Brian Barton
The Columbia River is a major body of water in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, spanning over 1,200 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, to the Pacific Ocean. The river is a lifeline for the Northwest, but it also becomes the dumping ground for the region. The Columbia River Basin is home to over 200 hydroelectric dams, many of which have released oil through leaks and spills. The river also receives pollution from factories, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural lands, logging, industrial sites, and city streets. Toxins in the river have been found to cause reproductive failure in salmon and high cancer risks for people who frequently eat fish from the river.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Over 1,200 miles |
| Water Temperature | High |
| Sources of Pollution | Logging, farming, grazing, mining, industrial discharge, urban runoff, waterborne bacteria, toxic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, oil leaks, spills, and radioactive waste |
| Contaminants | PCBs, PBDEs, PAHs, mercury, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting compounds |
| Fish Advisories | Consuming fish from the Columbia River may cause damage to organs, the nervous system, and the reproductive system |
| Wildlife | Elk, salmon, steelhead, and various bird species |
| Action Plans | EPA's Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program, Columbia River Cold Water Refuges Plan, and the Toxics Reduction Action Plan |
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What You'll Learn
Toxic chemicals in fish
The Columbia River is a vital waterway in the Pacific Northwest, but it has also become a dumping ground for various pollutants. The sources of these pollutants include factories, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural runoff, logging, industrial sites, and city streets. The river basin is home to over 200 hydroelectric dams, many of which have released oil through leaks and spills over the years. In addition, a Canadian mining company, Teck Metals, released about 10 million tons of toxic waste into the upper river for nearly a century.
The pollution in the Columbia River has led to toxic chemicals being present in fish. In September 2013, health officials in Oregon and Washington warned that consuming certain fish species from the river could be harmful to humans. These fish, which had lived their entire lives near the Bonneville Dam, had elevated levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Exposure to these contaminants can lead to organ, nervous system, and reproductive system damage.
PCBs are particularly harmful and have been found in high concentrations in fish near Bradford Island within the Bonneville Dam complex. These PCBs biomagnify as they move up the food chain, leading to extremely high levels of contaminants in larger animals such as river otters, mink, bald eagles, osprey, and even humans. The Yakama Nation, Oregon, and Washington have called on the EPA to designate this area as a Superfund site, which the EPA added to its National Priorities List in December 2024 to address metals contamination.
The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program by the EPA aims to reduce toxic pollution and protect the people in the Basin. The Mid-Columbia River Fish Toxics Assessment by the EPA collected fish samples to analyze toxic contaminants in the fish tissue. The results showed that several contaminants, including DDTs, DDE, chlordane, PBDEs, mercury, zinc, copper, selenium, nickel, arsenic, and lead, exceeded the SVs (screening values) for various species.
The Estuary Partnership is working with members of Congress to secure legislation for funding actions to reduce toxic contamination in the Columbia Basin. Additionally, Oregon and Washington have successful pesticide collection programs, and the Port of Vancouver treats up to 99% of its stormwater before it reaches the river. These efforts are crucial steps towards reducing the toxic chemicals present in fish and protecting the health of both the ecosystem and the people who rely on the Columbia River.
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Water temperature
The water temperature in the Columbia River varies depending on the season and location, but it tends to be colder in the upper reaches, where the river originates in the mountains. During the spring, when snowmelt is highest, water temperatures in the upper Columbia River can range from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). As the river descends towards the lower stretches and the ocean, the temperature gradually increases.
In the summer months, water temperatures in areas like the Columbia River Gorge can range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it more comfortable for recreational activities such as swimming. However, swimming in the Columbia River can be challenging due to its strong currents, especially near dams and where the river meets the ocean. There are, however, several calmer spots along the river where people can safely swim, particularly during the summer when water levels are lower. The areas around cities like Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are popular for water sports, including swimming, boating, and kayaking. These locations tend to have designated swimming areas that are safer for casual swimmers.
Today, the water temperature in the Columbia River is higher than on the same day in previous years. The water temperature range in June is from 52°F to 72°F. The water temperature is trending upward, and it has increased over the past 30 days and the past week. As of today, the minimum water temperature in the Columbia River ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and those accustomed to cooler water, although caution may still be required for prolonged exposure.
The Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers are on Washington's polluted waters list for high temperatures, which can harm salmon populations. EPA's "total maximum daily load" (TMDL) for temperature is a pollution budget that aims to reduce water temperatures at critical times for fish.
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Industrial discharge
The Columbia River is a vital waterway, flowing through seven states and one Canadian province. It is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest and the fourth-largest by volume in the US. The river has been heavily developed for industry, with locks and dams built for navigation, power generation, irrigation, and flood control. The Columbia River Basin is home to numerous hydroelectric dams, which provide about half of the region's electricity supply.
However, these industrial activities have had a significant impact on the river's health and ecology. One of the main concerns is the release of toxic pollutants into the water. For example, Teck Metals, a Canadian mining company, released nearly 10 million tons of toxic waste into the upper Columbia River over several decades. The river has also been affected by oil spills and leaks from the dams, with the Army Corps reporting the discharge of over 1,500 gallons of PCB-laden transformer oil at the Ice Harbor Dam in 2012.
Agricultural runoff, sewage systems, and logging operations have also contributed to the pollution of the Columbia River. Pesticides and herbicides have altered the river's ecosystems, favouring non-native, pollutant-tolerant species. The construction of dams has blocked salmon migration routes and reduced river flows, further disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The contamination of the Columbia River has led to health risks for people who consume fish from the river. Certain species of fish, such as mountain whitefish and white sturgeon, have been found to contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals. As a result, fish advisories have been issued across the Columbia Basin, warning of the potential for organ damage, nervous system disorders, and reproductive issues associated with consuming contaminated fish.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution and restore the health of the Columbia River. The EPA has added the Upper Columbia River site to its Superfund National Priorities List to address metals contamination. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is working to protect and restore the river's estuaries, and the Estuary Partnership is collaborating with members of Congress to secure legislation for funding actions to reduce toxic contamination. Additionally, Oregon and Washington have implemented successful pesticide collection programs and are promoting the use of 'green' janitorial supplies to reduce toxic runoff into the river.
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Waterborne bacteria
The Columbia River is a major body of water in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, spanning over 1,200 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean. The river passes through multiple states, including Washington and Oregon, and is the world's greatest source of hydroelectric power. The Columbia River Basin is home to over 200 hydroelectric dams, many of which have released oil through leaks and spills over the years.
The Columbia River has been affected by pollution from various sources, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and wastewater treatment plants. In addition, certain species of fish in the river, such as mountain whitefish and white sturgeon, contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals like mercury and PCBs. These contaminants can biomagnify and move up the food chain, affecting larger animals and humans who consume the fish.
To address the issue of waterborne bacteria and other pollutants, organizations like Columbia Riverkeeper and the Estuary Partnership are working to hold dam operators and other responsible parties accountable. They advocate for legislation and funding to support restoration efforts and protect public health.
It is important for individuals to take precautions when considering swimming or consuming fish from the Columbia River. Staying near popular swimming areas and following safety guidelines can help reduce potential risks associated with waterborne bacteria and other pollutants in the river.
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Dams and spills
The Columbia River Basin is home to over 200 hydroelectric dams, with major dam construction beginning in the early 20th century and gaining momentum after the Columbia River Treaty in the 1960s. By the 1980s, all the large dams were completed. The Grand Coulee Dam, for instance, is the largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, generating over one-sixth of all power in the basin. These dams have provided ample power for the Pacific Northwest, created reservoirs for recreational activities, and enabled Lewiston, Idaho, to become the furthest inland seaport on the US west coast.
However, these dams have also contributed to environmental issues, including negative impacts on salmonid populations. Fish migrating through the Columbia and Snake Rivers must navigate up to eight federal dams, and while improvements have been made to aid fish passage, challenges remain. One issue is that many of these dams have released oil through chronic leaks and spills, with the Army Corps reporting the discharge of over 1,500 gallons of PCB-laden transformer oil at the Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River in 2012.
To address these concerns, the US Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the Bonneville Power Administration, implements Fish Operations Plans to ensure safe fish passage at each dam. Additionally, the FCRPS Action Agencies release water over the federal dams (a process known as "spill") during spring and summer to assist juvenile salmon and steelhead migration. While spill is effective, it is not a standalone solution, as excessive spill can create back-eddies where fish become trapped and susceptible to predators, as well as cause gas bubble disease.
The Columbia River's tributaries and main stem support a diverse array of dam structures, with a major dam approximately every 72 miles. These dams serve various purposes, including water storage, flood protection, and, most prominently, hydroelectric power generation. The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program by the EPA aims to reduce toxic pollution and protect public health, with the Upper Columbia River site being added to the Superfund National Priorities List to address metals contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Columbia River is polluted. The river is a dumping ground for the Northwest, with pollutants coming from factories, wastewater treatment plants, and runoff from agricultural lands, logging, industrial sites, and city streets.
The Columbia River contains toxic chemicals such as PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs, which have been found in the water, sediment, and juvenile Chinook salmon. The river also has high temperatures, which can harm salmon, and waterborne bacteria.
The pollution in the Columbia River has led to health advisories against consuming certain fish species from the river due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs. These toxins can cause damage to organs, the nervous system, and the reproductive system. The pollution has also resulted in a massive loss of habitat, with over 75% of tidal swamps and 65% of marsh swamps lost in the lower 46 miles of the river.
Efforts are being made to reduce toxic pollution and protect the Columbia River Basin. The EPA has added the Upper Columbia River site to its Superfund National Priorities List to address metals contamination. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is working to protect and restore estuaries, and organizations like Columbia Riverkeeper are holding dam operators accountable for oil leaks and spills.
