The City and other point-source dischargers agree that phosphorous discharge to the river should be reduced, and since the mid 1970s, tremendous gains have been made by the City in its wastewater treatment, removing 90% of phosphorous. The City and other point-source dischargers have managed to reduce total phosphorous loading to the river over time despite population and economic growth in the region.

The City has been operating reliably within current permit limits set by Ecology for pollutant removal. In addition, a major upgrade to tertiary treatment, scheduled to start around 2010, will remove about 99% of phosphorous compared to today's 90% level. These upgrades, including digester work, will be completed by about 2012 and will cost about $200 million.

At the same time, the City continues to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) where occasional untreated overflows, mixed with rain or snowmelt, reach the river. During the 1980s and early 1990s, the annual volume of CSO was reduced by over 85%, exceeding the EPA goal before it was even established. The current CSO reduction program will be completed by 2017, as agreed to by Ecology, and will cost about $250 million. The goal is for no more than one overflow per outfall each year.

Discussions are currently underway with Ecology about the draft TMDL implementation plan for dissolved oxygen. Setting an achievable, affordable standard and establishing practical implementation plans are essential to achieving a clean environment. Participants in the Spokane River TMDL Collaboration discussions include a wide range of parties including local governments, the states of Idaho and Washington, the Spokane Tribe, environmental groups, power companies, along with Ecology and the dischargers. More information about these discussions may be found at http://client-ross.com/spokane-river.

Ecology's preliminary indication had been that it will set a stricter TMDL for the Spokane River and Long Lake, and Ecology will make the ultimate decision about an implementation strategy that meets TMDL requirements. The six point-source dischargers to the river, including the City, are concerned that the proposed draft TMDL is unattainable, especially during low river flow months, which could reduce or even prohibit discharges to the river. The City is concerned because it must be able to continue to process wastewater from its citizens and businesses and meet standards, all at reasonable costs to citizens. Currently, the City treats 44 million gallons of wastewater every day.