Oregon
Washington
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Bulletin - EPA 910/9-92-043
May 2007
Elwha River Restoration Closer to Reality as EPA Issues Key Permit
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
issued a key Clean Water Act permit which will aid in
the restoration of the Elwha River on the Northern
Olympic Peninsula. The permit will ensure a clean
water supply for domestic and industrial uses from the
Elwha during future dam removal efforts and while the
river is recovering.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit will allow the Elwha Water Treatment
Plant to treat the water and discharge removed sedi-
ment to the river. Construction of the treatment plant is
set to begin later this year.
The treatment plant and the NPDES permit are impor-
tant parts of a major habitat restoration project - which
has been years in the making - to restore the Elwha
River to its natural state. The restoration project
involves the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon
Dams. The removal of the dams will occur after the
water treatment plant is completed.
According to Mike Gearheard, EPA's Director of the
Office of Water & Watersheds in Seattle, the Elwha
dam removal project will free the river and allow
salmon to return to the entire pristine watershed.
"EPA is proud to do our part to keep this landmark
habitat restoration project on track," said Gearheard.
Continued on Page 11
In This Issue...
ECO
Tools to clue you in on
resources, publications,
opportunities, and
services, pages 2-3.
Waterwords covering
water related issues,
pages 4-5.
EPA News to update you
on agency activities,
page 5.
Spotlight to showcase
success stories and
environmental stars,
pages 6-8.
Ecosystem to provide
news that goes beyond
water topics, pages 9-10.
Calendar to highlight
environmental events,
page 11.
-------
New Tool:
Watershed Plan Builder
EPA's new Watershed Plan Builder, an interactive
Web tool, can help states and communities improve
efforts to protect and restore local water resources.
The tool will help local watershed organizations create
integrated watershed plans to meet state and EPA
requirements and promote water quality improvements.
Once data are entered, the tool produces an outline of
a watershed plan tailored to a specific watershed. The
Watershed Plan Builder walks the user through plan-
ning steps:
watershed monitoring and assessment
community outreach
selection and application of available models
best management practices
implementation
feedback
During the next six months, watershed organizations,
federal and state agencies, tribes, universities, and
local governments can beta test the new tool and
provide feedback. Try the Watershed Plan Builder
online at www.epa.gov/owow/watershedplanning/.
You can also learn more by checking out a recent
Webcast on this topic at www.epa.gov/
watershedwebcasts/ (see box article on page 3).
Children's Environmental Website
Shows Trends
EPA's website,
America's Chil-
dren and the
Environment,
brings together
information from
many sources
related to the
health and well-
being of children in
the U.S. The
website shows
trends in levels of
contaminants in air,
water, food, and
soil. It covers
concentrations of
contaminants
measured in the
bodies of mothers and children. It also offers informa-
tion about childhood diseases that may be influenced
by environmental factors. This information can help
guide efforts to minimize harmful environmental
impacts on children. Visit www.epa.gov/envirohealth/
children.
Video Highlights Aging Water/Sewer Systems
A new video on Sustainable Water Infrastructure
developed by EPA's Local Government Advisory
Committee can now be viewed online. The video
highlights how local governments can deal with aging
sewer and water systems. The officially chartered
federal advisory committee provides advice to help
EPA build a stronger partnership with local govern-
ments. Their video showcases sustainable water
infrastructure work being done in local communities. It
stresses the importance of local leadership in address-
ing these issues. Five communities show how they
meet the daily needs for repair or replacement of aging
systems, coping with population growth, environmental
health needs, and water security demands. The video
presents some innovative options that are available
and necessary to ensure water quality in the future.
Watch the video and get more information at
www.epa.gov/waterinfrastructure/lgac video/
index.html.
To Report Spills and Accidents
Note these emergency numbers to call in the event
of hazardous material spills or accidents.
Alaska: 800-478-9300
Idaho: 800-424-8802
Oregon: 800-452-0311
Washington: 800-258-5990
National (EPA): 800-424-8301
WaterTalk Mav 2007
Page 2
-------
Improving Data Use, Sharing:
Water Quality Exchange
The Water Quality Exchange (WQX), a new data
transfer system, is ready for use. EPA's WQX makes it
easier for states, tribes, and others to submit and share
water quality monitoring data over the Internet. WQX
allows for the transfer of chemical and fish tissue data,
and of physical parameters such as temperature. With
WQX, groups who collect water quality data no longer
need to use EPA's STORE! database to submit their
information to the National STORE! Data Warehouse.
WQX, in essence, uses new Web technology and
agency-wide standards to bring data sharing into the
21st century.
Also newly available is a Web-based Watershed
Summary tool. !his tool can help water quality
managers and the public use the information in the
National STORET Data Warehouse. It allows users to
create a summary of available data for an individual
watershed. It shows the types of data available in the
Warehouse for that watershed (such as metals,
nutrients, or pesticides), who has entered the data, the
period of record for the data, and how much data are
available. The user can then download the specific
data needed for that watershed. Visit EPA's website at
www.epa.gov/storet/ for more information on WQX
and the Watershed Summary.
How Water
Quality
Stcmctarefel
Pr
Video, Pamphlet Discuss Standards
for Tribal Waters
A video and pamphlet about water
quality standards for tribal waters
are now available free from EPA.
"How Water Quality Standards
Protect Tribal Waters" is a
colorful EPA publication designed
to help Tribes develop their own
water quality standards programs.
The 6-page document introduces
water quality standards, discusses
the benefits of a standards
program on reservation lands, and
answers some frequently asked questions about the
EPA authorization process.
The video, Our Water Our Future: Saving Our Tribal
Life Force Together, documents the successful
protection of water quality on Native American reserva-
tions. It shows the efforts of the Pueblo of Acoma in
New Mexico and the Confederated Tribes of the
Chehalis Reservation in Washington in developing
water quality standards.
To order the pamphlet, video, or both, call EPA's
Public Environmental Resource Center at 206-553-
1200 or toll-free 800-424-4372. Or, find the pamphlet
online at www.epa.gov/waterscience/tribes/files/
howwqsprotect.pdf. The video is available online at
www.epa.gov/waterscience/tribes/videoreal.htm.
Web Module Offers Watershed Outreach Training
EPA's Watershed Academy has posted a free, updated
online training module on Getting In Step: A Guide to
Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns. This
module offers a tested step-by-step system to help
local governments, watershed organizations, and
others. It is designed to maximize the effectiveness of
public outreach campaigns to help solve nonpoint
source pollution problems and protect local waterways.
The module is based on EPA's free, downloadable
outreach guide "Getting in Step: Guide for Conduct-
ing Watershed Outreach Campaigns" (published in
Dec. 2003 and posted at: www.epa.gov/owow/
watershed/outreach/documents). To view the new
Getting in Step online training module, visit
www.epa.gov/watertrain/gettinginstep. About 50 other
free online Watershed Academy training modules can
be found at: www.epa.gov/watertrain.
Sign Up for Watershed Academy Webcast Seminars
EPA's Watershed Academy continues to sponsor
free Webcast seminars. Local watershed organiza-
tions, municipal leaders, and others are invited to
sign up for these on-line training sessions. During
the Webcasts, you can log on to the Web and/or
participate by phone conference line in live training
conducted by expert instructors. EPA plans to
conduct monthly Webcast seminars. Note that there
are a limited number of toll-free phone lines avail-
able, so register early to guarantee your spot! A
streaming audio version of the training is made
available after each live seminar for the public to
listen to and view. To learn about upcoming pro-
grams, access a past program, or get details, visit
www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.
WaterTalk May 2007
-------
' i **^jf ,v
|J|| simple things
Ten Simple Things You Can Do for Puget Sound
This quarter, WaterTalk continues its ongoing feature on Puget Sound. We all know that Puget Sound faces
many threats and that the problems are complicated and difficult. Many of us want to help. But, with so many
tough challenges, and so much information coming at us, it can be hard to decide how to begin.
Here are Ten Simple Things You Can Do To Help protect and improve the quality of water and marine life in
Puget Sound. Choose at least one and start making a difference today! Even if you live outside of the Puget
Sound area, these tips can help you protect your own local waterways. To learn more, or for resources to help
you get started, visit www.psat.wa.gov. (Adapted with permission from the Puget Sound Action Team.)
1. Use your car less and never pour anything
down a storm drain
Vehicles are the biggest cause of air pollution in
Puget Sound, and oil, grease and metals from cars
and trucks also pollute the Sound. Drive less. Get
emissions checked and repaired. Buy a low
emission vehicle. Fix oil leaks. Recycle used motor
oil. Never pour anything down a storm drain. Wash
your car on grass or gravel. Use non-toxic, low-
phosphate soap sparingly. Even better, use a
commercial car wash that recycles water. Also,
don't put Pharmaceuticals down a drain or toilet.
2. Keep vegetation and shorelines natural
Preserve established trees, and plant new trees
and shrubs to encourage rainwater to filter slowly
into the soil. Add native plants to your landscape.
Build away from shorelines. Instead of adding
cement, wood or metal bulkheads, use drift logs,
gravel, or native vegetation to prevent erosion.
3. Use less water
At home and at work, help cut down on the millions
of gallons of water that is treated at a wastewater
plant or runs through septic systems every day.
Run full loads of clothes and dishes. Install faucet
aerators and showerheads. In your yard, apply no
more than one inch of water per week, and water in
the morning or evening. Sweep your driveway and
sidewalks, don't spray them with water.
4. Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides, and herbi-
cides
If you use fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, use
them sparingly and follow directions. Don't fertilize
before rain. Consider using organic fertilizers.
Compost yard waste.
5. Pick up after your pets and keep animals out of
streams
Scoop your dog's poop and properly dispose of it.
Also, make sure fences and other structures keep
cows, horses, and other animals out of streams.
6. Keep your septic system In top working order
Have your system inspected regularly and get your
tank pumped when needed. Strive for a technology
that reduces nitrogen.
7. Keep your boat and our water clean
Scrub your boat with a brush instead of using
soap. If your boat is stained, use phosphate-free
soap or laundry detergent to clean it. Take your
boat out of the water when scrubbing off barnacles
and doing other thorough cleaning, scraping, or
painting. Use sewage pumpouts to empty the
holding tank. Avoid spills when filling boat tanks
with gas and oil. Don't throw cans, bottles, or other
disposable items overboard.
8. Watch for and keep nuisance plants and ani-
mals out of Puget Sound
When fishing, put unwanted live bait and organic
packing materials into the trash—not the water.
When boating, remove plants and animals from
your boat, trailer, and other equipment after taking
your craft out of the water. When house cleaning,
trade unwanted aquarium fish or plants with
friends, or return them to the store where you
bought them. Don't dump them into waterways.
9. Become an active citizen and be a voice for the
Sound
Do something to learn about the Sound at least
once every year. Visit an aquarium or marine
science center, go to the beach on a low tide, take
an interpretive walk, and open your eyes and ears
to the wonders of Puget Sound. Get involved with
local and state processes to help Puget Sound.
Participate in efforts to make habitat healthier for
salmon.
10. Make smart growth choices
Choose to live in a neighborhood that provides you
with all conveniences—low maintenance homes
and lawns, nearby shopping, walking paths, easy-
access to buses and trains, and open spaces to
enjoy. When building a house, use eco-friendly
technologies: put in a green roof, rain gardens, and
permeable pavement.
Visit WaterTalk online, at
WaterTalk May 2007
Page 4
-------
May is American Wetlands Month
Each May, EPA and its partners celebrate American Wetlands Month. We
invite you to join us! Wetlands Month highlights the many ways wetlands enrich
the environment and human society. Many organizations have planned activities
to help raise awareness of the critical role wetlands and other aquatic resources
play. The hope is to build support for the protection and restoration of these
valuable ecosystems. Wetlands month is a time to learn more about wetlands,
take action to protect and restore them, and educate others about their value.
Learn more about wetlands and ways to be involved at
www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm.
&EWQJEWS
US, China Increase Efforts to Annual Report Reviews Clean
Protect China's Water Resources Water State Revolving Fund
The U.S. and China signed a notable agreement in
March. The agreement expands the cooperative
program that provides U.S. technical assistance to help
improve and protect water quality and access to safe
and sustainable water resources in China. Increasing
water conservation and efficiency in China will also
help reduce energy consumption and air pollution
locally and globally.
China faces mounting water resource challenges.
Under this agreement, EPA will collaborate with China
to explore management solutions through technical
assistance to improve the health and accessibility of
China's water resources. The agreement provides a
framework for cooperation between the countries in the
following areas:
• Integrated river basin watershed management;
• Man-made wetlands;
• Water resources monitoring; and
• Wastewater reuse.
The new agreement came on the heels of this year's
15th World Water Day and China's 20th World Water
Week celebrations. This agreement complements the
2003 Memorandum of Understanding between EPA
and China's State Environmental Protection Adminis-
tration on Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the
Field of Environment. An annex to the agreement sets
forth a framework for scientific and technical coopera-
tion on water pollution between the two countries. For
more information, visit www.epa.gov/water/new.html.
EPA invested more than $900 million in 2006 to help
states and municipalities update their wastewater
infrastructure. Total financial assistance for wastewa-
ter projects topped $5 billion for the first time. These
details and more are in EPA's Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) 2006 Annual Report.
Since the CWSRF program began, more than 18,000
loans totaling more than $57 billion have helped rebuild
and refurbish the nation's wastewater infrastructure
and accomplish other water projects.
Congress created the CWSRF program in 1987 to
serve as a long-term funding source for projects that
protect and restore the nation's waters. During the last
two decades, the CWSRF has provided low-interest
loans for projects in areas like wastewater treatment,
non-point source pollution control, estuary manage-
ment, and water quality. It is the largest federal funding
program for wastewater infrastructure projects across
the country.
This annual report points to an emphasis placed on
community outreach programs last year. The programs
stimulate participation and encourage new ways to
share information about the CWSRF. Although partici-
pation is voluntary, all 50 states are now tracking the
link between project assistance and environmental
benefits. The low-interest loans help communities
restore and protect aquatic life, recreational uses, and
drinking water sources. To view the report, visit
www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/
annreport2006.htm.
For questions about the program, contact Michelle
Tucker, EPA, at 206-553-1414 or 800-424-4372 x1414
or tucker.michelle@epa.gov.
Page 5
WaterTalk May 2007
-------
JHUILK3HI
Seattle Carwash Company Gets National EPA Award
Advanced Mobile, LLC, a Seattle-based mobile auto
detailing service, received the 2006 EPA Water Effi-
ciency Leader award. This award celebrates leader-
ship and innovation in water efficient products and
practices. Advanced Mobile was one of six organiza-
tions and individuals recognized nationwide - and the
only small business.
Advanced Mobile relies on sustainable practices, using
water efficient products comprised of soap, water, and
special lubricating agents. Just five ounces of liquid is
required per typical car wash. The company's owner,
Doug Nafziger, says, "Our method is simple, safe, and
cost-effective. We minimize water use and ensure all
waste is properly handled and disposed of. Unlike
conventional methods, no material hits the pavement,
so there is no opportunity for toxics to enter a storm
drain. This is crucial, since even biodegradable soaps
kill fish and harm marine life."
Advanced Mobile is the only vehicle cleaning service in
the Puget Sound region certified environmentally
friendly by EnviroStars (a King County hazardous
waste management program). To learn about improving
water efficiency, safe community car washes, or eco-
friendly fundraisers, contact Advanced Mobile, LLC, or
visit www.AdvancedMobileUSA.com. Find out more
about EPA's Water Efficiency Leader Awards program
at www.epa.gov/ow/wel. Lore more about EPA's
WaterSense program at www.epa.gov/watersense/.
EPA
WATER EFFICIENCY
LEADER AWARD
Water-Talk Mav 2007
Page 6
-------
Alaska Students Get President's Award
for Global Warming Project
ALASKA YOUTH
ran
•MVtflONMeNTAt
ACTION
PROTECT OUR FUTURE:
ACTION ON GLOBAL WARM1M6
A group of committed Alaska teens recently received
the President's Environmental Youth Award. Alaska
Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) is making a
notable impact through a statewide global warming
outreach and education project. AYEA is a high school
program of the National Wildlife Federation. During a
summer training, AYEA teens learned about global
warming. AYEA graduate Verner Wilson then wrote a
"Letter to Our Leaders" describing the devastating
impacts of global warming on Alaska and requesting
national action. Other AYEA members turned that letter
into a statewide petition and developed a global
warming presentation. Youth leaders met with more
than 300 classrooms. Students collected 5,000 teen
signatures from 105 Alaska communities.
AYEA members traveled to Washington, D.C., and
presented their petition to Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Murkowski requested that they meet with climate
change specialists in Fairbanks to bridge the "science
and public awareness" divide. AYEA then worked with
scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks to
educate 25 rural Alaska Native college students about
global warming.
AYEA teens also worked locally. AYEA teen leaders
promoted legislation to create an Alaska Climate
Change Impact Commission. The teens took a seat on
the commission and met with 20 legislators to promote
bills for alternative energy projects.
AYEA introduced a Climate Change Resolution at the
Alaska Association of Student Governments Confer-
ence. Four hundred teens unanimously adopted the
resolution, demanding state action. AYEA members
held a press event with Anchorage Mayor Begich to
announce plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Members also presented the petition to the Juneau
Assembly and asked for a local model of emissions
reduction.
Teachers throughout the state continue to ask for the
global warming presentation. Teens who have received
the presentation have since started two new AYEA
chapters, motivating even more young people to
become involved.
Two mayors who signed the Mayor's Climate Change
Protection Agreement referred to the student work as a
motivating factor. Mayor Begich, who hosted a climate
change conference for 33 mayors, asked AYEA mem-
ber Megan Waggoner to give a keynote address. The
response was overwhelming. Several mayors inquired
whether they could learn about AYEA and how the
youth in Alaska are making such an impact. Congratu-
lations to AYEA!
The PEYA program was established in 1971 and has
been run by EPA since that time. Winning projects are
selected each year from EPA's 10 regional offices.
Young people from around the country are invited to
participate. The program is aimed at encouraging
individuals, school classes, summer camps, youth
organizations and public interest groups to promote
environmental awareness and encourage positive
community involvement. Learn more at www.epa.gov/
enviroed/peya/peya2006.html#10. Or contact Sally
Hanft, EPA, at 206-553-1207, 800-424-4372, or
hanft.sally@epa.gov.
Sign Up Now for WaterTalk ListServ
Here's another way to save resources: sign up for the WaterTalk listserv! You can get each issue of WaterTalk
electronically, instead of cluttering up your mail box. It's quick and easy. Just go to www.epa.gov/region10.
Click on Index, then W for WaterTalk. There you will find an option to get on the Region 10 Water Issues
Listserv. Each quarter, an e-mail will tell you when the new WaterTalk is ready, and link you to its website.
Once in awhile, you will get other water-related news from EPA.
Page 7
WaterTalk May 2007
-------
Five Northwest Companies Join EPA Performance Track
Five Oregon and Washington companies are the
newest members of EPA's Performance Track pro-
gram. These companies join more than 450 compa-
nies nationwide in their commitment to environmental
stewardship. The five new Northwest members are:
• Boise Cascade, Wallula, Washington;
• Covanta Marion, Inc., Brooks, Oregon;
• Lake Roosevelt Vacations, Inc., Kettle Falls,
Washington;
• Milgard Pultrusion, Tacoma, Washington; and
• Xerox Office Group, Wilsonville, Oregon.
EPA's Performance Track program helps drive environ-
mental excellence by encouraging facilities with strong
environmental records to go above and beyond legal
requirements. Members voluntarily commit to measur-
able goals to improve the quality of our nation's air,
water, and land. Members include major corporations,
small businesses, and public facilities that are steering
a course toward environmental excellence - and
setting an example for others to follow.
The facilities qualified for the program through their
past environmental achievements, continuous commit-
ment to environmental improvements, and use of a
strong Environmental Management System. Over the
next three years, the facilities have committed to
specific environmental improvements including reduc-
ing greenhouse gas emissions, fresh water consump-
tion, non-hazardous waste generation, hazardous
waste generation, and energy use. These goals go
beyond what the companies would normally do to
comply with environmental laws.
As part of Performance Track, the new Pacific North-
west facilities are eligible for numerous benefits.
These include EPA recognition, national and local
networking opportunities, and regulatory and adminis-
trative incentives which reduce paperwork, expedite
processing, increase flexibility, and help facilities focus
on environmental improvement.
For more information about Performance Track, visit
www.epa.gov/performancetrack or call 1-888-339-
PTRK. Or, contact Bill Glasser, EPA, at
206-553-7215, 800-424-4372 X7215, or
glasser.william@epa.gov.
EPA Recognizes Mud Bay Water System for Excellence
The Mud Bay Water System near Olympia, WA, has
earned national recognition as an outstanding public
water system. The system was recognized as part of
the EPA's annual Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund Award for Sustainable Public Health Protec-
tion. This program highlights municipal water provid-
ers that "achieve results that go beyond the typical
project and show exceptional creativity and dedication
to public health protection."
Mud Bay used a combination federal loan and grant
funds to replace a spring source with a well. The
replacement allowed it to increase capacity and hook
up several new residents to the system. These resi-
dents had previously relied on small wells, which were
damaged in a 2001 earthquake. The funds also helped
replace failing water mains, install service meters,
source meters, and shut-off valves.
For more information, contact Rick Green, EPA, at
206-553-8504, 800-424-4372 x8504, or
green.richard@epa.gov. For more about EPA and
Safe Drinking Water, visit www.epa.gov/ebtpages/
watedrinkingwater.html.
WaterTalk May 2007
Page 8
-------
An Update on Invasive Species
Invasive species are a growing threat around the world. An invasive species is a species that is non-native to the
ecosystem and that causes harm to the economy, the environment, or human health. With increased foreign
travel, sales via the Internet, and global climate change, invasive species are on the rise.
Invasive species cause losses in biodiversity because they usually push out the native organisms in the ecosys-
tem (think blackberry, scot's broom, zebra mussels). They change ecosystems. They impact industries such as
agriculture, fisheries, forestry, power production, and international trade.
Not all non-native species are invasive. Some die off naturally in a new environment. Others survive, and find a
way to get in without destroying or replacing native species. But, those that do become invasive can cause great
harm. In this issue, WaterTalk provides a snapshot of just a few of the many efforts under way to combat
invasives.
Get Invasive Species News:
Interested in invasive species? EPA Region 10 pub-
lishes a summary of invasive species activities around
the region and around the nation. The summary, called
Invasive News in a Nutshell, comes out about
quarterly. If you are interested in getting on the e-mail
mailing list for this free and comprehensive resource,
send an e-mail to cabreza.joan@epa.gov. For more
information, call Joan Cabreza at 206-553-7369 or
800-424-4372.
Congress Considers Invasive Species
Legislation:
In March, for the third year in a row, legislation was
introduced in Congress, called the National Aquatic
Invasive Species Act. The legislation would reautho-
rize and amend the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance
Prevention and Control Act of 1990. The act outlines a
national approach to stemming the threat from invasive
species. It includes: national standards for ballast
water treatment and discharge; an early detection,
monitoring and rapid response program to head off
new infestations; an education and outreach program
to prevent the transfer of invasive species among
bodies of water by recreational users; standards for
restricting the import of potentially harmful organisms
for use in trade; and invasive species research,
including investigations into ways to control and
prevent their spread. To see the bill, go to http://
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/
getdoc.cgi?dbname=110 cong^bills&docid=f:s725is.txtpdf
EPA-USDA Grant Opportunity:
"Ecological Impacts from the Interactions of Climate
Change, Land Use Change and Invasive Species."
This is a joint research solicitation by EPA and USDA.
The purpose is to quantitatively investigate how climate
change, climate variability, and land use change
interact with invasive species. EPA is interested in
proposals addressing aquatic ecosystems, and USDA
is focused on proposals addressing managed terres-
trial systems. The deadline is June 26. For informa-
tion, see http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2007/
2007_star_ecoimpacts.html.
Webpage Helps You Combat Invasives:
USDA National Agricultural Library offers a webpage to
help the average citizen combat invasive species. It
offers activities, links to volunteer opportunities by
state, video clips, and more. Check it out at
www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/whatyou.shtml.
New Weed Curriculum:
"Alien Invasions - Plants on the Move," a weed
curriculum for grades K-12, is now online. Developed
by Bureau of Land Management and a host of experts,
this curriculum has been pilot tested in schools
throughout Oregon with positive results. Find it at
www.weedinvasion.org/weeds/weecLhome.php.
Page 9
WaterTalk May 2007
-------
STEM
Beneficial Landscaping:
Watersheds in the Balance — Rural Forest
Landowners Hold Key to Ecosystem Health
A phenomenon common in our Northwest states of
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and even in Alaska, is
the outward migration of our urban populations to the
rural areas. Growth management laws and smart
growth trends have made strides toward creating
livable communities, promoting infill, and fostering low
impact development. Some rural development is also
planned and expected. However, there is a "leak" in
the system that was not planned for, which is quickly
turning into a flood of rural development: private timber
companies, which own hundreds of thousands of acres
of rural forest lands, find it more profitable to sell their
forest lands to development than to grow trees.
According to an April 17 article in The News Tribune,
Washington, the Evergreen State, may soon need a
new nickname. Over the next several years, 300,000
acres of Western Washington timberland is likely to be
converted to home sites, hobby farms, and commercial
developments. Some timber companies have already
sold out and moved their operations to other regions of
the U.S. and/or to foreign countries.
This is a disturbing trend. Our burgeoning human
populations depend upon the natural ecosystem
services being provided by rural resource lands. Rural
forests, in particular, function in many ways like the
heart, lungs, and kidneys of our ecosystem - inhaling
carbon dioxide, exhaling oxygen; absorbing, filtering,
and pumping clean water to our communities year
round, even during the dry summer months. Can we
be sustained without them?
Owning forest resource land comes with privileges and
responsibilities. Now, more than ever before, it is
important to limit the footprint of our developments and
to apply the most basic principles of beneficial land-
scaping:
• Minimize clearing;
• Retain native vegetation;
• Keep the natural forest duff and soil layers intact; and
• Salvage and re-use the native soils and plants for
landscaping.
These principles are echoed by the LEED Green
Building Rating System. That system emphasizes
sustainable site selection and building design with
minimal footprint. All aboard!
For more information on this or other topics in benefi-
cial landscaping, contact Elaine Somers at 206-553-
2966, 800-424-4372 x 2966, or
somers.elaine@epa.gov. Or, visit our website at
www.epa.gov/r1 Oearth/bl.htm.
Printed with gratitude lor contributions from
Elliott Menashe of Greenbelt Consulting.
WaterTalk Mav 2007
10
-------
May
American Wetlands Month,
www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm.
May 18-22:
River Network River Rally 2007, Columbia River
Gorge, Stevenson, Washington,
www.rivernetwork.org/rally.
May 22-24:
Integrating Approaches to Conservation, Oregon
State University, Corvallis, Oregon, http://
oregonstate.edu/conferences/conservation2007.
June
June 4-5:
Washington Water Law, Law Seminars
International, Seattle, WA, 800-854-8009,
www.lawseminars.com.
July
July 16:
Deadline for contributions to the August issue of
WaterTalk Newsletter. Andrea Lindsay, Editor,
206-553-1896, 800-424-4372 x1896, or
lindsay.andrea@epa.gov.
July 24-26:
Hazards in Water Resources, Universities
Council on Water
Resources and the
National Institutes for
Water Resources 2007
Conference, Boise,
Idaho,
www.ucowr.siu.edu/.
Continued from Page 1
Elwha River Restoration
During the dam removal process (expected to last five
years), about 18 million cubic yards of sediment
trapped behind the two dams will be released into the
water column.
EPA issued this permit with the cooperation of the
Washington State Department of Ecology, the Bureau
of Reclamation, the National Park Service, and many
other partners working together to help restore salmon
habitat in the Elwha River.
For details about the Elwha River Ecosystem and
Fisheries Restoration Act, visit www.fws.gov/laws/
laws_digest/ELWHA.HTML or.www.nps.gov/archive/
olym/elwha/docs/restoreact.htm. To learn more
about wastewater discharge permits, visit: http://
epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm. For more
information, contact Brian Nickel, EPA, 206-553-6251,
800-424-4372, or nickel.brian@epa.gov.
Page 11
WaterTalk May 2007
-------
WaterTalk
U.S. EPA.ECO-081
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Pre-Sorted Standard
Postage and Fees Paid
U.S. EPA
Permit No. G-35
For Official Business Use
Penalty for Private Use
$300
I..I.III....I..|,||M||,,,!|,,,||,,,||,,U,,1111 ,11,11,,!
E.P.A. Hdqs Attn: Library, 3403 T5/P9
401'm'StSW
Washington, DC 20460-0001
WaterTalk
May 2007
WaterTalk is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 10, WaterTalk seeks to be a useftl too! JR* those who protect'
water resources and ecosystems in communities of .the ffreater Pacific I
Northwest, by providing practical resources and relevant agency new$. *
>> , - •
You are invited to contribute items for publication. SubnUtlal deadline is the
15th day of the month before publication, - ' , .
WaterTalk articles can be used in other publications. ,„./%'
Please give credit to WaterTalk. i/'i-.- ''$&$.**•. '
For mailing list changes, or to contact the editor, call Andrea Lindsay fit (206)
553-1896 or 1-800-424-4EPA x!896, or e-mail
Mention of trade names, products or services does not convey, and should not
be interpreted as conveying, official EPA approval, endorsement or recom-
mendation.
1 Alternative formats available upon request. Please call Andrea Lindsay to request
reasonable accommodation. TH: 1-800-877-8339,
Please recycle or share with a friend.
In This Issue...
Permit Helps Make
Way for Elwha Dam
Removal
Rural Forests are Key
Resources for
Protecting the
Environment
10 Things to Do
Awards: Environmental
Heroes
And More...
------- |