For the second time in a month, researchers plan to track plumes of dye down Lacamas Creek and its tributaries on Tuesday.
Residents may notice the creek running a fluor-escent reddish color in the evening. But remember, the state Department of Ecology meant to do that.
The dye — harmless to humans and wildlife, according to state officials — helps researchers better understand how the creek flows in different areas.
The concentration of the dye reveals where water travels quickly or slowly, or how long it lingers in direct sunlight. All of that plays into water temperature and oxygen levels that are crucial to fish populations, according to the ecology department.
Three release sites
Researchers are eyeing three spots in the Lacamas Creek watershed for Tuesday’s planned release: Camp Bonneville, Northeast Fourth Plain Road and Northeast 182nd Avenue, and at Fifth Plain Creek near Sliderberg Road, according to ecology department spokeswoman Kim Schmanke.
The dye mostly dissipates within a mile of its starting point. Releases are typically done in the evening.
Researchers will use a fluor-ometer to measure the dye’s concentration in the water. The information will then be incorporated into a computer model with the goal of learning how to improve the creek’s overall water quality.
Previous dye releases along the same creek happened at the end of July. Officials gained access to the creek, mostly in rural areas and farmland, with permission from property owners, according to the ecology department.
Eric Florip: 360-735-4541 or eric.florip@columbian.com.
