Lake Roosevelt News
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Deral Boleneus, former long-time chair of the Lake Roosevelt Forum board and Lincoln County Commissioner, passed away at the age of 90 on December 6, 2024. Said current Lincoln County Commissioner and Forum chair Scott Hutsell, “Deral had a great impact on the Forum. His love of the lake and what he meant to so many people, starting with me, is beyond words.”
Said Andy Dunau, former Executive Director of the Forum, “Deral was way ahead of his time in understanding the value of collaboration and communication.” As he once said, “How do you measure the value of something bad not happening because we heard about it and worked together to solve the issue first?”
In the early 1990s, Deral worked with others to start the Forum, initially addressing needs like coordinating emergency services and supporting the Lake Roosevelt Water Quality Council. Said Dunau, “The Forum newsletter, conference, educational outreach and other program efforts all started under Deral.”
A Celebration of Life for will be held Sunday, January 12th, 2025, 2:00 – 4:00, at Reardan Presbyterian Church.
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The Federal Register published a notice on December 13th adding EPA’s Upper Columbia River site to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).
Although site boundaries are not determined as part of the listing, related investigations have stretched from the U.S. – Canada border to Grand Coulee Dam, which includes Lake Roosevelt and the Upper Columbia Valley.
Said EPA, “Listing the site on the NPL will help EPA secure comprehensive and timely cleanup of the river and adjoining uplands and provide access to critical federal funding.”
February 2024 and October 2023 Forum articles provide EPA’s rationale for proposing the listing, Washington State and tribal support, and counties opposed. The Forum’s 2020 Public Guide summarizes EPA’s Human Health Risk Assessment, including the public being able to safely recreate on Lake Roosevelt and the Upper Columbia River.
For additional federal information explaining the basis for EPA's decision and public comments received during the proposed listing process, click here.
Click here for additional information about the NPL listing on EPA's website.
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On December 4 and 6, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation hosted virtual meetings to review “interim measures” being put into effect while the United States and Canada seek to finalize and adopt a modernized Columbia River Treaty. These measures, said the Bureau of Reclamation’s Roland Springer, “generally reflect the Agreement in Principle” reached by both countries in July to modernize the treaty.
The need for interim measures reflects a strong desire to avoid potential changes to U.S. Columbia River reservoir operations and associated impacts. As part of the original Treaty, the United States agreed to pay Canada in advance for assured flood space in the Canadian Treaty dams for a 60-year time period that ended in September 2024. The agreement in principle includes 3.6 million acre feet of pre-planned flood risk management space at Arrow Lakes in Canada through 2044. Arrangements have been made with Canada to make this space available for operating year 2025.
Key components of interim measures include the U.S. and Canada agreeing to a combination of pre-planned Flood Risk Management storage in Canada’s Arrow Lakes Reservoir and coordinated power operations.
The expected changes and timing to Lake Roosevelt are:
-- In “dry” to “average” years (which occur 60% of the time) there will be little to no difference to how much and when lake levels will change during the year.
-- In “wet” years (which occur 10% of the time and when runoff from Canadian snowpack and dangers of downstream flooding are highest), the changes and timing of lake level changes are also similar to previous years. As community members know, wet years mean the reservoir (lake) can be drawn down up to 30 feet more than average in the spring and impact protecting cultural resources, supporting fisheries and recreation, supplying water for irrigation, and operating the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry. This reality gets no better or worse with the adoption of interim measures.
-- The graph shows what is expected in “moderately wet years,” or 30% of the time.
- The blue line “Before September 2024” shows the historical trend of lake level changes.
- The orange line “Coordinated Power & 3.6 MAF Preplanned FRM” shows what is expected with interim measures. From March through May, Lake Roosevelt may be lowered up to an additional 7 feet compared to the historical average. Federal agences will continue to work with tribes and resource managers to address cultural, fishery, recreation, Banks Lake management, and ferry impacts.
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In July 2024, a non-binding Agreement in Principle was reached to modernize the Columbia River Treaty. Click here for U.S. State Department summary.
The U.S. Army Corps and Bureau of Reclamation will host virtual meetings in December to review agreed upon interim measures being put into effect until a modernized treaty is finalized and adopted by both countries. Of particular interest are 2025 flood risk management (FRM) operations, including potential changes to Lake Roosevelt and downstream river flows and reservoir storage.
Virtual Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, December 4: 10 to 11 a.m. PST
Thursday, December 5: 4 to 5 p.m. PST
Link: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/edward.t.conning
Call: 1-844-800-2712 (US) (Call-in toll-free number)
Access Code: 1998 73 5911#
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A stunning landslide occurred on the west side of Lake Roosevelt across from Colville Flats and downstream of Sherman Creek Hatchery over the weekend. Click here for photos.
The slide cascaded several tons of sediment into the lake, dislodging trees and causing shoreline damage up and downstream. Its sheer force caused waves to cross the river, including one washing over Highway 25.
Fortunately, no injuries and minimal facilities damage were reported by Facebook users and agencies. The National Park Service reported no facilities damage, while the Washington Department of Wildlife reported a dock at Sherman Creek Hatchery and net pens holding triploid rainbow were dislodged and have since been recovered.
Eric Weatherman, owner of Columbia Navigation, surveyed the damage Monday. He told the Forum the displaced river bottom is extraordinary. “The water depth in front of the slide is now 10 to 15-feet deep where our survey map says it should be 3 to 5-feet deep.”
Downstream, Hannah Frances posted on Facebook that “We were down at Lake Roosevelt today having a beach fire when suddenly the water rapidly rose about a foot and a half and wiped our beach fire out and almost took the picnic table and us with it!”
NPS encouraged all boaters and visitors to use caution in the area, noting, “In the immediate vicinity of the landslide, the land is still moving and will continue to be unstable for the foreseeable future. Debris will also continue to wash downstream for several days.”
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LRNRA News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 8, 2024
Contact: Denise Bausch, denise_bausch@nps.gov
Coulee Dam, WA
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Beginning January 1, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area will increase camping and boat launch fees and introduce a new dump station/water fill fee.
Fee increases beginning January 1, 2025:
Weekly Boat Launch
- - Good for seven consecutive days
- - Increasing to $10 per week
- - Eligible for a 50% discount with an America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior pass or a Lifetime Access pass.
Annual Boat Launch
- - Good through Dec 31st of the year printed on the permit.
- - Increasing to $60 per year
Fee increases beginning March 15, 2025:
Campgrounds: Spring Canyon, Porcupine Bay, Fort Spokane, Hunters, Gifford, Kettle Falls, Evans
- - Increasing to $30 per night
- - No winter fee discount after this date.
- - Eligible for a 50% discount with an America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior pass or a Lifetime Access pass.
All other campgrounds (excluding Keller Ferry, operated by Lake Roosevelt Adventures)
- - Remains $23 per night
- - No winter fee discount after this date.
- - Eligible for a 50% discount with an America the Beautiful Annual or Lifetime Senior pass or a Lifetime Access pass.
Group Campsites
- 1-25 person capacity increases to $65 per night
- 26-50 person capacity increases to $90 per night
- 51-75 person capacity increases to $115 per night
New fee beginning March 15, 2025
Dump station/water fill
- - $10 per use to dump grey and black water tanks and to fill potable water tanks.
- - Dump Stations: Spring Canyon, Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay, Hunters, Gifford, Kettle Falls, and Evans.
One of the requirements for participating in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which allows public lands to charge user entrance and amenity fees, such as camping and boat launch fees, is that federal agencies are to charge fees commensurate with the local area, so as to not undercut the local markets. Camping fees at Lake Roosevelt have not been adjusted since 2021 and boat launch fees have not been adjusted since 2015. They are now lower than the average of the area around the park.
FLREA allows federal land management agencies to utilize recreation fee funds to provide quality recreation experiences for hundreds of millions of visitors every year to some of America's most scenic, iconic, awe-inspiring, historical, and culturally rich lands and resources. Participating agencies use and leverage recreation fees to implement thousands of projects to enhance public safety, maintain recreation sites, provide eye-opening educational experiences, build informational wayside exhibits, fund interpretive programs, and offer a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Fees collected at Lake Roosevelt are used for improvements to visitor services. Through this year, fee dollars have been used to repair and upgrade boat launch and courtesy docks and improve water systems at several park locations. Future plans include upgrades and repairs to dock systems and parking facilities at Seven Bays, improving restroom facilities in Kettle Falls and Evans, and improving ADA accessibility at several of campgrounds. Additional information on some of these projects can be found at Your Dollars At Work - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area thanks everyone that provided comments via email, social media or letter. Your involvement is greatly appreciated.
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Held September 17th and 18th, nearly 500 3rd – 5th grade students from 13 schools gathered at the Kettle Falls Swim Beach area and Sherman Creek Hatchery to participate in this year's fall Festival. View pictures
Joined by teachers and parents, a great time was had by all. Students toured and engaged in hands-on activities to learn about research, environmental protection and other actions taking place to enhance and preserve the area for current and future generations.
A big thank you to Forum partners and volunteers for making this happen: Avista, Colville High School, National Park Service, National Weather Service Spokane, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Stevens Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife/Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and Washington State Parks. |
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LRNRA News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 07, 2024
Contact: Nate Krohn, Nathan_krohn@nps.gov,
Denise Bausch, denise_bausch@nps.gov
Coulee Dam, WA
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The National Park Service at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is pleased to announce the availability of the “Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)” for the project to Replace Docks and Fuel Systems, and Rehabilitate Parking Areas at Seven Bays Marina.
In February 2024, the NPS released an Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzed the rehabilitation of the Seven Bays Marina to improve site amenities and to provide a safer and more accessible park facility for the public.
The FONSI, approved by the NPS regional director for Interior Regions 8,9,10 and 12 on October 3, 2024, describes the selected action and explains why the plan will have no significant effects on the natural, cultural, or human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. Alternative 2, the preferred alternative, was selected.
As one of the busiest concessions operated marinas and boat launches for transient boaters on the lake, these improvements are critical and will address deferred maintenance in the park.
Construction at Seven Bays is tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025.
For more information, please contact Nate Krohn at nathan_krohn@nps.gov.
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EPA is seeking feedback from community residents on the Upper Columbia River investigation and how they would like to be informed of site-related news. This is your opportunity to share thoughts, questions, and concerns about the Upper Columbia River investigation and provide input on the Community Involvement Plan.
The first round of interviews will start by the end of September and will continue through October. There will be other opportunities for interviews if EPA receives more interest through next spring. Contact Kristin Ching, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at (206) 900-4344 or Ching.Kristin@epa.gov.
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Here is additional information from EPA's Kristin Ching:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working on an update of the Community Involvement Plan and a Technical Assistance Needs Assessment for the Upper Columbia River study area. We’re conducting interviews and would like to hear from you if you are a member of the community or if you represent a community organization, Tribe, government agency, other interested party involved in the Upper Columbia River. The information gained from these interviews will inform EPA’s approach to community involvement and information sharing efforts during the investigation and cleanup process. All interviews will remain anonymous and confidential.
During these interviews, we want to hear about:
- How can we effectively engage with communities?
- How do communities prefer to receive site-related information from the EPA?
- What are the primary concerns about the Upper Columbia River?
- How might a Community Advisory Group help the affected communities and entities to work together and address the impacts on the community?
- How can technical information about the site best be provided by EPA to the community?
For more information about CIPs and TANAs, please visit this link.
We’ve asked our contractor, Skeo Solutions, to assist with interview logistics. If you are interested in participating in these discussions, please let us know and a representative from Skeo Solutions will contact you to set up an interview. Please specify if you would like an in-person or virtual interview, or if you would rather provide a written response via email. Please also let us know if you would like an EPA representative to be present during your interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Kristin Ching (she/her)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Region 10
Cell: 206-900-4344 | Ching.Kristin@epa.gov
Note: Video presentations from the July 17 community meeting in Northport are now available. Links to the presentations, including an explanation of EPA Community Involvement Plans and Technical Assistance Programs, are posted on EPA’s UCR website at https://www.epa.gov/columbiariver/upper-columbia-river-study-area#TAG.
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NEWS RELEASE Sept. 6, 2024 Contact: WDFW Wildlife Program, 360-902-2515 Media: Jennifer Becar, 564-669-0850 OLYMPIA – Fall marks the start of hunting seasons for big game, waterfowl, and upland game birds in many areas of Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released its annual hunting prospects, which provide guidance and hunting information for each district to help hunters have a successful season.
“Our district wildlife biologists write these popular reports to give an in-depth look at what field conditions could look like this year,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “These documents have a lot of useful information that can help both new and experienced hunters plan their seasons.”
Hunters can also use the WDFW Hunt Planner web map, an interactive web tool that helps hunters find permit and general season hunts based on location, date, weapon choice, and more.
Aoude asks that hunters pay special attention to the following items for the upcoming season:
Hunting regulations are described in WDFW’s annual regulation pamphlets, available on WDFW’s website and in print at WDFW offices and retailers across the state.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. |
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To celebrate National Public Lands Day, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is hosting a litter pick-up event at three locations throughout the park on September 28th.
Click your preferred location to learn more:
Registration is at 9:45 am and clean up lasts from 10 am - 12 pm. Park staff will provide orientation talk, trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, maps, and safety vests. You may bring your own supplies. Make sure to bring water, sun protection, wear appropriate clothing, and closed toe shoes.
Volunteers will also receive a one day voucher to enter any public land in the U.S. with an entry fee for FREE! (Voucher must be used in one year.) For seniors in high school, volunteer hours can count towards graduation requirements.
All are welcome!
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation is holding a public comment period for proposed fee increases at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Comments can be mailed to: Fees Program, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 44150 District Office Lane, Davenport, WA 99122. NPS will also collect comments through their website at Proposed Fee Increase - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Facebook Proposed Fee Increases page, or emailed directly to laro_fees@nps.gov. Comment cards will also be found at the campground and boat launch bulletin boards for you to mail to us They must be received by September 26, 2024. ____ NEWS RELEASE
LAKE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL RECREATION AREA DATE: AUGUST 26, 2024 CONTACT: Maria Jay, 509-754-7889
Coulee Dam, WA – The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting public comments for proposed fee increases throughout Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area from August 26, 2024 through September 26, 2024. One of the stipulations of charging user entrance and amenity fees, such as camping and boat launch fees, is that federal agencies are to charge fees commensurate with the local area, so as to not undercut the local markets. Camping fees at Lake Roosevelt have not been adjusted since 2021 and boat launch fees have not been adjusted since 2015 and are now lower than the average of the area around the park. The average campsite fee in the local area is approximately $36 while Lake Roosevelt is only $23. Boat launch fees range from $7 to $20 per day or up to $75 for an annual pass while NPS charges $8 for seven days or $45 for an annual pass. This represents a substantial discrepancy to the local economic market.
The proposed fees would take effect in the spring of 2025. Proposed camping fee changes include eliminating the winter season discount. Campground fees for individual campsites at Spring Canyon, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay, Hunters, Kettle Falls, and Evans would raise to $30 year-round. All other campgrounds would remain at $23 all year round.
Group campsites would increase by $10. Campsites that can accommodate 1-25 people would increase from $55to $65 per night. Campsites large enough for 26-50 people would increase from $80 to $90 per night. Campsites that can accommodate 51-75 people would increase from $105 to $115 per night.
The launch fee would also increase from $8 per week to $10 per week. The Annual Boat Launch permit would increase from $45 to $60, expiring on Dec 31st of the year printed on the permit.
America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes will still allow for a 50% discount on individual campsites and the weekly boat launch fees throughout the year. This discount does not apply to annual boat launch permits or group campsites.
The National Park Service is also considering a new fee for the dump stations of $10 per use to dump grey and black water tanks and to fill potable water tanks. This would apply to the dump stations located at Spring Canyon, Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay, Hunters, Gifford, Kettle Falls, and Evans. $10 per use would bring us in line with other local dump stations. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act allows federal land management agencies to utilize recreation fee funds to provide quality recreation experiences for hundreds of millions of visitors every year to some of America's most scenic, iconic, awe-inspiring, historical, and culturally rich lands and resources. Participating agencies use and leverage recreation fees to implement thousands of projects to enhance public safety, maintain recreation sites, provide eye-opening educational experiences, build informational wayside exhibits, fund interpretive programs, and offer a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Fees collected at Lake Roosevelt are used for improvements to visitor services. Through this year, fee dollars have been used to repair and upgrade boat launch and courtesy docks and improve water systems at several park locations. Future plans include upgrades and repairs to dock systems and parking facilities at Seven Bays, improving restroom facilities in Kettle Falls and Evans, and improving ADA accessibility at several of campgrounds. Additional information on some of these projects can be found at Your Dollars At Work - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Comments can be mailed to: Fees Program, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 44150 District Office Lane, Davenport, WA 99122. NPS will also collect comments through our website at Proposed Fee Increase - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Facebook Proposed Fee Increases page, or emailed directly to laro_fees@nps.gov. Comment cards will also be found at the campground and boat launch bulletin boards for you to mail to us They must be received by September 26, 2024. |
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The Lake Roosevelt Forum is delighted to announce Happy Avery as its new Executive Director!
Andy Dunau, who served as Executive Director of the Forum since 1999, let the board and others know in 2023 he would be retiring. He will be helping for the remainder of the year with program planning and other transition needs.
Lincoln County Commissioner and Forum Board President Scott Hutsell remarked “Andy’s been with us so long, it was hard to imagine finding his replacement. When Happy met with us, we all agreed we found the needle in the haystack we were looking for. She’s got the people skills, smarts and background to do the job.”
Since 2017 Happy has been at Saint George’s School. Most recently she served as their Director of College Counseling and teacher of humanities. Her rich background includes teaching Environmental Studies as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University, conducting historical research at the University of Montana, being a graduate student fellow focusing on US Environmental History and American Indigenous studies, and editing an array of publications.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to take on this new role” said Happy. “Andy Dunau leaves enormous shoes to fill but I am excited for the challenge and look forward to working hard to carry the Forum’s mission forward.”
Said Andy, “It was fun to introduce her to people at the well-attended meeting EPA held in Northport a couple of weeks ago. Happy fit right-in and peppered me with all the right questions on the way home. She’s gonna be great.”
“Priority one,” said Happy, “is quickly meeting and learning from as many people as I can. So I hope people aren’t shy about finding me if I haven’t found them yet.”
Happy can be contacted at happy.avery@lrf.org.
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area News Release
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This September Columbia River Treaty (CRT) flood risk management provisions change to “called upon,” also called “real time operations” or “real time flood risk management.” The United States and Canada have been in negotiations since 2018 to modernize the Treaty and thus avoid this situation.
Called upon means the United States will call on Canada to specify flood risk management space needs from Canada, which (following a consultation) Canada must then provide and be compensated for. Most important, the United States would need to demonstrate the use of all related storage in our reservoirs before requesting Canadian space.
This will result in changes to reservoir operations and flows that will be felt up and down the Columbia River. Click here for charts and explanation of potentially deep Lake Roosevelt drawdowns.
The U.S. State Department, which has led the American negotiating team, is noticeably silent with updates. Their Columbia River Treaty website has not been updated since an August 2023 news release regarding the 18th round of Treaty negotiations. Per the release, “As committed by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau at the conclusion of the President’s March visit to Canada, the U.S. negotiation team has further accelerated negotiation efforts towards an agreement that meets the needs of the Columbia Basin with greater certainty and improved results.”
Close to a year later, the governmental silence is deafening regarding “accelerated negotiation” or progress. Barring an administrative fix to temporarily work around Treaty provisions, communities and the environment writ large will be flowing into uncharted waters up and down the Columbia come September.
A sign of rising tensions is that Chelan, Douglas, and Grant County PUDs (the Mid-Cs) filed a July 17 lawsuit against the Bonneville Power Administration & U.S. Army Corps regarding the CRT. Part of the lawsuit asks the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington to find that “the U.S. Entity has no authority to impose conditions on the Mid-Cs’ use of the Columbia River flow after Sept. 15.”
In addition, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers added the following report language into the State and Foreign Operations FY25 Funding Bill being considered. “The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to share with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the foreign policy implications of listing the Upper Columbia River, Washington on the National Priorities List. The Committee believes the Department of State should consult with the EPA on such listings that may have foreign policy implications.”
Stay tuned.
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You are invited to attend a community meeting about Upper Columbia River hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Citizens for a Clean Columbia
EPA will provide updates on investigation related reports, sampling, and removal work in the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility study area. Washington Department of Ecology will discuss their work in Northport. Representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will present information on their air monitoring project.
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for an interactive open house session, presentations begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A session
Location: Northport High School, 404 10th St., Northport, WA, 99157
For questions or to receive information in alternate formats, contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Kristin Ching at ching.Kristin@epa.gov or call 206-900-4344. Please also let us know if you would like to sign up for future email updates about Upper Columbia River investigation and cleanup work.
For more information, visit epa.gov/node/167535
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In March, EPA proposed listing the Upper Columbia River (UCR) as a Superfund site on the National Priorities List (NPL).
Per EPA, “NPL sites are areas where there are known releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Upland soils are contaminated with lead, arsenic, zinc, cadmium and other metals. Sediments in the river are contaminated with slag and metals, including lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, and mercury. There is a significant quantity of slag remaining in the river system. Levels of metals found in the Columbia River surface water are below drinking water standards.”
Click here for EPA news release. Click here for one page EPA summary of the proposed listing.
The site boundaries are not determined as part of a listing. EPA would establish boundaries after all investigative work is completed and there is a full understanding of where contamination is and the risk it poses to human health and the environment. The boundaries of a site would then be documented in a Record of Decision which also identifies the cleanup actions necessary to address the contamination.
February 2024 and October 2023 Forum articles provide EPA’s rationale for proposing the listing, Washington State and tribal support, and counties opposed. The Forum’s 2020 Public Guide summarizes EPA’s Human Health Risk Assessment, including the public being able to safely recreate on Lake Roosevelt and the Upper Columbia River.
EPA accepted comments on the proposed listing from March 7 through May 6, 2024.
EPA will consider all comments submitted, then publish a response to the comments before determining whether to add the UCR to the National Priorities List.
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As part of a 2006 Settlement Agreement with Teck, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is directing the Upper Columbia River Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). Its purpose is to establish the nature, extent and possible human and ecological risks of metals and other contaminants released into the environment.
Uplands
The uplands refer to approximately 100 square miles (64,000 acres) east and west of the Columbia River below the U.S.—Canada border.
EPA released the Final Upland BERA (Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment) in December 2023. The BERA evaluates the risk of chemicals (in this case primarily metal contaminants) in soils to plants and wildlife. A spring 2024 Fact Sheet released by EPA notes that “Preliminary findings indicate that cadmium, lead, and zinc present the greatest and most widespread risk to plants, invertebrates, mammals, and birds exposed to soil in the upland area. Most impacted areas are remote and relatively steep.”
River
The Draft Aquatic Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA) evaluates risk to plants, wildlife, fish, and other organisms in and along the Columbia River from the U.S. – Canada Border to Grand Coulee Dam. Teck submitted the Aquatic BERA in April. EPA and the Participating Parties (Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians and Department of Interior) are currently reviewing the assessment.
Learn More
For summaries of studies and human health assessments completed, visit lrf.org/environment and click Public Guides. EPA’s summary information can be found at epa.gov/columbiariver/upper-columbia-river-study-area.
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National Park Service
2024 camping fees are the same as 2023. Visit www.rec.gov, then search by Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to make a reservation.
All boaters must complete the aquatic invasive species (AIS) quagga/zebra mussel-free self-certification form. Click here for form and more information.
Fort Spokane Visitor Center is open Thursday to Monday, 9:30am-5pm until Sept 2, 2024. Click here to learn about Park Ranger programs at Fort Spokane and Kettle Falls.
Bureau of Reclamation
Reclamation is supporting the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Coeur d’Alene Tribe in implementing the Upper Columbia United Tribes’ Phase 2 Implementation Plan (See article “Salmon Reintroduction Takes Shape”). Reclamation is funding technical assistance and on-site support at Grand Coulee Dam. In addition, Reclamation is leading a collaborative effort to address environmental compliance requirements. Reclamation plans to release a draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment by October for public review and comment.
Construction work at the Reclamation fire station in Grand Coulee is near completion. The 22,000-square-foot facility will help ensure reliable protection of Reclamation facilities and lands as well as assist local communities and other agencies through mutual-aid agreements.
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Why are there green buoys all over Lake Roosevelt?
As part of EPA’s Columbia Basin Restoration Program, the Spokane Tribe is conducting a contaminant study throughout Lake Roosevelt extending from the Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian Border, and upstream to Little Falls Dam in the Spokane River. The goals of the project are to 1) evaluate heavy metals concentrations in water, sediment, biofilm, and crayfish, 2) evaluate the movement of contaminants through the river, and 3) identify which contaminants are entering the food web via biofilm with potential to bioaccumulate to higher trophic level organisms.
The Tribe successfully piloted a sediment particle trap prototype in 2023 designed to capture suspended sediments. Fifteen devices are currently deployed throughout the river and are marked with green “RESEARCH” buoys.
Project researchers are scheduled to collect contaminant concentration data in July and August 2024. Laboratory results are expected later in 2024 and a final report will be issued in 2025.
The Tribe’s final report will help natural resource managers and the community understand more about how contaminants move through the river and enter the food web. The Spokane Tribe is also planning to expand on this work and continue contaminant monitoring for several years if sufficient additional funding is available.
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EPA awarded the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUTs) approximately 5.5 million dollars over five years to form and manage the Upper Columbia United Tribes Columbia River Toxics Reduction Lead Entity (CRTRLE) program. This funding extends the reach of EPA’s Columbia Basin Restoration Program and engages the five member tribes of UCUT, selected NGOs, state and federal agencies, and the communities in reducing toxic pollution entering waterways and ecosystems of the Upper Columbia Basin Watershed.
CRTRLE’s overarching goal is to recover the ability for tribal communities to access and connect to traditional foods, recreation, fisheries, plants and animals of the aboriginally occupied landscapes. Resulting toxics reduction will benefit all communities living in the Upper Columbia River Watershed.
This is a multi-phased, large-scale program leveraging partnerships to implement toxic reduction projects with five focus areas. The largest focal area is construction of a comprehensive toxics reduction strategic plan for the Upper Columbia Basin. Four additional areas include agricultural assistance for Best Management Practices, a lead fishing gear exchange, funding for education and outreach, and a publicly accessible historic mining inventory.
UCUT will be awarding funding packages annually to UCUT Tribes and NGOs for projects that accomplish the goals of toxics reduction planning and implementation. Requests for proposals will occur in the late summer of 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The 2024 window for NGOs to submit proposals will begin September 2nd and run until September 30th. Those interested in finding out more about the program or want to submit a proposal, contact Project Manager Caroline Keever at caroline@ucut-nsn.org or Jerry White, CRTRLE Project Coordinator at jerry@ucut-nsn.org
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The Inchelium Language & Culture Association hosted the 2024 Paddle to Sx̌ʷnítkʷ. Daily paddles started on June 10 at Wynecoop’s Dock on the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt. They first traveled downstream to the confluence of the Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt before migrating north to Mission Point on June 20.
The association describes the journey as “A celebration of our unity and the beautiful river we share.” Traditional tribal canoes led the way.
On the final leg, their path over the water crossed where the Kettle Falls would’ve have been roaring before the creation of Lake Roosevelt. Historically, the Kettle Falls Fishery was one of the largest, most vibrant locations on the Columbia River for tribes from as far away as present-day Montana to gather, harvest salmon and steelhead, and trade.
As canoes landed at Mission Point, they yelled with their native language and said what tribe(s) was represented on the canoe. After beaching, they carried the canoes up the beach where tribal leaders then led a ceremony for the salmon, the water, the sun, and the people.
The First Annual Kettle Falls Canoe Journey happened in 2016 as a collaborative effort “… to breathe new life into the traditional art of dugout canoe building while also spotlighting important initiatives like fish passage and the ecological clean up and protection of the Columbia River.”
Learn more at the Sx̌ʷnítkʷ website, which also includes a video from the 2019 paddle called “Calling the Salmon Home.”
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With $200 million dollars over 20 years plus additional federal and state dollars pledged, Upper Columbia United Tribes salmon reintroduction efforts are taking shape.
Said Casey Baldwin, Research Scientist for the Colville Tribes, “The agreement was signed in September (2023). But because we developed the Phase 1 report and the Phase 2 Implementation Plan several years ago, we’ve been able to hit the ground running. We’ve been implementing pilot projects. Now that the P2IP agreement has been signed we’re ramping up capacity with staffing, contracts and a range of other needs to evaluate the feasibility of salmon reintroduction.”
From a life cycle perspective, current research efforts are focused on outmigration of juveniles going downstream and adults preparing to spawn.
Juveniles from several hatcheries are providing non-ESA listed summer Chinook that are then transferred to acclimation facilities such as net pens throughout the region. Before release, they are being tagged to study their downstream migration patterns. Between last fall and this spring, approximately 165,000 juvenile summer Chinook salmon were released into the blocked area of the upper Columbia.
Sourcing sockeye has proved more challenging because, notes Coeur d’Alene Tribe Anadromous Division Lead Tom Biladeau, “among other factors, one of the only hatcheries that raises them is in Canada.”
Adult Chinook are being sourced from the Douglas PUD Wells Hatchery, then placed in Lake Rufus Woods, Lake Roosevelt, the Spokane River and their tributaries to monitor spawning and other behaviors. For previously released juveniles that make their way back up the Columbia as adults, managers are planning to use trap and haul at Wells and Chief Joseph Dams to get them into the “blocked” area to repatriate them.
A long list of infrastructure and research projects are also on the drawing board. This includes development of a Coeur d’Alene Tribe acclimation facility at Sqweyu’ on Hangman Creek within Spokane city limits, a Spokane Tribe of Indians acclimation facility on the Little Spokane, and Colville Confederated Tribes net pens in the Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt and an acclimation facility in the San Poil watershed. Juvenile salmon will reside at these locations to “imprint” to these watersheds, effectively letting them know where ‘home’ is when they return as adults.
Long term, researchers will also be planning fish passage facilities, performing research needed for their design, and a host of other considerations needed to achieve the ultimate goal of full-scale reintroduction and permanent passage. Said Conor Giorgi, Spokane Tribal Anadromous Program Manager, “We’re being consistent with taking a phased, best available science approach to bringing salmon back.”
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The Midnite Mine Superfund site is a 350-acre, inactive uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation. A legacy of the Cold War, uranium mining from 1954 to 1981 left more than 33 million tons of waste rock, unprocessed ore and low-grade ore (also known as protore) laced with contaminants. Contaminants include radionuclides and heavy metals resulting from mining, transport activities and related operations.
In April, EPA reported on 2023 progress and 2024 expectations. Per EPA and the Spokane Tribe of Indians, 2024 work plans include:
- Construction of the cover on Pit 4 Waste Containment Area
- Construction of the Sub-waste Liner in Pit 3 Waste Containment Area and start placing mine waste into Pit 3 Waste Containment Area
- Construction on the 5.2 mile effluent pipeline, including installation of manhole covers on completed line.
- Complete construction on the new water treatment plant with commissioning starting Sept. 2024 through Dec. 2024.
- Design of the west pond, which will replace the south pond when it is removed.
- Employ approximately 120 workers, primarily Tribal members.
Further, in June EPA released the Midnite Mine Five-Year Review Report. Per EPA, its purpose “… is to make sure the selected cleanup actions effectively protect people’s health and the environment.”
Click here for EPA’s website containing project updates, reports, announcements, and other resources.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 is planning to conduct a time-critical removal/soil cleanup action for approximately 15 properties in summer/fall 2024.
Currently, EPA is reviewing existing soil sampling data to identify properties with concentrations in soil above the removal action level of 200 mg/kg lead and/or 90 mg/kg arsenic where children and/or women of childbearing age have unrestricted access to lead contaminated soil. This includes, but is not limited to, properties containing single- and multi-family dwellings, apartment complexes, vacant lots in residential areas, schools, or daycare.
EPA will tap approximately $3 million of funding from Fiscal Year 23 Superfund tax funds dedicated to residential lead cleanups. The State of Washington has agreed to contribute to this removal/early action by directly funding the disposal of contaminated soil.
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Click here to visit Ecology’s picture album of waterfront cleanup activities. The graphic shows the five areas designated for cleanup to relieve elevated levels of arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc in soil and sediment considered to be a risk to human health and the environment.
Ecology reports that due to this spring’s river conditions, they were not able to conduct work in all five cleanup areas. Significant progress, however, was made on the seasonal beach and all hillside cleanup and capping work is complete. The work will stop for 2024 in July or August, then pick back up in spring 2025.
Access to the boat launch and park is open and will continue to be through the length of the project via the access road to the east of the closure.
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Spring is a busy time for area students to go outside to learn about nature, fish and wildlife, history and culture that makes our area unique. Some highlights:
Fur Trade Festival
The National Park Service with volunteers from the Northwest Fur Trade Historians and support from Washington State Parks, Kettle Falls Historical Center and the Lake Roosevelt Forum, hosted another successful Fur Trade Festival in May. Over 2 days, 150 students plus adults from 7 schools rotated through presentation stations to learn about fur trade and what life looked like in this area more than 150 years ago! On Saturday, 228 community members and families enjoyed historical reenactments and other activities.
Student Discovery Days
Students enjoyed hands-on, minds-on field trips to the Spokane Tribal Hatchery, Grand Coulee Dam, Lake Roosevelt Net Pens, Spokane House and the Ford Fish Hatchery.
Fish Fest
With a National Park Foundation Junior Angler grant, the National Park Service hosted the second annual Fish Fest. Located at Fort Spokane this year, 125 fishing poles were given out to children under 14 to try their luck at angling. With a little instruction and encouragement, they were hooked and then sworn in as Junior Anglers. The Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation and National Parks Service provided additional learning opportunities for kids and adults with information booths.
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Year after year, Lake Roosevelt continues to provide extraordinary and diverse angling opportunities that attract enthusiasts from near and far. Each year, thousands of hours of angling time are happily spent catching over 150,000 fish. Rainbow trout, kokanee, white sturgeon, walleye and smallmouth bass are the most targeted species.
Also, the fight to suppress northern pike, a voracious predator that devastates other fish populations, provides additional angling opportunities.
Co-managers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Colville Confederated Tribes summarized highlights for our readers. Annually, they invest over $9 million dollars to develop and maintain the fishery.
RAINBOW TROUT AND NET PENS
The long-term goal is to annually release up to 750,000 with higher release numbers corresponding to higher angler success rates. Rainbow trout were released into Lake Roosevelt in May. They ranged from 7 to 13 inches in length and 1 to 7 fish to the pound. Many will grow to about 16–18 inches by September with many being available in the system for 2 angling seasons.
All rainbows released are triploids, meaning they are sterile and will not interbreed with wild trout. In addition, their adipose fin is clipped. Wild fish with an intact adipose fin should be released to assure only keeping hatchery fish in Lake Roosevelt.
The goal is for a 5% annual return to creel, the estimated amount caught by anglers based on survey data collected by co-managers. Anglers had an estimated return of 7.2% in 2023.
Supporting this effort are the WDFW Sherman Creek and Ford Hatcheries, the Spokane Tribal Hatchery and 63 net pens located between Keller Ferry and Kettle Falls. Volunteers support maintenance of net pens and feeding needs from October through their release in May.
In 2023, there were white, green, blue, and orange research tags deployed in rainbow trout raised in Lake Roosevelt net pens. Tags are steadily being returned to fisheries personnel to provide an independent evaluation of the fishery from the annual angler survey/creel program.
The evaluation benefits greatly from angler retention of tagged fish being high, with many are being caught by shore anglers in addition to boat anglers. There have been a few fish caught as far downstream as Bridgeport, Banks Lake, and Rufus Woods, so they are not entirely constrained to Lake Roosevelt.
SPOKANE ARM RAINBOW TROUT SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE
The Spokane Tribal Hatchery annually supplements traditional net pen releases of triploid rainbow trout by releasing fish in the Spokane Arm to add fishing opportunities in a part of the reservoir where net pens are not operated. From March through May, 41,530 triploid rainbow trout were released at the Little Falls Dam tailrace and Cornelius Campground Boat Launch. Early released fish averaged greater than 1 lb while later fish released averaged 2 plus lbs. Recent catches of rainbow trout greater than 5 lbs each have been reported!
WHITE STURGEON
Beginning in 2017, a recreational fishery for white sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt was reopened after more than 20 years of closure for conservation purposes. The fishery was made possible due to surplus sturgeon from U.S. and Canadian conservation hatchery programs to help stem a decades-long population decline.
Because of white sturgeon recruitment failure (a situation where young fish do not survive and “recruit” to the population), the population was in a perilous position prior to the initiation of the hatchery programs in the early 2000s. In the current program, managers capture sturgeon larvae from the wild for growout in a hatchery, then release around 3,000 fish back into Lake Roosevelt in the fall at a size which ensures good survival.
In June and July, tribal and state fishery managers are out at night collecting sturgeon larvae for that purpose.
The exact cause of recruitment failure has not been determined, but it is the subject of on-going research. In the meantime, the hatchery program ensures continuation of the population while also supporting both tribal and recreational fisheries.
For 2024, the angling season will run from September 16th – November 30th from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border. The harvest slot (size of sturgeon that can be retained) has not yet been determined.
Looking forward, managers expect to maintain a limited harvest opportunity for the next few years but with gradually tightening slot limits to protect against overharvest. Within a few years, the fishery is likely to move to catch and release only to protect weaker year classes from 2011 to 2016.
Stronger year-classes have been produced consistently since 2017. Once they become large enough, managers anticipate a harvest season can resume.
WALLEYE
Since 2002, the co-managers have conducted Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) to monitor the walleye population. Monitoring enables managers to track the abundance, age, growth, condition, sex ratio, and age at maturity.
WDFW reports that the walleye fishery has remained stable and resilient over time. Abundance of walleye increased significantly in 2023 with a large year class of age-2 walleye (12-16”) that will drive the fishery for the next couple of years. Additionally, larger walleye (16 to 22”) produced during 2018-2020 are available in good numbers.
NORTHERN PIKE
Anglers are encouraged to participate in the Northern Pike Reward Program at Lake Roosevelt to help reduce the spread of the non-native invasive northern pike.
“The Lake Roosevelt co-managers (Colville Tribes, Spokane Tribe of Indians and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) are particularly concerned with the negative impacts northern pike pose to tribal and state resources,” said Holly McLellan, the fish biologist for Colville Tribes Fish and Wildlife.
A northern pike can be over 50 inches long and weigh around 45 pounds and a female northern pike can produce up to 250,000 eggs. The female pike is also known to be able to eat frogs, birds, trout, salmon and steelhead with their large teeth and mouth.
Anglers should NOT confuse the native Northern Pikeminnow with Northern Pike. The native pikeminnow should be released in Lake Roosevelt as their populations are depressed in this reservoir.
The co-managers have been working to remove the Northern Pike from the lake since 2015. Since that time, 20,015 Pike have been removed. The good news is that the number of Pike captured per net has dropped from a high of 3.08 in 2017 to less than 0.50 Pike per net in 2024. Their distribution, however, is slowly creeping downstream with the highest catch now occurring in the middle sections (Hunters and Gifford areas) of the reservoir.
Researchers will continue with the standardized removal program through 2025. This includes an increased gillnet effort in the spring, when pike are in shallow waters preparing to spawn, and adjustments based on population abundance gillnet surveys that occur in the fall.
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Wildsight, a Canadian environmental organization, requested the British Columbia Government conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed Record Ridge project, a new serpentine (magnesium) mine near Rossland located about 7.5 miles north of the U.S. border.
Public comment to determine if an EA should be required extends to June 14th. Click here to comment or learn more about the project.
The proposed mine would produce no greater than 220,000 tons per year of quarried product over two years of operation. Metallurgical processing of the mineral rock would be done in the United States.
Public comment is sought regarding questions or concerns with project location, what activities will take place, specific knowledge of potential impacts, and the value of carrying out an EA.
A friend of the Forum, who participated in a two-day native plant inventory workshop in this wilderness area, described it as having “Lush meadows interspersed with rock outcrops and erratics (huge stray boulders) that don't make sense because there is no high mountain for them to have tumbled from. Various features create dozens of different microclimatic habitats, sometimes just meters from each other. The exposed rocky areas host plant species that are adapted to the harsh and sometimes hot and dry conditions of being exposed to the full sun all day. Our inventory included some rare plant species. We found a rare fern growing from cracks on the shaded, western aspect of the bluffs. Small copses of trees populate little swales that are moist and rich, and still had glacier lilies blooming in them, even though this isn't very high elevation. Under the taller trees there are dense understories of Pacific yew, false Solomon's seal, huckleberries, two species of native currants bushes, and wild gooseberries.”
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The Washington Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Northport Waterfront cleanup project began construction on March 4th. Click here for pictures.
Located on the Columbia River next to the Northport Town Park and boat launch, the cleanup will relieve elevated levels of arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc in soil and sediment considered to be a risk to human health and the environment.
As shown in the graphic, work has begun on the hillside and will progress to four more cleanup areas over the next eight months, a longer timeline than was originally planned due to unusually high spring water. Park Road, including the boat launch and the town park, is currently closed. Ecology is building a secondary access route to the boat launch and park to accommodate the community’s needs, estimated to be opened in late April.
Pollutants being cleaned up are associated with wastes that were dumped and spread along the shore from the Le Roi Smelter, which was previously removed, cleaned-up, and reclaimed to be what is now Northport Town Park.
For more project information, click here to visit Ecology’s Northport Waterfront website. You can view more photos and watch the cleanup progress by periodically visiting their Northport Waterfront Flickr album.
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Via a Federal Register Notice being released March 7th, EPA will propose listing the Upper Columbia River (UCR) as a Superfund site on the National Priorities List. The notice will start a 60-day public comment period from March 7 – May 6, 2024.
Click here for EPA news release. Click here for one page EPA summary of the proposed listing.
The proposed UCR site will roughly extend from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border (a 150-mile river reach that includes Lake Roosevelt) and includes about 77,000 acres of land east and west of the Columbia and south of the U.S.—Canada border called the “uplands.”
February 2024 and October 2023 Forum articles provide EPA’s rationale for proposing the listing, Washington State and tribal support, and counties opposed. The Forum’s 2020 Public Guide summarizes EPA's Human Health Risk Assessment, including the public being able to safely recreate on Lake Roosevelt and the Upper Columbia River.
For more information about the proposed listing, the Federal Register notice, and how to submit comments, visit EPA’s website at Current NPL Updates: New Proposed NPL Sites and New NPL Sites.
For EPA information on Upper Columbia River site background and ongoing studies, visit the Upper Columbia River Study Area website.
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Held September 19th and 20th, over 440 3rd – 5th grade students from 11 schools gathered at the Kettle Falls Swim Beach area and Sherman Creek Hatchery to participate in this fall’s Festival.
Students and teachers were greeted by area agencies, tribes and other natural resource managers manning 15 interactive learning stations. As students rotated through, their knowledge of Lake Roosevelt and the watershed grew.
Said one teacher, “Thank you for another wonderful Lake Roosevelt Water Festival! The students really enjoyed their experience, and I overheard a few students say, 'This is the best field trip I've ever been on!'”
A big thank you to Forum partners and volunteers for making this happen: Avista, Colville Confederated Tribes, Colville High School, Ferry Conservation District, National Park Service, National Weather Service Spokane, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Stevens Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Kids enjoying Water Festival activities
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Following a public comment period, the WA Department of Ecology (Ecology) completed the Engineering Design Report for cleanup of smelter-related metals contamination on Northport’s waterfront area next to the Town Park. The report provides details about the excavation of contaminated materials in the waterfront, bay, and hillside areas, site staging and hauling, stormwater management, and public access improvements.
The engineering design meets Ecology goals to protect people and restore the shoreline environment next to the park. State funding of this effort comes from the Eastern Washington Clean Sites Initiative.
Six companies submitted bids for the cleanup. The winning bidder is Versatile Industries, Inc. of Ione. Construction is scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Temporary closure of Park Road, the Town Park, and the boat ramp and waterfront will begin on that date.
Ecology is coordinating with the Northport Mayor on the temporary closure and working to accommodate the community’s plans to use the park and waterfront.
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In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the Upper Columbia River Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). Funded under a settlement agreement with Teck, its purpose is to establish the nature, extent and possible human and ecological risks of metals and other contaminants released into the environment.
EPA and the Participating Parties (Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians and Department of Interior) are currently reviewing the Draft Final Upland Remedial Investigation (RI) Report, that Teck American Inc., submitted in October 2023.
EPA released the Final Upland BERA (Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment) in December 2023. The BERA evaluates the risk of chemicals (in this case primarily metal contaminants) in soils to plants and wildlife. Also known as Operable Unit 3, the uplands refer to approximately 100 square miles (64,000 acres) east and west of the Columbia River below the U.S.—Canada Border. The BERA is posted at www.ucr-rifs.com/documents/risk-assessments/bera/.
The upcoming Upland Feasibility Study will define the areas needing cleanup and evaluate a range of cleanup alternatives to address risks to people’s health and the environment.
TAI will submit the Aquatic BERA in April 2024. This BERA will evaluate risk to plants, wildlife, fish, and other organisms in and along the river from contaminants such as zinc, copper, cadmium, mercury, and lead found in sediment and slag.
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As previously reported by the Forum, EPA drafted and received public input on a draft “Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities.” Of particular importance to the Upper Columbia Valley communities are objectives to reduce exposure to lead in soils.
Below is EPA’s January 19, 2024 email regarding additional guidance and how it may affect Upper Columbia River Site actions.
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EPA email notification
This email is to notify you that EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management has finalized the attached Updated Residential Soil Lead Guidance for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Corrective Action Facilities.
As you are aware, the EPA has been revising its guidance on residential soil lead contamination resulting in the new guidance memo. This guidance is specific to residential properties defined as, “any areas where children have unrestricted access to lead contaminated soil”. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA’s agency-wide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. EPA has made this change because protecting children from lead exposure is a top priority, and because science has shown that lead exposure is harmful to children’s health at lower levels than was reflected in previous agency guidance in 1994.
What impacts might this have on the Upper Columbia River Site?
Screening levels are not cleanup levels. Screening levels are used to help identify areas, contaminants, and conditions that may pose risk and require further attention at a particular site. Areas of a site where concentrations are below screening levels generally require no further action. Areas where concentrations exceed screening levels may warrant further investigation, and may, but not always, require cleanup or other actions necessary to address unacceptable risks.
Previous studies have shown that Pb concentrations exceed soil screening levels throughout upland portions of the UCR study area. EPA’s Upper Columbia River Team will be assessing what this new guidance means for the cleanup. The updated Pb guidance will be used to determine where additional sampling may be required and will be considered in the development of soil-based cleanup goals. EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, including setting cleanup levels, using site-specific factors such as risk factors, community input, and the level of lead that was already in the area (called the background level).
More than 70 residential properties and common use areas within the Upper Columbia River study area have been cleaned to date, during which contaminated soil was replaced with clean soil. It is unlikely that previously cleaned areas will be affected by the new guidance.
What next?
Although the guidance is effective immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public which may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket on www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024 – March 17, 2024.
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National Park Service
Dan Foster Retires
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNA) Superintendent Dan Foster retired in December. He was LRNA’s Superintendent for 10 years. His career with the National Park Service spanned 31 years. The Forum thanks him for his service.
Roseann Worley, an NPS Internal Controls Coordinator in the NPS San Francisco regional office, will be the interim Superintendent for four months. In 2021, she was the interim Superintendent at Lava Beds National Monument. Welcome, Roseann!
Winter Access
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area invites you to come and enjoy the great outdoors no matter the season. With reduced staffing and resources during the winter, facilities, and services are limited. Visit www.nps.gov/laro for winter access details.
Keller Ferry Marina Improvements
Public input through January 31 is being sought for replacing and improving houseboat docks at the Keller Ferry Marina.
Per their press release, “NPS proposes to improve the Keller Ferry Marina by replacing parts of the aged docks with houseboat and potentially short-term and transient moorage, as well as grading the marina lakebed to provide a flat surface for anchoring the new dock system.” To comment, go to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/kellerferrymarina.
Seven Bays Marina Environmental Assessment
Public review and comment period for the Seven Bays Marina Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment (EA) will open on January 29, 2024 and go through February 28, 2024. The EA outlines a range of feasible project alternatives, including a no action alternative, and analyzes the environmental effects of each. It also incorporates comments received during the public comment period held in August 2023. The public can access and comment on the EA document online through the Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/sevenbaysmarina.
Upper Columbia United Tribes
Northern Pike Information Sharing Virtual Workshop
Date: February 15, 2024
Time: 12 to 3 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81699344412?pwd=aTlDWUEzUUtqKzhMSnhqMTQzL01Ddz09
Meeting ID: 816 9934 4412
Passcode: 930964
Topics will include:
Lake Roosevelt Northern Pike work and lessons
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Northern Pike surveys
Okanagan Nation Alliance Northern Pike work
Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife's work to quantify the impacts of invasive Northern Pike
Discussion of topics of mutual interest and concern
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Upper Columbia Basin Contaminant Study
The Spokane Tribe completed project scoping activities in 2023 including two test deployments of a sediment particle trap, and limited sampling. The Tribe plans to use information gained in 2023 to implement the full suite of project sampling in 2024 which will include collection of water, suspended sediments, bottom sediments, biofilm, and crayfish. This EPA grant funded project assists efforts to evaluate distribution of heavy metals in the Upper Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt across media, identify which contaminants are entering the food web via biofilm, evaluate movement of contaminants transported through the river, and to test the feasibility of a sediment particle trap design.
Citizens for A Clean Columbia
Air Monitoring Update
Last November, summer intern Dev Nirschl provided Citizens for a Clean Columbia (CCC) some initial data from PurpleAir monitors placed near the Upper Columbia River. Said CCC’s newsletter, “She found that over several summer months, Northport and Trail PM 2.5 sensors followed a similar pattern, as shown below, but Trail readings were consistently lower.” Nirschl’s slide deck noted “Northport’s elevated ambient PM2.5 levels could be coming from wood heating in colder months and outdoor and residential burning during non-smoke periods.”
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As Reported by Teck American
Colville Fish Hatchery. $10,000 to the Colville Skills Center branch campus of the Colville School District. Students manage the retired Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife fish hatchery for Stevens County, raising triploid rainbow trout that are used to pay the mortgage and sell to private landowners that want to stock their own ponds. Students work closely with WDFW Sherman Creek Fish Hatchery, which is now being run by former students of the program. Working with agency personnel gives the students the opportunity to learn about careers that are hands-on and outdoors.
N.E.W. Hunger Coalition $4,000 to help the organization with several initiatives, including the purchase of fresh locally grown produce to be delivered to 17 food pantries. This past year, N.E.W. Hunger Coalition launched Grow Your Own Row classes and helped almost 300 participants get home gardens started. They supplied two community gardens with seeds and plant starts, one at a retirement center, the other at Wellpinit Food Pantry. Finally, with the help of an Innovia Foundation grant, they were able to add a walk-in cooler that enabled them to extend their season and move more produce to 17 food pantries. Learn more at newhungercoalition.org
Operation Santa of Kettle Falls. $5,000 donation to help make sure each child in the local community of Kettle Falls, WA and beyond, wakes up Christmas morning to gifts from Santa, as well as a stocking filled with goodies, a book to read, and essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, soaps, blankets and socks. Year-round assistance is also provided to community residents with back‐to‐school clothing and backpacks, furniture and household goods, and medical equipment. www.facebook.com/operationsantakf.
Communities in Schools of Washington State. $4,000 to support Republic School District. Their mission is to empower students to stay in school and achieve success in life. To do this, the program identifies and addresses students’ immediate needs as well as more complex challenges. Learn more at ciswa.org
Click here to see complete donation descriptions as well as additional donations to St. Margaret’s Shelter, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other causes in eastern Washington.
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In October, the Forum reported that EPA may propose adding the Upper Columbia River study area to the National Priorities List (NPL), aka-- Superfund. The Upper Columbia River study area currently extends from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border (a 150-mile river reach that includes Lake Roosevelt) and includes about 77,000 acres of land east and west of the Columbia and south of the U.S.—Canada border called the “uplands.”
If EPA proposes a Superfund (NPL) listing at this time, it will begin with a federal register notice in February to open a public comment period. The next opportunity to propose a listing may be in September. NPL listing is a two-step process. First, sites are proposed to the NPL. Then, after public comment is received and reviewed, a second federal register notice is required to formally place a site on the NPL.
In EPA briefings to stakeholders, reasons to propose a listing include:
- Enough is known to determine if the Upper Columbia River belongs on the NPL list that ensures cleanup of high priority contaminated sites.
- Lead contamination exists through upland portions of the area that poses risk to residents in affected areas.
- EPA can request funds to conduct remedial actions or cleanups on the National Priorities List.
- The existing EPA Settlement Agreement with Teck that currently funds the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) does not cover cleanup actions EPA may propose.
- The U.S. Supreme Court found that Teck is not liable for cleanup of upland soils or other areas found to be contaminated because of air emissions.
EPA has received letters of “concurrence” or support from Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT), and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Said Jarred-Michael Erickson, the Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, "The Colville Tribes supports Superfund listing for the Upper Columbia River. It is beyond question that this section of the river is polluted, and a thorough restoration of the river will be an expensive project. A Superfund listing will unlock access to necessary funds for remediation, and a listing would reflect the high priority for cleanup that this site deserves."
EPA has briefed staff for U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. In addition, EPA provided a staff briefing to the U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee chaired by McMorris Rodgers.
In a January 26th discussion with the Eastern Washington Council of Government, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers was clear that she does not support an NPL/Superfund listing at this time.
Eastern Washington County Commissioners continue to oppose a listing. Their objections and concerns are summarized in both the Forum’s October eNews article and letters recently sent to EPA from Stevens County, Lincoln County and the Eastern Washington Council of Governments. In addition, Stevens County sent a letter to Governor Inslee objecting that “… not a single local elected was contacted, consulted, or allowed any discussion with you on this subject prior to you sending this letter of concurrence.”
If EPA proceeds with proposing a listing, the documents used to determine eligibility for the NPL will become available for public review as part of a public comment period. In that event, the Forum will be committed to assuring maximum review and community engagement.
Regardless of whether there is a superfund listing, the 2006 agreement with Teck to fund and conduct the RI/FS will continue.
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Houston, we have lift-off.
In September, the Department of Interior announced a historic agreement that includes Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) providing $200 million over 20 years to advance the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUTs) salmon reintroduction Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP).
Further, the Bureau of Reclamation is providing the UCUTs $8 million over two years to support P2IP, including funding from their new WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program. Additionally, Cathy McMorris Rogers led securing $5 million dollars through congressional appropriations in FY23, and NOAA Fisheries awarded $1.1 million in Salmon Recovery grant funding. Lastly, the Washington State Legislature and Governor Inslee secured over $6 million in the 2022 Supplemental Budget and the 2023-2025 Biennium Budget. This long-term commitment of federal and state support is a key step to securing the future of salmon in the Upper Columbia River.
P2IP will occur in a stepwise fashion over approximately 20 years. The first step focuses on the collection of baseline information regarding salmon survival and behavior in the blocked area as well as after they migrate to the ocean. The tribes and state are also working to ramp up the availability of salmon for release in the blocked area, including hatchery-raised juveniles for tagging studies and surplus hatchery adult salmon for re-populating the spawning grounds. Later steps will focus on the development of interim fish passage facilities and collecting data necessary to design permanent passage solutions.
2024 efforts include:
- continuation of an outmigration study to collect data on juvenile salmon behavior as they migrate downstream, and hauling adult salmon from hatcheries below Chief Joseph Dam to spawning areas in the blocked area.
- First steps toward exploring and developing fish passage options.
- Additional educational and cultural releases.
- Increasing tribal capacity to take on the heavy and important lift of implementing the P2IP
The Forum looks forward to regularly reporting progress on this extraordinary effort.
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Deeper Winter/Spring Drawdowns of Lake Roosevelt May Be Coming
September 2024 should be circled on your calendar. If the United States and Canada do not reach an agreement on modernizing the Columbia River Treaty by that time, treaty flood risk management provisions change to “called upon.” Called upon means the United States will call on Canada to specify flood risk management space needs from Canada, which (following a consultation) Canada must then provide. Most important, the United States would need to demonstrate the use of all related storage before requesting Canadian space.
Instead of “called upon,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now uses the phrase “real time operations” or “real time flood risk management” to describe what will occur.
Last fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation hosted public webinars to explain the potential effect of this change in practical terms. Although there is a lot of uncertainty, the webinar’s intention was to make the public aware of potential changes with the assurance that agencies will share additional information when more is known.
In opening remarks, Brigadier General Geoff Van Epps, Northwestern Division Commander, said the change to real time operations “may lead to deeper drafts in Grand Coulee [Lake Roosevelt] as well as reduction in some flexibility.”
Figure A shows the potentially dramatic change to Lake Roosevelt water elevations. The blue line at the top shows, historically, average lake elevations month to month. Depending on seasonal weather conditions and how Canada may choose to operate its reservoirs after September 2024, the yellow line shows how deeply Lake Roosevelt could be drawn down, representing a worst-case situation. The shaded area shows the potential range in these average elevations during winter and spring if Treaty negotiations result in some degree of pre-planned or other operational benefits from Canada.
Figure A
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/CRWM/Columbia-River-Treaty/
Figure B provides an easy way to understand the need for additional drawdowns of Lake Roosevelt. Under current treaty provisions, the green area represents the dedicated reservoir storage Canada provides annually for flood risk management. Representing 8.95-million-acre feet, it “is about double the amount of water in Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam,” said Reservoir Control Center Chief Julie Ammann with the Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Figure B
Available Columbia River System Storage Capacity
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers webinar, www.nwd.usace.army.mil/CRWM/Columbia-River-Treaty/.
In September 2024, the Canadian dedicated flood risk management provision in the treaty sunsets. And with it, lost flexibility in managing Lake Roosevelt drawdowns to meet downstream flood control needs. While Treaty negotiations with Canada continue, the current level of Canadian flood risk management should not be expected to continue.
Eric Rothwell, a Columbia River civil engineer with the Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region, noted the following increased potential drawdown effects to Lake Roosevelt:
- Temporary, seasonal closure of boat ramps during times when minimum lake elevation requirements are not met. As boat ramps have varied lake elevation requirements, how many boat ramps would be closed and for how long would be dynamic.
- Loss of Gifford and/or Inchelium ferry service during periods when lake levels are below docking requirements. Loss of service would affect medical emergency response, school activities, and other time sensitive needs.
- Increases in shoreline erosion and beach exposure.
- Potential negative effects to resident fish include entrainment (juveniles being forced past Grand Coulee Dam because of increased water flows) and potential decreased spawning habitat availability.
- The timing of pumping water to Banks Lake may be affected, with greater water level fluctuations, and the cost of pumping may increase. Irrigation water delivery to the Columbia Basin Project is likely to be unaffected.
An additional potential negative impact of deeper drafts not mentioned by the Corps and Reclamation is increased transport of contaminated sediment from upstream to downstream portions of the reservoir. Deeper and more frequent drawdowns also have the potential to alter the thermal structure in the reservoir and impact the size and composition of the planktonic communities, thereby affecting the food web. These changes may affect the Environmental Protection Agency’s Upper Columbian Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study, particularly the Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment that is currently underway.
On the positive side, not mentioned is that white sturgeon recovery efforts may benefit because higher flows may mitigate recruitment failure at the larval stage, the time from hatching to developing into juveniles.
To view the webinar in full, visit https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/CRWM/Columbia-River-Treaty/.
Negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty began in May 2018. Since then, 18 rounds of negotiation have occurred. The U.S. Department of State leads the American negotiating team, which includes representatives from the Bonneville Power Administration, the Corps Northwestern Division, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The U.S. delegation also includes expert advisors from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Click here for the Department of State’s most recent status update on negotiations.
If negotiations do not bear fruit, the real time operational changes to Lake Roosevelt begin in September.
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News Release
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Date: November 20, 2023
Contact: Brekyn Worbes, 509-754-7866Brekyn Worbes, 509-754-7866
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area invites you to come and enjoy the great outdoors no matter the season. With reduced staffing and resources during the winter, facilities, and services are limited.
During the winter season, camping is only available in the Kettle Falls, Fort Spokane, and Spring Canyon campgrounds. Campsites are limited to:
- Kettle Falls: loop 1
- Fort Spokane: loop 1
- Spring Canyon: lower loop
Reservations are required but can be made in advance or from the campground upon arrival with adequate cell phone service. Reservations must be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Individual campsites are available for winter camping at $11.50 per night.
There is no water service at Lake Roosevelt during the winter months. Vault toilets are available but will be cleaned on a limited basis. Please plan accordingly for water and restroom facilities.
Snow removal and sanding procedures run from November 1 to March 31 once two or more inches of snow have accumulated. The following locations are plowed on an as-needed basis:
- Kettle Falls boat launch and campground loop 1 road. Parking pads at campsites 3, 6, 9, 10, and 13 will also be plowed.
- Gifford boat launch
- Fort Spokane boat launch and the campground road to the vault toilet will be plowed.
- Parking pads at campsites 1, 2, 3, and 4 will also be plowed.
- Keller Ferry boat launch
- Spring Canyon boat launch and lower campground loop road (but not individual campsites)
Additional locations may be plowed as weather and safety conditions allow.
All dumpsters and trash cans have been removed from our campgrounds, boat launches, and day-use areas. Please practice Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly by taking your trash home to dispose of it. Do not leave trash or dispose of it in fire rings. Under 36 CFR 2.14 (a) (1) visitors are prohibited from leaving refuse in places other than refuse receptacles as it is considered littering and may result in a fine of up to $200.
Gates throughout the park will allow staff to close boat launches that are out of the water and protect lakeshore resources during the annual lake drawdown periods. Please remember that driving off road, metal detecting, and digging of any kind are against park regulations.
All other Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area land is open to the visiting public to enjoy walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities as conditions permit.
Please check with www.nps.gov/laro for specific details about park operations
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The Forum’s venerable Executive Director, Andy Dunau, will be retiring in 2024. Said Scott Hutsell, Lincoln County Commissioner, “Andy’s been at this for more than twenty years. He knows the people, the issues, the tribes, agencies, counties, and interest groups. Most importantly, he’s trusted by one and all to get the facts right, share information and keep us networking. We’re sad to see him move on and very thankful for his service, including leaving the organization in good shape for the next Executive Director.”
The Board of Directors is looking for someone with the passion and communication skills to build on the Forum’s non-partisan tradition and mission to “increase awareness, promote dialog and support public engagement regarding the environment and economic well-being of Lake Roosevelt communities.”
Click here for job description and how to apply.
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EPA is considering adding the Upper Columbia River from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border (a 150-mile river reach that includes Lake Roosevelt) to the National Priorities List (NPL), aka-- Superfund. Also included is about 77,000 acres of land east and west of the Columbia and south of the U.S.—Canada border called the “Uplands.” Click here to see enlarged map.
Over the summer, EPA engaged with congressional staff, the state, tribes, counties, and others to discuss proposing an NPL listing as early as February 2024.
At an Eastern Washington Council of Governments (EWCOG) meeting on September 29th, county commissioners representing Stevens, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Grant, Asotin, Columbia, Adams, Garfield, and Whitman counties expressed skepticism, frustration and concern with EPA considering a proposed NPL listing at this time.
Why Now?
EPA originally considered an NPL listing in the early 2000s. Instead, EPA entered into a 2006 settlement agreement with Teck American (Teck) that assured funding and completion of a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). An RI/FS is foundational to all superfund listings by defining the nature and extent of contamination, identifying possible human and ecological risks, and (as needed) developing a cleanup strategy. Click here to see enlarged graphic.
As the agreement to fund and conduct the RI/FS reaches its 15th anniversary, it’s still not complete. Commissioners wanted to know why considering a proposed listing would occur before completion of the RI/FS.
EPA essentially had two responses. First, enough investigation is complete to establish human health risks due to the presence of lead in Uplands soil. For a proposed NPL listing, that’s enough to list the entire study area, including the Columbia River from Grand Coulee Dam to the international border.
Second, EPA believes a listing will open-up potential funding. Said EPA’s Region 10 Remedial Cleanup Branch Chief Kira Lynch, “Coming to you today about listing the site is so that we can have more tools in our toolbox and be able to access the federal resources that become available to us once we have a site listed.” Future federal funding possibilities, however, were not identified.
Said Stevens County Commissioner Wes McCart, “If you are just looking for money and tools to do this, I think there are alternatives to that that would take the Superfund piece out of this and get the cleanup needed [in the Uplands] right away.”
Boundaries
A proposed listing has no firm site boundaries. Per EPA’s presentation, “Site boundaries are not determined until all investigative work has been completed and there is a full understanding of where contamination is and the risk it poses to human health and the environment.”
The commissioners repeatedly expressed their frustration that the economies and infrastructure of the entire 150-mile Columbia River reach would suffer the stigmatism and losses of an NPL listing without first determining there is risk. “Avoiding that,” said McCart, “was the whole reason the 2006 agreement was reached in the first place.”
Adding to their frustration was considering an NPL listing on the heels of the 2020 Human Health Risk Assessment that provided positive news related to fish, beaches, and surface water for the 150-mile river reach. (Click here for the Forum published Public Guide summarizing human health findings). Regarding aquatic (river) ecological risks, Lynch said “We can’t answer your question right now, but I can tell you we’re very close to getting to that place.”
Everything Relates to Everything
Beyond general economic considerations (development, recreation, property values, etc.), commissioners were deeply concerned about the impact and relationship of a listing on other priorities and initiatives. Such relationships, noted the commissioners, included irrigation of 670,000 acres of agricultural land supported by the Upper Columbia River; the $200 million area tribes are slated to receive over the next twenty years to support salmon reintroduction; and possible effects to the aquatic (river) ecological risk assessment if flows significantly change due to outcomes of Columbia River Treaty (CRT) negotiations.
EPA said it is working with the Bureau of Reclamation to support assurances water quality used for irrigation is not a concern; that previous fish studies do not indicate a concern for salmon reintroduction efforts; and that they would follow-up on CRT concerns.
Human Exposure to Lead in Soil
"EPA's goal," per their PowerPoint, "is to limit Pb [lead] risk to no more than 5% of the population.” Depending on soil screening levels EPA is in the process of updating and soil sampling to date, this could result in 194 to 385 developed properties being eligible for cleanup and 71 to 115 undeveloped properties with sampling areas that exceed screening levels.
EPA acknowledged, however, that completion of the RI/FS and Record of Decision would be needed before eligible properties would be considered, prioritized and funding identified for cleanup. The exception to this rule is time critical removal actions for properties EPA identifies as eminent human health risks. Dating back to 2004, over 75 public and private properties in Northport and the surrounding area have benefited from soil cleanup because of EPA time-critical removal actions and voluntary agreements with Teck.
An NPL listing, however, is not directly linked to identifying properties for time critical removal action and receiving cleanup funds. EPA Region 10’s nuanced position is that an NPL listing improves their ability to compete for future funds to cleanup properties.
Regardless of an NPL listing, a ninth circuit court decision has determined Teck is not liable for soil cleanup in the Uplands resulting from aerial deposition. Previous cleanup by Teck in the Uplands was voluntary, as would any future cleanup support.
Next Steps
EPA repeatedly stated a final decision on whether to propose a listing has not occurred, nor is there a firm timeline for making the decision. Additional staff, however, have been secured to support improved community outreach. As a result, EPA expects to have more meetings with community groups, town/city councils and other local entities.
Regardless of whether an NPL listing is proposed, EPA said the RI/FS investigation will continue and the 2006 agreement with Teck remains in place.
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Lake Roosevelt Water FestivalHeld September 19th and 20th, over 440 3rd – 5th grade students from 11 schools gathered at the Kettle Falls Swim Beach area and Sherman Creek Hatchery to participate in this fall’s Festival. View pictures
Students and teachers were greeted by area agencies, tribes and other natural resource managers manning 15 interactive learning stations. As students rotated through, their knowledge of Lake Roosevelt and the watershed grew.
Said one teacher, “Thank you for another wonderful Lake Roosevelt Water Festival! The students really enjoyed their experience, and I overheard a few students say, 'This is the best field trip I've ever been on!'”
A big thank you to Forum partners and volunteers for making this happen: Avista, Colville Confederated Tribes, Colville High School, Ferry Conservation District, National Park Service, National Weather Service Spokane, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Stevens Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Fish FestSaturday, September 9th brought out over 500 adults and kids to participate in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area’s (LRNRA) first Fish Fest at Spring Canyon. View pictures
175 free fishing poles were passed out for people to try angling. In addition, 11 agencies and non-profits hosted information tables to help people learn more about how to catch fish and what it takes to safely play on the lake and protect its resources. And no one left hungry, with the Lions Club stepping in to cook and provide hot dogs at no charge.
While fishing in shallow water on a hot day resulted in only a lucky few catching fish, it didn’t deter enthusiasm and fun.
Emilee Franklin, a LRNRA education specialist that organized the event, was thrilled with the turnout, commenting she hopes this will become an annual event.
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For 60 years, the Columbia River Treaty has enabled the United States and Canada to cooperatively adjust reservoir space in both countries to control river flows, providing flood control, hydropower, and other downstream benefits. Unless negotiations to modernize the treaty are successful, on September 16, 2024 river operations will change to “called-upon" and thus increase the uncertainty of river flows.
Four virtual public information sessions in September and October hosted by the Army Corps and Bureau of Reclamation will be used to start informing the public about potential changes.
Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, Sept. 27: 12-1 p.m. PST and 5-6 p.m. PST
- Tuesday, Oct. 10: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST and 5-6 p.m. PST
Access:
Link: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/edward.t.conning
Call: 1-844-800-2712 (US) (Call-in toll-free number)
Code: 1998 73 5911#
Click here for full Corps news release.
The next negotiating session for modernization of the Columbia River Treaty regime is October 12-13, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.
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The U.S. Department of Interior announced a historic agreement to support reintroduction of salmon populations in the Upper Columbia River Basin. Click here for the news release.
Key features include:
- Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will provide $200 million over 20 years to advance the tribally led Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP).
- The Bureau of Reclamation will provide the Upper Columbia Tribes (UCUTs) $8 million over the next two years to support P2IP, including funding from their new WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program.
- The tribes will pause existing litigation for twenty years.
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Click here for the draft Engineering Design Report to cleanup smelter-related metals contamination at Northport’s waterfront area next to the Town Park. The Washington Department of Ecology is directing cleanup efforts and invites comments on the draft report by October 5th.
The draft engineering report includes specifications such as removal and placement of materials and public access improvements. Click here for public notice with email and postal mail options to comment.
After completion of the comment period, a bidding process is expected with the intent for construction to occur in 2024. Click here for Ecology’s Northport Waterfront cleanup web page.
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Thank you to the 40 plus people who joined the Forum for our 2023 Upper Columbia Bus Tour.
Great presentations given on fisheries, water quality, environmental cleanup, culture, recreation and more. Said one participant, “Thank you. I always learn so much and meet new people.”
Any day the Forum engages our community in dialog about our environment, economies and building a path forward together is a good day. Thank you to the participants and presenters for providing a good day.
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As reported in the Winter 2023 newsletter, EPA divided the Upper Columbia River Site into multiple operable units (OUs) for completion of the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). The RI/FS began in 2006 as part of a Settlement Agreement between Teck American Incorporated (TAI) and EPA. The RI will determine whether and where there may be unacceptable risks to people or the environment due to legacy smelting operations. The FS will identify various remedial alternatives to address unacceptable risks documented by the RI risk assessment process.
TAI submitted two major RI/FS documents for the OU 3 Upland portion of the UCR Site in 2021. The 2021 documents included the draft Upland Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA) and the draft Upland Remedial Investigation (RI) Report. EPA provided comments to both documents, including the draft final version of the Upland BERA received in February 2023. In May 2023, EPA disapproved TAI’s draft/final Upland BERA. By taking this action, EPA assumed responsibility for revising and finalizing the Upland BERA as allowed for by the 2006 Settlement Agreement. EPA is working with TAI to ensure that the upcoming draft final version of the Upland RI will address EPA’s major comments.
TAI is currently preparing BERA and RI reports for the two aquatic OUs at the UCR Site. OU 1 primarily consists of the upper, river-dominated, section of the Site north of Kettle Falls; OU 2 consists of the lower, reservoir-dominated (Lake Roosevelt) section of the Site extending down to Grand Coulee Dam. The draft Aquatic BERA will evaluate risks to plants, fish and other wildlife living in and near the water at OUs 1 and 2. TAI will submit the draft Aquatic BERA document to EPA later in 2023.
Also, EPA has started an investigation to evaluate potential risks to plants and wildlife in upland lakes and wetlands located in the northern part of the Site. The investigation is a follow-up to earlier lake studies, including those conducted by Ecology in 2010 and 2012. These prior studies identified elevated metal concentrations in selected lake and wetland-area sediments. EPA will collect the necessary environmental samples and present study results as supplements to the Upland BERA and RI reports. The schedule for the upland lakes and wetlands study will be set later in 2023.
TAI is developing a work plan for a sediment transport study in consultation with EPA. The purpose of the study is to predict how contaminated sediment moves and/or is buried in the UCR over time. How sediment moves in the river is important in understanding the nature of and how widespread the contamination is, and how to clean it up. The sediment transport study is primarily an evaluation of existing data and is not expected to include field sampling or data collection efforts. EPA must first approve the work plan before it can set a schedule for the study.
For details about RI/FS progress over the years, visit lrf.org/publicguides and the lrf.org/lake-roosevelt/news.
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The Midnite Mine Superfund site is a 350-acre, inactive uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation. A legacy of the Cold War, uranium mining from 1954 to 1981 left more than 33 million tons of waste rock, unprocessed ore and low-grade ore (also known as protore) laced with contaminants. Contaminants include radionuclides and heavy metals resulting from mining, transport activities and related operations.
EPA reported “great progress” for the 2022 cleanup season. This included:
- “Removal of over 1.3 million cubic yards of waste rock
- Completed crushing and screening aggregate rock for Pit 3 and the cover for Pit 4
- Completed the cleanup design for the South Pond
- Treated 42.1 million gallons of water
- Started construction on the new water treatment plant”
In April, EPA hosted an in-person and virtual community information meeting. Topics covered included:
- Scheduled 2023 activities, including construction of the new water treatment plant and the effluent pipeline connection to the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt; completing backfill of Pit 4 and regrading to its final configuration; and dewatering then replacing a leaky liner serving the South Pond.
- The third Five-Year Review of the Midnite Mine cleanup, which will begin in June. EPA stated the purpose “… is to make sure the selected cleanup actions effectively protect people’s health and the environment.”
- Completion of the Midnite Mine Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan, which expresses how EPA and the Spokane Tribe will inform and engage with the local community.
Slides and video of the April meeting as well as other Midnite Mine resources can be found on EPA’s website at https://tinyurl.com/yradn2d8.
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The Upper Columbia Valley covers about 100 square miles east and west of the Columbia River and extends from the U.S.-Canada border to China Bend (about 20 river miles). From the sounds of the Columbia to the stillness of forested areas and pasture lands, a rich array of plants and wildlife abound. Nature calls to visitors and residents alike.
The area also has a history of mining and processing metals. EPA’s Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) has been addressing contaminants in the Columbia River and Valley uplands for almost two decades. EPA has identified the Trail Smelter as the primary source of legacy contaminants.
A Washington Department of Ecology grant to the Forum was used to help educate children to play it safe around legacy contaminants, particularly lead in soil. The resulting read-along coloring book and activity book are now available to teachers, agencies and community events.
“This is an amazing place to live and recreate,” said Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau. “Our outreach is a way to help kids and families increase awareness and stay healthy.”
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National Park Service
Fish cleaning stations will remain closed until further notice due to accumulated oil from fish clogging septic systems.
A self-certification form is required to protect against quagga/zebra mussels. Visit bit.ly/3Ruc63j to download the form, complete and place in the windshield of your launch vehicle where it can be easily seen. Boats must be clean, drained and dry.
Campgrounds are reservation only. Check availability and book at recreation.gov. Go to nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit for complete recreation area information and resources.
Visit the Forum’s Lake Roosevelt recreational map and guide at lrf.org/recreation/lake-guide for fishing, camping, concessions, regulations, lake levels and more.
Bureau of Reclamation
The Grand Coulee Dam laser light show and public tours of the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant began May 26. Visit usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/visit/ for additional information.
Lake Levels. Visit www.lrf.org/recreation/boatlaunch- lake-levels to check daily lake levels and the availability of boat launches. Visit usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/lakelevel/ to learn more about when and why lake levels fluctuate.
Spokane Tribe of Indians
The tribe continues to engage in a mediation process to resolve challenges to the Columbia River System Operation 2020 Environmental Impact Statement and Biological Opinions for salmon and steelhead. Pending success or failure of mediation, a stay in litigation extends to August 31, 2023. The tribe contends federal agencies are failing to provide appropriate mitigation for the on-going impacts of salmon, steelhead, and lamprey being cut-off from the Columbia River above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams.
U.S. State Department
A Columbia River Treaty listening session was held April 19th. Both the U.S. and Canada remain committed to the goal of modernizing the treaty before a change to “called-upon” flood control provisions take effect in September 2024. Negotiators also met May 16-17 in Kelowna, British Columbia for the 17th round of negotiations toward a modernized Columbia River Treaty.
If the treaty is not modernized, current provisions and an annually calculated cost to compensate Canada to assure flood control benefits would stop. A change to called-upon means the U.S. would request and compensate Canada for flood control operations as necessary. The economic, operational, and ecological uncertainties of such a switch are well documented.
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144 students took Discovery Days field trips to explore the ecological and cultural wonders of Lake Roosevelt. Thank you to the tribal, agency and private sector natural resource experts for volunteering their time to lead students through hands-on, minds-on activities.
Over 250 4th grade students took a step back in time with the National Park Service, Friends of Spokane House and Kettle Falls Historical Center to learn about the Fur Trade and what life looked like in this area more than 150 years ago! Activities included Sign Talk, Women of the Fur Trade, Primitive Bow and Arrow, Life of a Free Trapper, Fur Trade Items, Local Fur Trade History and more!
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Karen Trebitz and Al Mallette
Trail Wildlife Association
The Columbia River flows unobstructed for 57 km (35 miles), from Hugh Llewellyn Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar, BC into Lake Roosevelt in the U.S., making this the longest free flowing reach of the Columbia River north of Hanford reach. In British Columbia we call this West Kootenay section the “lower” Columbia River. In Washington State, the same reach is called the “upper” Columbia River. Fish swim freely across our borders.
The West Kootenay reach of the Columbia River has limited access to spawning streams. Its two largest tributaries, the Pend d’Oreille River (Waneta Dam) and the Kootenay River (Brilliant Dam), are bounded by dams without fish structures. Furthermore, many streams in the area flow through highway culverts that make fish passage impossible. Human intervention is needed to increase spawning opportunities for fish, including trout and salmon.
The Murphy Creek spawning channel (MCSC) is a local success story. It’s an important collaborative partnership of the Trail Wildlife Association (TWA), the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), landowner Teck Metals Ltd. (Teck), and the adjacent Birchbank Golf Course.
Murphy Creek is known to have excellent trout spawning habitat with one big problem: an impassible highway culvert. Dating back to 1987, TWA had uneven success capturing spawning trout, transporting them over the highway and releasing them on the upstream side. The TWA began building the first 100 meters of a spawning channel system in 1990 and expanded it to 225 meters in 1994, for a total of 27 spawning pools plus a sediment-settling pond. The MCSC system runs parallel to Murphy creek, and is fed by two crank-controlled intake pipes.
The TWA partnered with the ONA in 2016 to jointly manage the MCSC. In 2021 the Murphy Creek project was added to the FWCP’s “Core Funding” model, meaning that basic annual operational costs are now secure. Because of this funding, the team was able to upgrade the barrier walls from the pool system and around the intakes, and replace one of the intake pipes.
Monitoring with ONA installed PIT tags combined with visual spawning counts by volunteers shows an increasing number of spawning trout. Learn more at http://www.trailwildlife.com/projects/murphy-creek.
Like our American friends, this is one of many projects needed to address barriers such as culverts and habitat restoration. Reintroduction of salmon makes these efforts that much more important. By May 2022, the ONA had already confirmed three chinook catches from anglers on the mainstem Columbia River, from Arrow Lakes, just above Hugh Keenleyside Dam, to the mouth of the Pend d’Oreille River.
International border or not, it’s “one river.” Our fish visit you and vice versa. Here’s a toast to hoping cross-border fishery partnerships get stronger and stronger over time.
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In 2015, the Upper Columbia United Tribes began actively exploring reintroduction of salmon above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. Many considered it to be a fanciful albeit romantic effort with minimal chance of success. It’s now a mainstream initiative that’s gaining momentum by the day.
The Forum checked in with Conor Giorgi (Anadromous Program Manager for the Spokane Tribe of Indians) and Casey Baldwin (Research Scientist for the Colville Tribes) for some quick updates and a little history lesson.
Did Grand Coulee Dam ever have a fish ladder?
Yes. From 1937 to 1939 logs impounded pools of water to create water-filled staircases. Then Washington Department of Fisheries started trapping and hauling salmon around Grand Coulee and releasing them as far north as the Canadian border. Sadly, that all ended when dam construction was completed. Tribes from throughout the Northwest gathered at Kettle Falls for a three-day “Ceremony of Tears” to mourn the loss.
Why are you optimistic you can bring them back?
Our Phase 1 studies (2015 – 2019) show the tremendous opportunity our region poses for salmon. There are non-ESA list species (primarily summer Chinook and sockeye) that are well suited for the river system as it is today. There is plenty of habitat for spawning, and fish passage technologies exist to get fish safely around Grand Coulee and Chief Joe.
And it’s not just us saying it. Our works have been peer reviewed by independent science review panels. But really, it’s the fish that have us optimistic. We’ve seen shocking success with the juveniles and adults we’ve released to the blocked area. Especially the fish that have returned from the Pacific. They’re the ones who give us the most optimism and hope.
So how are you planning on getting adults back?
We’ll start with trap and haul from Chief Joseph, like the old days. At the same time, we’re partnering with fish passage experts to evaluate our data and see which options will work best; looking at everything from ladders to elevator lifts to pneumatic tubes to push them over.
And going downstream?
Initially, spill over the dams and travel through the turbines. In 2022 we started a major outmigration study to see how juveniles do with survival and a number of other key variables. Like upstream passage, we’ll research and develop alternatives to see which will work best.
There have been some high profile cultural and educational releases for juveniles and adults. Anything else in the works?
Big time. We’re now in the process of developing interim hatchery facilities to produce over 150 thousand Chinook and 50,000 Sockeye annually to help with our feasibility studies. We’ll also be using net pens and land-based acclimation to grow and release them locally. We’ll study these fish again once they return to the Basin as adults.
How’s this getting funded?
We pegged the cost of Phase 2 implementation at about $350 million over 21 years. Most of that is research, infrastructure development, and operations. We’ve estimated $50 million in federal participation and environmental compliance/permitting over the 21-year plan too. In the last two years, over $16 million has been raised or pledged to the Upper Columbia Tribes through state and federal appropriations and competitive grants from agencies. And you can add to that in-kind support from agencies and others.
We’re on our way and we’re not looking back.
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Year after year, Lake Roosevelt continues to provide extraordinary and diverse angling opportunities that attract enthusiasts from near and far. Thousands of hours of angling time are happily spent catching up to 200,000 fish annually. rainbow trout, kokanee, white sturgeon, walleye and smallmouth bass are the most targeted species.
And the fight to suppress northern pike, a voracious predator that devastates other fish populations, provides additional angling opportunities.
Co-managers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Colville Confederated Tribes summarized highlights for our readers. Annually, they invest over $9 million dollars to develop and maintain the fishery.
Rainbow Trout and Net Pens
Over 544,000 rainbow trout were released into Lake Roosevelt in May. They ranged from 7 to 13 inches in length and 1 to 7 fish to the pound. Many will grow to about 18 inches by September and are often available in the system for at least 2 angling seasons. The long-term goal is to release up to 750,000 annually.
All rainbows released are triploids, meaning they are sterile and will not interbreed with wild trout. In addition, their adipose fin is clipped. Wild fish with an intact adipose fin should be released to assure only keeping hatchery fish on Lake Roosevelt.
The goal is for a 5% annual return to creel, the estimated amount caught by anglers based on survey data collected by co-managers. The return to creel goal has not been met since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, a streak that managers want to break in 2023.
Supporting this effort are the WDFW Sherman Creek and Ford Hatcheries, the Spokane Tribal Hatchery and 63 net pens located between Keller Ferry and Kettle Falls. Over 40 volunteers support maintenance of net pens and feeding needs from October through their release in May.
In 2023, there were white, green, blue, and orange research tags deployed in rainbow trout raised in Lake Roosevelt net pens. The information will be used to inform catch and angler return to supplement the annual creel survey on Lake Roosevelt.
Spokane Arm Rainbow Trout Supplemental Release
The Spokane Tribal Hatchery annually supplements traditional net pen releases of rainbow trout by releasing fish in the Spokane Arm to add fishing opportunities in a part of the reservoir where net pens are not operated. This year, 13,000 trout averaging 2.5 lbs. each and 30,000 trout averaging 1 lb. each will be sequentially released from April through mid-June.
Walleye
Since 2002, the co-managers have conducted Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) to monitor the walleye population. Monitoring enables managers to track the abundance, age, growth, condition, sex ratio, and age at maturity.
WDFW reports that the walleye fishery has remained stable and resilient over time. Abundance (and therefore availability) has taken a dip in recent years. Due to the strong 2018 and previous year classes that are still in the system, however, larger walleye (16 to 22”) are particularly available. In addition, managers found a large year class of age-1 fish in 2022 that will show up in 2024 as a nice 14-16” fish.
White Sturgeon
Since 2017, a white sturgeon fishery has been open thanks to surplus fish from U.S. and Canadian hatchery programs put in place in the early 2000s to help stem a decades-long population decline.
For 2023, the angling season is moving to September 16 – November 30th. Cooler water temperatures during these months are expected to result in less stress on wild sturgeon caught incidentally by anglers targeting harvestable fish. The size of sturgeon that can be retained is now 53 – 63 inches (fork length). Lastly, the entire expanse from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border will be open. Other regulations generally remain the same.
Looking forward, managers expect to maintain a harvest opportunity for the next few years. In order to protect weak 2011 to 2016 year-class releases, a period of catch and release only is expected to begin sometime around 2029.
Go to tinyurl.com/3m3wsb4d for a 15-minute WDFW Lake Roosevelt White Sturgeon fishing presentation. Background on the effort to rebuild the sturgeon population, the need to alter the fishing season, 2023 regulations, and future expectations are provided.
Northern Pike
This non-native invasive species is a voracious predator that devastates other fish populations. In addition to threatening trout and other Lake Roosevelt fisheries, they can potentially move down the Columbia River to threaten salmon, steelhead and other fisheries.
Suppression efforts, which include multiple strategies from gillnetting to offering rewards for their capture, continue to show promising results. The number of fish caught per net was down from 4.37 in 2017 to 0.38 in 2022. In 2022, we started to capture more pike in the Gifford and Hunters area, indicating they are moving downstream slowly. Fishery managers plan to spend more time suppressing in this area in 2023.
From April through November, WDFW, Colville Confederated Tribes and Spokane Tribe of Indians used gillnetting to suppress northern pike before spawning in nearshore shallows. Said Holly McLellan with the Colville Tribes, “Gillnetting is the most effective capture method for pike. We release all non-target fish alive and keep the pike. We target pike habitat, which is shallow weedy areas. This helps keeps our bycatch low.
The Colville Tribes encourage anglers to participate in the $10 Pike Reward Program to help us protect the Lake Roosevelt fishery. Visit www.cct-fnw.com/northern-pike to learn more about the northern pike reward program.
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Help Lake Roosevelt Fishery Managers! Report 2023 Research Tags
Research tags deployed in rainbow trout have a phone number to report your catch. Please be prepared to provide information such as angler name, phone number, date of capture, color of tag and tag number, approximate location (please use well known landmarks or public boat ramps), whether the fish was harvested, and if you were angling from a boat or shore. You can ask managers additional questions through the tag return line at 509-919-3319. Thank you for participating in this study!
Tags can be physically returned to Lake Roosevelt Fish Tag Study, 1100 S Garfield Rd, Bldg A, Airway Heights, WA 99001
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From Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area News Release
Click here for complete news release.
Now that recreation season has officially begun, we wanted to remind everyone about some basic guidelines to help everyone enjoy their visit.
Camping and Reservations
If you are coming to camp, start your trip off right. Check for available campsites on Recreation.gov before you leave home. All 27 of our car-accessible campgrounds are only available through reservations. With spotty cell service throughout the lake, the best way to guarantee you have a campsite is to make your reservation before you leave home. Weekends are our busiest time during the summer, and we are usually full every summer holiday weekend. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
During your stay at Lake Roosevelt, please be courteous to the other campers. Don’t walk through anyone else’s campsite and keep noise and music low. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am every night. We don’t have electricity hook-ups and generators are not allowed overnight. If you require a generator during the night, there are several private campgrounds around the park that provide electricity hook-ups.
Boating and Launch Permits
If you are coming to boat, weekly boat launch permits, good for seven consecutive days, are available at Pay.gov. Boaters can purchase their permits before they leave in the morning or with their cell phone wherever cell service is available. You’ll need the Pay.gov transaction number for the blue launching permit receipt. Fill out the blue receipt and place it on the dashboard of your tow vehicle with the bright pink mussel-free self-certification form.
Annual boat launch permits can also be purchased through Pay.gov but can take up to two weeks to receive. Boaters can purchase annual boat launch permits in-person at five locations (Fees & Passes - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)) surrounding the park. These permits are good for one calendar year.
Make space for others. Launch as quickly as you can by making sure to load your boat before you launch. Launch and courtesy docks have a 30-minute maximum. If the boat ramp is busy, make sure everyone is ready to go as soon as the boat is launched.
Mussel-free Self-certification Form and Aquatic Invasive Species
Don’t forget to fill out your bright pink mussel-free self-certificationform located in every boat launch bulletin board. After following the flowchart and completing the form, place it in the windshield of your launch vehicle where it can be easily seen. If you only boat within Washington State, you will only need to complete the form once per season. If you launch your boat outside of Washington State, you will need to complete the form before you launch at Lake Roosevelt again. Watercraft coming from outside of Washington should be cleaned, drained, and fully dried (dry time may be up to 30 days) or have valid proof of inspection within the last 30 days, before launching in Lake Roosevelt. It is important to remove all dirt, plants and water from boats, trailers, and other water gear prior to launching every time.
Aquatic invasive species are easily transported between bodies of water by boats, inflatable kayaks and float toys, fishing waders and tubes, trailers, and any other water gear. Currently, freshwater lakes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho are free of invasive mussels. An invasive mussel species native to Ukraine and Russia, quagga/zebra mussels quickly cover most hard surfaces and can clog boat motor intake systems, water intake structures, recreational beaches, agricultural irrigation systems and hydroelectric power plant operations. These small mussels can survive out of the water for up to two weeks and the microscopic larvae can be transported in bilges, ballast water, live wells or other equipment that holds water. Researchers within the Pacific Northwest Economic Region estimate that the economic impact of a mussel infestation would cost the Pacific Northwest $500 million annually.
Fish Cleaning and Disposal
If you are coming to fish, as a reminder, Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.14(a)(7) prohibits disposing of fish remains on land or in waters within 200 feet of boat docks or swimming beaches, or within developed areas. The exception to this rule is at established fish cleaning stations attached to specific docks throughout the park.
Please either clean your fish according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recommendations on your boat and drop the remains overboard in deep water or clean your fish at home. When cleaning your fish, please dispose of the remains in the water. Do not drop them on the docks or shoreline. If you are camping, use one of the cleaning stations on the dock and drop the remains into the lake or store them and use them for bait the next time you go fishing.
Leaving fish remains on the docks and shoreline creates a safety issue for other visitors. In addition to making docks slippery, remains will attract wildlife such as wasps, coyotes, cougars, and bears. If wildlife, especially coyotes, cougars, and/or bears begin visiting a campground or day-use area on a regular basis, we will have to close that area until the animal is trapped and relocated.
The White Sturgeon fishing season has shifted to September 16 – November 30th. During the sturgeon season WDFW regulations require anglers bring the whole sturgeon to shore prior to cleaning to allow checks for compliance within the slot size limit rule.
Safety and Fireworks
Check life jackets before you leave home to make sure that there is one for every person and that they properly fit and are in good shape. Most importantly, wear your life jackets. If you run into trouble, there will not be time to put it on properly.
Finally, please remember that fireworks are never allowed at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. If you see someone setting off fireworks anywhere along the lake, please report it through the appropriate non-emergency number. If you are in the southern portion of the lake call Lincoln County Sheriff’s office at (509) 725-3501. In the northern part of the lake call the Steven’s County Sheriff’s office at (509) 684-5296.
For more information, visit Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
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Bureau of Reclamation News Release: May 9, 2023
GRAND COULEE, Wash. – High river velocities and low reservoir levels at Lake Roosevelt have resulted in a failed log boom at the mouth of Kettle River, approximately 105 miles upstream of Grand Coulee Dam. The pressure of the water flow and accumulated debris pushing against the log booms caused a break in two places. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising people boating on Kettle River and Lake Roosevelt to exercise caution because of debris floating into the reservoir from the failure. The public will see more debris in the river and reservoir than normal.
Reclamation will safely repair the log boom when river velocities lower and the lake elevation levels rise—this may take several weeks. Currently, the river velocities are too high to safely attempt to repair the log boom. These current conditions and debris exposures could remain a concern and safety consideration until the lake has approached full pool.
Lake Roosevelt is part of the Columbia Basin Project. The project serves about 671,000 acres in east-central Washington.
Contact: Erika Lopez, ealopez@usbr.gov, 208-378-5101
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Based on National Park Service News Release
Date: May 13th
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Kettle Falls Historical Center, 1188 St. Paul Mission Rd.
Cost: Free
The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Friends of Spokane House, and Kettle Falls Historical Center are hosting the Fur Trade Festival. Open to all ages, you can take a step back in time to learn about the Fur Trade and what life looked like in this area more than 150 years ago! Activities include Sign Talk, Women of the Fur Trade, Primitive Bow and Arrow, Life of a Free Trapper, Fur Trade Items, Local Fur Trade History and more!
The event will take place outside because The Kettle Falls Historical Center building is closed due to extensive water damage.
Additional information may be found on the Lake Roosevelt NPS Facebook page or Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area website under events at www.nps.gov/laro.
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On April 19th, the U.S. State Department hosted a Columbia River Treaty Listening Session. Click here for prepared remarks by U.S. State Department chief negotiator Jill Smail.
Both the U.S. and Canada remain committed to the goal of modernizing the treaty before a change to “called-upon” flood control provisions take effect in September 2024.
If the treaty is not modernized, current provisions and an annually calculated cost to compensate Canada to assure flood control benefits would stop. A change to called-upon means the U.S. would request and compensate Canada for flood control operations as necessary. The economic, operational, and ecological uncertainties of such a switch are well documented.
Negotiators are currently pursuing an agreement in principle that would enable treaty modernization to begin implementation by September, 2024. Said Smail, “Resolving the remaining sticking points by June is ambitious, but the United States believes it is achievable. We have made significant progress. Although we still have tough issues to work through, we believe the uncertainty facing both countries in 2024 will continue to motivate both countries’ teams to reach timely agreement.”
The listening session accommodated 3 minutes of remarks from 25 speakers, which reports say is far fewer than those who had signed up for the one-and-a-half-hour session. Remarks continue to mirror tensions inherent in desires for a modernized treaty to accommodate ecosystem issues, rebalance the Canadian Entitlement (compensation), and continue to support predictable flood risk management.
Specific to Lake Roosevelt, Smail commented that “We are also working with the Tribes as they continue to work on the Upper Columbia United Tribes Phase 2 Implementation Plan, exploring where there may be opportunities for transboundary collaboration on salmon reintroduction in blocked areas on the mainstem of the Columbia.”
Learn more at the U.S. State Department Columbia River Treaty website.
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Date: April 19th
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: On-line Webinar
Virtual Registration: Click here
The Department of State, joined by the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will hold a virtual listening session to engage the public about treaty regime modernization.
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Date: Thursday, April 13
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location:
- In-person: Bruce Wynne Room, Administration Building, 6195 Ford-Wellpinit Road, Wellpinit, WA 99040
- Zoom Virtual Option: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1615407765
Agenda:
- Midnite Mine Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan
- Updates to the cleanup approach
- Upcoming Five-Year Review of the cleanup
- Upcoming effluent pipeline construction and other work this construction cleanup season
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Click here for 15-minute WDFW Lake Roosevelt White Sturgeon fishing presentation. Background on the effort to rebuild the sturgeon population, the need to alter the fishing season, and 2023 regulations are provided.
For 2023, the white sturgeon fishing season will be from September 16 – November 30, and open from Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border. Most other regulations, including fork length, will remain the same.
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From Lake Roosevelt National Area Recreation News Release
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is now accepting high school student applications for the 2023 summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program. Participants will get paid to work, learn, and gain leadership skills. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to make a difference.
Up to nine total YCC enrollees will be recruited for positions at Spring Canyon, Fort Spokane, and Kettle Falls.
Click here for National Park Service web site that includes application. Applications must be received at the Coulee Dam Office by Friday, May 5, 2023. Send to National Park Service – YCC, 1008 Crest Drive, Coulee Dam, WA 99116, or email completed applications to brandi_hansen@nps.gov
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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host two public meetings in late March to inform anglers of planned changes to future (including 2023) white sturgeon fishing seasons on Lake Roosevelt in northeast Washington.
Since 2018, the Lake Roosevelt sturgeon fishery has opened in mid-June and closed at the end of September. In 2023, it will transition to a fall fishery to take advantage of cooler water temperatures which reduce stress on wild adult sturgeon caught by anglers.
The two meetings on the changes to the Lake Roosevelt sturgeon fishing season will be:
* Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at WDFW Region 1 headquarters, 2315 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, and
* Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Ag Trade Center, located at the Colville Fairgrounds, 317 W. Astor Ave., Colville
Click here for full WDFW news release
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Soil in the upper Columbia River valley of Stevens County, Washington, may contain unnaturally high levels of metals, including lead and arsenic. Concentrations depend on many factors, including land-use history and soil disturbances such as landscaping and grading. Click here to learn more.
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History shows that snowpack and precipitation destined for Lake Roosevelt can change quickly as winter turns to spring and Lake Roosevelt is managed for downstream flood control. In turn, spring lake levels can vary dramatically. For a weekly forecast, visit www.usbr.gov/pn/ grandcoulee/lakelevel/
This year, however, a little more certainty is available. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reports that drum gate maintenance is necessary at Grand Coulee Dam because two drum gate seals are leaking. As a result, says the Bureau, “This will require Grand Coulee Dam to be drafted below elevation 1255 feet by mid-March and could last approximately six weeks depending on the damage to the seals.”
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An August 2022 order extended a litigation stay through August 31, 2023, to resolve challenges to the Columbia River System Operations 2020 Environmental Impact Statement and Biological Opinions for salmon and steelhead. The Spokane Tribe of Indians and Coeur d’Alene Tribe became parties to the litigation in 2021 because operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System continues to cut off salmon, steelhead, and lamprey access to the upper Columbia River above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams, and fails to provide appropriate mitigation for the ongoing impacts caused by the operation and maintenance of these facilities.
The motion notes that as part of the stay “… the United States committed to developing strategies through inclusive regional collaborative processes that restore native fish and their affected habitats, honor the United States’ commitments to Tribal Nations, deliver affordable clean power, and satisfy other interests served by the Columbia River System projects.” The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was engaged to support this effort. Every 90 days, parties to the motion provide the court a progress report.
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EPA’s Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program announced awards totaling approximately $6.9 million across 25 projects to reduce toxics in fish and water throughout the Basin. Awards were based on a competitive, grant selection process.
The Spokane Tribe of Indians and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT) were each selected to receive awards for Upper Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt activities. In addition, The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation will continue an initiative to track the status and trends of toxics in fish, water, sediments, and invertebrates in the Columbia River mainstem from Bonneville Dam to the Canadian border. And the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho received an award to monitor contaminant trends, transport, uptake, and transfer through the Kootenai River Ecosystem.
Pending EPA completing a final award agreement with each tribe, grant activities will begin in 2023. Below is a summary of STOI and CCT Lake Roosevelt awards:
Upper Columbia Basin Contaminant Status, Movement, and Remedial Pilot Study
Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation
Projected EPA Grant Amount: $262,500
Description: The Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation will build on other work in the Upper Columbia Basin, including sampling conducted under EPA’s Upper Columbia River Remedial Investigation and Washington Department of Ecology’s recent 2019 biofilm study. This project will complement the recently funded Columbia River Mainstem Fish Tissue and Water Quality Monitoring Framework study led by the Yakama Nation. The proposed project will monitor a suite of contaminants of concern (COCs) across four media: surface water, bottom sediments, suspended sediments, and biofilm. The primary goals of the study are to: 1) identify areas where contaminant concentrations are elevated or exceed water quality and sediment quality standards set by the Spokane Tribe and EPA, 2) evaluate movement of contaminants transported through the river across media; 3) identify which contaminants are entering the food web via biofilm that are available to bioaccumulate up the food chain; and 4) test the feasibility of a sediment particle trap methodology that could be scaled up for large-scale restoration actions in the future.
Upper Columbia River Toxics Monitoring: Caring for Sʼnx̌ԝʼn tkԝitkԝ
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Projected EPA Grant Amount: $350,000
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will undertake planning and piloting of an innovative environmental monitoring and risk communication program that centers the needs of Tribal members while being expansive enough to have relevance for all local residents and users of the 214-mile reach of the Columbia River from the US-Canada border through Lake Roosevelt and Lake Rufus Woods to the Chief Joseph Dam. The Tribe will sample fish tissue composites, beach sediment composites, and surface water (dissolved and total analyses), with approximately 20–25 samples per medium. The specific analytes proposed are among the top EPA priorities: metals including mercury, arsenic, copper, and lead; methylmercury (fish tissue only); PCBs (congener analysis); and DDT and its metabolites. The Tribe will determine sampling locations through community engagement and working with local project partners that have diverse constituencies. The ultimate goal is to reduce uncertainty around what activities and resources are safe for Tribal members and other local residents to do and use, and to initiate a program that will track future trends in contaminant levels.
To learn more about the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, visit epa.gov/columbiariver. EPA funded 14 projects in their inaugural round of grants in 2020. Visit https://bit.ly/3wvPo1r for 2023 grant cycle opportunities.
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In May, grade 4-6 students and teachers will be taking field trips to explore the ecological, social and economic complexities of Lake Roosevelt’s watershed. At locations throughout the area, local resource specialists such as biologists and water quality experts from many different agencies will lead students through hands-on, minds-on environmental activities.
“We had to take a hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau. “I’m just delighted to say we’re back!!”
Interested in taking a class on an adventure? Contact us at info@lrf.org.
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During summer 2022, EPA released an updated, enforceable schedule and process for implementing the Upper Columbia River Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). This schedule was developed in association with Teck American Incorporated.
The RI/FS was initiated in 2006 as part of a Settlement Agreement between Teck American Incorporated (TAI) and EPA. The remedial investigation will establish the nature, extent, and possible human health and ecological risks associated with contaminants in the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt between Grand Coulee Dam and the U.S. – Canada Border, as well as contaminants in the uplands along the Columbia River valley. The feasibility study will develop, screen, and evaluate remedial actions to address the risks.
EPA divides the site into three “operable units” for RI/FS purposes. As shown on the map, Operable Unit (OU) 1 consists of the Columbia River from the Canadian Border to approximately Marcus (River Mile 708); OU 2 extends from River Mile 708 to Grand Coulee Dam. It consists of potentially contaminated uplands along the river valley. A map delineating OU 3 is not currently available.
The human health and ecological risk assessments are essential components of the RI. EPA completed the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) for the overall UCR site in 2021. Potential exposures in each operable unit were considered, and risks to some residents, workers and visitors were identified. TAI submitted draft versions of the OU 3 (upland) baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) and OU 3 RI Report in 2021. The draft final version of the OU 3 BERA is due in February 2023 and the draft final version of the OU 3 RI Report is expected in June 2023. The draft aquatic BERA for the river (OUs 1 and 2) is expected in September 2023. The draft aquatic RI Report for OUs 1 and 2 will follow completion of the aquatic BERA.
EPA’s schedule also establishes dates for the development of the FS for each OU after the RI Reports are complete. The Forum will continue to work with partners to provide outreach as RI/FS milestones are complete and information made available to the public. To learn more about the Human Health Risk Assessment and studies supporting the RI/FS, visit www.lrf.org/publicguides.
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EPA completed additional soil cleanup at 15 properties in Northport during the summer and fall of 2022. With the consent of property owners, cleanup was conducted at 14 residential properties and a common use area located at the corner of 3rd Street & Columbia Avenue. Cleanup included removing contaminated soil, typically to a depth of approximately 6 to 12 inches below ground surface at yard areas and to a depth of approximately 12 to 24 inches at garden areas, then backfilling with clean gravel and topsoil and restoration.
The cleanup work addresses a threat to people’s health from exposure to lead in their soil. This cleanup builds on previous soil cleanup work conducted in and around Northport in 2004, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
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The Washington Department of Ecology continues to make progress on cleanup of the Northport waterfront area. The site is located on the Columbia River bank and shore next to the Northport City Park and around the boat launch. As described in the Forum’s summer 2022 newsletter, elevated levels of arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc that are a risk to human health and the environment were found in soil and sediment. The newsletter also summarized the Cleanup Action Plan (CAP), including public comments.
Ecology expects the Engineering Design for the adopted CAP to be complete and ready for public review in the spring of 2023. If all goes well, site cleanup will begin in the fall of 2023.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3HBkHhK for more information.
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National Park Service
2022 - 2023 Winter Access at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Visit https://bit.ly/3kM6llB for availability of facilities and services. For instance, winter access for camping is limited to the Kettle Falls, Fort Spokane, and Spring Canyon campgrounds.
Washington Department of Ecology
Water Rights Adjudication
Working with Federal partners at the Department of Justice, U.S Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ecology is continuing to prepare for adjudication of water rights for Lake Roosevelt and its middle tributaries. The Governor’s budget for the 2023-25 biennium includes a request for $1.5 million to support this effort.
The Colville Confederated Tribes have requested a Federal Negotiating Team to assist with resolution of the paramount rights on Lake Roosevelt – those of the Spokane and Colville Confederated Tribes, along with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Visit https://bit.ly/3wuSDpX to view request.
Bureau of Reclamation
Grand Coulee Security Response Force Upgrades Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing an environmental assessment for the Grand Coulee Security Response Force Upgrades project. The purpose of the proposed project is to (1) update existing security components that have reached their expected service life or do not conform with current security requirements; (2) create an integrated, hardened, physical perimeter around security assets and facilities; (3) consolidate security department administrative operations and access control offices; and (4) upgrade and enhance the SRF training facilities.
Reclamation proposes to relocate and install new guard stations, create improved inspection areas, establish additional or improved security cameras and lighting, and replace or install security gates, fences, and intrusion detection systems. Reclamation also proposes construction of new office and training buildings, installation of utilities, and training center access road improvements.
A scoping comment period was open Aug. 15 to Aug. 29, 2022. For more information, visit https://on.doi.gov/3wuOK4p
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In the fall of 2022, the Lake Roosevelt Forum submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to EPA for the soil sampling results of 218 residential properties that were tested in 2014 and 2016. These properties are outside the town of Northport but within the Upper Columbia Valley that extends east and west of the Columbia River from the U.S.-Canada border to China Bend (about 40 miles).
“Transparency is the reason” said Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau, “The red-hot real estate market has led to historic buying and selling of properties in the area, and many of the people buying are new to the area. The Forum wants to help potential buyers see the results of soil sampling conducted with federal government oversight.”
“Also,” said Dunau “in 2023 EPA expects to update the national standards for Residential Soil Lead Guidance for Contaminated Sites. As tighter thresholds for triggering cleanup are expected, the need for transparency becomes that much greater."
EPA, however, withheld identifying each property’s soil sampling data, “… because the disclosure of this information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The United States Code cited [5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6)] bases withholding information on a need to protect “… personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”
There was nothing in the Forum request that pertained to releasing personnel or medical files. Based on a Supreme Court ruling, however, EPA interprets “similar files” to include all information that applies to a particular individual. In this case, the parcel number or physical address of property sampled.
The Forum’s FOIA request and EPA response is available at https://bit.ly/3R5BCMq
STATE LAW REQUIRES DISCLOSURE FOR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION
In December, the Washington Department of Ecology updated its Dirt Alert “Selling or Buying Land or a Home in the Upper Columbia River Valley?” The Dirt Alert is shared as an insert to this newsletter.
Said Ecology “Potential buyers have the right to know about possible hazards in their environment, and sellers are required to disclose information about their property.” Specifically, sellers of property must disclose on “Form 17” if the seller knows of any soil contamination, which includes metals and adverse materials defects. Further, Ecology states “A buyer cannot waive the right to Form 17 if the answer to any of the questions in the Environment section are 'yes'." The buyer can also ask the seller and realtor if they are aware of any soil testing for metals on or near the property.
EPA not sharing soil sampling data does not relieve property owners from the requirement to disclose potential soil contamination, and potential buyers may still request soil sampling results from the seller when purchasing. New and existing properties owners may also inquire with EPA whether their property has been tested and, if so, may request a copy of the results.
EPA STRATEGY TO REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURES AND DISPARITIES IN U.S. COMMUNITIES
In October 2022, the “EPA Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities” was released. The Forum’s Winter 2022 newsletter (https://bit.ly/3WIG4lA) reviewed the draft strategy.
A performance milestone of the strategy calls for the following: “By June 30, 2023, evaluate and revise the Residential Soil Lead Guidance for Contaminated Sites to protect communities by further reducing the potential for exposure to lead in soil.” Revisions to EPA guidance could impact the approaches taken to address contamination on residential properties within the Upper Columbia River site. In addition, EPA also is evaluating updates to Agency cleanup levels for lead-contaminated sites. The outcome from this evaluation could impact the total number of properties within the Upper Columbia River site that may be eligible for soil cleanup in the future.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently reduced the level of blood lead considered to pose a minimal risk to sensitive human populations such as young children. The CDC’s updated blood lead reference value is now 3.5 μg/dL; this blood lead value assumes a person ingests, or is exposed to, soil that has a lead concentration of approximately 50 parts per million (ppm).
To date, higher lead levels, well above 50 ppm, have been used to trigger cleanup of contaminated properties through a phased approach. For example, EPA’s latest round of time-critical removal actions completed in 2022 focused on Northport properties with soil lead concentrations above 700 ppm. Properties with soil lead at or above 700 ppm were identified by EPA as posing the greatest potential risk to public health and thus prioritized for this round of cleanup.
LOOKING FORWARD
Since 2004, soil/yard cleanup work has been conducted at 76 properties in the town of Northport and surrounding area. These residential property cleanup activities have relied on voluntary agreements and special-purpose government funds while the public awaits completion of the Upper Columbia/Lake Roosevelt Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). As discussed in the companion newsletter article “RI/FS Status Report,” progress on the RI/FS continues. However, the EPA’s Record of Decision identifying final cleanup activities for this Site is expected to be many years away. In the meantime, EPA continues to work with federal, state, tribal and local government partners to identify additional cleanup funding and resources. Additional soil/yard cleanup within and outside of Northport remains under consideration.
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area News Release - 12/13/2021
Coulee Dam, WA – Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area invites you to come and enjoy the great outdoors no matter the season. With reduced staffing and resources during the winter, facilities and services are limited.
During the winter season, camping is only available in the Kettle Falls, Fort Spokane, and Spring Canyon campgrounds. Campsites are limited to:
Kettle Falls: loop 1
Fort Spokane: loop 1
Spring Canyon: lower loop
Reservations are required but can be made in advance or from the campground upon arrival with adequate cell phone service. Reservations must be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Individual campsites are available for winter camping at $11.50 per night.
There is no water service at Lake Roosevelt during the winter months. Vault toilets are available but will be cleaned on a limited basis. Please plan accordingly for water and restroom facilities.
Snow removal and sanding procedures run from November 1 to March 31 once two or more inches of snow have accumulated. The following locations are plowed on an as-needed basis:
- Kettle Falls boat launch and campground loop 1 road. Parking pads at campsites 3, 6, 9, 10, and 13 will also be plowed.
- Gifford boat launch
- Fort Spokane boat launch and the campground road to the vault toilet will be plowed. Parking pads at campsites 1, 2, 3, and 4 will also be plowed.
- Keller Ferry boat launch
- Spring Canyon boat launch and lower campground loop road (but not individual campsites)
Additional locations may be plowed as weather and safety conditions allow.
All dumpsters and trash cans have been removed from our campgrounds, boat launches, and day-use areas. Please practice Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly by taking your trash home to dispose of it. Do not leave trash or dispose of it in fire rings. Under 36 CFR 2.14 (a) (1) visitors are prohibited from leaving refuse in places other than refuse receptacles as it is considered littering and may result in a fine of up to $200.
New gates are being installed at boat launches throughout the park. These gates will allow staff to close boat launches that are out of the water and protect lakeshore resources during the annual lake drawdown periods. Please remember that driving off road, metal detecting and digging of any kind are against park regulations.
All other Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area land is open to the visiting public to enjoy walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities as conditions permit.
Please check with www.nps.gov/laro for specific details about park operations.
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As one of North America’s leading producers of critical minerals, Teck Resources Limited (Teck) is committed to providing the essential resources the world is counting on to make life better while caring for the people, communities and land that we love.
With longstanding roots in the Pacific Northwest, Teck’s U.S. subsidiary Teck American Incorporated (TAI), headquartered in Spokane, Washington has made several contributions recently to organizations and entities in Northeastern Washington. The following are recent examples of Teck’s commitment to caring for the needs of the community.
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area News Release
Starting October 21, campfires will be allowed in established fire rings in campgrounds and day-use areas and on lakeshores below the high-water mark throughout Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Charcoal grills will also be allowed at this time.
Please remember that regulations require beach campfires must be less than three feet in diameter and must be at least ten feet from the nearest beach logs, structure, or vegetation. In addition, do not use or create rock rings for beach fires or dig pits for fires. Fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished with water before you go to bed or leave your campsite. It is also illegal to burn chemically treated wood, painted wood, wood with staples as well as household garbage including plastic and cans.
For more information, check the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area website at www.nps.gov/laro.
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Under the direction of the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT), the White Sturgeon Recovery Team is conducting a telemetry experiment on the western side of Lake Roosevelt across from Marcus. Buoys with receivers were placed here to detect the movements of juvenile white sturgeon fitted with acoustic tags. Researchers are asking people not to boat or otherwise disturb the area for the seven weeks the buoys will be in place.
Said Jason McLellan, a CCT fish biologist, “The purpose of the study is to estimate age-0 juvenile movement rates and behavior to help with determining and correcting causes of low survival of wild juveniles.”
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Since 1999, the Lake Roosevelt Water Festival has rung in the school year for upper elementary students in the Upper Columbia. Taking place at Kettle Falls swim beach and Sherman Creek fish hatchery, the festival went into hibernation in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.
But the Festival came back strong in September as agency volunteers gave kids the gift of touching and doing to learn about the environment around them. This two minute video from WDFW is a wonderful way to share their joy and experience.
A big thank you to agencies and tribes for making this happen: Colville Confederated Tribes, National Park Service, National Weather Service Spokane, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service.
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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) partnered with the National Park Service and others to install a CD3 (clean, drain, dry) unit at the Kettle Falls Marina. A dedication ceremony for the new unit will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11th at the marina.
It’s part of a state-wide program asking boaters to clean, drain and dry their power boat, sailboat, jet ski, kayak, or other watercraft body before entering the water. Doing so greatly reduces the chances of spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as weeds and mussels. AIS can degrade habitats, crowd out native species, and clog pipes and other infrastructure. Learn more about the CD3 program here.
An AIS self-certification form is required before launching any watercraft on Lake Roosevelt. Click here for more information and access to the form.
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EPA is performing additional soil cleanup work at 15 properties within Northport during summer/fall 2022. This includes 14 residential properties and a common use area at the corner of 3rd Street & Columbia. This cleanup work is being done to address threats to people’s health from potential exposure to lead in their soil. This 2022 soil cleanup work builds on previous cleanup work conducted in and around Northport in 2004, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
Contaminated topsoil will be removed – typically down to a depth of 6 or 12 inches – and clean soils will be installed to re-establish the original grades. EPA Region 10 is using an interim action level of 700 parts per million (ppm) of lead in the soil to guide the selection of properties for this year’s cleanup.
The soil cleanup work began during the week of August 15 and is expected to last 8 to 10 weeks. Click here for the EPA’s fact sheet describing this project.
Based on new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and EPA’s published Removal Management Level User’s Guide, EPA Region 10 has also adopted a lower lead removal action level in soil from 700 ppm (parts per million) to 400 ppm. Additional cleanup work may be performed in the future within Northport and Upper Columbia Valley to address properties with lower levels of lead contamination that exceed the new action cleanup level.
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The Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) are seeking volunteers to host small PurpleAir monitors at locations near the Upper Columbia River (Lake Roosevelt). Click here to complete a quick questionnaire to see if you’re a good fit to be a host. Selected volunteers will join a citizen science cadre contributing to the health of you and your neighbors.
This is part of a two-year EPA Environmental Justice grant received by CCT. Said tribal consultant Whitney Fraser, “We envision 52 air monitoring stations being distributed as close to the river as possible.”
Data will be collected and shared real-time via the web and mapping technology. It’s a big win for residents affected by annual events like wildfires and dust storms. “At a glance,” said Fraser, “you can see whether air quality near where you live is of concern and whether to take precautions."
Measuring the size and quantity of airborne particles, monitoring stations are the size of a camp stove. As the numbers increase, the risk to people increases as well. For those suffering from asthma and other respiratory ailments, this type of real-time information can allow people to take actions that limit their exposure to unhealthy air.
Working with the University of Washington, CCT is also trying to discern if it’s possible to identify a distinct “signature” from different readings. For instance, dust storms may have a distinctive ratio of particle size and quantity. Other examples would be wildfires, or industrial emissions from a smelter.
After the two-year grant period, Fraser hopes the network of monitors will remain active. The hard part according to Fraser is getting the volunteers and infrastructure in place. Once installed, they are fairly low-cost to maintain.
Please consider being a part of this important community-based air quality monitoring program.
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A joint motion was granted to extend the pause in litigation (called a “stay”) challenging the Columbia River System Operations 2020 Environmental Impact Statement and Biological Opinion for salmon and steelhead.
“Specific to reintroduction,” states Exhibit 2 of the motion, “the Administration commits to developing and implementing a plan to explore providing full support for and funding of Phase II reintroduction actions as well as other reintroduction efforts in the Upper Columbia River. The Administration commits to summarizing the status of the plan and progress on its implementation for these actions by December 30, 2022.”
As previously reported, the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Coeur d’Alene Tribe became parties to the litigation in 2021 because operation of the Federal Columbia River Operation System continues to cut off salmon, steelhead and lamprey access to the upper Columbia River above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. By blocking this access, 40% of the previously occupied anadromous habitat in the Columbia River Basin was lost.
The Administration used the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to facilitate the level of dialog and engagement necessary to achieve the stay. This work included the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration drafting a report “Rebuilding Interior Columbia Basin Salmon and Steelhead.”
A priority action listed by the draft report is “Passage and reintroduction into priority blocked areas, including upper Columbia River.” Specifically,
“For upper Columbia River stocks, it is essential to provide passage into blocked areas. Establishing adult and juvenile passage to and from areas of the upper Columbia River blocked by high-head dams provides the highest and only reasonable likelihood of achieving mid-range CBP [Columbia Basin Partnership] goals for upper Columbia River stocks by 2050. This action helps address the blocked area threat by providing access to additional and more productive spawning and nursery areas.”
Although Columbia River Treaty negotiations remain a black box, the report also notes the urgency of “Maintaining and enhancing flow augmentation from Columbia River Treaty and U.S. storage projects for spring and summer juvenile migration.”
The Administration also committed NOAA and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to review comments to the draft report within 30 days of the close of the comment period, which is likely to be September 30th unless the comment period is extended.
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News Release
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Date: July 19, 2022
Contact: Denise Bausch, (509) 754-7830
Coulee Dam, WA — Due to compounding conditions, all fires at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area are prohibited effective 12:01 am, Friday, July 22, 2022, until further notice. No open flames are permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, all fires in NPS provided fire rings and boxes, shoreline fires, charcoal fires, tiki torches, incense burners, candles, and propane campfires.
Self-contained propane or gas stoves and lanterns are still allowed during the full fire ban. For the most current information regarding the fire ban in the Recreation Area, please call 509-754-7893.
Also, as a reminder, fireworks are always prohibited at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
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Year after year, Lake Roosevelt continues to provide extraordinary and diverse angling opportunities that attract enthusiasts from near and far. Thousands of hours of angling time are happily spent catching up to 200,000 fish annually. Rainbow Trout, White Sturgeon, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are the most targeted species. And the fight to suppress Northern Pike, a voracious predator that devastates other fish populations, provides additional angling opportunities.
At the May LRF Recreational Fishery webinar, co-managers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Colville Confederated Tribes summarized highlights for 2022. Annually, they invest over $8 million dollars to develop and maintain the fishery. In addition, the fishery contributes an estimated $16 million input to the local economies of the region.
Rainbow Trout and Net Pens
Over 561,000 rainbow trout were released into Lake Roosevelt in 2022. They are from 7 to 13 inches in length and 1 to 7 to the pound when released in May and will grow to about 18 inches by September. The long-term goal is to release up to 750,000 annually.
All rainbows released are triploids, meaning they are sterile and will not interbreed with wild trout. In addition, their adipose fin is clipped. Wild fish with an intact adipose fin should be released.
The goal is for a 5% annual return to creel, the estimated amount caught by anglers based on survey data collected by co-managers.
Supporting this effort is the WDFW Sherman Creek and Ford Hatcheries, the Spokane Tribal Hatchery, and 63 net pens located between Keller Ferry and Kettle Falls. Over 40 volunteers support maintenance of net pens and feeding needs from October through their release in May.
Spokane Arm Rainbow Trout Supplemental Release
In 2019 the Spokane Tribal Hatchery acquired Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funding to supplement the traditional net pen releases of rainbow trout. This has resulted in an additional 40,000 rainbow trout being released into the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt each year.
The fish are released between February and June and are larger in size then those released from net pens, varying from one to two pounds. This was made possible by the tribe recommissioning an abandoned fish acclimation facility to support five raceways. Combining the Spokane Tribal Hatchery rearing abilities with utilizing the raceways enables the rainbows to finish their growth and acclimate to river conditions.
Walleye
Since 2002, WDFW (in cooperation with the Colville and Spokane tribes) has conducted Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) to monitor walleye. Monitoring enables managers to track the abundance, age, growth, condition, sex ratio, and age at maturity.
WDFW reports that the walleye fishery has remained stable and resilient over time. One consistent trend is that walleye grow more slowly in Lake Roosevelt due largely to less food availability. Another trend is that about 80% of walleye are age 3 years and younger, commonly measuring 12 to 16 inches.
Some year classes (when the walleye spawn and hatch), however, are much stronger than others. The last very strong year class was 2018. As a result, current abundance (and therefore availability) of walleye has taken a dip. However, larger walleye (16 inches to 22 inches) are currently more available because of the strong 2018 and previous year classes that are still in the system. If past is prologue, another strong year class will likely occur soon.
White Sturgeon
Since 2017, a white sturgeon fishery has been open thanks to surplus fish from U.S. and Canadian hatchery programs put in place in the early 2000s to help stem a decades-long population decline. Fishery managers believe the decline is due to on-going recruitment failure at the larval stage, the time from hatching to developing into juveniles.
Since hatchery programs began 20 years ago, over 160,000 sturgeon have been released. They are currently collected above the China Bend boat ramp at the larval stage before recruitment failure and transferred to the Sherman Creek hatchery. Here, they are raised for about one year and released in late winter/early spring.
Click here for WDFW Lake Roosevelt white sturgeon regulations. The slot limit of 50 – 63 inches fork length remains in place from 2021. New 2022 fishing regulations include no catch and release after the daily limit of one sturgeon per day has been achieved; and no sturgeon fishing from China Bend to the Canadian border will be allowed this year.
To support long term genetic diversity and other conservation goals, additional harvest changes are expected in 2023. The fishery harvest is expected to move to the fall as well as be shorter, and the slot limit will be tighter. Managers stress they are committed to annual stocking and maintaining a harvest. They are very pleased with the success of conservation efforts and what has become a very popular recreational fishery.
Northern Pike
This non-native invasive species is a voracious predator that devastates other fish populations. Northern pike can prey on fish that are 75% of their body weight and reproduce quickly. Managers, for instance, have caught females that are up to 26 lbs., each carrying about 127,000 eggs. Over the course of suppression efforts, 8,800 females have been removed with an estimated 442 million eggs.
In addition to threatening trout and other Lake Roosevelt fisheries, they can potentially move down the Columbia River and to other waterbodies like Banks Lake, thus threatening salmon, steelhead and other fisheries.
Suppression efforts, which include multiple strategies from gillnetting to offering rewards for their capture, are currently showing promising results. The number of fish caught per net is down from 4.37 in 2017 to 0.46 in 2021. In addition, nine eDNA monitoring sites changed from positive pike detections to negative 2021. Their primary pike location is concentrated in the northern section of the lake, e.g.—from Gifford to the Canadian border.
Click here to learn more about the northern pike reward program.
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As part of the Community Project process developed by Congress in 2021, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers identified 15 projects to be considered for funding by the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2023, which starts October 1.
One project would provide the Upper Columbia United Tribes $5 million to support implementation of their 21-year Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP) to reintroduce salmon above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. Funding would support design and planning of upstream fish collection facilities at Chief Joseph Dam and evaluating juvenile Sockeye salmon behavior and survival. Results of juvenile studies will inform the future development of downstream passage facilities.
This will build on momentum from an outmigration research study that began earlier this spring. At sites in Lake Roosevelt, the Spokane River, Hangman Creek and below Chief Joseph Dam, over 3,900 juveniles were fitted with PIT tags, and over 700 with acoustic tags. Tag information will allow researchers to evaluate their behavior and survival as they migrate downstream and, for a lucky few, upstream 2-3 years later. The research team includes the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and Colville tribes, and the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUTs).
“2023 will be the 82nd anniversary of salmon being blocked from moving past Grand Coulee Dam,” said Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau. “The Congresswoman is adding her voice and influence to the growing number of sovereigns and interests committed to reintroducing salmon while also protecting affordable power generation.”
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The clock is ticking on an end of July deadline to reach a stay extension on litigation challenging the Columbia River System Operations 2020 Environmental Impact Statement and Biological Opinion for salmon and steelhead.
While Snake River salmon runs garner most of the media’s attention, the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Coeur d’Alene Tribe are also parties to the litigation. They joined the case in 2021 with a focus on Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams cutting off access to salmon, steelhead and lamprey in the upper Columbia River. By blocking this access, 40% of the previously occupied anadromous habitat in the Columbia River Basin was lost.
Therefore, contends the Spokane Tribe, “… the salmon restoration effort within the Columbia River Basin will only succeed when there are healthy and harvestable populations of anadromous fish above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams.” To date, federal agencies have declined to fund tribal efforts to reintroduce salmon above Chief Joe and Grand Coulee.
In June, a federal mediator indicated an extension of the deadline is being sought while plaintiffs and defendants can continue to negotiate in good faith. Whether the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene tribes will be supportive of an extension is not known. Stay tuned.
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The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) took public comments on their Northport Waterfront Cleanup Action Plan from May 2 through June 1, 2022. Click here to visit the Ecology website with background information and details, including slides from a May 17 public meeting.
* Construction will take place over the course of a year when water levels are low and in-water work is not required. Funding has been secured as part of Washington State’s capital budget.
* For the seasonal beach and other areas, fill and cap materials will be the same type of cobble/soil that was excavated. A public beach is not being created.
* If existing road and related infrastructure is harmed, funding can be used to fix damage.
* The public dock area will improve boat access via excavation that will increase water depth by about 2.5 feet. It does not include any infrastructure improvements to the dock.
* The boat launch will only be closed when construction in that area is occurring.
* The hillside area will provide new and enhanced recreational opportunities while also protecting sensitive riparian areas.
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The higher than normal run off in the upper Columbia River has caused the debris boom at the China Bend facility to breach. This is currently allowing floating debris to enter Lake Roosevelt at China Bend and flow downstream with the normal river currents. Boaters are advised to use caution during these conditions.
A temporary collection boom will be installed at river mile 702. Mile 702 is approximately 1 mile south of the Highway 395 bridge at Barney’s Jct. The temporary boom will originate on the west shore, or Ferry County side, of the river and extend approximately 1000 feet upstream toward the middle of the river. This log boom will be tied to an anchored barge on the upstream end and terminate at shore on the Ferry County or west side at Bisbee Creek across from the Boise Cascade plywood mill.
There will be no navigable passage between the anchored barge and the west shoreline. All boats must pass on the east or Stevens County side of the anchored barge. There will be a series of orange navigation buoys and flashing warning lights marking the log boom and anchored barge.
Again, do not attempt to pass between the anchored barge and the west or Ferry County shoreline.
This temporary debris boom will be removed once repairs to the debris booms at the China Bend can be made.
Contact Columbia Navigation Inc with questions at ericw1962@gmail.com.
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Thank you to the many people who presented and participated in our May 19th Lake Roosevelt Recreational Fishery Webinar.
Click here to view the webinar on YouTube.
The depth and diversity of information shared was remarkable. Here are some helpful timecodes to help you navigate to what you are most interested in.
4:17 Rainbow Trout Hatchery & Net Pen Report
26:11 Walleye Report
50:28 Sturgeon Report
1:14:13 Northern Pike Suppression
1:33:56 Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Update
1:43:52 Water Forecast & Lake Operations
1:52:28 Question & Answer Session
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Walleye, a non-native fish introduced to Lake Roosevelt decades ago, has a devoted following. They can be a challenge to catch as they migrate great distances within the 130 mile reservoir and react to fluctuating lake levels. Anglers taking a walleye home enjoy a fine-flaked fillet with a subtle, sweet flavor.
Danny Garrett with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will share the latest information about their health and availability at the Lake Roosevelt Recreational Fishery webinar May 19th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate.
Since 2002, WDFW (in cooperation with the Colville and Spokane tribes) has conducted Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) to monitor walleye. Monitoring objectives include gathering trend data on abundance, age, growth, condition, sex ratio, and age at maturity. Pulling the results together, Danny will share results such as cohort strength being highly variable over the study period and that angler harvest has reduced abundance of large walleye. This and other information highlight both the resiliency of walleye and challenges to consider.
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The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has completed a draft cleanup plan for the Northport Waterfront. The site is located along the shoreline of Northport City Park. As shown in the graphic, contaminated materials from legacy smelter operations would be capped or removed from five designated cleanup areas in the 10.7 acre site. The plan, Ecology notes, will also “… encourage recreation in cleaned up areas.”
Ecology is hosting an online public meeting to provide an overview of the plan and respond to questions.
Date: May 17, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Join online via Zoom: https://bit.ly/NorthportCAP
Join by Phone: Dial 253-215-8782, enter the Meeting ID 881 7536 0585 #, and the Passcode 480648 #
Background Materials
Comment Period and Submissions
From May 2nd – June 1st, Ecology will be accepting comments on the draft plan. Staff will respond to all comments and publish the responses. Comments can be submitted online, via postal mail or email.
- Online: https://tcp.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=3WKmj
- Postal Mail: Justin Rice, WA Department of Ecology Site Manager, 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205
- Email: justin.rice@ecy.wa.gov
Next Steps
After receiving and responding to comments, Ecology will begin engineering design for the cleanup. The draft engineering design report will also be made available for public comment.
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How would you like to land a 10 lb. rainbow trout like this one in Lake Roosevelt?
Tim Peone, Manager of the Spokane Tribal Hatchery, will clue you in as part of the Lake Roosevelt Recreational Fishery webinar May 19th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate.
In 2019 the Spokane Tribal Hatchery acquired Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funding to supplement reservoir wide net pen rearing project releases. A key part of this funding was recommissioning an abandoned fish acclimation facility to support five raceways. By combining the hatcheries rearing abilities with utilizing the raceways to finish their growth and acclimate to river conditions, a larger size rainbow trout is now available to anglers.
Tim will review stats on the supplemental fish released between February and May, user experiences from past years, angling opportunities and what to expect moving forward.
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Attention all anglers and lovers of Lake Roosevelt recreation. It’s time to discover what’s up and get ready for a wonderful 2022 season.- Details
Juvenile Chinook salmon from Northeastern Washington are once again making a run to the ocean.- Details
A critical component of the Upper Columbia River (UCR) Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) is conducting a Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA). The BERA evaluates the risk of chemicals (primarily metal contaminants) to plants and wildlife on land and in water.
Under the terms of the 2006 Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Teck American Incorporated (TAI), TAI is responsible for conducting studies and funding surveys to inform development of the BERA and the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) for the UCR Site. The HHRA is also a key component of the RI and, under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, EPA is responsible for that element of the RI. The HHRA for the UCR Site was finalized in 2021.
In June, TAI sent EPA a document titled draft Interim Partial Upland BERA. This partial BERA report evaluated the upland portion of the UCR Site, not the Columbia River portion of the site. The focus of the upland BERA is exposure of terrestrial plants and animals to contaminants in soil in an approximately 100 square-mile (64,000 acres) area east and west of the Columbia River that extends from the U.S.-Canada border to China Bend. The final UCR Site boundary is determined by the extent of contamination.
In July, TAI sent EPA a document titled the draft Interim Partial Upland Remedial Investigation draft RI report. This draft RI report summarized the activities conducted to characterize the conditions within the upland portion of the site, including sources of contamination, nature and extent of contamination, and the transport and fate of contaminants identified. The results of the draft upland BERA and the final HHRA will be used to identify focus metals for evaluating the nature and extent of contamination in the upland RI.
The draft BERA and RI for the upland portion of the site are under review by EPA and the Participating Parties (Colville Confederated Tribes, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Washington State represented by Ecology, and U.S. Department of Interior). EPA and Participating Parties review TAI’s work with EPA being responsible for approval. Citizens for Clean Columbia will also review the documents and provide comments to EPA.
In 2022, expectations are that the draft BERA and RI for the aquatic portion of the site will be submitted to EPA and the Participating Parties for review. A process will then occur by which the upland and aquatic work products are combined into a site-wide BERA and RI. EPA will update the public with fact sheets and public meetings during the course of document development and finalization.
Once the HHRA and BERA are complete, the RI/FS can then progress to determining what, if any, type of cleanup or other actions are needed. These cleanup actions will be evaluated in the FS. If cleanup is required, EPA will write a Proposed Plan, summarizing the selected cleanup actions, and EPA will announce a formal public comment period and organize at least one public meeting.
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The legislature approved starting adjudication of Lake Roosevelt water rights. Adjudication will also include the area that drains into Lake Roosevelt between the confluence with the Spokane River and downstream from the mouth of the Colville River.
Adjudication is a legal process that results in all water users receiving certainty about their water rights. This includes both users issued permits by Ecology and claims to water made before the state adopted its water code.
Ecology’s 2020 “Water Resources Adjudication Assessment Legislative Report” recommended adjudication. The report states that “The claims of the Colville and Spokane Tribes over the Columbia River pose one of the most profound uncertainties of water management in the state. Adjudication is the only tool to bring tribal water into alignment with state law.”
Water Rights in Play
The Bureau of Reclamation holds state issued water rights with an apparent 1938 priority date. These rights are used to irrigate over 670,000 acres of Columbia Basin Project farmland. It’s also used to supply water to the Odessa subarea as part of the Lake Roosevelt Incremental Storage Program.
The Colville Tribes claim a senior water right for their land reservation of over 470,000-acre feet with a priority date of 1872. Both the Colville and Spokane tribes claim immemorial water rights to meet fish and wildlife needs.
Ecology notes, however, that “… there is uncertainty and disagreement as to whether the state can protect or regulate these [tribal] rights.” In the face of this uncertainty, the Colville Tribes petitioned for adjudication in 2019 and the Spokane Tribe did not object.
Considerations
Ecology believes adjudication would streamline consideration of future large-scale water projects on both reservation and non-reservation land. Such projects, for instance, could be part of irrigating tribal lands or developing new water storage capacity.
Regarding fish passage, Ecology states “The legal assessment of tribal water rights in the Upper Columbia River, particularly Lake Roosevelt itself, has been a missing piece of this entire management system.” Currently, salmon reintroduction efforts being led by the tribes are based on continuation of current lake operations.
While the adjudication process plays out over a projected 10-to-20-year time frame, related water issues will also be playing out. For instance, Columbia River Treaty negotiations could significantly impact lake operations and water flows; assumptions will continue about continuing to supply water to the Columbia Basin Project; desires to support downstream municipal, industrial and agricultural users will continue unabated; and new large-scale projects will continue to be proposed (see pumped storage article in this newsletter).
As such, the road to certainty through adjudication will also be weaving through a dynamic path.
What’s Next
During the current state biennium ending June 30, 2023, Ecology expects to delineate water sources, identify water users, and prepare a statement and plan. The Attorney General’s office will then file a petition with the court to proceed with adjudication.
Continuing the effort into future biennia will rely on the legislature continuing to fund the effort.
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The Bureau of Reclamation gave the thumbs up for two separate projects working to bring pumped storage power to Lake Roosevelt. Reclamation selected Daybreak Power, Inc. and Columbia Basin Hydropower to receive a preliminary lease under the Lease of Power Privilege program. A LOPP is a contractual right given to a non-federal entity to use a Reclamation asset, such as a dam or conduit, for electric power generation consistent with Reclamation project purposes. The two preliminary lessees will study the case management of Lake Roosevelt waters and lands associated with operating Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project.
Selection for the LOPP program does not change the need for project proponents to meet complex federal and state regulatory approvals, including consultation with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Currently, the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant at Grand Coulee Dam is the Northwest’s only pumped storage facility. The pump-generating plant contains 12 pumps that lift water from the Columbia River up the hillside to a canal that flows into Banks Lake. The lake provides irrigation water to over 670,000 acres in central WA. Six of the units are pump generators that can be reversed to generate clean, renewable hydroelectricity when demand exists.
The interest in building new pumped storage projects relates in large part to climate change. States, utilities, and municipalities are pursuing goals to replace fossil fuel power plants like coal with carbon-free power such as wind and solar. When the wind isn’t blowing or the sun shining, pumped storage energy has the advantage of being available to pick up the slack.
Banks Lake Pump Storage Project
In development for about a decade, this proposed project would essentially expand the use of Banks Lake. As additional water is pumped up to Banks Lake, a new inlet would allow water to flow through pipes about 300 feet underground to a subterranean powerhouse. Here, three generating units could produce up to 500 megawatts of power—enough to meet the annual electricity needs of over 300,000 homes. Pipes would be used to return the water to Lake Roosevelt just above Grand Coulee Dam.
The project is being developed by Columbia Basin Hydropower, a company that provides administration, operations, and maintenance for hydroelectric facilities owned by the three Columbia Basin irrigation districts. The projected cost to construct is $ 1.5 billion.
Halverson Canyon Project
In the last year, Daybreak Power, Inc. came into the picture with a proposal to study the construction of a 399-foot dam in Halverson Canyon. This is about 35 miles upstream of Grand Coulee Dam on the Lincoln County side of Lake Roosevelt.
A new upland reservoir capable of holding 29,000-acre feet of water would be connected to the dam and Lake Roosevelt through 10,000 feet of water conveyance pipes. The force of falling water released from the reservoir would turn up to nine turbines capable of producing 2,650 megawatts of electricity (enough to power about 1.7 million homes annually.) Daybreak estimates the cost of constructing this project to be $4.9 billion.
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National Park Service
WINTER SERVICES
During the winter season, camping is only available in the Kettle Falls, Fort Spokane and Spring Canyon campgrounds. Reservations are required. Throughout the recreation area, no water service is available, and all dumpsters and trash cans have been removed. For more detailed information on available services, visit https://bit.ly/3Hx8ub2
Lincoln County
PORCUPINE BAY ROAD SLOPE STABILIZATION
A combination of vegetation, anchors and blankets are being installed over about 13,000 sq. ft. of slope below Porcupine Bay Road to reduce the possibility of the hillside sloughing into the water. Erosion is a key concern after Porcupine Bay Road (which is maintained by Lincoln County and provides public access to the Park Service Porcupine Bay Campground) washed out in 2017 due to a landslide. In 2019, Lincoln County reopened the road as part of a complex project to shore up and stabilize the hillside.
Fisheries
Thanks to the efforts of the Spokane Tribal Hatchery and WDFW’s Sherman Creek Hatchery, 600,000 rainbow trout triploids with their adipose fin clipped were raised and transferred to 63 net pens distributed between Keller Ferry and Kettle Falls. 45 net pens are operated by volunteers from the Lake Roosevelt Volunteer Net Pen Program and 18 by WDFW. The trout will be released from the net pens in May for anglers to enjoy.
Columbia River Treaty
The United States and Canada held the eleventh round of negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty on December 9, 2021. The tenth round took place on June 29-30, 2020. “During this round,” reported the U.S. State Department, “the United States and Canada discussed ecosystem priorities, post-2024 flood risk management, and Canada’s desire for more operational flexibility.”
Bureau of Reclamation
CAYUSE COVE SHORELINE STABILIZATION
The Bureau of Reclamation began phase two of the Cayuse Cove Slope Stabilization project, which is located approximately 8 miles upstream of Porcupine Bay Campground on the Lincoln County side. Construction work includes stabilization of about 300 feet of shoreline with anchors, a cellular confinement system, rock, topsoil and planting. The project will stabilize the shoreline and halt bank erosion to prevent inadvertent exposure and loss of sensitive resources. The staging area was set up at the Porcupine Bay boat launch in December. Phase two construction will continue through May 27, 2022. This includes some access to the Porcupine Bay boat launch being reduced.
GRAND COULEE GENERATING UNITS G22–G24 OVERHAUL COMPLETION
A major overhaul of hydroelectric power generating units 22, 23 and 24 inside the Nathaniel “Nat” Washington Power Plant at Grand Coulee Dam are complete.
Each 805-megawatt hydroelectric unit (enough to meet the power needs of over 600,000 homes annually) was refurbished to ensure the mechanical and electrical surfaces were restored and returned to like-new condition.
Activities included approximately 6.5 million pounds of steel being removed from each unit once every component down to the turbine runner was fully taken apart. Once disassembled, each component was then sand blasted, welded, ground, polished, and repainted before reassembly.
The result of this multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort is that critical power supply is secured for years to come. In addition, the generating units will now operate with less wear and tear, making them more reliable and efficient.
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EPA is seeking public comment on a draft “Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities.” EPA’s goal is “… to strengthen public health protections and address legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures and promote environmental justice.”
Of particular importance to the Upper Columbia Valley communities, the strategy includes an objective to reduce exposure to lead in soils. EPA’s 2021 Upper Columbia Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) identifies exposure to lead in soils as a health concern in these communities. The Valley is approximately 100 square miles (64,000 acres) east and west of the Columbia River that extends from the U.S.-Canada border to China Bend (about 40 river miles). Lead contamination in this area is linked to historic smelter operations that resulted in deposition of hazardous substances on surface soil.
As explained in the HHRA and EPA draft strategy, children and adults can be exposed to lead through incidental ingestion, e.g.—children touching their mouth with their hands, gardening, or from fine particles of soil dust that gets tracked into homes and contaminates house dust. Exposure to lead is particularly dangerous to children under six because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains are actively developing, which makes them more susceptible to adverse health effects.
Setting New Standards and the Upper Columbia Valley
The draft EPA strategy calls for setting new soil-lead hazard standards as well as adopting new recommendations for screening sites.
EPA’s Upper Columbia HHRA considered a range of thresholds for determining potential soil-based lead cleanup in the Upper Columbia Valley. These thresholds will be used in the future Remedial Investigation Report and Feasibility Study to recommend further action that may be needed to protect public health.
Figure A summarizes the low, medium and high range the HHRA identified for EPA considering action, the number of residential and aerial decision units currently sampled that would be affected, and properties currently cleaned up as part of taking early action to address those in the “high” range.
Currently, 700 parts per million of lead is the time-critical soil cleanup action level used for properties sampled from 2014 – 2016 and offered cleanup. This is the same action level EPA used to identify additional properties within the town of Northport that received cleanup in 2020.
A new standard in an updated final EPA strategy may result in a lower threshold for action. If the new standard is stricter than the current standard, more properties in the area may fall within the range of lead levels that warrant potential cleanup. For more background on HHRA findings regarding lead in the Upper Columbia Valley, visit www.lrf.org/environment/2020-public-guide
Public Comments
To read the draft strategy and/or provide public comments, go to www.epa.gov/lead. Comments are due by March 16, 2022. This site will also post listening sessions EPA is scheduling
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Background
The Midnite Mine Superfund site is a 350-acre, inactive uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation. A legacy of the Cold War, uranium mining from 1954 to 1981 left more than 33 million tons of waste rock, unprocessed ore and low-grade ore (also known as protore) laced with contaminants. Contaminants include radionuclides and heavy metals resulting from mining, transport activities and related operations.
Human health issues such as cancer effected tribal members that worked on the mine or were exposed to radioactive dust brought into homes, lands and other facilities due to poor safety protocols and equipment. Tribal members are currently warned against eating fish from Blue Creek, using creek water in sweat lodge ceremonies, or eating wildlife such as elk and deer.
After mine closure, legacy issues included two large open pits partially filled with water and several pits backfilled with waste rock. In addition, contaminated surface water and groundwater from the pits entered Blue Creek, which flows 3.5 miles to the Spokane River (also known as the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt and the Upper Columbia River).
After years of litigation and regulatory activity, the mine was added to the superfund list in 2000, EPA selected a cleanup plan in 2006, Newmont and Dawn mining companies were found liable in 2008, and cleanup of the site began in 2016.
Cleanup Activities to Date
This is a snapshot of cleanup activities. A tremendous amount of engineering and complex construction is occurring to achieve these results.
- Strategically, mine waste is primarily being consolidated into the two largest open pits (called Pit 3 and Pit 4).
- Pit 4 has been lined at the bottom with drain rock and vertical wells installed. The wells are needed to assure contaminated water from on-going seepage and groundwater can be transferred to a water treatment plant. Currently, contaminated water from the pit is being moved to the south pond. In addition, the pit has been backfilled to about 85%. In 2022, backfilling will be completed and the capping and revegetation process will begin.
- Pit 3, the largest open pit at the mine, will begin to be backfilled in 2022 by placing drain rock, a liner and starting to build the vertical wells.
- The water treatment plant built in 1988 will continue to operate until 2023. This plant will be torn down and placed into the pits along with the waste rock under the water treatment site. Treated water from the plant is currently discharged directly into a tributary to Blue Creek.
- In 2022, a new water treatment plant will begin construction and is expected to be operational in 2023. In addition to operational improvements, the new plant is designed to treat less contaminated water because the need for ongoing treatment will decline as cleanup in Pits 3 and 4 are complete. Newmont Mining will be responsible for operating the water treatment plant in perpetuity.
- In 2021, construction began on a closed pipeline that will move effluent from the new water treatment plant to the Spokane River via a route that hugs Blue Creek. Once discharged into the river, the water quality in “the mixing zone” will meet tribal water quality standards as dilution takes place. Completion of the pipeline is expected in 2022.
Completion of the cleanup activities is scheduled for 2027. After that, on-going monitoring will be used to determine if additional cleanup is needed.
Technical Assistance Needs Assessment
In 2021, EPA also conducted a Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANA) for the community near the Mindite Mine site. The goal is to identify additional community outreach and support that EPA can offer.
Tribal members cited overcoming mistrust of the U.S. government, concerns of racial bias, and receiving mixed messages as among their concerns. Providing more robust and regularly updated outreach materials, regularly scheduling in-person meetings, and using “plain language” with graphics to explain information more clearly were among the recommendations. There were also calls for a health study to address ongoing health concerns of tribal members.
The TANA was released in November and available at https://semspub.epa.gov/work/10/100369943.pdf
EPA 2021 MIDNITE MINE CLEANUP STATS
CONSTRUCTION
- Crushed 500K CYDs of material
- Place 1.5 million CYDs of mine waste into Pit #4 WCA
- South Pond and pump station commissioned
- Pumped 22.5 million gallons of water from Pit #3 to South Pond
- Installed 10,500 ft of HDPE pipe
- Paved 2,400 ft of two-lane road
- Awarded $20 million contract for the construction of the new water treatment plant
- Treated 66 million gallons of water as of Nov. 3, 2021. Discharged 45 million gallons under NPDES permit
WORKFORCE
Employed 112 people
Employed ~ 55 tribal members
71 construction workers
Operated:
- 12 x CAT 745 haul trucks
- 6 x CAT excavators
- 2 x fuel trucks
- 4 x bull dozers
- 2 x water trucks
Maintained our equipment at overall operational readiness rate over 90%
126,000 hours worked without a lost time accident or fatality
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The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) continues to make progress on plans for cleaning up smelter-related metals contamination in Northport’s Town Park and boat launch waterfront area.
Visit the Forum’s summer 2021 newsletter for a summary of cleanup options.
During May 2021, the public had an opportunity to review and comment on the draft Northport Waterfront Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). The RI explains the extent and locations of contaminants, and the FS evaluates cleanup options. Since then, Ecology responded to comments and finalized the RI/FS.
The next step is completing a draft Cleanup Action Plan that compares the cleanup options and identifies a final, preferred cleanup remedy. Ecology anticipates this plan will be available for public review and comment in early 2022. The Forum will publicize the comment period via at least or at the minimum our electronic newsletter and social media. After Ecology considers public comments and potentially revises the plan in response, they will publish a final Cleanup Action Plan. If the plan changes significantly due to public input, then another draft will be available for review and comment.
Ecology posts project updates and documents on their website at https://bit.ly/3xGp2tx
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In the summer of 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offered voluntary soil sampling to property owners located within Northport town limits. Historically, lead and arsenic have been detected at elevated concentrations in soils surrounding the Upper Columbia River, including Northport, Washington.
Eligibility for the 2021 voluntary soil sampling opportunity was limited to properties within Northport that had not been sampled as part of previous voluntary soil sampling events. EPA began reaching out to eligible property owners in July 2021 to offer participation in the sampling event. In September 2021, the EPA conducted soil sampling at 43 properties where consent for access was voluntarily provided by the landowner.
EPA will assess lead and arsenic concentrations in soil samples. The sampling data will help identify potential properties where unacceptable risks to public health may exist, and where additional actions may be necessary.
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EPA is funding the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to develop a fish tissue and water quality monitoring framework to track the status and trends of toxics in the Columbia River. The tribe is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Washington State Department of Ecology to develop the framework.
The $188,378 grant, which is funded through EPA’s Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, is the beginning of a multi-year effort to track the status of toxics in fish, water, sediments, and invertebrates in the mainstem Columbia River between Bonneville Dam and the Canadian border. Data that describe previous studies characterizing toxics in the study area have been compiled and will inform the experimental design of the monitoring program.
Currently, the group has established the project vision and expectations, compiled and evaluated historical data, is presenting to and receiving input from diverse stakeholders, and developing a community engagement and outreach plan. Over the next year, monitoring design considerations and field and laboratory protocols will be developed as part of the long-term monitoring program.
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The Lake Roosevelt communities lost a great friend and advocate for protecting our lands and waters.
John Roland was a Senior Hydrogeologist with the Washington Department of Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office Toxics Cleanup Program. He specialized in Upper Columbia basin activities since 2004. This included taking the lead for state participation in the Upper Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt RI/FS. His knowledge of this complex undertaking was encyclopedic.
As a Forum board member and advocate, John was always known for being resolute with tireless integrity and a gentle manner. An avid outdoorsman, being in nature and with his wife was his happy place.
In 2019, The Forum was fortunate enough to interview John for a Getting to Know article featuring him. Said John of the people in our communities, “They are independent, proud and resilient, all want a better greater upper Columbia, each bringing culture and values that add to the uniqueness of the area. On my best days I’m proud to say we’re working together to protect future generations by supporting a healthy, upper Columbia River Valley and river extending through Lake Roosevelt.”
John’s most recent work included developing options for cleanup of the Northport City Park shoreline area. If all goes well, cleanup will begin in 2023 or 2024. One cleanup option includes creating an overlook with a park bench facing the river. The Forum would like to work with Ecology and the Town of Northport for that bench to honor John’s tireless work for a safe, clean environment.