Major habitat restoration project completed on Lower Peshastin Creek – Department of Ecology – State of Washington (.gov)

Project Completion Report: Lower Peshastin Creek Restoration

Executive Summary

The Lower Peshastin Creek Restoration Project in Chelan County has been successfully completed following a decade of planning and two years of construction. The project, led by Cascade Fisheries and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, achieved its primary objectives of environmental remediation, reconnection of the creek to its historical channel, and improvement of critical habitat for threatened and endangered fish species. This initiative makes a significant contribution to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning clean water, aquatic and terrestrial life, and collaborative partnerships.

Project Implementation and Outcomes

Habitat Restoration and Ecosystem Revitalization

The project focused on restoring ecological functions critical to regional biodiversity, directly supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Channel Reconnection: 1,000 feet of the creek’s historical channel, disconnected since 1975 by an access road, was rebuilt. This replaced a straightened, faster-flowing channel that was inhospitable to fish and caused erosion.
• Habitat Structures: Log structures and rocks were strategically placed to slow water flow, capture sediment, and create cool water pools essential for fish survival.
• Floodplain Expansion: Three acres of new native vegetation were planted, expanding the floodplain habitat to support a more resilient and diverse ecosystem for both flora and fauna.
• Community Engagement: Volunteers participated in replanting sensitive shrub-steppe plants, demonstrating community investment in local environmental stewardship.

Environmental Remediation for Water and Soil Quality

A significant component of the project was the cleanup of historical contamination, a key action for achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

1. Contaminant Identification: The soil was found to be contaminated with lead shot from a former gun club, as well as arsenic, DDT, and dieldrin from legacy pesticide use.
2. Waste Removal: Approximately 2,000 pounds of lead and other toxic waste were removed from the site. Over 2,000 cubic yards of contaminated rock, vegetation, and soil were excavated.
3. Safe Disposal: Removed materials were treated with a phosphate substance to prevent leaching into groundwater, placed in a specially lined area, and buried under a 15-foot protective soil cover. This action protects both groundwater and surface water quality.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The project directly enhances aquatic ecosystems by restoring a vital spawning site and cold-water refuge for endangered Chinook, steelhead, and bull trout. By creating a more complex and hospitable habitat, the project supports the recovery and long-term viability of these protected species, which is a core target of SDG 14.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The remediation of soil contaminated with lead and legacy pesticides halts land degradation and restores biodiversity. The replanting of three acres of native vegetation and the restoration of the floodplain create a healthy terrestrial ecosystem, contributing to the protection and restoration of life on land as outlined in SDG 15.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

By removing 2,000 pounds of lead and other toxic materials and safely containing them, the project prevents these pollutants from contaminating Peshastin Creek and the wider Wenatchee River basin. This improves water quality and protects freshwater ecosystems, aligning with the objectives of SDG 6.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth & SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainable local development and collaboration.

• Local Economic Impact (SDG 8): The project invested significantly in the local economy, with $160,000 paid to local contractors, $60,000 to local businesses, and $80,000 generated in local sales tax.
• Collaborative Partnerships (SDG 17): The project’s success was the result of a multi-stakeholder partnership, exemplifying the importance of collaboration. Key partners included:
  • Cascade Fisheries
  • Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • Washington Recreation and Conservation Office
  • Salmon Recovery Funding Board
  • Bonneville Power Administration

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses the restoration of Peshastin Creek, a freshwater ecosystem. It details efforts to clean up contamination from lead, arsenic, DDT, and dieldrin, which protects groundwater and ensures the creek provides clean water for aquatic life. The text states the project created a “sanctuary of clean water.”
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The project’s primary goal is to support fish populations. The article explicitly mentions that “Peshastin Creek is an important spawning site for endangered Chinook, steelhead, and bull trout.” By restoring the creek channel and creating cooler water refuges, the project directly addresses the conservation and restoration of habitats for aquatic species.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The project involves significant restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. It included removing contaminated soil, rebuilding the creek’s floodplain, and planting “three acres of new vegetation to expand habitat surrounding the creek.” This work aims to create a “thriving ecosystem of wildlife and native plants,” directly contributing to the protection and restoration of life on land.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article details the cleanup of hazardous materials, a key aspect of sustainable waste management. It notes the removal of “2,000 pounds of lead and toxic waste” from a former gun club and legacy pesticides. The project treated and safely contained this waste to prevent it from spreading into the environment, aligning with the goal of environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article emphasizes that the project’s success was “the result of long-term collaboration and dedication from our project partners.” It lists a diverse group of collaborators, including Cascade Fisheries, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Bureau of Reclamation, showcasing a multi-stakeholder partnership to achieve environmental goals.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The project provided direct economic benefits to the local community. The article quantifies this impact, stating that it “boosted communities, investing $160,000 in local contractors, $60,000 in local businesses, and $80,000 in local sales tax,” contributing to local economic growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers.
   • The entire project is focused on the restoration of Peshastin Creek, a freshwater river ecosystem. The article describes how the project “reconnected the creek to its historical channel” and improved its habitat.
2. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems… and take action for their restoration.
   • Although the project is in a freshwater system, it is vital for anadromous fish species like Chinook salmon and steelhead that migrate to and from the ocean. Restoring their spawning and refuge habitats is a direct action that supports the health of wider marine and freshwater ecosystems.
3. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • The project directly implements this target by restoring both the Peshastin Creek (inland freshwater) and its surrounding floodplain (terrestrial), which had been degraded by contamination and infrastructure.
4. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats… and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • The article states the project “improved vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish species,” specifically naming Chinook, steelhead, and bull trout. Creating a “cold water refuge” is a specific action to protect these species from lethally warm river temperatures.
5. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes… to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • The project addressed soil contaminated with “lead shot,” “arsenic, DDT, and dieldrin.” The cleanup process, which involved removing, recycling, treating, and safely burying the toxic waste, is a clear example of this target in action.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • The article highlights the collaboration between government agencies (Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation), a non-profit (Cascade Fisheries), and tribal nations (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) as essential to the project’s success.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Quantitative Measures of Restoration:
   • Area/Length Restored: The article specifies that “1,000 feet of the creek’s historical channel” was rebuilt and “three acres of new vegetation” were planted. These are direct indicators for targets 6.6 and 15.1.
   • Volume/Mass of Contaminants Removed: The text states that “over 2,000 cubic yards of… lead-contaminated soil” and “2,000 pounds of lead and toxic waste” were removed. This is a clear indicator for measuring progress on target 12.4.
2. Qualitative Measures of Habitat Improvement:
   • Habitat Features Created: The project “strategically placed log structures and rocks to slow the flow of water… and create pools of cool water for fish.” The number and effectiveness of these structures serve as an indicator for targets 14.2 and 15.5.
   • Ecosystem Functionality: The goal of creating a “thriving ecosystem of wildlife and native plants” and a “cold water refuge” implies that future monitoring of species diversity and water temperature could be used as indicators.
3. Socio-Economic and Partnership Indicators:
   • Local Economic Investment: The article provides specific financial figures: “$160,000 in local contractors, $60,000 in local businesses, and $80,000 in local sales tax.” These figures are direct indicators of local economic impact under SDG 8.
   • Number of Partners: The article lists at least seven distinct partners, which serves as an indicator for the multi-stakeholder collaboration described in target 17.17.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecology.wa.gov