Public Notice: Opportunity to Comment on PCBs Cleanup Plan for Spokane River
Summary
EPA is accepting public comments on its proposed plan to reduce the amount of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in the Spokane River basin.
EPA's plan establishes a Total Maximum Daily Load for PCBs – often referred to as a "pollution budget" – to protect human health and aquatic life along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers of Washington and highlights the need to continue to reduce PCBs from both industries and communities in the Spokane Valley.
While PCBs were banned in 1979, they were widely used by multiple industries to lubricate and cool equipment. Some of that equipment, like electrical transformers manufactured before the ban, are sources of the chemicals found in the 100 river miles of the Spokane River watershed.
PCBs in surface water readily accumulate in aquatic organisms, meaning even small amounts in the environment can pose health problems for people who consume fish.
After the public comment period closes, EPA will consider all comments received and make edits to the draft TMDLs as appropriate, including providing a detailed response to comments.
For more information, visit Spokane River PCB TMDLs.