KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick City Council is considering further assistance from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for a study of harmful algae blooms in the Columbia River.
According to the city council’s agenda report, an amendment in the joint funding agreement with the USGS is scheduled for adoption during the council’s June 17 meeting.
High concentrations of algae blooms have recently affected the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities area, leading to beach closures and water quality concerns.
The USGS, in collaboration with agencies such as the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), is leading efforts to study these blooms and develop management tools.
Jim Coleman, Climate Specialist for BFHD, emphasized the danger to pets, particularly dogs.
“Dogs are very susceptible to the toxins for a couple of reasons,” Coleman said. “They have a low body weight compared to humans. They tend to drink a lot of water when they get in the river, and they also have a tendency to eat green things that wash up along the shore. If they eat those green things or ingest a lot of water and ingest that toxin, they can become very sick and ill.”
The additional funding from Kennewick will help expand the study’s scope, the city said.
The city is expected to provide $25,000 to match $125,000 in USGS funding for the study. These funds are available and budgeted in the 2025/26 Water Utility Budget, according to the city’s agenda report.
