  |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Historical data from Ecology and USGS studies indicated high levels of certain chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in Palouse River fish. The contaminants of concern pose a risk to people that consume the fish. However, the amount of data available was limited and dated. A fish tissue study was conducted by Ecology in 2005 to give a better understanding of the extent and severity of the problems.
During May through August 2005 Ecology collected fish samples from the mainstem, north fork and south fork Palouse Rivers. Fish were caught using an electro-backpack shocker and nets. The fish species collected included largescale suckers, northern pike minnows, chiselmouth, carp, and smallmouth bass. Fillets from these fish were analyzed to determine the level of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs. In addition, Ecology conducted a stormwater study in the city of Pullman. This study took place during the winter of 2005-2006.
The good news is that the results of the fish tissue study indicate that the levels of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs have declined substantially over time. Some of the levels are now within human health criteria and others are very low.
A TMDL report detailing how the Palouse River will achieve water quality standards for PCBs and dieldrin (the only chlorinated pesticides still above standards) was completed and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA approved the TMDL on November 9, 2007.
The TMDL relies on:
Palouse River Chlorinated Pesticide and PCB Total Maximum Daily Load,
Water Quality Improvement Report and Implementation Plan
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0703018.html
Quality Assurance Project Plan for Total Maximum Daily Load
Evaluation for Chlorinated Pesticides and PCBs in the Palouse River
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0503106.html
Palouse Fish Contamination Study Presentation
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/watershed/palouse/palouse_fish_contam_study_presentation.pdf
(PDF)
Pullman Stormwater Pilot Study for Pesticides, PCBs, and Fecal
Coliform Bacteria, 2005-2006
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0603034.html
Palouse River Chlorinated Pesticide and PCB Total Maximum Daily
Load: Water Quality Improvement Report and Implementation Plan
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0703018.html
Quality Assurance Project Plan: Dieldrin and PCB Monitoring of
Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Palouse River Watershed
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0703111.html
Palouse River Watershed PCB and Dieldrin
Monitoring, 2007-2008: Wastewater Treatment Plants and Abandoned
Landfills
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0903004.html
Contact us for more information
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
