courtesy of Phil Hough

Pesticides

Approximately a million pounds of aquatic herbicides have been applied to Lake Pend Oreille and the river in recent years in attempts to control invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil. Reliance on herbicides is poor policy that is unsound economically and environmentally, and does not solve the problem. A combination of techniques including diver dredging, weevils and bottom barriers could lead to the reduction or elimination of herbicide use and a healthier ecosystem.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working on a new permitting program that will give citizens more oversight of pesticide use. The new permit requirement will be effective on April 9, 2011, and means that pesticide misuse and permit violations will be enforceable under the Clean Water Act.

Stormwater

Polluted stormwater significantly degrades water quality. It comes from a variety of sources including construction sites, roads and pavement, storm drains and fertilizer. Sandpoint’s storm drain system dumps polluted surface runoff directly into our waterways. It is in our best interest to protect our waterways from this pollution by treating stormwater before it enters the lake. Enforcing water quality protection requirements for construction projects is also a priority. Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper’s work focuses on encouraging and enforcing strong stormwater rules and practices.

courtesy of Design for Life

Wastewater

Wastewater management systems can add polluting nutrients to the water and stimulate algae and aquatic weed growth. Several local wastewater treatment facilities along with aging or inadequate septic systems contribute to the problem. At times untreated sewage spills into our waterways. Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper works to ensure that facilities and systems comply with water quality laws and standards.

Water Rights

Washington State’s Department of Ecology is exploring the possibility of taking water from Lake Pend Oreille and pumping it to the Spokane River to increase the flow over Spokane Falls during the dry summer months. This effort to enhance tourism is prompted by low water levels in August and September. With an over-allocated water source that is used predominately for watering lawns and washing cars, taking water from Lake Pend Oreille for this purpose is not appropriate and could set a dangerous precedent with one of our most precious resources.