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Department of Ecology Press Release - November 15, 2005
05-274
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking suggestions from community groups, local officials and interested citizens regarding which polluted water bodies in Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla and Whitman counties should be targeted for cleanup planning next summer.
Ecology has developed water quality improvement plans for 450 of nearly 700 polluted lakes, rivers and streams in Washington. A legal agreement signed in 1998 commits Ecology to complete improvement plans for these polluted streams by 2013.
The plans (also referred to as total maximum daily loads, or TMDLs) determine the amount of pollution a water body can receive and remain healthy. Ecology works in affected communities to identify pollution sources and develop strategies to improve water quality. Local governments are a crucial part of the process, as they control how and where development and the pollution that goes along with it can occur.
"We have made great progress in improving water quality throughout our state," said Dave Peeler, who manages Ecology's water quality program. "We value the input of the public in deciding which water bodies should get our attention next."
Most water pollution comes from common sources such as household and garden chemicals, runoff from urban streets and failing septic systems. Restoring water quality can mean greater access to swimming, fishing and boating.
Ecology is proposing to begin improvement plans or further studies for some water bodies beginning in the summer of 2006. The list of polluted water bodies under consideration is available online at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/303d. More information about Ecology's water quality improvement plans can be found at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/index.html.
People are invited to ask questions and/or send comments and recommendations to Ecology by Jan. 8, 2006. They also may ask to meet with Ecology staff to discuss potential cleanup plans. Comments should be directed to Donovan Gray at 509-329-3458 or dogr461@ecy.wa.gov.
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Media Contact: Jani Gilbert, public information manager, 509-329-3495
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
