DEQ is currently in the process of developing a temperature TMDL update for the Snake River. Once approved, the updated TMDL will replace the temperature-related allocations, implementation requirements, and supporting analysis in the June 2004 Snake River – Hells Canyon TMDL and Water Quality Management Plan.
DEQ is also developing a mercury Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL, for the Snake River to minimize the human health risk of mercury exposure from eating fish. The Snake River does not meet water quality standards for methylmercury, an extremely toxic form of mercury that may accumulate in fish. Information about the Snake River mercury TMDL project is online.
Other requirements, including requirements related to bacteria, nutrients, nuisance algae, dissolved oxygen, pesticides, pH, sediment and total dissolved gas, remain in effect under the 2004 TMDL.
The 2004 TMDL and Water Quality Management Plan for nutrients, dissolved oxygen, pesticides, sediment, temperature and total dissolved gas was approved by EPA on Sept 9, 2004. More information can be found below:
Other TMDLs under development in the Snake River include a temperature TMDL replacement project.
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