Specific Pollutants of Concern in Walla Walla

The Walla Walla Public Works Department released the specific locations which they deem to be the most concerning regarding stormwater pollution. These locations have extra leakage of toxins, and would be more harmful than other areas.

This is the list of the locations, as well as the pollutants of concern within each spot.

The County Garage is the location with the most concern regarding Mill Creek, seeing that it is directly adjacent to the water. The tests conducted at Site 1 were in fact taken while standing on the County Garage grounds. 

The Walla Walla Public Works Department has also released data which lists the different sources of pollutants in Walla Walla with regards to the specific locations and how much of a concern they are. 

Based on this information, we notice that the County Garage's primary concerning activities are vehicle maintenance and vehicle storage. The toxins may leak out of cars if they sit for long periods of time, then eventually make their way to Mill Creek since it is just a few feet away. 

Because the government is aware that the County Garage is a trouble spot, I am questioning why they do not implement some sort of protection. As shown on a previous map, there are no collection or infiltration systems established on Mill Creek. The Walla Walla Public Works Department should put some sort of system in place next to the County Garage, because, due to its close proximity and its concerning pollutants, it could be detrimental to the health of Mill Creek. 

Sources

Walla Walla Public Works Department, (2011). Walla walla county stormwater operations and maintenance plan . Retrieved from website: http://wwcountyroads.com/Docs/Stormwater-operations-Maintenance-Plan.pdf