Dept. of Ecology issues Palouse River blueprint

The Washington Department of Ecology’s blueprint of a water plan outlines a strategy to decrease water temperature in the North Fork of the Palouse River.

The plan is available for public review now through June 14.

The plan outlines several ways to improve temperature in the river to meet Ecology’s temperature goals:

• Increasing mature native streamside vegetation, including ponderosa pine, cottonwood and low growing shrubs.

• Reducing the temperature of wastewater discharged from the Palouse wastewater treatment plant.

• Implementing agricultural practices to reduce soil erosion and run-off.

Ecology studies found that much of the Palouse River will be naturally warm during the summer months because of climate, native vegetation and hydrology of the system, which makes achieving the temperature goal difficult.

Ecology officials said that when the river meets “natural condition” during the summer months, it will be considered in compliance with state water quality standards.

Also in the plan is restoring streamside trees and shrubs that would help in returning water temperatures to historical levels.

Some additional conditions that affect temperature are groundwater input, sediment, stream width and depth and discharges to the river.

Plans include reduction of pesticides, toxic chemical and fecal coliform bacteria on both the main Palouse River and the South Fork of the Palouse River.

A study to examine dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrients on the section of the North Fork is being developed.

The South Fork of the Palouse River study on temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH (acid/alkaline scale) and nutrients also is planned.

When taken into account the drainage areas of all the Palouse River tributaries, it is one of the largest watersheds in Washington, according to Ecology. The studies described are limited to the Palouse River, Rebel Flat Creek and the mouths of several other tributaries.

The Palouse River is listed as impaired for dissolved oxygen, coliform bacteria, temperature, pH and several historical pesticides and PCBs.

Ecology began studying the pollutants in the river in 2005. EPA approved a report on Nov. 9, 2007, detailing how the Palouse River will achieve water quality standards for PCBs and dieldrin.

Another study examined the levels and distribution of fecal coliform bacteria throughout the watershed. The Palouse River and Rebel Flat Creek are unhealthy because of fecal coliform bacteria. This study ran from May 2007 to May 2008.

The third study which ran from May 2007 to October 2007, examined water temperature which affects the health and distribution of fish and other aquatic life. The Palouse River has high temperatures. Even with some changes, the water temperature would not be likely to meet the criteria during July and August. The goal will be to return this river’s temperature to natural conditions, which will be accomplished by reestablishing shade along the river’s banks.

The fourth study examined dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrients. Data on the Palouse River and Rebel Flat Creek indicates that at times it has too little oxygen and a pH outside the appropriate range for fish and other aquatic life. A water quality improvement report addressing temperature is being developed.

Cow Creek is also listed as unhealthy with dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform bacteria and temperature. The creek also is being evaluated.

Pleasant Valley is listed as having fecal coliform bacteria and pH levels that are not healthy for the creek, but the condition will be addressed later, according to the Ecology report.

Comments should be sent by June 14 to Elaine Snouwaert, Department of Ecology, 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205, or by email to Elaine.snouwaert@ecy.wa. gov.