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The WQCC determined that even a class 2 aquatic lie classif inappropriate for portions of Cement Creek, Mineral Creek, River. However, when this decision was made to not place a classification on these segments , the WQCC asked that Stan follow through with its committment to examine these stream determine their current quality both chemical and biologica is in progress and is expected to be completed in 1985. Th this study will be used to assess the feasibility of classi segments for aquatic life. Continued development pressure in the reach between Cascade reek and Durango threatens the quality of both the mainstem and sever 1 tributaries to the Animas. The 305(b) plan recognizes thre ts to Junction and Lightner Creeks, but Purgatoire, Elbert, and Ca cade Creeks are also proposed to receive added pollution load from domes ic facilities. The lowest reach of the Animas receives the dis harge of the Florida River prior to exiting the state.. The Florida River carries SOl11e return flows from irrigation, and it contributes moderate 10 ds of nitrogen nutrients and dissolved salts to the Animas. In ad ition, the Florida carries amounts of iron in excess of cold water biot standards. La Plata River The La Plata River arises in the La Plata Mountains on the d the Dolores and San Juan Basins. The river flows with near quality down a deep, narrow valley to Hesperus. Here, the v broadens and some agricultural activity occurs alongside the it joins the San Juan in New Mexico. As, the La Plata leaves large portion of its flow is irrigation return. Mancos River The headwaters of the Mancos River rise northeast of Mancos between the Dolores and San Juan Basins. The river exhibits quality at the town of Mancos, but below the town its flows irrigation returns from adjoining land. .The Mancos River of a very low flow during the summer months, dropping to less t during October. The Mancos shows a aimilar pattern of degradation as the La leaves the state, this river carries a large load of TDS (an 1601 mg/l). Sulfate is the predominant anion, and sodium le as sediment levels, increase down stream. Iron and copper e standards for aquatic life at the gauging station as well. are probably dissolved from the soils which have been eroded reach of the river. -6- cation was d the Animas aquatic life rd Metals and That study findings of ing these vide between ristine lley river until the state, a n the divide fairly good re mainly en times has an 1 cfs lata. As it average of els, as well ceed the ese metals in the lower ,