Spokane River Dock Fight
A developer dreams of 30 new docks on the Spokane River. Others worry about the effect on fisheries, creating motor boat traffic and aesthetics. The Inlander Reports.
All News – River Talk
Idaho cities say river plan poses risk to their growth
The cities of Post Falls, Hayden Lake and Coeur d’Alene say a plan to reduce the amount of phosphorus flowing into the Spokane River would strangle growth in Kootenai County. The Spokesman Review reports.
DO TMDL dispute resolution oral presentations April 5th
Oral presentations for the DO TMDL dispute resolutions will be April 5, 2010 from 12:00 pm — 5:00 pm at the Spokane Fire Department training complex. This post provides access to letters from elected officials, Inland Empire Paper, Spokane County and others regarding the dispute resolution.
Dispute resolution presentations April 5th. Dischargers and interested parties send letters
View letters related to the dispute resolution. Oral presentations April 5 and Spokane Fire Department Training Complex.
River Forum and fishery groups team up against poaching
The Spokane River Forum, Trout Unlimited, Spokane Flyfishers and Inland Empire Fly Fishing club have teamed up against fishing violations and poaching. About 25 volunteers from three area fishing clubs devoted the day to patrolling the river downstream from Monroe Street and upstream from Upriver Dam to look for illegal fishing activity. The Spokesman Review reports.
Water Trail to improve Spokane River access
Getting people to experience the Spokane River – whether it’s with hip waders, a kayak, raft or canoe – could help protect wildlife habitat, improve understanding of local history, and increase non-motorized access to the river. The Spokesman Review reports on the possibility of a Spokane River Water Trail.
That’s the theory of “water trail” proponents, who’ve spent the past year brainstorming ways to raise the 111-mile river’s profile. The trail concept was unveiled at a Tuesday conference sponsored by the Spokane River Forum.
Idaho boat inspections try to keep invasive species out of waterways
Idaho’s boat inspection program aimed at keeping out invasive species out of regional waterways is ramping up. The Coeur d’Alene Press reports.
Idaho dischargers, Inland Empire Paper and Avista request dispute resolution over Ecology’s dissolved oxygen TMDL (water cleanup plan)
In late February, a dispute resolution process regarding the Dissolved Oxygen TMDL submitted by Washington Department of Ecology to EPA for approval was requested by the City of Post Falls, Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board, the City of Coeur d’Alene, and Inland Empire Paper company. On March 12th, Avista also requested dispute resolution.
County braces for appeals to river water quality plan
If Ecology’s DO TMDL plan for reducing algae-feeding pollution in the Spokane River is challenged, Spokane County’s treatment plant may not be allowed to discharge effluent into the Spokane River. That could trigger a construction moratorium or increased cost to discharge the water elsewhere. The Spokesman Review reports.
Riverkeeper and Trout Unlimited Move to Stop Dock Construction on Spokane River
Fearing impacts on native trout, the Spokane Riverkeeper and Trout Unlimited are asking the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to stop the construction of recreational docks just downstream of Plante’s Ferry Park in the Spokane River.