EPA
issues permit to resume nutrient enrichment in Dworshak Reservoir
To view the permit,
CLICK HERE.
To view a list of comments
and responses, CLICK
HERE.
Both items are in PDF form.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency announced Friday that it is issuing a permit to the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers that authorizes USACE to use nitrogen in the Dworshak
Reservoir to maintain favorable conditions in the waterbody.
After carefully reviewing
data collected by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, EPA determined that the
use of nitrogen improved water quality in the reservoir. The data showed using
nitrogen improved the health of the kokanee population, decreased blue-green
algae, improved water clarity and promoted the growth of desirable algae and
zooplankton. EPA expects continued use of nitrogen will keep the reservoir on
this positive track.
Community input played a
valuable role in crafting the permit, according to a press release issued
Friday. EPA incorporated changes into the final permit based on public comments,
including increased monitoring and reporting for blue-green algae and water
clarity.
EPA will continue to work closely with USACE to monitor and maintain the health of the Dworshak Reservoir.