Trail Operations is reporting the exceedance of its discharge permit into the Columbia River by approximately 1.5 kilograms of cadmium and 7 kilograms of copper.

Based on an initial assessment, the discharge does not create any health or safety risk to people, fish or wildlife other than potential short-term impacts on aquatic life immediately at the outfall point.

Initial indications suggest a problem in the Effluent Treatment Plant allowed elevated levels of copper and cadmium to be discharged. The Effluent Treatment Plant has been shut down and regulatory authorities have been notified. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and to identify corrective measures.