Task Force members are asked to review and comment on the  draft Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Spokane and Troutlodge Fish Hatchery PCB Evaluation put together by Michael Friese of Ecology’s Environmental Assessment Program.

–  Spokane and Troutlodge Hatchery PCB Evaluation 2.10.2016QAPP 

The Spokane River Toxics Task force has been identifying sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the Spokane River with the goal of reducing PCB inputs to the Spokane River. Previous studies have identified PCB contamination in fish raised in hatcheries. Several studies have correlated PCB concentrations in fish tissue to concentrations in hatchery feed. This proposed study will investigate PCB concentrations in hatchery fish from Troutlodge, a facility in Soap Lake, WA, and the Spokane fish hatchery, located on the Little Spokane River. Both of these facilities raise fish to be planted into the Spokane River. In addition, effluent from the Spokane fish hatchery will be evaluated for PCBs. PCB concentrations will also be measured in settleable solids and fish food from the Spokane fish hatchery. A PCB annual load contribution estimate from hatchery fish and effluent to the Spokane River will be calculated.

In order to determine concentrations of PCBs in hatchery fish being removed from the river, 2 composites of fish collected from the Spokane River will be analyzed for PCBs. An attempt will be made to collect fish from the same age class as those collected from the hatcheries.