The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is asking the public to review Spokane County’s proposed update of its shoreline master program (SMP). The review period will run through Oct. 2, 2009. The plan maps out how shoreline areas along the Spokane River and Spokane County’s lakes and streams will be protected and regulated for years to come.
Ecology has released a strategy for reducing toxics in the Spokane River. Ecology refers to the strategy as “… a ‘living’ document, i.e., we will build on this road map,…
Attached is the revised DO TMDL schedule. Dave Moore highlighted the row corresponding to where we are in the project. Major updates include adding a line for stakeholder meetings under…
A year ago Spokane County banned dishwasher detergent with more than 0.5 percent phosphorus as a means to reduce dissolved oxygen concerns in the Spokane River. Evidence now shows its working. The Spokesman Review reports.
Dead Dog Hole is a popular whitewater feature for kayak enthusiasts doing tricks and having fun in Spokane Valley. This attraction may be lost with construction of a new Harvard Road bridge. The Inlander reports.
In an effort to protect Spokane River stream flows and the aquifer, the city of Spokane and Spokane County unveiled plans to offer rebates to residents buying new Water Sense toilets or Energy Star washing machines to replace less-efficient appliances. The Spokesman Review reports.
The Washington Department of Ecology plans to place a cap of clean gravel over contaminated sediments at the Flora Road site, which is located in Spokane Valley about five miles west of the Idaho border. Current expectations are for construction activities to be completed by the end of September.
On May 15th, the Center for Justice CFJ sent the Washington Department of Ecology a letter regarding PCBs and reduction of toxics in the Spokane River. The letter also requests that “… the PCB TMDL should be completed as soon as possible and along a parallel track with the DO TMDL.” Attached is the response provided by Director Manning to CFJ.
The city of Airway Heights will receive $22 million in federal economic stimulus funding for a new wastewater treatment plant that will help recharge the West Plains aquifer. The project will also benefit Spokane River water quality. The Spokesman Review reports.
Supporters of a white-water park in the Spokane River must determine if the project would hurt trout populations before moving ahead, a city official has ruled. The Spokesman Review reports.