SPOKANE, Wash. – A section of hillside near TJ Meenach Drive collapsed over the weekend, raising concerns for both the city and Spokane Riverkeeper.
According to the City of Spokane, the collapse exposed a breach in an overflow catchment at Downriver Park, which diverted stormwater into swales meant to filter out pollutants before they reach the Spokane River.
The collapse allowed sediment to enter the river, which may threaten water quality and aquatic life.
Katelyn Scott, the water protector for Spokane Riverkeeper, explained the issue.
“This is really the first time this had ever been used. It’s a brand new facility, and unfortunately, in that big rain, we were able to see there was a pretty significant design flaw in how this one was set up,” Katelyn Scott, the water protector for Spokane Riverkeeper, said.
“When it filled and it was overflowing, instead of overflowing and flowing down, it eroded the hillside because of a gap in the fabric,” Scott said, describing the fabric liner around the Cochran Basin Stormwater System.
Scott told NonStop Local the erosion occurred because the pond was not level, essentially allowing the water to flow over the wrong spot.
Spokane Public Works reported that the incident happened on Nov. 13 while the stormwater system was undergoing final testing.
The system is designed to direct stormwater through a filtration network to filter pollutants.
Kristin Davis, a spokesman for Spokane Public Works, explained the system’s function.
“The physical project totally did its job. So, the whole idea is if that overflows, it goes into those swales instead of going straight into the river. And that’s exactly what happened,” Kirstin Davis, a spokesperson for Public Works, said.
Despite the setback, both Davis and Scott emphasized that the situation is manageable and there is a plan to move the project forward.
“The goal today and this week is to get that pipeline completely shut off so that water isn’t trickling through there, so it will be going into the relief line,” Davis said.
Newly installed silt fences are expected to prevent further sediment from entering the river.
“It does, unfortunately, have to go through a full redesign, so that’s gonna take us until spring. But… it’s working, as it should, right now, so we aren’t anticipating much of a risk from this… this winter either,” Scott said.
In the meantime, the public is urged to avoid restricted areas around Downriver Park while repairs are underway.
