Tag: pollution

Washington Natural Resources Dept. Begins Cleanup of Puget Sound Pollution
Fishermen's News Online, News

Washington Natural Resources Dept. Begins Cleanup of Puget Sound Pollution

Officials with the Washington Department of Natural Resources are removing makeshift tire reefs from Puget Sound as part of the agency’s new Tire Pile Removal Program, which is part of a strategy to protect and restore salmon habitat. The tires were installed as artificial reefs from the 1960s to1980s by several Washington state groups to increase habitat or swindling rockfish and lingcod populations. On Oct. 24, Washington State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz said it was important to remove pollutants like these tire reefs now, before they become a larger problem across Puget Sound. The polypropylene rope holding bundles of tires together is wearing down, causing tires to drift and pollute waterways and beaches. Once on land, the tires break down faster, which can res...
Columbia Riverkeeper Settles Water Pollution Lawsuit
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Columbia Riverkeeper Settles Water Pollution Lawsuit

Environmental nonprofit Columbia Riverkeeper on Sept. 12 that it has reached an agreement with the Port of Vancouver USA  and to settle a Clean Water Act lawsuit challenging years of alleged unlawful water pollution from the port that threatened endangered salmon. As part of the settlement, the port committed to make significant changes to reduce the amount of water pollution that flows off the 1643-acre property and into the Columbia River. “Today’s settlement is a big win for clean water and everyone who values the Columbia’s iconic salmon and the people and cultures that rely on them,” Columbia Riverkeeper Executive Director Lauren Goldberg said. “Public ports have a critical role to play in keeping the Columbia  swimmable and fishable for all.” However, before the proposed...