2. Collect baseline monitoring data in some tributaries of 

 the Clark Fork Basin. 



Collect baseline monitoring data in tributaries, 

 especially those that may be affected by proposed mines, 

 forest practices, and other activities that may con- 

 tribute to nonpoint source pollution problems. Funding 

 for baseline water quality monitoring of tributaries 

 should be shared by the industries. 



3. Monitor the effects of short-duration, high-intensity 

 runoff events on Clark Fork water quality. 



Most water quality monitoring programs on the Clark 

 Fork are designed to monitor late spring-early summer 

 runoff events. However, in the last couple of years, 

 significant late winter-early spring snowmelt runoff and 

 thunderstorm events have occurred, and water quality 

 monitoring programs designed with fixed-interval 

 sampling often miss these events. Limited water quality 

 samples that have been collected during these events 

 have contained very high concentrations of heavy metals, 

 and a number of fish kills have occurred near the head- 

 waters. 



Although new monitoring programs have recently been 

 initiated in the headwaters (installation of streamflow 

 gaging stations by the USGS under contract with EPA, and 

 short-term [August-November 1988] sampling of continuous 

 monitors and an automatic sampler by the MBMG under 

 contract with DHES-SHWB) , additional systematic monitor- 

 ing is needed to define the frequency, duration, and 

 extent of these conditions. Daily or every-other-day 

 monitoring at one or two stations may be required for 

 short periods. Additional flow-activated automatic 

 sampling devices and the help of local residents in 

 collecting water quality samples may be needed as well. 



Recommendations to meet long-term monitoring goals are; 



1. Create a water quality monitoring cooperative. 



Appoint a monitoring cooperative (or committee) 

 consisting of representatives from agencies or groups 

 that have a direct interest in water quality management 

 in the basin, such as DHES, DFWP, DNRC, DSL, USES, USGS, 

 MBMG, SCS, Conservation Districts, the Confederated 

 Salish and Kootenai Tribes, local governments, indus- 

 tries, and others. 



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