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... ------- |