Columbia River Salmon Count at Highest Peak

Surveys conducted along the Columbia River by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) scientists show that the peak redd count for fall Chinook salmon in the Hanford Reach is the highest it’s been since the laboratory began monitoring in 1948. Aerial surveys in 2003 revealed an estimated 9,465 redds, about 1,424 more than in 2002 and well above the 1995 – 2000 average of 5,944.

The Department of Energy and PNNL regularly track the status of rare plants and animal populations such as spawning Columbia River fall Chinook salmon, Canadian geese and mule deer as part of an extensive environmental monitoring program.

DOE’s program also includes effluent monitoring, environmental surveillance and groundwater and vadose zone monitoring. Within these areas, samples are taken of soils, vegetation, air, water, etc. to determine if, and how, activities on the Hanford Site are impacting the environment.

PNNL produces a monitoring report each year and copies are available to the public. For more information, visit http://hanford-site.pnl.gov/envreport/.