Toxics Reduction Workshop

A Toxics Reduction Strategy Development workshop was held on June 5 – 6 in Portland, OR at the University Place Hotel. The U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Upper Columbia United Tribes provided supporting funds for the cost of the workshop. The focus of the workshop was for tribal, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations from around the Columbia Basin to meet, discuss and to finally recommend specific toxics reduction actions that would benefit the Columbia Basin ecosystem.

Forty one representatives contribute to discussions at the facilitated meeting. Tribal representation included technical staff from CRITFC, Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Upper Columbia United Tribes, Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and Spokane Tribe of Indians. Government organizations included EPA, BIA, Oregon DEQ, Washington Ecology, USGS, USFWS, and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The workshop will support toxics reduction efforts that will affect natural spawning populations of numerous species of fish including but not limited to spring Chinook, fall Chinook, bull trout, summer steelhead, and lamprey. These species of fish among other aquatic organisms will benefit indirectly as the education and outreach program seeks to educate the public on Columbia River Basin Toxic Reduction efforts.