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• SURFACE WATER QUALITY <br />As previously mentioned, the water quality along Trout Creek is monitored via <br />the parameters listed on Table 4.6-54, Section 4.6.8.4 of the permit. Results of <br />the analyses are discussed below. <br />Temperature and pH <br />Temperature (Figure 2) and pH (Figure 3) exhibited the same trends in 1998 as <br />found during baseline studies and previous years monitoring. Specifically, patterns <br />in temperature are seasonal with slight variations in pH. Overall, Trout Creek has <br />remained alkaline throughout the period of record. <br />Total Suspended Solids <br />Since 1989, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) concentrations have remained <br />relatively constant (Figure 4). The relatively constant TSS values observed over <br />much of the period appear to be the result of two conditions. First, the stream <br />channel, significantly altered during a 1984 flood, has stabilized and the stream <br />banks have reestablished vegetation. Second, the section of the creek between TR-A <br />and TR-B has become an inundated marsh as result of a continuous string of beaver <br />ponds. Additionally, several long stretches of the creek between TR-B and TR-D have <br />also become marshes due to numerous beaver dams. <br />Periodically, this general pattern is interrupted, as occurred in 1991, 1993 <br />and 1995. The "spikes" in TSS levels during these years appear to be related to <br />peak flow conditions along the creek. <br />Specific Conductivity <br />Specific conductivity (Figure 5) from September 1992 through the end of the <br />report period were similar to values obtained prior to October 1990. Data taken <br />between October 1990 and August 1992 are believed to be invalid due to instrument <br />errors. TDS values obtained during these same periods do not reflect the increases, <br />therefore it is believed that the data excursions can be attributed to errors with <br />the instrumentation rather than a reflection of actual field conditions. <br />New field equipment has been used since September 1992 along with laboratory <br />verification. The values shown in Figure 5 from 1992 through 1994 are the <br />laboratory values. Since the field values and laboratory values have been in close <br />agreement since 1992, values provided beginning in 1995 are field values. <br />J <br />5 <br />