Moderate to high levels of sediment deposition were observed in some 

 reaches of the channel. Mining activity has increased sediment levels in the 

 drainage. The reach of Wallace Creek that flows along Wallace Creek road 

 has experienced increased channel instability and increased sediment levels as 

 a result of residential development and roads. 



Ownership in the watershed is a combination of State Trust Lands, Plum 

 Creek, BLM and private. There is approximately 94.65 miles of road in the 

 Wallace Creek drainage. Some sections of road do not meet BMP standards 

 and direct delivery of sediment to the stream channel is occurring at site- 

 specific locations. These specific locations refer to stream crossings and a 

 ford location on private land. 



Approximately 313 acres burned in the Wallace Creek Watershed. An 

 estimated 32 acres of that burned area is mixed severity and 281 acres is stand 

 replacement. 



3.2.1.2 Water Quality and Beneficial Uses 



One of the main concerns within the project area is an increase of sediment 

 delivery, which can affect channel stability and function as well as the 

 physical and biological components of water quality. The primary sources of 

 chronic delivery to the stream channels are at cattle concentration areas, road 

 crossings, high intensity bum areas and specific locations where the road is 

 directly adjacent to the stream channel. 



The waters contained within Donovan, Dirty Ike Creek, West Fork Ashby 

 Creek, Wallace Creek and their tributaries are B-1 Classified Streams in the 

 Montana Surface Water Quality Standards. The B-1 classification is for 

 waters that are considered suitable for domestic use after conventional 

 treatment, as well as recreation, swimming and bathing. They are also 

 suitable for growth and propagation of salmonid fish and other associated 

 aquatic life, waterfowl, furbearers, agricultural and industrial water supplies. 

 Another criteria for a B-1 classification is; no increases are allowed above 

 naturally occurring concentrations of sediment, settleable solids, oils or 

 floating solids, which will or are likely to create a nuisance or render the 

 waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health, recreation, safety, 

 welfare, livestock, wild animals, birds, fish, or other wildlife. 



Donovan Creek 



Increased sediment levels were obser\'ed in Donovan Creek, but were below 

 those levels associated with detrimental effects to water quality and beneficial 

 uses. There are only ephemeral draws and dry draws with no discemable 

 stream channel located within the bum and project area. Some dry draws 

 suffered high intensity bums, which are expected to experience increased 

 flows and accelerated rates of erosion . during mnoff and storm events The 

 ephemeral draw was located in a low intensity bum area where increased 



Dirty Ike Salvage Environmental Assessment 3-4 



