Feds issue key permit for Elwha restoration project

April 19th, 2007
KONP News

(Port Angeles) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a key Clean Water Act permit which will aid in restoration work on the Elwha River.

The permit ensures a clean water supply for domestic and industrial uses from the Elwha when the two dams on the river are taken out and while the river is recovering.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit will allow the Elwha Water Treatment Plant to treat the water and discharge removed sediment to the river. Construction of the EWTP is scheduled to begin later this year.

During the dam removal process, an estimated 18 million cubic yards of sediment currently trapped behind the two dams will be released into the water column. The city of Port Angeles gets it drinking and industrial water from the river.

Part of the Elwha Act assured the water supply wouldn't be contaminated when the dams came out.