River pollution not funny

Doug Clark overstepped the bounds of professionalism, objectivity and journalistic standards in making light of efforts to reduce or eliminate phosphate contamination in the Spokane River.

The Spokane River aquifer is the only source of water for the half-million people who live here. This includes domestic uses (drinking water, sewage, lawn irrigation and others), all irrigated agriculture (the basin is one of the most important farming and ranching areas in the western United States), and industry (forestry, mining, and manufacturing). The aggregate of users, and the expansion of uses, have resulted in extensive contamination of the basin.

This fact is indisputable. Spokane County deserves considerable public appreciation for their efforts to address phosphate contamination.

Environmental contamination is a serious problem; it is no laughing matter. Neither The Spokesman-Review editors, nor their columnists, should make light of attempts to address the issue, nor should they support or encourage “scofflaws” to undermine success of the program. To categorize all those who support reclamation of the basin, addressing contamination issues and maintaining a viable environment into the future as “eco-fascists,” is totally unconscionable and unprofessional.

I think a public apology is in order.

Richard Pospahala

Newman Lake