Staff Report for the Action Plan for the Scott River Watershed. Sediment and Temperature Total Maximum Daily Loads

This document is the Staff Report that supports and explains the Action Plan for the Scott River Watershed Sediment and Temperature Total Maximum Daily Loads (Scott River TMDL Action Plan). The Scott River TMDL Action Plan is proposed as an amendment to the Basin Plan. The Scott River watershed comprises approximately 520,184 acres (813 mi2) in Siskiyou County, California. The Scott River is tributary to the Klamath River.
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to compile a list of impaired water bodies that do not meet water quality standards. The Clean Water Act also requires states to establish total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for such waters. The Scott River is listed under Section 303(d) as impaired by elevated sediment levels and elevated water temperatures. Adoption and approval of the Scott River TMDL Action Plan will establish the TMDLs and will satisfy the requirements of Section 303(d). The goal of the Scott River TMDL Action Plan is to achieve the TMDLs, achieve sediment and temperature water quality standards, and protect the beneficial uses of water in the Scott River watershed.