DOE releases plan to cut coliform levels

At its highest flow, the South Fork Palouse River needs a reduction in the amount of fecal coliform living in it by 72 percent to meet federal Clean Water Act standards.

A draft report of the Washington State Department of Ecology plan to reduce bacteria counts in the South Palouse River has been completed and is posted on the agency’s web site.

Several tributaries of the Palouse River, downstream from the South Palouse junction at Colfax were also listed as impaired waterways, even in wet seasons. According to the report, Dry Creek needs a 69 percent reduction of fecal coliform. Union Flat Creek’s levels are 34 percent too high.

“At current bacteria levels, certain segments of these streams pose a greater risk to anyone playing or working in the water,” the report stated.

The level of fecal coliform pollution only increases as temperatures warm and water levels drop. The South Fork needs a 94 percent reduction of fecal coliform during the dry season.

Pollution sources listed were failing septic systems, livestock, pet waste, wastewater treatment plants and wildlife.

Ecology’s plan outlines several improvements aimed at bringing the streams into compliance with the Clean Water Act by 2021.

Plans include proper disposal of pet waste, more vigilant inspection of septic systems, maintaining natural vegetation to serve as filters and keeping animals away from streams.

Twenty-one improvement projects are listed for the river and its tributaries. Most of the clean-up plans focus on building fences to keep livestock from the impaired waterways and planting native vegetation to keep runoff from the creek.

The plan calls for funding for a Washington Conservation Corps crew to build the fence and plant the vegetation.

Several local agencies have been enlisted to oversee cleanup efforts.

Colfax is working on a stormwater ordinance to govern flow and treatment of stormwater. The city also pledged to address the problem of pigeons beneath city bridges.

Adams, Rock Lake and Whitman Conservation Districts have received grants to encourage farming practices that reduce runoff.

The state Department of Transportation will identify and reduce runoff pollution from highways 23, 26 and 195.

Ecology’s plan said the agency will aid owners of land along polluted streams in their applications for grants for projects to reduce pollution. The fact that the waterways are listed in the Improvement Plan means applicants will be awarded additional points by considering agencies.

Ecology is seeking comments from the public on the plan until Nov. 17. Comments should be submitted to Elaine Snouwaert, water quality specialist in the agency’s Spokane office.