Draft dissolved oxygen modeling scenarios updated
The attached document contains a list of the draft modeling scenarios currently being considered by Ecology, IDEQ, the Spokane Tribe and EPA for assessment of Lake Spokane dissolved oxygen impacts.
Water Quality
Maybe in 2030
Polluters say they need 20 years to clean up their act and regulators just might give it to them. The Inlander Reports
Sniffing Out Plan B
If Spokane County can not get a permit to send effluent from the wastewater treatment plant they are in the initial phases of building, options for sending treated effluent to wetlands, public parks and Inland Empire Paper are being explored. The Inlander reports.
Ecology launches web site “Washington Waters– Ours to Protect”
Millions of Washingtonians have a new tool kit to help them keep Puget Sound, the Spokane River, the Columbia River, and other Washington waters healthy and clean. Washington Waters – Ours to Protect” is a web site packed with downloadable posters, tips and advice. The site offers tangible actions that every Washington resident can take to protect the state’s waters.
EPA reports harmful levels of toxins in Columbia Basin, including Spokane River
The Environmental Protection Agency said in a report Thursday that toxins remain at levels harmful to people, fish and wildlife throughout the Northwest, despite decades-long cleanups. Hot spots include the Spokane River in Washington. The Associated Press reports.
Spokane County to sign contract for plant, plans for discharge into river uncertain
The Spokane County Commission decided in a split vote Tuesday to sign one of its biggest-ever contracts, hiring CH2M Hill Constructors Inc. to design, build and operate a new sewage treatment facility. Whether the county will receive a permit to discharge effluent into the river is still uncertain. The Spokesman Review reports.
Rathdrum Prairie Wastewater Master Plan Released
The Cities of Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum along with Kootenai County developed a long-term master plan to guide wastewater service for the Rathdrum Prairie. The plan was released in November and public comment completed in December.
No decision on financing Spokane County wastewater treatment plant
Spokane County needs to raise about $145 million if, as expected, they proceed with building a proposed waste water treatment plant. How to pay for it is now a question. The Spokesman Review reports.
Questions arise over wastewater plan
According to Veolia Water North America, their bid to build a new Spokane County wastewater treatment plant would result in fifty percent less phosphorus in treated water and possibly cost less to build. The Spokesman Review reports.
WA and ID sign MOU to monitor effects of proposed summer discharges from Post Falls Dam
A memorandum of understanding allows Washinton, Idaho and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to participate in a monitoring study of Post Falls Dam. The study will be used to determine final conditions that Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will place on summer discharges of water at Post Falls Dam. These conditions are part of Avista’s proposed 50 year license to continue operating Post Falls Dam. The Spokane River Forum reports.