Oregon DEQ Seeks Input on Water Quality Planning in the Upper Klamath and Lost River Subbasins

The DEQ has determined that certain stream segments in the Upper Klamath and Lost River subbasins do not meet state water quality standards.  DEQ has identified water quality problems associated with temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus and biochemical oxygen demand, or “BOD.”  Under the guides of the Federal Clean Water Act, the DEQ has developed a plan to improve water quality by establishing Total Maximum Daily Load (“TMDL”) limits and a Water Quality Management Plan (“WQMP”) for the subbasins.

DEQ released this plan for public review and is currently requesting public comments on the plan.  Additionally, DEQ has scheduled a public meeting on March 16, 2010 at the Klamath Basin Extension Center in Klamath Falls and invites interested members of the public and local government agencies to attend.  The agency will accept public comment on the DRAFT Upper Klamath and Lost River Subbasins Total Maximum Daily Load and Water Quality Management Plan until April 12, 2010.  DEQ has also released a two page fact sheet for public review.

For more information you can contact Steve Kirk, DEQ’s Klamath Basin Coordinator at (541) 633-2023 or at kirk.steve@deq.state.or.us.