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Ecology Publications & Forms |
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Ecology Publications & Forms |
| Title | Lower Snohomish River Tributaries Fecal Coliform Bacteria Effectiveness Monitoring |
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| VIEW NOW |
Lower Snohomish River Tributaries Fecal Coliform Bacteria Effectiveness Monitoring (Number of pages: 171) (Publication Size: 17060KB)
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| Author(s) | Niamh O’Rourke | ||||
| Description | The Washington State Department of Ecology conducted an effectiveness monitoring study in 2020-2021 to assess bacteria levels in tributaries to the Lower Snohomish River. We collected water samples for E. coli and fecal coliform at 50 sites – 36 routinely sampled sites and 14 investigative sites. We found that fecal coliform concentrations were lower or similar at most sites as compared to the initial Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study period in the 1990s. Trend analysis of fecal coliform concentrations found that, of seven sites with a long-term sampling record, three trended in the negative (better) direction, and four had no trend detected. Of the 35 stream reaches in this study with existing bacteria impairments, only three were clean enough during 2020-2021 to meet water quality standards. The results indicate that bacteria levels seem to have improved in the study area since the TMDL study. The significant water quality cleanup efforts that took place over the past three decades likely contributed to this. The cleanup work included agricultural projects, riparian restoration, conservation, stormwater management, and community outreach. Additional work must be completed, though, to bring rivers and streams in the study area into compliance with state water quality standards. Our study identified that aging on-site septic systems may contribute to bacterial pollution. We therefore recommend investigating and addressing these sources in areas with a high density of older septic systems, notably the Allen and Quilceda Creek watersheds. |
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The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment. To help us meet that goal, please consider the environment before you print or request a copy.
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| Contact | EAP Publications Coordinator at 564-669-3028 or EAPpubs@ecy.wa.gov | ||||
| Keywords | E.coli, French Creek, Pilchuck River, rivers, septic systems, stream, effectiveness monitoring, Snohomish River, environmental, 303(d), study, implementation, water, water quality, water quality standards, Total Maximum Daily Load, freshwater, fecal coliform, clean up, bacteria, Snohomish county, research, Water Quality Criteria, Allen Creek, Catherine Creek, Marshlands, Quilceda Creek, Woods Creek | ||||
| WEB PAGE | Lower Snohomish River Tributaries effectiveness monitoring | ||||
| WATERSHED | Water Resource Inventory Area 07 Snohomish | ||||
| DATA | Environmental Information Management (EIM) #EFF_LSRT |
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| RELATED PUBLICATIONS | Title:
Lower Snohomish River Tributaries Fecal Coliform Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load:Detailed Implementation Plan Snohomish River Tributaries Fecal Coliform Total Maximum Daily Load Submittal Report Water Quality Assessment of Tributaries to the Snohomish River and Nonpoint Source Pollution TMDL |
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