Project Area Description

Algae blooms and other nuisance conditions are occurring at Bridgeport Reservoir and appear to result from excessive nutrient loading. Algae blooms may produce toxic by-products directly or from decomposition, reduce dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the water, and create nuisance odors. These conditions adversely affect beneficial uses of the reservoir, which include a healthy fishery, recreational uses, and aesthetic enjoyment. Initial findings (see Schedule/Status below) indicate that high phosphorus and nitrogen levels are entering the reservoir from tributaries and show that internal nitrogen loading is occurring from sediment. Land uses within the Bridgeport Reservoir watershed that contribute excess nutrients or silt/sediment to the system may increase the nutrient loads and algae growth in the reservoir. The goal of the nutrient TMDL is to determine sources Mnutrient loading, establish numeric targets that are protective of beneficial uses, and establish load allocations that sustain mesotrophic (productive but not eutrophic) conditions consistent with beneficial uses