None at this time.

Monitoring Program

Water-quality monitoring in conjunction with BMP implementation is critical in evaluating the progress toward meeting the TMDL. The purpose of water-quality sampling as part of this project segment is to (1) reestablish baseline water-quality conditions for the Spring Creek Watershed, primarily related to fecal coliform bacteria and nutrients; (2) further identify sources of impairments in the watershed; and (3) focus BMP efforts in the future.

The monitoring results collected as part of this project will be compared to previous sampling conducted during the TMDL assessment project, and as part of the state’s ambient water-quality monitoring program, to identify any recent changes in water quality related to changing watershed condition or climatic patterns. Water-quality monitoring will occur monthly during the recreation season in 2010 and twice during the non-recreational season; stage-recording devices will be installed at six locations during monitoring.

Sixteen sites are monitored for water-quality in Spring Creek. These sites include background sampling sites near the headwaters of Spring Creek and key tributaries, upstream and downstream of Hill City and Rushmore Products Sawmill, and upstream/downstream of small impoundments in the watershed that potentially act as water-quality BMPs. Sites were also chosen on each of the main tributaries to Sheridan Lake. Many sites were selected based on previous data collection efforts. In addition to the monthly in-stream grab sampling, storm water runoff will be sampled at four key locations in the watershed.