To collect scientifically valid and credible
data that can potentially be utilized in the decision-making
process and to alert the
Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ)
and others of potential water quality problems.
Rationale:
For the past twelve years,
Bridger Creek has been
designated an "impaired" stream by Montana's DEQ.
The Bridger to Bangtail Coalition
(B2BC)
hopes to improve Bridger Creek's water quality.
Description:
B2BC has built a water quality monitoring team of volunteers
trained by stream biologists
contracted by the Greater Gallatin Watershed Council.
This team periodically collects water samples and aquatic
insects,
measures stream widths and depths,
and collects other data from designated points along Bridger
Creek to build a database of gathered information.
This information is provided to the DEQ for analysis to
track the health of the creek,
to pinpoint sources of pollutants,
and to design stream restoration projects.
Long-term Outcome:
In the future,
the water quality volunteers
will be capable of studying additional waterways in the
greater Bridger–Bangtail ecosystem and create an effective
database to monitor the health of area waterways.
