Little Spokane River PCBs: Screening Survey of Water, Sediment, and Fish Tissue

“The lower section of the Little Spokane River is in Category 5 of the 303(d) list for PCBs in fish tissue. This study evaluated current PCB levels in fish to validate the 303(d) listing. Sediment and water were also analyzed”.

Final Report can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1603001.html

 Quality Assurance Project Plan:  Spokane and Troutlodge Fish Hatchery PCB Evaluation is now at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1603104.html

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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Spokane Fish Hatchery, located on the Little 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 from both hatcheries and effluent from the Spokane hatchery to the Spokane River will be calculated.

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

If you have questions, please contact Siana Wong at swon461@ecy.wa.govor at 360-407-6432.  Or you may contact Brandee Era-Miller atbera461@ecy.wa.gov or at 360-407-6771.