Ecology seeks input on Hangman Creek water quality report

SPOKANE - The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed plan to decrease the amount of pollution entering Hangman (Latah) Creek and the streams that feed into it. The opportunity to comment begins Monday, April 20, and extends through Friday, May 22, 2009. The action report details the problems caused by fecal coliform bacteria, high temperatures and suspended sediment in the water. It also outlines actions that could reduce these pollutants. The Spokane County Conservation District and Ecology collaborated to prepare the report. The actions outlined in the report are intended to meet state targets that protect, restore, and preserve water quality. In addition to the opportunity to submit written comment, the public is invited to attend a public meeting about the water quality report on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Fairfield Community Center, 304 E. Main Street, Fairfield, Washington. An open house will begin at 6:30 p.m. “Polluted water affects everyone, so I’d like to encourage people to take a look at the report, come to the public meeting and talk to us about what these findings mean to you,” said Rick Noll, of the Spokane County Conservation District. “We’ve put in a lot of time and effort in studying the water quality for Hangman Creek watershed and working out ways to reduce pollution. We believe we can make a big difference in the water’s quality.” Hangman Creek begins in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in northern Idaho, and flows into the Spokane River. The watershed extends over the southeastern portion of Spokane County and encompasses nearly 700 square miles, about 450 of which are in Washington. Several water quality studies have confirmed trouble in the watershed. Water temperatures are too high and the water too murky to support healthy fish populations. In addition, the levels of fecal coliform bacteria pose a threat, at times, to human health. The report sets targets for reducing fecal coliform bacteria and sediment entering the creek and its tributaries from the areas of the watershed that are in Washington. It also sets targets for increasing shade to help reduce stream water temperatures. The report recommends the amount of pollution that wastewater treatment plants in Tekoa, Fairfield, Rockford, Spangle, Cheney and Freeman School District can discharge into the creek without causing more harm to water quality. Targets for stormwater pollutant reduction from the Washington State Department of Transportation, Spokane County and city of Spokane also are outlined. The report is available online here. Call Elaine Snouwaert, Department of Ecology, at 509-329-3503, or via email to esno461@ecy.wa.gov, for a printed copy.