- Sustainable September begins now
September 1, 2010
Spokane’s month-long celebration of promoting sustainability in the Spokane community official kicks off later this morning – free your calendars Thursday evenings at 5:30 for a weekly discussion about the Spokane River.
- Field trip to the Midnite Mine
August 31, 2010
My field trip up north last week concluded with a visit to the Midnite Mine where I experienced scorched earth, a glowing waste water pit and simple, yet valuable advice.
- Field trip to Lake Roosevelt
August 30, 2010
Like a river flows and adapts, so too can our perception and connection to that river. This and more from my field trip up north last week.
- Coyote Rocks, A Closer Look
August 28, 2010
VIDEO FEATURE: As development adds second dock, the Spokane Riverkeeper program takes a fish eye view of the controversial plan to plant more than two dozen docks along a scenic and biologically important stretch of the river.
- Ecology News Release: Residents on Little Spokane River advised to conserve water
August 26, 2010
State advises residents on the Little Spokane River to conserve water due to low stream flow.
- The devil is ALWAYS in the details
August 25, 2010
On Monday, Spokane River stakeholders gathered at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District to discuss implementation of DO TMDL, potential future nutrient trading and concerns, and next steps in what’s been a 12-year process. The term “the devil is in the details” is one of the most used cliches you’ll hear in a meeting. [...]
- Spokane River Clean Up call for volunteers
August 18, 2010
The 8th annual Spokane River Clean Up is September 25th and volunteers are needed. Support this great event and support the Spokane River. Last year more than 800 volunteers collected eight tons of debris from along the banks of the Spokane River in the Spokane River Gorge area and the University District. I’ve volunteered for [...]
- The long river
August 16, 2010
Though you won’t find too many songs that say so, a body of water doesn’t always have to be swiftly moving to be called a river. That’s what a group of us found out on Saturday as I put another notch in my belt of previously unexplored Spokane River sections that I now lay claim [...]
- Swimming in the “Big Eddy”
August 10, 2010
Today I spent some time really getting a feel for the Spokane River, then trying to regain feeling in my limbs. While it isn’t officially a Riverkeeper initiation ritual, I think taking a swim in one’s body of water ought to be. That’s what I did today, and though the calendar says summer, my core [...]
- Action alert: Ecology seeks input on stormwater permits
August 9, 2010
The Washington State Department of Ecology will reissue three Municipal Stormwater General Permits that expire in 2012, and as it stands now, eastern Washington will not have to meet the same standards as western Washington. Here is your chance to speak up for equal state-wide standards to ensure polluted stormwater is being dealt with in [...]
- Spokane River chronicles
August 6, 2010
This will be the first post of many chronicling my adventures on the Spokane River. Yesterday I hosted a group of nearly 20 paddlers down the Spokane River from Upriver Dam to the heart of downtown Spokane as part of the Spokane River Forum’s “Meet Me At The River Raft and Kayak Passport Series”. It [...]
- Riverkeeper’s first official river trip
August 5, 2010
In a few hours I’ll be hosting a group of 20 or so paddlers on the Spokane River for my first official river trip as the Spokane Riverkeeper. There’s a lot of excitement in the office today – and why shouldn’t there be? The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and a day on [...]
- Weighing in on CDA Basin cleanup
August 4, 2010
There’s lots at stake in the cleanup of mining wastes in the Lake Coeur d’Alene Basin, including water quality in the Spokane River. How and why to comment.
- Day One:
August 3, 2010
I’m taking it all the only way I know how: with an open mind and an eager attitude.
- From Whence he Came
July 30, 2010
The headwaters of Bart Mihailovich’s life offer a compelling narrative and some insight into his thinking as he takes the oars of the Spokane Riverkeeper program.
- Meet the new Riverkeeper
July 27, 2010
Bart Mihailovich, one of the rising new voices of Northwest environmentalism, is chosen to be the new Spokane Riverkeeper.
- Postcard from the Big Eddy
July 26, 2010
Tim Connor offers a video tour of a favorite summer swimming spot on the Spokane River.
- Paddle Away
July 19, 2010
Join our kayak flotilla for an afternoon outing on the Spokane River, Thursday, August 5th.
- Beat the Press
July 7, 2010
Reporters facing felony charges as Coast Guard works with BP to block access to areas affected by disaster in Gulf.
- The Sustainability Stakes
June 25, 2010
With the added context of the Gulf oil disaster, Spokane’s initiatives to plan for a clean energy future returned to the City Council in late June for a vote.
- Lifting the Fog on Shorelines
June 24, 2010
Wedged into Monday night’s marathon city council meeting was a tempestuous debate and an important vote on the city’s shorelines rules. Lindsay Arnold returns to the scene to try to set the facts straight.
- Cleaner Water Begins Here
May 23, 2010
Spokane’s Lincoln Street project is a “green” work in progress that saves money, water, and helps the Spokane River.
- Dock This
May 11, 2010
Department of Ecology follows Spokane Riverkeeper’s lead in challenging controversial dock project.
- Drains and the Brain
April 28, 2010
Spokane works to make people think about what goes into storm drains, and where it all goes.
- A Partnership of Neglect
Idaho Conservation League sues U.S. EPA, charging the agency and the State of Idaho with a “long history” of neglecting compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.
- Enough Already
April 20, 2010
Spokane Riverkeeper criticizes federal proposals to limit cleanup and ship even more radioactive and chemical waste to Hanford.
- Earth on the Block
April 17, 2010
Hundreds swarm to Main & Division for Earth Day celebration.
- Not Your Every Day Job Opening
April 16, 2010
New Spokane Riverkeeper sought for growing water watch program.
- Muddy Waters
April 1, 2010
Spokane Riverkeeper files notice to sue Washington Department of Transportation over polluted stormwater from highway construction.
- Where Does Clean Water Begin?
March 1, 2010
In the latest installment of its “Toxic Waters” series, the New York Times looks at how two recent high court decisions have created a large loophole in the Clean Water Act.
- What’s up with the dock?
February 18, 2010
Fearing impacts on native trout, Spokane Riverkeeper and Trout Unlimited move to stop developer’s dock construction in Spokane River.
- Lawn Services in a Lather
February 10, 2010
Bills to limit phosphorous in lawn fertilizer have industry group hopping mad and waterway guardians trying to weed out misinformation. UPDATE: Senate bill to restrict phosphorous passes 36-11.
- Bad Bill, Big Smack
January 22, 2010
(UPDATED 1-25-10 WITH VIDEO LINK, ECOLOGY ALSO OPPOSES BILL) The Spokane Riverkeeper and his lawyer take a good rip at a proposed new state bill that attempts “to legislate out” provisions of the federal Clean Water Act.
- Blackwell Island, Detox
January 19, 2010
Revised plan would remove highly contaminated sediments from flood prone area where Lake Coeur d’Alene empties to the Spokane River.
- Yanking phosphorus
January 11, 2010
In the latest effort to stop eutrophication of state waterways, the Washington legislature takes up bills to limit phosphorus content in lawn fertilizer. (Updated with 1/19/10 Video link to testimony on SB 6289.)
- The Water is Wide
December 15, 2009
The Inlander features an interview with Riverkeeper Rick Eichstaedt.
- Taking on Toxics
December 1, 2009
Spokane Riverkeeper Rick Eichstaedt serves notice on City of Spokane over illegal PCB discharges to Spokane River.
- Green Morning
November 18, 2009
At a Breakfast for the Environment, the Center lauds the “heroic” work of Bart & Lindell Haggin, and lays out the path ahead for the Spokane River and other regional environmental challenges.
- Fish Findings
November 10, 2009
New EPA study shows widespread freshwater fish contamination.
- Moving Down the Hall
November 9, 2009
Ecology’s own Ted Sturdevant chosen to replace Jay Manning as Director.
- A Slice of Blue November
November 1, 2009
A hike inside the Canyon’s canyon.
- New Partner
October 27, 2009
Spokane Riverkeeper now among earth-friendly groups listed with 1% For The Planet.
- Untrashing the River
October 26, 2009
2009 Spokane River Clean Up nets a small mountain of debris.
- Oil at the Falls
October 20, 2009
Avista reports “less than a gallon” of oil reached river from spill early Monday.
- You and a Thirsty River
October 16, 2009
In a three part video tutorial, Riverkeeper Rick Eichstaedt talks about the need to reverse the decades-long trend of low water flows in the Spokane River, and what all of us can do to help.
- Toxic Algae Update
October 13, 2009
As health districts downplay risks, Avista moves swiftly to try to address concerns at Long Lake.
- Manning Moves
October 6, 2009
Washington’s Ecology Director leaves to become Governor Gregoire’s chief of staff.
- How to Eat a Fish
On a global scale, overfishing is destroying the world’s ocean ecosystems and the human societies that have long depended upon them. Yet, closer to home, the energy and commitment needed to save threatened wild salmon comes from the same people who love to catch and eat them.
- Long Lake’s Toxic Algae
October 5, 2009
In this video feature, Scott Chaney talks about his troubling discovery, and what he’s trying to get done to protect people and animals.
- The Life of a Waterkeeper. So far.
October 2, 2009
Rick writes in the River Management Society journal about what it takes to become a Riverkeeper, and what his first year has been like.
- Green Drinks with the Riverkeeper
September 30, 2009
Join Rick Eichstaedt at the Catacombs on October 13
- Shun the Scum
State issues advisory for Lake Spokane after “extremely high” levels of toxin are measured in sample from algae bloom.
- A Liquid Reportorial Gem
September 24, 2009
The recent New York Times series, “Toxic Waters,” is a valuable resource both for environmental organizations and concerned citizens.
- D.O. Ver. 3
September 15, 2009
The Department of Ecology is out with its third try on a dissolved oxygen cleanup plan for the Spokane River.
- Dear Senator
Spokane Riverkeeper joins national climate change initiative seeking funds for job-creating conservation projects.
- Closer to Shore
August 31, 2009
Ecology sets September 15th workshop for final critique of Spokane County’s shoreline regulations.
- That Damned Sewage Treatment Plant Scheme…
August 26, 2009
In Part 5 of “Insiders & Naysayers,” Spokane historian Bill Stimson looks at why it took Spokane until 1958 to stop dumping raw sewage into the Spokane River.
- Soap Opera
August 17, 2009
Spokane became the butt of some national jokes with its ban on phosphorous-laden detergent. But Sunday’s S-R reports the “new storyline: it’s working.”
- Hanging with the Waterkeepers
August 14, 2009
“The thing I love about what you do is that you do. You don’t just talk about it.”–President Bill Clinton
- A Lighter Touch?
August 10, 2009
Idaho cuts back on plans to apply herbicide in Lake Pend Oreille after Waterkeeper lodges concerns about endangered bull trout.
- Stop Mucking Around
July 31, 2009
Lawyers’ discovery of mudflow into Fernan Lake leads Idaho conservation groups to file Clean Water Act violation notice on Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
- Storm over Stormwater
July 15, 2009
Waterkeepers unite to condemn Washington’s plans to alter standards for industrial stormwater.
- “Confessions” Earns ECO Award
July 9, 2009
Offbeat CFJ article on dishwasher soap and the environment rated among nation’s best in environmental writing.
- A Fine and Pleasant Soaking
June 14, 2009
Thanks to Peter Grubb and ROW Adventures, the Center’s new Spokane Riverkeeper program gets a ceremonial launch through the white water of the Bowl & Pitcher and the Devil’s Toenail–See the Video.
- Paddling for Permits
June 8, 2009
City seeking comments on Whitewater Park proposal.
- PCBs, PDQ
May 26, 2009
In one of his first actions as the new Spokane Riverkeeper, Rick Eichstaedt puts the state on notice about its foot-dragging on a cleanup plan for a notorious toxin that plagues Spokane River fish.
- Blackwell Island, Redux
May 12, 2009
To build a new port for luxury yachts, the Hagadone Corporation is back with a controversial plan to dig up tons of contaminated soils along the uppermost reach of the Spokane River.
- A Man for All Reasons
May 6, 2009
Mike Chappell finds himself in the right place at the right time to help Gonzaga convene a new environmental law clinic devoted to the Spokane River and other regional waterways.
- Closer to Perfect
After months of negotiation, Avista reaches settlement with Sierra Club and CELP on downtown waterfalls.
- Eyes on the Water
April 19, 2009
Center for Justice wins approval to head up Spokane Riverkeeper project.
- Stuck in the Membrane, An Update
April 15, 2009
CFJ raises new questions about Spokane County’s decision to go with CH2MHill given its competitor’s willingness to accept burden of meeting much lower phosphorous discharges.
- Paging Lisa Brown
March 23, 2009
Lots of questions remain about whether and how state Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown got involved in pushing a bill to weaken water pollution cleanup timelines. So we decided to ask her.
- Time to Make a Splash
March 9, 2009
Center presents 2nd Annual Paddling Film Festival April 18th.
- Our River Lawyer Goes to D.C.
March 6, 2009
The Center’s Rick Eichstaedt takes the case for clean water inside the beltway and finds that the Spokane River is getting national attention.
- The Power of Pulp
March 5, 2009
At the behest of Inland Empire Paper and the Department of Ecology, the State Senate unanimously passes bill that would delay cleanup of the Spokane River and other state waters.
- Same Old Smell?
February 23, 2009
The Center’s Rick Eichstaedt testifies against a hastily introduced bill to relax cleanup timelines for the Spokane River and other state waters.
- Saving Shorelines
February 17, 2009
Former County Plan Commission chairwoman Lindell Haggin explains the importance of Tuesday’s hearing on the fate of Spokane County shorelines. UPDATE: Futurewise’s Kitty Klitzke weighs in for shoreline buffers.
- Not So Fast…
January 28, 2009
Washington Attorney General argues that Avista’s retroactive settlement payments to Coeur d’Alene tribe to compensate for “unlawful trespass” cannot be passed on to company’s rate payers.
- Torrents of Talk
January 24, 2009
Against an undercurrent of conflict, an overflowing Spokane River Forum Conference brings new hopes and ideas for addressing regional water problems.
- Getting to “No.”
January 14, 2009
Commissioner Bonnie Mager forced Spokane County to finally deal with some harsh realities about its wastewater treatment plan. But it wasn’t enough to get her vote for the CH2M Hill contract.
- Black Rock Bites the Dust
December 19, 2008
In a remarkable win for Spokane-based environmental group, the federal Bureau of Reclamation turns thumbs down on Yakima River storage project.
- Calming the Waters
December 16, 2008
To resolve longstanding dispute with Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Avista agrees to trust fund and long-term payments of $150 million. In exchange, Tribe supports 50 year license for Avista dams on Spokane River.
- Fasten Your Life Jackets
December 8, 2008
At a critical juncture in the battles over the Spokane River, the Center’s lead water attorney, Rick Eichstaedt speaks candidly about how we got here, and what lies ahead.
- Stuck in the Membrane with CH2M Hill
How Spokane County gave itself over to an omnipresent contractor and an expensive sewage treatment plan that’s getting us nowhere.
- About that new pipe…
December 2, 2008
With support from an unexpected source, Sierra Club issues its strongest warning to date that Spokane County’s waste water treatment plan is misguided, expensive, and unlikely to survive legal challenges.
- Confessions of a Soap Sample Boy
November 28, 2008
Item: People are driving to Idaho to buy dish soap banned from stores in Spokane. How you can have cleaner dishes, make better use of your time, and still help the Spokane River.
- Spokane River Sessions
November 8, 2008
Public Workshops Set to Review and Discuss Spokane River Challenges
- Take the (Virtual) River Tour
November 3, 2008
To experience Ron Hall’s Spokane River Google Earth demonstration project you’ll need to do one or two things. If you don’t already have Google Earth on your computer, go here to obtain the FREE download. Then just click here for the SRGE demo and you’re on your way. Our plan is to update and to [...]
- A Big Waste of Money?
November 1, 2008
Sierra Club says Spokane County’s selection of wrong sewage treatment technology could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and still pose environmental and legal problems.
- The River and Ron Hall
October 14, 2008
The Spokane River and the people who love it have a talented new friend who’s given us a new way to look at things.
- EPA Takes the Bullet
September 26, 2008
In a remarkable public meeting, agency apologizes and takes brunt of criticism for reversing course on how it will regulate Spokane River pollution.
- Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Sleeping Monster
September 6, 2008
Washington Department of Ecology joins Sierra Club and others with a forceful critique of a lake cleanup plan that is as short on enforcement as it is on funding.
- River Reversal
September 4, 2008
In a major victory for the Center for Justice and Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency changes course on how it will regulate pollution in the Spokane River.
- Dumping On The Falls
August 6, 2008
Avista begins dredging the Monroe Street dam, drawing protests from the Sierra Club and the Center for Justice.
- Cleaning It Up
July 14, 2008
Sierra Club, working with Center for Justice attorneys, agrees to settlement with City of Spokane that avoids Clean Water Act lawsuit over direct sewage discharges to the Spokane River.
- Same Dam Problems
July 7, 2008
Center will represent Sierra Club and CELP in appeal of Ecology’s Avista-friendly remedy for the Spokane River.
- Two Eggs, Orange Juice, And A Dry Riverbed
June 10, 2008
Ecology’s landmark decision on Avista dams punts on the river’s problems and leaves Spokane’s signature waterfalls retreating to a bare trickle on summer mornings.
- Tell It To The Fish
Idaho agency’s new ruling on Avista’s upper Spokane River water flows is better news for Lake Coeur d’Alene’s dock owners than it is for the river’s struggling red band trout population.
- A Publisher’s New Problem
June 8, 2008
New documents uncovered by a Center for Justice records request highlight a big problem for Cowles Co.’s newsprint subsidiary and its discharges to the Spokane River.
The Center has worked with Spokane geographer and model-builder Ron Hall to offer a Spokane River Google Earth demonstration project. To access it, you’ll need to do one or two things. If you don’t already have Google Earth on your computer, go here to obtain the FREE download. Then just click here to access the Spokane River issues download and you’re on your way.