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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 13, 1997
97-143
CONTACT: Jani Gilbert, Public Information Officer, (509) 456-4464
Chris Coffin, Project Coordinator, (509) 454-7860
Yakima, WA - A long-awaited report on pollution in the lower Yakima River has been released by the Washington State Department of Ecology, signaling major changes in water management for many farmers in the Yakima River basin. The report identifies sediment and the associated pesticide DDT as the river's biggest pollution problems. It details the amount and sources of sediment and DDT released to the river during the irrigation season, and sets limits and a schedule for reducing those pollutants. The goal is to restore the quality of the lower Yakima River water so that it meets state water quality standards.
"The most obvious sign of pollution in the lower Yakima is the muddy water entering the river at the mouths of irrigation return drains and tributaries," said Chris Coffin, Yakima River water quality project coordinator.
"Our sampling indicates tens of thousands of tons of top soil are eroded from valley farms during the irrigation season. The soil is carried down the drains and ends up in the Yakima River. That's bad for agriculture and it's bad for the fishery that we're trying to restore in the river.
"Sediment from farmland also carries with it residual amounts of the banned pesticide DDT. Tissue samples of bottom fish in the lower Yakima have among the highest concentrations of DDT in the nation," Coffin said.
The new report is called A Suspended Sediment and DDT Total Maximum Daily Load Evaluation Report for the Yakima River. "Total Maximum Daily Loads" are estimates of the amount of specific pollutants that a body of water can safely take in without threatening the beneficial uses of the water such as stock water, irrigation, fishing, swimming and aesthetic enjoyment.
Sediments and "suspended solids" harm the respiratory systems of fish and aquatic insects. Particles can also settle and clog spawning gravel or suffocate fish eggs. Muddy water makes it difficult for fish to migrate and find food.
Ecology, Yakama Indian Nation and several other state, federal and local agencies now will be working together with area growers to identify the best and most cost-effective ways to reduce soil erosion and runoff from farms.
"We are looking to the community for participation and support as we develop effective pollution controls," Coffin added. "Public comment and involvement is an essential ingredient in the success of this project. Ecology and the other agencies will provide guidance and help farmers to implement new, less polluting irrigation practices."
According to the report, most of the sediment is eroded from farmland by poor irrigation water management and is carried back to the river through the irrigation return drains. One of the early recommendations is for growers to convert to sprinkler and drip irrigation where appropriate to eliminate tail water runoff and the resulting top soil erosion. Other options are also being explored.
For a copy of the executive summary of the report or a fact sheet on the Total Maximum Daily Load process on the Yakima River, contact Chris Coffin at (509) 454-7860.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
