TMDL Development and Implementation - UWR ESU

Implemented TMDLs and addressed other nonpoint sources of pollution to address water quality problems that threaten salmonids, including high water temperatures, inputs of toxics from point and nonpoint sources of pollution and degraded riparian areas. These have been identified as limiting factors in the Upper Willamette River Conservation and Recovery Plan for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead (ODFW 2011). DEQ ensured that entities who have authority to manage and regulate nonpoint sources of pollution (e.g., local governments, BLM, USFS, dam managers) developed and implemented effective water quality improvement plans. DEQ worked with Oregon Dept. of Agriculture and Oregon Dept. of Forestry to ensure that the Agricultural Water Quality Management Plans and Rules and Forest Practices Rules were sufficient to achieve the nonpoint source pollutant load reduction targets established in the TMDL for the agricultural and non-federal forestry sectors. DEQ staff assisted with coordination among stakeholders to leverage resources to achieve water quality objectives, and provided water quality expertise to groups involved in designing riparian restoration projects. DEQ staff were also involved in the review of OWEB grants and Section 319 nonpoint source grants to ensure monies are used effectively to address high priority restoration objectives, and in monitoring/evaluating the effectiveness of pollution prevention and restoration projects. One such project involved recruiting 30 private landowners to implement riparian restoration projects in the North Santiam, South Santiam and Calapooia River watersheds. This project will address the limiting factors of high water temperatures and degraded riparian areas by restoring riparian areas through planting of native vegetation.

Goal is to achieve water quality standards to ensure that the Upper Willamette River can support healthy populations of salmonids and other aquatic life. Purpose is to work with action agencies, local governments, watershed councils and other stakeholders to ensure restoration efforts are well-designed and targeted at highest priority restoration needs. DEQ staff coordinate with federal, state and local partners to help ensure riparian restoration activities are coordinated with in-stream habitat restoration to make effective use of restoration resources and to restore stream function to meet water quality and fish management goals. Expected benefits include reduction in nonpoint source pollution from urban and rural land uses, increased riparian shading and bank stabilization.