Stop Toxic Pollution

By Lauren Goldberg, Executive Director

Time to get real: the Columbia River is a dumping ground for toxic pollution. Thousands of pipes discharge pollution into the Columbia and its tributaries.

This pollution includes toxic substances that make parts of the Columbia unhealthy for fish and people. Pesticides and heavy metals enter the river from many sources, including agricultural runoff, air pollution, and industrial logging. Former development sites, like manufacturing facilities and landfills, also continue to leach pollution into the river.

When you think of the Columbia, you should think of clean water, strong salmon runs, and kids laughing as they splash along its beaches. Not toxic pollution. People rely on the Columbia to feed themselves and their families; as a source for clean drinking water; to swim, kiteboard, kayak, and other sports; for religious reasons; and so much more. As a Columbia Riverkeeper supporter, you can stop toxic pollution and protect clean water.

Double your impact when you make a gift today. It will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous family up to $15,000! Together we can celebrate victories for clean water and environmental justice in 2024. With your support, we will: 

• Hire a new attorney to increase our capacity to stop toxic pollution by holding polluters accountable in court using the Clean Water Act. 
   
• Unite communities to advocate for laws that protect clean water by engaging in federal and state rulemakings and preparing for upcoming state legislative sessions.
   
• Engage people who rely on locally-caught fish and work in solidarity with Tribes to hold the U.S. government accountable for toxic pollution at the Columbia’s newest Superfund cleanup site, Bradford Island and surrounding waters, near Bonneville Dam.
   
• Stand up to factory farms by working with a coalition to stop new or expanded mega-dairies and advocating for reforms to reduce air and water pollution. 

As a Columbia Riverkeeper member, you make a difference for everyone who relies on the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River.