Spokane Riverkeeper

Last week, a significant rain-on-snow event caused a surge of sediment-heavy runoff into Hangman (Latah) Creek, which then flowed into the Spokane River. Water quality downstream is still dramatically low. With climate change making these events more intense, it’s more important than ever to understand their effects. The resulting sediment and pollutants can disrupt habitats, harm local wildlife, and stop recreational and sustenance fishing. Check out this blog post to dive into the history of these peak flows: https://lnkd.in/gwP7QqBz

We're proud to participate in the process to identify pollution and lay the foundation for real clean up solutions. Read more about how our community science has contributed to state policy!

Yesterday, the U.S. EPA issued a Final PCB TMDL for the Spokane River. This is a result of years of advocacy, research, and legal action aimed at reducing harmful PCB pollution affecting our river. But, we believe it is insufficient to address the contamination. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gSWEBmCu

Dirty water is gross! And it’s also pollution. The sediment laden water from Hangman Creek pollutes the Spokane River, contributing to issues downstream such as the low dissolved oxygen in Lake Spokane. Levels of pollution that we see in Hangman Creek and the Spokane River can also cause issues with salmonid growth and reproduction. From December of 2022-June 2023, 28 citizen scientists went on 119 sampling runs, collecting 458 samples, and uploaded 102 photos to our timelapse. In addition, we trained approximately 50 community scientists during training events. We show that 19 samples (16%) at the downstream location (TJ Meenach) exceeded the state standard of 5 NTU (about 60 cm transparency), while 78% samples from the source location (Hangman Creek at 11th street) exceeded state standards. These data support a state 303(d) listing on the Spokane River for turbidity. In 2024, 29 volunteers took 584 samples, during 146 sample runs and we trained 40 volunteers. In 2024, 13% of samples at TJ Meenach exceeded state standards while 50% of samples at Riverside Cemetery exceeded state standards. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gAQaJ5np

Climate change poses an urgent challenge, affecting water quality, river health, and the ecosystems that depend on clean, flowing water. This election season, several ballot initiatives will challenge existing efforts to address these critical issues. Learn more about the pertinent initiatives?and why we are opposing them in the latest Below the Current article from Water Protector Katelyn Scott https://lnkd.in/gPrAJrCi

Today, we're celebrating the impact Spokane Riverkeeper has made on the community. We’re proud to share our Annual Report, highlighting the strong foundations Spokane Riverkeeper has made for protecting and preserving our beloved Spokane River. From removing tons of trash to advocating for cleaner waters, our work is only possible because of supporters like you. Together, we’re making a real difference. Check out our full report and see how your contributions help a healthier river for everyone: https://lnkd.in/gKGDEpwR Let’s continue to make waves for positive change!

I am so honored to be featured in the Loyola Law Magazine this year, as Spokane Riverkeeper’s first Water Protector. This opportunity has been nothing short of a dream come true. When I applied for law school, my personal essay was about finally feeling like I’d found myself in a raft on the river at 14. I’m so grateful to come full circle and have found my place again protecting the Spokane River. Read the article and more about what brought me here: https://lnkd.in/gtS5GPFC

Over the summer we have collected crayfish to have tested and analyzed for mercury levels. This community science project is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding mercury pollution in the Spokane River, and Columbia Basin more broadly. Read more about the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gBCHDffY

The research project I have been leading for the last 3 years was covered by KHQ local news in Spokane Washington tonight. It’s been wonderful working with the Spokane Riverkeeper to monitor mercury throughout the Upper Spokane River watershed. Check out the news story here!

“In the summer months, water conservation is more important than ever to protect the health and flow of the Spokane River … We hope that with awareness, water conservation practices will become a cultural norm for the entire region to support clean and abundant flows in the river for future generations. By reducing our water usage, we can help maintain adequate flow levels in the river, which in turn supports cooler water temperatures and healthier ecosystems.” - Katelyn Scott, Water Protector Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSt7K4Pq