WSR 99-10-040

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY


[ Filed April 30, 1999, 11:29 a.m. ]


PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON WATER

TEMPERATURE STRATEGY FOR THE UPPER CHEHALIS RIVER



Water temperatures in many areas of the Upper Chehalis River Watershed (WRIA 23) have become too warm during the dry summer months to sustain all the expected life-cycle stages of cold water fish (salmon, steelhead, and trout).

This is a violation of state water quality standards. The Federal Clean Water Act requires the state to develop strategies to reverse these conditions and restore temperatures to levels that will sustain the cold water fish that still survive in the Upper Chehalis River system.

The Department of Ecology has developed a draft Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for water temperature in the Upper Chehalis River (WRIA 23). This study evaluates water temperatures and makes recommendations about what must be done to reduce those temperatures to levels that will sustain all life-cycle stages of cold water fish. The study proposes to reduce water temperatures to acceptable levels over time by restoring riparian zone shade.

The public is invited to comment on this draft study until June 4, 1999. An electronic copy of the draft Upper Chehalis River Basin Temperature TMDL may be obtained by e-mailing Kahle Jennings at kjen461@ecy.wa.gov. To obtain a paper copy of the TMDL, contact Cathy Brockmann at 407-6270.

Written comments should be postmarked no later than June 4, 1999 and mailed to: Kahle Jennings, Department of Ecology, Southwest Regional Office, P.O. Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775.

Comments will also be accepted through electronic mail at kjen461@ecy.wa.gov through June 4, 1999. For further information call (360) 407-6269.

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