December 10, 2007
By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer

The Oregon Department of Human Services will conduct a study next summer to determine whether windsurfers and kiteboarders are being exposed to a bacteria or virus that is making them ill.

Brent Foster, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, is hopeful that an answer will be found to questions raised over the past two decades. He said “river nose,” a nasal infection, and other respiratory illnesses have been reported by some recreationists.

A DHS survey of water users this year found that 37 percent of the respondents experienced adverse physical symptoms more often in the Columbia than other bodies of water. The reported ailments ranged from congested sinuses, sore throats and eye and ear infections to prolonged healing of wounds.

Few problems have been reported at the Hood River waterfront, according to Foster. He said most of the complaints have come from windsurfers using the river west of Portland near Clatskanie, where a paper mill is sited.

“We are not saying the river is unsafe at this time and that people shouldn’t use it — we use it,” he said.

“At the same time, it’s an issue that, after 20 years, needs to be addressed.”

Riverkeeper, a water quality watchdog group, and the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association fully support DHS’ proposed study.

Foster said the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is now being urged to step up its 2009 water quality testing for the river. He said the Columbia should be thoroughly studied from Rowena to Astoria in a coordinated effort to maximize the available resources.

“We’re not able to point to anything right now and say, ‘that’s what it is,’ so it will be good to finally get some answers,” said Foster.