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.
Water Quality
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.
Spokane River DO TMDL Released
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a DO (dissolved oxygen plan) for final approval. The DO TMDL will guide work toward bringing the Spokane River into compliance with water quality standards for dissolved oxygen.
Filters show promise in river cleanup
Spokane is testing advanced technology from a local company and others to address phosphorus reduction needs. The Spokesman Review reports.
Spokane sewer rates rise to improve Spokane River water quality
Extra $5 a month will help keep pollutants out of river, boost capacity at wastewater plant. The Spokesman Review reports.
Spokane Riverkeeper serves City of Spokane notice over PCB discharges to Spokane River
On behalf of the Spokane Riverkeeper, Gonzaga Law School’s Environmental Law Clinic today filed a sixty day “notice of violation” with the City of Spokane as a precedent to bringing a federal citizen enforcement lawsuit under the Clean Water Act. Read the Center for Justice news release.
Group says it will sue city over river PCBs
The Center for Justice filed a 60 day notice of intent to sue Spokane City over Spokane’s antiquated sewer system pumping polychlorinated byphenyls, or PCBs, into the Spokane River. The Spokesman Review reports.
Avista reports Upper Falls Dam oil spill
Avista is working with the Washington Department of Ecology to assess and manage the accidental release of a lightweight lubricating oil at its Upper Falls Hydroelectric Development on the Spokane River. Initial estimates are that 50-100 gallons of the oil leaked inside the powerhouse building before it was discovered.
Ecology warns residents to keep out of Long Lake
The discovery of toxic algae blooms in Long Lake has prompted authorities to warn residents to stay out of the water and keep their pets and livestock away, too. The Spokesman Review reports.
2009 Spokane River Clean-Up
The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have Picking Up Garbage! Sponsored by Friends of the Falls. The 7th Annual Spokane River Clean-Up is set for Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 am…