Watershed Assessments and TMDL Evaluations

This project was funded by WA Department of Ecology and managed by Lake Chelan Reclamation District. WQE helped develop the sampling protocol and QAPP for evaluating mass loading of DDT and phosphorus into the Manson Lakes and Lake Chelan. Lakes, creeks and agricultural drains were sampled monthly for two years. After the first year of sampling a second year of sampling was implemented to provide better understanding of how phosphorus and DDT were moving into drainage with highest concentrations for DDT and phosphorus. Mechanisms of transport from the lakes and creeks were identified. Orchards were sampled to evaluate transport mechanisms through orchard land with subsurface drains.

Project Coordinator: Dr. Peter S. Burgoon, PE
Project Team: WQE, Lake Chelan Reclamation District

Mission, Yaksum, and Brender Canyons have a long history of orchards and pest control. Historical use of DDT continues to impact water quality in the sub basins. WQE prepared the sampling program and QAPP for monitoring organophosphorus pesticide levels in orchards during spring spraying. Water fleas, Daphnia pulex, were placed in Mission, Yaksum, Brender, and Peshastin Creeks to evaluate water toxicity during pesticide applications. Samples were analyzed for Chlorpyrifos, Azinphos methyl, and Diazanon and organochlorines (DDT and metabolites). Application records from orchards were collected to evaluate effectiveness of best management practices in minimizing pesticides in streams. Bank erosion index was completed for all creeks. Study was completed in July 2003 for the Wenatchee Watershed Planning Unit.

Project Coordinator: Peter S. Burgoon
Project Team: Chelan County Conservation District, Water Quality Engineering, WSU Puyallup, Pacific Groundwater Group, and The Watershed Company

Mission and Brender Creek have a history of elevated coliform bacteria indicating contamination with human waste. A sampling program and QAPP was developed to evaluate potential sources of fecal coliform. This was done to supplement on going TMDL in the creeks for fecal coliform. All septic systems were evaluated for compliance with Washington Department of Health installation guidelines and potential to leach into creeks. Most systems evaluated appeared to protect water quality. Piezometers were installed in potential trouble areas to detect subsurface transports into creeks. Old Cashmere sewer lines were evaluated and identified as a potential source due to the age and proximity to Mission creek. Wildlife and water fowl appeared to be major contributors to lower Brender and No Name creeks. Area of creeks were identified that would require further investigation.

Project Coordinator: Peter S. Burgoon
Project Team: Chelan County Conservation District, Water Quality Engineering, WSU Puyallup, Pacific Groundwater Group, and The Watershed Company

Jameson and Grimes lakes are alkaline lakes located in Grant County. Water level in Jameson has risen 50 feet in the last 60 years and the shown signs of eutrophication. WRIA 44/50 Watershed Planning Unit obtained a water quality grant to evaluate the trophic status of the lake and sources of nutrients entering the lakes. WQE prepared the QAPP and sampling plan for surface water flows, groundwater evaluation, and lake sediment sampling. Stormwater events were planned to quantify sediment and nutrient loads from farmland surrounding the lakes. A phosphorus mass balance shows that the largest source of phosphorus entering Jameson Lake may be from Grimes Lake. Grimes Lake has high concentrations of phosphorus due to rates of evaporation that exceeds surface and groundwater inflow. Recommendation will be made for long term management of the lakes. Sampling is ongoing.

Project Coordinator: Peter S. Burgoon, PE, PhD,
Project Team: Foster Creek Conservation District, Water Quality Engineering, Pacific Groundwater Group

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(WQE) Expertise in Environmental Engineering and Science