Greta Jimenez
The Spokane River has a history of pollution, with contaminants including PCBs, PBDEs, PFAS, and heavy metals. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, have been found in fish tissue and sediments in the river, leading to health advisories against consuming fish from the river. PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are flame retardants used in household products that have been detected in fish in the river. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, have been found in water downstream of the Spokane Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility. Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc, have been released into the river through mining, milling, and ore processing. The city of Spokane and other stakeholders are working to address the pollution through initiatives such as the Integrated Clean Water Plan, wastewater infrastructure upgrades, and the formation of the Spokane River Toxics Advisory Committee. The river provides drinking water for the majority of residents in the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie aquifer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 111 river miles |
| Drainage Area | 6,640 square miles |
| Pollution | PCBs, PBDEs, dioxins/furans, PFAS, metals |
| Sources of Pollution | Industrial plants, mining operations, household/industrial/farming products, groundwater, stormwater drains, wastewater treatment facilities |
| Health Effects | Skin rashes, immune deficiencies, liver disease, reproductive disorders, neurological problems, behavioral problems, birth defects, developmental disabilities |
| Fish Consumption Advisory | Washington Department of Health recommends residents consume no more than one fish per month from certain sections and none at all from other stretches |
| Cleanup Efforts | Capping and removal of contaminated sediments, wastewater infrastructure upgrades, treatment technology, filtration systems, reduction of runoff from forestry and agriculture |
| Regulatory Actions | EPA reference dose for PBDEs, ban on PBDE compounds in Washington, formation of Spokane River Toxics Advisory Committee |
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What You'll Learn
PCBs and other toxins
The Spokane River and Lake Spokane are on Washington's list of impaired water bodies for PCBs. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are toxic, manmade chemicals that were banned in 1979 due to evidence of human toxicity and persistence in the environment. They are a probable carcinogen and can cause skin rashes, immune deficiencies, liver disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological and behavioral problems. They accumulate in small amounts in microorganisms and then in increasing amounts in fish and animals that eat them, which can include humans.
PCBs enter the Spokane River through various pathways, including inks and dyes, motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, personal care products, and many other products that enter the wastewater or stormwater system. They can also enter the river through groundwater, which can be contaminated with PCBs from decades of industrial production. Once in the river, PCB concentrations increase in animals through the food web. The Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force leads efforts to find and reduce toxic compounds in the river.
The City of Spokane has implemented several measures to reduce PCB levels in the river, including disconnecting the stormwater outfall from the Union Basin, an area with high concentrations of PCBs, and increasing the cleaning of sediments in catch basins, especially in industrial areas, to remove PCBs before they reach the river. The city has also adopted an Integrated Clean Water Plan that prioritizes projects for managing stormwater and wastewater, with an annual investment of $5 million for utility projects.
In addition to PCBs, other toxins in the Spokane River include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are flame retardants found in household products, and dioxins/furans, a group of toxic substances. PBDEs have been linked to brain development and thyroid problems in animal studies, and their levels in humans are increasing. Dioxins/furans are also a probable human carcinogen and can cause neurological, immune, and reproductive issues.
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Toxic chemicals from household products
The Spokane River has been affected by toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants. One of the significant issues is the presence of PCBs, which have accumulated in the river over decades and have been detected in fish tissue. PCBs are probable human carcinogens and can cause various health issues, including skin rashes, immune deficiencies, liver disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems. Efforts are being made to reduce PCB levels in the river and limit their impact on the ecosystem and human health.
Another source of toxic chemicals in the Spokane River is dioxins/furans, which can be released into the air, soil, and water. These substances are probable human carcinogens and can cause neurological, immune, and reproductive issues. While specific pathways to the river are not fully known, the Urban Waters Initiative is investigating cleanup options.
Household cleaning and grooming products, including soaps, polishes, and disinfectants, often contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals can contribute to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. Some specific toxic chemicals found in household products include diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), which are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and liver issues. Sodium hypochlorite, found in bleach, should never be mixed with acidic toilet bowl cleaners or ammonia, as it can create highly toxic and potentially deadly gases. Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, so it's important for consumers to research products and choose safer alternatives, such as vinegar and water for cleaning glass, or baking soda for scrubbing.
Additionally, insect sprays and pesticides used in homes can be toxic. It is important to use them away from objects like dishes and utensils and to wash hands after use. Paints can also give off fumes that irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, so ventilation is crucial when painting. Other common household products, such as car fluids and mothballs, can contain toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks if not handled and stored safely.
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Industrial and farming pollutants
The Spokane River has been affected by industrial and farming pollutants, which have had a detrimental impact on its water quality.
Industrial Pollutants
The river has been affected by industrial activities, including mining, milling, and ore processing. These activities have released toxic metals into the environment, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc. Since the 1880s, an estimated 100 million tons of mine wastes have been discharged into the river system from the Upper Coeur d'Alene Basin in Idaho. The ingestion of lead and arsenic from shoreline sediments is a primary concern, with potential health risks such as behaviour and learning problems, nervous system damage, kidney damage, and reduced growth.
Industrial wastewater is also a contributing factor to the pollution of the Spokane River. Cities and industries that discharge wastewater into the river are required to submit annual monitoring reports on the river's water quality. However, it is challenging to understand the full extent of the impact of industrial activities on the river, especially when the sources are located far upstream or at a distance from the river.
Farming Pollutants
Farming practices have also contributed to the pollution of the Spokane River. Agricultural runoff, including pollutants from forestry, can enter the river through groundwater, stormwater drains, or wastewater treatment facilities. Conservation and environmental groups are working with landowners to reduce this runoff and implement phosphorus reduction plans.
In addition to industrial and farming pollutants, the Spokane River is also affected by other sources of contamination, including toxic chemicals from household products and wastewater from urban areas.
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Toxic metals from mining
The Spokane River has been degraded by heavy metals, in part from historic mining in the Coeur d'Alene River watershed. Since the 1880s, an estimated 100 million tons of mine wastes have been released into the river system from the Upper Coeur d'Alene Basin in Idaho.
Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc are heavy metals released from mining operations and are also of great concern. They can be released into the air, soil, and water. Limited data has shown the presence of these toxic metals in the Spokane River. Specific pathways to the river are not fully known at this time.
In 1999, the Washington State Department of Ecology began the process of trying to stop further pollution of the Spokane River. It started with testing for metals that were present in the river due to historical mining practices in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. This was followed by the cleanup of beaches along the river where the metals had settled in amounts high enough to threaten human health. While several areas have already been cleaned up, more cleanups are planned.
Past mining is not the only source of polluting metals. For example, water that runs off tires contains zinc, which can contaminate surface and groundwater when it reaches the river.
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Stormwater runoff
To prevent pollution, communities can employ management practices to control stormwater and stop pollution at its source. Public education and outreach can help homeowners and businesses understand the proper use and storage of household toxic materials, equipment maintenance practices, and responsible lawn care and landscaping. Erosion and sediment control measures can also be implemented to prevent sediment, chemicals, and nutrients from washing off construction sites.
In the case of the Spokane River, stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to the pollution of the river. The city of Spokane is addressing this issue by investing in upgrades to stormwater and sewer treatment systems to reduce the amount of PCBs and other toxins entering the river. Conservation and environmental groups are also working with landowners to reduce runoff from forestry and agriculture practices.
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Frequently asked questions
The Spokane River and its tributaries flow westward from Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, draining an area of about 6,640 square miles. The river is home to many species of fish and other aquatic animals, and it is used for recreation, fishing, hydropower, and wastewater management. While the river is facing issues such as stormwater runoff, loss of wetland habitat, and streambank erosion, there have been efforts to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
The Spokane River has been affected by various pollutants, including PCBs, PBDEs, dioxins/furans, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc. These contaminants can have significant impacts on both animal and human health and have led to health advisories and restrictions on consuming fish from the river.
The pollutants in the Spokane River have been linked to various health issues. PCBs, for example, can cause skin rashes, immune deficiencies, liver disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems. They are also probable human carcinogens. PBDEs have been linked to brain development and thyroid problems, especially with pre-natal and newborn exposure.
Several efforts are being made to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the Spokane River. The city of Spokane is investing in new wastewater infrastructure and treatment technology to keep toxins out of the river. The Spokane River Toxics Advisory Committee has been formed to address and mitigate toxics in the river. The Washington Department of Ecology is working with partners to implement water improvement plans, increase oxygen levels, and reduce toxic chemicals. Conservation and environmental groups are also collaborating with landowners to reduce runoff from forestry and agriculture practices.
