November 29, 2009 in Letters

Clark’s deed was dirty

The Spokesman-Review

At risk of calling more attention to Doug Clark’s column of Nov. 24 (“Keeping the Earth spotless takes effort”), we want to go on record and state our disappointment that he has again urged people to flout state law by purchasing and using polluting dishwashing detergents that are illegal to sell in Spokane County.

Obviously, the intent of the law is to keep phosphorus out of the Spokane River in every way we can, so that we aren’t feeding and nurturing excess algae, which turned toxic in Lake Spokane this summer. The potential to harm animals and make people sick was alarming, especially to those who live along the lake.

This community is investing millions in cleaning up the river. The company that owns The Spokesman-Review is itself investing heavily. Why would you urge people to make the problem worse?

By the way, the law will be in effect statewide and in many other states this coming July 1. Better get used to it. For more information go to our Web site, www.ecy.wa.gov, and click on “Reducing phosphorus pollution” in the right-hand column.

Jani Gilbert

Communications manager

Department of Ecology, Eastern Region