Ecology completes clean-up at Flora Road site

October 28, 2009

From Washington Department of Ecology

The Washington Department of Ecology capped contaminated sediments at an informal access point at Flora Road. A one foot cap of gravel material was placed over contaminated sediments along the river bank. A portion of the access path from the Centennial Trail to beach was also enhanced with gravel to help reduce erosion and improve public access.

The site is located in Spokane Valley about five miles downstream of the Idaho border. From the Centennial trail, a narrow path with bushes and trees on both sides provides access to the site. The site is also accessed by those parking on Flora Road or Montgomery Road, then walking down a path that connects to the Centennial Trail.

Contaminated sediments were from heavy metals that over a number of years washed downstream from Lake Coeur d’Alene during high flows. When the river recededs over the summer, these contaminated sediments were exposed to recreationalists using this site. Capping effectively protects recreationalists from contaminated sediments while protecting the ecological health of the shoreline and river.