Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Environmental Protection Agency published a draft plan this week to reduce the biggest chemical threats to the Columbia River.

EPA’s plan focuses on three toxics that have been problems for a long time: mercury, DDT, and PCBs.

It also names the more recent threat of flame retardants known as PBDEs.

Pesticides and other contaminants are targets as well.

EPA’s project manager, Mary Lou Soscia is optimistic the river can be cleaned up in spite of years of problems.  She's encouraged by the improvement in smaller basins.

Mary Lou Soscia: “In May of 2009, there was a DDT fish advisory in the Yakima Basin, which had been there for years and years, and that was lifted. In the Walla Walla basin, just recently, they dramatically reduced, 70 percent reduced, organophosphate pesticides.”

The draft Columbia River Action Plan includes five strategies, including a public education campaign, and intensive monitoring, research, and data-sharing.

EPA also wants to take limits currently in use for pesticides, and apply them to other toxics.