Regulatory jousting over Spokane River water quality continues. Sierra Club files 60-day notice of intent to sue EPA for not forcing Ecology to develop a PCB water cleanup plan. Meanwhile, Kaiser has appealed their pollution discharge permit.
Can a pipeline disaster like the one on the Yellowstone River near billings happen here? Yes, say those who keep a close eye on the Spokane River, including the top water officials at both the city and county of Spokane. The Inlander Reports
Any watercraft transported into Idaho is required to stop at an invasive species inspection station. The battle to stop quagga and zebra mussels from entering our water ways.
June began with a number of articles and editorials related to Spokane County efforts to receive a draft discharge permit. Articles and related material attached.
At the Spokane River Forum conference on May 24th, over 150 participants from around the region met to learn about PCBs and discuss the opportunities and challenges of reducing their presence in the Spokane River. Presentations attached.
An Advisory Committee appointed by the Idaho Water Resource Board is seeking citizen input for meeting future water needs, preventing conflict over water resources, and protecting the water quality of the aquifer. Evening of November 18th. CAMP news release.
The public is invited to ask questions and give feedback on draft permit updates designed to improve and protect the water quality of the Spokane River and Lake Spokane. Evening of November 10th. The River Forum reports.
Is Governor Gregoire floating the idea of a moratorium on rule-making that would slow down Spokane River cleanup in order to provide relief to municipal and industrial dischargers to help them recover from the recession? The Inlander Reports
The Forum worked with experts to create a lay person’s guide to understanding what’s at stake and the debate behind Idaho dischargers challenging the DO TMDL.
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.