Water Quality

Toxic blue green algae bloom on Lake Spokane latest outcome of warm, dry year

Since the middle of July blue green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms have been identified at various locations in the upper half of Lake Spokane. The blooms vary from day to day depending on wind and weather but are becoming denser. Galen Buterbaugh, Technical Advisor to the Lake Spokane Association, reports the blooms are worse in the morning when the wind is still. Samples collected on Monday, July 27th at Suncrest Park, indicated that the bloom did contain toxins. Warning signs have been posted at the Suncrest Park swimming beach.

Judge orders EPA to work with Ecology to meet PCB standards for the Spokane River

U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein ordered EPA to “work with Ecology to create a definite schedule with concrete goals, including: clear statements on how the [Spokane River Toxics] Task Force will assist in creating a PCB TMDL in the Spokane River by reducing scientific uncertainty; quantifiable metrics to measure progress toward this goal; regular checkpoints at which Ecology and the EPA will evaluate progress; a reasonable end date, at which time Ecology will finalize and submit the TMDL for the EPA’s approval or disapproval; and firm commitments to reducing PCB production from known sources in the interim.”

Visit New Spokane EnviroStars Waste Directory

The Spokane River Forum has launched a new waste directory designed to help local residents and businesses make choices that protect the region’s sole-source aquifer and improve the quality of the Spokane River. Done in collaboration with 8 local agencies and non-profits, safely disposing of hazardous and other waste just got easier. Visit www.spokanewastedirectory.org