[env-trinity] North Coast Region Triennial Review

[Brandt Gutermuth]

Trinity River enthusiasts - 

The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is in the process
of reviewing their priorities for work in the N Coast region over the
next 3 years. In a recent update of their priority list, several
important Trinity River restoration issues have been elevated for review
by our co-workers at the NCRWQCB. The N Coast Board is now considering:
1) the adoption of exemption criteria for restoration projects, and 2)
evaluation of their basin wide turbidity objectives. 

Both of these issues are important for Trinity River restoration where
water quality objectives now do not allow turbidly readings to be
increased more than 20% above background. When background turbidity is
close to 0 this leaves no room to dirty the water even if you are adding
vital gravel to the river or reconnecting the river with its floodplain.
 We have worked closely with NCRWQCB staff to meet their intent of
minimizing impacts to water quality while implementing our channel rehab
projects and will continue to do so.  However - prioritization of these
two issues would assist Trinity River channel rehab efforts by clearly
recognizing our restoration objectives and by researching specific N
Coast turbidity issues.  

Please review (and support) NCRWQCB's staff report and workplan for
their 2007 triennial review. Comments are due by 9/21/07. They presently
recommend exemption criteria for restoration projects and further
evaluating their basin-wide turbidity objectives. Check their website
out for details:

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/programs/basinplan/070704trirev/070618/070618_TriennalReviewNotofDocAvail.pdf
- Info about triennial review.  Comment to Lauren Clyde at
lclyde at waterboards.ca.gov 

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/programs/basinplan/070914_tr/Final_TriRev_SR_Workplan_9-14.pdf
- Latest staff recommendations for triennial review. 

Best Regards-
Brandt 






____________________________
Brandt Gutermuth
Environmental Specialist
Trinity River Restoration Program
PO Box 1300 (mailing)
1313 S. Main Street (physical)
Weaverville, CA  96093
530.623.1806 (voice)
530.623.5944 (fax)
www.trrp.net (website)
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