Results of Spokane River fish sampling mixed
For those angling and eating their catch on the Spokane River, fish sampling results to monitor contaminants were mixed. In a report released by the Washington Department of Ecology, Spokane River results "... showed that levels of PCBs and PBDEs in fish remain elevated compared to most areas in Washington." In addition, "Concentrations of PBDEs in mountain whitefish from the Nine Mile reach were approximately 4 to 10 times higher than in fish from other sites in the river. ... In some cases, concentrations found in 2012 appear to be lower than those in 2005. For PCBs, 2 of 11 cases show a decrease, with both cases occurring in the Mission Park reach. For PBDEs, 5 of 11 cases show a decrease." Click here for full report.
"This type of mixed report wasn't surprising," says the Forum's Executive Director Andy Dunau. "While some clean-up actions have taken place since 2005, much bigger gains are coming on-line with upgrades to waste-water treatment plants. From Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, municipal investments will total over 700 million dollars. And that's not counting investments being made by Inland Empire Paper and Kaiser Aluminum." Read More.
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Out of the mouth of babes
Jordan Neilson of Ponderosa Elementary in Post Falls created this wonderful two minute video explaining the importance and ways all of us can help protect the aquifer and Spokane River. Says Jeremy Jenkins, the Lake Manager for Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District, "This is top notch! We would have been hard pressed to make something this sincere with adults." The video was inspired by KSPS and the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, who invited K-6 students in the KSPS listening area to create a multi-media public service announcement about protecting the aquifer.
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Stateline Access Site Restored, Remodeled and Open to the Public
The Stateline access site can now be added to the list of premier Spokane River showcases.
The site features amazing drift boat, paddling, park and play, and rafting access with lots of convenient parking for all vehicle types. In addition, stewardship efforts included planting over 550 native species to restore 800 feet of shoreline spanning a 1.9-acre area. Needless to say, the Spokane River Water Trail is welcoming its newest member with open arms. Read More.
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