Environmental Briefs

• Hayden Lake watershed group to meet this week

The Hayden Lake Watershed Association is a nonprofit organization of residents established to protect the lake and the special area around the lake. The association is seeking individuals sharing this interest to join its board of directors. Public board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hayden Lake City Hall. Those interested in serving should attend the March 19 board meeting or contact association president Geoff Harvey at 762-1246.

• Post Falls reports spill of treated wastewater

POST FALLS - About 96,000 gallons of treated wastewater spilled onto the ground at the Post Falls water reclamation facility off Seltice Way during the weekend.

The accidental release, discovered Sunday afternoon during a routine walkthrough, was reported by the city on Monday morning.

City officials said the release was caused by a separation in a line installed during a 2011 plant upgrade.

"The released water was fully treated and disinfected," a press release issued by the city states. "There is no immediate effect to any drinking water supplies and the incident poses no health risk to the public.

"Reclaimed water is used for cleaning equipment and irrigation of green space at the facility. It is the same water that is discharged to the Spokane River each day."

The city reported the release to Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. A hydrogeology study of the release will be performed. The city will continue to work with IDEQ as needed.