Swift Creek, a tributary to the Whitefish Lake, in northwestern Montana, is listed as a water quality limited waterbody by Montana DEQ 2002 303( d) list) and is listed as having High Priority for TMDL development. The East and West Forks of Swift Creek are also listed on the 303(d) list, and are also ranked as High Priority water bodies. This 319 grant will enable the SCC to partially complete Phase 2 of the project, which involves addressing data gaps and tasks identified in Phase 1 that are designed to provide information regarding existing water quality impairments and link these impairments to pollution sources within the watershed. The goal of the project is to maintain, or where needed, to restore the chemical, biological and physical integrity of the water quality of Swift Creek by reducing non-point source pollution, to stabilize stream banks, improve stream habitat and riparian vegetation in order to restore native fish populations and to specifically improve water quality in order to remove Swift Creek from the Montana impaired stream list [303(d)]. Funding obtained through a 2002 319 grant has been utilized to hire a consultant to perform the following work, plus fund additional assessment work (if needed), develop detailed plans for restoration work in the drainage, implement the restoration work, prepare an interim comprehensive water quality management plan, perform monitoring, provide public education and administer the project (phase 1 of the project). Funding obtained through this grant will enable the SCC to partially complete Phase 2 of the project, which involves addressing data gaps and tasks identified in Phase 1 that are designed to provide information regarding existing water quality impairments and link these impairments to pollution sources within the watershed.
