Wednesday
April 18, 2007
Plans to Improve Water
Quality in Walla Walla Ready for Public Review
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology
The two plans address a shortage of dissolved oxygen, a chemical imbalance of acids and bases, and water temperatures that are too high for fish in the Walla Walla watershed.
The strategies to solve the water quality problems were developed with the help of the Walla Walla watershed planning unit's water quality subcommittee. The planning unit was formed in 2000 to study and plan for future water use in the Walla Walla watershed.
Water-quality improvement plans are often referred to as "total maximum daily load (TMDL)" reports.
After the public has had a chance to comment and Ecology makes any appropriate changes, the reports will be sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Once approved, Ecology will work with the planning unit to develop a more detailed implementation plan.
One document addresses low dissolved oxygen and the imbalance of acids and bases caused by excess plant growth, such as algae. Nutrients such as nitrogen act like fertilizer and increase plant growth. Aquatic plants use oxygen during the decomposition process, sometimes depleting oxygen to dangerous levels.
The plan identifies several actions that will reduce nutrients in the streams and river. Strategies include encouraging proper handling of pet and livestock waste; reducing the amount of lawn, garden and agricultural fertilizers; reducing erosion and sediment entering streams; and reducing nutrients from wastewater treatment plants.
This plan is available on the web at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0703010.html
The second document addresses ways to lower the temperature in the river and streams. Native fish found in the watershed depend on cool water to survive.
Strategies to cool the water include planting trees and shrubs in a buffer along streams, conserving water to increase flows, limiting livestock use along streams, and reducing erosion and sediment entering streams. Erosion leads to wide, shallow streams, causing the water to warm.
This document is available on the web at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0710030.html
Comments must be post-marked by May 21, 2007. They may be sent to Karin Baldwin, 4601 N Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99205; or by email at kbal461@ecy.wa.gov Questions can be directed to Karin at (509) 329-3472.
Contact:
Jani Gilbert, public information manager, (509) 329-3495; cell, (509) 990-9177