Columbia & Snake River Temperature TMDL Implementation Plan Public Survey
The Columbia and Lower Snake rivers are included on the state's list of polluted waters, due to high water temperatures that exceed state water quality standards and pose a threat to salmon. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Columbia and Snake Rivers Temperature Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). TMDLs, or clean up plans, are a tool we use to address water quality issues that describe steps needed to get to healthy water. This TMDL lists dams, point sources, and tributaries (smaller rivers that flow into the Columbia and Lower Snake rivers) as primary sources leading to increased water temperatures.
Now, the state of Washington is responsible for developing an accompanying implementation plan that outlines strategies and actions the state will use to meet the allocations listed in the TMDL. The plan will outline the collective actions needed to address heat sources within the rivers and reach our temperature goals.
As this implementation plan covers a large portion of the state and multiple pollution sources, Ecology has created an input form to capture recommendations from the public on measures, actions, and strategies that they would like to see considered in the planning process.
Addressing sources of heat within the Columbia and Lower Snake rivers will require coordinated strategies and collaborative partnerships. We can't do this work alone - we want to hear from you!
Contact Information
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The Columbia and Lower Snake rivers are included on the state's list of polluted waters, due to high water temperatures that exceed state water quality standards and pose a threat to salmon. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Columbia and Snake Rivers Temperature Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). TMDLs, or clean up plans, are a tool we use to address water quality issues that describe steps needed to get to healthy water. This TMDL lists dams, point sources, and tributaries (smaller rivers that flow into the Columbia and Lower Snake rivers) as primary sources leading to increased water temperatures.
Now, the state of Washington is responsible for developing an accompanying implementation plan that outlines strategies and actions the state will use to meet the allocations listed in the TMDL. The plan will outline the collective actions needed to address heat sources within the rivers and reach our temperature goals.
As this implementation plan covers a large portion of the state and multiple pollution sources, Ecology has created an input form to capture recommendations from the public on measures, actions, and strategies that they would like to see considered in the planning process.
Addressing sources of heat within the Columbia and Lower Snake rivers will require coordinated strategies and collaborative partnerships. We can't do this work alone - we want to hear from you!
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields