Major Findings

Point and nonpoint sources of nutrients, sediments, metals, and organic compounds from industrial, agricultural, and urban land uses are important water-quality issues in the Study Unit. Degradation of streams, including the loss of riparian habitat, reduction in fish populations, loss of habitat for bottom-dwelling organisms, eutrophication, and deterioration of the sanitary quality of streams is also important. Additional issues include the introduction of toxic substances, such as organic compounds and trace elements that accumulate in sediments and aquatic biota of the rivers. These contaminants can adversely affect the health of aquatic biota and may biomagnify in fish-eating birds and mammals.