HomeMy WebLinkAboutDWQ-2024-003593
2024 Integrated Report on Water
Quality
Prepared by Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Quality
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Figures .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Tables ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Scope ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Methods ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Data Collection ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Delistings ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
AU Resegmentation ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Public Comment Process ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Findings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Assessment Totals ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
River, Stream and Canal Assessments ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Lake, Reservoir, and Pond Assessments ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Delistings .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Recommendations .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Priority Waters ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 1 303(d) Assessment Methods ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
The Clean Water Act and the Integrated Report ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Assessment Categories for Surface Waters ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Utah’s Numeric Criteria and Beneficial Uses ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Assessed Parameters ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Assessment Process and Time Frames ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Developing the Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Public Review of the Methods Process and Schedule ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Call for Readily Available Data and Schedule .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Developing the Components of the Draft Integrated Report and 303(d) List .................................................................................................... 29
Public Review of the 303(d) List ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Finalizing the Integrated Report and 303(d) List ............................................................................................................................................... 31
Scope of the Assessment ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Waters of the State ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Waterbody Types .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Assessment Units .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Waters Within and Shared with Other States ................................................................................................................................................... 34
Data Quality ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
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Credible Data Defined ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Components for Credible Data ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Credible Data Matrices ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Data Submission Process ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Type of Data to Submit ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Period of Record ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Data Submission Tools ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Data Preparation for Conventional and Toxic Assessments for All Waters ............................................................................................................. 44
Results below Detection Limits ......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Duplicate and Replicate Results ........................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Initial Assessment: Monitoring Location Site Level ........................................................................................................................................... 45
Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and Canals ............................................................................................................................................... 45
Conventional Parameter Assessments .............................................................................................................................................................. 45
Nutrient Assessments Specific to Headwater Streams ...................................................................................................................................... 51
Narrative Standards: Biological Assessments .................................................................................................................................................... 56
Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds ............................................................................................................................................. 59
Assessment Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Tier I Assessment .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 59
Tier II Assessment ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Great Salt Lake .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 67
Toxic Parameter Assessments for All Waters ............................................................................................................................................................ 68
Equation-Based Toxic Parameters .................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Assessment Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
Data Preparation .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 70
Assessment Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Pollution Indicator Assessments for All Waters ........................................................................................................................................................ 76
Narrative Standards for All Waters .......................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Fish Kills ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Fish Tissue Assessments and Consumption Health Advisories .......................................................................................................................... 78
Determinations of Impairment: All Assessment Units ............................................................................................................................................. 80
Individual Assessment of Water Quality Standards........................................................................................................................................... 81
Conflicting Assessments of Water Quality Standards ........................................................................................................................................ 81
Aggregation of Site-Specific Assessments to Assessment Unit Categories ........................................................................................................ 81
Secondary Review ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Identifying Causes of Impairments .......................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Pollutants ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Unknown Sources ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 84
Natural Conditions ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 84
Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical Assessments ................................................................................................................................... 85
Category 4A ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Category 4B ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Category 4C ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Delistings .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
Previous Categorical Listings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 90
303(d) Vision and TMDL Priority Development ......................................................................................................................................................... 91
Revision Requests between Cycles ............................................................................................................................................................................ 91
Literature Cited....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
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Chapter 2 Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs .......................................................................................................................................... 94
Chapter 3 Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams and Canals ........................................................................................................................100
Appendix 1 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................126
Data Quality Guideline Examples ........................................................................................................................................................................... 126
DWQ Sampling Analysis Plan Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 126
Appendix 2 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................130
Application of Secondary Review Process ................................................................................................................................................................ 130
Appendix 3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................134
Summarizing Assessments From Site to Assessment Unit Level ............................................................................................................................ 134
Appendix 4 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................138
4B Submission Policies and Procedures: Process for Determining Category 4B Classification ............................................................................... 138
Appendix 5 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................140
Delisting Guidelines .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 140
Appendix 6 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................142
Response to Comments: 303(d) Assessment Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 142
Response to Comments: Draft Report .................................................................................................................................................................. 159
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Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition
< less than
> greater than
≤ less than or equal to
≥ greater than or equal to
AGRC Automated Geographic Reference Center
ATTAINS The Assessment, Total Maximum Daily Load,
Tracking and Implementation System. This EPA-
maintained database is an online system for
accessing information about the conditions of the
Nation’s surface waters.
AU assessment unit
Ca calcium
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
Chl-a chlorophyll a
CWA Clean Water Act
DEQ Utah Department of Environmental Quality
DO dissolved oxygen
DWQ Utah Division of Water Quality
E expected
E. coli Escherichia coli
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
6
ER ecosystem respiration
g grams
GIS geographic information systems
GPP gross primary productivity
GSL Great Salt Lake
GRAMA Government Records Access and Management
Act
HAB(s) harmful algal bloom(s)
HH human health`````````````````````````````````````````
HUC hydrologic unit
IR Integrated Report
kg kilogram
L liter
Mg magnesium
mg milligram
mg/kg milligram per kilogram
mg/L milligram per liter
mL milliliter
MLID monitoring location identifier
MPN most probable number
NHD National Hydrologic Dataset
O observed
O/E observed/expected
7
Pc probability of capturing
ppm parts per million
QA quality assurance
QA/QC quality assurance/quality control
QC quality control
QAPP quality assurance project plan
RIVPACS River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification
System
SAP(s) sample analysis plan(s)
SD standard deviation
SDD Secchi disk depth
SOP(s) standard operating procedure(s)
T temperature
TDS total dissolved solids
TMDL total maximum daily load
TN total nitrogen
TP total phosphorus
TSI trophic state index
UAC Utah Administrative Code
UDOH Utah Department of Health
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
WMU watershed management unit
WQP (EPA’s) Water Quality Portal
8
WQS water quality standard
μg/L microgram per liter
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Figures
Figure 1. Utah's defined assessment units and assessment categories. ............................................................................................. 14
Figure 2. Proportion and number of river, stream, and canal AU's in each assessment category. ...................................................... 15
Figure 3. Proportion and number of perennial river, stream, and canal miles in each assessment category. ...................................... 16
Figure 4. Proportion and number of river, stream, and canal AU impairments by parameter category. AU-parameters may be counted
multiple times if impaired for multiple uses. .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 5. Pie chart of river and stream impairments by use type. Note, some AU impairments are represented twice because
parameters may be impaired for multiple uses. .................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 6. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond AU's in each assessment category. ..................................................... 18
Figure 7. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond acres in each assessment category. ................................................... 18
Figure 8. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond AU impairments by parameter category. AU- parameters may be
counted multiple times if impaired for multiple uses. ............................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 9. Pie chart of lake, reservoir, and pond impairments by use type. Note, some AU impairments are represented twice because
parameters may be impaired for multiple uses. .................................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 10. Number of delistings by parameter type across all assessed waterbodies. Some AUs have multiple parameters that were
delisted. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Figure 11. Pie chart of delisting reasons across all assessed waterbodies. ......................................................................................... 21
Figure 12. Utah Division of Water Quality assessment unit delineations.............................................................................................. 34
Figure 13. Overview of the assessment process for conventional parameters using grab sample data. ............................................. 47
Figure 14. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, minimum, using high frequency data. .............. 48
Figure 15. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, 7-day averages using high frequency data. ..... 49
Figure 16. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, 30-day averages, using high frequency data. .. 50
Figure 17. Overview of the assessment process to determine support of recreational life uses based on nutrient enrichment in
headwater streams. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Figure 18. A hypothetical example of O/E as a standardization of biological assessments. ................................................................ 56
Figure 19. Decision tree for making biological assessment decisions. ................................................................................................. 57
Figure 20. Process using conventional (nontoxic) parameters to assess lakes that are mixed. ........................................................... 60
Figure 21. Plots of pH measurements (blue dots) against lake depth for a waterbody meeting (Panel A) and violating (Panel B) the
pH water quality standards. .................................................................................................................................................................. 61
Figure 22. Plots of temperature measurements (blue dots) against lake depth for two sites to provide an example of assessment
procedures. Note: The red line illustrates a temperature criterion of 20 degrees Celsius: Class 3A beneficial use. ............................ 62
Figure 23. Beneficial use support based on the existence of adequate habitat. ................................................................................... 63
Figure 24. Concept of the habitable zone where both DO and temperature are suitable for aquatic life. The site depicted on the top
(Panel A) would be considered supporting because the lens where both temperature and DO provide sufficient habitat is greater than
three continuous meters (>=3 m). Conversely, the site on the bottom (Panel B) is not supporting aquatic life uses because although
there are regions in the water column where dissolved oxygen and temperature criteria are met separately, the region of overlap in
the water column for both temperature and dissolved oxygen criteria (approximately 8 meters depth) is less than three meters. ...... 64
Figure 25. Assessment process to determine support of the agricultural beneficial use with TDS data. .............................................. 65
Figure 26. Tier II assessment process for lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. .............................................................................................. 66
Figure 27. Overview of the assessment process for toxic parameters. ................................................................................................ 69
Figure 28. Considering E. coli-related beach closures and/or health advisories. ................................................................................. 71
Figure 29. Scenario A: A seasonal assessment using the maximum criterion at a monitoring location. .............................................. 73
Figure 30. Scenario B: An assessment using the 30-day geometric mean for monitoring locations with five or more collection events
within 30 days. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Figure 31. Scenario C: A seasonal geometric mean assessment. ....................................................................................................... 75
Figure 32. Process of assigning EPA categories to AUs based on results of monitoring location assessments. ................................. 82
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Tables
Table 1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorization of assessed surface waterbodies for Integrated Report purposes.
................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 2. Subclassifications of Utah's beneficial uses. .................................................................................................................. 24
Table 3. DWQ's data-availability matrix. .................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 4. Assessed waterbody types used for categorizing monitoring locations. ........................................................................ 32
Table 5. Data validation criteria for water quality field grab sample parameters. ......................................................................... 38
Table 6. Data validation criteria for water quality high frequency dissolved oxygen data. ......................................................... 39
Table 7. Data validation criteria for water quality chemistry grab sample parameters. .............................................................. 40
Table 8. Data validation criteria for macroinvertebrate data. ..................................................................................................... 41
Table 9. Data validation criteria for Escherichia coli (E. coli) data. ................................................................................................ 42
Table 10. Summary of data types considered by Utah’s IR program. ............................................................................................ 43
Table 11. Conventional parameters and associated designated uses as identified for assessment purposes. ................................ 45
Table 12. Numeric Nutrient Criteria and Associated Ecological Responses (Bioconfirmation Criteria) to Protect Aquatic Life Uses in
Antidegradation Category 1 and 2 (UAC R317-2-12) Headwater Perennial Streams. .................................................................. 53
Table 13. Decision Matrix That Will Be Used to Assess Support of Headwater Aquatic Life Uses for Nutrient-related Water Quality
Problems .................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Table 14. Beneficial use support determination for O/E values obtained from different sample sizes. ....................................... 58
Table 15. Selenium trigger levels and DWQ responses (UAC R317-2-14.2(14)). ............................................................................... 67
Table 16. Cyanotoxin thresholds for recreational use assessments based on EPA (2019) guidance. ............................................. 78
Table 17. Application of secondary review process................................................................................................................... 130
Does the AU/AU-parameter combination warrant further investigation? (See 303(d) Assessment Methods for more details). 140
What was the original cause of impairment for the AU? ........................................................................................................... 140
Table 18. Description of EPA Delisting Codes ............................................................................................................................ 141
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Executive Summary
Purpose
Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to submit a biennial report to the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) on the quality of their waters. The 2024 Integrated Report (IR) prepared by the Utah
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to meet this federal requirement is a comprehensive analysis of the condition of
the state‘s rivers, streams, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
Section 303(d) of the CWA requires states to submit a list of waterbodies that do not meet the state‘s water quality
standards as part of the IR. This list guides the state‘s development of water quality improvement plans (Total
Maximum Daily Load plans or TMDLs) for impaired waterbodies to bring them into compliance with their beneficial
uses and water quality standards.
The IR supports DWQ‘s commitment to protecting and improving the water quality of Utah‘s rivers, streams,
canals, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds by providing critical information and thorough analyses of water quality
conditions, waterbody impairments, statewide trends, and emerging issues. DWQ uses these data to identify areas
with impairments and prioritize projects, TMDLs, and best management practices (BMPs) to improve and enhance
water quality in affected areas.
Scope
The 2024 IR reports on 918 assessment units (AUs), over fifteen thousand perennial miles of rivers, streams, and
canals, and nearly 1.5 million lake, reservoir, and pond acres. The water quality assessment data covers the
period between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2022 and includes updates from previous reports. The data
used in the report were collected by DWQ, 9 agencies, and numerous public and private stakeholder groups and
individuals.
Methods
The State of Utah sets water quality standards that support designated beneficial uses for Utah‘s rivers, streams,
canals, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. These designations protect water quality for different uses, including drinking
water, recreation, aquatic life, and agriculture. Waterbodies are protected for several combinations of beneficial
uses, such as recreation and aquatic life.
Data Collection
The IR uses water quality data collected by DWQ and a number of public and private entities to determine whether
assessed waterbodies in the state meet water quality standards and support their designated beneficial uses. Data
submitted or obtained by DWQ during the IR data compilation process are integrated into DWQ‘s assessments
and subject to DWQ‘s data management and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes. Datasets
may include laboratory results for water chemistry sampling for conventional (e.g., temperature) and toxic (e.g.,
metals) parameters, monitoring data specific to lakes, reservoirs, ponds, or flowing surface waters, potential
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causes of impairments, and macroinvertebrate surveys.
DWQ combines data from individual monitoring sites into a larger spatial scale or Assessment Unit (AU). The
Division collects all readily available and credible water quality data for each AU and prepares the data for
assessment. Data are assessed according to specific conventional and toxic parameters against beneficial use
criteria established in state regulations. DWQ uses these data to categorize the state‘s assessment units to
determine designated beneficial use attainment. The state uses five EPA-approved categories in its assessment
determinations:
• Category 1: All beneficial uses attained.
• Category 2: Some beneficial uses attained but there are insufficient data to determine if all beneficial uses
are supported.
• Category 3: Insufficient or no data to make a determination.
• Category 4: Impaired for one or more beneficial uses. Does not require the development of a TMDL
because one has already been completed (4A), uses are expected to be attained within a reasonable
timeframe (4B), or the impairment is not caused by a pollutant (4C).
• Category 5: Impaired for one or more beneficial uses by a pollutant. Requires the development of a TMDL.
Waters determined to be impaired are placed on the state‘s 303(d) list and prioritized for TMDL development. The
TMDLs calculate the pollution reduction levels needed to support designated beneficial uses and meet water
quality standards. Once a TMDL is completed and approved by EPA, the assessment unit covered under the
TMDL is transferred from Category 5 (impaired) to Category 4A (approved TMDL in place).
Delistings
DWQ reviews the data submitted during the IR process to determine whether assessment units identified as
impaired in previous IRs are now meeting their designated beneficial uses. If DWQ finds during its assessment
that waterbodies previously listed as impaired are now meeting water quality standards, it provides a list of the
sites proposed for removal from the 303(d) list (Category 5) in the report. DWQ can delist a previously impaired
parameter, waterbody, or segment within a waterbody that is currently meeting water quality standards if it can
demonstrate good cause to stakeholders and EPA. Good cause includes one or more of the following:
• The impairment was resolved through the implementation of nonpoint source projects and/or revised
effluent limits.
• Revised water quality standards and/or beneficial uses put the waterbody into attainment of those
standards and/or uses.
• A new listing method consistent with state water quality standards and classifications and federal listing
requirements changed the previous listing.
• New data led to a reassessment that demonstrated that applicable standards and uses are being met.
• Flaws in the original analysis led to an incorrect listing.
• Improved modeling applications demonstrated that applicable standards and uses are being met.
AU Resegmentation
When site-specific assessments within a single AU conflict, DWQ may determine that it is appropriate to
resegment (i.e. “split”) an existing AU polygon into two or more new AUs rather than aggregate those conflicting
assessments into a single AU scale category. AUs where water quality criterion exceedances are clearly isolated
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to a relatively small, hydrologically distinct portion of the larger AU may be re-segmented to more accurately reflect
that variation in water quality. This results in a higher resolution and overall more accurate assessment. DWQ
does not consider it appropriate to re-segment an AU when exceedances are observed in multiple locations
throughout an AU, or where impaired sites are not hydrologically distinct from unimpaired portions of the AU.
Public Comment Process
DWQ engages its stakeholders early in the process as part of its ongoing commitment to work with the public to
safeguard human health and protect and enhance Utah‘s waters. Communities and others affected by the
decisions under CWA 305(b) and 303(d) are asked to participate in the IR process during three public involvement
opportunities before the Division submits the IR to EPA.
1. Public Comment on Assessment Methods
DWQ held a public comment period on the 303(d) Assessment Methods from October 24, 2022, to December
8, 2022, to solicit public input on the assessment methods for the 2024 IR. DWQ received comments from
seven different individuals and groups for a combined total of approximately 28 unique comments. DWQ’s
Response to Comments, as well as the comments submitted, can be found on the Integrated Report Program
webpage.
2. Publicly Submitted Data Notification
DWQ issues a formal public notification during each IR cycle through website postings and listservs requesting
data and information that can be used for the assessment. Whenever possible, DWQ tries to obtain all data
and information with sufficient time to com pile the information during odd-numbered years. This provides the
Division with adequate time to obtain clarification where necessary and ensures that outside sources of
information are used to the greatest extent possible for IR assessments. The 2024 IR Call for Data ran for 30
days from March 28,2023 to April 28, 2023. Data submitters registered on the DWQ Call for Data website and
were provided detailed instructions on how to submit data accurately and effectively to EPA’s Water Quality
Exchange.
3. Public Comment on 305(b) and 303(d) Decisions
DWQ provides another formal public notification at the end of the IR report writing process, requesting
comments on the placement of AUs in the five categories. DWQ responds to the comments in a summary and
can revise the IR based on the public’s feedback. Public comments and DWQ’s response are then submitted
to EPA along with the 305(b) report and 303(d) listing decisions.
Findings
DWQ compiled all existing and readily available data and conducted designated beneficial use assessments to
determine which waters in the state are supporting or not supporting these uses. The figures, charts, and
graphs below offer a view of the state‘s perennial waterbody miles and acreage, areas and water quality
parameters assessed, and waterbodies proposed for delisting.
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Figure 1. Utah's defined assessment units and assessment categories.
Assessment Totals
• Total AUs reported on: 918
• Total AUs fully supporting (Category 1): 101
• Total AUs with no evidence of impairment (Category 2): 184
• Total AUs with insufficient data (Category 3): 216
• Total AUs with a TMDL in place (Category 4A): 28
• Total AUs requiring a TMDL (Category 5): 389
• Number of data records assessed: 548,569 discrete samples, 2.4 million high frequency dissolved
oxygen measurements
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River, Stream and Canal Assessments
Assessments
• Total AUs reported on: 775
• Total perennial miles reported on: 15,820
• Total monitoring locations assessed and reported on during the period of record: 1,731
In 2024, 29% of assessment units (AUs) and 31% of perennial stream miles were supporting their designated
beneficial uses or had no evidence of impairments (Figure 2, Figure 3). Conversely, the 210 AUs (27% of AUs)
with insufficient data to make an assessment generally represent fewer than average perennial stream miles.
River, stream, and canal AUs are most commonly impaired for dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, which
make up 42% of 303(d) listings (Figure 4). A majority of these impairments indicate that the waterbody is not
meeting its aquatic life beneficial use(s) (Figure 5).
Figure 2. Proportion and number of river, stream, and canal AU's in each assessment category.
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Figure 3. Proportion and number of perennial river, stream, and canal miles in each assessment category.
Figure 4. Proportion and number of river, stream, and canal AU impairments by parameter
category. AU-parameters may be counted multiple times if impaired for multiple uses.
17
Figure 5. Pie chart of river and stream impairments by use type. Note, some AU impairments are represented
twice because parameters may be impaired for multiple uses.
Lake, Reservoir, and Pond Assessments
Assessments
• Total AUs reported on: 143
• Total lake acres reported on: 1.47 million (includes Great Salt Lake at 1.1 million acres)
In lake, reservoir, and pond assessments, large discrepancies in the acreage represented by AUs led to striking
differences in the percentage of AUs and acres in each assessment category. While 45% of AUs are not supporting
one or more beneficial uses, that accounts for only 10% of total lake acres assessed (Figure 6, Figure 7). This is due
to the overwhelming representation of the Great Salt Lake in acreage calculations. Additionally, 45% of AUs and
53% of total lake acres assessed are either fully supporting all designated uses or show no evidence of impairment.
Similar to rivers and streams, a majority of impairments are linked to dissolved oxygen, pH, or temperature (Figure
8). The vast majority of impairments indicate that the waterbody is not meeting its aquatic life beneficial use(s)
(Figure 9).
18
Figure 6. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond AU's in each assessment category.
Figure 7. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond acres in each assessment
category.
19
Figure 8. Proportion and number of lake, reservoir, and pond AU impairments by parameter category. AU-
parameters may be counted multiple times if impaired for multiple uses.
Figure 9. Pie chart of lake, reservoir, and pond impairments by use type. Note, some AU impairments are
represented twice because parameters may be impaired for multiple uses.
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Delistings
43 river and stream AUs were delisted for one or more parameters. Five lake and reservoir AUs were delisted for
one or more parameters.
Figure 10. Number of delistings by parameter type across all assessed waterbodies. Some AUs have
multiple parameters that were delisted.
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Figure 11. Pie chart of delisting reasons across all assessed waterbodies.
Recommendations
Priority Waters
The CWA requires the development of total maximum daily load (TMDL) plans for all impaired waterbodies on the
303(d) List but recognizes the limitations in data, time, and staff resources to accomplish this task. Taking these
limitations into account, the CWA requires states to prioritize where they will dedicate resources toward TMDL
development. From 2013-2023, DWQ prioritized water quality impairments that posed the greatest risk to human
health as described in Utah's 303(d) Vision. These priorities focused on the protection and restoration of waters
designated for culinary and recreational uses by focusing on pathogen impairments. This resulted in approved E.
coli TMDLs for the North Fork Virgin River, Fremont River, Spring Creek in Heber, and the Jordan River watershed
(14 subwatersheds).
In September 2022, EPA released the next iteration of the CWA Section 303(d) Vision that expects states to submit
updated water quality priorities and goals to EPA by April 2024. Vision 2.0 includes the original programmatic goals
with opportunities for protection and restoration of waters through planning and prioritization, restoration, protection,
data and analysis, and partnerships. When program goal setting, states must also consider environmental justice,
climate change, tribal water quality, program development and capacity building.
Utah's approach to water quality restoration planning for the next ten years will be determined through the use of
EPA's Recovery Potential Screening (RPS) tool and a widely-distributed public survey on the uses and threats to
Utah’s waters. The Utah Vision 2.0 Approach Framework will be submitted to EPA in April, 2024 and the prioritized list
for water quality restoration plans (e.g.,TMDLs, Nine Element Watershed Plans, and Advance Restoration Plans) will
be submitted to EPA in September, 2024. High priority waters are those where TMDL development is expected during
the next two years.
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Chapter 1 303(d) Assessment
Methods
Introduction
The Clean Water Act and the Integrated Report
The rules and regulations of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) require the Utah Division of Water Quality
(DWQ) to report the condition or health of all Utah surface waters to the U.S. Congress every other year. The
Integrated Report (IR) contains two key reporting elements defined by the CWA:
Statewide reporting under CWA Section 305(b): Section 305(b) reporting summarizes the overall
condition of Utah’s surface waters as well as key water quality concerns. These concerns can include
pollutants, habitat alteration, and sources of water quality problems.
Water quality assessments under CWA Section 303(d): Section 303(d) requires states to identify
waters that are not supporting beneficial uses according to state water quality standards (Utah Administrative
Code [UAC] R317-2-7.1). Utah’s Section 303(d) list (hereafter the 303(d) list) also prioritizes the total
maximum daily loads (TMDL) required for each listed waterbody and the cause of nonattainment. This list
includes waters impaired as a result of nonpoint sources, point source discharges, natural sources, or a
combination of sources.
In addition to Utah’s 303(d) list, DWQ also identifies
• Waterbodies meeting water quality standards
• Waterbodies with water quality problems that DWQ cannot confirm due to insufficient sample size,
uncertainty regarding the nature of the data or other factors
• Waterbodies either currently addressed by DWQ through a TMDL or other pollution-control mechanism
Full descriptions of these and other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-identified waterbody
assessment classifications are described and summarized in Table 1 .
Assessment Categories for Surface Waters
DWQ uses five categories defined by EPA to assess surface waters of the state (EPA, 2005). These
categories are described in Table 1.
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Table 1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorization of assessed surface waterbodies for Integrated Report purposes.
EPA
Assessment
Category
Assessment Category Description
1 Supporting. All beneficial uses assigned to a waterbody are evaluated against one or more numeric criteria and each use is found to
meet applicable water quality standards.
2 No Evidence of Impairment. Some, but not all, beneficial uses assigned to a waterbody are evaluated against one or more numeric
criteria, and each assessed use is found to meet applicable water quality standards.
3
Insufficient Data and/or Information. There are insufficient data and information to conclude support or nonsupport of a use. The
category may be applied when: (1) the dataset is smaller in size and has water quality criteria exceedances OR no water quality
criteria exceedances; (2) a secondary review applied to a waterbody found it was not meeting water quality standards; (3) water quality
criteria and/or beneficial use support assessment methods are not yet developed (or are undergoing development or revisions) so use
attainment has not been determined; (4) waterbodies were assessed against water quality parameters and characteristics that require
further investigations as defined in UAC R317-2; (5) assessment units (AUs) have improper use designations, lack use designations,
or contain other inconsistencies in the dataset. In cases where no recent data are available, historic-listing determinations will be maintained.
4A
TMDL-Approved. Waterbodies impaired by a pollutant with a TMDL(s) developed and approved by EPA. Where more than one
pollutant is associated with the impairment, the waterbody and the parameters that have an approved TMDL are listed in this category.
If a waterbody has other pollutants that need a TMDL, the waterbody is listed in Category 5 with an Approved TMDL.
4B
Pollution Control. Waterbodies that are not supporting designated uses where other pollution-control requirements, such as best
management practices required by local, state, or federal authority, are stringent enough to bring the waters listed in this category back
into attainment in the near future with the approved pollution-control requirements in place, consistent with 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 130.7(b) (I) (ii) and (iii). All waterbodies placed in this category must have a pollution control requirement plan
developed and approved by EPA. Similar to Category 4A, if the waterbody has other pollutants that need a TMDL, or there is already a
TMDL in place for another pollutant, the waterbody may also be listed in Categories 5 and 4A. Therefore, an AU with a pollution control
in place may be listed in Categories 4B, 4A, and 5.
4C
Non-Pollutant Impairment. Waterbodies not supporting designated uses are placed in this category if the impairment is not caused
by a pollutant but rather by pollution (for example, hydrologic modification or habitat degradation). Similar to Categories 4A and 4B, if
the waterbody has other pollutants that need a TMDL, or there is an approved TMDL or pollution-control mechanism in place, the
waterbody may also be listed in Categories 4A, 4B, and 5. Therefore, an AU with a pollution control in place may be listed in Categories 4C, 4B, 4A, and 5.
5
Not Supporting. The concentration of a pollutant or several pollutants exceeds numeric water quality criteria, or beneficial uses are
not-supporting based on violation of the narrative water quality standards. Waterbodies identified as “threatened” may also be placed
in this category. In a “threatened” waterbody, one or more of its uses are likely to become impaired by the next IR cycle and water
quality may be exhibiting a deteriorating trend if pollution control actions are not taken. Both impaired and threatened waterbodies
constitute Utah’s formal Section 303(d) list and are prioritized for future TMDL development.
5-Alt
TMDL Alternatives. The 303(d) program vision promotes the identification of alternative approaches to TMDL development for
impaired waters where these approaches would result in a more rapid attainment of water quality standards. Note: This category is referenced in DWQ’s “303(d) Vision Document.”
24
Utah’s Numeric Criteria and Beneficial Uses
DWQ assesses the impacts of measured pollutant concentrations on environmental and human health to
determine the appropriate assessment categories for a waterbody (see Table 1 ). Utah has developed and
adopted water quality numeric criteria (chemical concentrations that should not be exceeded) to protect the
water quality of surface waters and the uses these waterbodies support (UAC R317-2-14). As noted in UAC
R317-2-14, the water quality criteria for a pollutant can vary depending on the beneficial use assigned to a
waterbody.
Utah adopted beneficial use classifications that identify the use and value of a waterbody for source water for
domestic water systems, aquatic wildlife, recreation, agriculture, and Great Salt Lake (see UAC R317-2-6).
DWQ currently designates five beneficial use classes of surface waters within the state:
• Class 1. Protected for use as a raw water source for domestic water systems
• Class 2. Protected for recreational use and aesthetics
• Class 3. Protected for use by aquatic wildlife
• Class 4. Protected for agricultural uses including irrigation of crops and stock watering
• Class 5. The Great Salt Lake (GSL)
Subclassifications for several of these categories are further defined in Table 2.
Table 2. Subclassifications of Utah's beneficial uses.
Beneficial Use Subclassification Use Definition
1C* Protected for domestic purposes with prior treatment by treatment processes as required
by the Utah Division of Drinking Water
2A
Protected for frequent primary contact recreation where there is a high likelihood of
ingestion of water or a high degree of bodily contact with the water. Examples include, but
are not limited to, swimming, rafting, kayaking, diving, and water skiing.
2B
Protected for infrequent primary contact recreation. Also protected for secondary contact
recreation where there is a low likelihood of ingestion of water or a low degree of bodily
contact with the water. Examples include, but are not limited to, wading, hunting, and
fishing.
3A* Protected for cold water species of game fish and other cold water aquatic life, including
the necessary aquatic organisms in their food chain.
3B* Protected for warm water species of game fish and other warm water aquatic life,
including the necessary aquatic organisms in their food chain.
3C* Protected for nongame fish and other aquatic life, including the necessary aquatic
organisms in their food chain.
3D* Protected for waterfowl, shore birds and other water-oriented wildlife not included in
Classes 3A, 3B, or 3C, including the necessary aquatic organisms in their food chain.
3E* Severely habitat-limited waters. Narrative standards will be applied to protect these
waters for aquatic wildlife.
4 Protected for agricultural uses including irrigation of crops and stock watering.
5A
Gilbert Bay
Geographical Boundary: All open waters at or below approximately 4,208-foot elevation
south of the Union Pacific Causeway, excluding all of the Farmington Bay south of the
Antelope Island Causeway and salt evaporation ponds. Beneficial Uses: Protected for
frequent primary and secondary contact recreation, waterfowl, shore birds and other
water-oriented wildlife including their necessary food chain.
25
Beneficial Use
Subclassification Use Definition
5B
Gunnison Bay
Geographical Boundary: All open waters at or below approximately 4,208-foot elevation
north of the Union Pacific Causeway and west of the Promontory Mountains, excluding
salt evaporation ponds. Beneficial Uses: Protected for infrequent primary and secondary
contact recreation, waterfowl, shore birds and other water-oriented wildlife including their
necessary food chain.
5C
Bear River Bay
Geographical Boundary: All open waters at or below approximately 4,208-foot elevation
north of the Union Pacific Causeway and east of the Promontory Mountains, excluding
salt evaporation ponds. Beneficial Uses: Protected for infrequent primary and secondary
contact recreation, waterfowl, shore birds and other water-oriented wildlife including their
necessary food chain
5D
Farmington Bay
Geographical Boundary: All open waters at or below approximately 4,208-foot elevation
east of Antelope Island and south of the Antelope Island Causeway, excluding salt
evaporation ponds. Beneficial Uses: Protected for infrequent primary and secondary
contact recreation, waterfowl, shore birds and other water-oriented wildlife including their
necessary food chain.
5E
Transitional Waters along the Shoreline of the Great Salt Lake
Geographical Boundary: All waters below approximately 4,208-foot elevation to the
current lake elevation of the open water of the Great Salt Lake receiving their source
water from naturally occurring springs and streams, impounded wetlands, or facilities
requiring a UPDES permit. The geographical areas of these transitional waters change
corresponding to the fluctuation of open water elevation. Beneficial Uses: Protected for
infrequent primary and secondary contact recreation, waterfowl, shore birds and other water-oriented wildlife including their necessary food chain.
*Footnote: There are human health (HH) criteria associated with these beneficial uses (see UAC R317-2-
14). For uses with a HH criteria, (see Table 2.14.6 in UAC R317-2-14), the following use notation will be
used in 303(d) data and assessment reports: HH1C, HH3A, HH3B, HH3C, and HH3D.
Every beneficial use with numeric criteria and credible and readily available data is assessed and reported for
303(d) assessment purposes. DWQ does not just assess and report on the most environmentally protective
criterion and/or use for a parameter and waterbody. Where waterbodies are unclassified and do not have
assigned beneficial uses in DWQ data records, DWQ may assign default beneficial uses as articulated in
UAC R317-2-13.9,13.10,13.11,13.12, and 13.13. Alternately, these undefined waterbodies may be classified
as an EPA Assessment Category 3 or not reported in the IR if an Assessment Unit has not been established.
For more information on how DWQ develops, adopts, and updates the numeric criteria and beneficial uses in
UAC R317-2, please refer to DWQ’s Standards website.
Assessed Parameters
Water quality assessments may not report on all parameters listed in UAC R317-2-14. Assessments reflect
parameters with adopted numeric criteria that also have readily available and credible datasets from the period
of record. Monitoring and data availability for pollutants listed in UAC R317-2-14 may be constrained by:
• Laboratory resources that limit the ability to assess all parameters in UAC R317-2-14
• Significant monitoring and/or analytical costs associated with processing a sample or measuring a pollutant
• Logistical constraints due to monitoring location and holding times for certain parameters
26
Assessment Process and Time Frames
Developing the Methods
This document describes the most up-to-date assessment methods that will be applied to Utah’s current IR
cycle. Although most of the methods described have been applied in past assessment cycles, other methods
are new or modified from previous reporting cycles. Some of the assessment method revisions are intended
to clarify ongoing DWQ practices. Other more substantive revisions may be based on comments that were
raised during the previous IR’s 303(d) assessment methods and draft IR public comment periods.
DWQ updates and revises the 303(d) methods when concerns are raised or when program developments are
released by DWQ. Additional modifications or clarifications to the assessment methods may also be made
based on feedback provided by EPA during and after a reporting cycle or from the EPA’s cycle-specific 303(d)
guidance memorandum.
All changes made to the 303(d) assessment methods are typically reviewed and updated on even-numbered
years in anticipation of developing the Draft IR and 303(d) list in the following odd-numbered year. This
process allows DWQ to consider comments and suggestions on assessment methods before a formal
analysis is conducted. This reduces the need to rework analyses from changes in methods.
Public Review of the Methods Process and Schedule
The development and acceptance of the Assessment Methods includes a public review process and occurs
on the following schedule:
a. DWQ releases the proposed Assessment Methods for a 30-day public comment period. The
notice for public comments on the Assessment Methods are advertised on DWQ’s News and
Announcements webpage, DWQ’s Public Notices webpage, and Utah’s Integrated Report
program webpages.
b. DWQ compiles and responds to the comments received within the 30-day public comment period.
DWQ’s responses to comments are posted on the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages.
c. If substantial revisions to the Assessment Methods are adopted by DWQ based on comments
received in the public comment period, DWQ has the discretion to hold a second public comment
period of 30 days or less. Should DWQ proceed with a second public comment period,
notifications will be advertised, at a minimum, on DWQ’s News and Announcements and/or
Public Notices webpages, and the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages.
d. Following the conclusion of the public comment period(s), DWQ posts responses to comments on
the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages. Any changes or additions that were made in
response to public comments will be documented and issued with the draft IR and 303(d) list.
During the draft IR public comment period, comments on the Assessment Methods are
considered out of scope unless otherwise indicated.
Concerns and comments not received through the above processes may not be considered for current and
future 303(d) methods, updates and modifications.
Call for Readily Available Data and Schedule
DWQ issues a request for all readily available data (i.e., the IR Call for Data) after November 1 of even-
numbered years.
27
Existing and Readily Available Data Defined
DWQ assembles and evaluates all existing and readily available data to determine whether a waterbody is
supporting or not supporting the assigned beneficial uses and numeric criteria in UAC R317-2 as mandated in
40 CFR 130.7(b)(5). For the purposes of the IR, existing and readily available data may include:
• Data and information referenced in 40 CFR 130.7(b)(5)(i),(iii), and (iv)
• Data collected by DWQ or DWQ cooperators for assessment purposes
• Data collected for other DWQ programs, such as waste load allocations, TMDL development, watershed
planning, and use attainability analyses
• Data collected for narrative assessments (see Narrative Assessment: Biological Assessments and
Narrative Standards for All Waters)
• Data obtained through EPA’s Water Quality Portal (WQP)
• Data and information obtained through the IR’s public Call for Data
• Data and information submitted to EPA’s Water Quality Exchange System or DWQ’s Call for Data to
support a credible data submission (e.g., Table 5-8)
• Data included in the Data Types Matrix in Table 10
Data and information (as described above) that are not brought forward during the IR’s Call for Data or
presented to DWQ in accordance with the schedule as outlined in this document and on Utah’s Integrated
Report program webpages will not be treated as readily available for the purpose of assessment decisions
during the current assessment cycle.
Data that are submitted to DWQ or obtained by DWQ during the IR data compilation process are integrated
into DWQ’s assessments as described in Table 3 and subject to DWQ’s data management and quality
assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes. Should any data and information not be included in the
assessment process, DWQ will clearly document which dataset (or datasets) were not included and why (as
described and required in 40 CFR 130.7(b)(6)(iii)
28
Table 3. DWQ's data-availability matrix.
Data Availability Description Processing required Uses for Assessments
Readily available
Data are incorporated into EPA’s WQP database and
can interface directly with DWQ’s IR data processing
and assessment tools.
Data is submitted by stakeholders or data submitters
through DWQ’s data submission templates or electronic
submission processes which are provided on the Call for
Data webpage.1,2
None
Fully incorporate into DWQ’s
assessment tools
Additional “other” sources of data included in the Data
Types Matrix in Table 10 that described the
waterbodies in 40 CFR 130.7(b)(5)(i), (iii), and (iv) and
are submitted through DWQ’s electronic submission
process as described on the Call for Data webpage.
None
Fully incorporate into DWQ’s Conflicting
Assessments of Water Quality Standards
and Secondary Review processes
Readily
available
(additional
processing may
be required by
DWQ)
Quantitative data and information may be stored in and
routinely uploaded to a queryable, regularly maintained
database that is available on the web or electronically
submitted to DWQ during the public call for data.
Database format is consistent and allows repeatable
queries with predictable results (e.g., parameter names,
location descriptions, and parameter units are consistent),
making development of automated interface tools
practicable.
Full incorporation into IR
assessment tools requires DWQ
development of interface tools for
aggregating, translating, and
harmonizing data to appropriate
formats. In particular, sampling
locations and dates, parameter
names, fractions, units, analysis
methods, and detection limits
require translation and interpretation
prior to assessment.
Fully incorporate into IR assessment
tools if interface tools have been
developed.2
If interface tools are still in the
development phase, (1) screen data for
exceedances for the waterbodies
described in 40 CFR 130.7(b)(5)(i),
(iii), and (iv), or (2) manually assess
data for specific sites, dates, and
parameters at the request of
stakeholders or data submitters for
waterbodies described in 40 CFR
130.7(b)(5)(i), (iii), and (iv). Results
are fully incorporated into DWQ’s
Conflicting
Assessments of Water Quality
Standards and Secondary Review.
1 DWQ data submission templates and processes are designed to allow for data and information that may not fit the data structure of EPA’s Water
Quality Exchange System. They may also be used to support a credible data review (Tables 5-8) or perform narrative or high frequency data
assessments.
2 DWQ requests data submitters inform the Division which data system contains their data so DWQ can work with submitters prior to the IR’s Call for
Data to develop interface tools.
29
Developing the Components of the Draft Integrated Report and 303(d)
List
DWQ reviews all data and assigns a credible data “grade” following its response to public comments on the
draft 303(d) Assessment Methods and compilation of all existing and readily available data. All non-rejected,
credible data are then assessed. The final 303(d) Assessment Methods, 305(b) Summary, and 303(d) List of
Impaired Waters are the minimum reporting elements included in the Integrated Report. These reporting
elements are available for public review and comment.
Final 303(d) Assessment Methods
The final version of the publicly-vetted 303(d) Assessment Methods, including any changes or additions made
in response to the Assessment Method public comment period(s) is posted on the Utah’s Integrated Report
program webpages.
305(b) Summary
This summary, at a minimum, will address the following elements for previous and new or updated
assessments:
• A unique identifier assigned to the Assessment Unit
• The name and location description of the Assessment Unit
• An indicator of whether the Assessment Unit is currently active, or if the Assessment Unit identifier was
retired and being kept for historical tracking purposes and is part of an Assessment Unit history of another
Assessment Unit
• The waterbody type for the Assessment Unit
• The size and the unit of measure for the assessed waterbody type
• The EPA-defined assessment category for each defined and evaluated Assessment Unit
303(d) Assessment Results
At a minimum, the following information will be provided for previous and new or updated assessments:
• The minimum elements discussed above in the 305(b) Summary
• The cycle the Assessment Unit was last assessed, which can include any conclusions related to this
Assessment Unit and delisting decisions (if appropriate)
• The beneficial use(s) designated to the Assessment Unit and the EPA-defined assessment categories
associated with the beneficial use after assessment
• The name of the parameter assessed, the beneficial use associated with the assessed parameter, and
the EPA-defined assessment category status for the parameter and beneficial use
• A flag indicating whether or not the cause of the attainment status is a pollutant
• The IR cycle the Assessment Unit was first listed for a cause
• The reason(s) for identifying the delisting of a waterbody
305(b) Summary and 303(d) Assessment Metadata
DWQ will provide (at a minimum) the following supporting information and documentation as referenced in
CFR 130.7 (b)(6) to support its decision to list or not list waters:
• A description of, and access to, the data records and information used in the IR’s current period of record
30
• A rationale for, and access to, any data and information that was obtained or submitted to DWQ during
the call for data but did not meet DWQ’s readily available or credible data requirements and was not used for
305(b) and 303(d) assessments
• A rationale for, and access to, any rejected data records and information
For archiving purposes and to assist with the review of the IR and 303(d) List, DWQ will also provide the
following as time and resources allow:
• The assessment method type and the assessment method context as defined in ATTAINS
• Geolocation information on the waterbodies assessed
• The date and version of UAC R317-2 used in the assessment cycle
• The list of approved TMDLs used in the assessment cycle
• An executive summary of the Final IR results
Note: In odd-numbered years, DWQ will “freeze” and establish file versions of several working files to
maintain consistency and data integrity. These files include geographic information system (GIS) point files of
monitoring locations, layers of AUs, beneficial uses, and water quality standards.
Public Review of the 303(d) List
There will be a formal public review process for the IR and 303(d) list using the following steps:
a. Any person who has a pollution-control mechanism plan for a waterbody and would like to submit
that plan for consideration and EPA approval as a Category 4B must submit that information to
DWQ by July 1 of even-numbered years (Appendix 4). If approved by DWQ, this information will
then be submitted to EPA for review and final approval. It should be noted, however, that it takes
a long time for successful Category 4B determinations to receive EPA approval and they may not
be received in time to be included in the current IR cycle.
b. Waters and pollutants that are considered for a potential Category 4A (approved TMDLs) must be
approved by DWQ’s Water Quality Board per UAC R317-1-7 and by EPA per 40 CFR 130.7 by
July 1 of odd-numbered years. TMDLs that are approved by DWQ and EPA after that date will be
considered in future IRs.
c. DWQ will release the proposed IR and 303(d) list for a 30-day public comment period after July 1
of odd-numbered years and no later than February 1 of even-numbered years. At a minimum, the
notice for public comments on the IR will be advertised on DWQ’s News and Announcements
and/or Public Notices webpages, and the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages.
d. Stakeholders who wish to submit data for listing or delisting considerations are encouraged to
submit that data and information during the Utah’s IR program’s Call for Data. However, DWQ
may consider data that are submitted during the public comment period of the draft IR and 303(d)
list when the commenter can show that submitted data could result in a change to a specific
waterbody assessment decision. Data that are submitted during the public comment period for
the draft IR must be submitted in the format articulated in this document and on the IR Call for
Data website and be of Grade A or B quality to be used in an assessment decision (see Tables 5-
9). Information submitted during the public comment period will undergo a secondary review (see
Secondary Review and Appendix 2).
e. DWQ will compile and respond to comments that were received within the 30-day public
comment period after the close of the public comment period.
f. DWQ may offer a second public comment period of 30 days or fewer if substantial revisions to the
IR and 303(d) list are adopted on the basis of comments received during the first public comment
period. Should DWQ proceed with a second public comment period, notifications will be
advertised, at a minimum, on DWQ’s News and Announcements and/or Public Notices
webpages, and the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages.
g. DWQ will submit a response to the public comments that were received during the 30-day public
comment period and a final version of the IR and 303(d) list to EPA for final approval no later than
April 1 of even-numbered years. DWQ will post a status update on the Utah’s Integrated Report
31
program’s webpages to let stakeholders know that a final IR was submitted to EPA for final
approval. Any concerns or rebuttals from stakeholders regarding the IR will not be considered for
the recently submitted IR after the submission of the IR to EPA for final approval. If stakeholders
continue to have concerns with the IR and 303(d) list, they should submit their comments during
the next IR cycle.
h. EPA has 30 days to approve or disapprove the 303(d) list after receiving DWQ’s formal
submission letter, IR chapters, 303(d) list, categorization of non-303(d) waterbodies, public
comments received and DWQ’s response to them, delisting tables and justifications, list of
approved TMDLs/pollution-control mechanisms, and GIS files of all assessment results. If EPA
disapproves a state 303(d) list, EPA has 30 days to develop a new list for the state, although
historically EPA has rarely established an entire list for a state. EPA may also partially disapprove
a list because some waters have been omitted, and EPA may add these waters to the state’s list.
If EPA’s final approval of the IR takes longer than the timeframe identified above, DWQ will post
updates on Utah’s Integrated Report programs webpages.
i. Any concerns and comments not received by DWQ through the above processes will not be
addressed in the IR.
Finalizing the Integrated Report and 303(d) List
DWQ will release the following information on the Utah’s Integrated Report program webpages following
approval by EPA:
• A final version of 303(d) Assessment Methods, including the public comments received and DWQ’s
response to comments
• Final IR chapters and 303(d) lists, including public comments received, DWQ’s response to comments, all
assessment information considered and evaluated in the finalization of the IR and 303(d) list, and a GIS file of
the final assessments and 303(d) list
EPA maintains a database of state IR results and TMDL status. Additional information not available on Utah’s
Integrated Report program’s webpages may be obtained through a Government Records Access and
Management Act request. These requests can be submitted at any time.
Scope of the Assessment
Waters of the State
As defined in UAC R317-1-1, DWQ characterizes waters of the state as follows:
… all streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage
systems, and all other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, public
or private, which are contained within, flow through, or border upon this state or any portion thereof, except
that bodies of water confined to and retained within the limits of private property, and which do not develop
into or constitute a nuisance, or a public health hazard, or a menace to fish and wildlife, shall not be
considered to be "waters of the state" under this definition (Section 19-5-102).
For 303(d) assessment purposes, DWQ reports on the following waterbodies:
• Rivers and streams
• Canals as identified in site-specific standards or named in the list of waters with designated use
classifications in UAC R317-2
• Lakes, reservoirs, and ponds
32
All other waters are currently reported through other programs within DWQ. For more information on these
waterbodies and their reports, please visit DWQ’s website.
Waterbody Types
Utah assesses surface waters of the state at the monitoring-site level and then summarizes the site-level
assessments at a larger spatial scale (the Assessment Unit (AU) scale). DWQ uses the descriptions in Table
4 to determine appropriate assessment sites and categorize monitoring locations.
Table 4. Assessed waterbody types used for categorizing monitoring locations.
Assessed Waterbody Type Description
Rivers and streams*
Perennial and intermittent surface waters are included
in this type. Springs and seeps are also included in
this waterbody type, provided they are flowing and
connect, contribute, or are influencing water quality in a downstream river or stream.
Canals (general, irrigation, transport, or drainage)*
A human-made water conveyance with flowing water.
Note: Canals are only assessed when identified in the
site-specific numeric criteria in UAC R317-2-14 or are
named in the list of waters with designated use classifications in UAC R317-2-13.
Lakes, reservoirs, and ponds*
An inland body of standing fresh or saline water that is
generally too deep to permit submerged aquatic
vegetation to take root across the entire body. This
type may include expanded parts of a river or natural
lake, a reservoir behind a dam, or a natural or
excavated depression containing a waterbody without surface water inlet and/or outlet.
*Footnote: Sites associated with these waterbody types that have readily available and credible data
are also subject to secondary reviews as described in the Secondary Review section and Appendix 2.
Assessment Units
Assessment Unit Delineation and Identification
Surface waters identified for 303(d) assessments are delineated into discrete units called assessment units
(AUs). AUs identify waters of the state assessed for support of their designated beneficial uses. Lakes,
reservoirs, and ponds are delineated as individual AUs, and their size is reported in acres. Flowing surface
waters of the state and canals are delineated by specific rivers or one or more surface water reaches in
subwatersheds, and their size is reported in perennial stream miles.
Additional Guidelines for Delineating Assessment Units
DWQ follows the guidelines listed below when delineating AUs for flowing surface waters of the state. The
first two guidelines are fixed rules.
• The entire AU is within a single 8-digit USGS HUC.
• With few exceptions, each AU comprises reaches with identical designated beneficial use classifications.
For example, a waterbody that has beneficial uses of Class 1C, 2B, and 3A in one portion and Class 2B and
3B in another portion would have at least two distinct AUs because of the difference in beneficial use
classifications.
• Large flowing surface waters of the state, such as the Green River, Colorado River, and portions of other
large rivers (e.g., the Bear River and Weber River) are delineated into "linear" or "ribbon" AUs containing no
33
tributaries. Where a major tributary enters these rivers, or hydrological features such as dams exist, the river
is further delineated into two or more AUs.
• Tributaries and headwaters were delineated primarily using the 5th- and 6th-level HUC boundaries to
define the AUs.
• Additional AUs were defined by combining or splitting 5th- or 6th-level watersheds using hydrological and
ecological changes such as geology, vegetation, or land use.
• Small tributaries to larger flowing surface waters that could not be incorporated into a watershed unit are
combined into separate, unique AUs.
• AU boundaries generally follow hydrologic units, but may also be delineated to reflect beneficial use
designation changes, major tributaries or other observed hydrologic or chemical changes, administrative
boundaries such as at some U.S. Forest Service boundaries, or notable road crossings as stated in water
quality standards at UAC R317-2-13.
Individual AUs for flowing surface waters of the state are assigned a unique identification code for indexing.
Each AU identifier begins with the prefix “UT,” before the associated 8-digit HUC, followed by a 3-digit DWQ
sequential number, and finally a two-digit sequential number indicating whether the AU is the result of
resegmentation of a parent AU. Similarly, lake, reservoir, and pond AUs are identified by adding the prefix
“UT-L-” to the 8-digit HUC, followed by a 3-digit sequential number, and finally a two-digit sequential number
indicating whether the AU is the result of resegmentation of a parent AU.
Figure 12 provides an example of how DWQ uses these guidelines to delineate and identify AUs within a
major watershed. The Weber River is delineated as a linear AU from its confluence with Chalk Creek
upstream to the Wanship Dam and designated as UT16020101-017_00. South Fork Chalk Creek
(UT16020101-011_00) in the Chalk Creek watershed is delineated by combining two 12-digit HUCs
comprising the South Fork Chalk Creek sub-basin. The first AU (UT16020101-010_00) in the Chalk Creek
watershed above Echo Reservoir is delineated using the confluence of the South Fork as the upstream
endpoint. This necessitated splitting the 12-digit HUC into two AUs, one for Chalk Creek below the
confluence with South Fork (UT16020101-010_00) and another AU for Chalk Creek above the South Fork
confluence and below the Huff Creek confluence to form UT16020101-012_00. UT16020101-019_00 AU is
an example of small tributary streams that could not be combined into a hydrological based AU. These are
very small tributaries, and the Weber River is not reflective of their stream order or the habitat that they flow
through. Echo Reservoir (UT-L-16020101-001_00) and Rockport Reservoir (UT-L-16020101-002_00) are
examples of lake or reservoir AUs.
34
Figure 12. Utah Division of Water Quality assessment unit delineations.
AU Stream Mileage Estimation for Flowing Surface Waters and Canals
Flowing surface water assessments are summarized by perennial stream mileage in each assessment
category. Stream mileage within each AU is estimated using a streams GIS layer generated by the Utah
Geographic Reference Center (UGRC). This layer was derived from the high resolution (1:24,000 scale)
National Hydrologic Dataset (NHD). Stream mileage within an AU is estimated as the sum of the lengths of all
perennial streams and canals identified in the site-specific numeric criteria in UAC R317-2-14 or named in the
list of waters with designated use classifications in UAC R317-2-13.The NHD-based layer is only used to
estimate stream mileage within an AU and is not used to define individual monitoring locations as perennial or
intermittent or remove monitoring locations from the assessment process..
Waters Within and Shared with Other States
Though readily available data may exist from locations near Utah’s state boundaries, DWQ only assesses
monitoring sites that are within the jurisdictional boundaries of the state for 303(d) purposes. Assessment
units or sites on lands under tribal jurisdiction are not assessed in the IR. Assessed surface waters of the
state (as defined in Table 4) that flow into Utah but originate outside of Utah’s borders will be assessed using
DWQ monitoring locations within state boundaries. Lakes, reservoirs, and ponds that overlap with other state
jurisdictions (e.g., Lake Powell, Bear Lake, and Flaming Gorge) will be assessed using the monitoring
locations that fall within Utah state jurisdictional boundaries.
35
DWQ will work with neighboring states, as resources allow, on any impairments that fall close to jurisdictional
boundaries by notifying the neighboring state of the impairments or exceedances and available data relevant
to the impairment.
Data Quality
Credible Data Defined
All readily available data and information that are submitted to the Utah’s Integrated Report program or
obtained during the IR’s data compilation process must be of high quality to be considered for 303(d)
assessments.
Utah’s IR program defines credible data as a complete and validated data submission consisting of
• Water quality samples and field measurements (data) that are collected using appropriate quality
assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures, including proper documentation
• Environmental data that are representative of water quality conditions at the time of sampling
• Documented field sample collection, processing, and laboratory analyses that are documented and follow
established protocols, procedures, and methods. Further information on proper adherence to these
requirements is available upon request.
Utah’s IR program relies on documentation from project planners, sample collectors, and laboratories to help
ensure that data are of known quality and defensible. External entities are not obligated to collect data under
the specifications of any of DWQ's or EPA's currently established quality assurance protocols to be
considered credible, but all sources of data must meet the definition of credible data. DWQ will evaluate the
credibility of data using the criteria and documentation described in the following sections.
Please note that the definition of credible data outlined in this document is specific to Utah’s IR program and
does not restrict other programs (e.g., water quality standards development, TMDLs, etc.) within DWQ from
using data for other Division reporting analyses and actions. Data used for a Watershed Plan, for example,
may not necessarily meet the credible data requirements for Utah’s IR program but may meet the needs of a
Watershed Plan.
Components for Credible Data
Quality Assurance Program Plan Guidance and Example
Utah’s IR program requires that all assessment-related decisions that use data are supported by a Quality
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). QAPPs “integrate all technical and quality aspects of a project, including
planning, implementation, and assessment.” The purpose of a QAPP is to document planning results for
environmental data operations and to provide a project-specific “blueprint” for obtaining the type and quality of
environmental data needed for a specific decision or use. The QA Project Plan documents how quality
assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are applied to an environmental data operation to assure that the
results obtained are of the type and quality needed and expected” (EPA, 2002).
External entities may be required to provide the QAPP they relied upon for the data collection associated with
a particular submission. External entities may choose to follow one of the example QAPPs below or develop a
QAPP specific to their entity or sampling program(s).
36
Example QAPPs
• Environmental Protection Agency’s Quality Assurance Quality Program Guidance & Requirements. EPA’s
requirements and guidance documents for ensuring that all environmental data are of a known quality and
defensible. Utah’s IR program encourages DWQ staff, cooperators, and all other parties interested in
submitting high quality data to the IR program to review QA/R-5 and QA/G-5.
• DWQ Quality Assurance Program Planning (QAPP). DWQ’s document outlining the minimum Quality
Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements for environmental data generated by DWQ and used
by most of its cooperators.
Sampling Analysis Plan Guidelines and Examples
Sampling Analysis Plans (SAPs) are the second type of documentation that Utah’s IR program requires when
compiling information for assessments and other programmatic decisions. SAPs “are intended to assist
organizations in documenting the procedural and analytical requirements for one-time, or time-limited,
projects involving the collection of water, soil, sediment, or other samples taken to characterize areas of
potential environmental contamination. It combines the basic elements of a Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP) and a Field Sampling Plan” (EPA, 2014).
External entities may be required to share the SAP relied upon for data collection associated with a particular
submission. External entities may choose to follow one of the example SAPs below or develop a SAP specific
to their sampling program(s).
Example SAPs
• EPA’s Sampling Analysis Plan Guidance & Requirements.
• DWQ’s recommended Sampling Analysis Plan Requirements. These requirements are currently used by
DWQ and its cooperators This document contains information on what DWQ looks for in a SAP (see
Appendix 1)
Standard Operating Procedures Guidelines and Examples
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are documented procedures that describe the routine operations of a
monitoring program in full detail. Utah’s IR program requires SOPs as part of data submission packages to
ensure consistency and comparability across sampling techniques from disparate data sources.
External entities may be required to share the SOPs relied upon for data collection associated with a
particular submission. External entities may choose to follow the example SOPs below or develop SOPs
specific to their sampling program(s).
Example SOPs
• EPA’s Guidance for Preparing Standard Operating Procedures (G-6). EPA’s guidance for developing and
providing the necessary documentation when generating an SOP. DWQ recommends referring to EPA’s
guidance if not using DWQ’s SOP.
• DWQ Standard Operating Procedure. DWQ generates SOPs for any procedure that becomes routine,
even when published methods are utilized. The use of SOPs ensures data comparability, defensibility, and
accuracy, and reduces bias. DWQ SOPs available on the website include macroinvertebrate collection,
calibration, maintenance, and use of multiparameter water quality sondes, chlorophyll-a sampling, harmful
algal bloom collection and identification, water chemistry and E. coli sample collection, among
37
Sampling Observations and Laboratory Comments
Utah’s IR program requires documentation of field conditions that may affect data quality or laboratory
comments on QA/QC issues encountered during analysis. Appendix 1 includes an example of sampling
observations DWQ recommends documenting in the field for grab sample collections, and the credible data
matrices included in Table 5 - Table 9 describe additional sampling and laboratory observations and
comments required by Utah’s IR program.
Monitoring Location Information
DWQ must review all monitoring location information associated with datasets to assess waterbodies against
the numeric criteria assigned in UAC R317-2-14. This process involves validating the location’s geospatial
information in GIS, assigning beneficial uses to DWQ-validated locations, and merging monitoring locations
and their associated data where locations are representative of the same waterbody or segment. Information
that must be included with a monitoring location measurement:
• Monitoring Location ID (organization's unique identifier for the sample site)
• Waterbody type description
• Monitoring location, latitude/longitude measurements and associated metadata as defined on Utah’s IR
program’s Call for Data webpages.
A monitoring location and its associated data will not be included in the assessment if DWQ’s geospatial
review of the monitoring location information finds insufficient or inaccurate information (e.g., it cannot be
mapped or is improperly recorded by the sampler in the field).
Credible Data Matrices
DWQ will consider the scientific rigor of the sampling information and measurements associated with sites
where beneficial uses can be assigned to a DWQ-validated monitoring location. DWQ uses a data-type–
specific, credible-data matrix to assess the validity of the sampling and analytical protocols associated with a
sample measurement, As noted in the credible-data matrices, each credible-data matrix considers the field
and laboratory QA/QC protocols, sampling and laboratory methods, analytical detection or instrumentation
limits, and field observations associated with a sample measurement. DWQ assigns a grade level (A–C) to
the associated sample measurement(s) based on the level of information provided and the strength of the
metadata associated with the sample measurement.
DWQ considers measurements that receive an A or B grade to be of high quality and will consider and use
them to assign an EPA-derived assessment category to a waterbody (i.e., the IR’s 305(b) and 303(d)
assessments). Measurements that receive a C grade are considered to be of insufficient quality for
assessment and 303(d) listing purposes. Details on the required data quality criteria for inclusion in the IR and
use by Utah’s IR program are included in Table 5.
38
Table 5. Data validation criteria for water quality field grab sample parameters.
Data Quality
Grade
Quality
Assurance
Essential Metadata1
Calibration
Documentation
Field Documentation
Flow Data
Calibration: Water
Temperature
Methods*
Calibration: pH
Methods*
Calibration:
Dissolved
Oxygen,
Percent
Saturation for
Calibrated Meter*
Calibration:
Dissolved
Oxygen,
Concentration
Methods for
Calibrated Meter*
A
QAPP, SAP(s),
and SOP(s) or
equivalents are
available for DWQ
review if requested
Essential metadata is
included with the data
submission.
Available for DWQ
review if requested for
all field parameters
Available for DWQ review if requested
Submitted or
available for
DWQ review if
requested
Checked against
NIST
A ≤ ± 0.1 ºC
Calibrated pH
Probe
A ≤ ± 0.2
0-200 %Sat:
A ≤ ± 6%
0-8 mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.1mg/L
> 8mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.2 mg/L
B
QAPP, SAP(s),
and SOP(s) or
equivalents are
available for DWQ
review if requested
Essential metadata is
provided to DWQ upon
request.
Available for DWQ
review if requested, for
field parameters
Unavailable
Not submitted or
unavailable
A ≤ ± 0.1 ºC
Calibrated pH
Probe
A ≤ ± 0.2
0-200 %Sat:
A ≤ ± 10%
0-20 mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.2 mg/L
C
QAPP, SAP, or
SOP is
unavailable Not
Submitted
Essential metadata is
missing from the data
submission and is
unavailable.
Unavailable
Unavailable
Not submitted or
unavailable
A ≥ ± 0.5 ºC
OR
not a calibrated
meter, missing, or
rejected data
Not a calibrated
meter, missing, or
rejected data
Not a
calibrated
meter, missing,
or rejected
data
Not a calibrated
meter, missing, or
rejected data
1 Essential metadata elements are sample location (latitude/longitude), waterbody type, sample date and time, parameter name, result value and unit.
*Footnote: A = accuracy, values based on technical specifications of commonly used YSI, Hydrolab, and In-Situ smarTROLL sondes.
39
Table 6. Data validation criteria for water quality high frequency dissolved oxygen data.
Data
Quality
Grade
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance Project
Plan (QAPP)
Essential Metadata1
Calibration
Documentation
Data QA/QC
Information or
Report
Field Documentation
Flow Data
Calibration:
Dissolved
Oxygen*, Percent
Saturation for Calibrated Meter
Calibration:
Dissolved Oxygen*,
Concentration
Methods for Calibrated Meter
A
QAPP, SAP(s), and SOP(s)
or equivalents are available
for DWQ review if requested
Essential metadata is
included with the data
submission.
Mandatory-calibration
record(s) (e.g., field
records of calibration
and/or fouling)
Documentation
describing the QA/QC
process on the raw
data
All pertinent deployment
data (i.e., information
necessary for
interpreting data)
Submitted or available for DWQ
review if requested
0-200%:
A ≤ ± 6%
0-8 mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.1 mg/L
> 8mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.2 mg/L
B
QAPP, SAP(s), and SOP(s)
or equivalents are available
for DWQ review if requested
Essential metadata is
provided to DWQ upon
request.
Mandatory-calibration
record(s) (e.g., field
records of calibration
and/or fouling)
Documentation
describing the QA/QC
process on the raw
data
All pertinent deployment
data (i.e., information
necessary for
interpreting data)
Not submitted or unavailable
0-200%:
A ≤ ± 10%
0-20 mg/L:
A ≤ ± 0.2 mg/L
C QAPP, SAP, or SOP is
unavailable
Essential metadata is missing
from the data submission and
is unavailable.
Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Not submitted or unavailable Missing, or
rejected data
1 Essential metadata elements are sample location (latitude/longitude), waterbody type, sample date and time, parameter name, result value and unit.
*Footnote: A = accuracy, values based on technical specifications of commonly used YSI, Hydrolab, and In-Situ smarTROLL sondes.
Please note: Raw and QA/QC data records must be submitted to qualify for consideration in 303(d) assessments.
40
Table 7. Data validation criteria for water quality chemistry grab sample parameters.
Data Quality
Grade
Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP)
Essential
Metadata1
Laboratory
Method Detection Limits Lab Certification QC Data Laboratory
Comments
Field
Documentation Metals* Organics* Inorganics*
A
QAPP, SAP(s), and
SOP(s) or
equivalents are
available for DWQ
review if requested
Essential
metadata is
included
with the
data
submission.
Standard
Methods
Below applicable
water quality
standard
Utah Bureau of
Laboratory Improvement
certification, NELAC, or
equivalent
Available for DWQ
review if requested
Laboratory
Comments
Associated with
Sample
Available for DWQ
review if requested
Chronic: Aluminum
submitted with Ca and Mg
OR Lab Hardness and
field pH; Cadmium,
Chromium (III), Copper,
Lead, Nickel, Silver, and
Zinc submitted with Ca
and Mg OR Lab Hardness
Pentachlorophenol
submitted with
field pH
Total
Ammonia as
N submitted
with field pH
or field
Temperature
B
QAPP, SAP(s), and
SOP(s) or
equivalents are
available for DWQ
review if requested
Essential
metadata is
provided to
DWQ upon
request.
Standard
Methods
Below applicable
water quality
standard
Documentation of
laboratory procedures
Available for DWQ
review if requested
Laboratory
Comments
Associated with
Sample
Unavailable
Chronic: As above, but
Aluminum submitted
without Hardness or field
pH will be assessed at
750 ug/l;
As above, but samples
submitted without Ca, Mg,
or Lab Hardness **
Pentachlorophenol
submitted without
field pH
Total
Ammonia as
N submitted
with field pH
or field
Temperature
C
QAPP, SAP, or
SOP is unavailable
Essential
metadata is
missing
from the
data
submission
and is unavailable.
Missing or
Non-
Standard
Methods
Above applicable
water quality
standards
No certification or
laboratory
documentation
Unavailable
No Laboratory
Comments
Unavailable
Chronic: As above, but
Aluminum without
Hardness or field pH will
not be assessed;
Pentachlorophenol
submitted without
field pH
Total
Ammonia as
N submitted
with field pH
or field
Temperature
1 Essential metadata elements are sample location (latitude/longitude), waterbody type, sample date and time, parameter name and fraction, parameter units, analytical method, result value or non-detect limitation, and
laboratory name.
*Footnote: Please also refer to UAC R317-2 to confirm that all the necessary data is submitted to DWQ so correction factors and equations may be fully calculated for 303(d) assessment purposes.
**Footnote: Please refer to the 303(d) Assessment Methods for corrections to assessment due to missing values of hardness or pH.
41
Table 8. Data validation criteria for macroinvertebrate data.
Data Quality Grade Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Essential Metadata1 Field Documentation Qualified taxonomy lab
A
EPA-approved Lab QAPP available for DWQ
review if requested; SAP and SOP or
equivalents available for DWQ review if
requested
Essential metadata is provided to DWQ upon
request.
Available for DWQ review if requested
Required
B
Lab QAPP or equivalent is available for DWQ
review if requested; SAP and SOP or
equivalents available for DWQ review if
requested
Essential metadata is provided to DWQ upon
request.
Unavailable
Required
C QAPP, SAP, or SOP is unavailable Essential metadata is missing from the data
submission and is unavailable. Unavailable Unavailable
1 Essential metadata elements are sample location (latitude/longitude), waterbody type, sample date and time, parameter name and fraction, analytical method, result value and unit, and laboratory name.
42
Table 9. Data validation criteria for Escherichia coli (E. coli) data.
Data Quality Grade Quality Assurance Essential Metadata1 EPA Approved Method Lab Documentation QA/QC
A
QAPP, SAP(s), and SOP(s) or
equivalents are available for DWQ
review if requested
Essential metadata is provided to
DWQ upon request. IDEXX Colilert Bench Sheet Present and Complete
Information on holding time,
incubation*, and expiration dates
provided.
B
QAPP, SAP(s), and SOP(s) or
equivalents are available for DWQ review if requested
Essential metadata is provided to
DWQ upon request. IDEXX Colilert or EasyGel Bench Sheet Present, incomplete, or
not available Not provided
C QAPP, SAP, or SOP is unavailable
Essential metadata is missing from
the data submission and is unavailable. IDEXX Colilert or EasyGel Unavailable Not provided
1 Essential metadata elements are sample location (latitude/longitude), waterbody type, sample date and time, parameter name and fraction, analytical method, result value and unit, and laboratory name.
*Footnote: "incubation" refers to data and information that is recorded on DWQ's E. coli bench sheets and relates to time and temperature (i.e., time samples were placed in and taken out of the incubator and the temperature
of the incubator when samples were placed in and taken out of it). For an example of how DWQ records this information, please refer to Appendix 1 of DWQ's Standard Operating Procedure for Collection, Handling, and
Quantification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Samples.
43
Data Submission Process
Type of Data to Submit
As referenced in 40 CFR 130.7(b)(5), Utah’s IR program considers all existing and readily available data as
defined in Table 3. Both quantitative and qualitative data may be used to evaluate whether physical, chemical,
and biological characteristics of a waterbody are sufficient to support that waterbody’s designated uses.
However, based on the type of data submitted to or obtained by DWQ during Utah’s IR program’s Call for
Data, some of these data may not be appropriate for assessments. DWQ considers several quantitative and
qualitative types of data described in Table 10 for water quality assessments and analyses as recommended
in EPA’s July 29, 2005, guidance (EPA, 2005).
Table 10. Summary of data types considered by Utah’s IR program.
Utah’s IR
program Data
Uses Quantitative Data Qualitative Data Other
305(b) and
303(d)
Assessments
(Grade A and B
Data in credible
data matrices)
(1) Assessment parameters
contained in Utah Water Quality
Standards (UAC R317-2) and
Safe Drinking Water Act
Standards, (2) segment-specific
ambient monitoring of analytical,
physical, and/or biological
conditions, (3)simple dilution
calculations, and (4) human
health/consumption closures,
restrictions, and/or advisories
(1) Observed effects
(e.g., fish kills), (2)
complaints and
comments from the
public, and (3) human
health/consumption
closures, restrictions,
and/or advisories
Landscape analysis
(when applicable)
Monitoring
Planning and
Training (Grade
C and D Data in
credible data
matrices)
See above
See above
(1) Landscape analysis
(when applicable), (2)
technical reports, (3)
white papers, (4) articles
from referred journals,
and (5) other scientific
publications
Period of Record
DWQ uses water years to define the period of record and uses the same definition of water years as the U.S.
Geologic Survey. USGS defines the water year as the 12-month period between October 1 and September
30 of the following year. For the 2024 IR, the period of record is October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2022,
(water years 2017-2022).
Data and information from the IR’s period of record are considered to be most reflective of the current
conditions of a waterbody. DWQ will analyze and assign EPA-derived assessment categories to the assessed
waterbodies from this record period, provided the data meet the interpretive, sampling, and analytical
considerations and protocols outlined in this document (see Table 1).
Older Data and Information
DWQ will not consider data and other information older than the period of record in the current IR and 303(d)
list unless the data are used to support a secondary review of an impairment determination. Instead, DWQ
44
will encourage the data submitter to collect newer information and submit those data and information in future
calls for data. The IR’s period of record does not preclude DWQ from using older or longer-term datasets for
programs other than assessments (e.g., water quality standards development, TMDLs, etc.).
Newer Data and Information
Quantitative and qualitative data types that are considered in 303(d) assessments but are collected or
represent conditions after the closing date specified in the above period of record will not be considered in the
current reporting cycle. DWQ does not include these newer datasets because of the time required to compile
data, perform data quality checks, format data from different sources, assess, review assessments, and
generate the IR and 303(d) for public comment by April 1 of even-numbered years.
Data Submission Tools
Data should be submitted in a form that is compatible with the Utah’s IR program’s existing data-management
and QA capabilities. Please refer to Table 3 for more information on how to submit data for consideration in
the IR.
Data Preparation for Conventional and Toxic
Assessments for All Waters
DWQ compiles all high quality data within the period of record following the readily available and credible data
reviews, and then standardizes, validates, and prepares the data for assessments. To assist reviews and
increase transparency to reviewers, DWQ uses a series of comments and flags rather than altering raw data
and accompanying metadata. Though High Frequency Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and E. coli assessments are
considered conventional assessments (see Table 11), these parameters have data preparation protocols that
are unique to those datasets. Please refer to the High Frequency and E. coli assessment sections of this
document for more details.
Results below Detection Limits
Environmental chemistry laboratories often report sample results as below their detection limit for a given
analytical method. These limits are variously reported as minimum detection limit, minimum reporting limit,
and/or minimum quantitation limit. The reported result value or a value of 0.5 times the lowest reported
detection limit for sample results below detection is applied for purposes of the assessment. DWQ screens
and flags laboratory result values that are empty and have detection limits higher than the water quality
criteria in UAC R317-2-14; these flagged data records are not considered in the assessment.
Duplicate and Replicate Results
Datasets often contain duplicate and replicate sample results due to QA/QC procedures, reporting errors, or
sampling design. In these cases, a single daily value is determined by accepting the highest result for
parameters with not-to-exceed criteria in UAC R317-2-14, or the lowest reported value for parameters with
minimum criteria in UAC R317-2-14. All data are retained in the assessment dataset and flagged as rejected
because of replicate or duplicate values.
45
Initial Assessment: Monitoring Location Site Level
DWQ determines attainment or nonattainment of numeric standards by assessing credible data at the
monitoring location site level against the numeric criteria in UAC R317-2-14. DWQ developed this protocol
because individual assessments offer a more direct measure of the support or non-support of water quality
standards in UAC R317-2.
Multiple parameter assessments at an individual monitoring location and results from multiple monitoring
locations within the same AU are summarized and combined using the procedures outlined in the
Determination of Impairment: All Assessment Units section of this report.
Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and
Canals
Conventional Parameter Assessments
DWQ currently assesses five parameters within UAC R317-2-14 as conventional parameters and assesses
them against the beneficial-use specific criteria established in UAC R317-2. Several waterbodies with
conventional numeric criteria have site-specific standards articulated in self-explanatory footnotes within
DWQ’s surface water standards (UAC R317-2-14). Site-specific standards that require further clarification for
303(d) assessment purposes are noted and explained in Table 11. Sites that do not meet water quality
standards as described below are not supporting of beneficial uses for 303(d) assessment purposes.
Table 11. Conventional parameters and associated designated uses as identified for assessment purposes.
Parameters Designated
Use Notes
DO*
Aquatic life
DO measurements are assessed against the minimum, 7-day average,
and 30-day average criteria in UAC R317-2-14. Grab samples are
assessed following the processes in Figure 13 for rivers and streams and
the "Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds" sections of
the methods. High frequency DO datasets are assessed following
the processes in Figures 3-5. Note: DWQ will assess against early life
stage (ELS) criteria where ELS presence has been confirmed in a
specific waterbody. Site specific standards are used for assessment
where they have been developed.
Maximum
temperature* Aquatic life Some site-specific standards are used for assessment purposes.
pH*
Domestic,
Recreation, Aquatic life Criteria are identical across uses.
46
Parameters Designated
Use Notes
Total dissolved
solids (TDS)**
Agriculture
Many site-specific standards are used for assessment purposes.
Clarification on how three site-specific standards are used for 303(d)
purposes are provided below:
(1) For South Fork Spring Creek from the confluence with Pelican Pond
Slough Stream to U.S. Route 89, two seasonal assessments are not
performed. Instead, each sample is compared to the monthly corrected
criteria in the footnote in UAC R317-2.
(2) Ivie Creek and its tributaries from the confluence with Muddy Creek to
the confluence with Quitchupah Creek. If TDS exceeds the site-specific
standard, the site is not meeting site-specific criteria. If TDS is not
exceeding, total sulfate is assessed.
(3) Quitchupah Creek from the confluence with Ivie Creek to Utah State
Route 10: If TDS exceeds the site-specific standard, it is not meeting site-
specific criteria. If TDS is not exceeding, total sulfate is assessed.
(4) Blue Creek and tributaries, Box Elder County, from Bear River Bay,
Great Salt Lake to Blue Creek Reservoir. The only site to be assessed
within this area is 4960740. (All other sites within this area description will
not be assessed for TDS).
Sulfate**
Agriculture
Site-specific standard associated with sulfate for the following areas:
(1) Ivie Creek and its tributaries from the confluence with Muddy Creek to
the confluence with Quitchupah Creek: When TDS is not exceeding site-
specific criteria and total sulfate exceeds site-specific criteria, the area
does not meet water quality standards.
(2) Quitchupah Creek from the confluence with Ivie Creek to Utah State
Route 10: When TDS is not exceeding site-specific criteria and total
sulfate exceeds site-specific criteria, the area does not meet water quality
standards.
*Footnote: Indicate that assessments are performed from field measurement only.
**Footnote: Indicate that assessments are performed from lab measurements only.
Grab Sample Assessments
A minimum of 10 samples for conventional parameters are required to determine if a site is meeting or not
meeting water quality standards (Figure 13). Where locations have sufficient sample sizes of 10 or more, an
exceedance percentage is calculated for each applicable beneficial use by dividing the number of samples
exceeding the numeric criterion by the total number of samples. If the calculated percentage is less than or
equal to 10%, the site is supporting its beneficial use. If the calculated percentage is greater than 10%, the
site is not supporting its beneficial use. This assessment is repeated for each beneficial use and numeric
criterion. In the case of waterbodies with site-specific standards for TDS and sulfate, both criteria must be met
or the waterbody will be listed as not supporting its agricultural use.
47
Figure 13. Overview of the assessment process for conventional parameters using grab sample data.
High Frequency Assessments for Dissolved Oxygen
Data Preparation
High frequency data are often screened and corrected to account for sensor drift, calibration shift, strange
anomalous points, and battery issues before data analysis and interpretation begins. These data screens are
particularly important for dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors because they are subject to bio-fouling, especially in
nutrient-rich water where they have the higher potential to become covered in algal growth. When bio-fouling
occurs, it results in erroneous logger measurements or sensor drift. DWQ will use corrected high frequency
data as documented by the data submitter for assessments. DWQ will contact the data submitter for
clarification and additional information if it determines additional corrections may be required.
Data sufficiency
High frequency data must capture complete days to ensure daily minima are captured and daily averages can
be accurately calculated. DWQ defines a complete day as a calendar day (i.e., 12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.) in
which at least one measurement is made in each hour. Incomplete days will not be included in the high
frequency DO assessment.
48
Assessment Process
A daily minimum and daily average are calculated for each complete day in a dataset. Moving 7- and 30-day
averages are then calculated from the daily averages for each 7- or 30-day period within the dataset. These
values are then compared to the applicable daily minimum, 7-day average, and 30-day average criteria to
determine use impairment or support.
A site does not meet the daily DO minimum criterion if the percentage of total daily minima that fall below the
applicable standard is greater than 10% within the period of record (Figure 14).
A site does not meet the 7-day average criterion if the percentage of 7-day averages that fall below the
applicable standard is greater than 10% within the period of record (Figure 15).
Figure 14. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, minimum, using
high frequency data.
49
Figure 15. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, 7-day averages using high frequency data.
50
A site does not meet the 30-day average criterion if the percentage of 30-day averages that fall below the
applicable standard is greater than 10% within the period of record (Figure 16).
A site is considered not supporting if it is not meeting either of the daily minimum, 7-day average, or 30-day
average criteria. A site is considered fully supporting if 10% or fewer violations are observed for all three
criteria. This process (Figure 14 – Figure 16) is repeated until each beneficial use has been assessed.
Analyzing Multiple DO Datasets at a Site
DWQ assesses grab and high frequency data independently during the initial assessment of DO at a site and
reviews these assessments in the context of one another during the secondary review for determining
impairment. These processes are discussed in greater detail in Determinations of Impairment: All Assessment
Units
Figure 16. Overview of the assessment process for the minimum dissolved oxygen, 30-day averages, using high
frequency data.
51
Nutrient Assessments Specific to Headwater Streams
Utah’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) require consideration of both ambient nutrient concentrations and
ecological response data for headwater streams, which are defined as streams where antidegradation
category 1 or 2 protections have been established (UAC R317-2-3). Generally, this includes streams above
United States Forest Service (USFS) boundaries—about 50% of all perennial streams statewide.
Support of Aquatic Life Uses
The NNC applicable to aquatic life include two thresholds for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)
based on the arithmetic average of a minimum of four samples obtained during the growing season (UAC
R317-2-14.8). The growing season is defined by the NNC as the period of algal growth through senescence.
For assessment purposes, DWQ assumes that the growing season includes the months of June through
November, although this may be lengthened where additional information demonstrates that a longer period
of growth is warranted.
The arithmetic average of TN or TP, derived from four or more growing season samples, is used to place
headwater streams into one of three enrichment tiers (Table 12). Lower criteria thresholds of 0.4 mg/L TN and
0.035 mg/L TP differentiate between low and moderate enrichment streams. Higher thresholds of 0.80 mg/L
TN and 0.080 mg/L TP differentiate between moderate and high enrichment streams. The higher of TN or TP
enrichment tiers is used to determine whether or not nutrient enrichment has degraded aquatic life uses at a
site.
Moderate enrichment streams, with average nutrient concentrations between the upper and lower thresholds,
require additional measures of ecological condition to determine whether or not a headwater stream is
attaining the NNC water quality standards (Table 12). Nutrients can degrade aquatic life uses via mechanisms
related to increased growth of plants/algae (autotrophs) and/or microbes/fungi (heterotrophs). In the case of
plant/algae growth, two ecological responses are not-to-be-exceeded at any headwater stream: (1) a daily
gross primary production (GPP) rate higher than 6 g O2/m2/day or (2) an aerial percent filamentous algae
cover exceeding 1/3 of the stream bed. Adverse heterotrophic responses are addressed using ecosystem
respiration (ER), which measures the net metabolic activities of all stream biota and is used to understand
linkages among microbes/fungi, nutrients, and aquatic life uses. NNC establishes a not-to-be-exceeded rate
for ER of 5 g O2/m2/day. Any site where TN or TP falls between the NNC thresholds is categorized as not
supporting its aquatic life uses if any of the three responses exceeds the adverse effect thresholds, even if a
complete set of responses is not available (Table 13). However, a moderately enriched stream site must have
all three response parameters collected and occurring below their adverse effect thresholds to obtain a full
support assessment for the site. If any response parameters are unavailable despite other response
parameter(s) meeting criteria, the site will be assessed as insufficient data (3A) and the division will prioritize
the data collection necessary to make a site assessment.
Any site where the growing season average of both TP and TN falls below the lower NNC thresholds (lowest
enrichment tier) is considered to be supporting aquatic life uses with respect to nutrient enrichment (Table 13)
provided that all three ecological responses have been measured and fall below the threshold that
demarcates degraded conditions. If any response parameters are above their degraded condition threshold,
the site will be assessed as impaired (Category 5)
At the other end of the enrichment gradient, any site where the average TN or TP concentration exceeds the
upper NNC threshold (high enrichment tier) is categorized as threatened unless degradation is confirmed by
an ecological response, in which case it is considered impaired (not supporting aquatic life uses). Threatened
52
AUs are designated as category 5 due to highly enriched conditions, but the Division commits to more
thoroughly evaluate the AU for adverse nutrient-related responses.
53
Table 12. Numeric Nutrient Criteria and Associated Ecological Responses (Bioconfirmation Criteria) to Protect Aquatic Life Uses in
Antidegradation Category 1 and 2 (UAC R317-2-12) Headwater Perennial Streams.
Nutrient
Enrichment
Level Summertime Average Nutrients Ecological Response Assessment Notes
Low
TN < 0.40a,b
TP < 0.035a,b
Fully supporting biological uses if the average of ≥ 4
summertime samples is below the specified nutrient
concentration of either TN and TP unless ecological
responses specified for moderate enrichment streams are
exceeded. Sites with fewer samples will not be assessed for nutrients.
Moderate
TN 0.40–0.80a
TP 0.035–0.080a
Plant/Algal Growthc< 1/3 or more
filamentous algae coverd,e
OR
GPPc of < 6 g O2/m2/day OR
Plant and Microbial Growth ERc < 5 g O2/m2/day
Headwater streams within this range of nutrient
concentrations will be considered impaired (not supporting
for nutrients) if any response exceeds defined thresholds.
Streams without response data will be listed as having
insufficient data and prioritized for additional monitoring if
either TN or TP falls within the specified range.
High
TN > 0.80a,b
TP > 0.080a,b
Streams over these thresholds will initially be placed on
Utah’s Section 303(d) list as threatened.
Threatened streams will be further evaluated using
additional data such as nutrient responses, biological
assessments, or nutrient-related water quality criteria
(e.g., pH and DO) both locally and in downstream waters.
Notes: Criteria would be applicable unless more restrictive total maximum daily load (TMDL) targets have been established to ensure the
attainment and maintenance of downstream waters. DO = dissolved oxygen, ER = ecosystem respiration, GPP = gross primary production, TN =
total nitrogen in mg/L, and TP = total phosphorus in mg/L.
a Seasonal average of ≥ 4 samples collected during the summertime growing season (June 1–September 30) will not be exceeded. Sites will be
assessed using the higher of TN and TP threshold classifications.
b Response data, when available, will be used to assess aquatic life use support or as evidence for additional site-specific investigations to
confirm impairment or derive and promulgate a site-specific exception to these criteria.
c Daily whole stream metabolism obtained using open-channel methods. Daily values are not to be exceeded on any collection event.
d Filamentous algae cover means patches of filamentous algae > 1 cm in length or mats > 1 mm thick. Daily values are not to be exceeded at any
time during the growing season (June 1–September 30).
e Quantitative estimates are based on reach-scale averages with at least three measures from different habitat units (i.e., riffle, run) made with
quantitative visual estimation methods. f Excluded waters identified in UAC R317-2-13.2 (c).
54
Table 13. Decision Matrix That Will Be Used to Assess Support of Headwater Aquatic Life Uses for Nutrient-
related Water Quality Problems
Ecological Responses
Nu
t
r
i
e
n
t
Da
t
a
(T
N
or
TP
)
No Data < All Criteria > Any Criterion
No Data
or < 4 Samples
Not Assesseda
Not Assesseda
Impaired (5)b
< Low Threshold Not Assesseda Fully Supporting (1 or 2)d,f Impaired (5) b,e
Between Lower and Upper
Threshold
Insufficient Data (3A)c Fully Supporting (1 or 2)d,g Impaired (5)
Above Upper Threshold Threatened (5)f, Threatened (5)e,f Impaired (5)
Note: Associated Integrated Report categories are in parentheses.
aThere are insufficient nutrient-related data to assess whether or not aquatic life uses are supported; however, aquatic life uses may be
assessed with other water quality parameters.
bSites where an ecological response threshold has been exceeded, but the lower TN and TP thresholds have not will be listed as impaired on
the basis of a biological assessment; cause will be listed as unknown pending follow-up investigations.
cSites where TN or TP fall below the upper threshold, but above the lower threshold, and lack measures for at least one response variable will
not be assessed with respect to nutrients. These sites will be prioritized for follow-up monitoring.
dThe integrated report distinguishes between sites where at least one parameter has been evaluated for all uses (Category 1) and sites where
some uses are supported, and other uses are either not supported or not assessed (Category 2).
eSites where nutrient and ecological response data are in conflict may be candidates for site-specific criteria.
fSites below the both lower TN and TP thresholds with at least one response below the lower threshold will be considered to be fully
supporting aquatic life uses unless another nutrient-related criterion (e.g., pH, DO) suggests otherwise. Sites without at least one measured
response are not assessed.
gSites between the lower and upper threshold require all three response parameters to be considered fully supporting with respect to nutrient
enrichment.
55
Support of Recreational Uses
Excessive nutrients can also degrade recreational uses. To protect these uses in headwater streams the NNC
establish a not-to-be-exceeded benthic algae concentration of 125 mg/chlorophyll-a (chl-a)/m2, or the
equivalent 49 g ash free dry mass (AFDM)/m2 (UAC R317-2-14.7). A site where any reach-scale biomass
value exceeds either threshold will be categorized as not supporting recreational uses (Figure 17).
Figure 17. Overview of the assessment process to determine support of recreational life uses based on
nutrient enrichment in headwater streams.
56
Narrative Standards: Biological Assessments
Utah’s beneficial uses for aquatic life require the protection of fish (cold water or warm water species) and
the organisms on which they depend (UAC R317-2-6.3). DWQ uses an empirically based model that directly
assesses support of aquatic life uses by quantifying the integrity of macroinvertebrate assemblages. The
biological integrity of sites is evaluated as a numerical index (Hawkins, 2006; Hawkins et al. 2010) calculated
using a comparison of the biological composition observed at a focal site against a subset of ecologically
similar reference sites (Hughes et al.,1986; Suplee et al.,2005).
River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System Models
DWQ uses the River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System (RIVPACS) model approach to
quantify biological integrity (Wright, 1995). RIVPACS is a classification of freshwater sites based on
macroinvertebrate fauna used to predict invertebrate taxa expected to occur under reference conditions.
DWQ’s RIVPACS model was verified and reconstructed by the USU BugLab. RIVPACS models compare the
list of taxa that are observed (O) at a site to the list of taxa expected (E) with the least-human-caused
disturbance for a similar site to quantify biological condition. Predictions of E are obtained empirically from
reference sites that together are assumed to encompass the range of ecological variability observed among
streams in the region where the model was developed. In practice, these data are expressed as the ratio O/E,
the index of biological integrity (Figure 18). More information on Utah’s RIVPACS model can be found on the
DWQ website.
Figure 18. A hypothetical example of O/E as a standardization of biological assessments.
57
Assessing Biological Use Support
DWQ does not have numeric biological criteria. However, DWQ has narrative biological criteria (UAC R317-2-
7.3) that specify how quantitative model outputs are used to guide assessments. A systematic procedure to
make the narrative assessments as rigorous as possible was devised to use the RIVPACS model O/E values
to determine aquatic life beneficial use support (Figure 19). The goal of this assessment process is to
characterize each AU as fully supporting or not supporting aquatic life beneficial uses.
Although many AUs contain a single biological monitoring location, some AUs contain multiple sites. In such
instances, DWQ staff examines available data to determine if multiple sites in an AU score similarly. When
comparisons suggest that sites in one AU are ecologically similar, O/E scores from all sites in an AU are
averaged for assessment purposes, provided that conclusions of biological condition are similar. If O/E scores
differ appreciably among multiple sites in an AU, DWQ will investigate possible explanations for such
discrepancies (see the Assessment Unit Re-segmentation discussion for more information on that process).
Additionally, if only one site is sampled in an AU, it is examined to determine whether it is an appropriate
Figure 19. Decision tree for making biological assessment decisions.
58
representation of the AU.
To translate the O/E values into assessment categories, it is necessary to devise thresholds, or O/E scores
that indicate whether or not a site is meeting biological beneficial uses (Table 14). The 10th and 5th
percentiles of reference sites were used for these assessments. The data used for the current assessment
calculate the threshold based on 5th percentile at 0.69, whereas the 10th percentile is 0.76. These thresholds
will provide the bounds according to sample strength. The data are averaged across six years since the most
recent year of available data. Multiple years are preferred for assessments because O/E scores can vary from
year to year and assessments are based on average conditions. Assessments based on the average
condition of three or more samples reduce the probability of making an error of biological beneficial-use
support as a result of an unusual sampling event (e.g., following a flash flood, or a sample that was preserved
improperly).
Table 14. Beneficial use support determination for O/E values obtained from different sample sizes.
Sample Size O/E Threshold Use Determination Comments
≥ 1 sample collected
over 6 years Mean O/E score ≥ 0.76 Fully Supporting
Threshold based on 10th
percentile of reference
sites
≥ 3 samples collected
over 6 years Mean O/E score < 0.76 Not Supporting
Threshold based on 10th
percentile of reference
sites
< 3 samples Mean O/E score ≥ 0.69–≤
0.76 Insufficient Data
Lower threshold based
on 5th percentile of reference sites
< 3 samples
2 O/E scores < 0.69
Not Supporting
Threshold based on 5th
percentile of reference
sites
< 3 samples 1 O/E score < 0.69 Insufficient Data
Threshold based on 5th
percentile of reference
sites
AUs not meeting biological thresholds will be assessed as not supporting. Assessments of more than three
samples with average O/E scores of greater than or equal to 0.76 have a low probability of being misclassified
as nonsupport. Alternatively, assessments with fewer than three samples with an average O/E score of less
than 0.69 have a 5% probability of being misclassified as nonsupport. To ensure that one sample was not
incorrectly misapplied, at least two samples with a score of 0.69 or less will be required to consider an AU not
meeting the aquatic life use. Assessments with fewer than three samples that have a mean O/E score of
greater than or equal to 0.69 and less than 0.76 will be placed in Category 3 (insufficient data and information
with exceedances), which indicates that there are insufficient data to make an assessment. All sites listed as
Category 3 with exceedances will be given a high priority for future biological monitoring.
59
Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs,
and Ponds
Assessment Overview
Lakes, reservoirs, and ponds are classified by basin in UAC R317-2-13.12, with the accompanying tables
listing their designated beneficial uses. Waterbodies not specifically listed are assigned beneficial uses by
default to the classification(s) of the tributary stream(s). Numeric water quality criteria for both toxic and
conventional parameters are assigned for each designated use in UAC R317-2-14, Deeper lakes naturally
stratify thermally, which affects how conventional water quality parameters are assessed (UAC R317-2-14),so
each waterbody is evaluated for thermal stratification and assessed appropriately.
Utah lake and reservoir assessments are divided into two tiers:
Tier I
The Tier I assessment is the preliminary determination of beneficial use support for recreational use (Class 2),
aquatic life (Class 3), and agricultural (Class 4), classes based on conventional parameters such as DO,
temperature, and pH, toxic parameters, and E. coli. When Tier I data are not available, DWQ may rely on
Tier II data to make an initial assessment. The waterbody will be classified as mixed or stratified based on the
depth profile information when considering aquatic life use support within this tier. If it is a stratified
waterbody, the evaluation of conventional parameters will follow the protocol designed to evaluate the
sufficiency of aquatic life habitat. If the waterbody is mixed, it will follow the assessment protocol that
evaluates the entire depth profile.
Tier II
The Tier II assessment looks further into specific weight of evidence criteria (trophic state index [TSI], fish
kills, and algal composition) through secondary reviews. The Tier I preliminary support status may be
modified through evaluation of the TSI, water quality related fish kills, and the composition and abundance of
cyanobacteria, also known as harmful algal blooms. The Tier II evaluation could adjust the preliminary
support-status ranking if at least two of the three criteria indicate a different support status.
Tier I Assessment
Drinking Water Use Support
Drinking water use support is assessed through evaluations of pH, toxics, E. coli, and harmful algal blooms
(HABs). Please review the Toxics Parameter Assessments for All Waters, Escherichia Coli Assessment for
All Waters, and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) assessment sections for further information regarding drinking
water use assessments for toxics, E. coli, and HABs. The evaluation process of pH is the same as the
requirements for aquatic life uses described below.
Recreational Use Support
Recreational use support is assessed through evaluation of pH, E. coli, and HABs. The pH evaluation is the
same as the requirements for aquatic life uses described below. Please review the Escherichia Coli
Assessment for All Waters and HAB assessment sections for further information regarding recreational use
assessments for E. coli and HABs.
60
Aquatic Life Use Support
Lake monitoring routinely involves collecting pH, temperature, and DO measurements at approximately one-
meter intervals throughout the water column from the surface to the lake bottom. (Note: the measurement
interval may be modified in the field depending on waterbody depth). These water column measurements are
compared against Utah water quality standards to assess beneficial use support (Figure 20). A separate
process is used to determine whether sufficient habitat is available for aquatic life for waterbodies that are
thermally stratified (Figure 21).
pH, All Lakes and Reservoirs
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is supported if the number of violations are less than or equal to 10% of the measurements
(see Figure 21, Panel A).
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if greater than 10% of the measurements (minimum of two discrete
No
Figure 20. Process using conventional (nontoxic) parameters to assess lakes that are mixed.
61
measures outside thresholds) violate the pH criterion (Figure 21, Panel B).
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen: Mixed Lakes and Reservoirs
Temperature
The criteria used to assess the beneficial use support are based on profile data. If the temperature criterion is
exceeded in more than 10% of the measurements, with a minimum of two discrete measures exceeding
criteria from any individual sampling event, the site is considered to be not supporting of aquatic life uses.
Beneficial Use Fully Supported
The beneficial use is supported if the number of violations is less than or equal to 10% of the measurements
(see Figure 22, Panel A).
The beneficial use is not supported if more than 10% of the measurements violate the temperature standard
(see Figure 22, Panel B).
Figure 21. Plots of pH measurements (blue dots) against lake depth for a waterbody meeting (Panel A) and violating
(Panel B) the pH water quality standards.
62
Figure 22. Plots of temperature measurements (blue dots) against lake depth for two sites to provide an example of
assessment procedures. Note: The red line illustrates a temperature criterion of 20 degrees Celsius: Class 3A beneficial use.
Dissolved Oxygen
The DO assessment uses data gathered from profiles. The DO assessment uses the minimum criteria of 4.0
mg/L for Class 3A waters and 3.0 mg/L for Class 3B and 3C waters (UAC R317-2-14, Table 2.14.2). State
standards account for anoxic or low DO conditions that may exist in the bottoms of deep waterbodies (UAC
R317-2-14). For that reason, DO assessments for stratified lakes and reservoirs follow the stratified lakes and
reservoirs assessment methods below.
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is supported if at least 90% of the oxygen measurements are greater than the standard.
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if greater than 10% of the oxygen measurements are below the DO
standard during any single sampling event.
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen: Stratified Lakes and Reservoirs
When sample locations demonstrate stratification, a separate assessment technique for temperature and DO
is used to ensure that sufficient habitat for aquatic life exists. Habitat is considered sufficient if at least three
continuous meters of the water column are meeting the criteria for both temperature and DO. The rationale for
a conclusion of beneficial use support based on the existence of adequate habitat follows the decision
63
diagram (Figure 23). Figure 24 provides an example of supporting and not supporting beneficial uses based
on the DO and temperature data above the thermocline.
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is supported if there is sufficient habitat, defined as three continuous meters of the water
column meeting the criteria for both temperature and DO.
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if there is insufficient habitat for aquatic life based on the DO and
temperature profile.
Figure 23. Beneficial use support based on the existence of adequate habitat.
64
Figure 24. Concept of the habitable zone where both DO and temperature are suitable for aquatic life. The site depicted on the top
(Panel A) would be considered supporting because the lens where both temperature and DO provide sufficient habitat is greater than
three continuous meters (>=3 m). Conversely, the site on the bottom (Panel B) is not supporting aquatic life uses because although
there are regions in the water column where dissolved oxygen and temperature criteria are met separately, the region of overlap in
the water column for both temperature and dissolved oxygen criteria (approximately 8 meters depth) is less than three meters.
Total Dissolved Solids: Agricultural Use Support
The following rules are used to determine whether a lake is supporting its agricultural beneficial use (Figure
25):
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is supported if the standard is exceeded in 10% or fewer of TDS samples.
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if the TDS standard is exceeded in more than 10% of TDS samples.
65
Figure 25. Assessment process to determine support of the agricultural beneficial use with TDS data.
Tier II Assessment
Weight of Evidence Criteria
The weight of evidence criteria allows DWQ to use key lines of evidence for assessing a waterbody’s
beneficial use support, including evaluations of Utah’s narrative standard.
The weight of evidence evaluation consists of three components:
• Increasing trophic state index (TSI) trend over the long term (approximately 10 years) or a TSI-Chl-a
greater than 50 (see Carlson’s Trophic State Index section below for more information)
• The observation of water quality based fish kills (see the Narrative Standards for All Waters for more
information) or winter DO measures not meeting the criterion when measured
• Evaluation of phytoplankton community
.
66
Figure 26. Tier II assessment process for lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
Carlson’s Trophic State Index
The Carlson's TSI is calculated using Secchi disk transparency, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a. TSI
value ranges from 0 to about 100, with increasing values indicating a more eutrophic condition. TSIs are
calculated independently for each indicator (i.e., Secchi disk, chlorophyll a, and total phosphorus) and are not
averaged. Chlorophyll a (TSI-Chl-a) is generally considered the most reliable indicator of trophic status,
followed by Secchi disk (TSI-SDD), and total phosphorus (TSI-TP) (Carlson, 1977).
Carlson's TSI estimate for chlorophyll a is calculated using the following equation:
• Trophic status based on Chlorophyll a (TSI-Chl-a): TSI-Chl-a = 9.81 ln (Chl-a) + 30.60, where Chl-a =
chlorophyll a concentrations in μg/L.
67
Phytoplankton Community
DWQ routinely collects phytoplankton to evaluate the composition and relative abundance of algae and
cyanobacteria. These data are used to identify waterbodies potentially undergoing cultural eutrophication that
may negatively impact beneficial uses. Phytoplankton data are used in the Tier II assessment process
because they may reflect nutrient availability and nutrient ratios. The observation that a waterbody has a
diverse assemblage of diatoms or green algae relative to cyanobacteria or other potentially harmful taxa is
used as a line of evidence that the waterbody is supporting its designated uses. In contrast, a phytoplankton
assemblage dominated by cyanobacteria may be indicative of eutrophication, an increased potential for
harmful algal blooms, and a loss of aquatic biodiversity.
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is assigned its own beneficial use class (Class 5) and is further divided into five
subclasses (5A–5E) that represent the four main bays (Gilbert, Gunnison, Bear River, and Farmington) and
transitional waters (UAC R317-2-6). The only numeric water quality criterion currently applicable to GSL is a
selenium bird- egg tissue criterion for Gilbert Bay (Class 5A). The beneficial uses of GSL are protected and
assessed by Utah’s narrative water quality standard (UAC R317-2-7.2) in addition to this criterion. The Great
Salt Lake Water Quality Strategy outlines the process for monitoring and criteria development for GSL.
Gilbert Bay Bird-Egg Tissue Assessment
Bird eggs are collected during the nesting season from representative locations within the Gilbert Bay AU or
adjacent transitional wetlands (UAC R317-2-6.5). Selenium concentrations from eggs collected each year are
assessed against the criterion in UAC R317-2-14. Gilbert Bay’s beneficial use will be identified as impaired if
the geometric mean of selenium concentrations from five or more eggs collected in any year exceeds the 12.5
mg/kg criterion. If the geometric mean of selenium concentrations from five or more eggs collected in any
year exceeds 9.8 mg/kg dry weight, DWQ will identify Gilbert Bay’s beneficial use as threatened and initiate
preliminary TMDL studies to evaluate selenium loading sources. If Gilbert Bay is identified as impaired for
selenium, five consecutive nesting seasons meeting selenium criteria will be considered sufficient for delisting
the impairment.
The Gilbert Bay selenium criterion also includes thresholds below 9.8 mg/kg that trigger management actions
(Table 15). DWQ evaluates egg concentrations against these thresholds to inform management decisions,
but these thresholds are not used for use attainment determinations in the IR.
Eggs are also collected as part of discharge monitoring programs for certain dischargers to GSL. Eggs
collected as a part of these programs are specifically intended to characterize discharge outfall conditions and
are therefore not relevant to assessing more general GSL conditions. Eggs collected under these programs
are only used for evaluating discharge permits and are not used in 303(d) assessment of the GSL AUs.
Table 15. Selenium trigger levels and DWQ responses (UAC R317-2-14.2(14)).
Se concentration
(mg/kg dry weight) DWQ Response
< 5.0 Routine monitoring with sufficient intensity to determine if selenium concentrations
within the Great Salt Lake ecosystem are increasing
5.0 Increased monitoring to address data gaps, loadings, and areas of uncertainty identified
from Great Salt Lake selenium studies
6.4
Initiation of a Level II Antidegradation Review (ADR) by the State for all discharge
permit renewals or new discharge permits to Great Salt Lake. The Level II ADR may
include an analysis of loading reductions.
68
Se concentration
(mg/kg dry weight) DWQ Response
9.8 Aquatic life use declared as threatened. Initiate preliminary TMDL studies to evaluate
selenium loading sources.
12.5 Aquatic life use declared as impaired. Formalize and implement TMDL.
Toxic Parameter Assessments for All Waters
DWQ identifies toxics as all parameters within UAC R317-2-14 that are not defined as conventional
parameters (see Table 11 and the Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds Assessment section).
Data are compared against one or more toxic criteria, depending on the beneficial use, to ensure protection of
designated beneficial uses. One daily measurement at each monitoring location is compared to the chronic
and/or acute criteria for 303(d) assessment purposes. DWQ targets dissolved metals sample collection in
lakes at one meter above the bottom of the deepest site of the waterbody, as this location is the most likely to
identify dissolved metal exceedances in a lake. Dissolved metals are also assessed through this method
when additional metals data are available for other lake locations or depths. The acute and chronic averaging
periods defined in UAC R317-2-14 are not currently applied for 303(d) assessment analysis because
monitoring and sampling frequencies are different and more widely spaced than the acute and chronic
periods typically defined in this rule.
Equation-Based Toxic Parameters
A number of toxic criteria are specified as equations rather than specific values (see footnotes in UAC R317-
2-14). The equations include variables of other chemical constituents or water properties that either reduce or
magnify the extent to which a toxic is harmful to aquatic life. In order to properly apply the correction factor
equations, DWQ uses measured data for the variables in the equation to calculate the appropriate numeric
criteria for the sample. In order to calculate the correct criterion for a pollutant-result value, the monitoring
location site and date of sample must match for the pollutant of concern and the additional parameter(s) that
are needed to complete the equation. In the case where there are missing supplemental data values to apply
the equation, the following rules will be applied.
• Hardness-dependent toxics: For hardness-dependent criteria where a calcium (Ca) or magnesium (Mg)
value is missing and the hardness cannot be calculated, a hardness value reported from the laboratory will be
used. Data without a hardness value are removed from assessments.
•
• Aluminum, chronic only: If either a field pH or calculated or laboratory hardness is missing, the
aluminum acute default value of 750 microgram per liter (μg/L) provided in Table 2.14.2 of UAC R317-2 will
be applied. Otherwise, the following pH and hardness combination and numeric criteria are applied:
a. pH ≥ 7.0 and (calculated or laboratory reported) hardness ≥ 50 parts per million (ppm): 750 μg/L
b. pH < 7.0 and (calculated or laboratory reported) hardness ≥ 50 ppm: 87 μg/L
c. pH ≥ 7.0 and (calculated or laboratory reported) hardness < 50 ppm: 87 μg/L
d. pH < 7.0 and (calculated or laboratory reported) hardness < 50 ppm: 87 μg/L
• Ammonia, chronic: DWQ assumes fish early life stages are present at all monitoring locations. The
following equation is used: ((0.0577/(1+10^(7.688-pH))) + (2.487/(1+ 10^(pH-7.688)))) * MIN (2.85,
1.45*10^(0.028*(25-T))).Where (1.45*10^(0.028*(25-T))) is ≤ 2.85, (1.45*10^(0.028*(25-T))) is applied and
if (1.45*100.028*(25-T)) is > 2.85, 2.85 is applied. However, if a field pH or temperature reading is
unavailable, a correction factor cannot be made and the result value for ammonia will be removed from the
69
assessment.
• Ammonia, acute: If a field pH is missing, a correction factor cannot be made, and the result value for
ammonia will be removed from the assessment.
Assessment Process
Once chronic and acute criteria are calculated, toxicant sampling results, where applicable, are compared to
the criteria to determine if the monitoring location is supporting beneficial uses or is impaired due to
exceedances of the standard. Sites with sufficient data (four or more samples) with two or more exceedances
of the acute and/or chronic criteria will result in non-support of the beneficial use. Four or more samples will
be required with one or zero samples exceeding acute or chronic criteria for sites to meet beneficial uses. In
cases where there are fewer than four samples, and one or zero samples are exceeding the acute or chronic
criteria, sites will be placed in Category 3, insufficient data (Figure 27).
Figure 27. Overview of the assessment process for toxic parameters.
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Data Preparation
Following a credible data review and additional QA/QC checks as outlined in DWQ’s Quality Assurance
Program Plan for Environmental Data Operations (DWQ, 2014), DWQ compiles all credible data within the
period of record of concern and makes several adjustments based on the reported limits and sampling
frequencies necessary to conduct the assessment. Similar to the other QA/QC and assessment procedures
outlined in this document, the raw data and accompanying metadata values in Escherichia coli (E. coli)
datasets are not altered. Instead, DWQ uses a series of database comments and flags.
Recreation Season
To ensure protection of recreation uses, E. coli assessments will be conducted on data collected during the
recreation season from May 1 through October 31. The recreation season may be adjusted to be either longer
or shorter based on site-specific conditions. Any site-specific adjustments made to the recreation season will
be documented.
Escherichia coli Collection Events and Replicate Samples
Datasets at a single monitoring location may contain replicate samples or multiple samples collected in the
same day due to sampling design. Single daily values or collection events are required for E. coli
assessments. DWQ defines a collection event as one of the following:
• The daily most probable number (MPN) result value
• A geometric mean of replicates where multiple samples are collected on the same day
• The daily MPN as a quantified value reported as being obtained from a dilution
In cases where replicate samples were taken and there is 1) a quantified MPN value reported from a dilution
and 2) the MPN value reported is greater-than-detect, the quantified MPN value will be used as the collection
event for assessment purposes. In this scenario, MPNs reported as greater-than-detect are not used to
calculate the geometric mean for the collection event.
Data Substitution for Calculating the Geometric Mean
Assessments use the geometric mean of representative samples to determine if E. coli standards are met. E.
coli data that are reported as less- than-detect (< 1) or 0 will be treated as a value of 1 to allow for the
calculation of a geometric mean. Similarly, E. coli data that are reported as greater-than-detect (> 2,419.6) will
be treated as 2,420 to allow for the calculation of the geometric mean.
Use Designation
DWQ assesses use support for each monitoring location once the data are compiled. All waters of the state
are classified for contact recreation (Class 2), and some waters are classified as drinking water sources
(Class 1C). These uses have specific associated E. coli standards that are used to determine use support.
The numeric criteria within UAC R317-2-14 are applied to Class 2 and Class 1C uses based on the beneficial
use assignments to a waterbody or segment within a waterbody.
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Assessment Process
Annual Recreation Season Assessment
DWQ begins the assessment process by gathering information on health advisories and/or closures issued
during the recreation season. If a waterbody had two or more E. coli–related beach closures and/or health
advisories in a recreation season, or if a health advisory and/or closure was issued for recreational access to
a waterbody for two or more weeks, the waterbody is considered impaired and no further assessment is
conducted (Figure 17). If there were fewer than two closures or advisories, or if the closure lasted less than
two weeks, the assessment process continues using E. coli concentrations.
Figure 28. Considering E. coli-related beach closures and/or health advisories.
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To ensure protection of recreation and drinking water uses of assessed waterbodies of the state, DWQ
considers three scenarios based on sampling frequency and the number of collection events at a monitoring
location:
• Scenario A: A seasonal assessment against the maximum criterion (Figure 18)
• Scenario B: A 30-day geometric mean assessment (Figure 19)
• Scenario C: A seasonal geometric mean assessment (Figure 20)
Scenario A
If there are greater than or equal to five collection events spaced 48 hours or more apart within a recreation
season, then all collection events within the recreation season are used to make an assessment (see Figure
18).
• DWQ does not make impairment decisions based on one exceedance. If the monitoring location has less
than 10 collection events within a recreation season, then one collection event may exceed the numeric
criterion and the site will still be considered in Scenarios B and C. If two or more collection events exceed the
numeric criterion, then the monitoring location is not supporting the beneficial use, and the next beneficial use
is assessed.
• If there are 10 or more collection events within a recreation season, a percent exceedance is calculated
by dividing the number of collection events that exceed the maximum criterion by the total number of
collection events. If the calculated percentage is 10% or less, the monitoring location is then assessed using
Scenarios B and C. If the calculated percentage is greater than 10%, the monitoring location is not supporting
its beneficial use, and the next beneficial use is assessed.
• If there are less than five collection events spaced 48 hours or more apart within a recreation season,
then the monitoring location is placed in the insufficient data category.
• If one or more collection events exceed the maximum criterion, then the monitoring location is placed in
the insufficient data with exceedances category.
• If no collection events exceed the maximum criterion, then the monitoring location is placed in the
insufficient data, no exceedances category.
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Figure 29. Scenario A: A seasonal assessment using the maximum criterion at a monitoring location.
Scenario B
If the site’s calculated percent exceedance of the maximum criterion is less than or equal to 10% or no more
than 1 sample exceeding the maximum criterion in the case of a dataset with 5 to 9 samples, the site is
then assessed using the 30-day geometric mean criterion (see Figure 19). There must be a minimum of
five collection events in 30 days with at least 48 hours between collection events in order to assess against
the 30-day geometric mean criterion directly. This ensures that collection events are adequately spaced and
are representative of ambient conditions.
Step 1: Determine if there are ≥5 collection events within a 30-day period.
• Count the number of collection events collected between each sample date (day 1) and the sample date
plus 29 days (day 30).
Step 2: Determine if the collection events are representative (must have ≥5 collection events within a 30-day
period).
• Count the number of collection events collected between each sample day (day 0) and the sample date
plus 2 days (day 3).
• If there are two collection events within this period, only one sample will be considered representative.
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Step 3: Calculate the 30-day geometric mean.
• If there are ≥5 representative samples in a 30-day period, then all collection events will be used to
calculate the 30-day geometric mean.
• If ≥1 30-day geometric mean exceeds the 30-day criteria, the site is not supporting beneficial uses. If
there are not representative data for Scenario B, or if the 30-day geometric mean did not exceed the 30-day
criteria, the site is assessed using Scenario C.
Scenario C
Figure 30. Scenario B: An assessment using the 30-day geometric mean for monitoring locations with five or more
collection events within 30 days.
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If adequate (at least five samples) and/or representative data spaced by at least 48 hours are not available to
assess against the 30-day geometric mean, DWQ will assess E. coli data for the recreation season, provided
there are at least five collection events during the defined recreational season. Exceedances of the geometric
mean criterion will result in the site being classified either as impaired (minimum of 10 collection events in a
recreation season) or as insufficient data (sample size is more than five but fewer than 10) (see Figure 20).
Figure 31. Scenario C: A seasonal geometric mean assessment.
Summarizing Assessment Results
When determining beneficial use support of a monitoring location with assessment results across multiple
years, the following rules are applied, in the following order:
Not Supporting (Category 5)
• A waterbody has two or more posted health advisories or beach closures during any recreation season.
• Any monitoring location with five to nine collection events and two or more collection events that exceed
the maximum criterion.
• Any monitoring location where the calculated percent exceedance of the maximum criterion within a
recreation season for E. coli concentrations is greater than 10% for 10 or more collection events.
• Any monitoring location where the 30-day geometric mean exceeds the 30-day geometric mean criterion
(minimum five collection events with at least 48 hours between collection events).
• Any monitoring location where the recreational season geometric mean exceeds the 30-day geometric
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mean criterion (minimum of 10 collection events).
Insufficient Data
• Sites with nine or fewer samples that could not be fully assessed in Scenarios A, B, or C will be listed as
insufficient data, provided impairment is not suggested by a posted health advisories or beach closures.
Combinations of Category 3 (with no exceedances), 2, and/or 1
• If there is no evidence of impairment at a site by any of the assessment approaches over the period of
record, the assessment analysis from the most recent year outweighs the results from previous years. DWQ’s
process for merging assessment results from multiple locations within an AU is discussed in more detail in
Determinations of Impairment: All Assessment Units.
Supporting (Category 1 or 2)
• No evidence of impairment by any assessment approach for all recreation seasons over period of record.
A fully supporting determination can be made with a minimum of five collection events during the recreational
season.
Combining E. coli with Other Parameter Assessment Results
Until the determination of impairment and the review of additional supporting information are completed by
reviewers, parameter assessments at an individual monitoring location and results from multiple monitoring
locations within the same AU are not summarized and combined (see Determination of Impairment for more
details).
Pollution Indicator Assessments for All Waters
Several parameters and beneficial uses in UAC R317-2 are identified as pollution indicators and have
footnotes indicating that further investigations should be conducted when levels are exceeded. To capture this
footnote in the assessment process, DWQ reviews preliminary pollution indicator assessments during the
Secondary Review process to determine whether pollution indicators demonstrate clear and convincing
evidence of supporting or not supporting the beneficial uses assigned to the waterbody in UAC R317-2.
Secondary reviews incorporate pollution indicator data into assessment-category determinations and rely on
multiple lines of evidence, including pollution indicator thresholds, the presence or absence of other indicator-
associated water quality issues, potential pollutant sources, and other site- or watershed-specific knowledge,
to determine whether listing or delisting on a pollution indicator parameter is appropriate or whether to
prioritize waterbodies for additional monitoring.
Narrative Standards for All Waters
Utah’s water quality standards contain narrative criteria that protect beneficial uses in addition to the numeric
criteria used to perform water quality assessments. The narrative criteria state:
It shall be unlawful, and a violation of these rules, for any person to discharge or place any waste or other
substance in such a way as will be or may become offensive such as unnatural deposits, floating debris, oil,
scum, or other nuisances such as color, odor to taste; or cause conditions which produce undesirable aquatic
life or which produce objectionable tastes in edible aquatic organisms; or result in concentration or
combinations of substance which produce undesirable physiological responses in desirable resident fish, or
other desirable aquatic life, or undesirable human health effect, as determined by bioassay or other tests
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performed in accordance with standard procedures; or determined by biological assessments in (UAC)
Subsection R317-2-7.3.
DWQ will apply the narrative criteria to protect human health and aquatic life where evidence exists that
human-caused actions have produced any of these undesirable outcomes in a waterbody. Narrative
standards may be used to make an impairment determination for drinking-water closures, fish kills, harmful
algal blooms (HABs), beach closures for swimming, and health advisories for the consumption of fish.
Assessment of E. coli data and associated beach closures to protect human health provide an additional
weight of evidence for defining the impairment of recreational uses and is addressed in more detail earlier in
this document in the Escherichia Coli Assessment for All Waters section.
DWQ will assess a site as impaired for 1C uses if the Utah Division of Drinking Water or a local municipality
issues an advisory or closure for a surface drinking water source, unless data show that the problem has
been resolved.
Fish Kills
DWQ requests information on reported fish kills from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other
stakeholders. These data are used with water quality data to make final assessment decisions. For example,
sites that would generally not be assessed due to small sample sizes may be listed as impaired if fish kills
have also been observed in the waterbody.
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Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)
In fresh waters, HABs are typically composed of cyanobacteria; a phylum of photosynthetic bacteria sometimes called
blue-green algae. Recreational exposure to HABs can result in negative human health and aquatic life impacts (EPA
2019). DWQ‘s HAB assessment methods apply to non-benthic HABs occurring in waterbodies with frequent primary
contact recreational uses, including those currently designated with 2A uses and those where existing frequent primary
contact recreational uses have been documented. Potential impacts of HABs on aquatic life uses are currently
addressed through eutrophication-related aspects of general lakes, reservoirs, ponds, flowing surface waters or the
State, and canal assessment methods (e.g. dissolved oxygen, pH, and lake Tier II assessments).
DWQ‘s HAB assessment methods use two independent indicators to determine beneficial use support: cyanotoxin
concentrations and waterbody access or use limitations. DWQ collects samples during HAB events for use in
recreational use assessments using DWQ‘s HAB Standard Operating Procedures (SOP, DWQ 2022). DWQ‘s
assessment methods rely on EPA‘s recommended criteria for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin (EPA 2019).
Thresholds for additional cyanotoxins may continue to be added to the assessment methods as they become available.
Table 16. Cyanotoxin thresholds for recreational use assessments based on EPA (2019) guidance.
Microcystins
magnitude (ug/L)
Cylindrospermopsin
magnitude (ug/L) Duration Frequency
8
15
1 in 10-day assessment
period across a
recreational season
Not more than 3
excursions* in a
recreational season in
more than one year over
the period of record
* An excursion is defined as a 10-day assessment period with any toxin concentration higher than the
recommended criteria magnitude. When more than three excursions occur within a recreational season and
that pattern reoccurs in more than one year over the IR period of record, it is an indication the water quality has
been or is becoming degraded and is not supporting its recreational use.
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is fully supported if, over the period of record: Cyanotoxin concentrations have not been
identified above recreational use thresholds (Table 16), AND a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory, or closure has
not been issued for recreational access to a waterbody.
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if, in representative samples for recreational uses, in two or more years in the
period of record: Cyanotoxin concentrations above recreational guidelines (Table 16) have been reported in more
than three 10-day assessment periods in a recreational season, OR a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory, or
closure has been issued for recreational access to a waterbody for two or more 2-week periods in a recreational
season.
Insufficient Data and Information with Exceedances (IR Category 3)
The waterbody will be placed in the insufficient data category if: It does not meet either of the Beneficial Use Not
Supported criteria (above), but cyanotoxin concentrations exceeded recreational use thresholds (Table 16) in three
or fewer 10-day assessment periods in a recreation season, OR a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory, or closure
has been issued for recreational use for less than two 2-week periods. These waterbodies will be prioritized for
further sampling and evaluation.
Fish Tissue Assessments and Consumption Health Advisories
DWQ has collected fish tissue samples for mercury analysis in waterbodies throughout the state since 2000.
Consumption advisories have been issued based on the EPA-published ambient water quality criterion for
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methylmercury for the protection of people who eat fish and shellfish. This criterion is 0.3 milligram (mg)
methylmercury per kilogram (kg) fish tissue wet weight. If all fish (small and large) of the same species at a
monitoring location have a mean mercury concentration of > 0.3 mg/kg, additional statistical tests are used to
determine if a consumption advisory is necessary. If the mean is < 0.3 mg/kg, no advisory is issued. In
several instances, size class advisories have been issued when it is apparent that only the larger size class
exceeds the safe consumption criterion.
Using a t-test, the p-value is considered for locations with a mean mercury concentration of > 0.3 mg/kg. In
hypothesis testing, a p-value is the statistical probability (over repeated measures) that the mean value (or
more extreme value) is observed given that the null hypothesis is true. In the case of health advisories,
DWQ uses a t-test to evaluate the difference between a mean mercury concentration > 0.3 mg/kg and the
expected mercury value of 0.3 mg/kg. In this statistical test, a smaller p-value indicates a lower probability
the statistical comparison supports the null hypothesis that mercury concentrations are at an acceptable
level. DWQ uses a p-value of 0.05 as a threshold for consumption health advisories. If a species has a mean
of > 0.3 mg/kg and a p-value < 0.05, a consumption advisory is issued. If a species has a mean of > 0.3
mg/kg but a p-value of > 0.05, an advisory is not issued. The consumption advisories are based on long-term
consumption; therefore, the mean is the most appropriate and commonly used parameter to estimate
exposure.
In an effort to control for false negatives, DWQ calculates 95% confidence limits of the mean mercury
concentration. If the upper confidence limit is above 0.3 mg/kg, that site is targeted for additional sampling.
When an advisory is warranted, DWQ sends the data to the Utah Department of Health toxicologist, who uses
the mean mercury concentration to calculate the actual consumption recommendations. Those calculations
are based on the following:
• Average adult weight: 70 kg (154 pounds). Average adult meal size: 227 grams (8 ounces)/meal
• Average child weight: 16 kg (35 pounds). Average child meal size: 113 grams (4 ounces)/meal
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Consumption amounts are calculated for three target populations: pregnant women and children < 6 years
old; women of child-bearing age and children between 6–16 years old; and adult women past child-bearing
age and men >16 years old.
Mercury Assessment Process
The current approach for mercury assessments for aquatic life is different than the consumption advisory
process. The assessment is based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended value of
1.0 mg/kg. The FDA set the consumption concentration at 1.0 mg/kg, which correlates to the water column
mercury concentration of 0.012 µg/L identified in previous studies by EPA (EPA, 1985). Utah’s water quality
standard for mercury is 0.012 µg/L as a four-day average. Therefore, the corresponding fish tissue
concentration of 1.0 mg/kg is used for assessment.
Beneficial Use Supported (Category 1)
• No fish consumption advisories for mercury are in place.
• Mean fish tissue mercury concentration for all individuals of the same species at a location is less than
0.3 mg/kg and p-value is < 0.5.
Insufficient Data with Exceedances (Category 3)
• Fish consumption advisories for mercury are in place, but the mean fish tissue mercury concentration for
all individuals of the same species at a location is less than or equal to 1.0 mg/kg.
Beneficial Use Not Supported (Category 5)
• Fish consumption advisory for mercury is in place.
• Mean fish tissue mercury concentration is greater than 1.0 mg/kg.
For additional information and the most up-to-date list of consumption advisories, please visit
fishadvisories.utah.gov.
Determinations of Impairment: All Assessment
Units
Each use and parameter within a waterbody is assigned a provisional EPA-derived assessment category after
the initial assessment of credible data against the numeric criteria in UAC R317-2. To verify the use and
parameter-specific assessment results and consolidate the often multiple parameter assessments into one
result per waterbody, DWQ must consider the quantity of data and the extent to which such data demonstrate
clear and convincing evidence of supporting or not supporting the beneficial uses assigned to the waterbody
DWQ considers the following information to determine whether a waterbody is supporting or not supporting its
beneficial uses:
• Individual assessment of water quality standards at a single site
• Independent applicability
• Multiple lines of evidence and several levels of secondary reviews
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Individual Assessment of Water Quality Standards
DWQ first considers the individual use and parameter-specific assessment results from the monitoring-
location level data to determine whether a waterbody is supporting or not supporting the beneficial uses
assigned in UAC R317-2, Each use and parameter assessed for the waterbody is assigned a provisional
EPA-derived assessment category. Unless noted in the waterbody-specific data assessment protocols, the
assessment policies outlined in this document provide a direct and quantifiable method and documentation of
data supporting or not supporting DWQ’s water quality standards versus data and information that are
developed using surrogate parameters or indicators. Because individual assessments at a single monitoring
location site offer a more direct measure of supporting or not supporting water quality standards in UAC
R317-2, DWQ places a greater weight on individual assessment decisions that follow the data assessment
protocols in this document.
DWQ looks across the multiple parameter-specific assessment results that exist for a location and
consolidates the results into a preliminary assessment at the individual site level after review of the individual
water quality standard assessments for a beneficial use. DWQ then assigns one EPA-derived assessment
decision category as defined in Table 1 to each monitoring location.
Conflicting Assessments of Water Quality Standards
DWQ applies the policy of independent applicability to address the possibility of conflicting results among
different types of data (e.g., biological versus conventionals, toxics versus E.coli) at the site and AU level and
goes through a series of considerations to determine if discrepancies are due to
• Differences in data quality
• Environmental factors such as the application of the water-effects ratio, development of site-specific
criteria, revision to numeric criteria in UAC R317-2, or completion of a use attainability analysis
Sites with conflicting assessment results may be listed as Category 3 (insufficient data and information). This
allows DWQ to examine conflicting lines of evidence when concerns about the quality of independent
datasets cannot be resolved through evaluation and documentation of the QA/QC issues that led to
acceptance of one dataset and the resulting assessment result. Specific assumptions regarding model
applicability applied during the biological assessment process are discussed in the Biological Assessment
section. Similarly, if the application of water-effects ratio, justifiable site-specific criteria change, or change in
beneficial uses based on a use attainability analysis cannot rectify the difference in the assessment results,
then a Category 3 may be warranted. All evaluations of conflicting assessment decisions will be made in
consultation with EPA on a case-by-case basis.
Aggregation of Site-Specific Assessments to Assessment Unit Categories
For reporting purposes, DWQ aggregates all site-specific water quality assessments within an AU to a single
assessment category for that AU as described in Table 1. A flowchart describing this process is presented in Figure
21 (see Appendix 3 for additional detail).
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Figure 32. Process of assigning EPA categories to AUs based on results of monitoring location assessments.
Secondary Review
DWQ conducts a secondary review of listing determinations after consolidation of all individual assessment
results and assignment of preliminary assessment category(s) for an AU, The secondary review process
allows DWQ to apply site/waterbody-specific knowledge and additional data quality controls to evaluate the
extent to which data used in the preliminary assessment demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of
supporting or not supporting the beneficial uses assigned to the waterbody in UAC R317-2-6. DWQ
recognizes that input from reviewers during public comment periods, in addition to the internal secondary
review process, may provide key information on the data used in listing decisions. To ensure consistency in
its use among different professionals, the secondary review process will be applied in a select number of
scenarios using a standard set of evaluation guidelines (Appendix 2).
If documentation from the secondary review provides sufficient evidence to modify the basis and result of the
preliminary assessment, the preliminary assessment decision based on the data assessment procedures
outlined in this document will be overwritten. For example, preliminary listings for Category 5, Category 1, or
Category 2 waters could be re-assigned as Category 3, insufficient data and information, based on one or
more factors outlined in Appendix 2. DWQ will document the original category assignment and a justification
for the secondary review to ensure tracking and transparency.
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Assessment Unit Re-segmentation
DWQ may decide it is appropriate to re-segment (i.e. “split”) an existing AU polygon into two or more new
AUs rather than aggregate those conflicting assessments into a single AU scale category when site-specific
assessments within a single AU conflict. AUs where water quality criterion exceedances are clearly isolated to
a relatively small, hydrologically distinct portion of the larger AU may be re-segmented to more accurately
reflect that variation in water quality. For example, a large AU with an impairment isolated to a single tributary
may be re-segmented into two AUs: one for the impaired tributary and another for the rest of the existing AU.
Assessment categories for both AUs are then determined following standard aggregation (Figure 21 and the
delisting procedures discussed in the Delistings section). This results in a higher resolution and overall more
accurate assessment. DWQ does not consider it appropriate to re-segment an AU when exceedances are
observed in multiple locations throughout an AU or where impaired sites are not hydrologically distinct from
unimpaired portions of the AU.
If after aggregating all of the assessments into one assessment category for an AU, DWQ determines that the
supporting or not supporting assessment result decision is not representative of the entire AU, DWQ will
investigate further to determine whether the supporting or not supporting decision is widespread or limited to
individual portions of the waterbody, such as specific tributaries or reaches. Results from the analysis will be
categorized as follows:
Entire AU not supporting (Category 5): DWQ will recommend that the AU not be re-segmented and the
entire AU be listed as not supporting. When data from multiple sites or tributaries within an AU indicate
multiple (or a combination of) sites that do not support beneficial uses (Category 5) and insufficient data with
exceedances (Category 3)
Not supporting tributaries listed as not supporting (Category 5): DWQ may recommend the AU be
re-segmented into two AUs and that only the tributaries with data indicating impairment are listed as not
supporting if data from one or more other tributaries indicate a combination of any of the following:
• Insufficient Data with Exceedances (Category 3)
• No Evidence of Impairments (Category 2)
• Supporting (Category 1)
• Needs Further Investigations (Category 3)
• Insufficient Data with No Exceedances (Category 3)
• Not Assessed (Category 3)
The rest of the AU will be assigned a category following procedures as outlined in Figure 21.
Identifying Causes of Impairments
DWQ will determine if the impairment or impairments are driven by pollutants, pollution, unknown, or natural
causes once an AU is assigned an EPA assessment category that is representative of conditions in the AU
(see Table 1). DWQ will identify causes of impairment by a pollutant with specific numeric water quality
criteria identified in UAC R317-2-14. Pollution is a generalized term for causes of water quality impairment
that can include multiple pollutants and other factors such as the absence or lack of water, lack of riparian
vegetation, and other modifications that affect a waterbody’s ability to support aquatic habitat and other
designated uses. With the exception of naturally occurring causes, only one cause will be applied to a not-
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supporting waterbody and parameter. Procedures on how DWQ identifies the cause of impairments are
described in the section below.
Pollutants
DWQ uses CWA’s definition as a guide to define pollutant-driven impairments (Category 5) as those resulting
from the following:
… dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical
wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials (except those regulated under Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
as amended), heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and
agricultural waste discharged into water. (UAC R317-2)
DWQ also includes certain radiological constituents that are regulated under the state’s Water Quality Control
Act.
For the purpose of the 303(d) list, causes for impairments due to toxic parameters will be identified as the
parameter for which there is an impairment. In the case of conventional parameters such as DO, temperature,
pH, and biological scores, the cause will be assigned as the parameter that was assessed until a TMDL or
pollution prevention plan identifies an alternative cause of the impairment.
DWQ will list the waterbody and the not-supporting parameter(s) as impaired for that pollutant (cadmium, iron,
etc.) when an impairment for a waterbody or segment within a waterbody is identified as pollutant-driven.
Waterbodies that are not supporting their beneficial uses due to pollutant impairments require future
development of a TMDL or application of a TMDL alternative.
Where DWQ can identify that an impairment was not driven by a pollutant, it may consider whether the not-
supporting assessment was driven solely by pollution versus a pollutant or by an unknown cause. DWQ will
use CWA’s definition of pollution as a guide when determining if an impairment resulted from “the man-made
or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological integrity of water.”
Waterbodies with not-supporting parameters that are driven solely by pollution problems do not require the
future development of a TMDL and are candidates for a non-pollutant impairment (4C) assessment category.
Details on DWQ’s process for using EPA’s 4C assessment category are described in section Category 4C.
Unknown Sources
For the purpose of the IR, sources of pollution contributing to an impairment will be reported in the 303(d) list
to EPA as “unknown” until a TMDL or special study identifies the sources and any additional causes of
impairment.
Natural Conditions
DWQ will retain the not-supporting assessment decision in cases where it or a stakeholder can demonstrate
that the natural conditions of the waterbody or segment within a waterbody are the key factors for an
impairment(s). However, DWQ’s response to such exceedances differs unless a site-specific standard has
been promulgated. Site-specific standards require documentation that demonstrates the extent to which the
violations were due to natural conditions. Proposed changes to standards will be developed once this
documentation is assembled Please review DWQ’s Standards website for more information on the review
and approval process for developing standards and numeric criteria for exceedances caused by naturally
occurring conditions.
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Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical
Assessments
Upon validating the strength and extent of the impairments within a waterbody or segment within a waterbody,
DWQ includes newly proposed and previously listed not supporting (Category 5) waterbodies on the updated
303(d) list unless the waterbody or waterbody segment(s) is currently included in the IR’s TMDL-approved
(Category 4A), pollution control (Category 4B), non-pollutant impairment (Category 4C), or delisting lists.
Details on how and when DWQ will not apply or carry an impaired listing (not supporting, Category 5) forward
on DWQ’s 303(d) list are described below.
Category 4A
DWQ may choose to not list or remove an impaired waterbody or segment within a waterbody on the state’s
303(d) list by calculating the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive while still meeting
the state’s water quality standards. This calculation and analysis work must be formalized in a TMDL and go
through a thorough internal and external review process. This TMDL must be provided to the public for review
and comment, submitted to the Water Quality Board for approval, reviewed by the Legislative Natural
Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee if implementation costs exceed $10 million or the
full State Legislature for approval if implementation costs exceed $100 million, and ultimately to EPA for their
approval. Information on DWQ’s process for developing and implementing a TMDL can be found on DWQ’s
Watershed Management Program website and EPA’s TMDL 303(d) website. Where DWQ has documentation
of a TMDL approved by the Water Quality Board and EPA for an impaired parameter within a not-supporting
waterbody or segment within a waterbody, DWQ will override a current or previous not-supporting Category 5
listing decision at the AU level as follows:
Whole AU Category 4A, TMDL-approved if:
The only impairments within the waterbody or segment within the waterbody are included in the approved
TMDL.
There are additional impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that are addressed
in a Category 4B demonstration plan (described in section Category 4B and Appendix 4) and are not included
in the approved TMDL. If the parameters included in the approved Category 4B demonstration plan are still
not supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the current assessment cycle, DWQ will indicate
that those parameters have an approved Category 4B demonstration plan in place.
There are additional impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that are pollution-
driven (Category 4C) and not included in the approved TMDL. DWQ will indicate that those parameters are
pollution versus pollutant driven if the pollution-driven parameters are still not supporting or are insufficient
data with exceedances in the current assessment cycle.
Whole AU Category 5, Not Supporting if:
There are any additional pollutant impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that
are not included in the approved TMDL. DWQ will indicate that those parameters have an approved TMDL in
place if the parameters included in the approved TMDL are still not supporting or are insufficient data with
exceedances in the current assessment cycle.
86
Category 4B
DWQ may choose to not list or remove an impaired waterbody or segment within a waterbody on the state’s
303(d) list by developing a plan that ensures, upon implementation, that the waterbody will meet state water
quality standards within a reasonable time period and through state- and EPA-approved pollution-control
mechanisms. Similar to a TMDL, a Category 4B demonstration plan must go through a robust internal and
external review process. Once DWQ or a stakeholder develops a plan for consideration, DWQ will present the
plan to the Water Quality Board and submit the board-approved plan to EPA for final approval. More
information on the Category 4B demonstration plan process can be found in Appendix 4 and in EPA’s
Category 4b – A Regulatory Alternative to TMDLs document.
Where DWQ has documentation of an EPA-approved Category 4B demonstration plan for an impaired
parameter within a not-supporting waterbody or segment within a waterbody, DWQ will override a current (or
previous) not-supporting Category 5 listing decision at the AU level as follows:
Whole AU Category 4A, TMDL-approved if:
There are any additional impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that are
addressed in an approved TMDL (Category 4A) and are not included in the approved Category 4B
demonstration plan. DWQ will indicate that those parameters have an approved Category 4B demonstration
plan in place if the parameters included in the approved Category 4B demonstration plan are still not
supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the current assessment cycle.
Whole AU Category 4B, Pollution Control if:
The only impairments within the waterbody or segment within the waterbody are included in the approved
Category 4B demonstration plan.
There are additional impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that are pollution
driven (Category 4C) and are not included in the approved Category 4B demonstration plan. DWQ will
indicate that those parameters are pollution rather than pollutant driven if the pollution-driven parameter
impairments are still not supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the current assessment cycle.
Whole AU Category 5, Not Supporting if:
There are any additional pollutant impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody that
are not included in the approved Category 4B demonstration plan. DWQ will indicate that those parameters
have an approved Category 4B demonstration plan in place if the parameters included in the approved
Category 4B demonstration plan are still not supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the
current assessment cycle.
Category 4C
DWQ may choose to not list or remove an impaired waterbody or segment within a waterbody on the state’s
303(d) List when DWQ can demonstrate that the parameter-specific impairment (or impairments) is driven by
pollution and not by a pollutant or pollutant that causes pollution; for example, an impairment driven by
hydrologic modification or habitat degradation. Unlike a TMDL or Category 4B demonstration plan, the
analysis determines if the cause of impairment is driven by pollution and does not require formal approval
from the Water Quality Board or EPA. The determination is reviewed internally by DWQ and by stakeholders
during the public comment period of the draft IR and 303(d) list.
For the draft IR and 303(d) list, DWQ will temporarily assume “approval” of any pollution-driven analysis work
and supersede a current or previous not supporting Category 5 listing decision at the AU level as follows:
87
Whole AU Category 4A, TMDL-approved if:
All impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody are addressed in an approved TMDL
(Category 4A). DWQ will indicate that those parameters are pollution- rather than pollutant-driven for
pollution-driven impairments that are still not supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the
current assessment cycle.
Whole AU Category 4B, Pollution Control if:
All impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody are addressed in an approved
Category 4B demonstration plan. DWQ will indicate that those parameters are pollution driven for pollution-
driven impairments that are still not supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the current
assessment cycle.
Whole AU Category 4C, Non-Pollutant Impairment if:
The only impairments within the waterbody or segment within the waterbody are included in the approved
Category 4C demonstration plan.
Whole AU Category 5, Not Supporting if:
There are any additional pollutant impairments within the waterbody or segments within the waterbody. DWQ
will indicate that those parameters are pollution-driven for pollution-driven impairments that are still not
supporting or are insufficient data with exceedances in the current assessment cycle.
DW Q will provide stakeholders with draft IR and 303(d) list documentation during the public comment period
to demonstrate why the impaired parameter within the waterbody or segment within the waterbody is
pollution- and not pollutant-driven and will not require the future development of a TMDL.
Delistings
The fourth and final alternative DWQ has at its disposal is to demonstrate good cause to stakeholders and
EPA that a previously impaired parameter and waterbody or segment within a waterbody is now meeting
water quality standards in UAC R317-2. Good cause occurs when DWQ can demonstrate one or more of the
following categories and scenarios:
Meeting water quality criteria due to restoration activities
The waterbody has improved due to implementation of nonpoint source projects and/or revised effluent limits
and post-implementation data indicate that the impairment has been resolved. This assessment may be
based on additional data beyond that which is typically used in assessments, including before–and-after
project implementation monitoring. In some cases, demonstration of improvement may be based on a
different time period for data collection that corresponds with known watershed improvements.
Applicable water quality standard attained due to change in water quality standard
Adoption of revised water quality standards and/or uses so the waterbody now meets the revised standards
and/or uses.
Applicable water quality standard attained due to change in 303(d) assessment methods
Development of a new listing method consistent with the state water quality standards and classifications and
federal listing requirements. This includes all information contained in this document and posted on DWQ’s
Call for Data webpages.
88
Meeting water quality criteria with new data
Assessment and interpretation of older data that was not originally included in the previous assessment
and/or more recent or more accurate data that demonstrate that the applicable classified uses and numeric
and narrative standards are being met.
Listed water not in state's jurisdiction
Inappropriate listing of a water that is located within Indian country as defined in 18 United States Code 1151.
Original basis for listing was incorrect
Flaws in the original analysis of data and information that led to the waterbody-pollutant combination being
incorrectly listed. Such flaws may include the following: (1) calculation errors in the data assessment methods
outlined in the 303(d) assessment methods from that assessment cycle; (2) errors produced when reviewing
credible and representative data information; (3) mapping errors generated during the validation of monitoring
location information and assigning AU designations; (4) discrepancies between the beneficial use
assignments in UAC R317-2 and the IR geo-location information files for internal and external data; (5),
incorrect identification and assessment of a waterbody type; and (6) application of the wrong numeric criteria
to a beneficial use.
New modeling
Results of more sophisticated water quality modeling that demonstrate that the applicable classified uses and
numeric and narrative standards are being met.
Effluent limitations
Demonstration pursuant to 40 CFR 130.7(b)(1)(ii) that there are effluent limitations required by state or local
authorities that are more stringent than technology-based effluent limitations required by the CWA and that
these more stringent effluent limitations will result in support of classified uses and numeric and narrative
standards for the pollutant causing the impairment.
Other
There is other relevant information that supports the decision not to include the segment on the Section
303(d) list.
In order to justify a delisting of an AU for a given parameter based on new data, the dataset must be of
sufficient quantity and quality to make an assessment. There are two mechanisms for justifying a delisting
based on assessment results:
• Delisting an AU for all parameters
• Delisting individual parameters for an AU
DWQ will compare the previous IR cycle’s final assessment categories and 303(d) list to the current IR’s
assessment categories and 303(d) list to demonstrate good cause. Where differences in categorical
assignments exist, DWQ will only further investigate the following scenarios for good cause:
• The AU/waterbody or segment within the waterbody was previously not supporting (Category 5) and is
now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of impairment (Category 2).
• The AU/waterbody or segment within the waterbody was previously not supporting but had an approved
TMDL (Category 4A) and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of impairment (Category 2).
89
• The AU/waterbody or segment within the waterbody was previously not supporting but had an approved
Category 4B demonstration plan and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of impairment
(Category 2).
• The AU/waterbody or segment within the waterbody was previously not supporting but had pollution-
driven impairment (Category 4C) and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of impairment
(Category 2).
Note: The next set of scenarios describes the methods that apply to delisting individual parameters rather
than entire AUs.
• A parameter within an AU/waterbody (or segment within the waterbody) was previously not supporting
(Category 5) and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of impairment (Category 2).
• A parameter within an AU/waterbody (or segment within the waterbody) was previously not supporting but
had an approved TMDL (Category 4A) and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of
impairment (Category 2).
• A parameter within an AU/waterbody (or segment within the waterbody) was previously not supporting but
had an approved Category 4B demonstration plan and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence
of impairment (Category 2).
• A parameter within an AU/waterbody (or segment within the waterbody) was previously not supporting but
had pollution-driven impairment (Category 4C) and is now supporting (Category 1) or shows no evidence of
impairment (Category 2).
Where assessment category assignments at the AU- and parameter-level warrant a further investigation for
good cause, DWQ will reevaluate the data using the following:
• The period of record from when the AU and/or parameter was first listed
• The period of record in the current assessment cycle
• The data that were collected between when the AU and/or parameter were first listed and the period of
record considered in the current assessment cycle
DWQ will review the data from all assessed sample locations (as defined in Table 4) in the three above
scenarios as part of the demonstration-of-good-cause process to confirm whether there were exceedances at
the sample sites. DWQ must demonstrate that the exceedances no longer exist, no longer are of concern, or
that water quality has improved. DWQ will provide documentation and a justification as to why the site was
not re-sampled and/or whether water quality conditions have improved if a sample site had exceedances and
newer data do not exist. If documentation cannot be provided, the AU and parameter will not be delisted, and
the previous categorical assignment will carry forward.
Delisting Categorical Pollutant Causes
When TMDLs or special studies identify parameters contributing to a cause of impairment that is not the
original cause for listing on the 303(d) list, there may be good cause justification for delisting the categorical
cause if the original impaired parameter is no longer impaired and a linkage of the additional causes can be
documented in a TMDL or other study. For instance, in some circumstances DWQ has identified phosphorus
as a contributing cause of impairment to an existing DO listing and subsequently made a categorical listing for
phosphorus as a cause on subsequent 303(d) lists. Since DWQ does not have assessment methods for
phosphorus, a delisting based on the process outlined here is not feasible. Therefore, if the assessment
results for the original DO listing can justify a delisting, any additional parameters associated with that cause
may also be delisted with proper documentation of a direct linkage.
90
Appendix 5 elaborates on the process DWQ will follow when evaluating good cause at the AU-level and also
describes, in more detail, the process DWQ will go through when evaluating good cause at the parameter
level. DWQ applies several delisting codes for EPA review and approval (also included in Appendix 5 ).
If a waterbody or parameter is shown to have good cause for not being listed or removed as an impaired
waterbody or segment within a waterbody on the state’s 303(d) list, DWQ will state the good cause and
provide a detailed description of the good cause. Details of the good-cause evaluation process, such as the
data-analysis work, will not be posted online during the draft public comment period or after the final approval
and publication of the final IR and 303(d) list. DWQ will, however, summarize the data analysis work in the
description of the good cause. The analyses will be available to the public upon request through Utah’s
Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) process.
Previous Categorical Listings
303(d) Listings
DWQ must continue to list all previous impairments absent proper documentation to support changing a
previous not-supporting (Category 5) listing decision to a TMDL-approved (Category 4A), pollution control
(Category 4B), non-pollutant impairment (Category 4C), or delisting (demonstration of good cause). At a
minimum, this includes carrying forward all waterbodies or segments within a waterbody that were previously
not supporting (Category 5), indicating the cause of impairment, listing the beneficial use or uses failing to
meet water quality standards, providing the priority of developing a TMDL, and indicating the assessment
cycle the waterbody or segment within the waterbody was first listed.
Non-303(d) Categorical Listings
Where DWQ has the proper documentation to support changing a previous not-supporting (Category 5) listing
decision to a TMDL-approved (Category 4A), pollution control (Category 4B), non-pollutant impairment
(Category 4C), or delisting (demonstration of good cause), it will do so as outlined by the policies and
procedure described throughout this document.
DWQ will also carry forward all previous categorizations of waterbodies or segments within a waterbody if the
waterbody does not have any credible or representative data from the period of record of the current
assessment cycle. This includes carrying the following forward:
• Previous TMDL-approved (Category 4A), pollution control (Category 4B), and non-pollutant impairment
(Category 4C) categorizations that do not demonstrate good cause.
• Previous categorizations that have insufficient data with exceedances (Category 3), require further
investigations (Category 3), have insufficient data with no exceedances (Category 3), are not assessed
(Category 3), show no evidence of impairment (Category 2), or are supporting (Category 1).
• Historical Category 3 waters that had insufficient data with exceedances will remain in that category
unless there is new data for assessment.
Waterbodies or segments within a waterbody that are supporting or show no evidence of impairment
(Categories 1 and 2, respectively) may carry forward for six consecutive assessment (or two rotating basin)
cycles. On the seventh consecutive assessment cycle, DWQ will no longer carry forward a supporting or no
evidence of impairment categorization for waterbodies or segment within a waterbody that do not have any
new data collected in the last 12 years. Data older than the period of record may not be reflective of current
conditions and will not be used for assessment purposes unless there is information or a rationale with
supporting documentation that shows the data are reflective of current conditions.
91
If there is evidence that the data are reflective of current conditions, the previous supporting (Category 1) or
no evidence of impairment (Category 2) categorization will carry forward for one more assessment cycle (the
current one) and be re-evaluated in the next cycle. DWQ will not carry forward the supporting or no evidence
of impairment categorization for a seventh consecutive assessment cycle if there is no (or not enough)
supporting evidence that the data are reflective of current conditions. DWQ will instead change the
categorization to insufficient data with no exceedances (Category 3).
303(d) Vision and TMDL Priority Development
DWQ must ensure that TMDLs will be developed following the final release of the current IR and 303(d) list
for waterbodies or segments within a waterbody that are impaired by a pollutant. Recognizing that all TMDLs
cannot be completed at once and that certain risks may be greater than others, CWA Section 303(d) allows
states to prioritize impaired waterbodies or segments within a waterbody on the Section 303(d) list for the
future development of TMDLs.
On December 5, 2013, EPA announced a collaborative framework for implementing the CWA Section 303(d)
program to help guide states on how to best prioritize TMDL development and demonstrate progress on
addressing the water quality concerns highlighted and reported on in the IR and 303(d) list (See A Long-Term
Vision for Assessment, Restoration, and Protection under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Program). This
EPA document provided a framework that states could use to optimize their resources when developing
TMDLs and other water quality improvement programs such as the anti-degradation program, nonpoint
source implementation program, and the 401 water quality certification program. As a result, DWQ prioritized
TMDL development for impairments/pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human and ecological health as
described in the Division of Water Quality's (DWQ) 303(d) vision document. These priorities translate into the
protection and restoration of waters designated for culinary, recreational, and aquatic life uses.
Considerations for TMDL prioritization in Utah included partner agencies and stakeholder involvement and the
potential for restoration. Other factors considered in setting TMDL priorities include programmatic needs such
as permitting and addressing watershed-wide water quality issues.
For the IR and 303(d) reporting-specific elements, DWQ:
• Assigns TMDL priorities to impaired waterbodies and segments within waterbodies on DWQ’s 303(d) list
• Tracks the status and development of TMDLs
Revision Requests between Cycles
DWQ will, barring unforeseen circumstances, only propose to revise the IR and 303(d) list during the regularly
scheduled reviews, which are currently biennially and on even-numbered years. Interested persons may
petition DWQ at any time to request a revision to the IR and 303(d) list, whether it is an addition or deletion to
the final 303(d) list. DWQ will take the potential revision under strong consideration and begin a dialogue with
the interested part or parties and EPA.
92
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Carlson, R.E., and K.E. Havens. 2005. Simple graphical method for interpretation of relationships between
trophic state variables. Lake and Reservoir Management 21:107-118.
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and Cylindrospermopsin.
Hawkins, C.P., 2006. Quantifying biological integrity by taxonomic completeness: its utility in regional and
global assessments. Ecological Applications, 16(4), pp.1277-1294.
Hawkins, C.P., Olson, J.R. and Hill, R.A., 2010. The reference condition: predicting benchmarks for ecological
and water-quality assessments. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 29(1), pp.312-343.
Hawkins, C.P., Cao, Y. and Roper, B., 2010. Method of predicting reference condition biota affects the
performance and interpretation of ecological indices. Freshwater Biology, 55(5), pp.1066-1085.
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Richards, N. vonStackelberg. 2014. Technical Basis for Utah’s Nutrient Strategy, Draft Report. Utah Division
of Water Quality.
Suplee, M., R. Sada de Suplee, D. Feldman, and T. Laidlaw. 2005. Identification and Assessment of Montana
Reference Streams: A Follow-Up and Expansion of the 1992 Benchmark Biology Study. Helena, Montana:
Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
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2019.pdf
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94
Chapter 2 Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment Unit AU Water Quality Cycle First 303(d)
Management Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s) Listed Priority
Bear River UT-L-16010201-003_00 Bear Lake 35414.4736 Acres 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT-L-16010101-002_00 Birch Creek 61.6487 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
2024
Low
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010202-002_00 Cutler Reservoir 1356.0776 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Eutrophication
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (38237)
TMDL Approved (38237)
TMDL Approved (38237)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2004
2004
Low
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010203-005_00 Hyrum Reservoir 445.6222 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
Meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (4011)
TMDL Approved (4011)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010101-007_00 Little Creek Reservoir 67.2094 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
2024
Low
Low
Bear River
UT-L-16010204-033_00
Mantua Reservoir
513.7655 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters
Harmful algal blooms
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (762)
TMDL Approved (762)
TMDL Approved (762)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020
2008
1998
1998
Low
Low
Low
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010202-013_00 Newton Reservoir 171.7632 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (11148)
TMDL Approved (11148)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2006
1998
1998
Low
Low
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010203-009_00 Porcupine Reservoir 180.1847 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT-L-16010203-012_00 Tony Grove Lake 25.074 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2006
1996
2004
Low
Low
Low
Bear River UT-L-16010101-030_00 Whitney Reservoir 129.2577 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT-L-16010101-001_00 Woodruff Reservoir 92.0853 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-024_00 Anderson Meadow Reservoir 7.8252 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-020_00 Kents Lake 38.8616 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (601)
TMDL Approved (601)
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998
1998
2022
Low
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-027_00 LaBaron Lake 21.5979 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
Meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (610)
TMDL Approved (610)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-011_00 Minersville Reservoir 1070.7159 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (808)
TMDL Approved (808)
TMDL Approved (808)
TMDL Approved (808)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1994
1998
1998
2014
Low
Low
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030006-008_00 Newcastle Reservoir 158.8034 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Fish Tissue (Mercury)
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (35080)
TMDL Approved (35080)
TMDL Approved (35080)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2010
2012
1996
1996
2022
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-028_00 Puffer Lake 57.9945 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (964)
TMDL Approved (964)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998
2014
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030006-019_00 Red Creek Reservoir (Iron Co) 59.0436 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2022
2022
2006
2022
Low
Low
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030007-025_00 Three Creeks Reservoir 55.1133 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030006-002_00 Upper Enterprise Reservoir 352.8474 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2012
2014
2016
Low
Low
Low
Cedar-Beaver UT-L-16030006-017_00 Yankee Meadow Reservoir 56.0645 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Great Salt Lake UT-L-16020310-003_00 Bear River Bay 71681.258 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
Great Salt Lake UT-L-16020310-004_00 Farmington Bay 77243.1862 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
Great Salt Lake UT-L-16020310-001_00 Gilbert Bay 559423.9853 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Great Salt Lake UT-L-16020310-002_00 Gunnison Bay 384588.1784 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River
UT-L-16020204-001_00
Blackridge Reservoir
4.14 Acres
5
Not Supporting
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
95
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment Unit AU Water Quality Cycle First 303(d)
Management Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s) Listed Priority
Jordan River UT-L-16020204-024_00 Lake Mary 19.2294 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River UT-L-16020204-026_00 Little Dell Reservoir 221.033 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Jordan River UT-L-16020201-006_00 Silver Lake Flat Reservoir 32.6613 Acres 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Jordan River UT-L-16020201-005_00 Tibble Fork Reservoir 11.1842 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT-L-15010008-008_00 Baker Dam Reservoir 44.1358 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1992 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (12105) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (12105) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2002 Low
Lower Colorado River UT-L-15010008-001_00 Gunlock Reservoir 221.0822 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria TMDL Approved (12106) Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (12106) Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 1998 Low
Lower Colorado River UT-L-15010008-018_00 Kolob Reservoir 237.9389 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT-L-15010008-024_00 Quail Creek Reservoir 587.9211 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT-L-15010008-025_00 Sand Hollow Reservoir 1260.2944 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030003-005_00 Barney Lake 20.5625 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030005-026_00 D.M.A.D. Reservoir 773.2353 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030005-021_00 Gunnison Bend Reservoir 497.3861 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030004-002_00 Gunnison Reservoir 1258.0893 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River
UT-L-16030003-006_00
Manning Meadow Reservoir
84.796 Acres
5
Not Supporting
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1994 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030004-001_00 Ninemile Reservoir 184.8805 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030004-005_00 Palisade Lake 79.5801 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1992 Low
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030003-012_00 Redmond Lake 239.942 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030003-016_00 Rex Reservoir 34.9322 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT-L-16030003-007_00 Sevier Bridge Reservoir (Yuba L 8978.0253 Acres 5 Not Supporting Harmful algal blooms Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact) 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14080201-002_00 Blanding City Reservoir 91.5405 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14030004-001_00 Dark Canyon Lake 5.0805 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14030005-004_00 Kens Lake 77.5063 Acres 1 Fully Supporting
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14080203-009_00 Lloyds Reservoir 90.4705 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14080203-002_00 Monticello Lake 5.4928 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT-L-14080201-007_00 Recapture Reservoir 220.9871 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-003_00 Ashley Twin Lakes 31.7244 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-031_00 Beaver Meadow Reservoir 105.6636 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-230_00 Big Sand Wash Reservoir 394.4866 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-004_00 Bridger Lake 19.258 Acres 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-002_00 Brough Reservoir 135.8688 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Fish Tissue (Mercury) Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (35100) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-019_00 Browne Lake 48.0854 Acres 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-293_00 Butterfly Lake 4.7102 Acres 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-034_00 Calder Reservoir 94.158 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Eutrophication Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33613) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Ammonia as N Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33613) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
96
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment Unit AU Water Quality Cycle First 303(d)
Management Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s) Listed Priority
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-006_00 China Lake 27.0588 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2000 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-026_00 Crouse Reservoir 110.8572 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060004-007_00 Currant Creek Reservoir 274.4405 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-007_00 East Park Reservoir 178.5591 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-021_00 Flaming Gorge Reservoir 12525.0402 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-001_00 Hoop Lake 171.3864 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-012_00 Hoover Lake 18.5509 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060004-004_00 Lake Canyon Lake 29.233 Acres 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2016 Low
Boron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-032_00 Long Park Reservoir 300.6353 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-005_00 Lyman Lake 35.3525 Acres 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-003_00 Marsh Lake 41.8961 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-011_00 Marshall Lake 18.7856 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-033_00 Matt Warner Reservoir 364.0639 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Eutrophication Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
2020
Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33618) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33618) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-001_00 Meeks Cabin Reservoir 16.7653 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-006_00 Mirror Lake 53.4692 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-112_00 Moon Lake 786.099 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-005_00 Oaks Park Reservoir 338.1639 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-297_00 Paradise Park Reservoir 147.0235 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-001_00 Pelican Lake 1114.3902 Acres 5 Not Supporting Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2012 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2004 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-003_00 Pyramid Lake 14.8204 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060004-003_00 Red Creek Reservoir 146.9148 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-008_00 Red Fleet Reservoir 477.8822 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (35079) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-002_00 Scout Lake 19.2003 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-016_00 Sheep Creek Lake 81.1028 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040106-002_00 Spirit Lake 41.9975 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060004-006_00 Starvation Reservoir 3350.6952 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14040107-007_00 Stateline Reservoir 273.712 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-006_00 Steinaker Reservoir 745.1845 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (35078) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060010-009_00 Stewart Lake 158.3395 Acres 5 Not Supporting Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060004-001_00 Strawberry Reservoir 15614.1906 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33705) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (33705) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT-L-14060003-296_00 Upper Stillwater Reservoir 300.7637 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River
UT-L-16020203-001_00
Deer Creek Reservoir
2561.6164 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4046) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Upper Provo River UT-L-16020203-003_00 Jordanelle Reservoir 2989.1415 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River UT-L-16020203-004_00 Mill Hollow Reservoir 18.3214 Acres 5 Not Supporting Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1992 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1992 Low
Upper Provo River UT-L-16020203-002_00 Trial Lake 62.2532 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Upper Provo River UT-L-16020203-006_00 Wall Lake 72.0049 Acres 3 Insufficient Data
97
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment Unit AU Water Quality Cycle First 303(d)
Management Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s) Listed Priority
Upper Provo River UT-L-16020203-005_00 Washington Lake 106.6871 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030002-011_00 Koosharem Reservoir 340.9478 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (30891) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (30891) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030002-005_00 Lower Box Creek Reservoir 22.1966 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (31020) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2004 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (31020) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030001-001_00 Navajo Lake 631.0339 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Upper Sevier River
UT-L-16030002-004_00
Otter Creek Reservoir
2494.7063 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Harmful algal blooms
Max. Temperature
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (30890)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
1994
1998
Low
Low
Low
Upper Sevier River
UT-L-16030001-006_00
Panguitch Lake
1182.3071 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters
Harmful algal blooms
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (11149)
TMDL Approved (11149)
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
2000
2020
Low
Low
Low
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030002-007_00 Pine Lake 85.3778 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030001-011_00 Piute Reservoir 2152.3203 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2008
2022
2006
2022
Low
Low
Low
Low
Upper Sevier River UT-L-16030002-002_00 Tropic Reservoir 181.8206 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT-L-16020202-002_00
Big East Lake
26.4077 Acres
5
Not Supporting
Harmful algal blooms
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
2012
1996
2012
2020
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT-L-16020201-001_00 Mona Reservoir 1561.7919 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT-L-16020201-004_02 Provo Bay portion of Utah Lake 3611.5418 Acres 5 Not Supporting Eutrophication
Harmful algal blooms
PCBs In Fish Tissue
Total Ammonia as N
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic Wildlife
(Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2020
2020
2010
2024
1994
2016
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT-L-16020202-001_00
Salem Lake
18.7252 Acres
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2016
Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT-L-16020201-004_01
Utah Lake other than Provo Bay
87984.1764 Acres
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Eutrophication
Harmful algal blooms
PCBs In Fish Tissue
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2022
2020
2016
2010
2006
1994
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Weber River UT-L-16020102-021_00 Causey Reservoir 126.8421 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River
UT-L-16020102-020_00
East Canyon Reservoir
639.7202 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters
E. coli
Harmful algal blooms
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Phosphorus as P
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved (400, 39157)
TMDL Approved (39157, 400)
TMDL Approved (39157)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024
2024
1988
Low
Low
Low
Weber River
UT-L-16020101-001_00
Echo Reservoir
1337.213 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria TMDL Approved (59860) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (59860) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1994 Low
98
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment Unit AU Water Quality Cycle First 303(d)
Management Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s) Listed Priority
Weber River UT-L-16020101-003_00 Lost Creek Reservoir 369.5969 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River
UT-L-16020102-014_00
Pineview Reservoir
3009.9355 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1994 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4055) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4055) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4055) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Weber River
UT-L-16020101-002_00
Rockport Reservoir
1059.7846 Acres
5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and Aesthetics
(Frequent Primary Contact)
2022
Low
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria TMDL Approved (59861) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Weber River UT-L-16020101-005_00 Smith and Morehouse Reservoi 207.0555 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT-L-16020102-004_00 Willard Bay Reservoir 10109.368 Acres 1 Fully Supporting
West Desert UT-L-16020304-005_00 Grantsville Reservoir 95.2823 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
West Desert UT-L-16020304-002_00 Rush Lake 242.4937 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT-L-16020304-004_00 Settlement Canyon Reservoir 25.9513 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT-L-16020304-003_00 Stansbury Lake 91.3185 Acres 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-024_00 Cleveland Reservoir 146.5912 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-018_00 Cook Lake 10.3812 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-027_00 Donkey Reservoir 23.7681 Acres 5 Not Supporting pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-004_00 Duck Fork Reservoir 42.2838 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-025_00 Electric Lake 450.7146 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060007-001_00 Fairview Lakes 103.8574 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-001_00 Ferron Reservoir 54.0587 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-006_00 Fish Lake 2586.4949 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-019_00 Forsyth Reservoir 165.0508 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4060) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4060) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-034_00 Huntington Lake North 235.0793 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-018_00 Huntington Reservoir 163.0396 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-017_00 Joes Valley Reservoir 1052.2234 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-010_00 Johnson Valley Reservoir 671.6737 Acres 4A Approved TMDL Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4059) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070006-001_00 Lake Powell 149885.2379 Acres 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070003-044_00 Lower Bowns Reservoir 107.9439 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060007-004_00 Lower Gooseberry Reservoir 64.1617 Acres 5 Not Supporting Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Western Colorado River
UT-L-14070003-015_00
Mill Meadow Reservoir
160.4492 Acres
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
2024
Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4061) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-023_00 Miller Flat Reservoir 160.5126 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060009-026_00 Millsite Reservoir 367.1425 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070005-008_00 Posey Lake 12.0249 Acres 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT-L-14060007-005_00 Scofield Reservoir 2670.447 Acres 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters Eutrophication Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 High
Harmful algal blooms
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact)
2020
Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (1060) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (1060) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (1060) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Western Colorado River UT-L-14070005-011_00 Wide Hollow Reservoir 155.635 Acres 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
pH Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
99
2024 Integrated Report: Delistings
Watershed Management Unit
Assessment Unit ID
Water Quality
Assessment Unit Name Parameter
Delisting
Reason
Delisting Comment
Bear River
UT-L-16010203-005_00
Hyrum Reservoir
Dissolved Oxygen
Meeting water quality
criteria with new data.
Long term improvement in lens width. 8 profiles at 3 sites since 2016 show
support for DO and temperature.
Bear River
UT-L-16010203-005_00
Hyrum Reservoir
Temperature
Meeting water quality
criteria with new data.
Long term improvement in lens width. 8 profiles at 3 sites since 2016 show
support for DO and temperature.
Cedar-Beaver
UT-L-16020203-003_00
Jordanelle Reservoir
pH
Meeting water quality
criteria with new data.
No pH exceedances since 2016 based on over 20 profiles including the critical
time period.
Cedar-Beaver
UT-L-16030007-011_00
Minersville Reservoir
Temperature
TMDL Approved by EPA
(4A)
TMDL Action ID : 808
Weber River
UT-L-16020102-020_00
East Canyon Reservoir
pH
Meeting water quality
criteria with new data.
Sufficient new data shows that pH exceedances observed in 2016 were isolated
and anomolous. No other pH exceedances observed.
Weber River
UT-L-16020101-002_00
Rockport Reservoir
pH
Meeting water quality
criteria with new data.
No pH sample exceedances since 2015. Sufficient new data have been
collected to delist.
*Footnote: Scofield Reservoir was placed in Category 1: Fully Supporting for pH in the 2022 IR but is now impaired for pH with an existing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) in place.
It is not included in this delisting table since this waterbody was previously counted as a delisting when the TMDL was initially established.
100
Chapter 3 Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams and Canals
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Bear River UT16010201-001_00 Bear Lake West 1.1509 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Bear River UT16010101-027_00 Bear River East 2.8232 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River
UT16010204-002_00
Bear River Lower-East
26.1854 Miles
5
Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2012 Low
Bear River UT16010204-004_00 Bear River Lower-West 10.4099 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010102-001_00 Bear River North 0.1264 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River
UT16010101-001_00
Bear River West
6.7627 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
2020 Low
Bear River UT16010204-003_00 Bear River-1 19.0803 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2010 Low
Bear River UT16010204-008_01 Bear River-2-1 42.6711 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Agricultural
2008 Low
2024 Low
2024 Low
Bear River UT16010204-008_02 Bear River-2-2 13.2544 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Agricultural
2008 Low
2020 Low
Bear River
UT16010202-004_00
Bear River-3
41.4464 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Sediment
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(38238)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2020 Low
1998 Low
1998 Low
Bear River
UT16010101-006_00
Bear River-4
52.5509 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(30887)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2000 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(30887) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2000 Low
Bear River UT16010101-009_00 Bear River-5 12.1575 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Bear River UT16010101-021_00 Bear River-6 20.1605 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Bear River
UT16010101-007_00
Big Creek
31.0079 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Assessed HNNC E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2024 Low
Bear River UT16010101-010_00 Birch Creek - Bear 19.6444 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Bear River
UT16010203-020_00
Blacksmith Fork-1
11.6242 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Bear River UT16010203-018_00 Blacksmith Fork-2 56.6002 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River
UT16010204-001_00
Box Elder Creek-1
0 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2024 Low
Bear River UT16010204-005_00 Box Elder Creek-2 7.4696 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010202-007_00 Cherry Creek - Bear 5.0468 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010202-006_00 City Creek 8.8866 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010202-013_00 Clarkston Creek 23.9341 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River
UT16010202-015_00
Clay Slough
2.96 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2012 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2012 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2012 Low
Bear River
UT16010202-010_00
Cub River
16.4756 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Sediment Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(38238)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
Bear River UT16010203-001_00 Cutler West 2.8478 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010203-015_00 Davenport Creek 37.2246 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-017_00 Dry Creek 1.4261 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-026_00 East Fork Bear River 53.8896 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010203-014_00 East Fork Little Bear-1 7.7177 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010203-017_00 East Fork Little Bear-2 31.0267 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-024_00 Hayden Fork 17.6679 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
101
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Bear River
UT16010202-008_00
High Creek Lower
3.3931 Miles
4A Approved TMDL
Total Phosphorus as P
TMDL Approved
Not meeting criteria (38238) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Bear River UT16010202-012_00 High Creek Upper 9.4974 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010202-003_00 Hopkins Slough 9.8767 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010201-002_00 Laketown 12.2818 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2024 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Bear River UT16010203-019_00 Left Hand Fork Blacksmith Fork 25.5 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010203-012_00 Little Bear River Tributaries 0.9601 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010203-009_00 Little Bear River-1 27.7899 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Bear River UT16010203-011_00 Little Bear River-2 8.8563 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010203-007_00 Little Bear-3 15.2185 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010203-010_00 Little Bear-4 2.2248 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-003_00 Little Creek - Bear 8.0022 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River
UT16010203-005_00
Logan River-1
40.0069 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(38238) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Bear River
UT16010203-006_00
Logan River-2
71.7763 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife
(Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2020 Low
Bear River UT16010204-006_00 Malad River-1 61.27 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2020 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Thallium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2024 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Aquatic Wildlife (Non-
game Fish and Other)
2024 Low
Bear River UT16010204-010_01 Malad River-2-1 8.5528 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010204-010_02 Malad River-2-2 3.7293 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010204-011_01 Mantua Reservoir Tributaries-1 0.9638 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment Assessed HNNC
Bear River UT16010204-011_02 Mantua Reservoir Tributaries-2 1.1199 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2020 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic Wildlife
(Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2024 Low
Bear River UT16010204-007_01 Middle Bear East-1 4.4531 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Bear River UT16010204-007_02 Middle Bear East-2 5.9859 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-022_00 Mill Creek 58.7378 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River
UT16010202-002_00
Newton Creek
2.554 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2008 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11147) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1996 Low
Bear River UT16010201-004_00 North Eden 17.5663 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Bear River UT16010101-008_00 North Woodruff 2.3531 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River
UT16010101-005_00
Otter Creek
25.9216 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2024 Low
Bear River UT16010203-016_00 Porcupine Creek 1.5309 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-004_00 Sage Creek 11.2041 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2024 Low
Bear River
UT16010101-016_00
Saleratus Creek
29.1405 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2012 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(30885) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Bear River UT16010204-013_00 Salt Creek-Bothwell 4.7521 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-002_00 Six Mile Creek - Bear 19.6426 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
102
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Bear River UT16010201-003_00 South Eden 5.9202 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010203-013_00 South Fork Little Bear 21.5849 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Bear River
UT16010202-009_00
Spring Creek Lewiston
2.2928 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(38238)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4012, 38238)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
Bear River
UT16010203-008_00
Spring Creek-Hyrum
10.853 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4012)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2002 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Total Ammonia as N
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4012)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
1998 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Bear River
UT16010101-025_00
Stillwater Fork
34.9426 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2020 Low
Bear River UT16010202-005_00 Summit Creek Lower 7.9705 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010202-011_00 Summit Creek Upper 9.9878 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Bear River UT16010101-018_00 Sutton Creek 35.523 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010203-002_00 Swift Slough 10.8954 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010202-014_00 The Slough 3.2139 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-012_00 Unnamed Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-023_00 West Fork Bear River 72.0755 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-011_00 Woodruff Creek-1 8.2049 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-015_00 Woodruff Creek-2 5.7717 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-014_00 Woodruff Creek-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010101-013_00 Woodruff Creek-4 42.1112 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Bear River UT16010202-001_00 Worm Creek 0.0049 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-028_00 Yellow Creek 16.8393 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Bear River UT16010101-019_01 Yellow Creek Tributaries-1 23.3213 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Bear River UT16010101-019_02 Yellow Creek Tributaries-2 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT16030007-001_00 Beaver River-1 8.0371 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Cedar-Beaver
UT16030007-002_00
Beaver River-2
65.1982 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2008 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (96) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (96) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT16030007-003_00 Beaver River-3 180.9877 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-001_00 Coal Creek - C/B 45.1605 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-009_00 Cottonwood Canyon-Parowan V 6.0095 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-005_00 Little Creek (Iron Co.) 16.1947 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-004_00 Parowan Creek 32.917 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Cedar-Beaver UT16030007-004_00 Pine Creek-Tushar 6.3468 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Cedar-Beaver
UT16030006-002_00
Pinto Creek
31.9184 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Assessed HNNC E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-007_00 Red Creek (Iron Co.) 7.0902 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2020 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-008_00 Red Creek Lower (Iron Co.) 0.544 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-006_00 Shoal Creek 6.1579 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Cedar-Beaver UT16030006-003_00 Summit Creek-Iron 15.2027 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Jordan River UT16020201-002_01 American Fork River-2 29.1801 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Jordan River UT16020204-028_00 Barneys Canyon Creek 2.3925 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River UT16020204-030_00 Bells Canyon 4.4335 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River UT16020204-019_00 Big Cottonwood Creek-1 10.0393 Miles 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
103
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
E. coli
Max. Temperature
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact)
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
2006 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-020_00 Big Cottonwood Creek-2 44.4571 Miles 5 Not Supporting Cadmium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source 2022 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-006_02
Big Willow Creek
0.0006 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2008 Low
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2006 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2024 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-023_00
Bingham Creek
4.369 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2014 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-024_02
Butterfield Creek
4.6699 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2014 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-009_00 City Creek-1 4.1992 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2024 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-010_00 City Creek-2 6.2989 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Jordan River UT16020204-027_00 Coon Creek 4.1047 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River
UT16020204-006_03
Dry Creek
0.0126 Miles
5
Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2008 Low
2006 Low
Jordan River
UT16020201-015_00
Dry Creek-Alpine
11.3135 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-012_00
Emigration Creek
3.6719 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(42669)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2008 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-033_00 Emigration Creek Lower 1.0808 Miles 4A Approved TMDL E. coli Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2023-01)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-001_01
Jordan River-1
9.1094 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(54300)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2002 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-002_00 Jordan River-2 4.428 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria
UT-2023-01)
TMDL Approved
(54321)
Primary Contact) 2006 Low
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other) 2002 Low
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
Jordan River UT16020204-003_00 Jordan River-3 4.392 Miles 5 for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2006 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(54322)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2008 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2024 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-004_00 Jordan River-4 5.6731 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2010 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-005_00
Jordan River-5
4.6338 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2023-01)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2006 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2006 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-006_01 Jordan River-6 12.6409 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2006 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-007_00 Jordan River-7 3.8478 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Jordan River UT16020201-008_00 Jordan River-8 9.8994 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2006 Low
104
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed
303(d)
Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Jordan River UT16020204-036_00 Lee Creek 5.1666 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Jordan River
UT16020204-021_00
Little Cottonwood Creek-1
9.669 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2008 Low
Cadmium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2006 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2024 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-022_00
Little Cottonwood Creek-2
30.0211 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Cadmium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Zinc
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4014)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source
2014 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-031_00 Little Willow Creek 2.7942 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River UT16020201-002_02 Mary Ellen Gulch 3.6415 Miles 5 Not Supporting Cadmium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Zinc Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Jordan River
UT16020204-024_01
Midas Creek
1.4885 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2023-01)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Selenium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-026_00 Mill Creek1-SLCity 1.0993 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-017_00 Mill Creek2-SLCity 7.5068 Miles 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2002 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-018_00 Mill Creek3-SLCity 19.0594 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Jordan River UT16020204-014_00 Mountain Dell Creek-1 0.8461 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Jordan River UT16020204-015_00 Mountain Dell Creek-2 7.7648 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Jordan River UT16020204-016_00 North Canyon 0 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Jordan River UT16020204-001_02 North Canyon Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2008 Low
Copper
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(54300)
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
Jordan River
UT16020204-025_00
Parleys Canyon Creek-1
13.5741 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact), Domestic Source 2010 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-013_00 Parleys Canyon Creek-2 15.7211 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Cadmium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact), Domestic Source 2022 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-035_00 Red Butte Creek Lower 2.3245 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2023-01) Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-011_00 Red Butte Creek Upper 5.6285 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Jordan River UT16020204-029_00 Rose Creek 7.0181 Miles 4A
Approved TMDL E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2023-01)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Jordan River UT16020204-032_00 Surplus Canal 11.5084 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-007_00 Ash Creek-1 27.185 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-008_00 Ash Creek-2 8.0848 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-009_00 Ash Creek-3 44.5043 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
105
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Lower Colorado River UT15010010-002_00 Beaver Dam Wash 24.4495 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-001_00 Cottonwood Canyon 5.9654 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2014 Low
2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-017_00 Deep Creek 66.1076 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-018_00 East Fork Virgin-1 38.5233 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2024 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-019_00 East Fork Virgin-2 25.7728 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-020_00 East Fork Virgin-3 35.891 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010009-001_00 Fort Pearce Wash 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2012 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-004_00 Johnson Wash-1 22.1778 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Agricultural
2014 Low
2008 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-005_00 Johnson Wash-2 27.1966 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Solids
Zinc
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
2014 Low
2014 Low
2014 Low
2022 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-002_01 Kanab Creek-1-1 6.6696 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-002_02 Kanab Creek-1-2 11.4265 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2008 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-003_00 Kanab Creek-2 6.1751 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Selenium
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game
Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2016 Low
2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010003-006_00 Kanab Creek-3 1.2394 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-016_00 Kolob Creek 15.6481 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-010_00 La Verkin Creek 48.0063 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-006_00 Leeds Creek 10.3541 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-014_00 North Creek-Virgin 25.4163 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2016 Low
2024 Low
Lower Colorado River
UT15010008-015_00
North Fork Virgin River-1
47.2362 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2018-01)
Domestic Source
2024 Low
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
E. coli Not meeting criteria UT-2018-01) Primary Contact) 2024 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Lower Colorado River
UT15010008-013_00
North Fork Virgin River-2
37.7151 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2018-01)
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2010 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-005_00 Quail Creek 1.0331 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River
UT15010008-001_00
Santa Clara-1
23.8208 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
2008 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(12104) Agricultural 1998 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-002_00 Santa Clara-2 27.0488 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-003_00 Santa Clara-3 38.123 Miles 5 Not Supporting
Nutrient/Eutrophication
Biological Indicators Threatened
Alternative
restoration plan Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010009-002_00 Short Creek 5.3471 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Colorado River UT15010010-001_00 Virgin River-1 11.9234 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2006 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-004_00 Virgin River-2 34.5952 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-011_00 Virgin River-3 4.2655 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Colorado River UT15010008-012_00 Virgin River-4 20.4604 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-007_00 Beaver Creek-1 Sevier 17.2291 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-020_00 Beaver Creek2-Piute 54.7461 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-018_00 Chalk Creek-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030005-019_00
Chalk Creek2-Fillmore
35.0998 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2022 Low
106
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-002_00 Cherry Creek 26.4175 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-020_00 Chicken Creek-1 13.3893 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-022_00 Chicken Creek-2 25.0643 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2016 Low
1998 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-011_00 Chicken Creek-3 13.4278 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-018_00 Clear Creek-I70 119.959 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Aluminum
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-021_00 Corn Creek 61.7244 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-013_00 Cottonwood Creek-SP 10.4397 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-007_02 Ephraim Creek 4.766 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-006_00 Fishlake National Forest-I15 12.3189 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-005_00 Fool Creek-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-014_00 Goose Creek-2 0.2838 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-012_00 Ivie Creek 16.57 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-005_00 Lost Creek-1 5.899 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2016 Low
2022 Low
2012 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-008_00 Lost Creek2-Salina 8.5224 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030003-010_00
Lost Creek3-Salina
33.3325 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
2022 Low
2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-021_00 Manning Creek 19.5708 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-023_00 Meadow Creek 6.2717 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-013_00 Monroe Creek 78.6053 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-012_00 Oak Creek Upper 7.129 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-006_00 Oak Creek-1 15.9905 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-004_00 Oak Creek-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-010_00 Oak Creek-2 23.424 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-027_00 Peterson Creek 8.0669 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2022 Low
2016 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-015_00 Pioneer Creek-1 0.4127 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-016_00 Pioneer Creek-2 3.8421 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-008_00 Pleasant Creek 58.0124 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-024_00 Round Valley Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030003-003_00
Salina Creek-1
4.591 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11125)
Agricultural
1998 Low
Lower Sevier River
UT16030003-006_00
Salina Creek-2
158.4279 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2022 Low
2022 Low
2022 Low
2020 Low
Lower Sevier River
UT16030004-001_00
San Pitch-1
19.028 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11150)
Agricultural
2014 Low
Lower Sevier River
UT16030004-005_01
San Pitch-3-1
68.52 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Ammonia as N
Total Dissolved Solids
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(11151)
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other), Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish
and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other), Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish
and Other)
Agricultural
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other),
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2016 Low
2020 Low
2016 Low
1998 Low
2024 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-005_02 San Pitch-3-2 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
107
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Total Ammonia as N
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other), Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed and Other)
2016 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
TMDL Approved
Not meeting criteria (11151) Agricultural
1998 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-011_00 San Pitch-4 14.127 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Lower Sevier River
UT16030004-009_00
San Pitch-5
71.1046 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
TMDL Approved
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
pH Not meeting criteria (11151) Contact), Agricultural 2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-016_00 Sevier River-10 1.4536 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-009_00 Sevier River-11 0.0025 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-011_00 Sevier River-12 13.6463 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-025_00 Sevier River-13 1.7238 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-014_00 Sevier River-14 12.4067 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-024_00 Sevier River-15 14.9481 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-004_01 Sevier River-16-1 3.4147 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-004_02 Sevier River-16-2 0.2054 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-004_03 Sevier River-16-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030003-012_00
Sevier River-17
28.8381 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11122)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2000 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11150, 11122)
Agricultural
2000 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(11122)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2000 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-023_00 Sevier River-18 29.9004 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-001_00 Sevier River-19 0.1488 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-025_00 Sevier River-20 36.1418 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-007_00 Sevier River-21 21.1433 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030005-026_00
Sevier River-22
38.9628 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11124)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11124) Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 1998 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-017_00 Sevier River-23 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River
UT16030005-027_00
Sevier River-24
17.1572 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11124)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11124)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
1998 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water)
2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-028_00 Sevier River-25 19.8296 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-029_00 Sevier River-26 0.0464 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-008_00 Sevier River-27 0.5796 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-022_00 Sevier River-5 9.3337 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-017_00 Sevier River-6 31.0645 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2006 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-026_00 Sevier River-7 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-015_00 Sevier River-8 29.4191 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-019_00 Sevier River-9 11.5315 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-003_00 Six Mile Creek - Sevier 40.205 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-004_00 South Creek 33.4952 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030005-003_00 Tanner Creek 15.0538 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Severely Habitat-Limited) 2024 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-002_00 Twelve Mile Creek 71.5521 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Lower Sevier River UT16030004-007_01 Upper Willow Creek 15.2663 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Lower Sevier River UT16030003-002_00 Willow Creek - Axtell 15.7854 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-004_00 Bitter Creek 3.7914 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-001_00 Butler Wash 3.7959 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-009_00 Castle Creek-1 12.9127 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 High
108
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-012_00 Castle Creek-2 6.7466 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Southeast Colorado River UT14070001-003_00 Colorado River-2 15.2913 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-003_00 Colorado River-3 62.25 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Selenium Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(60105) Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2006 Low
Southeast Colorado River
UT14030005-004_00
Colorado River-4
35.9364 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Selenium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(60104)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2006 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-005_00 Colorado River-5 33.291 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Selenium Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(60103) Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2004 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14010005-001_00 Colorado River-6 3.8387 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(60100)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2004 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-011_00 Comb Wash 7.209 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-001_00 Cottonwood Wash 22.69 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-002_00 Cottonwood Wash-1 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River
UT14080201-006_00
Cottonwood Wash-2
5.695 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Arsenic
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
2022 Low
Gross Alpha
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4013)
Domestic Source
1998 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2012 Low
Radium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 1998 Low
Southeast Colorado River
UT14080201-007_00
Cottonwood Wash-3
8.9346 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Gross Alpha
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4013)
Domestic Source, Agricultural
2010 Low
Radium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source, Agricultural 2010 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-017_00 Courthouse Wash 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-018_00 Courthouse Wash 1.0922 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2022 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030004-001_00 Dolores River 61.5556 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080205-002_00 Grand Gulch 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-008_00 Grandstaff Canyon 8.6431 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Southeast Colorado River UT14030004-002_00 Granite Creek - CRSE 10.7667 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-014_00 Indian Creek-1 8.5706 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-002_00 Indian Creek-2 17.593 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-004_00 Johnson Creek 4.1683 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-001_00 Kane Spring Wash 22.1913 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030002-001_01 La Sal Creek-1 23.913 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2022 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030002-001_02 La Sal Creek-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030002-001_03 La Sal Creek-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14070006-007_01 Lake Powell Tributaries-4-1 1.3519 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14070006-007_02 Lake Powell Tributaries-4-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14070006-007_03 Lake Powell Tributaries-4-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14070006-007_04 Lake Powell Tributaries-4-4 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-002_00 Little Dolores River 7.2017 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14080202-001_00 McElmo Creek 18.7555 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-006_01 Mill Creek-2-Moab 11.1566 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-005_00 Mill Creek1-Moab 28.4532 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source,
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
2016 High
109
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed
303(d)
Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4047) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-005_01 Montezuma Creek-1-1 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-005_02 Montezuma Creek-1-2 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-003_00 Montezuma Creek-2 5.5805 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-007_00 Montezuma Creek-3 10.0636 Miles 5 Not Supporting Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-006_00 Nash Wash 6.4257 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-015_00 North Cottonwood Creek 28.6389 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-008_00 North Creek 4.4905 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River
UT14030005-010_00
Onion Creek Lower
8.7309 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2024 Low
Max. Temperature
Meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4008)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4008)
Agricultural
2016 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-013_00 Onion Creek Upper 2.7741 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source,
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-011_00 Pack Creek 8.8522 Miles 5 for some parameters E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Primary Contact) 2016 High
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4047)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2006 Low
Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2006 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-006_02 Pack Creek-2 15.6096 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-019_00 Professor Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2012 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-005_00 Recapture Creek-1 1.5745 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-003_00 Recapture Creek-2 3.6674 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030004-003_00 Roc Creek 23.674 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-016_00 Salt Creek-Canyonlands 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-007_00 Salt Wash 22.091 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080205-001_00 San Juan River-1 62.519 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Iron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
Lead
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Aquatic Wildlife (Warm
Water)
2022 Low
Thallium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Aquatic Wildlife (Warm
Water)
2022 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080205-003_00 San Juan River-1 Triburaries 8.3583 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2012 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-009_00 San Juan River-2 28.5492 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Cadmium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Iron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
Lead Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
Thallium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2022 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-010_00 San Juan River-3 30.1189 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-004_00 South Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-006_00 Spring Creek 5.901 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14010005-002_00 Unknown tribs 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-001_00 Verdure Creek-1 5.3422 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080203-002_00 Verdure Creek-2 11.0223 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-003_00 Westwater Creek 18.4242 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2012 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-008_00 Westwater Creek 5.759 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2012 Low
Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2012 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14030001-003_00 Westwater Creek 18.4242 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2012 Low
Southeast Colorado River UT14070001-004_00 White Canyon 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060003-005_00 Antelope Creek 34.1419 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2014 Low
110
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Selenium
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040107-002_00 Archie Creek 4.6632 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060010-001_00 Ashley Creek Lower 7.7575 Miles 5 Not Supporting Selenium
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Agricultural
1992 Low
1992 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-007_00 Ashley Creek Upper 70.6405 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-005_00 Avintaquin Creek 51.7976 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2008 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060008-006_00 Barrier Creek 1.0481 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14040106-027_00 Beaver Creek 1.5016 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060010-006_00 Big Brush Creek 38.2655 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-006_00 Birch Creek-tribs 14.7615 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14040106-009_00 Birch Spring Draw 23.8129 Miles 5 Not Supporting Cadmium
Selenium
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game
Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2012 Low
2012 Low
Uinta Basin UT14050007-002_00 Bitter Creek Lower 0.0031 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Selenium
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2014 Low
2020 Low
2014 Low
2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14050007-005_00 Bitter Creek Upper 27.499 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040107-001_00 Blacks Fork 180.3211 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
Zinc
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
2024 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060010-003_00
Brush Creek
25.6927 Miles
5
Not Supporting E. coli
Selenium
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2014 Low
2004 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-005_00 Burnt Fork Creek 44.0213 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-014_00 Cart Creek 17.6985 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-010_00 Carter Creek 111.718 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-009_00 Currant Creek Lower 71.0184 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060004-015_00 Currant Creek Upper 74.1233 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-001_00 Dahlgreen Creek 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-016_00 Davenport Creek 5.7955 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060003-012_00 Deep Creek - Uinta 27.7695 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060010-013_00
Diamond Gulch
32.6378 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-008_00 Dry Fork Creek Lower 6.7098 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060010-009_00 Dry Fork Creek Upper 48.3068 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin
UT14060003-009_00
Dry Gulch Creek
99.2209 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(4058)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2014 Low
1998 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060003-001_00
Duchesne River-1
17.2286 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(33615)
Agricultural
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2024 Low
2014 Low
1998 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060003-002_00
Duchesne River-2
30.9387 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(33616)
Agricultural
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2016 Low
2014 Low
2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060003-006_00 Duchesne River-3 43.4169 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060003-017_00 Duchesne River-4 78.3173 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-011_00 Eagle Creek 9.964 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040107-005_00 East Fork Smiths Fork 61.5433 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14050007-003_00 Evacuation Creek 0.4229 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2014 Low
2014 Low
111
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed
303(d)
Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-012_01 Flaming Gorge Tributaries-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14040106-012_02 Flaming Gorge Tributaries-2 10.6846 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14040106-012_03 Flaming Gorge Tributaries-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14040106-012_04 Flaming Gorge Tributaries-4 3.0235 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060005-007_00 Florence Creek 33.6037 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060008-004_00 Floy Creek 27.1727 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040107-004_00 Gilbert Creek 7.6279 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-015_00 Gorge Creek 8.3941 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-017_00 Goslin Creek 4.8517 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Uinta Basin UT14040106-019_00 Green River-1 29.581 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-008_01 Green River-1 Tribs-1 14.9019 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-008_02 Green River-1 Tribs-2 7.2136 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-008_03 Green River-1 Tribs-3 4.9851 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-008_04 Green River-1 Tribs-4 0 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-008_05 Green River-1 Tribs-5 0 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin
UT14060010-010_00
Green River-2
99.7176 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Selenium
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Domestic Source, Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water), Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2022 Low
2014 Low
2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-011_01 Green River-2 Tribs-1 1.2077 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060010-011_02
Green River-2 Tribs-2
0.5079 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source,
Recreation and Aesthetics (Frequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-011_03 Green River-2 Tribs-3 4.7451 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-011_04 Green River-2 Tribs-4 7.547 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060005-009_00 Green River-3 111.6699 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Domestic Source, Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water), Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2024 Low
2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_01 Green River-3 Tribs-1 2.6141 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_02 Green River-3 Tribs-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_03 Green River-3 Tribs-3 0.0642 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_04 Green River-3 Tribs-4 35.4969 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_05 Green River-3 Tribs-5 23.36 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_06 Green River-3 Tribs-6 25.1388 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_07 Green River-3 Tribs-7 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-001_08 Green River-3 Tribs-8 53.3859 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060008-001_00 Green River-4 42.4362 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060008-002_00 Green River-5 98.736 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060008-003_00 Green River-5 Tributaries 7.8675 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-002_00 Henrys Fork River 60.0201 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060006-003_00 Hill Creek 105.2962 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060008-005_00 Horse Canyon-Canyonlands 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060004-002_00 Indian Canyon Creek 48.2144 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic
Boron
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
Agricultural
Agricultural
2008 Low
2008 Low
1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-020_00 Jackson Creek 11.3855 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-012_00 Jones Hole Creek 5.9917 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060003-008_00 Lake Fork-1 33.2424 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Severely Habitat-Limited)
2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2000 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(33617)
Agricultural
2004 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060003-015_00 Lake Fork-2 34.8656 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
112
Uinta Basin UT14060003-004_00 Uinta River-2 7.2386 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (4056) Agriculture 1998 Low
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Uinta Basin UT14060003-022_00 Lake Fork-3 29.861 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060010-004_00 Little Brush Creek Lower 8.45 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060010-005_00 Little Brush Creek Upper 36.1528 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060010-002_00 Middle Ashley Creek 18.2397 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2008 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-004_00 Middle Fork Beaver Creek 33.0457 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060003-021_00 Moon Lake Tributaries 149.5125 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin
UT14060005-003_00
Ninemile
156.6532 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(68462)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060003-019_00 North Fork Duchesne 64.6235 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-025_00 O-Wi-Yu-Kuts Creek 2.1628 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin
UT14060005-002_00
Pariette Draw Creek
59.0722 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(39159)
Agricultural
1998 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2024 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2020 Low
Selenium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(39159)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
1998 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(39159)
Agricultural
1998 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060003-014_00 Pole Creek 35.8404 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin
UT14040106-021_00
Pot Creek
25.0887 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Iron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-023_00 Pot Creek Lower 0.3873 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-006_00 Range Creek Lower 9.334 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060005-005_00 Range Creek Middle 26.3995 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060005-004_00 Range Creek Upper 6.432 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-018_00 Red Creek 15.6874 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-006_00 Red Creek Lower 6.2552 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060004-007_00 Red Creek Middle 20.1444 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-008_00 Red Creek Upper 20.6914 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060005-008_00 Rock Creek 28.0627 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060003-016_00 Rock Creek Lower 29.9255 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060003-020_00 Rock Creek Upper 104.3785 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-022_00 Sears Creek 7.8659 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040106-007_00 Sheep Creek 122.1393 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040106-013_00 Spring Creek 5.0547 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060004-003_01 Starvation Tributaries-1 0 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060004-003_02 Starvation Tributaries-2 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-004_00 Stawberry River-2 22.4101 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-014_00 Strawberry River Upper 62.6923 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060004-001_00 Strawberry River-1 6.5454 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060004-010_00 Strawberry River-3 23.1991 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060004-013_00 Strawberry-4 119.9936 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14050007-004_00 Sweetwater Creek 4.2481 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060008-007_00 Ten Mile Canyon - Grand 3.5277 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14060004-011_00 Timber Canyon Creek 17.1158 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-026_00 Tolivers Creek 6.6145 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment Assessed HNNC
Uinta Basin UT14060003-003_00 Uinta River-1 6.0267 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4056) Agricultural 2016 Low
113
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Uinta Basin UT14060003-010_00 Uinta River-3 76.6743 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14060003-024_00 Uinta River-4 95.7202 Miles 5 Not Supporting Zinc Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-003_00 West Fork Beaver Creek 24.1867 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060003-018_00 West Fork Duchesne 89.8083 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14040107-003_00 West Fork Smiths Fork 22.7109 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14040108-001_00 West Muddy Creek 7.2265 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Uinta Basin UT14050007-001_00 White River 70.8223 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060003-011_00 Whiterocks River Lower 30.7164 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060003-013_00 Whiterocks River Upper 92.3441 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060006-001_00 Willow Creek 74.5645 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron
Max. Temperature Total
Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2022 Low
2020 Low
Uinta Basin UT14040106-024_00 Willow Creek - Daggett 16.5196 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Uinta Basin UT14060004-012_00 Willow Creek - Wasatch 15.8579 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060006-002_00 Willow Creek Upper 161.5165 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060003-023_00 Yellowstone Upper 126.1772 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Uinta Basin UT14060003-007_00 Zimmerman Wash 0.7777 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-022_00 Bridal Veil Falls 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-011_00 Daniels Creek-1 10.696 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River UT16020203-012_00 Daniels Creek-2 11.6439 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River
UT16020203-026_00
Heber Valley
46.869 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation and
Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary Contact),
Domestic Source, Agricultural
2020 Low
2022 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-019_00 Lake Creek-2 22.9166 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Provo River UT16020203-017_00 Little South Fork Provo 30.3416 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River UT16020203-020_00 Lost Creek and tributaries from 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-009_00 Main Creek-1 7.3672 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
E. coli
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) Aquatic
Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary Contact),
Domestic Source, Agricultural
2016 Low
2010 Low
2020 Low
2022 Low
2024 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-010_00 Main Creek-2 34.3526 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source 2016 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-016_00 McHenry Creek 0.8853 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Provo River UT16020203-008_00 North Fork Provo River 8.0173 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Provo River UT16020203-025_00 Provo Canyon 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-013_00 Provo Deer Creek 20.467 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-023_00 Provo Lower Tributaries 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-002_00 Provo River-2 3.9862 Miles 5 Not Supporting
Assessed HNNC Nutrient/Eutrophication Biological Indicators Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-003_00 Provo River-3 6.2681 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-004_00 Provo River-4 14.3 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Provo River UT16020203-005_00 Provo River-5 13.0952 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-006_01 Provo River-6-1 26.3639 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-006_02 Provo River-6-2 39.669 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Zinc Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) Aquatic
Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
2014 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-006_03 Provo River-6-3 40.9468 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Copper
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) Aquatic
Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary Contact),
Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
2020 Low
2020 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-028_01 Provo Tributaries-Heber-1 4.5564 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-028_02 Provo Tributaries-Heber-2 10.8871 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-024_00 Rock Canyon 3.4167 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Provo River UT16020203-014_00 Snake Creek-1 4.904 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Chromium Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2006 High
2022 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-015_00 Snake Creek-2 17.2894 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2024 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source
2020 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-018_00 South Fork Provo 30.5914 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
114
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Upper Provo River UT16020203-007_00 South Fork Provo River 10.6754 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Provo River
UT16020203-027_00
Spring Creek-Heber
11.7 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8- Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
UT-2022-01) Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
TMDL Needed Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2024 Low
Upper Provo River UT16020203-021_00 Upper Falls Drainage 0.4365 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-008_00 Antimony Creek 28.0557 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-011_00 Asay Creek 47.3643 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-004_00 Bear Creek 8.1627 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper
E. coli
Max. Temperature
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Agricultural
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
TMDL Needed Primary Contact)
TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
TMDL Needed Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
2020 Low
2014 Low
2022 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-007_00 Deer Creek 18.7186 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-010_00 Duck Creek 4.3667 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Upper Sevier River
UT16030002-005_00
East Fork Sevier River-4
27.2991 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Assessed HNNC Max. Temperature
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
TMDL Approved (30892) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2006 Low
2000 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-010_00 East Fork Sevier-1 41.7576 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-009_00 East Fork Sevier-2 137.2718 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-006_00 East Fork Sevier-3 24.494 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-009_00 Mammoth Creek Lower 25.9563 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (11129) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2004 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-015_00 Mammoth Creek Upper 28.2764 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-002_00 Otter Creek-1 96.3682 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Max. Temperature
Nutrient/Eutrophication Biological Indicators
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Alternative
restoration plan Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary TMDL Needed Contact), Agricultural
2008 Low
2022 Low
2022 Low
Upper Sevier River
UT16030002-004_00
Otter Creek-2
23.1199 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL Assessed HNNC Habitat Alterations
Not meeting criteria
Non-Pollutant
Impairment (4C) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(900) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2012 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(900) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (900) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Upper Sevier River
UT16030002-003_00
Otter Creek-3
29.762 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
TMDL Needed Primary Contact)
2022 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(900) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved (900) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Upper Sevier River
UT16030002-001_00
Otter Creek-4
23.6238 Miles
5
Not Supporting E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
TMDL Needed Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-008_00 Panguitch Creek-1 25.2676 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Upper Sevier River
UT16030001-006_00
Panguitch Creek-2
39.1803 Miles
5
Not Supporting Assessed HNNC E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
TMDL Needed Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-013_00 Piute 3.5391 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-001_00 Piute West 11.6187 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-012_00 Sevier River-1 34.6148 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary TMDL Needed Contact), Agricultural
2024 Low
Upper Sevier River
UT16030001-007_00
Sevier River-2
52.6837 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11127) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2002 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11127) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2002 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-005_00 Sevier River-3 22.089 Miles 5 Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL for some parameters E. coli Not meeting criteria Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent TMDL Needed Primary Contact) 2022 Low
115
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11126)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11126, 30892) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-002_00 Sevier River-4 17.8962 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Upper Sevier River UT16030001-014_00 Threemile Creek 25.0738 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Max. Temperature
Nutrient/Eutrophication
Biological Indicators
pH
Not meeting criteria
Threatened
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2008 Low
2022 Low
2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-016_00 American Fork 0.051 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-001_00 American Fork River-1 7.1475 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-027_00 Beer Creek 16.3872 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
E. coli
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2014 Low
2020 Low
2024 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-030_00 Benjamin Slough 6.2399 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Ammonia as N Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-024_00 Bennie Creek 4.8109 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-019_00 Clear Creek-Tucker 13.6413 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020202-011_00
Cottonwood Creek
11.3528 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-003_00 Currant Creek 4.1518 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2002 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-017_00 Currant Creek-Goshen 19.3623 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-014_00 Currant Creek-Juab Valley 21.2898 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-017_00 Dairy Fork 5.9198 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-006_00 Diamond Fork-1 26.5796 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-007_00 Diamond Fork-2 4.3218 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-008_00 Diamond Fork-3 27.191 Miles 5 Not Supporting E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020202-035_00
Dry Creek-1
3.1531 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Agricultural
2020 Low
2024 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-036_00 Dry Creek-2 8.7169 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-003_00 Hobble Creek-1 10.4786 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-004_00 Hobble Creek-2 25.3622 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020202-005_00
Hobble Creek-3
30.7097 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-006_00 Hop Creek 16.2532 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-021_00 Indian Creek 3.0656 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-013_00 Ironton Canal Lower 0.0741 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-016_00 Lake Fork 29.5854 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-011_00 Lindon Hollow 0.8053 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-018_00 Mill Fork 10.5275 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-012_00 Mill Race Creek-1 0.4672 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
2020 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-031_00 Moark 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-025_00 Nebo Creek 40.2234 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-028_00 Peteetneet Creek 22.0136 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-010_00 Powell Slough 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other) 2014 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020203-001_00 Provo River-1 11.1055 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2008 Low
2024 Low
2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-004_00 Salt Creek-1 2.2702 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020201-005_00
Salt Creek-2
22.5573 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-014_00 Sheep Creek 5.5469 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-009_00 Sixth Water Creek 20.358 Miles 5 Not Supporting Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-012_00 Soldier Creek-1 20.9908 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
116
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(31023)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(31023) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-013_00 Soldier Creek-2 6.8771 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-033_00 Soldier Creek-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-034_00 Soldier Creek-4 2.21 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-039_00 Soldier Creek-5 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020202-001_00
Spanish Fork River-1
16.6257 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-002_00 Spanish Fork River-2 6.6316 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River
UT16020201-009_00
Spring Creek-Lehi
4.8734 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2022 Low
2022 Low
2020 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-026_00 Spring Creek-Payson 13.2808 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-042_00 Spring Creek-Springville 3.011 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Ammonia as N
Total Ammonia as N
Not meeting criteria
Meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other)
2024 Low
2024 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-020_00 Starvation Creek 19.01 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020201-007_00 Summit Creek-Santaquin 7.9563 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-010_00 Third Water Creek 24.6655 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact) 2022 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-022_00 Thistle Creek-1 21.1928 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Sediment Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(33611)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-023_00 Thistle Creek-2 20.6014 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-037_00 Thistle Creek-3 10.4524 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-038_00 Thistle Creek-4 1.2373 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-032_00 Thistle Creek-5 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Utah Lake-Lower Provo River UT16020202-015_00 Tie Fork 14.883 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-053_00 Baer Creek-1 1.1627 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2022 Low
2020 Low
Weber River UT16020102-051_00 Baer Creek-2 2.263 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-036_00 Baer Creek-3 2.7972 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
Copper
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024 Low
2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-043_00 Barnard Creek 1.8987 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
2016 Low
Weber River UT16020102-047_00 Barton Creek 3.5526 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
pH
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2024 Low
2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-029_00 Beaver Creek-1 15.9482 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-011_00 Beaver Creek-Weber 19.9971 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020101-030_00 Beaver Creek2-Kamas 22.5394 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum
Copper
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-014_00 Burch Creek-1 3.1746 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-004_00 Burch Creek-2 4.1167 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment Assessed HNNC
Weber River
UT16020101-008_00
Carruth Creek
7.8937 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2020 Low
Weber River UT16020102-044_02 Centerville Canyon 5.396 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-012_00
Chalk Creek-2
5.5525 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2020 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-016_00
Chalk Creek-4
54.8084 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Sediment
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Approved
(239)
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2020 Low
1998 Low
1998 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-010_00
Chalk Creek1-Coalville
8.1527 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2024 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-014_00
Chalk Creek3-Coalville
17.2319 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Habitat Alterations
Sediment
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Non-Pollutant
Impairment (4C)
TMDL Approved
(239)
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
1998 Low
1998 Low
Weber River UT16020102-056_00 Corbett Creek 1.8032 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
117
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Weber River UT16020102-018_00 Cottonwood Creek 6.4808 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-041_00 Davis Creek 2.3016 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-024_00 East Canyon Creek-1 25.4755 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River
UT16020102-026_01
East Canyon Creek-2-1
33.4 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(399)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(399)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1992 Low
Weber River UT16020102-026_04 East Canyon Creek-2-2 3.1 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-025_00 East Canyon Creek-3 5.238 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020101-015_00 East Fork Chalk Creek 35.1865 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River
UT16020101-007_00
Echo Creek
44.4476 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(30893)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Weber River UT16020102-039_00 Farmington Creek-1 0.1618 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water)
2020 Low
Weber River UT16020102-038_00 Farmington Creek-2 20.0776 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-022_00 Fort Creek 11.1333 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-003_00 Four Mile Creek 2.7301 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River
UT16020101-002_00
Francis Creek
8.1377 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2024 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-009_00 Grass Creek 10.1982 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-023_00 Hardscrabble Creek 27.7838 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
Weber River UT16020102-035_00 Holmes Creek-1 9.9671 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water)
2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-034_00 Holmes Creek-2 5.9197 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River
UT16020101-013_00
Huff Creek
20.544 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Assessed HNNC Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Weber River UT16020102-031_00 Kays Creek 7.6878 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2016 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water)
2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-027_00 Kimball Creek 13.6853 Miles 5 Not Supporting Arsenic Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Domestic Source 2014 Low
Weber River UT16020101-001_00 Lost Creek1-Croydon 26.103 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020101-003_00 Lost Creek2-Croydon 57.0259 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020101-005_00 Main Canyon 12.7432 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-032_02 Middle Fork Kays Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Weber River UT16020102-009_00 Middle Fork Ogden River 30.5678 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Weber River UT16020102-050_00 Mill Creek1-Davis 0.2076 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2014 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water)
2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-049_00 Mill Creek2-Davis 6.6382 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
118
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Weber River
UT16020102-026_02
Murnin Creek
7.4458 Miles
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
5 for some parameters
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural
TMDL Approved
Not meeting criteria (399) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids 2014 Low
Total Phosphorus as P 1992 Low
Weber River UT16020102-030_00 North Fork Kays Creek 2.1809 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-006_00 North Fork Ogden River 49.9854 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-005_00 Ogden River-1 10.001 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Weber River UT16020102-044_01 Parrish Creek 3.8507 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-042_00 Ricks Creek 3.3986 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-052_00 Rudd Creek 1.0617 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2022 Low
Weber River UT16020101-031_00 Sawmill Creek 2.7526 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-037_00 Shepard Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-020_01
Silver Creek-1
13.1527 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Arsenic
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
2006 Low
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Cadmium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11152)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Domestic
Source, Agricultural
1998 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2020 Low
Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate
As N)
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2010 Low
Zinc Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11152) Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 1998 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-020_02
Silver Creek-2
26.2357 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Arsenic
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
2006 Low
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Cadmium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11152)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Domestic
Source, Agricultural
1998 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2020 Low
Lead
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Domestic
Source
2024 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate
As N)
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source
2014 Low
Zinc
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11152)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Weber River UT16020101-026_00 Smith Morehouse River-1 8.9839 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-027_00 Smith Morehouse River-2 13.935 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-033_00 Snow Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2022 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2022 Low
Weber River
UT16020101-011_00
South Fork Chalk Creek
53.6402 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2024 Low
Sediment
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(239)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
Weber River UT16020102-032_01 South Fork Kays Creek 2.0556 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-012_00 South Fork Ogden River 38.1374 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment Assessed HNNC
Nutrient/Eutrophication
Weber River UT16020102-010_00 South Fork Ogden River-1 14.7474 Miles 5 Not Supporting Assessed HNNC Biological Indicators Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-015_00 Spring Creek 2.4228 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
119
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Weber River
UT16020204-034_00
State Canal
4.4925 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2014 Low
Total Ammonia as N
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2016 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Weber River UT16020102-040_00 Steed Creek 1.8932 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2022 Low
Weber River UT16020102-046_00 Stone Creek-1 0.0749 Miles 5 Not Supporting Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2016 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2016 Low
Weber River UT16020102-045_00 Stone Creek-2 5.0879 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-013_00 Strong Canyons Creek 1.3883 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River
UT16020102-026_03
Toll Canyon
0.0783 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(399)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1992 Low
Weber River UT16020102-057_00 Unknown 2.3684 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-017_01 Weber Lower Tributaries-1-1 3.1145 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-017_02 Weber Lower Tributaries-1-2 38.8982 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-016_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-021_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-3 24.6195 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-019_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-4 3.5916 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-055_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-5 26.9542 Miles 5 Not Supporting
E. coli Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source 2020 Low
Weber River UT16020102-054_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-6 1.0767 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-028_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-7 0.0894 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020102-029_00 Weber Lower Tributaries-8 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River
UT16020102-001_00
Weber River-1
108.6744 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Other), Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish
and Other)
2008 Low
Weber River UT16020101-024_00 Weber River-10 50.4722 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Weber River UT16020101-025_00 Weber River-11 39.1194 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020101-028_00 Weber River-12 27.724 Miles 5 Not Supporting Aluminum Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Copper Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Lead Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020102-007_00 Weber River-2 0.4702 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-002_00 Weber River-3 19.3948 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Weber River UT16020102-020_00 Weber River-4 10.1183 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-048_00 Weber River-5 1.5063 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Weber River UT16020102-022_00 Weber River-6 12.5694 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Weber River UT16020101-004_00 Weber River-7 11.5509 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Total Phosphorus as P Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
Weber River UT16020101-017_00 Weber River-8 11.3009 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-023_00 Weber River-9 25.5435 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Weber River UT16020101-006_00 Weber Upper Tributaries-1 1.5358 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020101-018_00 Weber Upper Tributaries-2 6.058 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Weber River UT16020101-019_00 Weber Upper Tributaries-3 23.1845 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020101-021_00 Weber Upper Tributaries-4 10.082 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Weber River UT16020102-008_00 Wheeler Creek 13.9262 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
West Desert UT16020306-004_00 Basin Creek 7.1306 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-002_00 Bettridge Creek 2.3792 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-008_00 Birch Creek 9.539 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040211-003_00 Birch Creek - WD/C 5.4029 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020309-002_00 Blue Creek 7.0478 Miles 5 Not Supporting Boron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact)
2020 Low
120
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed
303(d)
Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Selenium
Aquatic Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Other)
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other)
2012
Low
Total Dissolved Solids 2012 Low
pH
2012
Low
West Desert UT17040210-006_00 Clear Creek-Sawtooth NF 19.2527 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-009_00 Clover Creek 3.5157 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-009_00 Cottonwood Creek 5.0499 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020309-001_00 Deep Creek 8.7959 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020306-005_00 Deep Creek - 1 WD/C 53.1106 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-001_00 Donner Creek 1.3173 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-002_00 Faust Creek 13.5997 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
West Desert UT17040211-001_01 Goose Creek-1 8.1726 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040211-001_02 Goose Creek-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020306-002_00 Granite Creek 13.7695 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020308-007_00 Grouse Creek 38.8971 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020301-002_00 Hamlin Valley Wash 3.29 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT17040210-005_00 Holt Creek 0.3556 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040210-004_00 Johnson Creek - WD/C 23.2776 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16030005-001_00 Judd Creek 3.8156 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040210-002_00 Junction Creek 9.7436 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020301-001_00 Lake Creek-Millard Co 19.5446 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
West Desert UT16020304-007_00 Middle Canyon 4.6231 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-010_00 Muddy Creek 2.7383 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-003_00 North Willow Creek 4.1792 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-004_00 Ophir Creek 3.829 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-004_00 Pine Creek 15.6838 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040211-002_00 Pole Creek 18.9158 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT17040210-001_00 Raft River 24.3129 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020308-003_00 Red Butte Creek 12.3414 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020304-006_00 Settlement Canyon Creek 1.1415 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-005_00 Soldier Creek 6.6452 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT17040210-003_00 South Junction Creek 52.532 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020304-008_00 South Willow Creek 3.5179 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
West Desert UT16020308-006_00 Straight Fork Creek 4.545 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020306-003_00 Thomas Creek 11.7418 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert UT16020306-001_00 Trout Creek 14.4446 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
West Desert
UT16020304-001_00
Vernon Creek
13.511 Miles
5
Not Supporting
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Agricultural
2014 Low
West Desert UT16020308-005_00 Warm Creek 3.1592 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14070005-015_00 Alvey Wash Lower 9.854 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-014_00 Alvey Wash Upper 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060009-004_02 Bear Canyon-1 1.1664 Miles 5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-003_04
Bear Canyon-2
0.9922 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-002_00 Birch Creek 30.2677 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-018_00 Boulder Creek 58.5764 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070007-003_00 Buckskin Gulch 2.5339 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2024 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070001-002_00 Bullfrog Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-007_00 Calf Creek 8.1389 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2008 Low
121
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Western Colorado River UT14060007-008_00 Coal Creek 31.3575 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070007-004_00 Cottonwood Creek 6.3728 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-011_00
Cottonwood Creek Lower
26.0797 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11139)
Agricultural
2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Agricultural, Aquatic
Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060009-007_00 Cottonwood Creek Upper 21.6863 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-017_00 Coyote Gulch 13.2928 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14070006-005_00 Croton 2.3143 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-008_00 Deer Creek (Garfield Co.) 64.8922 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River
UT14060007-011_00
Desert Seep Wash
30.7292 Miles
5
Not Supporting
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water), Aquatic
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Other),
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070004-001_00 Dirty Devil River 69.4027 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2024 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070004-002_00 Dirty Devil west side tributaries 11.143 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River UT14070003-007_00 Donkey Creek 36.4087 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060009-001_00 Electric Lake Tributaries 17.3395 Miles 3 Insufficient Data Assessed HNNC
Western Colorado River UT14070005-011_00 Escalante River Lower 67.4727 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2022 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-012_00 Escalante River Upper 28.3464 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2008 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2016 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_01 Escalante Tributaries-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_02 Escalante Tributaries-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_03 Escalante Tributaries-3 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_04 Escalante Tributaries-4 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_05 Escalante Tributaries-5 0.1227 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_06 Escalante Tributaries-6 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_07 Escalante Tributaries-7 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-013_08 Escalante Tributaries-8 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060009-012_00 Ferron Creek Lower 26.4587 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-009_00
Ferron Creek Upper
104.6191 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Recreation and Aesthetics (Infrequent
Primary Contact), Domestic Source
2022 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-015_00 Fish Lake Tributaries 5.685 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070003-004_00 Fremont River-1 8.5618 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Western Colorado River
UT14070003-005_00
Fremont River-2
40.726 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2021-01)
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Total Phosphorus as P
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4062)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
1998 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Domestic
Source, Agricultural, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14070003-008_00
Fremont River-3
81.2161 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved (R8-
UT-2021-01)
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-014_00 Fremont River-4 82.9336 Miles 4A Approved TMDL Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(4063) Agricultural 1998 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060007-006_00
Gordon Creek
57.5919 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2020 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(11130)
Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060007-012_00 Grassy Trail Creek Lower 2.8252 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060007-013_00 Grassy Trail Creek Upper 11.9671 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070001-001_00 Halls Creek 0 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-013_00 Henry Mountains 32.1 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060009-010_00 Huntington Creek-1 33.3951 Miles 5 Not Supporting Selenium Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2006 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-004_01
Huntington Creek-2
25.7285 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2024 Low
122
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First 303(d)
Listed Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
pH
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-003_01
Huntington Creek-3-1
56.5271 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-003_02
Huntington Creek-3-2
3.3754 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14070002-008_00
Ivie Creek Lower
16.1327 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Agricultural
2014 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2016 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11145) Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-004_01 Ivie Creek Upper-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070002-004_02 Ivie Creek Upper-2 28.133 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14060009-006_00 Joes Valley 44.6271 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River
UT14070003-001_00
Johnson Valley
18.3829 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060009-002_00 LF Huntington Creek 41.2198 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070001-005_00 Lake Canyon 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-003_00 Lake Powell Tribs-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-008_00 Lake Powell Tribs-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-006_01 Lake Powell Tribs-3-1 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-006_02 Lake Powell Tribs-3-2 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-004_00 Last Chance Creek 16.0783 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water)
2008 Low
2022 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-005_00 Last Chance Creek 6.5705 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-019_00 Lower Escalante River Tributari 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060009-005_00 Lowery Water 51.5505 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-005_00 Mamie Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060007-010_00 Miller Creek 27.5097 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-009_00 Muddy Creek Lower 82.1907 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-006_00 Muddy Creek Middle 20.0674 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070002-001_00 Muddy Creek Upper 80.6942 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2016 Low
2014 Low
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070001-006_00 Navajo Long Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-003_00 North Creek-Escalante 49.7959 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070001-093_00 North Wash 9.2852 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River UT14070003-011_00 Oak Creek 30.3239 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070007-001_00 Paria River-1 28.865 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2020 Low
2008 Low
2000 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070007-002_00 Paria River-2 34.6487 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2014 Low
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070007-005_00 Paria River-3 11.0465 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
Agricultural
2008 Low
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070005-004_00 Pine Creek 32.9767 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
123
2024 Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)
Assessment unit information Associated parameter information
Watershed Assessment AU Water Quality Parameter Parameter Status 303(d) Status Use(s)
Cycle First
Listed 303(d) Priority Management Unit Unit (AU) ID AU Name Water Size Unit Category Category Description HNNC
Western Colorado River UT14070003-006_00 Pine Creek (Wayne Co) 20.5561 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River
UT14060007-017_00
Pinnacle Wash
0.0197 Miles
4A
Approved TMDL
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11132)
Agricultural
2016 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-009_00 Pleasant Creek-1 57.9356 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-010_00 Pleasant Creek-2 10.2733 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060007-003_00 Price River-1 82.2848 Miles 5 Not Supporting Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060007-005_00 Price River-2 9.4669 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River UT14060007-007_00 Price River-3 18.0364 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Boron Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Selenium
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Agricultural, Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game
Fish and Other)
2014 Low
Total Ammonia as N Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11135) Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060007-014_00 Price River-4 70.491 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River UT14060007-015_00 Price River-5 36.8942 Miles
1 Fully Supporting
Total Dissolved Solids Meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11131) Agricultural
Western Colorado River
UT14070002-007_00
Quitchupah Creek Lower
14.5384 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2010 Low
Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Approved
(11144)
Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-002_00 Quitchupah Creek Upper 30.4468 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2010 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-003_03
Rilda Canyon
0.0459 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Max. Temperature
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2014 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2014 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11137)
Agricultural
2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070002-003_00 Saleratus Creek - Emery 14.531 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2020 Low
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-014_00
San Rafael Lower
88.1364 Miles
5
Not Supporting but has Approved TMDL
for some parameters
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other)
2010 Low
Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Non-game Fish and Other) 2022 Low
Total Dissolved Solids
Meeting criteria
TMDL Approved
(11141)
Agricultural
Western Colorado River UT14060009-013_00 San Rafael Upper 24.4186 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14070005-006_00 Sand Creek 46.0878 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14070003-012_00 Sandy Creek 30.5942 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14060007-002_00 Scofield Tributaries 98.5341 Miles 5 Not Supporting Max. Temperature Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2024 Low
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2016 Low
pH
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water), Recreation
and Aesthetics (Infrequent Primary
Contact), Domestic Source, Agricultural
2024 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060007-009_00 Soldier Creek 23.3361 Miles 2 No Evidence of Impairment
Western Colorado River UT14070005-010_00 The Gulch 44.4627 Miles 5 Not Supporting Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Warm Water) 2020 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070001-094_00 Trachyte Creek 4.7074 Miles 1 Fully Supporting
Western Colorado River
UT14070003-002_00
UM Creek
28.3369 Miles
5
Not Supporting
E. coli
Not meeting criteria
TMDL Needed
Domestic Source, Recreation and
Aesthetics (Frequent Primary Contact)
2020 Low
Nutrient/Eutrophication
Biological Indicators
Not meeting criteria
Alternative
restoration plan
Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water)
2022 Low
Zinc Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2012 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070003-003_00 UM Creek Lower 1.9521 Miles 1 Fully Supporting Assessed HNNC
Western Colorado River UT14070005-001_00 Upper Valley Creek 0.1737 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070006-001_00 Wahweap Creek 0.1127 Miles 5 Not Supporting Total Dissolved Solids Not meeting criteria TMDL Needed Agricultural 2014 Low
Western Colorado River UT14070006-002_00 Warm Creek 0 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14060007-001_00 White River-Colton 41.732 Miles 5
Not Supporting
Nutrient/Eutrophication
Biological Indicators Threatened
Alternative
restoration plan Aquatic Wildlife (Cold Water) 2022 Low
Western Colorado River UT14060007-004_00 Willow Creek - Carbon 48.2975 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
Western Colorado River UT14070005-016_00 Wolverine Creek 0.0009 Miles 3 Insufficient Data
124
2024 Integrated Report: Delistings
Watershed Management Unit Assessment Unit ID Assessment Unit Name Water Quality Parameter Delisting Reason Delisting Comment
Bear River
UT16010204-006_00
Malad River-1
Total Ammonia as N
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Both impaired Sites(4902000 and 4902040) had 2/12 sample exceedances when first listed in the
2020IR. This cycle has 11 new samples with 0 sample exceedances.
Bear River
UT16010204-008_02
Bear River-2-2
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site 4901100 led to first listing in 2014IR. New data from 2020-2021 with 0/11 sample exceedances.
Jordan River
UT16020204-035_00
Red Butte Creek Lower
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Original listing incorrect.
Original listing applied the Early Life Stage DO Criteria incorrectly. Per IR Assessment Methods,
ELS presence criteria is only applied to sites with confirmed ELS presence. For the 2022 IR, Site
RB_02.16 had 6/14 sample exceedances, Site 4992084 had 6/52 sample exceedances, Site RB_04.
21 had 7/60 samples exceedances and Site RB_02.64 had 6/13 sample exceedances.
Jordan River
UT16020204-001_02
North Canyon Creek
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Original listing incorrect.
Site 4990987 was originally listed when it was part of Jordan River-1 AU (UT16020204-001_01).
Site 4990987 has been FS since 2020IR and has new data from 2020-2021.
Jordan River UT16020204-003_00 Jordan River-3 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-021_00 Little Cottonwood Creek-1 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-017_00 Mill Creek2-SLCity E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-004_00 Jordan River-4 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-026_00 Mill Creek1-SLCity E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-002_00 Jordan River-2 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-005_00 Jordan River-5 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-019_00 Big Cottonwood Creek-1 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-013_00 Parleys Canyon Creek-2 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-033_00 Emigration Creek Lower E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-025_00 Parleys Canyon Creek-1 E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-035_00 Red Butte Creek Lower E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-024_01 Midas Creek E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River UT16020204-029_00 Rose Creek E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2023-01
Jordan River
UT16020204-024_02
Butterfield Creek
Selenium
Original listing incorrect.
Site 4994420 led to first listing in 2014. The AU was split during 2018/2020IR. Site 4994420 is in
UT16020204-024_01 AU. All other sites in the AU are FS or IDNE. Delist was due to a spatial site
error.
Meeting water quality criteria
Site 4994190 led to first listing in 2014. 0/5 samples exceeding criteria this cycle. Data was not
assessed in 2022IR. Not even the method 200.8 samples are exceeding and that method has a
higher positive bias. New data were part of a missing block of data from UPHL that was pushed to
Jordan River UT16020204-023_00 Bingham Creek Selenium with new data. WQX after the 2022IR Call for Data.
Lower Colorado River
UT15010003-005_00
Johnson Wash-2
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
New data with O/E =.93
Lower Sevier River
UT16030004-003_00
Six Mile Creek - Sevier
Minimum Dissolved Oxygen
Original listing incorrect.
Site 5943260 that triggered the listing in the 2012IR is now in UT16030004-001_00 AU. Delist due
to spatial site error.
Meeting water quality criteria
Site 4956390 led to first listing in 2014IR. With 15 new samples there are 0/28 sample exceedances.
All other sites in the AU are FS. Multiple NPS restoration and water quality improvement projects
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-005_00 Mill Creek1-Moab Minimum Dissolved Oxygen due to restoration activities. were implemented between 2019-2021.
Meeting water quality criteria
Sites 4952400 and 4956290 were both impaired from 2012IR through the 2020IR. Site 4952400 has
0/41 sample exceedances. Site 4956290 has 0/47 sample exceedances. Data meets both chronic &
Southeast Colorado River UT14080201-011_00 Comb Wash Selenium with new data. acute criteria. Almost half of data is new this cycle.
Southeast Colorado River
UT14030005-018_00
Courthouse Wash
Temperature
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
1/31 samples exceeding criteria. 2 of the impaired samples from last cycle fell out of the POR. None
of the 10 new samples this cycle exceed criteria.
Meeting water quality criteria
All data collected since 2012 have been FS or IDNE. Site 4958240 is FS and is 1.6 miles down
stream. It has been FS since last cycle, but has no new samples since 2019. 0/12 samples
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-019_00 Professor Creek Temperature with new data. exceeding.
Southeast Colorado River
UT14030005-010_00
Onion Creek Lower
Temperature
Original listing incorrect.
Site 4958280 triggered listing in 2013 with 2 samples exceeding. 12 new samples with 0/12 sample
exceedances 12 samples from 2018-19 were below criteria. Site 4958285 was also listed in 1998;
however, the site is 1.6 miles upstream of Site 4958280 and has been IDNE for the past four cycles.
4958280 is downstream and FS.
Southeast Colorado River UT14030005-010_00 Onion Creek Lower Total Dissolved Solids TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : 4008
Uinta Basin UT14060004-002_00 Indian Canyon Creek Selenium
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site 4934530 triggered impairment in 2014. 0/27 sample exceedances. Data were not accepted nor
rejected for the 2022IR cycle.
Uinta Basin
UT14060008-002_00
Green River-5
Temperature
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
The impaired site 4930150 from the 2022IR had 3/20 sample exceedances. 15 new samples for
current POR with 3/34 sample exceedances.
Meeting water quality criteria
Site 4939490 led to first listing in 2014. Based on 2016-2017 data for this site, 0/10 sample
exceedances. The data were part of a missing block of data from UPHL and were pushed to WQX
Uinta Basin UT14040107-005_00 East Fork Smiths Fork Zinc with new data. after the 2022IR Call for data.
125
2024 Integrated Report: Delistings
Watershed Management Unit Assessment Unit ID Assessment Unit Name Water Quality Parameter Delisting Reason Delisting Comment
Upper Provo River
UT16020203-016_00
McHenry Creek
Cadmium
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site 4997675 triggered the impairment in the 2016IR. 18 new samples allowed for the assessment of
the chronic criteria with 1/24 sample exceedances.
Upper Provo River UT16020203-027_00 Spring Creek-Heber E. coli TMDL Approved by EPA (4A) TMDL Action ID : R8-UT-2022-01
Upper Provo River
UT16020203-004_00
Provo River-4
pH
Original listing incorrect.
Impaired site now in a different AU. The Spring Creek-Heber AU was redrawn to include all of Rock
Creek. Site UTAHDWQ_WQX-4997314 that was in UT16020203-004_00 PR-4 is now in
UT16020203-027_00. Delist due to spatial site error.
Upper Sevier River UT16030002-002_00 Otter Creek-1 Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data. New sample O/E>.8 which is above the .76 threshold.
Upper Sevier River
UT16030001-007_00
Sevier River-2
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bioassessments
Meeting water quality criteria
due to restoration activities.
New samples from 2020 put the O/E= 0.87. Delin Roundy Stream Bank Restoration project near
sampled Site 4949642.
Weber River
UT16020101-011_00
South Fork Chalk Creek
E. coli
Meeting water quality criteria
due to restoration activities.
All assessed data from Site 4926360 is new data from the past 2 years with 0/5 exceedances. All
impaired samples are out of POR. Rangeland grazing improvement awarded in AU in 2018.
Weber River
UT16020101-020_02
Silver Creek-2
Nitrate as N
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site 4926740 was first listed in the 2014IR. Data from 2015-2016 had 4/12 sample exceedances for
the 1C use and 10/12 sample exceedences for the 2B and 3A use. New samples from 2021-2022
show 0/11 sample exceedances. Silver Creek WRF was upgraded, including nitrogen removal.
Weber River
UT16020101-020_01
Silver Creek-1
Nitrate as N
Original listing incorrect.
Original Nitrate impairment was due to Site 4926740 in UT16020101-020 AU. The AU was split and
Site 4926740 now resides in UT16020101-020_02 AU. Delist due to spatial site error.
Weber River
UT16020102-036_00
Baer Creek-3
pH
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
3/21 samples exceeded in the 2022IR. There are 10 new samples with 3/31 samples exceeding but
below 10% exceedance threshold.
Weber River UT16020102-026_01 East Canyon Creek-2-1 Total Dissolved Solids Original listing incorrect.
Site 4925370 tripped the TDS listing but AU has since been split and the triggering site occurs in
other AU. All other sites in this AU are fully supporting for TDS.
Weber River
UT16020102-031_00
Kays Creek
Total Dissolved Solids
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Impaired Site 4990110 had 3/22 sample exceedances during the 2022IR POR. For this cyle, there
were 11 new samples with only 2/21 sample exceedances.
Weber River
UT16020101-020_02
Silver Creek-2
Total Dissolved Solids
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Sites 4926740,4926800,4926850,4926950 were first listed in the 2010IR. All 4 sites have new data
from 2021-2022 and are now FS. There are 14-16 samples at each site with 0 exceedances at each
site.
Western Colorado River
UT14070006-001_00
Wahweap Creek
Temperature
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site 5994530 led to the impairment in the 2014IR. Now, 3/40 sample exceedances.
Western Colorado River
UT14060009-014_00
San Rafael Lower
Total Dissolved Solids
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Sites USGS-09328500 and 4930270 both led to the impairment in the 2016IR but are now meeting
criteria with new data. Site 4930270 has 1/13 sample exceedances. Site USGS-09328500 has 2/70
sample exceedances.
Western Colorado River
UT14060007-015_00
Price River-5
Total Dissolved Solids
Meeting water quality criteria
with new data.
Site USGS-9314500 first listed in 2016. Site is at the same location and was merged/assessed with
Site UTAHDWQ_WQX-4931650 with 3/68 sample exceedances.
*Footnote: North Fork Virgin River-1 (E. coli) and Huntington Creek-2 (Total Dissolved Solids) were placed in Category 1:Fully supporting in the 2022 Integrated Report but are now impaired for parameters that have existing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). These waterbodies were not included in the
current delisting counts or in th During the Draft IR Public Comment process, DWQ identified 5 Selenium delistings that used an analytical method that may be underestimating selenium concentrations. DWQ has kept those on the 303(d) list until the extent of the issue is identified and receives the correct
concentration values.
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Appendix 1
Data Quality Guideline Examples
DWQ Sampling Analysis Plan Requirements
Revision 2 January 1, 2017
Utah Division of Water Quality
Checklist of Essential Elements for Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs)
Monitoring Project/Program:
Preparer(s):
Reviewer(s):
Date Submitted for Review:
Date of Review:
Parent QAPP or Equivalent Document:
Instructions for Preparers:
As required by DWQ’s Quality Assurance Program Plan for Monitoring Programs (DWQ QAPP), any monitoring activity
conducted or overseen by DWQ must have a SAP, excluding one-time response actions (such as a spill) or compliance
sampling. The SAP must be reviewed and revised for each field season/monitoring year. SAPs are approved and kept on
file by the Monitoring Section QA Staff and must be distributed to everyone involved with a monitoring project. Provided
below is a template and checklist to create a SAP. The SAP should contain or reference all the elements in this checklist but
need not have the same format. Rather than extensive text, include as much information as possible in the form of tables,
which are easier to refer to in the field. The SAP should be a usable, stand-alone document that can be taken into the field
by Monitors.
Definitions and Acronyms:
DPM - Designated Project Manager. As defined by DEQ’s Quality Management Plan (QMP), the DPM is the staff member
responsible for a specific project and has immediate managerial or technical control of that project. The DPM is responsible
for specifying the quality of the data required for each project and initiating corrective actions when quality control is not being
met. The DPM may also be a program manager. The DPM is responsible for designing monitoring strategies, setting project-
specific data quality objectives (DQOs), and developing project-specific SAPs. DPMs are responsible for making sure all
personnel involved with the project are briefed and/or trained on the procedures to be used. Roles of DPMs are further
discussed throughout the DWQ QAPP.
IR-Integrated Report
SMP – Strategic Monitoring Plan
Introduction and Background Information (This can be brief if it references some previous
127
documentation or the IR or SMP, etc.)
• Site history
• Regulatory framework
• Summary of previous investigations
• Location/characteristics of any known pollution sources at the site or in the area
• Site location map showing area at a broad scale
Objectives and Design of the Investigation (This should be very specific to the project and
should be a result of discussions between DPM, data users, stakeholders, science panel, etc.)
• Specific objectives of this study (describe how they support broader program goals/objectives or
regulatory framework)
• Provide the study design (i.e. spatial/temporal limits, sample characteristics, the smallest population,
area, volume, or time frame for which decisions will be made).
• Discuss representative sampling conditions and instructions for field personnel if they encounter non-
representative sampling conditions
• Describe parameters of concern (narrative – must conform to list(s) in sections 4 and 6)
• Number, location, and frequency of samples and quality control samples
• Sampling Site Locations
• Rationale for site selection
• Site map(s) showing sampling locations and “control” sites and any other pertinent features such as land
use, etc. within the sampling area
Special Precautions and Safety Plan
• Detailed itemization of any specific safety concerns
• Reference to an applicable safety plan
• Any additional safety training required for project
• Documentation that field personnel comply with your Invasive Species Plan and SOPs to prevent spread
of invasive species
Field Sampling Methods and Documentation
• Any special training needed beyond those discussed in DWQ QAPP and where training documentation
will be kept
• Include a table listing each field instrument to be used (equipment, describe operation or indicate where
operation manual is kept for field event, include calibration procedures, if any)
• Include a table listing each sampling method to be used (sampling equipment if needed, cite method in
SAP, attach applicable SOPs)
• For any sampling equipment used, describe operation of any sampling equipment used or location of
operation manual for field event, include decontamination procedures, if any, attach applicable SOPs
• If not found in SOPs, include equipment lists and sampling trip organizing checklists if not found in SOPs
• List corrective actions for problems that may occur in the field
• Discuss what field documentation is required and how field records shall be generated and stored
Laboratory Sample Handling Procedures
• Describe sample containers, preservatives, holding times
• Describe field documentation (COC) and sample labeling procedures
• Describe shipping plan for sample transport to laboratory
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Analytical Methods and Laboratory Documentation
• Chemical – list parameter, cite preparation method and analytical method, list required sensitivity or
detection limits
• Biological – cite method or desired taxonomic level and organism target count, etc.
• Required reporting procedures (e.g. hardcopy, electronic deliverables) and turn-around times
• Be sure DWQ has obtained QA documentation for each laboratory used (check with Monitoring Section
QA Staff), reference this information and any new/research analytical methods being used (obtain these
protocols if available from lab)
• List the required data package contents from the analyzing laboratories [or reference a service contract or
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)]
Project Quality Control Requirements
• Table of QC limits for field instruments (operation range, accuracy, and precision)
• Table listing each Data Quality Indicator (precision, accuracy, bias, etc.), how it will be measured, and the
performance criteria against which it will be evaluated (use the table in the DWQ QAPP and adapt it to this
project if needed): (1) analytical (internal to lab) QC limits for chemical analyses (acceptable precision,
accuracy, and negative control – lab method blank, (2) field sample QC limits for chemical analyses
[Acceptable precision (field duplicates) and negative control (field or trip blanks)], and (3) QC limits for
biological analysis [Acceptable precision (% diff in enumeration, 5 taxonomic difference)]
• QC limits, schedule, and descriptions of planned field/lab audits/assessments
• Data quality assurance review procedures: (1) describe system of data qualification, (2) describe measure
of completeness relative to planned design, and (3) corrective actions for non-conformance
Data Analysis, Record Keeping, and Reporting Requirements
• Data interpretation approach (include means to temper decision-making if limited completeness of design
occurs)
• Describe project record keeping procedures and archive (hardcopies, electronic data)
• Describe how and when DPM wishes to be notified of available laboratory/field results
• Describe expected content and format of final project report and who will receive original/copies.
Schedule and Budget
• Table or figure showing project schedule with key project milestones
• List funding sources for project and include anticipated equipment, consumables, personnel
purchases/costs
• Sample costs/lab resources per fee schedule
Project Team and Responsibilities
• Identify project team responsibilities and personnel
• Identify sampling personnel
• Identify subcontractors (e.g. chemical and biological labs)
References (include references to DWQ-prepared documents)
Appendices and Attachments (include SOPs, Chain of Custody forms, Field Forms, Sample
Labels, etc.)
129
Example Field Observation Form for Grab Samples
130
Appendix 2
Application of Secondary Review Process
The table below contains a set of data considerations and concerns that may prompt a change to an
assessment unit category during the secondary review process.
Table 17. Application of secondary review process
Data Concern Secondary Review Process Data Application
Temporal variation
within a dataset
Insufficient sampling frequency within an
assessment period of record Individual data records
Bias in sampling
design
(1) Event monitoring (review flow, weather, and
spill/response/incident data; narrative criteria;
field observations and photographs; satellite
imagery; other data types collected in same (and
around the) period of concern, etc.), (2) sample
time of day (literature review to determine if
parameter is impacted by the time of day sample
is collected), (3) sampling a specific season
(unless approved by DWQ in a SAP or is data-
type specific (e.g., E. coli sampling during the
recreation season)], (4) and locational bias
Individual data records
Data quality
(1) Quality Assurance Program Plan For
Environmental Data Operations, (2) field
calibration documentation, (3) laboratory
methods, (4) standard operating procedures, (5)
demonstration of capability (if applicable to data
type), and (6) discussion with sample collector
Individual data records, and/or,
parameter(s) in period of record,
and/or monitoring location
Wrongly monitored
(1) Measured point source (vs. main water body),
review imagery of area, flow, etc., (2) waterbody
type DWQ does not assess, (3) grab sample vs.
composite, (4) flow conditions (too low or not
flowing), and (5) field observation that impacts
quality of data
Individual data records and/or
monitoring location
Outlier
(1) Need more than a statistical test. Should be
based on scientific or QA basis, (2) QA/QC field
sampling blanks, duplicates/replicate, (3)
laboratory Analytical Batch QC, (4) value is
nonsensical (e.g., cannot be measured with
field/laboratory method), and (5) refer to data
quality (above)
Individual data records
131
Magnitude of
exceedance
(1) Significant figures and (2) narrative criteria
review Individual data records
QA/QC concerns
(1) Holding time, (2) laboratory comment, (3)
dilutions, spikes, and (4) other laboratory QC
performance checks Individual data records
Data Concern Secondary Review Process Data Application
Assessment unit
grouping/spatial
variation
(1) Multiple locations not grouped correctly (either
should or should not have been grouped), (2)
AUs where water quality criterion exceedances
are clearly isolated to a relatively small,
hydrologically distinct portion of the larger AU and
may need to be re-segmented to more accurately
reflect that variation in water quality (please refer
to 303(d) Assessment Methods section on
“Assessment Unit Re-segmentation” for more
information on the process), and (3) a surface
water (e.g., a spring or seep) was sampled in the
AU and was assessed but additional information
indicates that the surface water may not have
been flowing or did not connect, contribute, or
influence downstream water quality
Monitoring location
Credible data
(1) Data type applied incorrectly and (2) data type
not considered. (Data type must meet credible
and representative data requirements in 303(d)
Assessment Methods, and if included in the
assessment analysis would result in a change in
the categorization of the waterbody and
parameter
Individual data records and/or
parameter(s) in period of record,
monitoring location
Other
(1) Parameters wrongly grouped (by CAS,
fraction, or methods), (2) data type is laboratory
measurement (when the data assessment
requires a field measurement), (3) IR QA/QC
flagged data, and (4) errors in standards
Individual data records. Entire
parameter assessments
Conflicting DO
assessments
between grab and
high frequency
data
Scenario: Two types of data available at the
site(s) (i.e., grab or high frequency data) do not
have the same preliminary assessment result.
Reviews to consider: (1) sampling period
captured, (2) duration of conditions below
criterion, (3) frequency of recurrent low DO
events, (4) magnitude of exceedance, (5) spatial extent of low DO, and (6) diel flux of DO
Individual data records. Entire
parameter assessments
132
Representativeness
and Environmental
Factors*
Examples of extreme events include the
following: (1) accidental spills of toxic chemicals,
(2) scouring storm flows that lead to diminished
aquatic-life beneficial uses, and (3) extreme
drought conditions.
Given the scope of these assessments, it is not
always possible to identify where such
circumstances may be influencing a specific
sample, but DWQ will consider any evidence
presented that a sample is not representative of
ambient conditions.
Examples of such a review may include reviewing
flow, weather, spill data, narrative criteria, field
observations and photographs, satellite imagery,
other data types collected in the same (and
around the) period of concern, etc.
Individual data records
Data Concern Secondary Review Process Data Application
Pollution Indicators
Secondary reviewers will incorporate indicator
data into assessment category determinations,
relying on multiple lines of evidence, including
pollution indicator thresholds, the presence or
absence of other indicator-associated water
quality issues, potential pollutant sources, and
other site or watershed-specific knowledge to
determine whether listing or delisting on a
pollution indicator parameter is appropriate or
whether to prioritize waterbodies for additional
monitoring.
(1) Pollution indicator evaluations
will be posted with the report(s
(e.g. exceedance counts &
frequencies), so DWQ programs
and stakeholders can consider the
results when planning for future
monitoring, studies, evaluations,
etc, (2) pollution Indicator
evaluations may be included in a
narrative assessment/standard not
supporting or supporting
assessment decision, (3) pollution
indicators may be reported by the
IR as a cause of pollution
impairment, and (4) pollution
indicators may be reported by the IR as the source of an impairment
133
*Footnote: Where these conditions are present in a dataset, DWQ will run the analysis without the extreme
events/data record and will apply and document an appropriate assessment result for the waterbody using the
methods outlined below.
Category 1: Supporting: If analyses with and without the extreme events are supporting (Category 1.
Category 2: No evidence of impairment: If analyses with the extreme events are supporting (Category 1), but
the analyses without the extreme events show no evidence of impairment (Category 2)
Category 2: No evidence of impairment: If analyses with and without the extreme events do not indicate
evidence of impairment (Category 2)
Category 2: No evidence of impairment: If analyses with the extreme events are evidence of impairment
(Category 3 with exceedances), but the analyses without the extreme events show no evidence of impairment
(Category 2)
Category 2: No evidence of impairment: If analyses with the extreme events are not supporting (Category 5),
but the analyses without the extreme events show no evidence of impairment (Category 2)
Category 3: Insufficient Data, Exceedances: If analyses with and without the extreme events show evidence of
impairment (Category 3)
Category 3: Insufficient Data, Exceedances: If analyses with the extreme events are not supporting (Category
5), but the analyses without the extreme events are supporting (Category 1)
Category 5: Not supporting: If analyses with the extreme events are evidence of impairment (Category 3), but
the analyses without the extreme events are not supporting (Category 5)
Category 5: Not supporting: If analyses with the extreme events are not supporting (Category 5), but the
analyses without the extreme events show evidence of impairment (Category 3) Category 5: Not supporting: If analyses with and without the extreme events are not supporting (Category 5)
134
Appendix 3
Summarizing Assessments From Site to
Assessment Unit Level
This appendix uses a theoretical assessment unit (see Figure 28 below) to demonstrate how DWQ
composes the overall assessment unit category using site-level parameter assessments of beneficial use
support. The assessment unit (AU) below has four monitoring locations and two beneficial uses.
In this example, the AU has been sampled for two water quality parameters: temperature and pH. Each
heading below corresponds to a table demonstrating the scenario described. In each table, NS means not
supporting (or not meeting criteria; impaired), FS means fully supporting (or meeting criteria), and ID means
insufficient data.
Not Supporting (EPA Category 5)
The AU is categorized as not supporting if ANY site within the AU is not supporting for one or more
parameters that are not covered under a TMDL or other pollution control mechanism. In the example
scenario below, Site A is not supporting beneficial use 1 based on temperature criteria, but the AU has a
TMDL for temperature. Sites B and D are not supporting beneficial use 2 based on pH criteria, and there is
no TMDL in place to address pH. Site C is fully supporting beneficial use 1 based on temperature criteria.
Because the AU has sites that are not supporting for a parameter that does not have an existing TMDL in
place (rows highlighted in orange), the AU has the overall EPA Category 5. Note that this example is
intended to show how Category 5 supersedes a TMDL Category 4A in an assessment unit, but any
assessment unit with site- use-parameter combinations that are not supporting one or more beneficial uses
and have no TMDL associated with any parameters would also fall under Category 5.
Figure 33. Process of composing overall AU category using site-level parameter assessments of beneficial use support.
135
Assessment Unit Decision: Category 5 (Not supporting) for beneficial use 2 based on pH assessment and
Category 4A for beneficial use 1 based on temperature assessment. Temperature is associated with an
existing TMDL.
TMDL Approved (EPA Category 4A)
The assessment unit falls in the TMDL approved category if it is not supporting for one or more
parameters at one or more sites for which the assessment unit has an approved TMDL. In the example
scenario below, Site A is not supporting beneficial use 1 for temperature, but there is a TMDL associated
with temperature in that assessment unit (row highlighted in green). Note that site C is fully supporting
beneficial use 1 based on temperature criteria, but it is still covered by the AU’s temperature TMDL.
Because all other beneficial uses and parameters are fully supporting at sites within the AU, the overall
AU category is EPA Category 4A.
Assessment Unit Decision: Category 4A (Approved TMDL) for beneficial use 1 based on temperature
assessment.
Insufficient Data (EPA Category 3)
The assessment unit falls into the insufficient data category if an assessment has not been performed on
ANY parameters at ANY of the sites in the assessment unit. In the example scenario below, all sites had
data associated with either pH or temperature, but not enough data were collected (based on 303(d)
assessment methods) at any site over the period of record to fully assess the site-use-parameter
combination (all rows highlighted in blue denoting the site-use-parameter-level insufficient data
assessment category). In this case, the overall AU category is EPA Category 3. DWQ also keeps track of
any water quality samples that exceeded numeric criteria. These site-use-parameter combinations are
usually prioritized for further sampling and a full assessment.
136
Assessment Unit Decision: Category 3 (Insufficient Data) based on both beneficial uses and parameter
assessments at all four sites.
No Evidence of Impairment (EPA Category 2)
The assessment unit falls into the no evidence of impairment category if at least one use at one or more
sites has been assessed and is fully supporting, but one or more uses have not been assessed at ALL
sites within the AU. In the example scenario below, sites A, B, and C were sampled for temperature,
which is used to assess support for beneficial use 1. Sites A, B, and D were sampled for pH, which is
used to assess support for beneficial use 2. At sites A and B, enough pH data were collected to perform
assessments of beneficial use support for use 2. Only one full assessment of beneficial use support at
one site is required to represent a full assessment of beneficial use support for the AU. However, no site
had enough data to fully assess temperature and thus beneficial use support for use 1 (rows highlighted
in olive green). Because the AU beneficial use category for use 1 is insufficient data and the beneficial
use category for use 2 is fully supporting, the overall assessment unit category is EPA Category 2, no
evidence of impairment. Note that in this case, impairment and not supporting are synonymous terms.
Assessment Unit Decision: Category 2 (No Evidence of Impairment) due to full support of beneficial use 1
based on the pH assessments and insufficient data to assess beneficial use 2 across all sites.
Fully Supporting (EPA Category 1)
The assessment unit is fully supporting if all uses have been assessed at AT LEAST one site (Table 5).
Note that in this scenario, a site does not need to be fully assessed for all uses, but the AU must contain
sites for which each use was fully assessed. In the example scenario below, use 1 was fully assessed
using temperature data at Site A, and use 2 was fully assessed with pH data at Site B. Although some
site-use- parameter level datasets had insufficient data to be fully assessed, both beneficial uses were
fully assessed at one or more sites within the AU (rows highlighted in light blue), and can be used
together to represent a full assessment of the AU’s beneficial uses.
137
Assessment Unit Decision: Category 1 (Fully Supporting) for beneficial uses 1 and 2 based on fully
supporting pH and temperature assessments at sites within the assessment unit.
138
Appendix 4
4B Submission Policies and Procedures:
Process for Determining Category 4B
Classification
An approved Category 4B demonstration plan is an alternative to listing an impaired segment on the state’s
303(d) list. A Category 4B demonstration plan, when implemented, must ensure that all applicable water
quality standards are met through agreed-upon pollution-control mechanisms within a reasonable time period.
These pollution-control mechanisms can include approved compliance schedules for capital improvements or
plans enforceable under other environmental statutes (such as Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act) and their associated regulations. A Category 4B demonstration can be used
for segments impaired by point sources and/or nonpoint sources. Both DWQ and EPA must accept a
Category 4B demonstration plan for the affected segment to be placed in Category 4B. In the event that the
Category 4B demonstration plan is not accepted, the segment at issue will be included on the 303(d) list,
Category 5.
Generally speaking, the following factors will be considered necessary for Category 4B demonstration plan
acceptance: 1) appropriate voluntary, regulatory, or legal authority to implement the proposed control
mechanisms through permits, grants, compliance orders for Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permits, etc.; 2) existing commitments by the proponent(s) to implement the controls; 3) adequate funding;
and 4) other relevant factors appropriate to the segment.
The following evidence must be provided as a rationale for a Category 4B demonstration plan:
A statement of the problem causing the impairment
1. A description of
a. The pollution controls to be used
b. How these pollution controls will achieve attainment with all applicable water quality
standards
c. Requirements under which those pollution controls will be implemented
2. An estimate of the time needed to meet all applicable water quality standards.
3. A schedule for implementation of the necessary pollution controls.
4. A schedule for tracking progress, including a description of milestones.
5. A commitment from the demonstration plan proponent to revise the implementation strategy and
pollution controls if progress toward meeting all applicable water quality standards is not shown.
Timing for proposal submittal and acceptance by DWQ and EPA
• Category 4B demonstration plans should be submitted to DWQ by July 1 of even numbered years, in
order for DWQ to submit the plan to EPA by September 1 of even numbered years. Parties are encouraged to
work with DWQ before this date as states are the entity required to submit these plans to EPA.
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• Acceptance from EPA must be obtained by October 31 of even numbered years; otherwise, DWQ will
continue to propose that the segment in question is included on the current cycle’s 303(d) list.
• If EPA and DWQ accept the Category 4B plan, DWQ will notify the Water Quality Board and the public
through proposed statement of basis and purpose language in its proposal that a Category 4B demonstration
plan is accepted and is appropriate for this segment.
EPA has several documents that contain additional information on Category 4B demonstration requirements,
including: “2006 Integrated Report Guidance”; and “Information Concerning 2008 Clean Water Act Sections
303(d), 305(b), and 314 Integrated Reporting and Listing Decisions”.
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Appendix 5
Delisting Guidelines
DWQ must follow a consistent, well-documented delisting process to be approved by the EPA each
cycle. The guidelines below outline the questions and scenarios DWQ considers when analyzing
whether sufficient evidence exists to delist a waterbody for one or more pollutants.
Does the AU/AU-parameter combination warrant further investigation? (See 303(d)
Assessment Methods for more details).
• Generally, this means that the AU was previously listed for one or more parameters that were not
meeting criteria, but in the current assessment, parameter data are meeting criteria and fully
supporting at the site- level.
What was the original cause of impairment for the AU?
What beneficial use was assessed? Is it the correct beneficial use? What IR assessment
cycle was the AU and parameter first listed?
• What datasets were used for that listing (e.g., the agency/sample collector)?
• What was the period of record? (If unknown, use the longer period of record).
• What MLIDs are in the AU?
For impairments listed in a previous assessment cycle, compile data from all MLIDs in the AU,
regardless of waterbody type. Which MLID(s) have/had exceedances in the pollutant of interest?
• For MLIDs with impairments/exceedances that were not assessed in the current IR cycle,
determine why the site was not resampled. If the AU is a delisting candidate, provide
documentation as to why resampling was not done and why the site should meet water quality
standards. Please refer to the good cause descriptions in the 303(d) methods. If the delisting
reason does not demonstrate good cause, the documentation will need to be EPA-approved.
• For MLIDs with historical or current impairments/exceedances assessed in the current IR cycle,
DWQ will typically not delist an AU where the current parameter assessment for the MLID(s) is
not fully supporting. However, DWQ will consider delisting when a secondary review applied to
the parameter, MLID, or AU places it in the fully supporting category (or no evidence of
impairment at the AU-level). The secondary review justification will need to be EPA-approved and
checked for good cause.
• Determine if the current parameter assessment is fully supporting (no secondary review applied
to this parameter) and check for good cause. Consider: What is the oldest date in that period of
record for that MLID/Parameter combo in the current assessment cycle?
• Note: Confirm that if no new data are collected, the new assessment analysis is not fully
supporting because the exceedances are out of the period of record for assessment analysis.
This is not a delisting.
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EPA Delisting Codes
Table 18. Description of EPA Delisting Codes
Delisting Reason Code Comment
WQS_NO_LONGER_THREATENED Applicable WQS attained; threatened water no longer
threatened
WQS_NEW_ASMT_METHOD Applicable WQS attained, according to new
assessment method
DELISTING_4C Not caused by a pollutant (4c)
DELISTING_WQS_NOT_APPLICABLE WQS no longer applicable
DELISTING_4B Other pollution control requirements (4b)
DELISTING_4A TMDL Approved or established by EPA (4a)
WQS_NEW_DATA Applicable WQS attained; based on new data
WQS_LISTING_INCORRECT Applicable WQS attained; original basis for listing
was incorrect
REFINEMENT Clarification of listing cause
WQS_RESTORATION_ACTIVITIES Applicable WQS attained, due to restoration activities
WQS_RECOVERY_UNSPECIFIED Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery
unspecified
DELISTING_NOT_IN_JURISDICTION Listed water not in state's jurisdiction
WQS_STANDARDS_CHANGED Applicable WQS attained, due to change in WQS
NOT_SPECIFIED Not specified
DELISTING_NOT_WATER_OF_STATE Water determined to not be a water of the state
DELISTING_ORIG_INCORRECT Data and/or information lacking to determine WQ status; original basis for listing was incorrect
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Appendix 6
Response to Comments: 303(d) Assessment
Methods
The following are public comments received for the 2024 303(d) Assessment Methodology and
the Utah Division of Water Quality’s (DWQ) response. Please click the links below to jump to
your section of interest.
Daniel Lay ............................................................................................................................................................................. 143
Comment 1A: Identifying Causes of Impairments ..................................................................................................................... 143
Rob Dubuc, Friends of Great Salt Lake ................................................................................................................................... 143
Comment 2A: Assessments Specific to Lakes and Reservoirs .................................................................................................... 143
Grant Wilson, Earth Law Center ..................................................................................................................................... 143
Comment 3A: Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical Assessments .............................................................................. 144
Comment 3B: Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical Assessments .............................................................................. 144
Shera Reems, EPA Region 8 ................................................................................................................................................... 145
Comment 4A: Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and Canals, Table 11 .......................................................................... 145
Comment 4B: Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and Canals, Table 11 .......................................................................... 145
Comment 4C: High Frequency Assessments for Dissolved Oxygen (DO).................................................................................... 145
Comment 4D: Nutrient Assessments Specific to Headwater Streams (Pages 40 to 41)............................................................. 146
Comment 4E: Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds, Aquatic Life Use Support, Figure 9 (Page 49) ................. 146
Comment 4F: Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen: Stratified Lakes and Reservoirs, Figure 12 (Page 52) ................................ 147
Comment 4G: Great Salt Lake (Pages 56 to 57) ........................................................................................................................ 147
Comment 4H: Harmful Algal Blooms (Pages 66 to 67) .............................................................................................................. 147
Comment 4I: Harmful Algal Blooms (Pages 66 to 67) ............................................................................................................... 147
Ellen Bailey, DWQ ................................................................................................................................................................. 148
Comment 5A: Harmful Algal Blooms ........................................................................................................................................ 148
Ashley A. Peck, Wasatch Front Water Quality Council ........................................................................................................... 148
Comment 6A: Harmful Algal Blooms ........................................................................................................................................ 148
David Richards, OreoHelix Ecological ..................................................................................................................................... 150
Comment 7A: Biological Assessments, Figure 7 ........................................................................................................................ 150
Comment 7B: Biological Assessments, reliance on O/E as sole indicator of biological integrity................................................ 151
Comment 7C: Biological Assessments, definition of biological integrity ................................................................................... 152
Comment 7D: Biological Assessments, O/E Reference Sites...................................................................................................... 152
143
Comment 7E: Biological Assessments, loss of predicted taxa ................................................................................................... 152
Comment 7F: Biological Assessments, probability of capture >50% ......................................................................................... 153
Comment 7G: Biological Assessments, RIVPACS O/E precision and predictive ability ............................................................... 155
Comment 7H: Biological Assessments, Figure 8 ........................................................................................................................ 155
Comment 7I: Biological Assessments, incorporation of 1st and 8th+ order streams and rivers ................................................ 155
Comment 7J: Biological Assessments, taxonomic resolution .................................................................................................... 156
Comment 7K: Biological Assessments, seasonality effects ........................................................................................................ 156
Comment 7L: Biological Assessments, reliance on PRISM data ................................................................................................. 157
Comment 7M: Biological Assessments, Implications of evenness on O/E Scores and UDWQ Bioassessments .......................... 158
Daniel Lay
Comment 1A: Identifying Causes of Impairments
Absence or lack of water in perennial systems due to drought, over-allocation of water rights, debris
flows/wildfire should be considered a class 4C non-pollutant impairment.
DWQ Response to comment 1A:
As described in the assessment methods (page 12, Table 1 and page 74, Category 4C), DWQ may
place a waterbody or parameter-specific impairment in category 4C when DWQ can demonstrate that
a beneficial use impairment is driven by pollution and not by a pollutant or pollutant that causes
pollution; including use impairments driven by hydrologic modification. DWQ recognizes the potential
negative impacts hydrologic modification may have on beneficial use attainment and is currently
actively engaged in an internal workgroup focused on improving our ability to identify, quantify, and
evaluate the impacts of hydrologic modifications on beneficial use attainment in Utah. No method
changes are required for DWQ to place impairments driven by hydrologic modification in category 4C.
Stakeholders with information or evidence demonstrating that a beneficial use impairment is related to
hydrologic modification may submit that information for review during the 2024 Integrated Report
public comment period.
Rob Dubuc, Friends of Great Salt Lake
Comment 2A: Assessments Specific to Lakes and Reservoirs
Specific to Great Salt Lake: The Division should develop a method for assessing GSL salinity. DWQ
Response to comment 2A:
DWQ is conducting an evaluation of the current status and trends of water levels, salinity, habitat
availability, and aquatic biota in Gilbert Bay to develop appropriate assessment methods. Without
defined numeric criteria, it is challenging to develop and implement clearly defined and repeatable
assessment methods for assessing whether Great Salt Lake’s Bays’ including Gilbert Bay are meeting
their beneficial uses. Therefore, new assessment methods for Great Salt Lake, including for salinity,
have not been incorporated into the 2024 Integrated Report.
Grant Wilson, Earth Law Center
144
Comment 3A: Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical Assessments
ELC has advocated for complete and accurate 303(d) lists and 305(b) reports for ten years, including
in Utah. As you know, we were pleased that there were several flow-impaired waters listed under
Category 4C in Utah’s 2022 Integrated Report. We also sincerely appreciate the ongoing dialogue and
DWQ's openness to form a workgroup to evaluate potential methodologies to assess non-pollutant
pollution impairments. We understand this will not be completed before the 2024 303(d) assessment
method public comment period this fall.
While these are all positive developments, we still urge you to include a simple statement allowing for
Category 4C listings under a "weight of the evidence" approach in the 2024 Integrated report. Drawing
inspiration from the "weight of evidence" approach used for Category 5 waters in California, the
methodology could look something like this:
When readily available information strongly indicates the non-attainment of water quality standards
due to hydrological modification (i.e., 4C waters), a water segment shall be evaluated to determine
whether the weight of evidence demonstrates that a water quality standard is not attained and,
therefore, a listing is appropriate under Category 4C.
When making a listing decision based on the situation-specific weight of evidence, the DWQ must
justify its recommendation by:
• Providing any data or information including current conditions supporting the decision;
• Describing in fact sheets how the data or information affords a substantial basis in fact from which the
decision can be reasonably inferred;
• Demonstrating that the weight of evidence of the data and information indicate that the water quality
standard is not attained; and
• Demonstrating that the approach used is scientifically defensible and reproducible.
Additionally, or in the alternative, the DWQ could commit to piloting a "weight of the evidence"
approach for Category 4C listings beginning with those rivers that flow into the Great Salt Lake. As you
know, the Great Salt Lake is undergoing an imminent ecological crisis in large part due to low inflows
from the Jordan, Weber, and Bear rivers. Listing these rivers for Category 4C hydromodification,
assuming such a listing is justified under a "weight of the evidence" approach, would send a strong
message that the DWQ is using all available policy tools to help address one of the greatest,
existential challenges facing Utah.
DWQ Response to comment 3A:
As described in the assessment methods (page 12, Table 1 and page 74, Category 4C), DWQ may
place a waterbody or parameter-specific impairment in category 4C when DWQ can demonstrate that
a beneficial use impairment is driven by pollution and not by a pollutant or pollutant that causes
pollution; including use impairments driven by hydrologic modification. As the commenter notes, DWQ
is currently actively engaged in an internal workgroup focused on improving our ability to identify,
quantify, and evaluate the impacts of hydrologic modifications on beneficial use attainment in Utah.
The commenter’s suggestions have been provided to that workgroup.
No methods changes are required for DWQ to place impairments driven by hydrologic modification in
category 4C in the manner recommended by the commenter, and the data and information used to
make assessment decisions, including potential 4C determinations are published as part of the
Integrated Report and available for public comment. Stakeholders with information or evidence
demonstrating that a beneficial use impairment is related to hydrologic modification may submit that
information for review during the 2024 Integrated Report public comment period.
Comment 3B: Revising the 303(d) List and Other Categorical Assessments
145
Finally, I would like to make you aware that there is a movement to recognize the Rights of the Great
Salt Lake. This builds from other rights-based movements for waterways across the world--the Atrato
River in Colombia, the Whanganui River in New Zealand, various waterways and watersheds in
Colorado (recognized by non-binding resolution in the communities of Nederland, Grand Lake, and
Ridgway), and the rights of Mar Menor in Spain. The DWQ may wish to consider how the rights of the
Great Salt Lake, including mechanisms to give it a voice in governance, could benefit your efforts to
protect and restore waterways.
DWQ Response to comment 3B:
Thank you for bringing these efforts to our attention. DWQ is deeply committed to protecting the Great
Salt Lake ecosystem and all of Utah’s waterways. We look forward to seeing how these efforts
progress.
Shera Reems, EPA Region 8
Comment 4A: Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and Canals, Table 11
How does DWQ communicate to the public the water bodies where early life stage presence
has been confirmed?
DWQ Response to comment 4A:
DWQ develops tables that identify species present and associated seasons of early life stages for
Utah Pollution Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) permits that desire that specificity when
wasteloads are developed. These tables are developed on a case by case basis, and like any
information that falls under our GRAMA guidance, can be provided to the public upon request.
Comment 4B: Assessments Specific to Rivers, Streams, and Canals, Table 11
The last paragraph under notes for TDS should be deleted. It appears that this information should only
be in the notes field for Sulfate.
DWQ Response to comment 4B:
DWQ appreciates you bringing this to our attention. The paragraph referenced in Table 11 in the TDS
notes has been removed from the document.
Comment 4C: High Frequency Assessments for Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
In response to EPA’s informal question about the rationale for applying the 10% allowable exceedance
frequency to the 7-day average and 30-day average DO criteria to high frequency DO data, UDWQ
staff reminded EPA about the following language in R317-2-7: “For water quality assessment
purposes, up to 10 percent of the representative samples may exceed the minimum or maximum
criteria for dissolved oxygen, pH, E. coli, total dissolved solids, and temperature, including situations
where such criteria have been adopted on a site-specific basis.”
UDWQ emphasized that the 10% exceedance frequency (aka 10% rule) language is parameter
specific. In reviewing the state’s assessment method for E. coli (pages 60 to 65), UDWQ only applies
146
the 10% rule to the maximum E. coli criterion. To calculate the 30-day geometric mean, Scenario B of
the assessment method suggests a minimum sample size of 5 grab samples. The methodology
documents that a waterbody would be considered impaired if more than one geometric mean was
exceeded. This method does not appear to require sufficient data to calculate whether 10% of the 30-
day geometric means were exceeded. In contrast, for a more comprehensive dataset like high
frequency DO, the state applies the 10% rule to the 7-day average and 30-day average and requires
sufficient data to evaluate whether those averages are exceeded 10% of the time. Please explain this
inconsistent application of the 10% rule cited in Section R317-2-7.
EPA encourages UDWQ to consider revising the high frequency DO assessment method to align with
the approach used to calculate the geometric mean for E. coli. Specifically, EPA recommends the
state: a) define a less stringent minimum dataset for the calculation of the 7-day and 30-day average
DO criterion (e.g., 3 to 5 days to calculate the 7-day average and 10 days to calculate the 30-day
average), and b) place waterbodies on the 303(d) list with more than one exceedance of the 7-day or
30-day average.
When assessing for DO, UDWQ should also consider the narrative criteria requirement for water
quality conditions not to “…produce undesirable physiological responses in desirable resident fish, or
other desirable aquatic life…” (R317-7.2). The 10% rule should not be implemented in a manner that
obscures potentially harmful or lethal conditions to aquatic communities.
DWQ Response to comment 4C:
The difference in assessment methods between E. Coli and dissolved oxygen is derived from
differences in water quality standards between the two parameters. The general 10% exceedance
frequency language at R317-2-7.1 b. includes both dissolved oxygen and E. Coli. However, following
EPA guidance, Utah’s E. Coli criteria includes an additional footnote (R317-2 Table 2.14.1, footnote 7)
that specifically applies a 10% exceedance frequency for assessment to the two maximum criteria and
excludes the 30-day geomean criteria: “For water quality assessment purposes, up to 10% of
representative samples may exceed the 668 per 100 ml criterion (for 1C and 2B waters) and 409 per
100 ml (for 2A waters).” Only the general 10% exceedance frequency language is applied to dissolved
oxygen criteria, and national guidance regarding appropriate exceedance frequencies for dissolved
oxygen assessment is not currently available. Therefore, DWQ has not changed the exceedance
frequency used for high frequency dissolved oxygen methods as recommended by the commenter.
As described in the assessment methods, all waterbodies are subject to applicable narrative standard
based water quality assessments such as biological assessments, observations of fish kills, and
trophic state evaluations.
Comment 4D: Nutrient Assessments Specific to Headwater Streams (Pages 40 to
41)
During the 2022 Integrated Report cycle, EPA recommended DWQ consider including a column in the
table, “Draft Integrated Report: 305(b) and 303(d)” that identifies headwater assessment units for
which the numeric nutrient criteria apply. This information would also be helpful in the water quality
data files that DWQ shares with the public.
DWQ Response to comment 4D:
All headwater watersheds are georeferenced. As suggested, DWQ will include this column in the
referenced table.
Comment 4E: Assessments Specific to Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds, Aquatic Life
147
Use Support, Figure 9 (Page 49)
In the second row of this Figure, should there be a “No” after the diamond “>10% of water column
exceed criterion?”
DWQ Response to comment 4E:
Thank you for your comment. DWQ has updated the diagram in Figure 9 so that it is properly labeled.
Comment 4F: Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen: Stratified Lakes and Reservoirs,
Figure 12 (Page 52)
Based on the information in the Figure, it appears that both a Tier I Not Supporting and Tier I Fully
Supporting proceed to a Tier II Assessment. Is this correct?
DWQ Response to comment 4F:
The commenter is correct. The Tier II assessment process is independently applied to all lakes
regardless of the results of the Tier I assessment methods. Comment 4G: Great Salt Lake (Pages 56 to 57)
Previously, UDWQ indicated that the Great Salt Lake Water Quality Strategy components on Aquatic
Life Numeric Criteria for Priority Pollutants and Strategic Monitoring and Research were in the process
of being updated. Does UDWQ have an updated timeline for the completion of these components?
DWQ Response to comment 4G:
Updating the Great Salt Lake Water Quality Strategy and its core components is ongoing with a
targeted completion date in mid-2024.
Comment 4H: Harmful Algal Blooms (Pages 66 to 67)
EPA appreciates DWQ’s work in assessing for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and on updating the
assessment method to rely on EPA’s recommended criteria for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin.
Please clarify the following:
Does UDWQ intend to apply these methods to benthic blooms similar to those observed in Zion
National Park?
DWQ Response to comment 4H:
Thank you for asking for clarification. This assessment method will not be applied to any benthic
harmful algal blooms affecting recreational beneficial use at this time. DWQ will be evaluating how to
best incorporate appropriate assessment methodology for benthic blooms in the future.
Comment 4I: Harmful Algal Blooms (Pages 66 to 67)
Would UDWQ list waters as impaired for HABs if the waterbody exceeds UDWQ’s anatoxin-a warning
threshold?
DWQ Response to comment 4I:
148
Until more information is available on the toxicity of anatoxin-a, DWQ chooses to withhold setting a
specific cyanotoxin threshold for anatoxin-a in directly determining beneficial use support. DWQ looks
forward to EPA recommending similar thresholds for other common cyanotoxins (including anatoxin-a)
in the future.
Anatoxin-a concentrations are, however, considered indirectly in beneficial use assessment. The
second independent indicator of beneficial use support is waterbody recreational access or use
limitations. Recreational advisories which may also list a waterbody as impaired, are generally issued
by a health department when concentrations of anatoxin-a are greater than 15 ug/L.
Ellen Bailey, DWQ
Comment 5A: Harmful Algal Blooms
There is a typo referring to table 16 in the HAB assessment. In the text it refers to table 15.
DWQ Response to comment 5A:
Thank you for pointing out these typos. DWQ has updated all the table references in the Harmful Algal
Bloom section to the correct table.
Ashley A. Peck, Wasatch Front Water Quality Council
Comment 6A: Harmful Algal Blooms
The Council has significant concerns with this approach because the HAB Guidance allows for the use
of cyanobacteria cell density – on its own – to inform public health advisory decisions. This means that
an impairment decision could also be based solely on two health advisories having been issued for the
water body based on localized cell density sampling that is not representative of the water body as a
whole – and notwithstanding whether cyanotoxin concentrations were above recreational guidelines.
As EPA has recognized, cell density is not a reliable advisory trigger and is more stringent than the
federal approach, in violation of Utah Code Section 19-5-105. Moreover, use of cell density-triggered
health advisories as the basis for impairment decisions would impart a wholly subjective standard that
likewise violates Utah Code Section 19-5-105.
Under the HAB Guidance, cyanobacterial cell density greater than 100,000 cells/mL on its own could
result in a “Warning Advisory” for the waterbody in question. However, relying on cell density is
contrary to EPA guidance, which focuses exclusively on concentrations of microcystin and
cylindrospermopsin to guide recreational health advisories. Indeed, EPA expressly declined to
recommend issuing public health advisories based on cell counts, concluding that “available data are
insufficient to develop quantitative recreational values” and that additional research is needed given
the inconsistency in epidemiological studies. In other
words, allowing cell counts to trigger warning advisories makes the HAB Guidance more stringent than
its federal counterpart. This runs afoul of Utah Code Section 19-5-105, under which state standards
developed in administering a program under the federal Clean Water Act can be no more stringent
than federal standards addressing the same circumstances unless the Water Quality Board makes a
written finding, after public comment and hearing, that the corresponding federal standard is not
adequate to protect public health and the environment. Here, the Board has made no such finding.
Because the inclusion of cell counts makes the HAB Guidance more stringent than its federal
counterpart, DWQ should not tie impairment
decisions to health advisories issued under the Guidance based on cell count. Instead, the HAB
section of the Draft Assessment Methods should focus on whether microcystin and
149
cylindrospermopsin concentrations have exceeded applicable thresholds. This will allow the final
Assessment Methods to avoid being more stringent than, and conflicting with, federal standards. To
achieve this, the Council requests that DWQ remove mention of warning advisories, danger
advisories, and closures for recreational use from the HAB section of the Draft Assessment Methods
or at minimum make both health
advisories and cyanobacteria concentration together a trigger for impairment.
Beneficial Use Supported
The beneficial use is fully supported if, over the period of record:
Cyanotoxin concentrations have not been identified above recreational use thresholds (Table 15), AND
a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory, or closure has not been issued for recreational access to a
waterbody.
Beneficial Use Not Supported
The beneficial use is not supported if, in representative samples for recreational uses, in two or more
years in the period of record:
Cyanotoxin concentrations above recreational guidelines (Table 15) have been reported in more than
three 10-day assessment periods in a recreational season, OR a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory,
or closure has been issued for recreational access to a waterbody for two or more 2-week periods in a
recreational season.
Insufficient Data and Information with Exceedances (IR Category 3) The waterbody will be placed in
the insufficient data category if:
It does not meet either of the Beneficial Use Not Supported criteria (above), but cyanotoxin
concentrations exceeded recreational use thresholds (Table 15) in three or fewer 10-day assessment
periods in a recreation season, OR a Warning Advisory, Danger Advisory, or closure has been issued
for recreational use for less than two 2-week periods. These waterbodies will be prioritized for further
sampling and evaluation.
DWQ Response to comment 6A:
Utah Code Section 19-5-105 prohibits the Water Quality Board from making rules that are more
stringent than the corresponding federal regulations. The methodology for conducting beneficial use
assessments isn’t a rule promulgated by the Water Quality Board. Similarly, the EPA guidance
referenced by the commenter is not codified in federal regulation. As such, the inclusion of
consideration of health advisories in the methodology for conducting beneficial use assessments is
neither more nor less stringent than the federal Clean Water Act. Rather, health advisories simply
provide an additional line of evidence that is independent from cyanotoxin benchmarks.
DWQ strives to consider all readily available and relevant data in the assessment process. Formal
waterbody assessments are not limited to numeric criteria as presumed by the commenter. Health
advisories provide an opportunity to incorporate local risk assessment expertise into HAB
assessments. Recreational use restrictions provide a direct indicator of whether recreational uses are
supported in a waterbody. DWQ works collaboratively with local health departments and stakeholders
through our Water Quality Health Advisory Panel to ensure that local health departments have the
appropriate resources, scientific background, and technical support to make accurate decisions about
health advisories. All assessment decisions are subject to a secondary review and public comments.
Final assessment decisions consider the weight of evidence of quantitative data, the quality and
robustness of available data, waterbody specific information and expertise, and public comment.
Assessment decisions based on health advisory information can be modified in secondary review or
following public comment if DWQ finds that the underlying data were inaccurate or if the weight of
evidence of other indicators or other waterbody specific information demonstrated that to be
appropriate. However, these decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis, carefully considering
available information for a specific waterbody. No changes were made in response to this comment.
150
David Richards, OreoHelix Ecological
Comment 7A: Biological Assessments, Figure 7
[p. 2] Figure 7 on page 45 has been in the UDWQ IR methods for almost a decade. Its caption states
that it is a hypothetical example of O/E, but it is delineated into Desert and Mountain ecoregions. This
does not support the description of how the RIVPACS O/E model is used by UDWQ that states that
the model is based on fifteen predictor variables which produce many more mostly watershed based
expected reference taxa sites throughout the state than just two regions, Desert and Mountain. Figure
7 is obviously outdated and its continued use to illustrate the wonders of the RIVPACS O/E model as a
sole metric for assessing biocriteria reaffirms my conclusion that UDWQ has put little effort into
improving its understanding, assessment, and
management of Utah’s rivers and streams using benthic macroinvertebrates. As a result, water quality
of Utah’s cherished rivers and streams continues to be jeopardized.
…[p. 6] Because this figure continues to be included in IR reports a naïve reader would conclude that
UDWQ delineates all of Utah’s rivers and streams into only two regions, Desert and Mountain. Again,
as I illustrated in Table 2 and discussed E for all mountain streams or all Desert streams would be a
constant in this case E = 10 for desert streams, E = 30 for mountain streams. Multiply the denominator
in O/E by its constant and all that is left is O, observed number of taxa i.e., Taxa Richness.
DWQ Response to comment 7A:
As stated directly in the caption, Figure 7 is a hypothetical example. The intent is to illustrate that O/E
has the same meaning, even though Utah streams vary naturally in local richness. O/E compares the
taxa predicted to occur at a stream in the absence of human disturbance against those taxa that were
observed at the location. The figure simply indicates that O/E can generate similar scores among
streams that naturally differ in biological condition.
E is not a constant and contains site-specific information. The provided table and associated
discussion reflects a misunderstanding of how O/E, particularly E, is calculated. RIVPACS model
predictions are both site-specific and taxa-specific. Of course one can always multiply a fraction by its
numerator to obtain its denominator, but doing so in this case eliminates many of the advantages of
using O/E as opposed to using species richness. The calculations used to generate E are what allows
these models to parse out natural changes in composition (including richness) from those associated
with human-caused stressors.
Briefly, E is calculated by first mathematically identifying groups of reference sites with similar
taxonomic composition. For an assessed site, the geospatial predictor variables are used to quantify
the probability that an assessed site would fall within each taxonomic group (Pg). The frequency with
which each taxon occurs among reference sites within each group is then combined with the assessed
site’s Pg across all groups to predict the probability of capturing (Pc) each individual taxon observed
among all reference sites. E is the sum of those taxa with a 50% or greater chance of being observed
at an assessed site based on that site’s specific geospatial watershed attributes. Moreover, O is not all
taxa observed, but those observed taxa there were expected to be present in the absence of human
disturbance (those predicted to occur), which is important because human-stress creates conditions
that are advantageous for taxa that never would have otherwise occurred at a site. Richness is unable
to make such distinctions.
Details of these calculations are provided in the companion document cited in the methods or the
hundreds of peer reviewed scientific papers that have been published on RIVPACS models, many of
which have been provided to the commentator in previous Integrated Report cycles.
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Comment 7B: Biological Assessments, reliance on O/E as sole indicator of
biological integrity
[p. 2] The continued reliance and use of O/E metric by UDWQ as the sole measure of water quality
‘biological integrity’ is extremely troubling and reflects a poor understanding of biological integrity and
the use of bioassessment methods as practiced throughout the world, including other neighboring
states and counties, even Salt Lake County. No other water quality agency that I am familiar with
relies on one metric, particularly with one such metric that has so many flaws as O/E. In fact, after the
millions of taxpayer dollars spent on its development, it is no more informative than the Taxa Richness
(number of taxa) metric that is easily calculated and used as the single most important bioassessment
metric throughout the U.S…O/E is just one of many metrics.
[p. 6] …I don’t agree that using a single taxon richness-based metric, RIVPACS O/E would constitute a
robust index of biological integrity. It is only one metric that does not address anything other than
richness and apparently does not do an adequate job of that (Richards 2016). There is also no reason
to make a ‘robust IBI’ easily interpretable. Ecological interactions between dozens of organisms and
their responses to human caused impairment are anything but easily interpretable. RIVPACS O/E
models themselves are not easily interpretable. The data and algorithms used in these models are
extremely difficult to obtain and often not available, thus not transparent. Other metrics used by other
agencies, such as taxa richness, functional
feeding group, etc. are very transparent and easily calculable.
[p. 7]…Although O/E may have an intuitive biological meaning as stated by UDWQ, there are so many
assumptions, generalizations, and errors associated with derivation of results that its accuracy in
assessing loss of taxa and impairment is highly questionable. There are several other diversity metrics
in use throughout the world that are much simpler to derive, provide insights into the causes of
impairment, and are much easier to interpret than RIVPACS O/E (Table 1 for example and see
Literature Cited). These metrics can easily substitute for O/E or at least supplement it.
For example, richness and evenness are better indicators than O/E for several reasons,
1) they are not confounded with other models (e.g., PRISM, a costly and proprietary model that is not
transparent except for those who can afford to pay for its use),
2) they are independently verifiable, and
3) they allow assessment of change at local-scale due to point source impacts.
…[from results of study, p. 31]: There were strong effects of evenness and richness metrics on O/E
scores, which apparently often affect biological assessments. Taxa richness obviously effects O/E
scores because the O/E model is mostly based on this metric. Evenness directly effects taxa richness
in a subsample and consequently directly and indirectly effects O/E scores. These effects need to be
accounted for by water quality agencies before assigning an assessment score.
DWQ Response to comment 7B:
DWQ and independent experts reviewed this white paper and provided comments back to the
commenter, including citations to numerous peer reviewed scientific papers that refute the claims.
As discussed in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-72 in 2016 Integrated Report Response to Public
Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined 2018 and 2020 Integrated Report), many of the
opinions expressed in these comments (sometimes verbatim) are incorrect or incomplete. There are
numerous peer reviewed scientific papers that have evaluated numerous aspects of O/E models,
including: the relationship of O/E to richness and evenness, model complexity, their accuracy in
identifying biological impairments, sensitivity to human-caused stressors, and many other topics. Many
investigations have shown that O/E models are more accurate and often more sensitive to human
caused stress than other biological indicators. As a result, RIVPACS continue to be used by numerous
states and other countries around the world. This includes USEPA who uses these models in their
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national assessment programs. Other scientifically supported biological assessment tools exist, but
this does not mean that O/E models are not a scientifically defensible method for identifying
biologically degraded streams.
Comment 7C: Biological Assessments, definition of biological integrity
[p. 5] There is an urgent need to understand Clean Water Act biological integrity. Let me present one
of the most widely used definitions of biological integrity, as defined by one of the leading experts,
James Karr and colleagues.
“Biological integrity refers to the capacity to support and maintain a balanced, integrated, adaptive
biological system having the full range of elements (genes, species, assemblages) and processes
(mutation, demography, biotic interactions, nutrient and energy dynamics, and metapopulation
processes) expected in the natural habitat” … (Angermeier and Karr 1994, Karr and Dudley 1981, Karr
et al. 1986).
“Integrity implies an unimpaired condition or the quality or state of being complete or undivided; it
implies correspondence with some original condition. Health, on the other hand, implies a flourishing
condition, well-being, vitality, or prosperity”. “An ecosystem is healthy when it performs all its vital
functions normally and properly; a healthy ecosystem is resilient, able to recover from many stresses;
a healthy ecosystem requires minimal outside care” (Karr 1996).
I have heard UDWQ staff try to define biological integrity at several meetings, and they consistently
offer the “Readers Digest” condensed version of the above definitions in what I can only interpret as an
excuse not to fully engage in the complexities of biological integrity and subsequently not fully
protecting Utah’s water quality.
DWQ Response to comment 7C:
DWQ scientists understand Clean Water Act biological integrity and are familiar with these papers, but
the information is appreciated. DWQ lacks sufficient information to respond to the comment regarding
presentations at public meetings, but DWQ does sometimes simply present complex topics when
presenting to the general public.
Comment 7D: Biological Assessments, O/E Reference Sites
[p. 5] UDWQ also claims that O/E is based on similar reference sites derived from fifteen predictor
variables. If this is the case, then the expected number of taxa used in the metric becomes
irrelevant…Derivation of expected number of taxa, E is problematic and filled with uncertainty that
makes its use highly questionable.
DWQ Response to comment 7D:
Comments related to reference sites and model building were also addressed in previous IR cycles
(see pp 70-72 in 2016 Integrated Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined
2018 and 2020 Integrated Report) along with peer reviewed scientific literature citations in the
methods and responses that provides the background on RIVPACS models. In short, the models aren’t
built with similar reference sites, but with a diversity of sites within the mountain and xeric west to
capture natural variability.
Comment 7E: Biological Assessments, loss of predicted taxa
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[p. 7] As I have emphasized to UDWQ on numerous occasions, RIVPACS O/E models do not quantify
loss of predicted taxa. In the case of UDWQ assessments, O/E quantifies only those taxa that were
identified from a single (N = 1) composite sample collected from several types of habitats (including
riffles and runs) that can exhibit much variability between the macroinvertebrate assemblages.
Samples were also identified in the laboratory using a subsample (typically 600 organisms, with large
and rare counts). O/E simply quantifies what was observed in a sample, nothing more. Taxa not
identified may have or may not have been lost from the waterbody they just weren’t counted because
other taxa dominated the sample. UDWQ can only conclude that they simply weren’t observed, not
lost.
[p. 33]…Many RIVPAC O/E users continue to insist that a reduction in O/E scores reflects the extent to
which taxa have become locally extinct due to human activities (UDWQ Integrate Report 2016). This is
clearly not the case. The analyses included in this report highlight the fact that subsampling and
evenness have significant effects on the number of taxa observed, especially the more uneven a
sample and subsample. Taxa weren’t lost; they just weren’t found. They may not have even
decreased in abundance. It is possible that other taxa could have disproportionally increased in
abundance for whatever reason and that the ‘lost’ taxa simply weren’t counted. To continue to assume
that native taxa have become locally extinct because O/E scores have decreased reflects a gross
misinterpretation of RIVPACS O/E models.
DWQ Response to comment 7E:
Many of these comments were also addressed in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-72 in 2016 Integrated
Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined 2018 and 2020 Integrated
Report). It is true that O/E does not directly measure the loss of taxa, but it does provide a quantitative
site-specific estimate of the relative extent to which species loss has occurred among streams. As
previously mentioned, the effect of sample error has been extensively evaluated in peer reviewed
primary literature. Sampling error was calculated during model creation and these errors were used to
create impairment thresholds. This O/E model has successfully identified biologically degraded
streams, which is its primary function in the IR. It has also successfully been able to document
improved biological conditions following stream restoration.
Comment 7F: Biological Assessments, probability of capture >50%
[p. 7] Again, as I have discussed on numerous occasions, probability of captures (Pc’s) >50%
preclude those very macroinvertebrate taxa that constitute biological integrity in a water body (see
definitions of biological integrity provided earlier in this response letter). As an example, waters in the
Bonneville Basin and in some other parts of UT have unique mollusk assemblages found nowhere
else in the world. Most of Utah’s mollusks, including native mussels, clams, and non pulmonate snails
do not occur in UT waters at Pc rates > 50%. By relying on RIVPACS O/E > 50% Pc, UDWQ failed to
protect the unique mollusk assemblages in UT and apparently was unaware of their declines during
the time period when continued molluscan viability may have been protected/ensured. This is a tragic
and unjustifiable loss of Utah’s unique natural heritage. Reliance on a single metric with > 50% Pc to
assess biological integrity also likely is not protecting other rare and uncommon macroinvertebrates (<
50% Pc) that are again by definition, biological integrity.
Calculating ‘E’ using a probability of capture (Pc) of >50% is extremely problematic and results in a
poor assessment of biological integrity. Taxa with Pcs < 50% are likely the most sensitive taxa and the
very taxa that respond to impairment more that those with Pc > 50%. The statement that “Using a Pc
limit set at greater than 50% typically results in models that are more sensitive and precise, which
results in a better ability to detect biological stress” is based on two relatively limited studies that
evaluated precision using their own methods, i.e., circular reasoning and these were hardly typical.
UDWQ is setting a precedent by using Pc > 50% based on results that are not solidly supported in the
literature and not established scientific fact but based on a vague ill-defined term in the two studies,
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‘sensitivity’.
It appears that UDWQ is more interested in the continued reliance on a single metric (O/E) that had
good statistical properties (e.g., more sensitive, and precise) than incorporating other metrics or using
a < 50% Pc that may prevent loss of rare, uncommon, and unique taxa and provide greater insights
into the types of impairments that Utah waterbodies experience. O/E models may be able to detect
large levels of biological stress, but not biological integrity.
…[p. 32] RIVPACS O/E models include a ‘probability of capture’ (Pc) component. Pc is the probability
that a taxon occurs at a reference site and is used in the development of the “E” expected taxa list. To
reduce ‘noise’ in results and to ease interpretation, many users, including UDWQ, use a PC > 50%.
That is, the probability of a taxon occurring at a site is estimated to be greater than 50%. The decision
to use a Pc > 50% has very strong negative implications for assessing the biological integrity of a river
or stream in UT. Many ecologists agree that uncommon and rare taxa should be included in ecological
assessments and by including these taxa detection of impacts is improved (Turak and Koop 2003;
Nijboer and Schmidt-Kloiber 2004). It is also widely recognized that rare taxa are the first to become
extinct due to human disturbance (Leitao 2016).
Uncommon and rare taxa have also been shown to disproportionally contribute to ecosystem function
and integrity (Leitao 2016). For example, native bivalves are extremely important for maintaining water
quality via their filter feeding activity and of much concern for developing NH3 criteria. However,
bivalves do not occur in >50% of Utah’s reference sites and unionids are likely on the brink of
extinction in UT (Richards 2016b). A PC > 50% may easily overlook many, many, taxa that are unique
to Utah’s rivers and streams including threatened and endangered species, important ecosystems
providers, or simply an unknown number of taxa that occur in < 50% of reference streams. These taxa
are the true measure of biological integrity and without which will result in a homogenous, biodiversity -
limited condition lacking integrity. These taxa are also the most likely to be most sensitive to impacts
because their niche breadth is much narrower that taxa that have Pcs > 50%. There is a well-known
saying in ecology; ‘rare is common, and common is rare’ (Pimm et al. 2014). Modifications to
RIVPACS O/E models have allowed researchers and managers in England to monitor rare species
and to flag Red Data Book threatened species (http://www.ceh.ac.uk/services/rivpacs-reference-
database), however they use much lower Pcs. Utah should consider the same.
DWQ Response to comment 7F:
All of these comments were made, in many cases verbatim, in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-
72 in 2016 Integrated Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined
2018 and 2020 Integrated Report) and DWQ created detailed responses to them. We also
sent the comments and responses to other experts in biological assessments to ensure that
our responses were valid. They were and remain so. The commenter is encouraged to
reread those responses and the peer reviewed scientific literature cited in the responses.
DWQ evaluated a Pc of 0 and 0.5 when Utah’s models were initially created. The Pc >0.5
model was more accurate and sensitive. More sensitive models, by definition, are better at
identifying biologically impaired sites, which is important because that is the purpose of using
the model in the IR. As we previously noted, this is hardly a precedent. There have been a
number of studies supporting this.
O/E is not biological integrity but an important aspect of it. Protecting, maintaining and
restoring biological integrity is the central goal of the Clean Water Act, but that does not
mean that DWQ needs to measure all of the many complex and important aspects of it.
Doing so on a statewide basis is simply not possible. Instead, Utah and all states use
indicators of biological integrity to evaluate water quality objectives. All numeric criteria work
like this and so does the O/E model. As the commenter correctly notes, completely
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measuring all aspects of biological integrity is simply too complicated to accurately measure,
particularly on a statewide basis.
Comment 7G: Biological Assessments, RIVPACS O/E precision and predictive
ability
[p. 8] The new O/E model in the draft is claimed to be a less precise predictive model than the previous
used by UDWQ. A loss of precision in the updated model should be critically reevaluated. Was this
updated model selected because in saves time and money?
As far as I can tell, O/E does not address intermittent stream benthic invertebrate assemblages. It is
well known by all lotic ecologists that intermittent streams behave differently than perennial streams
and that the benthic invertebrate assemblages differ dramatically. I have assisted the State of Idaho
and the State of Arizona in their development of bioassessments for intermittent streams. It behooves
UDWQ to realize that intermittent streams are abundant in Utah and are increasing due to global
climate change and that intermittent streams need to have a different bioassessment paradigm and
suite of assessment metrics than perennial streams/rivers.
DWQ Response to comment 7G:
These comments were made, in many cases verbatim, in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-72 in
2016 Integrated Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined 2018
and 2020 Integrated Report) and DWQ created detailed responses to them. As our previous
response indicated, the new model was selected because it was more applicable to a more
physically and geographically heterogeneous group of streams. In particular, DWQ was
interested in incorporating larger rivers. Also, climate change can potentially cause
systematic changes in macroinvertebrate composition, even among reference sites, so it is
important to update the models periodically to account for these changes.
DWQ has not created assessment methods for intermittent streams and agrees that such
methods would be useful. Hopefully resources will be available to expand to intermittent
streams in the future.
Comment 7H: Biological Assessments, Figure 8
[p. 9] There is no obvious starting point on the tree. It has two diamonds on the same top level that
suggest starting points. However, following the first diamond “Were 3 or more samples collected?” if
the answer was yes, leads to a nonsense conclusion, “Beneficial use Not Supported”. UDWQ
constantly relies on diagrams to illustrate its methods and rational for decision making and this
diagram has been used by UDWQ for several iterations of IRs and IR Methods.
DWQ Response to comment 7H:
DWQ thanks you for your comment. Figure 8 has been adjusted to clarify the starting point of
the diagram.
Comment 7I: Biological Assessments, incorporation of 1st and 8th+ order streams
and rivers
[p. 9] All aquatic ecologists know that there is a big difference in macroinvertebrate assemblages in
156
typical 1rst order vs. 2nd to 5th streams and between 8th plus rivers and 2nd to 5th order stream
(please review the River Continuum Concept by Vannote et al.).
DWQ Response to comment 7I:
This comment and others relating to stream size was made in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-
72 in 2016 Integrated Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined
2018 and 2020 Integrated Report) and DWQ completed detailed responses to them. As the
commenter suggests, all aquatic ecologists know of ecological changes that occur along a
river continuum, those at DWQ included. This is one of the main advantages of O/E models
over other biological assessment methods such as IBIs. O/E scores scale along a continuum
of ecological conditions using a variety of site-specific geospatial stream characteristics,
whereas IBIs assume that streams in large, predetermined bins should have similar
characteristics. The commenter is encouraged to reread previous responses to comments
related to stream heterogeneity in previous IR cycles for additional details.
Comment 7J: Biological Assessments, taxonomic resolution
[p. 9] A coarser taxonomic resolution results in a major loss of valuable information provided by
individual taxa when 'rolled up' to higher taxonomic level. It also means that some unique or
ecologically valuable taxa may be unaccounted for and lost from the AU without knowledge by UDWQ.
For example: combining all species of caddisflies in the genus Rhyacophila at least 5 species or more
could be lost without UDWQs knowledge. Or by combining all species of the mayfly genus Baetis,
several of the more sensitive species may have been lost. UDWQ is well aware that taxonomic
(phylogenetic) similarity has very little predictive power for sensitivity to different types of impairment
(Richards 2016, UDWQ 2017).
DWQ Response to comment 7J:
These comments were made, verbatim, in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-72 in 2016 Integrated Report
Response to Public Comments and pp 200- 211 in Combined 2018 and 2020 Integrated Report) and
DWQ created detailed responses to them. The commenter is encouraged to reread
previous responses for additional details. In short, DWQ requests that all taxa be identified to the
lowest possible taxonomic resolution, but this is not always possible. The taxonomic resolution reflects
these practical constraints. Despite taxonomic resolution constraints, this model has been able to
accurately identify biologically degraded streams throughout Utah, which is its primary function for IR
purposes. DNA barcoding and similar techniques are helping address this issue and hopefully DWQ
will be able to incorporate these data in future biological assessment tools. Using traditional taxonomy,
using a nationally accredited lab and requesting that all individuals be identified to the lowest possible
level of taxonomic resolution seems reasonable.
Comment 7K: Biological Assessments, seasonality effects
[p. 10] Seasonality also affects macroinvertebrate assemblages. Summer season has fewer taxa in
larval stages that are needed for taxonomic identification and O/E derivation. Comparing summer
collected vs. late autumn to early spring samples increases variability and thus precision and accuracy
O/E results (e.g., summer samples likely will have fewer taxa and lower O).
DWQ Response to comment 7K:
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DWQ is aware that the composition and abundance of macroinvertebrate assemblages varies
seasonally. If the general pattern in this comment was true everywhere, this problem would be easier
to address. Utah is a geographically diverse place and the periods of maximum abundance and
diversity can vary considerably from region-to-region and year-to-year. This temporal variation
undoubtedly contributes to declines in model precision and accuracy. DWQ has tried to account for
this variation in the modeling process. Interestingly, all versions prior to the current model included
‘Day-of-Year’ as a predictor variable, but this variable was not a significant source of variation in
compositional differences among reference sites for the current model. The use of PRISM predictor
variables likely helps account for some of the systematic difference in temporal variation patterns (see
also DWQ response to comment 7L). It is also possible that temporal variation is minimized by other
model construction decisions (Pc > 0.5, higher level OTUs). If true, this would explain why these
models are more accurate and more sensitive in identifying biologically degraded streams.
Comment 7L: Biological Assessments, reliance on PRISM data
[p. 10] As discussed in earlier comment letters; PRISM models are proprietary black box and as such
are not independently verifiable and thus are scientifically invalid. The scientific method requires the
possibility of independent validations. PRISM models are not reproducible or transparent, which as we
all agree, is what we are striving for.
PRISM models rely on historic data (e.g., most of the climate data metrics in Table 12). As an
example, “Watershed maximum of mean 1961-1990 annual number of wet days’ was 28-year old past
data. Conditions likely have changed substantially in 28 years. Clearly the past has absolutely nothing
to do with the macroinvertebrates collected next year. Similarly, the average of multiple years has
nothing to do with invertebrate assemblages that are mostly multivoltine or univoltine. Their lives are
shaped only by the conditions in the years during which they lived… not over multiyear averages.
Variables in Table 12 had nothing to do with environmental conditions during the time when the
sampled invertebrates lived. This introduces an unmeasurable and significant error to every Pc
calculated and prevents the use of field data,
which would be site specific. It may have been useful in developing regional models… but it has no
place in continued assessment/monitoring and should never be used as such. Only field
measurements should be used when possible.
PRISM data errors are also spatially derived mostly from misuse of regional models to monitor local
scale changes. These models will complicate every O/E assessment conducted anywhere that there
are natural gradients, introducing error in every local assessment. PRISM data often are not precise,
and values can change substantially between small changes in elevation within a watershed and
sometimes within a few hundred meters. In addition, PRISM values are model predicted values and
subject to error.
DWQ Response to comment 7L:
These comments were made, verbatim, in previous IR cycles (see pp 70-72 in 2016
Integrated Report Response to Public Comments and pp 200-211 in Combined 2018 and
2020 Integrated Report) and DW Q created detailed responses. The commenter is
encouraged to reread previous responses for additional details, because as noted in
previous responses many of these assertions are incorrect or reflect a misunderstanding of
how O/E models are constructed.
PRISM data are not proprietary and are freely available. They have been independently
tested and validated. They are used by a very large community of scientists across a wide
range of disciplines and are continually updated and corrected. O/E models perform best
when the predictor variables describe longer-term, generalized conditions. The predictors are
site-specific, but ultimately we are trying to distinguish between different types (i.e, low
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elevations vs high elevation, mesic vs. xeric, high- vs low-gradient). Prism data provide
excellent reach scale information that strongly correlates with the spatial heterogeneity of
stream conditions.
For any given stream, the past is the best predictor of what should be there; long-term data
show that community composition is stable. In fact, if bioassessment programs had historical
data for all streams, predictive models would be unnecessary. Climate change is causing
systematic changes in the composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages, which is one
reason DWQ periodically updates the models with new reference site data. DWQ is initiating
a new round of reference site collections in 2023.
Comment 7M: Biological Assessments, Implications of evenness on O/E Scores
and UDWQ Bioassessments
[from study, p. 32] UDWQ uses a mean O/E score of > 0.76 as ‘fully supporting’ and in general, a
score of < 0.69 as ‘not supporting’ (UDWQ Integrated Report 2016). If the SEM standardized loadings
(coefficients) for the total effects of evenness on O/E scores in Table 9 are reasonable, then that would
suggest that a 0.07 decrease in O/E score from 0.76 (fully supporting) to 0.69 (not supporting) would
only require a decrease in evenness of about 0.044 (0.037 to 0.053). As discussed in footnote 2, page
…, taxa abundances in macroinvertebrate samples are rarely if ever even, and this relatively small
change in evenness could easily trigger an assessment from ‘fully supporting’ to ‘not supporting’.
DWQ Response to comment 7M:
Thresholds are derived based on an understanding of model error (which is based on actual field
measures) and the specific values represent an attempt to balance type I (false positive) and type II
(false negative) errors. This is a common dilemma for any regulatory agency in general and perhaps
more so with those using biological data. DWQ has stated in the chapter the cost-benefit of ensuring
that type I and II errors are appropriately balanced and are not arbitrarily set. DWQ has been using
O/E models for over a decade and they have proven to provide robust assessments of biological use
support. Follow-up investigations at impaired sites have almost always revealed one or more human
stressors and the index has also been responsive to improving conditions following stream restoration.
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Response to Comments: Draft Report
The following are public comments received during the 2024 Draft Integrated Report Public
Comment period. Public comments that were submitted in PDF format as letters were distilled
for individual Division of Water Quality (DWQ) responses. Please refer to the hard copy
comment letters (linked below) for the complete comment.
Rob Dubuc - Friends of Great Salt Lake ................................................................................................................................. 161
Public Comment 1: ................................................................................................................................................................... 161
DWQ Response to Comment 1: ................................................................................................................................................ 161
Mark Allen ........................................................................................................................................................................... 161
Public Comment 2: ................................................................................................................................................................... 161
DWQ response to Comment 2: ................................................................................................................................................. 162
Chad Burrell - Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District ................................................................................................. 162
Public Comment 3A: ................................................................................................................................................................. 162
DWQ Response to Comment 3A: .............................................................................................................................................. 162
Public Comment 3B: ................................................................................................................................................................. 162
DWQ Response to Comment 3B: .............................................................................................................................................. 163
Public Comment 3C: ................................................................................................................................................................. 163
DWQ Response to Comment 3C: .............................................................................................................................................. 163
Public Comment 3D: ................................................................................................................................................................. 164
DWQ Response to Comment 3D: ............................................................................................................................................. 164
Public Comment 3E: ................................................................................................................................................................. 164
DWQ Response to Comment 3E: .............................................................................................................................................. 164
Public Comment 3F: ................................................................................................................................................................. 164
DWQ Response to Comment 3F: .............................................................................................................................................. 164
Public Comment 3G: ................................................................................................................................................................. 165
DWQ Response to Comment 3G: ............................................................................................................................................. 165
Public Comment 3H: ................................................................................................................................................................. 165
DWQ Response to Comment 3H: ............................................................................................................................................. 165
Public Comment 3I: .................................................................................................................................................................. 165
160
DWQ Response to Comment 3I: ............................................................................................................................................... 166
Sarah Wheeler - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 ....................................................................................... 166
Public Comment 4A: ................................................................................................................................................................. 166
DWQ Response to Comment 4A: .............................................................................................................................................. 166
Public Comment 4B: ................................................................................................................................................................. 166
DWQ Response to Comment 4B: .............................................................................................................................................. 166
Public Comment 4C: ................................................................................................................................................................. 166
DWQ Response to Comment 4C: .............................................................................................................................................. 166
Public Comment 4D: ................................................................................................................................................................. 166
DWQ Response to Comment 4D: ............................................................................................................................................. 167
Public Comment 4E: ................................................................................................................................................................. 167
DWQ Response to Comment 4E: .............................................................................................................................................. 167
Public Comment 4F: ................................................................................................................................................................. 167
DWQ Response to Comment 4F: .............................................................................................................................................. 167
Public Comment 4G: ................................................................................................................................................................. 167
DWQ Response to Comment 4G: ............................................................................................................................................. 167
Public Comment 4H: ................................................................................................................................................................. 167
DWQ Response to Comment 4H: ............................................................................................................................................. 168
Public Comment 4I: .................................................................................................................................................................. 168
DWQ Response to Comment 4I: ............................................................................................................................................... 168
Public Comment 4J: .................................................................................................................................................................. 168
DWQ Response to Comment 4J: ............................................................................................................................................... 168
Public Comment 4K: ................................................................................................................................................................. 168
DWQ Response to Comment 4K: .............................................................................................................................................. 168
Public Comment 4L: ................................................................................................................................................................. 168
DWQ Response to Comment 4L: .............................................................................................................................................. 168
Public Comment 4M: ................................................................................................................................................................ 169
DWQ Response to Comment 4M:............................................................................................................................................. 169
Public Comment 4N: ................................................................................................................................................................. 169
DWQ Response to Comment 4N: ............................................................................................................................................. 169
Earth Law Center .................................................................................................................................................................. 169
Public Comment 5A .................................................................................................................................................................. 169
DWQ Response to Comment 5A: .............................................................................................................................................. 170
Utah Division of Water Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 170
Comment 6A: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 170
161
Rob Dubuc - Friends of Great Salt Lake
Link to original PDF Comment Letter
Public Comment 1:
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments regarding the draft 2024 Integrated Report (2024 IR).
FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake (FRIENDS) appreciates the work that the Utah Division of Water Quality
(Division or DWQ) has done and continues to do to better understand and protect the water quality of the
state, including Great Salt Lake. Although we acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that has gone
into the Integrated Report, FRIENDS disagrees with the Division’s decision to designate Gilbert Bay as a
Category 2 waterbody. 2024 IR, at 94. While Gilbert Bay was also listed as Category 2 in the 2022 IR, in
the two-year period in between the two IRs there was clear evidence that the beneficial uses of Gilbert
Bay were either threatened or impaired due to high salinity levels. FRIENDS understands and agrees that
there is no easy solution to the problem of high salinity beyond getting more water to the Lake, that the
Lake is an outlier when it comes to implementing many of the Clean Water Act provisions, and that
undertaking a TMDL for the Lake would be inappropriate. However, the 2024 Integrated Report should
reflect the reality of what has occurred with the Lake over the last two years and should acknowledge that
the Lake’s ecosystem came perilously close to collapse due to high salinity levels. To do otherwise
presents a skewed historical record of Lake conditions. Based on that historical record, the Division
should have categorized Gilbert Bay as a Category 5 “threatened” waterbody in the State’s 2024 303(d)
list. At a minimum, however, having admitted that the Division does not have “clearly defined and
repeatable assessment methods for assessing whether Great Salt Lake’s Bays’ (sic) including Gilbert Bay
are meeting their beneficial uses,” it was clear error for the Division to classify Gilbert Bay as Category 2,
while classifying the other bays as Category 3. 2024 IR, at 145.
DWQ Response to Comment 1:
While DWQ recognizes the concerns of FRIENDS as to assigning the appropriate assessment category
to Gilbert Bay, DWQ maintains this is the appropriate assessment category based on established
methods (See Table 1. in the 2024 303(d) Assessment Methods). Category 2 waters are those in which
“some but not all beneficial uses assigned to a waterbody are evaluated against one or more numeric
criteria, and each assessed use is found to meet applicable water quality standards.” In the case of
Gilbert Bay, there is only one criterion developed to assess aquatic life support, selenium in shorebird egg
tissue. Since there are no other criteria for aquatic life or other uses currently developed, this is the only
applicable criterion to base an assessment, which in this case is supporting the use of aquatic life. Thus,
the assigned category 2 is accurately assigned. While we understand that there are other potential
contaminants or stressors that are potentially threatening aquatic life support in Gilbert Bay, until defined
criteria and/or assessment methods are developed, we are unable to make that assessment in the 2024
IR. As we provided in our response to prior comments by FRIENDS made during the 2024 Assessment
Methods, DWQ is conducting an evaluation of the current status and trends of water levels, salinity,
habitat availability, and aquatic biota in Gilbert Bay and will develop appropriate assessment methods for
salinity as part of the 2026 Integrated Report.
Mark Allen
Link to original PDF document
Public Comment 2:
The dataset on water quality is missing the EPA data in Upper American Fork Canyon and sends the
message there are no hazards. This is false. Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium have a history of contamination in
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the water and sediment microloading that's accumulating at Tibble Fork area where tens of thousands
recreate. This sediment can become airborne and end up inhaled as dust. We need eyes on this - rather
than pretend the canyon doesn't have legacy problems.
The best data from the EPA dual assessments is missing from the mapping, why so? It gives a false
sense of water purity imho. I'd suggest research some of the data points below, contact the EPA and
include that in your analysis of hazards. Reclassify water in AF so it's not transitory. Do heavy metal
testing at any spigot for public drinking.
Please add in the EPA data as this study is biased out of the chute and should be comprehensive
DWQ response to Comment 2:
DWQ appreciates the detailed concerns regarding potential hazards and historical metal contamination
issues in Upper American Fork Canyon. DWQ thoroughly reviewed the documents provided. The data
that the commenter is referencing is from EPAs Water Quality Portal and is DWQ’s data that was
uploaded to EPA’s database. From the reports the commenter submitted, the only samples that had
metal concentrations above thresholds were from sediment samples. It is important to clarify that for
metals, DWQ’s water quality standards and assessment procedures assess only dissolved metal
concentrations in water not metals in sediment. Based on the assessments of the American Fork Canyon
Assessment Units, DWQ has not identified any new impairments related to dissolved metals in water
within the period of record from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2022.
Chad Burrell - Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District
Link to original PDF document
Public Comment 3A:
All data files used to support the integrated assessment should be provided as part of the public comment
review process. Such files were made available during previous Integrated Report cycles including in
2022. It is difficult for the public, including the District, to provide meaningful comment on new listings
without the ability to review the data and analyses supporting assessment decisions. The District requests
that DWQ make all data files associated with the 2024 Draft Integrated Report publicly available and
extend the public comment period by 60 days to provide sufficient time for a meaningful review.
DWQ Response to Comment 3A:
Although not a state or federal requirement, DWQ was remiss in providing the data files as part of the
Draft 2024 Integrated Report Public Comment Period. As a result of this comment, DWQ has made the
data and analysis supporting assessment decisions, available to the commenter and the public on the
Integrated Report website. The data include detailed accounts of specific criteria used in assessments for
each monitoring site that were assessed.
Based on the overall concerns expressed in Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation’s public comment letter
regarding the Dissolved Oxygen Categorization of East Canyon Creek 2-1 Assessment Unit, the East
Canyon Creek-2-1 Assessment Unit will not be Placed in Category 5: Not Supporting and instead, be
placed in Category 4A: TMDL Approved. DWQ greatly appreciates public comments that improve the
results and thank Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation for pointing out that a TMDL is in place that
addresses Dissolved Oxygen for the East Canyon Creek -2 Assessment Unit. Since this addresses
Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation’s concerns, an extension of the public comment period is not
needed.
Public Comment 3B:
The District requests that DWQ assign an assessment Category of 4C (non-pollutant impairment) to East
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Canyon Creek – 2-1 AU for the new temperature and dissolved oxygen listings rather than Category 5.
DWQ provides the following definition of Category 4C Non-Pollutant Impairment: Waterbodies not
supporting designated uses are placed in this category if the impairment is not caused by a pollutant but
rather by pollution (for example, hydrologic modification or habitat degradation). Similar to Categories 4A
and 4B, if the waterbody has other pollutants that need a TMDL, or there is an approved TMDL or
pollution-control mechanism in place, the waterbody may also be listed in Categories 4A, 4B, and 5.
Therefore, an AU with a pollution control in place may be listed in Categories 4C, 4B, 4A, and 5.
A TMDL for this assessment unit was completed and approved by the Utah Water Quality Board on
September 14, 2010 (see Utah Administrative Code R317-1-7-7.6). The TMDL identified factors other
than pollutants as the cause for dissolved oxygen and temperature exceedances in East Canyon Creek.
Specifically, the TMDL identifies hydrologic modification (low flow), habitat degradation, lack of shade,
and stream geomorphology as the causes of the exceedances. EPA’s letter in response to the submitted
TMDL dated September 14, 2010 indicates agreement that factors other than pollutants are the cause of
the dissolved oxygen impairment in East Canyon Creek – 2. Specifically, the letter states the following:
“UDEQ presented the results of recent studies of the creek which demonstrate that phosphorus is not the
controlling nutrient for productivity and oxygen cycling in the creek; rather, primary productivity and
oxygen demand are linked to sediment loads, increased water temperature and excess solar radiation.
Through detailed physical habitat analyses and modeling, UDEQ demonstrated that reductions in primary
productivity (through increased riparian shading and reduced stream width) and increased flow during the
critical season were expected to achieve the DO targets for the creek.” Further, a watershed
implementation plan was developed for East Canyon Creek-2 (see Chapter 8 of the East Canyon Creek
and Reservoir TMDL) designed to address the non-pollutant factors causing the impairment.
Implementation efforts associated with this plan began shortly after the TMDL was approved by the Water
Quality Board in 2010 and continue to be actively implemented by partners in the East Canyon Creek
watershed.
DWQ Response to Comment 3B:
Instead of Category 5 (Not supporting), DWQ will assign the East Canyon Creek-2-1 Assessment Unit as
Category 4A (Approved TMDL in place) based on the EPA approved 2000 East Canyon Creek TMDL for
Dissolved Oxygen (EPA Action ID: 399, 09/01/2000) but not the 2010 East Canyon Reservoir and East
Canyon Creek TMDL that was not acted upon by EPA. DWQ is not using Category 4C (non pollutant
impairment) until assessment methods for this category have been established. DWQ is currently
engaged in developing appropriate assessment methodology for Category 4C to identify, quantify, and
evaluate the impacts of hydrologic modifications on beneficial use attainment in Utah. DWQ is co-leading
a Functional Flow Analysis with Utah State University researchers and the Division of Wildlife Resources
as part of the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan effort. The results of the functional flow analysis will
help quantify elements of the hydrograph that are most important to attain water quality standards for
flow-related parameters and maintain support of aquatic life uses. This work will also generate functional
flow metrics that describe unaltered flow conditions, which will allow DWQ to quantify the extent of
hydrological modification that has occurred for ecologically important functional flow metrics. Initially these
data will be available for all streams within the Great Salt Lake basin, but the work will ultimately be
expanded statewide. As functional flows are completed for the region, assessment methodologies for
Category 4C will be crafted for future Integrated Reports to allow for a Category 4C determination for
hydrologic modification. The commenter’s suggestions have been provided to that workgroup.
Public Comment 3C:
The reasoning behind the split in the East Canyon Creek – 2 Assessment Unit in the 2022 IR, to East
Canyon Creek – 2-1 and East Canyon Creek – 2-2 in the 2024 IR is unclear. The rationale and supporting
evidence for this split in the Assessment Unit should be provided in the Final 2024 Integrated Report.
DWQ Response to Comment 3C:
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DWQ appreciates your comment requesting the reasoning behind the split of East Canyon Creek-2
Assessment Unit (AU) into East Canyon Creek-2-1 and East Canyon Creek-2-2. The AU was split
because the original Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) impairment was localized to the area in what is now
East Canyon Creek-2-2, specifically a site above the confluence with Kimball Creek. The data suggested
the site above the confluence with Kimball Creek that triggered the TDS impairment was not
representative of the original East Canyon Creek-2 AU conditions since the rest of the sites in the AU
were fully supporting TDS standards.
Public Comment 3D:
In UAC R317-2-14 table 2.14.2 table note 1, it states that Total Dissolved Gasses are “not to exceed
110% of saturation”. It is unclear if DWQ assesses Dissolved Oxygen measurements against this 110%
Saturation standard as listed in the UAC R 317-2-14. DWQ should assess all relevant standards for
aquatic life uses. The additional assessment decisions should be made available for public comment prior
to being finalized.
DWQ Response to Comment 3D:
DWQ does not use dissolved oxygen measurements to assess the total dissolved gasses saturation
criterion; nor is there a numeric saturation criterion for dissolved oxygen. Total dissolved gas saturation
cannot be accurately measured by dissolved oxygen measurements alone. It must be measured as the
total pressure of all gasses dissolved in water. DWQ does not routinely measure total dissolved gasses.
The total dissolved gasses saturation criterion would be considered for assessment in waterbodies where
fish mortality due to gas bubble disease has been observed. Fish kills are assessed under DWQ’s
narrative assessment process in the IR and these decisions are made available for public comment
during the Integrated Report Process
Public Comment 3E:
The Draft 2024 Integrated Report states the following on page 34 “DWQ will assess against early life
stage (ELS) criteria where ELS presence has been confirmed in a specific waterbody”. However, no
methodology for such a determination is provided. DWQ should provide a methodology for confirming the
presence of ELS as defined in the EPA Federal Register Federal Register 64(245) and the UAC R 317-2.
Additionally, if DWQ is applying a definition other than that referenced above, the reasoning behind the
difference should be provided.
DWQ Response to Comment 3E:
The determination to apply the ELS criterion for the purposes of the IR is based on whether the ELS
absent criterion was evaluated (R317-2-14) through the individual permitting process, and if sufficient fish
survey data are available. DWQ applies the ELS period as defined in Federal Reg. Doc No: 99-33152,
pgs. 71974-71980 and in UAC R317-2-14.
Public Comment 3F:
It is unclear which Early Life Stage assumption is being applied when assessing dissolved oxygen
standards. The Draft 2024 Integrated Report states (page 34) that “DWQ will assess against early life
stage (ELS) criteria where ELS presence has been confirmed in a specific waterbody”. However, without
the ability to review the data and analyses supporting new dissolved oxygen listings, it is unclear whether
this assumption has been properly applied. DWQ should provide all data and analyses supporting new
assessment decisions as part of an extended public review.
DWQ Response to Comment 3F:
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DWQ acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the clarity of the Early Life Stages assumptions being
applied when assessing dissolved oxygen standards. In response to this comment, DWQ has made all
data and analysis supporting these assessment decisions available to the public on the Integrated Report
website. The data provided includes detailed accounts of specific criteria used in assessments for each
monitoring site that were assessed.
Public Comment 3G:
The reasoning behind the new listing of East Canyon Creek – 2-1 for Minimum Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is
unclear. In reviewing the 2022 IR High Frequency DO Data for Assessment ID UT16020102-026_01, the
“parameter qualifier” listed for all MLIDs in the AU is “other life stages present”. In the 2022 IR, the East
Canyon Creek – 2 Assessment Unit was not listed for minimum DO. Based on the 2022 High Frequency
DO Data, DO values in East Canyon Creek – 2 AU range from 4.1 mg/L to 12.07 mg/L. It appears that
DWQ may have changed the assumption around ELS presence in East Canyon Creek – 2 AU from not
present in 2022, to present in the 2024 IR assessment. If this is true, this new assumption should be
clarified and explained. Further, all data and information related to an ELS presence determination as well
as data supporting the dissolved oxygen assessment decision should be provided for public review as
part of an extended public comment process.
DWQ Response to Comment 3G:
DWQ has identified that applying the early life stages present criterion within East Canyon Creek-2-1 AU
is appropriate (see DWQ’s response to Comment 3E). In response to comments, DWQ has provided all
of the assessment data to the commenter and available to the public on the Integrated Report Website.
Public Comment 3H:
Based on the DWQ Response to EPAs comment 4A in Appendix 6, it is still unclear how DWQ
communicates to the public which Utah water bodies have demonstrated confirmed presence of early life
stages. The DWQ comment response only mentions UPDES permits. The DWQ comment response
suggests that ELS presence is only evaluated for waterbodies that have UPDES discharges into them.
DWQ should provide clarity around the method for communicating ELS presence to the public in
waterbodies across the state, and a basis for limiting the method to wasteload analyses in certain
permits.
DWQ Response to Comment 3H:
DWQ doesn’t generally express ELS presence/absence determinations to the public but communicates it
as part of the UPDES permitting process in the Statement of Basis which is publicly available on our
website. DWQ has conducted this evaluation across several other waterbodies including Beaver Creek
and segments of the Weber River. The determination to apply the ELS criterion for the purposes of the IR
is based on whether the ELS absent criterion was evaluated (R317-2-14) and if sufficient fish survey data
are available.
Public Comment 3I:
It is unclear whether and how elevation and temperature are used in assessing dissolved oxygen
standards in the Draft 2024 Integrated Report. In cases where a dissolved oxygen criterion exceeds
100% saturation because of elevation and temperature, an alternative standard equivalent to 90%
saturation should be calculated and assessed. These methods are outlined in the 1986 EPA Dissolved
Oxygen criteria document. These methods should be consistent with the application of standards in other
Clean Water Act programs including the TMDL and UPDES programs. DWQ should clarify how elevation
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and temperature are incorporated in assessment analyses in the Final 2024 Integrated Report.
DWQ Response to Comment 3I:
The dissolved oxygen assessment methods do not incorporate elevation or temperature because Utah’s
dissolved oxygen standards do not include options to adjust criteria for these factors. The commenter’s
recommendations regarding the application of dissolved oxygen criteria in DWQ’s TMDL and UPDES
programs have been provided to those programs’ managers. In addition, we will send this request to
DWQ’s WQ standards coordinator to consider as part of a future Triennial Review.
Sarah Wheeler - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 8
Public Comment 4A:
The total number of assessment units (AUs) reported, AUs requiring TMDL, lake AUs and lake AUs in
category 5 are off by one AU when comparing the AUs reported in ATTAINs to the written IR.
DWQ Response to Comment 4A:
DWQ is aware of this discrepancy, DWQ has reviewed the issue and concluded that it is due to one AU
not showing up in ATTAINS. DWQ worked with EPA and ATTAINS staff to resolve the issue.
Public Comment 4B:
The total number of river, stream and canal AUs with insufficient data is off by 10 in ATTAINs compared
to the written report.
DWQ Response to Comment 4B:
DWQ thanks you for pointing out this typo. DWQ has corrected the typo in the paragraph to be consistent
with the chart and ATTAINS count. Public Comment 4C:
The number of river, stream and canal AUs by parameter category is different in the written IR compared
to the ATTAINs numbers.
DWQ Response to Comment 4C:
DWQ thanks you for your comment concerning the difference between the counts of river, stream, and
canal AUs by parameter category reported in the 2024 IR document compared to the ATTAINs counts.
DWQ has identified the source of the discrepancy and has determined that the ATTAINS report is
aggregating assessments at the AU-Parameter level. Conversely, DWQs approach in the report is based
on the AU-Parameter-Use level. This means some AU-Parameters may be counted multiple times if
multiple uses are impaired. In light of this, DWQ commits to incorporating a detailed explanation within
the captions of relevant charts to clarify this distinction.
Public Comment 4D:
The total number of AUs delisted is off by 3 AUs in ATTAINs compared to the written report.
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DWQ Response to Comment 4D:
DWQ is aware of this difference and found that it is due to three AUs (Scofield Reservoir - pH,
North Fork Virgin River-1 - E. Coli, Huntington Creek-2 - TDS) that were Category 1 (Full Support) last
cycle but were listed as Category 5 (Not supporting) this cycle. These AU-Parameters had existing
TMDLs so they were categorized as Category 1 last cycle and Category 4A (Approved TMDL) this one.
The ATTAINS delistings report includes any AU-Parameters categorized as 4A. However, since these
AU-Parameters were previously counted as delistings when the TMDLs were first established, DWQ did
not include these 3 AU-Parameters in the delistings tables or counts. To continue improving
transparency, DWQ will note this decision in the footnotes of the delisting tables.
Public Comment 4E:
Only one assessment unit indicates it was assessed in 2024 under ‘cycle last assessed’. A majority
include the year ‘2022’. Is this accurate or were more assessments updated in 2024?
DWQ Response to Comment 4E:
DWQ appreciates this comment identifying the error in ATTAINS regarding the cycle last assessed. DWQ
has investigated the matter and identified the source of the issue. DWQ has worked to rectify the issue
and corrected “cycle last assessed” values for each affected AU in ATTAINS.
Public Comment 4F:
Utah’s IR notes that data/measurements that receive a C grade are insufficient quality for assessment
and 303(d) listing purposes. Please indicate what data/information were excluded based on a C grade.
DWQ Response to Comment 4F:
DWQ acknowledges the request for clarification regarding data or measurements excluded due to
receiving a C grade. DWQ has documented all instances of data exclusion in the relevant data files
accessible on the Integrated Report website. Within these files, stakeholders can refer to a specific
column labeled “reason,” which describes the rationale behind each decision to reject certain data. Public Comment 4G:
The IR states that the public notice period is to be no later than February 1st of even years. The public
notice for the 2024 Draft Integrated Report began February 15th. Can this language be modified to
include more flexibility if February 1st isn’t feasible?
DWQ Response to Comment 4G:
DWQ values EPA’s attention to the specified timing of the public notice period for the Integrated Report
(IR) as outlined in our documentation. We acknowledge the discrepancy noted between our stated
guideline for initiating the public notice period by February 1st of even years and the actual
commencement on February 15th for the 2024 Draft IR. This comment is out of scope for the Draft 2024
Integrated Report Public Comment Period. However, DWQ will consider revising this language when
updating the 2026 Integrated Report Assessment Methods.
Public Comment 4H:
EPA recommends that all delisting comments include sample sizes so that it’s clear that sufficient data
exists to make the delisting conclusion.
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DWQ Response to Comment 4H:
DWQ values EPA’s recommendation regarding the inclusion of sample sizes to ensure clarity and
confidence in our delisting conclusions. In response, we have reviewed our delisting decisions and have
updated them to include sample counts wherever applicable.
Public Comment 4I:
In future IRs, to facilitate EPA’s review of the IR and better convey what changes have occurred since the
last IR cycle changes (i.e., newly listed waters; new parameter listings; delistings, changes to assessment
methods; new sections), EPA recommends DWQ either modify the Executive Summary to provide these
highlights or add a new section to address IR changes/updates.
DWQ Response to Comment 4I:
DWQ appreciates the opportunity to improve the Integrated Report process. To address changes in
methodologies since the last IR cycle, DWQ actively uses the Draft IR Methods Public Comment period to
document and highlight method updates. We understand EPA’s interest in having a clear overview of
changes such as newly listed waters, parameter listings, and delistings. However, we are also mindful of
the report’s length and the potential for additional sections to increase complexity, making the document
more cumbersome for stakeholders to navigate. DWQ suggests leveraging the ATTAINS Cycle
Comparison report as an efficient alternative. This resource, available on ATTAINS, features an
interactive interface designed to facilitate easy comparison of changes between IR cycles. It allows users
to efficiently search and review updates without sifting through the extensive documentation of the full IR.
Public Comment 4J:
Page numbering skips from 22 back to page 13. TMDL Comments
DWQ Response to Comment 4J:
DWQ appreciates EPA for pointing out this issue. DWQ has corrected the page numbers issue. Public Comment 4K:
In associated parameter information, each AU parameter is assigned a priority. Have these been updated
or is DWQ waiting until Vision 2.0 waterbody/pollutant combination priorities are set in September 2024 to
change the priority?
o Example, page 103 –Big Cottonwood Creek-1, 303(d) priority remains high for E. coli even though
TMDL was approved (4A) – Same with Emigration Creek Lower, etc.
DWQ Response to Comment 4K:
Thank you for your comment. For those AU parameters that EPA referenced, DWQ updated them to low
priority since TMDLs have already been established. However a comprehensive update of all TMDL
priorities is still pending. DWQ will update TMDL priorities in September 2024 as part of Utah’s
Prioritization 2.0 and will incorporate that into the 2026 Integrated Report.
Public Comment 4L:
Replace the word ‘requires’ with ‘expects’ when referencing vision priorities (pg. 21 – second paragraph,
first sentence). This is not a requirement, just an expectation.
DWQ Response to Comment 4L:
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DWQ values EPA’s attention to the section referencing vision priorities. DWQ will change “requires” with
“expects” in the Executive Summary in response to this comment.
Public Comment 4M:
Pending GIS review/corrections:
The GIS portion of two AU’s is missing in the ATTAINS GIS report (Blackridge Reservoir and East
Canyon Creek-2-2).
DWQ Response to Comment 4M:
DWQ reviewed the GIS files that were uploaded into ATTAINS and verified that both Blackridge Reservoir
and East Canyon Creek-2-2 were included in the GIS uploads. Subsequent discussions with the
ATTAINS support team have elucidated that updates to the GIS files within the system are processed
manually. Given this information, DWQ intends to patiently await the completion of these updates.
Following this, DWQ will undertake a verification process to ensure that the inclusion of Blackridge
Reservoir and East Canyon Creek-2-2 in the ATTAINS GIS report has been accurately reflected, thereby
addressing the concerns raised.
Public Comment 4N:
Most of the waterbodies that are within tribal boundaries, have a disclaimer that describes the waterbody
and then includes “within Utah jurisdiction, excluding tribal jurisdictions.” However, there are a few AUs
that EPA believes are within tribal boundaries that are lacking the disclaimer (examples – UT14060003-
020_00/Rock Creek Upper and UT14060003-021_00/Moon Lake tributaries). Can this disclaimer be
added?
DWQ Response to Comment 4N:
DWQ values your input on ensuring clarity regarding the jurisdictional scope of our Assessment Units. We
have reviewed the AUs that overlap with tribal lands and have added the disclaimer to those AUs that did
not already have the disclaimer. These changes have been uploaded to ATTAINS.
Earth Law Center
Public Comment 5A
Earth Law Center is a nonprofit organization that advances the rights of waterways and other
ecological systems. We have advocated for complete and accurate 303(d) lists and 305(b) reports for
over ten years, particularly in Western states. We urge the Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to
consider all readily available data and information, including flow data, and list waterways as “impaired”
due to hydromodification where supported by such data and information. For the 2024 Integrated Report,
such Category 4C waters should include, at minimum, the East Fork of the Virgin River, the Lower Sevier
River, and the Bear River. We also request that DWQ includes two assessment units (Otter Creek2 and
Chalk Creek3-Coalville) that were placed in category 4C for habitat alteration in 1998 and subsequently
included in the final 2022 Integrated Report under Category 4C unless it is shown that these waterways
are no longer as impaired due to habitat alteration and/or other forms of hydromodification.
Utah has the data and methodologies necessary to list certain waterways as impaired due to
hydromodification, including flow alteration. As described in your Draft 2022 303(d) Assessment Methods
as well as the 2022 Draft Integrated Report, Utah’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) includes
“Stream Flow Measurement,”6 which provides standardized data that can support a flow impairment
determination. Additionally, “flow” is listed as one of the priority parameters in Appendix 1 of the 2022
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Draft Integrated Report and is “routinely measured for assessment purposes” (p. 132). As you know,
Earth Law Center submitted comments highlighting the imperative to list Category 4C waters when readily
available information strongly indicates the non-attainment of water quality standards due to hydrological
modification based on the weight of evidence.
DWQ Response to Comment 5A:
As described in the assessment methods (page 12, Table 1 and page 74, Category 4C), DWQ may place
a waterbody or parameter-specific impairment in category 4C when DWQ can demonstrate that a
beneficial use impairment is driven by pollution and not by a pollutant or pollutant that causes pollution;
including use impairments driven by hydrologic modification.
Based in part on similar comments received for previous Integrated Reports, DWQ is currently engaged in
developing appropriate assessment methodology for Category 4C to identify, quantify, and evaluate the
impacts of hydrologic modifications on beneficial use attainment in Utah. DWQ is co-leading a Functional
Flow Analysis with Utah State University researchers and the Division of Wildlife Resources as part of the
Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan effort. The results of the functional flow analysis will help DWQ
quantify elements of the hydrograph that are most important to attain water quality standards for flow-
related parameters and maintain support of aquatic life uses. This work will also generate functional flow
metrics that describe unaltered flow conditions, which will allow DWQ to quantify the extent of
hydrological modification that has occurred for ecologically important functional flow metrics. Initially these
data will be available for all streams within the Great Salt Lake basin, but the work will ultimately be
expanded statewide. As functional flows are completed for the region, assessment methodologies for
Category 4C will be crafted for future Integrated Reports to allow for a Category 4C determination for
hydrologic modification. The commenter’s suggestions have been provided to that workgroup.
As the commenter points out, “Although hydrological impairments do not trigger TMDLs, as explained by
U.S. EPA, “States can employ a variety of watershed restoration tools and approaches to address the
source(s) of the impairment” for Category 4C listings”. DWQ is currently identifying waterbodies for water
quality restoration and protection planning over the next ten years as part of our Prioritization 2.0 effort.
The commenters list of hydrologically modified waterbodies will be incorporated into the initial list of
waterbodies for Prioritization 2.0.
Utah Division of Water Quality
Comment 6A:
The Utah Public Health Laboratory notified DWQ that the analytical methods (3114C) used to test for
Selenium concentrations may be underestimating Selenium concentrations. In response to this
information, DWQ analyzed the nine delisting candidates for Selenium. DWQ found that five of the
delistings had samples that used the method 3114C. Given that the samples using that method may be
underestimated, DWQ will not delist those AUs until the lab can conclude the extent of the issue and
correct the values. DWQ will be documenting and noting these changes in the delisting tables.