Status of Toxic Chemicals and Heavy Metals
in the Spokane River

Jump to:    PCBs  |  PBDEs  |  Dioxins/Furans  |  Metals

PCBs

Description and Use
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are human-made, chlorinated chemical compounds originally developed in 1929. Because they do not burn, break down or conduct electricity, they were used in electrical transformers, capacitors, lubricants, and many other commercial and household products, e.g.—fluorescent lighting fixtures. Manufacturing of PCBs was banned in 1979.

Sources and Pathways to the Spokane River
Although banned, previous PCB releases still persist in the environment. Products with PCBs are still in use and may release this toxic chemical into the air, water, or soil. Current testing shows about 55% of PCBs enter the river through the City of Spokane combined sewer overflow and storm water system, 25% at the Idaho border, 15% through industrial and waste water treatment discharges, and 5% from the Little Spokane River.

Possible Human Health Effects
PCBs can cause skin rashes, immune deficiencies, liver disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological and behavioral problems. They are also a probable human carcinogen. Their presence in Spokane River fish tissue led to an updated fish consumption and preparation advisory.

Cleanup and Restoration
In 2006, high concentrations of PCBs were "capped" behind Upriver Dam. Capping trapped PCBs and other contaminants on the river bottom by placing layers of coal, sand, and gravel on top of contaminated areas. A couple of miles upstream, PCB sediments were removed in an environmentally sensitive backwater area of Donkey Island and replaced with clean sand.

A draft PCB Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report was released in 2006. Also called a water quality cleanup plan, the report calls for 95 to 99 percent reductions of all PCBs entering the river. A new draft report is expected in the fall of 2007 after further testing of storm water drains is complete. When implemented, PCBs entering the river may be reduced to safe levels.

PBDEs

Description and Use
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemical additives used in everyday household products to reduce death and injury from fires. Also called flame retardants, they are found in everyday items like clothing, cushions for chairs and couches, computer casings, carpet pads, and coatings for draperies.

Sources and Pathways to the Spokane River
PBDEs can leach out of products and enter the air, soil, and water. Specific pathways to the Spokane River are not yet known.

Possible Human Health Effects
In lab tests with animals, some PBDEs are linked with brain development (learning, memory and behavior) and thyroid problems. Most problems stem from pre-natal and newborn exposure. Further, the level of PBDEs in human bodies (including breast milk) is doubling every 2 to 5 years. If this rate continues, levels in humans could cause the same problems as those found in animals.

2006 testing showed fish in the Spokane River had the highest levels of PBDEs sampled in Washington State. Concentrations were highest in the Nine Mile area of the Spokane River. No federal or state standards, however, currently exist to determine safe levels of PBDEs in fish for consumption.

Cleanup and Restoration
Testing to determine if PBDEs are entering the Spokane River through storm drains is underway. In 2007, Washington became the first state to ban most manufacture, sale, and use of the most popular PBDE compound (deca). Two other popular PBDE compounds (penta and octa) are being voluntarily phased out of production by manufacturers.

A TMDL cleanup plan (like the one for PCBs) to actively reduce PBDEs entering the river is not possible until national and/or state standards for safe levels in water and fish tissue are set. Thus, other approaches are being considered.

Dioxins/Furans

Description and Use
Dioxins/furans refer to a group of toxic substances that share a chemical structure. They are mostly produced as a by-product of burning items such as municipal waste, sludge, medical waste, wood, and cement kilns. They can also be produced as part of manufacturing herbicides and pulp/paper products.

Sources and Pathways to the Spokane River
Dioxins/furans can be released into the air, soil, and water. As part of statewide monitoring of persistent bioaccumulative toxins, fish tissue sampling in the Spokane River showed elevated levels of dioxins/furans. Specific pathways to the Spokane River are not known at this time.

Possible Human Health Effects
Dioxins/furans are a probable human carcinogen. Non-cancer effects include neurological, immune, and reproductive issues. No state or federal standards currently exist to determine safe levels in fish for consumption.

Cleanup and Restoration
Stormwater drain testing in 2007 includes dioxins/furans. Additionally, future fish tissue sampling will monitor levels of dioxins/furans in fish.

Metals

Description
Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc are part of a group of contaminating metals released into the environment as part of mining, milling, and ore processing. Metals concentrated in these wastes can be toxic.

Sources and Pathways to the Spokane River
An estimated 100 million tons of mine wastes were released into the river system from the Upper Coeur d'Alene Basin in Idaho. Contaminants traveled downstream, moved through Lake Coeur d'Alene and deposited in the Spokane River.

Possible Human Health Effects
Ingestion of lead and arsenic from shoreline sediments at recreational beaches from the Idaho border to Upriver Dam are of primary concern, particularly for children playing in the sand. Lead exposure can have multiple effects, including causing behavior and learning problems in children, nervous system damage, kidney damage, and reduced growth. Arsenic can also have multiple effects, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and changes in the skin.

Elevated levels of lead, cadmium and zinc are also present in fish tissue. Their presence in the water and sediments represents a risk to aquatic life. Consumption of fish by people is being monitored as a health concern.

Cleanup and Restoration
Cleanup and restoration activities of contaminated shoreline areas began in 2006. At the Starr Road recreation area, a combination of digging out and reconstruction of shoreline areas and capping was used. This reduces public exposure to lead and arsenic while also restoring important aquatic habitat. Metals were also capped and isolated from the river environment behind Upriver Dam as an added benefit of the PCB cleanup work.

In 2007, shoreline areas known as the Island Complex and Murray Road locations (which are within 2 miles of the Idaho border) will be addressed. Th is will include bank stabilization and capping to isolate metals from public exposure and protect fishery spawning habitat. Over the next two to four years, cleanup of additional high-priority shoreline locations will occur.