Framing the eastern fringe of Washougal, Washington, Gibbons Creek is an important resource within the slopes of the Columbia River valley. In the upper watershed, the creek and its tributaries - which includes Campen Creek - flows through relatively steep, incised valleys down the northern slope of the Columbia River Gorge. The creek then reaches the floor of the valley, near Evergreen Highway crossing.
Salmon Creek originates in the forested hills east of Hockinson and flows west past farms and rural homes. It continues through the heart of fast-growing Hazel Dell and Felida and ends at Lake River, which flows into the Columbia River.
A variety of human activities threaten the health of Salmon and Gibbons Creeks. A growing population compounds the problem. Some sources of pollution include:
Aquatic life is threatened by polluted storm water runoff from fields, roads, roofs, and parking lots, and by soil that erodes into the stream. As a result, Salmon and Gibbons Creeks currently exceed state and federal standards for water temperature, turbidity, and coliform bacteria.
More than 90% of septic systems along Salmon and Gibbons Creek are in good working condition. The few that are failing however, create big problems for water quality in the creek. They can also affect people's health. By volunteering to get their septic systems inspected, area residents can confirm that their system is working well, or take early action if needed.
Maintaining a properly functioning septic system is an important responsibility of every homeowner.
Following a similar project for Salmon Creek, a septic system clean-up mission for Gibbons Creek is set to occur.
Receive a free survey of your septic system.
Learn more about the Gibbons Creek Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation (TMDL) project.
Find out what you can do to improve the health of threatened watersheds.
Key Contacts:
- Clark Conservation District, (360) 883-1987; www.scc.wa.gov
- Clark Clean Water Program, (360) 397-6118; http://www.clark.wa.gov/water-resources/index.html
- Clark County Endangered Species Program, (360) 397-2022; www.clark.wa.gov/esa
- Washington Department of Ecology, (360) 407-7006; www.ecy.wa.gov
- Watershed Stewards Program, (360) 397-6060; http://www.clark.wa.gov/water-resources/education/stewards.html
