SAJB Wellhead Protection Program

Areas of Emphasis

Wellhead Protection Plan

The Spokane Aquifer Joint Board developed a comprehensive wellhead protection plan that includes a technical characterization and assessment of the hydrogeologic setting of the Spokane Aquifer and provides the basis for wellhead protection areas. The wellhead protection areas serve as the foundation of the program, defining the areas for contaminant source inventory, risk assessment, contingency management, public education and possible groundwater protection ordinances. The report was prepared January 2000, by CH2MHill and funded in part by the Washington State Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Fund Grant No. G9600216, and the Spokane County Water Quality Management Program.

2000 Wellhead Protection Plan »

Education and Awareness

SAJB develops and implements a long-term education and awareness campaign targeted at citizens living and working over the Aquifer. Aqua Duck, Defender of the Aquifer, can be found at school and community events with his six adventure comic books, activity book and conservation coloring book. The SAJB Program Manager accompanies Aqua Duck at local events, talks with citizens about things we can all do to protect the aquifer and distributes a variety of educational publications such as the Aquifer Atlas.

SAJB partners with KSPS PBS Public Television to provide Aquifer in a Cup Workshops for public and private school teachers and students across the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer region in Washington. Request a Workshop. Three Aquifer in a cup video lessons are available at KSPS.org/aquiferinacup . You can explore over 60 STEAM activities created by 15 regional agencies at SAJB’s Virtual Science Fair Extravaganza. If you would like Aqua Duck to appear at an upcoming educational event please Contact us at least two weeks in advance of the event.

Spokane Waste & Recycle Directory

Household Contaminant Disposal

SAJB provides information to residents about the proper disposal of  household contaminants and suggestions for safer alternative products. Click here to find out how to properly dispose of household hazardous materials at NO CHARGE. Call the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System Recycling Hotline 509-477-6800 or visit the Spokane Waste and Recycle Directory for disposal options in Idaho and Washington.

Proactive Business Assistance

SAJB partners with eight local agencies and non-profits to sponsor the EnviroCertified program which provides technical assistance and information to small businesses for contaminant disposal methods and procedures. Businesses and government agencies that properly manage their hazardous and dangerous wastes are eligible for certification and recognition. Contact us to request Local Source Control technical assistance and become EnviroCertified  or go to www.EnviroCertified.org to get more information.

If your business generates more than 200 pounds of dangerous waste or more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste per month your business is considered a medium or large quantity generator MQG or LQG. For technical assistance call the Washington State Department of Ecology at 509-329-3409 or visit their website.

Potential Contaminant Source Inventory

SAJB develops and maintains a regional potential contaminant source inventory database. Under current Washington State regulations for wellhead protection, every two years water purveyors are required to notify potential contaminant sources (businesses) that are located within defined wellhead protection areas. This is a reminder to the business owners of their location over our “sole-source” Aquifer, and the need for everyone to protect this precious resource.