for drinkinp,, culinarv, and food process-
ing purposes, suitable for use after simple disinfection.
Public access and activities such as livestock grazinp
and timber harvest should be strictly controlled under
conditions prescribed by the State Board of Health.
The Council has classified as "A-Closed" only tnose
waters on which access is presently controlled by the
utility owner. If other uses are permitted by the
utility owner, tnese waters shall be reclassified
"A-Open-D^"or lower.
"A-Open-D^"—Water supply for drinkinp,, culinary, and food processing
purposes suitable for use after simple disinfection ana
removal of naturally present impurities. Water auality
shall also be maintained suitable for tne use of these
waters for bathing, swimming and recreation (See "Note"
below), (where these waters are used for swimming and
other water contact sports, a hijrher detrree of treatment
may be required for potable water use), prowth and DroD-
apation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life,
waterfowl and furbearers; apricultural and industrial
water supply. Therefore, these waters shall be held
suitable for "A-Open", "C", "D", "E", and "F" uses but
may not necessarily be used for all sucn purposes.
Waters in tnis class, if shown to meet the "A-Closed"
criteria, may be so classified by the Council at the re-
quest of the utility owner.
All waters within the boundaries of national narks
and nationally designated wilderness, wild, or primi-
tive areas in Montana are classified "A-Open-Di"
except those adjacent to developed areas such as
Snyder Creek through the community of Lake McDonald
and Swiftcurrent Creek below the Many Glacier Chalet,
both in Glacier National Park. Also, Georgetown,
Flathead, and Whitefish Lakes and Lake Mary Ronan
are classified as "A-Open-D^" as are some streams
presently used for domestic water supply.
Note: Common sense dictates that swimminp, and other water contact
sports are inadvisable within a reasonable distance down-
stream from sewar.e treatment facility outfalls.
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The quality of these waters snail be maintained suitable
for drinking, culinary and food Drocessmr purposes
after adequate treatment equal to coaeulation, sedi-
mentation, filtration, disinfection, and anv additional
treatment necessary to remove naturally present im-
purities; bathine, swimming, and recreation (see Note
under "A-Open-Dj."), growth and propagation of salmonid
fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and
furbearers; agricultural and industrial water supplv.
Therefore, "B-D1" equals "B", "C", "Dj/', "E", and "F".
The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit-
able for the uses described for "B-D^" waters except
that the fisheries use shall be described as follows:
"Growth and marginal propapation of salmonid
fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl
and furbearers."
Therefore, "B-D2"equals "B", "C", "D7", "E", and 'TM.
The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit-
able for the uses described for "B-D^" waters except
that the fisheries use shall be described as follows:
"Growth and propagation of non-salmonid fishes
and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and fur-
bearers."
Therefore, "B-D3" equals "B", "C", "D3", "E", and "F".
The quality of tnese waters shall be maintained suit-
able for bathine, swimming, and recreation; prowth
and marginal propagation of salmonid fishes and
associated aquatic life, waterfowl ana furbearers;
agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore,
"C-D2" equals "C", "D2r, "E", and "F".
The quality of tnese waters shall be maintained for
growth and marginal propagation of salmonid fishes
and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers;
agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore,
"D2" equals "D2", "E", and "F".
The quality of these waters shall be maintained for
agricultural and industrial water suoplv uses and
"E" shall equal "E" and "F" uses.
The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit-
able for industrial water supply uses, other tnan food
processing.
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MONTANA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL - SURFACE WATER USE CLASSIFICAT IONS OF MONTANA. OCT 5.1967.
«?*
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¦9-
WATER USE CLASSIFICATION
COLUMBIA DA'',IN
Clark Fork River Drainage
Clark Fork River:
.Warm Springs Drainage to Myers Dam A-Open-Dj^
Remainder of Warm Springs Drainage B-D^
Silver Bow Creek (mainstem) from the confluence of For indus-
Yankee Doodle and Blacktail Deer Creeks to Warm trial waste
Springs Creek use•
Yankee Doodle Creek Drainage to and including A-Closed
the Butte water supply reservoir
Remainder of Yankee Doodle Creek Drainage B-D1
Blacktail Deer Creek Drainage except portion B-D^
of Basin Creek listed below:
Basin Creek Drainage to and including A-Closed
the Butte water supply reservoir
Remainder of Basin Creek Drainage B-D^
All other tributaries to Silver Bow Creek B-D^
from the confluence of Yankee Doodle and
Blacktail Deer Creeks to Warm Springs Creek
Clark Fork River (mainstem) from Warm Springs Creek to C-D?
the Little Blackfoot River
Tin Cup Joe Creek Drainage to the Deer Lodge water A-Closed
supply intake
Remainder of Tin Cup Joe Drainage B-D^
Clark Fork River Drainage from the Little Blackfoot River B-D^
to the Idaho line except those portions of tributaries
listed below:
Georgetown Lake and tributaries above Georgetown Dam A-Open-Dj^
Flint Creek Drainage from Georgetown Dam to the B-D^
Farm-to-Market Highway No. 348 bridge about one
mile west of Philipsburg except those portions
of tributaries listed below:
Fred Burr Lake and headwaters from source to A-Closed
the outlet of the lake
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Flint Creek (mainstem) from Farm-to-Market Highway
No. 348 bridge about one mile west of Philipsburg
to the Clark Fork River
R-D„
South Boulder Creek Drainage to the Philipsburg A-Open-D^
water supply intake
Remainder of South Boulder Drainage B-D^
All other tributaries to Flint Creek from F-to-M B-Dj^
Highway 3«»8 bridge to the Clark Fork River
0
Rattlesnake Drainage to the Missoula water supply A-Closed
intake
Remainder of Rattlesnake Drainage B-D^
Packer and Silver Creek Drainage (tributaries A-Open-Dj^
to the St. Regis River) to the Saltese water
supply intakes '
Remainder of Packer and Silver Creek drainages B-D^
Ashley Creek Drainage to the Thompson Falls water A-Closed
supply intake
Remainder of Ashley Creek Drainage B-D^
Pilgrim Creek Drainage to the Noxon water supply A-Open-D,
intake
Remainder of Pilgrim Creek Drainage B-D^
All tributaries of Clark Fork River not otherwise B-Dj^
mentioned
Flathead River
Flathead River Drainage (except tributaries in Glacier B-D,
National Park or in nationally designated Wild, Wilder-
ness, or Primitive areas) except tributaries and lakes
or reservoirs listed below:
Essex Creek Drainage to the Essex water supply A-Closed
intake
Remainder of Essex Creek Drainage B-D^
Snyder Creek (mainstem) through the community B-D,
, of Lake McDonald in Glacier¦National Park to
Lake McDonald' 1
Stillwater River (mainstem) from (but excluding) B-Dj
Logan Creek to the Flathead River
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3
Whitefish Lake and its tributaries A-Open-Pj
Whitefish Kiver (mainstem) from the outlet of • R-D?
Whitefish Lake to the Stillwater River
Haskill Creek Drainage to the Whitefish A-Open-D^
water supply intake
Remainder of Haskill Creek Drainage B-D^
Remainder of Whitefish River Drainage B-D^
Remainder of Stillwater River Drainage B-D^
Ashley Creek Drainage to and including Smith (Kila) B-D
Lake
1
Ashley Creek (mainstem) from Smith Lake to bridge B-D2
crossing on the airport road about one mile south
of Kalispell
Ashley Creek (mainstem) from bridge crossing on the E
airport road to the Flathead River
All tributaries to Ashley Creek from Smith Lake B-D,
to the Flathead River
Flathead Lake and its tributaries except Flathead River A-Open-D,
above the Lake (as listed above) Swan River and a portion
of Hellroaring Creek as listed below, but including Swan
Lake proper and Lake Mary Ronan
Swan River Drainage (except Swan Lake proper) B-Dj
Hellroaring Creek Drainage to the Poison water supply A-Closed
intake
Remainder of Hellroaring Creek Drainage B-D
(Simply as a note for clarification, the Flathead
River below the highway bridge at Poison to Paradise
is included in the "B-D^" classification of the
Flathead River Drainage listed above.)
1
Crow Creek Drainage to road crossing at Section 16, B-D^^
T20N, R20W about two and a half miles southwest of
Ronan, except the portion of Second Creek listed below:
Second Creek Drainage to the Ronan water supply A-Closed
intake
Remainder of Second Creek Drainage B-D1
Crow Creek (mainstem) from road crossing in B-D,
S16, T20N, R20W to the Flathead River
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Tributaries to Crow Creek from road crossing B-D^
in S 16 to the Flathead River
Little Bitterroot River Drainage to Hubbart B-D^
Reservoir
Little Bitterroot River (mainstem) from Hubbart B-Dj
Reservoir Dam to the Flathead River
Tributaries to the Little Bitterroot River B-D^
from Hubbart Reservoir Dam to the Flathead
River except Hot Springs Creek listed below:
Hot Springs Creek Drainage to the .Hot A-Closed
Springs water supply intake
Hot Springs Creek (mainstem) from the E
Hot Springs water supply intake to,
the Little Bitterroot River
Tributaries to Hot Springs Creek B-D^
(if any) from the Hot Springs
water supply intake to the Little
Bitterroot River
Mission Creek Drainage to the St. Ignatius water A-Open-D.
supply intake
Mission Creek Drainage from the St. Ignatius B-Dj
water supply intake to U.S. Highway No. 93
crossing about one mile west of St. Ignatius
Mission Creek (mainstem) from U.S. Highway B-Dj
No. 93 crossing to the Flathead River
Tributaries to Mission Creek from the U.S. B-Dj
Highway No. 93 crossing to the Flathead R.
Kootenai River Drainage
Kootenai River Drainage from the border of Canada to the B-D,
Idaho border (including the Yaak River), except the tri-
butaries listed below:
Deep Creek Drainage (tributary to the Tobacco A-Open-D^
River) to the Fortine water supply intake
Sullivan Creek Drainage to the Rexford water supply A-Closed
intake
Rainy Creek Drainage to the Zonolite Company water A-Open-Dj
supply intake
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5
Rainy Creek (mainstem) from the Zonolite Company Dj
water supply intake to the Kootenai River
Flower Creek Drainage to the Libby water supply A-Open-D^
intake
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6
•MISSOURI BASIN
Missouri River Drainage
Missouri River:
Missouri River Drainage to the Sun River in Great Falls 1 B-D,
except tributaries listed below:
East Gallatin River (mainstem) (tributary to the B-D5
Gallatin River, tributary to the Missouri River)
from Montana Highway No. 293 crossing about one-
half mile north of Bozeman to, but excluding, Dry
Creek about five miles east of Manhattan
Remainder of the East Gallatin River Drainage B-Di
except the tributaries listed below:
Lyman and Sourdough (Bozeman) Creek Drainages A-Closed
to the Bozeman water supply intakes
Remainder of the Lyman and Sourdough Creek B-Di
Drainages
Hyalite Creek Drainage to the Bozeman water A-Open-D,
supply intake
Remainder of the Hyalite Creek Drainage B-D^
Big Hole River Drainage (tributary to the Jefferson, A-Open-D,
tributary to the Missouri River) above Divide
Remainder of the Big Hole Drainage B-D^
Rattlesnake Creek Drainage (tributary to the A-Open-D,
Beaverhead River, tributary to the Jefferson
River) to the Dillon water supply intake
Remainder of the Rattlesnake Creek Drainage B-Dj^
Indian Creek Drainage (tributary to the Ruby A-Open-Di
River, tributary to the Beaverhead River) to
the Sheridan water supply intake
Remainder of the Indian Creek Drainage B-D^
Basin Creek Drainage (tributary to the Boulder A-Open-D,
River, tributary to the Jefferson River) to
the Basin water supply intake
Remainder of the Basin Creek Drainage B-D^
Prickley Pear Creek Drainage to the Montana Highway B-D,
No. 433 crossing about one mile northwest of East
Helena, except the tributaries listed below:
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McClellan Creek Drainage to the East Helena A-Open-D^
water supply intake
Remainder of the McClellan Creek Drainage B-D^
Prickley Pear Creek (mainstem) from the Montana E
Highway No. 433 crossing about one mile northwest
of East Helena to its mouth
Tributaries of Prickley Pear Creek from the Montana B-D^
Highway No. 433 crossing to its mouth except those
listed below:
Ten Mile Creek Drainage to the Helena water A-Open-D^
supply intake
Remainder of Ten Mile Creek Drainage B-D^
Willow Creek Drainage (tributary of the Smith A-Closed
River, tributary to the Missouri River) to the
White Sulphur Springs water supply intake
Remainder of the Willow Creek Drainage B-D^
Missouri River (mainstem) from Sun River to Rainbow Dam B-D2
Missouri River Drainage from Rainbow Dam in Great Falls B-D3
to the North Dakota line except the portion of the main-
stem and the tributaries listed below:
Sun River Drainage to, but excluding, Muddy Creek B-D^
near Vaughn
Muddy Creek Drainage E
Sun River (mainstem) from Muddy Creek to the Missouri B-D3
River
Tributaries (if any) to the Sun River from B-Di
Muddy Creek to the Missouri River
Belt Creek Drainage to and including Otter Creek B-D^
except portion of O'Brien Creek listed below:
O'Brien Creek Drainage to the Neihart water A-Open-D^
supply intake
Remainder of the O'Brien Creek Drainage B-D^
Belt Creek (mainstem) from Otter. Creek to the B-D2
Missouri River
Tributaries to Belt Creek from Otter Creek to B-D^
the Missouri River
Highwood and Shonkin Creek Drainages B-D,
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8
Marias River Drainage except tributaries listed below: B-D2
Cutbank Creek Drainage to, but excluding, Old B-D^
Maid Miller Coulee in Cutbank except the portion
of Willow Creek listed below:
Willow Creek Drainage to the Montana High- B-D^
way U64 crossing about one-half mile north
of Browning
Willow Creek (mainstem) from the Montana B-D2
Highway No. crossing to Cutbank Creek
(also included in the Marias River Drain-
age classification above)
Tributaries (if any) to Willow Creek B-D^
from the Montana 464 crossing to
Cutbank Creek
Cutbank Creek (mainstem) from Old Maid Miller B-Dj
Coulee to Birch Creek (also listed under Marias
above)
Tributaries to Cutbank Creek from, but ex-
cluding Old Maid Miller Coulee (which is
"B-D2") to Birch Creek
Birch Creek Drainage except tributaries listed
below:
Two Medicine Creek Drainage to and includ-
ing the Badger Creek Drainage
Midvale Creek Drainage to the East
Glacier water supply intake
Remainder of Midvale Creek Drainage
Summit Creek Drainage to the Summit
water supply intake
Remainder of Summit Creek Drainage
Two Medicine Creek (mainstem) from Badger
Creek to Birch Creek
Tributaries to Two Medicine Creek from
Badger Creek to Cutbank Creek
Teton River Drainage to and including Deep Creek
near Choteau
Remainder of Teton River Drainage
Eagle Creek Drainage to but excluding Dog Creek
B-Di
B-D2
B-Di
A-Closed
B-Dj.
A-Closed
B-Dj.
B-D2
B-D1
B-Dx
B-D2
B-Di
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-17-
Remainder of Eagle Creek Drainage B-D3
Judith River Drainage to Big Spring Creek B-Di
Big Spring Creek Drainage to the Mill Ditch Head- B-D^
gate near the southern city limits of Lewistown
Bip Spring Creek (mainstem) from the Mill Ditch B-D2
Headgate to the Judith River
Tributaries to Bip. Spring Creek from the B-D^
Mill Ditch Headgate to the Judith River
Judith River (mainstem) from Big Spring Creek to the B-D2
Missouri River
Tributaries to the Judith River from Big B-D^
Spring Creek to tne Missouri River
Cow Creek Drainage to but excluding Al's Creek B-D^
Remainder of Cow Creek Drainage B-D3
Musselshell River Drainage to and including B-D
Hopley Creek near Harlowton
Musselshell River Drainage from Hopley Creek to B-D.
but excluding Half Breed Creek near Roundup
except American Fork listed below:
American Fork Drainage B-D^
Musselshell River Drainage from and including B-D3
Half Breed Creek to Fort Peck Reservoir exceDt
Flatwillow Creek Drainage listed below:
Flatwillow Creek Drainage (may be the Box B-Dj
Elder Creek Drainage) near Mosby
Missouri River (mainstem) from Fort Peck Dam to the Milk B-D2
River
Milk River Drainage from source (or from the Glacier B-D^
National Park Boundary) to the International Boundary
Milk River Drainage from the International Boundary B~D3
to the Missouri River except the tributaries listed
below.
Big Sandy Creek Drainage above Big Sandy B-D^
Remainder of Big Sandy Creek Drainage B-D3
Beaver, Box Elder, and Clear Creek Drainages B-D.
(all near Havre)
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-18-
10
People's Creek Drainiifte to .ind including the ll-D^
South Tork of People's Creek
Remainder of People's Creek Drainage ®~D3
Wolf Creek Drainage near Wolf Point B-D2
Poplar River Drainage B-D2
Yellowstone Kiver Drainage
Yellowstone River Drainage from the Yellowstone Park B-D^
Boundary to the Laurel water supply intake
Yellowstone River Drainage from the Laurel water supply B-Dj
intake to the Billings water supply intake, except the
tributaries listed below:
Clark's Fork River Drainage from source to the B-D^
Wyoming line and from the Wyoming line to and
including Jack Creek near Bridger
Clark's Fork River (mainstem) from Jack Creek to the B-D2
Yellowstone River
Tributaries to the Clark's Fork River from Jack B-D^
Creek to the Yellowstone River except the West
Fork of Rock Creek listed below:
West Fork of Rock Creek Drainage to the A-Open-D^
Red Lodge water supply intake
Remainder of West Fork of Rock Creek B-D^
Drainage
Yellowstone River Drainage from the Billings water supply B-D3
intake to the North Dakota line except the tributaries
listed below:
Pryor Creek Drainage B-D^
Bip. Horn Drainage above but excluding William's B-D
Coulee near Hardin
1
Big Horn Drainage from and including William's Coulee B-D2
to the'Yellowstone River except the Little Big Horn
listed below:
Little Big Horn Drainage above and including B-D^
Lodgegrass Creek near Lodgegrass
Remainder of the Little Big Horn Drainage B-D2
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-19-
li
Tonrue Rivor (m,nmt«m) from Tonp.ue River Reservoir
to but oxclu'linp Prairie Dog Coulee
R-D?
Remainder of the Tongue River Drainage
Fox Creek Drainage near Sidney
Little Missouri and Belle Fourche Drainages:
All waters
b-d3
b-d2
b-d3
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE
All waters within Glacier National Park except the portion A-Open-Dj^
of Swiftcurrent Creek listed below:
Swiftcurrent Creek (mainstem) from the Many Glacier B-Dj
Chalet to Lake Sherbourne
All waters outside Park from Park Boundary to the Inter- B-D
national Boundary 1
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