Poisoning the Water

Responding to the scientific evidence that the level of fish consumption by Indian tribes is unhealthy under existing water pollution standards, the state of Oregon this summer took dramatic steps to increase its water quality.  Meanwhile, in the neighboring state of Washington, Governor Gregoire just signed into law a major exemption from clean water standards for the agricultural industry.

Seems like common sense ends at the Columbia River boundary between two states in what was once a bountiful region of salmon-laden streams. As a cancer survivor and former director of the Department of Ecology, you’d think Governor Gregoire would be more sensitive to the plight of indigenous peoples at risk of cancer and other diseases from simply eating their traditional foods.

Apparently not.