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SURFACE WATER QUALITY <br />As previously mentioned, the water quality along Trout Creek is monitored via [he parameters listed on Table 4.6- <br />54, Section 4.6.8.4 of the permit. Results of the analyses are discussed below. <br />Temperature and pH <br />Temperature (Figure 2) and pH (Figure 3) exhibited [he same trends in 2002 as found during baseline studies and <br />previous years monitoring. Specifically, patterns in temperature are seasonal with slight variations in pH. Overall, Trout <br />Creek has remained alkaline throughout the period of record. <br />Total Suspended Solids <br />Since 1989, Total Suspended Solids (TSSj concentrations have remained relatively constant (Figure 4). The <br />relatively constant TSS values observed over much of the period appear [o be the result of two conditions. Firs[, the stream <br />channel, significantly altered during a 1984 flood, has stabilized and the stream banks have reestablished vegetation, Second, <br />the section of the creek between TR-A 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 also become marshes due to numerous <br />beaver dams. <br />Periodically, this general pattern is interrupted, as occurred in 1991, 1993 and 1995. The "spikes" in TSS levels <br />during these years appear to be related to peak flow conditions along the creek. <br />Specific Conductivity <br />Specific conductivity (Figure 5) from September 1992 through the end of the report period were similar to values <br />obtained prior to October 1990. Data taken between October 1990 and August 1992 are believed to be invalid due to <br />instrument errors. TDS values obtained during these same periods do not reflect the increases, therefore it is believed [hat [he <br />data excursions can be attributed to errors with the instmmentation rather than a reflection of actual field conditions, <br />New field equipment has been used since September 1992 along with laboratory verification. The values shown in <br />Figure 5 from 1992 through 1994 are the 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 />4 <br />