SPOKANE, Wash. — As rain continues in the forecast, Spokane city officials are taking action to prevent toxic runoff from fire-damaged properties from contaminating the city’s storm drain system and groundwater.
The city is deploying two primary methods to manage storm water runoff: wattle bags filled with hay or compost, and cloth filters placed over storm drain openings.
Wattle bags serve as barriers to catch debris and toxic materials before they flow down driveways into roads and storm drains. The bags also slow water movement, reducing the risk of mudslides in affected neighborhoods…