  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - October 22, 2001
01-178
OLYMPIA - The Idaho and Oregon departments of Environmental Quality, Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want local governments, industries, environmental organizations and others to share information on plans to improve the health of the water in the Columbia and Snake rivers.
The agencies, in coordination with Columbia Basin tribes and Western Governors' Association, are hosting informational meetings to discuss water cleanup plans for the rivers. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Lewiston, Idaho -- Monday, Oct. 29, Red Lion, 621 21st
Pasco, Washington -- Tuesday, Oct. 30, Franklin Co. PUD auditorium, 1411 W. Clark St.
The agencies and tribes are developing draft water-cleanup plans to reduce high levels of dissolved gas and high temperatures. Both problems make the rivers unhealthy for salmon and other aquatic organisms that need cool, clean water to survive.
"We are encouraged by the scientific work and the information we've received so far," said Dave Peeler, Ecology's water-cleanup manager. "Our goal is to complete the technical studies, develop implementation plans and start using them so the water becomes healthier for the fish and others that rely on these rivers."
The agencies hope to complete water cleanup plans for dissolved gas for the lower Columbia River in early 2002. By the end of 2002, the agencies expect to finish cleanup plans for dissolved gas for the mid and upper Columbia River and Snake River, as well as the plan for reducing high temperatures in both rivers.
CONTACT: Don Essig, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, (208)
373-0502
Bill Knight, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, (503) 229-6840
Mark MacIntyre, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (206) 553-7302
Mary Getchell, Washington Dept. of Ecology, (360) 407-6157; pager, (360)
534-8590
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
