Stephen Pfeiffer 3/19/24 Stephen Pfeiffer 3/19/24

Efforts to curb mining pollution in the transboundary Kootenai(y) River by the U.S. and Canadian federal governments begin

Nick Kunath 1/18/23 Nick Kunath 1/18/23

EPA issues new definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act…again

Guest User 1/18/22 Guest User 1/18/22

Help Restore Cold Water Fisheries in the Priest River

The Priest River in northern Idaho has suffered for decades due to management practices that disregard the health of the river system. The outlet dam on Priest Lake was constructed in 1950 to maintain the lake level, and each summer the dam creates artificially low stream flows and warm temperatures on the 44 miles of the Priest River from the lake to the confluence with the Pend Oreille River.

Stephen Pfeiffer 1/18/22 Stephen Pfeiffer 1/18/22

Selenium Standards in the Kootenai River

Years of collaborative research and discussion between scientists, stakeholders, and decision makers culminated last year with Montana adopting a more stringent selenium pollution rule for the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa. The effort to establish stronger selenium limits has long been led by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and the Ktunaxa Nation Council. Canadian coal mining company Teck Resources, whose operations are responsible for the high levels of selenium in the river, recently petitioned to overturn the new limits.

Staff 10/21/21 Staff 10/21/21

Press Release: Fishing, recreation advocates topple critical Trump-era Clean Water Act federal power grab

Fishing and recreation advocates won a significant victory for clean water when a federal district court threw out (vacated) a critical Trump Clean Water Act rule. The order from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California restores state and Tribal authority to ensure federally permitted activities in rivers and lakes comply fully with state and tribal law.

Guest User 10/21/21 Guest User 10/21/21

Can we bring coldwater life back into the Priest River?

With its incredible characteristics, along with an assemblage of wild native fish species prized by anglers, one would think that the Priest River would be a destination for anglers and paddlers both near and far. However, low stream flows and warm temperatures have made the river unsuitable for coldwater-dependent fish. Can the river recover?

Staff 9/7/21 Staff 9/7/21

Regional Conservation Groups Resolve Litigation Over Water Quality Impacts Caused by the Hells Canyon Complex

The settlement forces the state of Oregon to develop a plan to limit dangerous methylmercury pollution and accelerate critical remediation of water temperature impacts at the Hells Canyon Complex on the Snake River.

Anna Buschbacher 4/21/21 Anna Buschbacher 4/21/21

AVEDA: Salons making a difference for our rivers

Earth Day - or Earth Month - is known as a time to celebrate and give back to our amazing planet. Many businesses take this concept to year-round initiatives, working tirelessly to make every day a day that gives back. Our Aveda partners do just that and are among our earth “year” heroes.

Staff 9/17/19 Staff 9/17/19

EPA Overturns Clean Water Rule: What It Means for Waterways and Idaho

On September 12, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolled back protections for waterways, headwaters, and wetlands.

If you love a river, join IRU.