The UMRBA Water Quality Task Force (WQTF) recognized the potential problems associated with the current characterization of sediment impairments on the UMR and chose to investigate this issue in greater detail as part of its ongoing efforts to improve cooperation and coordination on UMR water quality issues.
The Task Force concluded that the existing sediment regime is not in equilibrium and net deposition is occurring in certain areas of the river and its backwaters. Recommendations included that states and USEPA, working through UMRBA, should express their shared commitment to working on these issues through an MOU and develop a guidance document for sediment-related water quality criteria, evaluate alternative approaches to address bedded sediment, and compile research needs to help guide further investigations.
