Deschutes River Cleanup Plan Out for Review

As a part of continued efforts to restore Deschutes River water quality, the Department of Ecology has released a draft water cleanup plan for this watershed and is hosting public meetings as part of a comment period over the next six weeks.

The report found a number of pollution factors contributing to a decrease in water quality, including warmer water temperature, high bacteria and sediment levels, and low levels of dissolved oxygen.

“With such a decrease in water quality in our own backyard, we are focused on a multi-faceted solution to restore the clean and cool water the Deschutes needs to support fishing, recreation and other public benefits,” said Rich Doenges, Water Quality section manager for the Department of Ecology’s Southwest Region. “The public’s input is critical to make sure this is a comprehensive approach to cleaning up the watershed.”

Ecology is asking for public comment during an extended 45-day comment period from April 13 to May 27, 2015. The agency will hold two public meetings in Olympia and Tumwater.

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