TMDL Title: Upper Klamath and Lost River Subbasins Nutrient TMDL and WQMP
Water Quality Limited Parameters: Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorophyll a, pH, Ammonia Toxicity
Pollutants: Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen
Status: DEQ Issued on Jan. 2019, and EPA approved March 2019. This project replaced the TMDLs issued in 2017 and 2010
Project summary
DEQ works with partners in the Klamath Basin to protect and restore the health of local waterways. When rivers and streams exceed water quality standards set to protect people and aquatic life, DEQ develops a pollution reduction plan called a Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL. The Upper Klamath and Lost River Subbasins Nutrient TMDL addresses impairments of dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and chlorophyll-a in these subbasins. The Upper Klamath Subbasin and Lost River Subbasin TMDLs and Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) establish water quality goals for waterbodies in these two subbasins which are within the Klamath Basin. The WQMP lays out steps toward meeting these goals. Water quality improvement programs that lead to TMDL attainment will advance Oregon's commitment to protecting beneficial uses in compliance with State and Federal Law.
June 2009: Klamath River/Lost River TMDL Implementation
Jan. 2005 and April 2008: Klamath River/Lost River TMDL Development - Revised January 2005 and April 2008
Stewardship Agreement
DEQ along with the California North Coast Water Quality Control Board (NCWQCB) have an agreement to develop and implement TMDL's in their respective states. In addition both EPA Regions 9 and 10 are part of this agreement. Current planning for TMDL coordination amongst the agencies is the Lower Klamath Lake Stewardship Agreement where DEQ, NCWQCB, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA), Tule Lake Irrigation District (TID), Klamath Drainage District (KDD), Langell Valley Irrigation District (LVID), Horsefly Irrigation District (HID) and private land owners are all working on a collaborative plan to TMDL implementation and ultimately water quality improvements.