WRIA 62 WMP 032305 - Washington State Department of Ecology

March, 2005 -20- 023-1289-003.3040
3.2 Water Quality
The water quality issues addressed within this management plan are defined by the following problem
statements. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) justifying inclusion of the issues within this
plan are noted for each issue.
WQUAL-1: There is a need to develop a protocol to coordinate and ensure that WRIA 62
water quality data is provided for input into the Joint Stock Assessment Program (JSAP)
database. [RCW 90.82.030(1)&(3); RCW 90.82.040 Notes: Findings -2003 1 st sp.s.c 4; RCW
90.82.090(1)&(7)].
WQUAL-2: Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic nuisance weeds pose a threat to native
habitat and public safety in the Pend Oreille watershed. [RCW 90.82.090(2)].
WQUAL-3a: There is a need to participate in current and future Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) processes and provide input on TMDLs for tributary streams that originate within
WRIA 62. [RCW 90.82.005; RCW 90.82.090(4)&(6)].
WQUAL-3b: There is a need to participate in the TMDL processes and provide input on
TMDLs for the mainstem Pend Oreille River. [RCW 90.82.005; RCW 90.82.090(4)&(6)].
WQUAL-4a: The natural quality of drinking water provided to some communities does not
meet Washington State secondary drinking water standards. [RCW 90.82.048(3); RCW
90.82.070(2); RCW 90.82.090(1)&(2)].
WQUAL-4b: There is a need to review wellhead protection plans throughout WRIA 62 and
improve these plans as needed. [RCW 90.82.010; RCW 90.82.040 Notes: Finding-Intent-2001 c
237; RCW 90.82.048(3); RCW 90.82.070(2)].
WQUAL-5: The 303(d) list identifies impaired waterbodies and requires Washington State to
work towards cleaning up impaired waterbodies and establishing TMDLs. However there is a
need to identify an appropriate process to protect unimpaired waters in WRIA 62 that meet or
exceed applicable water quality standards. [RCW 90.82.005; RCW 90.82.040 Notes: Findings-
2003 1 st sp.s.c 4; RCW 90.82.090(2)&(7)].
The following sections further develop these water quality issues. Background information is
included in Chapter 4. A summary of the water quality issues, actions and responsible parties is
provided in Table 3-2.
3.2.1 WQUAL-1
Problem Statement: There is a need to develop a protocol to coordinate and ensure that WRIA 62
water quality data is provided for input into the Joint Stock Assessment Program (JSAP) database.
Goal: A comprehensive WRIA 62 water quality database will be accessible via the web and will
have an active steward to maintain the database into the future. This database will be accessible to all
users in the watershed and a system will be established for agencies and groups to submit data.
Statute Justification: RCW 90.82.030(1)&(3); RCW 90.82.040 Notes: Findings-2003 1 st sp.s.c 4;
RCW 90.82.090(1)&(7).
WRIA 62 WMP 032305