The Wood River WAG was originally created in 1995 as an outgrowth of the House Bill 1284 ("WAG-BAG Law"). The primary purpose and concern was to provide input to DEQ and EPA in restoring the beneficial uses and water quality standards of the Big Wood River, the Little Wood River, the Camas Creek and their major tributaries. The Wood River WAG encompasses three major subbasins: the Big Wood River Subbasin, the Little Wood River Subbasin and the Camas Creek Subbasin. From this group and in cooperation with DEQ have come the Big Wood River TMDL (approved 2002), the Little Wood River TMDL (2005) and the Camas Creek TMDL (2005). The WAG has stakeholder industries that represent irrigation agriculture, confined animal feeding operations, food processors, municipalities, grazing, recreation and forestry. Ground water is also a concern to the WAG and is also included in the approved TMDLs. Currently, the WAG meets quarterly (or as needed) and continues to provide input to DEQ and EPA on TMDL issues and other water quality related issues.
> Overview of TMDL Process (on DEQ's Web site) |
