COVER STORY
10 • MARCH 2014
Ripple effect
CLEAN WATER CHRONOLOGY A look back at LLSWD phosphorous-free initiatives • Late 1960s: Liberty Lake residents realize the lake is dying from severe and toxic blue-green algae blooms. Residents petition Spokane County Commissioners to form a sewer district to clean up the lake from phosphorus-rich septic tank effluent.
How LLSWD’s 25-year battle for phosphorousfree products has made an international impact By Craig Howard
SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR
The last time Procter & Gamble crossed paths with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, the topic of phosphorous was a contentious one. In May 2005, the manufacturing giant sent representatives from its Ohio-based corporate headquarters to Liberty Lake to oppose a decision by the LLSWD board banning dishwasher detergent containing phosphorous. P&G found allies in the Soap and Detergent Association, which flew out its own delegation to the Inland Northwest from Washington, D.C. “They pled their case for phosphorous in dishwasher detergent,” said former LLSWD General Manager Lee Mellish. “They made the impression that it was extremely difficult and expensive to produce a product without phosphorous that would clean dishes and still meet public approval.” P&G was familiar with LLSWD’s pioneering efforts in the phosphorous-free debate going back to 1989, when the district passed a ban against laundry detergent with phosphorous. The resolution was an initial step in what eventually became a nationwide ban implemented in 1993. Art “Skip” Toreson, whose tenure as LLSWD commissioner included passage of the detergent restriction, recalled the district being fully aware that the ban was the start of an uphill battle. “We were determined to keep phosphorous out of the water and knew that detergent was a major source,” he said. “We also knew it would be hard to enforce.” Mellish said the district’s approach to phosphorous and watershed protection has placed it in the position of a pacesetter among special purpose districts. “Around the state of Washington and North Idaho, there are a number of folks, especially associated with water and sewer departments, that support the district’s stand on phosphorus and many speak of following the district’s lead,” he said.
The Splash
• 1973: Liberty Lake residents vote to form a special purpose sewer district in an effort to clean up the lake. • Mid-1970s: A water quality study is published discussing the extent and nature of nutrient enrichment to the lake and providing possible treatment and restoration funding options.
FILE PHOTOS
Above, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District headquarters on Mission has hosted several meetings over the years where bans on phosphorus in detergents and fertilizers were pioneered.
• 1975: The Liberty Lake Sewer District receives approval for grant funding under the Clean Lakes program for a lake restoration project. Grant funding is awarded for in-lake restoration, stormwater management and the construction of a sewage collection system and wastewater treatment plant. This multifaceted restoration (1976-1984) totals $14.8 million, with $6.7 million coming from federal grants and $2.1 million from state restoration grants.
The focus on lake, river and watershed protection dates back to the district’s founding. The circa 1973 photo (middle) show algae blooms common in the lake at the time of the district’s founding.
• 1982: The sewer system and treatment plant are completed. With a wastewater treatment plant in operation, the district is tasked with the costly process of phosphorus removal to meet discharge standards to the river.
At bottom right, a crate of phosphorusfree dishwasher detergent is pictured at the Liberty Lake Albertsons in this September 2005 Splash file photo.
Phosphorous vs. clean water The origins of LLSWD more than 40 years ago coincided with the impact of phosphorous on the Liberty Lake watershed that reached troubling proportions by the late 1960s. The spread of toxic bluegreen algae blooms — fueled by heavy levels of phosphorous from septic tanks — had turned the lake into a murky swamp, unsafe for public use. Along with the troubling impact on water quality, phosphorous also has a disturbing effect on the species that call that water home. When the forests of algae die and decompose, the process robs lakes and rivers of oxygen, crippling fish and other aquatic life. Locally, the corrosive effect extends beyond Liberty Lake to watersheds like the Spokane River and Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. LLSWD General Manager BiJay Adams, who previously served as the district’s lake
• December 1989: The district passes Resolution 40-89 banning phosphorus in laundry detergent. A nationwide ban follows in 1993, while the state of Washington is a year behind with its ban in 1994.
ON THE COVER SPLASH PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District General Manager BiJay Adams, right, and Lake Protection Manager Jeremy Jenkins currently lead the fight to protect Liberty Lake from phosphorus. protection and water resource manager, said the Liberty Lake community rallied to support the transition to phosphorous-free dishwasher detergent nine years ago. “Area residents’ immediate response was to buy only phosphorus-free dishwasher detergents by Ecover and Seventh Generation,” Adams said. “Long before the law took effect, Albertsons and Safeway managers were buying phosphorus-free products from outlying retailers to stock their shelves in Liberty Lake. It was a great example of
See PHOSPHORUS, page 13
• July 2005: The district passes Resolution 23-05 banning phosphorus in automatic dishwasher detergent. This resolution comes after a recommendation made by resident Tom Brattebo in a previous board meeting. Bans in Spokane, Whatcom and Clark counties follow in 2008. A statewide ban takes effect in 2010. There are now 16 states with bans against automatic dishwasher detergent containing phosphorous. • November 2005: The district passes Resolution 46-05 banning phosphorus in lawn fertilizer within the watershed of Liberty Lake. • 2009: The district amends Resolution 46-05 with Resolution 18-09 banning phosphorus in lawn fertilizer district-wide. Source: Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District