To facilitate implementation of the District's Water Quality Management Program, eight priority issues for surface water quality management have been identified by the District. The eight priority issues are:
Missouri River Mainstem System Water Quality Management Issues
- Determine how regulation of the Missouri River Mainstem System (Mainstem System) dams affects water quality in the impounded reservoir and downstream river. Utilize the CE-QUAL-W2 hydrodynamic and water quality model to facilitate this effort.
- Evaluate how eutrophication is progressing in the Mainstem System reservoirs, especially regarding the expansion of anoxic conditions in the hypolimnion during summer stratification.
- Determine how flow regime, especially the release of water from Mainstem System projects, affects water quality in the Missouri River.
- Determine how current water quality conditions in the Missouri River (e.g., water temperature, turbidity, etc.) may be affecting pallid sturgeon populations in the Missouri River system.
District-Wide Water Quality Management Issues
- Provide water quality information to support Corps reservoir regulation elements for effective surface water quality and aquatic habitat management.
- Provide water quality information and technical support to the Tribes and States in the development of their Section 303(d) lists and development and implementation of TMDLs at District projects.
- Identify existing and potential surface water quality problems at District projects, and develop and implement appropriate solutions.
- Evaluate surface water quality conditions and trends at District projects.