appendix a.water quality - kcswcd.orgkcswcd.org/projects/sheepscot/water quality data appendix...

Sheepscot Watershed Management Plan APPENDIX A: Supplement to Water Quality A-1

APPENDIX A: SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL TO SECTION II, WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT Information collected by Lili Pugh, volunteer water quality monitor, SVCA Table A.1: Water quality data by agency Agency Parameters Where sampled History SVCA D.O., Temp., TSS,

Salinity, Bacteria 31 sites throughout watershed 1994-present

SWLA D.O., Temp., Bacteria

SVCA’s site above Sheepscot Pond

DEP Salmon Program

D.O., Temp., nutrients, TSS, pH, anions and cations, stormwater sampling

10 sites throughout the watershed Baseflow 1999-2001, Storm sampling 2000-2002

DEP TMDL D.O., Bacteria, macroinverts.

Seven sites currently on 305(b) TMDL list

1998-present

DEP Biomonitoring

Macroinverts. Three sites on middle mainstem and one on West Branch

1984-present

DEP Hatchery Licensing Program

Flow, Biomass, BOD, TSS, Total P,N, Ammonia, macroinverts.

Outlet at IF&W Fish Hatchery in Palermo

1999-2002

VLMP & DEP Lakes Program

Transparency, D.O., pH, Alkalinity, Total P, chlorophyl a

Sheepscot Pond, Long Pond, Branch Pond, Turner Pond, Dyer Long Pond, Clary Lake, Three Corner Pond

Varies by lake; mid 1970s to present

DMR Shellfish Sanitation Program

Bacteria, Temp., Salinity

Estuary 1990-2004

ASC Temp., pH, Salmon population estimates, habitat mapping

West Branch, Mainstem, some tributaries

Over 10 years for pop. data; 3 years WQ data

NOAA National Marine Fisheries

Temp., pH, conductivity

Above Head Tide 2001-present continuous data

USFWS Temp. Weeks Mills, Kings Mills, Windsor Station, Howe Rd., Coopers Mills, Rt.126, Trout Brook, Alna, Upper Deer Hill Rd.

1999-present continuous data

USGS Flow, geomorphology

Gage station in North Whitefield 1938-present continuous data

Sheepscot Watershed Management Plan APPENDIX A: Supplement to Water Quality

A-2

Table A.2. Water quality parameters in the Sheepscot watershed. Dissolved Oxygen (DO):

DO is the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in the water. It helps determine whether there is enough oxygen for aquatic animals to survive. Flow, temperature, biological consumption, deposition of bacteria from septic or agriculture affect dissolved oxygen levels. Waters with a level of 7mg/l or more are considered healthy for fish. DO levels under 5mg/l impact survival of most beneficial organisms. Overall organism diversity is also decreased. DO levels under 4mg/l indicate anoxic conditions in which no organisms dependent on oxygen can survive. pH:

pH is a measure of the acidity of the water. In freshwater systems one is most concerned about whether the waters are too acidic for aquatic life. Most freshwater has a pH of between 6-8 (therefore slightly acidic to slightly basic). Organisms are adapted to live within this range and require the pH to be stable. Acid rain, pollutants and organic matter affect pH. A pH level of below 6 affects fish health; below 5 the water is incapable of supporting fish. Temperature:

Temperature is the measure of the amount of heat in the water. The Celsius scale is commonly used by scientists assessing water quality. Warm waters can stress aquatic organisms; cold waters can slow down biological activity. Certain temperature ranges are ideal for anadromous fish survival, growth, and reproduction. Lack or presence of shade from shore (lack or presence of buffer strip), flow, water depth, and cool seeps affect temperature. Temperature can affect water chemistry and organism survival. Anadromous fish (like salmon) will not feed if temperatures consistently stay above 22.5°C, and therefore survival may be compromised. Salinity:

Salinity is a measure of dissolved matter in water. This measure is only used in marine and estuarine waters. The amount of dissolved matter in freshwater is negligible. In estuarine and marine waters the matter is made up of mostly salts but also organic compounds from living organisms and dissolved gasses. The amount of freshwater mixing with salt will affect the salinity. It is mostly affected by the tidal cycle. It conversely affects DO, ie: as salinity increases the potential amount of dissolved oxygen decreases. Bacteria (E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Enterococci)

Bacteria are single celled organisms. The three for which one tests in waters are found in the intestinal tracts of animals. Fecal Coliform are a group of bacteria that is not limited to just warmblooded animals. E. coli is found in only warmblooded animals and is tested for in only freshwater systems. Enterococci are a better indicator of warmblooded animal fecal material contamination in marine systems.

The presence of bacteria does not always indicate a problem or a health hazard. In large numbers they present a health risk. The state has set limits for safe drinking water and recreational waters. State standards for bacteria address the problem of human or agriculture input, not wildlife, since this is more controllable, and would not be considered naturally occurring. Waters can become contaminated through failing septic systems, overboard discharge pipe effluent, and pasture runoff. The standards for each class of water are addressed in appendix A. Total Suspended Solids (TSS):

TSS is a measure of the suspended sediments in water. The dried and filtered sample materials are weighed. The amount of suspended sediments affects the turbidity (cloudiness) or clarity of the water. TSS would be highest during or just after a storm event when runoff and bank erosion are greatest. Anions:


Anions are negatively charged ions. Chloride, Nitrate and Sulfate are the three typically tested for. They are all indicators of sources of pollution, or nutrient input. Chloride comes from road salt or marine aerosols. They can affect the acidity of the water. Cations:

Cations are positively charged ions. Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium are the four typically tested for. They are indicators of nutrient enrichment, similar to anions. Alkalinity:

Alkalinity is a measure of buffering capacity to stabilize pH shifts. A water with an adequate level of alkalinity is able to buffer acidic inputs such as acid rain, or bacterial breakdown of organic matter. Transparency:

Transparency is a measure of how far into the water light can penetrate. This will determine how deep photosynthesis, and therefore plant growth, can occur. Transparency can also affect fish vision and feeding behavior. The larger particles within the water column will eventually settle and cause gravel bottoms to become embedded with silt and sand. Total Phosphorus(TP):

TP is the total amount of phosphorus measured in the water sampled. Increased levels of phosphorus in waters leads to increase in plant production (see Chlorophyl a). 14ppm is the average for lakes in Maine. The “rule of thumb” is that a water is enriched with phosphorus when the level is higher than 24ppm. Total Nitrogen (TN):

TN is a measure of the total amount of nitrogen measured in the water sampled. Total nitrogen is only measured just downstream of the hatchery in Palermo to account for all nutrient sources. Ammonia

Ammonia is a nitrogenous waste product. It is included in total nitrogen. It is usually not abundant except in waters polluted by organic waste. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Amount of oxygen left in bottle placed in the dark for 5 days. Water that is not impacted by excessive nutrient input will show a change in oxygen of 2mg/l or less. Macroinvertebrates

Macroinvertebrates are animals that lack a backbone that one is able to see without magnification (>0.5mm). The types of interest in freshwaters are benthic, or bottom dwelling macroinvertebrates. These include insect larvae, snails, clams, crayfish, leaches, and aquatic worms.

Each type of invertebrate has a certain tolerance to pollution. By determining abundances and species diversity, as well as grouping organisms into tolerance groups one can determine whether a waterbody has been impacted. Macroinvertebrates provide food for fish and other vertebrates. Chlorophyll a:

Measuring Chlorophyll a provides a relative quantity of plant material present at any one time. Too much production leads to large amount of decaying matter settling to bottom and then increased bacterial use of oxygen causing oxygen depletion of the waters. 4.6ppm is average for Maine lakes.


A-4

Designation of Sheepscot waters by MDEP 305(b) Report and 303(d) List

The MDEP is required by Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act to summarize “water quality data collected by the DEP as well as numerous other state, federal and tribal government agencies, volunteer water monitoring organizations, and other sources”7. Surface waters are assessed and placed into one of five categories. Categories are different from river classification as described in the next section. Categorizing places waters into class attainment groups. These categories are defined as follows: Category 1: Attaining all designated uses and water quality standards and no use is threatened. Category 2: Attains some of the designated uses; no use is threatened; and insufficient data or no data and information is available to determine if the remaining uses are attained or threatened (with presumption that all uses are attained). Category 3: Insufficient data and information to determine if designated uses are attained (with presumption that one or more uses may be impaired). Category 4: Impaired or threatened for one or more designated uses, but does not require development of a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) report. Category 5: Waters impaired or threatened for one or more designated uses by a pollutant(s), and a TMDL report is required. Those waters that are listed under category 5 are also addressed in the 303(d) list, another requirement of the Clean Water Act, which requires the development of a TMDL plan within two years of the report. The last published 305(b) report and 303(d) list were in 2004. The entire river, lakes in the watershed, all tributaries, and minor drainages entering the tidewater of the Sheepscot River are designated as Category 2 (attains some uses, insufficient data), except for eight reaches and tributaries that are impaired (Category 5). One of these is listed as Category 5-B-1 (rivers and streams impaired only by bacteria, low priority recreational waters). This reach is located at Head Tide in Alna and a TMDL is not required for this segment under this designation.

All others are listed as Category 5-A (Table 3) and therefore are required a TMDL under 303(d) (Source: Maine DEP 2004 Sectikon 303(d) Report). The TMDL process requires the assessment of environmental parameters and then the development of a “water quality model to estimate pollutant loadings and reductions that will insure attainment of Maine’s water quality standards.” (Maine DEP draft West Branch TMDL Report). A draft TMDL report has been prepared for the West Branch by the Maine DEP in 2005.

WATER CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM STANDARDS The state legislature has the task of classifying all waters in the state of Maine. “The Legislature finds that the proper management of the State’s water resources is of great public interest and concern to the State in promoting the general welfare; in preventing disease; in promoting health; in providing habitat for fish, shellfish and wildlife; as a source of recreational opportunity; and as a resource for commerce and industry” (Maine DEP Water Classification Program, 2001). For that purpose a water quality classification system has been established. Much of the Sheepscot is classified as Class AA. Most tributaries are Class B, although some were upgraded in 2003 to Class A. No waters in the Sheepscot are classified as Class C. Marine and estuarine waters of the Sheepscot are classified as Class SA. Article 4-A 38§465. Standards for classification of fresh surface waters The department shall have 4 standards for the classification of fresh surface waters which are not classified as great ponds.


Class AA- Class AA shall be the highest classification and shall be applied to waters which are outstanding natural resources and which should be preserved because of their ecological, social scenic or recreational importance.

Class AA waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection, fishing, and recreation in and on the water and navigation and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat shall be characterized as free flowing and natural. The aquatic life, dissolved oxygen and bacteria content of Class AA waters shall be as naturally occurs. There shall be no direct discharge of pollutants to Class AA waters.

Class A- Class A shall be the 2nd highest classification.

Class A waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection; fishing; recreation in and on the water; industrial process and cooling water supply; hydroelectric power generation, except as prohibited under Title 12, section 403; and navigation; and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat shall be characterized as natural.

The dissolved oxygen content of Class A waters shall be not less than 7ppm or 75% of saturation, whichever is higher. The aquatic life and bacteria content of Class A waters shall be as naturally occurs. Direct discharges to these waters licensed after January 1, 1986, are permitted only if, in addition to satisfying all the requirements of this article, the discharged effluent will be equal to or better than the existing water quality of the receiving waters. Prior to issuing a discharge license, the department shall require the applicant to objectively demonstrate to the department’s satisfaction that the discharge is necessary and that there are no other reasonable alternatives available. Discharges into waters of this classification licensed prior to January 1 1986 are allowed to continue only until practical alternatives exist. There may be no deposits of any material on the banks of these waters in any manner so that transfer of pollutants into the waters is likely.

Class B- Class B shall be the 3rd highest classification.

` A. Class B waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the

designated uses of drinking water supply after treatment; fishing; recreation in and on the water; industrial process and cooling water supply; hydroelectric power generation, except as prohibited under Title 12 section 403; and navigation; and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat shall be characterized as unimpaired.

B. The dissolved oxygen content of Class B waters shall be not less than 7ppm or 75% of saturation, whichever is higher, except that for the period from October 1st to May 14th, in order to ensure spawning and egg incubation of indigenous fish species, the 7-day mean dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 9.5ppm and the 1-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 8.0ppm in identified fish spawning areas. Between May 15th and September 30th, the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria of human origin in these waters may not exceed a geometric mean of 64 cols. per 100ml or an instantaneous level of 427 cols. per 100ml.


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C. Discharges to Class B waters shall not cause adverse impact to aquatic life in that the receiving waters shall be of sufficient quality to support all aquatic species indigenous to the receiving water without detrimental changes in the resident biological community.

Class C- Class C shall be the 4th highest classification.

A. Class C waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water supply after treatment; fishing; recreation in and on the water; industrial process and cooling water supply; hydroelectric power generation, except as prohibited under Title 12 section 403; and navigation; and as a habitat for fish and other aquatic life.

B. The dissolved oxygen content of Class C water may be not less than 5ppm r 60% of saturation, whichever is higher, except that in identified salmonid spawning areas where water quality is sufficient to ensure spawning, egg incubation and survival of early life stages, that water quality sufficient for these purposes must be maintained. Between May 15th and September 30th, the number of E. coli bacteria of human origin in these waters may not exceed a geometric mean of 142 cols. per 100ml or an instantaneous level of 949 cols. per 100ml. The board shall promulgate rules governing the procedure for designation of spawning areas. Those rules must include provision for periodic review of designated spawning areas and consultation with affected persons prior to designation of a stretch of water as a spawning area.

C. Discharges to Class C waters may cause some changes to aquatic life, provided that the receiving waters shall be of sufficient quality to support all species of fish indigenous to the receiving waters and maintain the structure and function of the resident biological community.

Class SA- Class SA shall be the highest classification and shall be applied to waters which are outstanding natural resources and which should be preserved because of their ecological, social, scenic, economic or recreational importance.

A. Class SA waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of recreation in and on the water; fishing; aquaculture; propagation and harvesting of shellfish; and navigation; and as habitat for fish and other estuarine and marine life. The habitat shall be characterized as free-flowing and natural.

B. The estuarine and marine life, dissolved oxygen and bacteria content of class SA waters shall be as naturally occurs.

C. There may be no direct discharge of pollutants to Class SA waters, except storm water discharges that are in compliance with state and local requirements.

38§465-A. Standards for classification of lakes and ponds The department shall have one standard for the classification of great ponds and natural lakes and ponds less than 10 acres in size. Impoundments of rivers that are defined as great ponds pursuant to section 480-B are classified as GPA or as specifically provided in sections 467 and 468. Class GPA- Class GPA shall be the sole classification of great ponds and natural ponds and lakes less than 10 acres in size.

A. Class GPA waters shall be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection, recreation in and on the water, fishing, industrial process and cooling water supply, hydroelectric power generation and navigation and as habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat shall be characterized as natural.


B. Class GPA waters shall be described by their trophic state based on measures of the chlorophyll “a” content, Secchi disk transparency, total phosphorus content and other appropriate criteria. Class GPA waters shall have a stable or decreasing trophic state, subject only to natural fluctuations and shall be free of culturally induced algal blooms which impair their use and enjoyment. The number of Escherichia coli bacteria of human origin in these waters may not exceed a geometric mean of 29 cols. per 100ml or an instantaneous level of 194 cols. per 100ml.

There may be no new direct discharge of pollutants into Class GPA waters. Aquatic pesticide treatments or chemical treatments for the purpose of restoring water quality approved by the department and storm water discharges that are in compliance with state and local requirements are exempt from the no discharge provision. Discharges into these waters licensed prior to January, 1 1986, are allowed to continue only until practical alternatives exist. No materials may be placed on or removed from the shores or banks of a Class GPA water body in such a manner that materials may fall or be washed into the water or that permitted pursuant to section 480-C. No change of land use in the watershed of a Class GPA water body may, by itself or in combination with other activities, cause water quality degradation that would impair the characteristics and designated uses of downstream GPA waters or cause an increase in the trophic state of those GPA waters.

Water Classifications of the Sheepscot River

The Sheepscot Main Stem from Route 17 to Sheepscot Village and the West Branch are Class AA:

There are no specified numerical standards for AA waters. Class AA is the highest classification and sections of river that have this designation are “…outstanding natural resources and which should be preserved because of their ecological, social, scenic or recreational importance.” For comparison purposes the following standards have been created:

Dissolved Oxygen: 7.0mg/l

E Coli: 32 geometric mean 214 instantaneous

The Mainstem of the Sheepscot River from its headwaters to Sheepscot Lake and the tributaries Trout Brook, Choate Brook, Weaver Brook, Ben Brook, Finn Brook, Hewitt Brook, Dearborn Brook, and Culvert Pond Brook were upgraded in 2003 to Class A:

There are no specified numerical bacterial standards for A waters. Bacterial levels are to be as naturally occurs. For comparison purposes standards for these waters are the same as for Class AA waters.

The Mainstem of the Sheepscot River from its headwaters in Montville to the Route 17 bridge in Whitefield and all tributaries are Class B. The standards for Class B are as follows:

Dissolved Oxygen: 7.0 mg/l E Coli: 64 geometric mean 427 instantaneous


A-8

Estuarine waters of the Sheepscot are Class SA. The standards for SA waters are as follows: Dissolved Oxygen 7.0 mg/l Enterococci: 8 geometric mean 54 instantaneous There are no standards for fecal coliform bacteria.

Dyer River. At mouth, below bridge in Sheepscot Village. Class SA

SVCA data summary for upper mainstem (Source: Pugh 2006)

Sheepscot River in Liberty. Upriver of Sand Hill Road Bridge. Class B (1997-2003) Class A (2004)

YEAR E COLI

GEOMEAN E COLI DAYS IN

VIOLATION D.O. DAYS IN VIOLATION

AVERAGE WATER TEMP (°C)

1997 43.5 0 (12) 0 (12) 1998 45.2 1 (12) 2 (9) 1999 25.7 0 (10) 2 (9) 2000 152.7 4 (12) 1 (12) 2001 295.6 4 (10) 7 (10) 2002 51.2 0(12) 3 (12) 15.6 2003 123.7 0(11) 4 (11) 15.4 2004 84.5 0(10) 2 (11) 15.7 2005 62.0 1(12) 3(11) 17.1

Lake water quality (based on tables in SRWQMSP)1 Lake Division D.O. loss Water quality

status Potential for blooms

Water Quality Category

Sheepscot Lake

Mid-Main OK Average Average Moderate/Stable

Long Pond Mid- Main

OK Slightly below Average

Low to Moderate

Moderate/Stable

YEAR ENTEROCOCCI GEO MEAN

ENTEROCOCCI DAYS IN VIOLATION

D.O. DAYS IN VIOLATION

AVERAGE WATER TEMP (°C)

1994 9 (9) 1995 4 (8) 1996 36.0 4 (11) 8 (11) 1997 3.5 0 (10) 5 (12) 1998 20.6 4 (11) 4 (11) 1999 19.2 2 (12) 4 (12) 2000 115.5 8 (10) 0 (10) 2001 27.4 3 (11) 3 (12) 2002 25.4 4 (11) 1 (11) 16.1 2003 32.6 5 (11) 6 (11) 16.7 2004 22.7 2 (11) 3 (11) 17.6 2005 42.6 2(12) 3(12) 14.2


Branch Pond West Branch

Moderate Average, but low DO in deep areas

Average Moderate/Sensitive due to DO depletion

Turner Pond Mid- Main

OK Insufficient Data

Insufficient Data

Moderate/Stable

Dyer Long Pond

Dyer Meadow Brook

OK Slightly below average

Low Moderate/Stable

Clary Lake Lower Main

OK? Below Average

Average Moderate/Sensitive due to high TP and Chl a

Water Quality Categories, as set by the MDEP, rate water quality as well as vulnerability to change. The following are the definitions of each category: Outstanding: very clear, very low algae, very low TP; rare and unique Good: clear, low algae, low TP; common

Moderate/Stable: less clear, no summer blooms, moderate algae and phosphorus; does not appear to be at risk for developing blooms

Moderate/Sensitive: less clear, moderate algae and phosphorus; has high potential for developing blooms because of DO depletion in metalimnion; rating is given to lakes with no data

Poor/Restorable: supports obnoxious summer algal blooms and are candidates for restoration


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A-12

Taken from Project SHARE 2004 Fig. 5.4.1, "WQM Recommendations for Specific River Reaches and Waterbodies", re-ordered by Sheepscot River Divisions north to south, as described in this report. TMDL? means that the waterbody is on the TMDL listed but may not have a completed TMDL Report. Sheepscot Watershed Division

Waterbody or River Section

Priority for Atlantic Salmon Habitat

RiverClassifi-

cation

Attaining Class/ TMDL ?

Primary Condition/Impairment

Comment/Recommendation: Parameters, Sites, Studies

8 West Branch

WB above Branch Pond

Priority 4 No

B Yes/None Unknown There is currently no monitoring on this section; investigate need and feasibility of future monitoring.

8 West Branch

Branch Pond Priority 4 Drains to AS habitat

GPA Yes/None Low DO; sensitive for vulnerability to change

Intensify present monitoring; protect lake from sediment and nutrient input.

8 West Branch

WB below Branch P. to Weeks Mills

Priority 2 Yes

AA Yes/None Winter warmwater input; high summer temperature; low DO

Monitor for lake-outlet effect Reinstate temperature loggers.

8 West Branch

WB at Weeks Mills to Halls Corner

Priority 2 Yes

AA Yes/None Low DO and high bacteria

Continue monitoring

8 West Branch

Meadow Brook Priority 2 Unknown

B No/Yes Low DO; high bacteria

There is currently only one upstream sites on the brook; create a monitoring plan which focuses on flow, cause of low DO; encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping.

8 West Branch

Hewitt Brook Priority 2 Unknown

A Yes/None Occasional high bacteria; low DO

Intensify monitoring; encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping.

8 West Branch

Dearborn Brook Priority 2 Unknown

A Yes/None High bacteria; low DO

Continue monitoring, possibly increase sites as needed upstream; encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping.


Sheepscot Watershed Division



RiverClassifi-

cation




8 West Branch

Savade Pond Priority 2 Drains to AS habitat

GPA Yes/None Unknown There is no VLMP currently on this lake; establish volunteer WQM program; monitor and protect from sediment & nutrient input; monitor for lake-outlet effect.

8 West Branch

Choate Brook Priority 2 Yes

A No/Yes Low DO; priority AS habitat; some high summer temperatures

There are currently no sites on the brook; create a monitoring plan that focuses on flow, cause of low DO, and temperature. Potential logger site.

8 West Branch

WB below Halls Corner (Rt 17)

Priority 2 Yes

AA No/Yes Low DO, high TP, nutrients, turbidity

Conduct Shoreline Survey; intensify monitoring to ID source and work with MDEP to identify/mitigate TMDL/NPS. Monitor for nutrients, turbidity.

7 Upper Mainstem

Upper MS above Sheepscot Pond

Priority 4 No

A

Yes/None

Primarily pristine with little development, cold water; low DO, high bacteria, anecdotal high turbidity

In six years conduct 15 year analysis; increase the number of sites; conduct turbidity monitoring ASAP; monitor for bacteria and DO to determine trend and source; area may need protection from development

6 Middle Mainstem

Sheepscot Pond Priority 3 Drains to AS habitat

GPA

Yes/None

Average WQ; average potential for bloom; moderate/stable for vulnerability to change

Intensify present monitoring; protect lake from development.

6 Middle Mainstem

MS between Sheepscot P & Long P

Priority 3 Yes

B

No/ Yes

Low DO, nutrient enrichment from hatchery; winter warm water input

SVCA should continue to work with MDEP to monitor the site; add additional site above hatchery to serve as control; add an additional site midway between S014 and S014.5 to determine distance-effect of effluent; prior to reliscence, conduct study to compare WQ/flow above and below hatchery point


A-14




RiverClassifi-

cation




source 6 Middle Mainstem

Lovejoy Str. & Turner Branch

Priority 3 Unknown

B

Yes/None

Unknown

Develop WQM program and encourage ASC to survey for AS habitat.

6 Middle Mainstem

Turner Pond Priority 3 Unknown

GPA

Yes/None

Unknown

There is no VLMP currently on this lake; establish volunteer WQM program. Monitor and protect from sedimentation and nutrient input.

6 Middle Mainstem

Long Pond Priority 3 Drains to AS habitat

GPA

Yes/None

Below average WQ (some productivity); low potential for bloom; moderate/stable for vulnerability to change

There is no VLMP currently on this lake; establish volunteer WQM program. Monitor and protect from sedimentation and nutrient input.

5 Lower Mainstem

MS @ Coopers Mills to Long Pond

Priority 3 Unknown

B

Yes/None

High summer temperatures, winter warmwater input; anecdotal low flow

Monitor for lake-outlet effect; initiate use of flow meters; reinstate summer temperature loggers; avoid stocking; encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping.

5 Lower Mainstem

MS below Rt 17 to Kings Mills

Priority 1 Yes

AA Yes/None Primarily good quality; possibly some high temperatures, high nutrients

Reinstate summer temperature loggers; initiate the use of flow meters; correlate WQ data with precipitation/discharge data; monitor for TP, nutrients, and turbidity

5 Lower Mainstem

Clary Lake Priority 1 Drains to AS habitat

GPA Yes/None Below average WQ (some productivity); low potential for bloom; Sensitive to change (high TP and chl a)

Intensify present monitoring; protect lake from sediment and nutrient input.

5 MS below Kings Priority 1 AA Yes/None High bacteria; high Conduct shoreline survey to ID bacteria





RiverClassifi-

cation




Lower Mainstem

Mills to Head Tide

Yes summer temperature; high TP and nutrients; anecdotal low flow

source; reinstate summer temperature loggers; reconsider stocking in areas of high temperatures; initiate the use of flow meters; monitor for lake-outlet effect; correlate WQ with continuous data from NOAA temperature logger and USGS gage; monitor for TP, nutrients, and turbidity; site appropriate for channel restoration.

5 Lower Mainstem

Carlton Brook Priority 1 Unknown

B No/Yes Low DO Establish a WQM program for this tributary and work with MDEP to identify/mitigate TMDL/NPS (if it is not natural); encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping

5 Lower Mainstem

Chamberlain Brook

Priority 1 Unknown

B Yes/No High bacteria Use Drainage Approach to identify source of bacteria; conduct Shoreline Survey; intensify bacteria sampling; Encourage ASC habitat survey and mapping

4 Upper Estuary

Trout Brook Priority 1 Yes

A No/Yes Low DO Continue monitoring and work with MDEP to identify/mitigate cause of low DO – if not natural

4 Upper Estuary

Ben Brook Priority 1 Yes

A Yes/None Unknown There is currently no monitoring on this section. Begin a monitoring program; protect high WQ

3 Dyer River

Dyer River above Dyer Long P.

Priority 1 No

B Yes/None Unknown There is currently no monitoring on this section; investigate need and feasibility of future monitoring.

3 Dyer River

Dyer Long Pond Priority 1 Drains to AS habitat

GPA Yes/None Below average WQ (some productivity); low potential for bloom; moderate/stable for

Continue present monitoring; protect lake from nutrient input.


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RiverClassifi-

cation




vulnerability to change

3 Dyer River

Dyer River Below Rt 215

Priority 1 Yes

B No/Yes Low DO and high bacteria; contains priority AS habitat

There are currently no monitoring sites on the Dyer River; create a monitoring plan for the river which focuses on the source of bacterial input; conduct shoreline survey; monitor for lake-outlet effect; reinstate summer temperature loggers.

2 Montsweag Brook

(not covered in the Project Share report)

1 Lower Estuary

Estuary N/A SA Yes/None High bacteria Conduct Shoreline Survey; intensify monitoring to ID source; coordinate the removal of OBDs with WQM; conduct study to compare estuary temperature/bacteria with freshwater data.

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