C. Water Uses and Regulatory Framework 



1. Water Quality Standards 



This portion of the Clark Fork River basin, including the Thompson River watershed is 

 classified as B-1 by the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quahty (DEQ), 

 as stated in the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM 17.30.607). The water quality 

 standards for protecting beneficial uses in B-1 classified watersheds are located in ARM 

 17.30.623. Water in B-1 classified waterways is suitable for drinking, culinary and food 

 processing purposes after conventional treatment, bathing, swimming and recreation, 

 growth and propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and 

 fiirbearers, and agricultural and industrial water supply. 



State water quality regulations prohibit any increase in sediment above naturally 

 occurring concentration in water classified B-1 . Naturally occurring means condition or 

 materials present from runoff or percolation over which man has no control or from 

 developed land where all reasonable land, soil and water conservation practices have 

 been applied. Reasonable land, soil and water conservation practices include methods, 

 measures or practices that protect present and reasonably anticipated beneficial uses. The 

 State of Montana has adopted Best Management Practices (BMP's) through its non-point 

 source management plan as the principle means of meeting the Water Quality Standards. 



2. Water Quality Limited Waterbodies 



Meadow Creek is not listed as a water quality limited water body in the 1996 303(d) list. 

 The 303(d) list is compiled by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as 

 required by Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Environmental 

 Protection Agency Water Quality Plaiming and Management Regulations (40 CFR, Part 

 130). Under these laws, DEQ is required to identify water bodies that do not fully meet 

 water quality standards, or where beneficial uses are threatened or impaired. 



3. Streamside Management Zone Law (SMZ) 



All rules and regulations pertaining to the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Law will 

 be followed. An SMZ width of 100 feet is required on Class I and II streams when the 

 slope is greater than 35%. An SMZ width of 50 feet is required when the slope is less 

 than 35%. 



4. Water Rights and Beneficial Uses 



Water rights for surface water exist on Meadow Creek for stock watering. Other water 

 rights exist on the Thompson River, however there is low risk of impacts to the 

 Thompson River or downstream beneficial uses. 



D. Existing Condition 



The proposed Richards Peak Timber Sale is located approximately 21 air miles northeast of 

 Thompson Falls, Montana. The majority of the section is within the immediate Meadow Creek 

 drainage with the remaining portion drained by the Thompson River. Meadow Creek is a 

 tributary to the Thompson River. 



26 



