Blue Green Algae in the Klamath Basin

On May 29, 2008, the US EPA listed the mainstem Klamath River as impaired for microcystin toxins in the reach including the Copco I, Copco II, and Iron Gate reservoirs and the river waters in between. 

Current public health monitoring for blue-green algae conditions on the Klamath River are available at:

• http://www.kbmp.net/blue-green-algae-tracker

This is an addition to California’s 2006 Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waterbodies.  The 2006 303(d) List already identified each segment of the Klamath River within California as impaired due to nutrients, organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The listings do not extend to any water bodies located within Indian country, as defined in 18 USC §1151.

• Letter re: Klamath River Microcystin Toxin Impairment – May 29, 2008
• EPA’s Responsiveness Summary Re: Klamath Microcystin Listing – May 29, 2008
• EPA’s Staff Report Re: Klamath Microcystin Listing – March 13, 2008
• More information on the 303(d) List from the Regional Water Board
• More information on the 303(d) List from the US EPA (note: hosted on US EPA’s website)

Contact Information

Lead Staff:
Clayton Creager, Environmental Scientist
707-576-2666
ccreager@waterboards.ca.gov