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SURFACE WATER QUALITY <br />• <br />As previously mentioned, the water quality along Trout Creek is monitored via <br />the parameters listed on Table 4.6-59, Section 9.6.8.4 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 1996 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 in 1996. <br />Total Suspended Solids <br />Since 1987, 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 1988, 1991, <br />1993 and 1995. The "spikes" in TSS levels during these years appear to be related <br />to peak flow conditions along the creek. The 1986 and 1988 occurrences are probably <br />residual effects of the initial channel restabilization while the latter years <br />reflect high peak flows. <br />Specific Conductivity <br />Specific conductivity levels (Figure 5) from September 1992 through the end of <br />the 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. All four sites exhibited a marked increase in specific conductivity for the <br />October 1990 and August-October 1991 readings. TDS values obtained during these <br />same periods do not reflect the increases, therefore it is believed that the data <br />excursions can be attributed to errors with the instrumentation rather than a <br />reflection of actual field conditions. After the October 1990 reading, the <br />equipment was repaired and used until July 1991, when a mechanical malfunction <br />required switching to alternate instrumentation. It is believed that the alternate <br />equipment was improperly calibrated or defective, resulting in inaccurate readings. <br />• New field equipment has been used since September 1992 along with laboratory <br />5 <br />