Federal officials have issued permits to three northern Idaho agencies that limit how much pollution can be put into the Spokane River. Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the permits to Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board.
The permits, aimed at cutting discharge of phosphorus and other oxygen-gobbling pollutants, are among the most stringent in the country. They come after a sometimes contentious 10-year approval process.
EPA spokeswoman Christine Psyk says the permits for discharging treated wastewater will improve water quality throughout the Spokane River and Lake Spokane. She says it will improve wildlife habitat and prevent excess algae that is a hazard for swimmers and boaters. Psyk says fish will also be safer for human consumption.
Similar permits were imposed on Washington dischargers in 2011, and the impact has meant lowered pollutants, and increased capitalization fees for upper Spokane River sewer system customers. The three new Idaho permits go into effect on December 1st and have a 10-year compliance schedule. All three sewer board already have plans in motion to achieve compliance and meet the pollution limits.