Alaska Idaho ureggn Washington U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Bulletin - EPA 910/9-92-043 August 2007 Reducing Toxics in One of the World's Great Rivers: The Columbia Responding to increasing concern about toxics and their effect on human health and the environment, EPA and our State partners have launched the Columbia River Toxics Reduction Strategy. The aim is to identify and clean up contaminated sediments, restore critical wetlands, and reduce toxics in water, land, and fish. The Columbia River gained status as an EPA priority ecosystem in the Agency's 2006 Strategic Plan, joining the ranks of the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico. With this increased attention, we have set numeric environmental targets that must be reached over the next 5 years. These targets include: • By 2011, protect, enhance or restore 13,000 acres of wetland habitat and 3,000 acres of upland habitat. • By 2011, clean up 150 acres of known highly contaminated sediment. • By 2011, demonstrate a 10% reduction in mean concentration of targeted contaminants of concern found in fish and/or water in the Columbia River Basin. At 1,214 miles in length, draining almost 260,000 square miles, the Columbia is truly one of the world's great rivers. The Columbia spans portions of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and British Columbia. Within its domain are many unique ecosystems, all supporting an array of biologi- cally significant plants and animals. The Columbia Basin is a powerful economic engine, driving many industries vital to the Pacific Northwest: sport and commercial fisheries, agriculture, transportation, and recreation. With its 55 hydropower dams, the Columbia is also a primary source of electric power generation in the Pacific Northwest. Columbia River salmon and steelhead runs - once the largest on earth - are now a fraction of their original size. Increasing evidence has emerged in the past decade on the toxics problems in the Columbia River. Many tributaries, the main stem, and the estuary are declared 'impaired' under the Clean Water Act, section 303(d). Court-ordered clean up plans are underway. continued on Page 2 In This Issue... &EPACNEWS EPA News to update you on agency activities, pages 1-2, 6. Tools to clue you in on resources, publications, opportunities, and services, pages 2-4. Waterwords covering water related issues, page 5. Spotlight to showcase success stories and environmental stars, page 7. to provide news that goes beyond water topics, pages 8-10. Calendar to highlight environmental events, page 11. ------- continued from Page 1 Reducing Toxics in the Columbia River Toxics in fish have been a concern since the early 1990's when Columbia Basin Tribes approached EPA with fears about tribal members becoming increasingly exposed to contamination from fish. In response, EPA funded a study that found Columbia River tribal people eat greater amounts of fish than the general population. A follow-up EPA study in 2002 similarly found that tribally-consumed Columbia River fish contained significant levels of toxics. These contaminants, found in various studies, include legacy toxics such as DDT, Dieldrin, and PCBs. The Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, local governments, citizen groups, industry, and other federal agencies, are working to remove contaminated sedi- ments, bring back native and resident fish, restore water quality, and preserve, protect and restore habitat. The partnership, part of EPA's National Estuary Pro- gram, is working to address toxics and restore wet- lands in the Lower Columbia River Estuary. Since 1996, their strong leadership has helped directly in the restoration and protection of the Columbia River Estuary. In 1999, this group developed a management plan that has served as a blueprint for estuary recovery and monitoring efforts. Now the partnership, as co-lead on the Columbia River Toxics Reduction Working Group, is helping to lead development of toxics- focused Columbia River monitoring plans. A number of federal and state cleanup efforts are already in progress. A major cleanup is underway by the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. On the Willamette River - a major lower Columbia tributary - Portland Harbor was listed in 2000 on the Superfund National Priority List and a cleanup effort is underway there. Another environmental investigation is underway in Lake Roosevelt. EPA will continue partnering to build on the monitoring work done in the Lower Columbia and to monitor fish, water, and sediment above Bonneville Dam. Efforts will be designed to connect with the Columbia River estuary work and help further our understanding of toxics in the river and the risks they pose. A "State of the Columbia River Report" is set to be released in late 2008. The report is intended to char- acterize the Columbia River, inform and educate, encourage greater involvement, and attract future resources for Columbia River recovery and restoration. To learn more about Columbia River efforts, contact MaryLou Soscia, EPA, at 503-326-5873 or soscia.marylou@epa.gov. World Water Monitoring Day: September 18 Test kits help you check the health of your local waterway. World Water Monitoring Day is September 18. This day marks the beginning of an annual outreach pro- gram that builds public awareness about protecting water resources around the world. Held between September 18 and October 18, the program engages communities in monitoring the condition of local waterways. Since 2002, more than 80,000 people in 50 counties have participated. To participate, choose a lake, stream, bay, or other water body where you can safely monitor. Register your site online soon. Use your own equipment or purchase an easy-to-use test kit on the website. A limited number of test kits are available for free loan from EPA at 206-553-1200 or 800-424-4372. Invite others to help you monitor, or do it yourself. Visit your site anytime from September 18 through October 18 to test the water. Enter your results on the website before December 18, for inclusion in the annual World Water Monitoring Day summary reports. For details go to www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/. WaterTalk August 2007 Page 2 ------- Nonpoint Source Toolbox Gives Outreach Help The Nonpoint Source Out- reach Toolbox is now avail- able. The toolbox is a set of web-based resources designed to help communities conduct locally effective watershed outreach. The Toolbox in- cludes a searchable catalog of nearly 800 print, radio, and TV ads and outreach materials. Categories include: lawn and garden care, motor vehicle care, pet care, septic system care, household chemicals and waste, and general stormwater and storm drain awareness. Materials are contemporary and audience-tested. The Toolbox is designed to meet the needs of stormwater professionals who might be strapped for ideas, money, time, or staff to develop messages and products for their own communities. The Toolbox also provides EPA's publication "Getting in Step -A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns," as well as a collection of surveys and evaluations of outreach programs and a collection of logos, slogans, and mascots to help unify a community's campaign. Find the Toolbox on-line at www.epa.gov/nps/ toolbox. Magnet: Fish for Your Health Report Summarizes Stormwater-Related TMDLs |B EPA recently issued a new document called "Total Maximum Daily Loads with Stormwater Sources: A Summary of 17 TMDLs." A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollut- ant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources. The report summarizes TMDLs that have been developed for stormwater sources in 16 states during the past eight years. They represent a range of pollutants, models, and allocation and implementation methods. These summaries may be helpful to TMDL practitioners, wastewater permitting agencies, and permittees. The document may be viewed online at www.epa.gov/ owow/tmdl/techsupp.html. yow health department about Here's a healthy way to decorate your refrigerator. EPA is offering free fish-shaped magnets. The text reads: Fish for Your Health. Fish are a healthy source of protein, but some fish may be high in contaminants. Use EPA's website to contact your health department about local fish advisories, www.epa.gov/ waterscience/fish Fish are a lean, low-calorie source of protein. However, some fish may contain chemicals that could pose health risks. When contaminant levels are unsafe, consumption advisories may recommend that people limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught in certain places. For a free magnet, call the EPA Region 10 Public Environmental Resource Center at 206-553-1200 or 800-424-4372. Surf Your Watershed: Online Tool EPA's Surf Your Watershed website offers tools to help you learn about your own watershed. This site can help you locate your watershed and get access to citizen-based groups at work in the watershed. The website also can help you find out about restora- tion projects, access data, and get contacts for more help. www.epa.gov/surf. Visit the website at Page .? WaterTalk August 2007 ------- Enhanced Water Quality Standards Info Online EPA has upgraded the website that provides Agency guidance for administering state and tribal water quality standards. Containing EPA's 1994 "Water Quality Standards Handbook," the website now provides over 100 new links to EPA documents and web pages with supporting information. The Handbook gives comprehensive guidance for implementing EPA's water quality standards regulation. Visit the enhanced site on the Internet at www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/handbook/. Free Subscriptions for Small Communities Small communities looking for information to help with environmental issues may be interested in some free publications from NESC. NESC, or the National Environmental Services Center, offers these four publications: Small Flows Quarterly: a magazine with news and feature stories to help deal with wastewater concerns. On Tap: a magazine with news and information on small community drinking water issues. Pipeline: a newsletter explaining technical wastewater topics in clear, easy-to-understand language. E-train: a newsletter giving current information, resources, and articles on small community training topics. For free subscriptions, call NESC at 800-624-8301. NESC, with funding from EPA, helps small communi- ties with their water, wastewater, environmental train- ing, solid waste, infrastructure security, and utility management needs. Websites Give Watershed Information EPA provides a variety of frifbrmatkjn aboat water- sheds, watershed planning, and project funding online. Here are few websttes which may be worth bookmarkingl ••-.;'' : • Funding: www.epa.gov/owow/funding.html « Tools: www.epa.gov/owqw/watersJhed/tools • Training: www.epa.gov/owow/wafersh6d/ wacademy •Section 31 9 Nonpoint Source Grants: www.epa.gov/owow/nps/cwact.htmi • Targeted Watersheds Grants Program: Watershed Approach Framework; www.epa.gov/ owow/watershed/framework/html Water Infrastructure Financing Tool to Help Borrowers A new financial comparison tool developed by EPA will help states, municipalities, utilities, and other borrowers identify the most cost-effective method to fund water quality projects. The Financing Alternatives Com- parison Tool (FACT) calculates and compares costs associated with financing options for infrastructure projects. FACT can help borrowers select the best financing option, whether it is a state revolving fund, a local bank, or another financing program. Potential borrowers can enter project information and data from multiple self-selected financing options. FACT will then produce a comprehensive analysis that looks at financing, regulatory, and other cost factors. It will also create useful reports and graphs, including a summary report which compares various financing options using key financial figures. FACT can also generate graphical comparisons of annual and total costs of various financing options over time. The software program is available on CD ROM or may be downloaded for free from the Clean Water Financing website at: www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/ fact.htm. Visit Vfaterlalk online at www.epa.gov/rlOeurth/wMeftalk.htm WaterTalk August 2007 Page 4 ------- EPA Grants Support Watershed Capacity Building EPA has announced six finalists eligible for EPA's Targeted Watersheds Grants to support watershed organizations through- out the nation. These capacity- building grants will range from $300,000 to $800,000 each. They are awarded to organizations that promote the growth of local watershed partnerships through training and technical assistance. This year, one of two finalists with a national focus is located in Region 10: the River Network. River Network is a national nonprofit organization working for clean and healthy waters, which supports grassroots groups working for watershed protection. Their nation- ally-focused project will train up-and-coming watershed organization leaders, create a community of capacity- builders to help the watershed community grow, and provide direct assistance to watershed organizations. Four other finalists outside Region 10 will support watershed groups in their regions. Targeted Watersheds Grants encourage protection and restoration of the nation's watersheds. Watershed health is important to providing clean water where Americans live, work, and play. Since 2003, more than $40 million has been provided through EPA Targeted Watersheds Grants. This is the second time that capacity building grants have been awarded. A final decision on awards for implementation-focused Tar- geted Watershed Grants is pending. Stay tuned to the website for details. For more information on Targeted Watersheds Grants, visit www.epa.gov/twg/capacity.html. WoterSense—Practice Smart Watering: A third of the water Americans consume daily is used to .irrigate lawns, water gardens, and maintain landscaping. More alarming, up to fifty percent of that water goes to waste due to over-watering, runoff, and evaporation. With a few simple steps, we can reduce th@ amount of water we use—and wasted—on our lawns and gardens without compro- mising their health or appearance. EPA encourages homeowners to take a closer took at their outdoor water use. Some simple steps can save water and money;,. Water in lie earty-woming to minimize evaporation. Avoid watering driveways and side- walks. Use micro-irrigation (such as soaker hoses). Consult a WaterSense irrigation partner for advice on irhground sppnjster systems. For more informa- tion Metering wicfentiy and to locate a WaterSense irrigation partner, visit www.epa.gov/ watersense/pp/irrprof.htm. WaterSense Factoid: The amount of water leaking from plumbing fixtures in U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons a year. Water leaked still requires electricity to pump, supply, and treat it, but it's not being used beneficially. That's a real waste of energy re- sources! If one out of every ten American homes addressed their leaky plumbing fixtures, not only would it save lots of water but it could also save more than 400 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, avoiding about 315,000 tons of green- house gas emissions. That1 s equivalent to taking nearly 55,000 cars off the road. Check www.epa.gov/watersense for more information. EPA WaterSense Page 5 WatetTalk August 2007 ------- Report: America's Beaches Get a Checkup America's beach scorecard topped 95 percent during 2006, according to EPA's Annual Beach Report. Of more than 676,000 beach days, fewer than five percent were restricted due to contamination-related closings. More than half of the actions lasted for two days or less. More than 3,700 beaches were monitored by 35 states and territories under EPA's Beach Program. Beach contamination often results from stormwater running off streets, fields, and other sources. The EPA Beach Grant program has made available $62 million nationally since the passage of the BEACH Act in 2000. The funding level for beach monitoring will continue at $9.9 million this year. EPA beach research centers on setting benchmarks, exploring emerging technologies, and refining method- ology. Actions to prevent the pollution that can make beaches and waters unsafe include: • developing a test for water-borne pathogens that will provide results within two hours • researching the incidence of health effects associated with beach water • uncovering and correcting sources of disease- causing microorganisms • working with communities to help build and operate their sewage treatment plants and end sewage overflows from outdated sewer systems • implementing a national storm water program to reduce urban runoff • working with the Coast Guard to improve sewage and other waste disposal from recreational boats and other vessels. To view the national summary, go to www.epa.gov/ waterscience/beaches/seasons/2006. National Estuary Report Released EPA has released its first National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report. This report ranks the ecologi- cal condition of the 28 estuaries of EPA's National Estuary Pro- gram (NEP). This report serves as a foundation for EPA's efforts to protect, manage, and restore coastal ecosys- tems. Overall, the NEP estuaries are in fair condition and scored better than or equal to all other non-NEP U.S. estuaries, despite significant population pressures. The NEP estuaries were rated individually, regionally, and nationally using four main indicators: water quality, sediment quality, benthic (bottom) condition, and fish- tissue contaminant concentrations. Estuaries are designated as estuaries of national significance because of their unique economic, ecologi- cal, recreational, and aesthetic values. In Region 10, estuaries under the National Estuary Program include Lower Columbia River, Puget Sound, and Tillamook Bay. The complete NEP Coastal Condition Report can be found at www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/ index.html. WaterTalk August 2007 Page 6 ------- Environmental Ed Projects Get EPA Support Environmental education efforts in the Northwest and Alaska just got a little more support, thanks to some EPA Region 10 grant awards totaling nearly $100,000. In Alaska, EPA awarded a grant to Sitka Community Schools to support the use of a nature trail and pre- serve for environmental education. In Idaho, the Idaho Environmental Education Association received a grant to continue their efforts to build statewide environmen- tal education capacity through leadership development and strategic planning. EPA awarded two environmental education grants in Oregon. One was awarded to the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve to support an algae barley and science inquiry project. The other was awarded to Tillamook School District #9 for development of wet- land monitoring curriculum as a tool to promote envi- ronmental stewardship and vocational training. In Washington, EPA made a grant to the River Center Foundation for continuing education workshops for teachers. The Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhance- ment Task Force also received EPA funding, to support a program where students do experimental stream restoration. Congratulations to all the grantees. For more information about EPA's Environmental Ed Grant Program, visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/ grants.html. Or, contact Sally Hanft at 206-553-1207, 800-424-4372, or hanft.sally@epa.gov. Webcasts Set Ten Years of Protecting Children's Health Distinguished speaker webcasts are scheduled to help celebrate the Ten Year Anniversary of the Executive Order on Children's Health. In 1997, EPA established the Office of Children's Health Protection to make the protection of children a fundamental goal of public health and environmental protection. Ten years later, the agency is reflecting on the progress and formulat- ing a vision for the future of children's environmental health. This year also marks the 10th Anniversary of Executive Order 13045 - "Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks." This order requires Federal agencies to identify and evalu- ate environmental health and safety risks that may hinder children's health. The Distinguished Speaker Webcast Series is getting underway. The series provides an opportunity for individuals in the children's environmental health and allied fields to hear from leading researchers and practitioners via computer webcast. An October 1 webcast will feature, in Spanish only, "You Can Pre- vent Lead Poisoning - Some Things Your Children Put in Their Mouths Could Affect Their Future!" This Spanish language webcast, in celebration of both Hispanic Heritage Month and Children's Health Month, focuses on how to decrease children's contact with lead and learn if they have been exposed. Future webcast topics will include: • Protecting Children's Environmental Health in Disasters. • Pregnancy and Environmental Health - Protecting the Next Generation. • Development Disabilities and Environmental Exposures. Learn more at http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ ochpweb.nsf/content/2007activities.htm. 6th Graders collect insects and learn about water quality at the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District's Nature's Wild Adventure Outdoor School. Prevent Mailbox Clutter and Save Trees! Get WaterTalk Newsletter electronically. Sign up for the WaterTalk List-Serv online at www.epa.gov/r1 Oearth/watertalk.htm. Page 7 WaterTalk August 2007 ------- ECO Beneficial Landscaping: Native Pollinators - Our Help in Ages Past, and Present Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has caused widespread declines in the bee- keeper-managed European honey bee colonies. These colonies are used extensively to pollinate agricultural crops. This year, the scarcity of hives caused California almond growers to pay $150 for each bee hive they rented for pollination services. The specter of CCD, the cause of which remains a mystery, is disturbing. We rely upon animals to pollinate over 70% of the world's crop species, which yield about 30% of our food and drink in the U.S. Can we survive without this valuable ecological service? Will we have to do this work ourselves? Researchers are finding that native pollinators, specifi- cally native bees, are also important pollinators. There are about 4,000 species of native bees in North America. Among them, for example, are tiny carpenter bees, sweat bees, longhorn bees, and bumble bees. Native bees are responsible for approximately $3 billion in produce annually in the U.S. In fact, these unsung heroes cause honeybees to be more effective, they are more efficient than honeybees, 100% pollina- tion occurs only when native bees are present, result- ing in greater crop production, and there are no rental fees! Given a chance, native bees could help to fill the pollination gap. So how do we help them to help us? Mace Vaughan, Conservation Director and Entomologist/Educator at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, offers answers. He says we can offer them nesting Native bees may help fill the gap left by declining honey bee populations. Photo by Mace Vaughan, Xerces Society sites, a variety of flowering plants that can provide a continuous supply of nectar and pollen, and refuge from pesticides. Whether you manage a farm, a garden, or other landscape, Mr. Vaughan's guidance will help you to establish a healthy population of native bees on your land: WaterTalk August 2007 Page 8 ------- Preserve natural areas. Natural areas can be provided in small patches or in marginal areas across, within, and/or adjacent to your farm or garden. Farm ponds, fence rows, or field margins are examples. Ensure adequate nest sites. Examine your property for existing bee nests and protect them. Ground nesting bees often occur in well- drained, bare, sandy loam soils that are not tilled every year. Tunnel nesting bees use holes in old snags or the center of pithy twigs. Artificial nests can be made by boring holes in lumber or creating small patches of bare soil with sparse vegetation. Provide forage areas. This can be done by leaving weedy borders, allowing cover crops to bloom, growing a diversity of crops or other flowering plants, and/or planting patches of native flowers. The idea is to always have something in bloom from spring to fall. Forage patches should include flowers that bloom before and after the crop for which pollination is most needed, in order to sustain the adult bees through 5 weeks of activity and suc- cessful reproduction. Provide refuge from pesticides. Avoid using pesticides. If pesticides of any kind must be used, apply them just after dark. Never apply insecticides to blooming plants, including weeds at the field margins. Use pesticides that are least toxic to bees, and practice integrated pest management. Of course, the cultural practices that foster native bees provide a host of other benefits, such as protecting water quality, preventing soil erosion, supporting other beneficial insects, maintaining biological diversity of local plants and animals, and visual aesthetics, to name just a few. Why not give it a try?! For more information about this and other topics in beneficial 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/r10earth/bl.htm. This article was adapted from publications and presen- tations by Mace Vaughan, Conservation Director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, www.xerces.org. We extend our sincere gratitude to him, and to the Xerces Society, the NRCS, and other collaborators, for their valuable research and educa- tional efforts. Resource to Help Build Sustainable Future A comprehensive new resource for folks interested in sustainability is now available. EPA Region 10 recently launched a webpage devoted to this important topic. What is sustainability? Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age- old concern: ensuring that our children and grand- children inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today, preferably better. We want to make sure that the way we live our lives is sustainable - that it can continue and keep improving for a long, long time. Economic prosperity, environmental progress and community concerns are all aspects of sustainability. Global climate change and land development are significant environmental issues that demonstrate the need to think sustainably. The webpage offers local success stories in sustainability, information about programs promoting sustainability, educational resources, links to na- tional resources, and more. Visit the new webpage at http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/oi.nsf/ sustainability/sustainability. Or, simply go to www.epa.gov/r10 and click on "Sustainability in the Pacific Northwest." Page 9 WaterTalk August 2007 ------- Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction: What You can Do You release greenhouse gases as a result of using energy to drive and using electricity to light and heat your home. Releases also come through other activi- ties that support quality of life, like growing food, raising livestock, and throwing away garbage. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through simple measures like changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs and properly inflating your tires. EPA offers a website that provides over 25 easy steps you can take to not only reduce your greenhouse gas emis- sions, but also reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence, and save money. The website gives you specific ideas for reducing emissions at home, at the office, on the road, and at school. You can use EPA's personal greenhouse gas emissions calculator and your household energy bills to estimate your household's annual emissions and identify ways to cut them. Detailed information and resources are also available for state and local governments and businesses interested in learning what steps they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. State and local governments and businesses play an important role in meeting the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. For more information, visit the website www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/. Find past issues of WaterTalk online at www.epa.gov/r1 Oearth/watertalk.htm. Not all resources and publications listed in past issues will still be available. WaterTalk August 2007 Page 10 ------- August August 22-23: 2007 Tribal Nations Children's Environmental Health Summit, Denver, CO, http://epa.gov/ regionS/humanhealth/children/ 2007summit.html. August 28: National State Revolving Fund (SRF) Eligibility Rules, web seminar, www.epa.gov/cwns/ I sebseminar.htm. September September 18: World Water Monitoring Day, www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/. September 23-25: Nearshore Restoration Short Course, Seattle and Stanwood, WA, Washington State University, by application, http://king.wsu.edu/ enviro/nearshore2007.htm, 206-205-3203. September 25-28: Ecological Restoration Conference, Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest and NW Chapter for the Society for Wetland Scientists, Yakima, WA, www.ser.org/sernw. September 29: National Estuaries Day, www.estuaries.gov. October Children's Health Month, http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/ content/homepage.htm. October 1: Spanish-Language Webcast: You Can Prevent Lead Poisoning: Some Things Your Children Put in their Mouths Could Affect their Future, http:// yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/ content/2007activities.htm. October 3-5: Western Brownfields Workshop, Portland, OR, EPA, Laura Sneeringer, 303-861-1637. October 15: Deadline for contributions to the November issue of WaterTalk. Andrea Lindsay, Editor, 206-553-1896, 800-424-4372, lindsay.andrea@epa.gov. October 17: Satellite Video Stream Workshop: Targeted Watershed Grants—Pacific Northwest Success Stories, County Extension Offices in AK, ID, OR, WA. Jan Seago, 206-553-0038, 800-424-4372, seago.jan @ epa.gov. October 17-18: Northwest Environmental Summit, Tacoma, WA. www.envsummit.com. November November 7-9: Water in the Pacific Northwest: Moving Science into Policy and Action; Skamania, WA, www.capps.wsu.edu/waterpolicy/, 509-335- 3530. November 15: America Recycles Day, www.americarecyclesday.org. Page 11 WaterTalk August 2007 ------- WaterTalk U.S. EPA, ETPA-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 E.P.A. Hdqs Attn: Library, 3403 T5/P6 401 'm'SfSW Washington. DC 20460-QQQ1 WaterTalk August 2007 Alaska Idaho WaterTalk is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10. WaterTalk seeks to be a use&l tool for those who protect water resources and ecosystems in communities of the Greater Pacific Northwest, by providing practical resources and relevant agenefhaews. You are invited to contribute items for publication. Submittal deadline is $e 15th day of the month before publication. WaterTalk articles can be used in other publications. Please give credit to WaterTalk. jj For mailing list changes, or to contact the editor, call Andrea Lindsay at (206) 553-1896 or 1-800-424-4EPA x!896, or e-mail Undsay4mdrea@epa.gov. 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 \reasonableaccommodation. TTY: 1-800-877-8339. Please recycle or share with a friend. alk Oregon Washington In This Issue... Reducing Toxics in the Columbia Grant Awards How to Support Native Bees Ways to Get Involved Environmental Events And More... ------- |