U.S. EPA Adds Two Water Bodies to Impaired List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lower Boise River and Hem Creek to the state of Idaho’s List of Impaired Waters. Both of these waters were on the state’s list in prior years until the state removed them in 2008.

“Idaho’s waters deserve protection,” said Jim Werntz, director of EPA's Idaho state office in Boise. “Being listed means that the Lower Boise River and Hem Creek will get the necessary help they need to get cleaned up and provide healthy aquatic habitat. Improved water quality also means more fishing, swimming and other recreational opportunities for families.”

The Boise River is a high-quality, multiple-use water body. The EPA added the lower portion of the Boise River, from Indian Creek to the mouth of the river, where the impacts from cumulative nutrient inputs are greatest. The agency analyzed multiple lines of evidence, including levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, pH and biological data to conclude that the downstream reach of the river is impaired for excess nutrients.

Hem Creek is in the Upper North Fork Clearwater River sub-basin. It is being listed for exceedences of the salmonid spawning temperature criteria applicable to cutthroat trout. Hem Creek has been impacted from forestry that has reduced shade to the lower reaches of the creek.

In accordance with Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, states must identify all polluted water bodies and submit this list to the EPA every two years. These are "water quality-limited" estuaries, lakes and streams that fall short of state surface water quality standards.

For more information, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/water.nsf/tmdls/cwa+303d+list.

Source: U.S. EPA