U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Bulletin - EPA 910/9-92-043
                                                                                    February 2008
   HAPY
Make a Smaller Smash in  2008
It's time to put a fresh spin on the classic New Year's resolution.  Rather than just pledging to shed a few pounds
this year,  resolve to cut down on daily water usage. EPA's WaterSense program can help you keep this New
Year's resolution: use our simple tips to save water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and yard, and save
some green for yourself and for the environment.
In the kitchen.. .Resolution:
             If you wash your dishes in the sink, fill
             the basin with wash water, wash dishes
             in it, put dishes aside, and rinse them
             all together at the end. Savings: If
             every home in the United States that
             washes dishes in the sink would do so
in this manner, more than 100 billion gallons of water
could be saved annually.

In the bathroom.. .Resolution:
             Install WaterSense labeled toilets
             throughout your home. Savings: A
             household could save $90 per year in
   ^^      reduced water costs, and $2,000 over
\ o.^BK.o /'  the lifetime of the toilets.
In the laundry room.. .Resolution:
             Make sure to wash only full loads.
             Savings: Eliminate one load a week
             and save 2,130 gallons of water
             annually.
In the yard.. .Resolution:
             Hire a WaterSense irrigation partner to
             perform regular maintenance on your
             sprinkler system, and grow your lawn
             "greener" than ever. Savings: If you
have a sprinkler system, this could reduce the irrigation
water you use by 15 percent or about 9,000 gallons
annually—that's the amount of water that would flow
from a garden hose nonstop for nearly a whole day.
                                                 Explore the WaterSense Web site to learn how you can
                                                 save even more water in your home at www.epa.gov/
                                                 watersense. Check out the Winter issue of the
                                                 WaterSense Current at www.epa.gov/watersense/
                                                 news/current/winter2008.htm#1.
                                                 Article adapted from the EPA Winter 2008 WaterSense.
                                                  In  This Issue...

                                                      SPOTLIGHT
                                                       CALENDAR
    News to update you
on agency activities,
pages 2-3.

Tools to clue you in on
resources, publications,
opportunities, and
services, pages 4-6.

Waterwords covering
water related issues,
page 7.

Spotlight to showcase
success stories and
environmental stars,
page 7-8.

Ecosystem to provide
news that goes beyond
water topics, pages 9-10.

Calendar to highlight
environmental events,
page 11.

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EPA Enforcement Helps Reduce Northwest Pollution
EPA enforcement and compliance actions in the Pacific
Northwest and Alaska helped reduce or treat 9.1 million
pounds of pollution in 2007.  Data for Fiscal Year (FY)
2007 also reveals that 203 completed enforcement
actions resulted in facilities investing $31 million to
comply with federal environmental rules.

According to Elin D. Miller, EPA's Region 10 Adminis-
trator, the Agency's enforcement and compliance
program helps protect communities  and inspires
responsibility in the regulated community.

'Tough enforcement means cleaner neighborhoods,"
said Miller. "When people and businesses pollute
illegally, we all pay the price where we live, work, and
play. At EPA, we try to make it easy for companies and
individuals to see the benefits of playing by the rules
and obeying the law. Part of being a sustainable
business  in today's economy means realizing that
pollution never pays."
     The U.S, Environmental Protection Agency is a
     federal agency whose mission it is to protect human
     health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has
     been working for a cleaner, healthier environment
     for the American people. EPA is divided into ten
     regions.  Region 10 includes the states of Alaska,
     Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
      Total Penalties Assessed in Region 10 States
           Alaska:

            Idaho:

          Oregon:

      Washington:
$1,492,849

  $330,299

  $163,450

  ,137,801
                   EPA Regional Enforcement Record for the Past Three Years

Total Inspections
Pounds of Pollution Reduced/Treated
Total Penalties Assessed
Enforcement Actions Concluded
FY05
1,221
13,954,601
$1 ,778,908
196
FY06
" 1,299
26,429,316
$3,567,324
345
FY07
976
9,100,000
$4,115,000
203
Contact:  Marianne Deppman, 206-553-1237, deppman.marianne@epa.gov
         More Region 10 results: http://epa.gov/region10/offices/oec/Region10Results.htm
         National results: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/hq^2007-11 -15_oeca
                                Get on Watertalk's E-List
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                                   for the Watertalk List-Serv. You'll get your Watertalk electronically
                                   every quarter. It's quick and easy to sign up. 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
                                   List-Serv. 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.
Watertalk February 2008
Page 2

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How Are Local Residents Responding to Water Issues?
Guess what?  Over 80 percent of citizens reported that
they have taken individual actions to conserve water
resources. In addition, almost three-quarters of
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington residents have
adjusted the way they live to protect water quality. And,
did you know that Pacific Northwest residents consider
the top three water resource priorities to be clean
drinking water, clean  rivers, and clean groundwater?

Several notable findings like these about Northwest
community and water issues are available, thanks to a
partnership among land grant universities, water
research institutes, and EPA Region 10. The partner-
ship works to do research and community education on
the quality of Pacific Northwest waters.  The effort is
supported in part by a grant from the USDA's Coopera-
tive State Research,  Education and Extension System
(USDA-CSREES).

Their website—http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/
flyers.htm—offers a  series of water quality update
publications.  These documents give summaries of
findings from recent surveys and projects in the
Northwest.  Many topics are available throughout the
website. (The folder labeled Water Policy, Economics,
Surveys might be a good place to start when you visit.)

To learn more, contact Jan Seago, CSREES water
quality coordinator located at EPA, at 206-553-0038 or
800-424-4372 or seago.jan@epa.gov.
Making Beach  Visits Safe
While it is still a cold day at the beach around the
Northwest, EPA is taking action to help ensure beach
visits are safe for everyone. By providing states an
additional $9.75 million in beach grants in 2008, EPA is
helping states continue to monitor water quality at
beaches and notify the public of any beach warnings
and closings when bacteria levels rise too  high.

This is the eighth year these grants are being made to
states since passage of the Beaches Environmental
Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act in 2000.
EPA estimates Americans make 910 million trips to
coastal areas each year, spending about $44 billion.
A decade ago, state and local monitoring and notifica-
tion programs differed across the country. These
grants are designed to consistently protect and inform
the public before swimming at beach waters.  In
addition to supporting stronger beach programs
nationwide, EPA is also focusing on developing new
technologies to more quickly identify possible bacteria
contamination at beaches.  The science is evolving,
and EPA's research program involves epidemiological
studies at a variety of beaches to assess new analyti-
cal approaches. More information about BEACH
grants awards can be found at www.epa.gov/
waterscience/beaches.
                                              Page -•?
                            Watertalk February 2008

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 CARE Funding:   Request for Proposals Announced
 EPA is soliciting project proposals to receive financial
 assistance through the Community Action for a
 Renewed Environment (CARE) program.  Applica-
 tions are due March 27, 2008. CARE is a community-
 based, community-driven, multi-media demonstration
 program. The program helps communities form
 collaborative partnerships, develop a comprehensive
 understanding of the many sources of risk from toxics
 and environmental pollutants, set priorities,  and carry
 out projects to reduce risks through collaborative action
 at the local level. CARE's long-term goal is to help
 communities build self-sustaining, community-based
 partnerships that will continue to improve human health
 and local environments into the future.

 EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two
 levels. Level I cooperative agreements range from
 $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish commu-
 nity-based partnerships to develop local environmental
 priorities. LeveJ II awards, ranging from $150,000 to
 $300,000 each, will support communities which have
      LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES.
    established broad-based partnerships, have identified
    the priority toxic risks in the community, and are
    prepared to measure results, implement risk reduction
    activities, and become self-sustaining. Eligible appli-
    cants include county and local governments, tribes,
    non-profit organizations and universities.

    The request for proposals is on-line at www.epa.gov/
    air/grants/08-02.pdf.  For more information, visit
    www.epa.gov/CARE/.  Or, participate in an information
    session by Internet, called a Webcast, on February 27,
    2008, from 7-9 a.m. Pacific Time.  For details about the
    Webcast, visit www.epa.gov/CARE/
    agreements.htm#apply.
 Webcasts  Give Free
 Watershed  Training

 The Watershed Academy
   Ask EPA:
   Talk with EPA Experts
 EPA's Watershed Academy sponsors free monthly
 Webcasts for watershed practitioners from around the
 globe. The seminars, featuring expert instructors, help
 train local watershed organizations, municipal leaders,
 and others about watershed topics. Participants log on
 to the web or join by phone.  You must register in
 advance to participate.  Dozens of past Webcasts are
 also available.  They cover topics such as social
 marketing, effective outreach, low impact development,
 pollutant trading, water quality monitoring, stormwater
 management, and watershed planning.  For details,
 past session archives, and current offerings, go to
www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.
                              Ask EPA is an online
                              interactive forum
                              where you can
                              discuss a wide range
                              of environmental and
                              human health issues
                              with EPA's senior
                              officials. To learn
                              about upcoming
                              sessions, and how to
                              submit your ques-
                              tions, visit
                              www.epa.gov/
                              askepa. Past topics
                              have included
   enforcement and compliance, recycling, measuring
   environmental results, and more. Transcripts from the
   many past sessions are also posted at the webpage.
Visit WaterTalk online at www.£pa.gov/rlOearth/watertalk.htm
Watertalk February 2008
Page 4

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Low Impact Development Practices Reduce Costs
EPA has released a new report called Reducing
Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Develop-
ment (LID) Strategies and Practices.  The report
contains 17 case studies from across North America.
The cases show the economic viability of LID prac-
tices.  Using these practices in construction projects
can lower costs while improving environmental results.

LID practices are innovative stormwater practices to
manage urban stormwater runoff at its source.  The
goal is to mimic the way water moved through an area
before it was developed by using design techniques
that infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and reuse runoff close
to its source. Some common LID practices include rain
gardens, grassed swales, cisterns, rain barrels,
permeable pavements,  and green roofs. LID practices
increasingly are used by communities across the
country to help protect and restore water quality. The
report includes examples that reduce project costs
while improving environmental performance. For a
copy of the report, go to www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/
costs07A
Guide Helps Public Water Systems

Communicate with Public

Talking to your Customers
about Chronic Contami-
nants is a best practices
guide that helps public
water systems communi-
cate with the public about
drinking water risks.
Chronic contaminants
are those that can
cause health effects
after continuous long-  /;
term exposure. This
fact sheet discusses
the importance of
communicating
with the public
about chronic con-
taminants - both regulated
and unregulated - and describes
effective strategies for getting the message
out. For more information visit www.epa.gov/
safewater/contaminants/pdfs/fs contaminants
_chronic_talkingtocustomers.pdf.
                                               Final EPA Release of Water

                                               Quality Standards Database

                                               In December 2007, EPA posted the ninth and last
                                               release of the Water Quality Standards Database at
                                               www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/wqshome/.
                                               The database organizes and displays standards
                                               information in tables and maps, waterbody by
                                               waterbody.

                                               To help enhance access to water quality standards
                                               information, EPA is helping states to establish state-
                                               level databases on their own websites, so that the
                                               information can be kept current as states revise their
                                               standards.

                                               This final version of the database will be removed from
                                               the EPA website this month, February 2008. After that,
                                               members of the public can access their state's water
                                               quality standards webpage at www.epa.gov/
                                               waterscience/standards/wqslibrary/links.html/. The
                                               documents upon which the database information is
                                               based can be viewed at www.epa.gov/waterscience/
                                               standards/wqslibrary/.
                                            Page 5
                                                                          Watertalk February- 2008

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Poster Helps Small Drinking  Water Systems
EPA recently released a poster called Removing
Multiple Contaminants from Drinking Water: Issues
to Consider. The poster can help regulators and
water organizations better assist small water systems
with drinking water treatment. Public water systems
that need to add treatment for one contaminant, such
as arsenic, may find that they need to consider other
water quality issues.  Choosing a treatment technology
that can remove several co-occurring contaminants
may be more efficient and cost effective. This  poster
describes treatment technologies that can remove
multiple contaminants. It identifies the contaminants
that can be removed,  and summarizes related  opera-
tional and waste disposal issues.  The poster is avail-
able at www.epa.gov/safewater/smallsys/
ssinfo.htm.
          Removing Multiple Contaminants from
          Drinking Water: Issues to Consider   .,,.>;
Outreach Resources

Now Available on CD/DVD

Nonpoint Source Outreach
Toolbox is now out as a CD
edition (publication # 841-C-05-
003). The popular online
resource released last year is
now available to you even when
you are untethered from the
information superhighway. With
nearly 700 MB of multimedia
files, this is a slightly scaled-
down version of all the re-
sources available at www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox.

Getting in Step: A DVD Guide for Conducting
Watershed Outreach Campaigns (publication # 841-
C-07-001) is now available. This 2003 classic includes
chapter menus and closed captioning and runs 35
minutes.

Both resources are available for free through the
National Service Center for Environmental Publica-
tions (NSCEP). Call toll-free 1-800-490-9198 or  e-mail
nscep@bps-lmit.com.
 Caregivers and Older Adults

 The EPA Aging Initiative has developed fact sheets
 on environmental hazards that can worsen common
 chronic conditions. These brief fact sheets are
 available at no cost and can be downloaded at
 www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/
 index.htm#fs.
Underground Injection Control

Webpage Updated

EPA has revised its webpage for the Underground
Injection Control (UIC) program. This program
regulates injection activities to prevent contamination of
underground drinking water resources. The new
website has basic information about each type of
regulated well. The site offers videos, posters, and
other publications that show how the wells are con-
structed and managed, and compliance assistance
information for well-owners. The site also has back-
ground on EPA's current effort to develop a proposed
regulation for the underground injection of carbon
dioxide to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.
The website is www.epa.gov/safewater/uic.
Green Scene Podcasts

Whether you're watching
online or listening on your
MP3 player, Green
Scene Podcasts are a
way to explore environ-
mental issues with EPA's
top experts. Through
EPA's  latest
downloadable tool,
Agency officials discuss how EPA is helping protect our
nation's environment while providing useful tips and
information on how to make a difference in local
communities. Discussions will take place  biweekly and
run about five minutes. The Green Scene Podcast box
is located on EPA's home page at www.epa.gov. All
discussions are archived and posted at www.epa.gov/
newsroom/greenscene.
 Watertalk February 2008

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Every  Drop Counts:

Water Efficiency Leaders Recognized

EPA recently announced the six winners of the 2007
Water Efficiency Leader Awards for their efforts in
reducing, reusing, and recycling water.  One of those
winners—Allan Dietemann—came from Region 10.
Winners were chosen based on three criteria: leader-
ship, innovation, and water saved.

Due to demographic shifts, increased demand, and
aging water infrastructure, there is a national need for
more efficient use of our water resources. These
awards are designed to help foster a nationwide ethic
of water efficiency.

In Region 10, an award went to Allan Dietemann of
Seattle Public Utilities. Mr. Dietemann has promoted
water conservation for 20 years. He is specifically
recognized for the Seattle Water Supply System
Regional 1% Program. This ten-year effort reduces
water consumption for businesses, government, and
homeowners. Mr. Dietemann is also honored for his
central role in promoting consumer product water
efficiency, such as product labeling and inclusion of
water efficiency standards in the Department of
Energy's appliance efficiency standards. Congratula-
tions, Mr. Dietemann! Learn more about all the win-
ners at www.epa.gov/water/wel.
Oregon Drinking Water Loan Fund

Gets EPA Award

                   Oregon's Safe Drinking Water
                   Revolving Loan Fund has
                   received EPA's Award for
                   Sustainable Public Health
                   Protection. The award recog-
                   nizes the unique, successful
                   partnership that carried out the
                   state's program:  Department of
                   Human Services, Oregon
                   Economic and Community
                   Development Department, and
                   Drinking Water Advisory
                   Committee.

   ^	   The loan fund has provided
                   more than $131 million to
                   Oregon communities since
1997, helping them to meet safe drinking water stan-
dards. The loans have funded water distribution
system upgrades, treatment upgrades and installa-
tions, and water supply protection. The partnership
offers a special assistance program for disadvantaged
communities. The program also allows communities to
conduct their own income surveys. For details, contact
Rick Green, EPA, at 206-553-8504 or
green.richard@epa.gov.
        SPOTLIGHT
New  Fuel Economy  Stickers
To more clearly and fully convey fuel economy informa-
tion to consumers, all new cars, light trucks, and SUVs
feature a newly re-designed window sticker. The new
label will allow consumers to make more informed
decisions. The label includes the estimated annual
cost for fueling the vehicle, how the vehicle's fuel
economy compares to others within its class, and a
website to go to for more information.

The changes coincide with the adoption of new meth-
ods to determine the miles per gallon (MPG) estimates
that appear on the stickers.  The new methods, which
took effect for model year 2008 vehicles, will bring
MPG estimates closer to  a vehicle's actual fuel use.
Estimates consider factors such as driving at high
speeds, accelerating aggressively, air conditioning use,
and driving in cold temperatures.

Taking EPA's fuel  economy information into account
when shopping for a vehicle can help consumers save
money, as well as cut down on air pollution and green-
house gas emissions. For details on the new label,
visit www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/label.htm.
                                           Page 7
                          Watertalk February 2008

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 Green Computers Bring Benefits

 The environmental benefits of buying high-perfor-
 mance, environmentally friendly computer equipment
 are notable. The first annual report issued by the
 Green Electronics Council highlights these benefits. It
 is called The Environmental Benefits of the Pur-
 chase or Sale of EPEAT Registered Products in
 2006.
 The report states that the purchase of more than 36
 million EPA-approved computer desktops, laptops, and
 monitors has led to a big reduction in greenhouse gas
 emissions. The report shows that the computer
 equipment has helped to:

 •  Save 13.7 billion kWh of electricity, enough to power
   1.2 million U.S. homes for a year
 *  Save 24.4 million metric tons of primary materials,
   equivalent to the weight of 189 million refrigerators
 •  Prevent 56.5 million metric tons of air emissions
   (including greenhouse gas emissions)
 •  Prevent 1.07 million metric tons of carbon equivalent
   greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to removing
   852,000 cars from the road for a year
 •  Prevent 118,000 metric tons of water pollutant
   emissions
• Reduce the amount of
  toxic materials used by
  1,070 metric tons,
  equivalent to the weight
  of 534,000 bricks,
  including enough
  mercury to fill 157,000
  household fever thermometers; and
• Avoid the disposal of 41,100 metric tons of
  hazardous waste, equivalent to the weight of 20.5
  million bricks.

EPEAT (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment
Tool) -registered computer products have reduced levels
of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human
health.  They are also easier to upgrade and recycle and
meet the government's Energy Star guidelines for energy
efficiency. For details visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/
pubs/products/epeat.htm.
 Cell  Phone  Recycling:   An Easy  Call
                  The nation's leading cell phone
                  makers, service providers, and
                  retailers have teamed up with EPA
                  to answer America's call for easy
                  cell phone recycling.  It's all part of
                  EPA's Plug-In to eCycling
                  program. Partners supporting the
                  cell phone recycling campaign
                  include AT&T Wireless, Best Buy,
                  LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia,
                  Office Depot, Samsung, Sony
 Ericsson, Sprint, Staples, and T-Mobile.

 EPA started the campaign because many consumers
 still do not know where or how they can recycle their
 unwanted cell phones. Consequently, less than 20
 percent of unwanted cell phones are recycled each
 year.

 Recycling a cell phone helps reduce greenhouse gas
 emissions, save energy, and conserve natural re-
sources.  An estimated 100 to 130 million  cell phones
are no longer being used, many languishing in storage.
If Americans recycled  100 million phones, we could
save enough upstream energy to power more than
194,000 U.S. households for a year. If consumers
were able to reuse those 100 million cell phones, the
environmental savings would be even greater, saving
enough energy to power more than 370,000 U.S.
homes each year.

Plug-In To eCycling is a voluntary partnership between
EPA and electronics manufacturers, retailers, and
service providers to offer consumers more opportuni-
ties to donate or recycle their used  electronics.  In
2007, as part of their commitment to the program,
retailers and electronics manufacturers voluntarily
recycled more than 47 million pounds of electronics,
mostly computers and televisions.  The Plug-In pro-
gram has recycled more than 142 million pounds of
electronics since 2003.

EPA has released a series of print public service
announcements, "Recycle Your Cell Phone. It's An
Easy Call." The ads highlight the convenience and
environmental and social benefits of recycling a cell
phone. EPA also introduced a podcast addressing
many common questions on cell phone recycling.
Learn more at www.epa.gov/cellphone
and www.epa.gov/plug-in/.
Watertalk February 2008

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Invasive Species:


Protecting  from  Unwanted  Invaders

This edition of Watertalk continues the spotlight on the important topic of invasive species.  Many activities are
going on across the country to manage this serious environmental threat.  This issue highlights a few of those
efforts.  For details, contact Joan Cabreza, EPA, at 206-553-7369 or 800-424-4372, orcabreza.joan@epa.gov.

National Invasives Management Plan Revised: The   f  J   >
first National Invasive Species Management Plan,
published in 2001, has been revised. The National
Invasive Species Council recently accepted public
comments on the revised plan. The Plan is intended to
address invasive species in the areas of prevention,
early detection and rapid response, control, restoration,
and collaboration. Text of the plan is available in .pdf
format at www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov.

Western Rivers Study:  Results of an Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment study by researchers from
Oregon State University and EPA are in. The study
found that more than half of the stream and river miles
surveyed  in 12 western states contained non-native
fish and amphibians.  Over 1300 sites were sampled in
three large-scale ecoregions.  From 30-33 non-native
species were found in each ecoregion.  The largest
number of non-native species was found in CA (26)
and the fewest in ID (4).  The  entire paper "Distribu-
tion of Nonnative  Aquatic Vertebrates in Western
U.S. Streams and Rivers" is online at http://
afs.allenpress.com/perlserv/? request=get-
toc&issn=1548-8675.

Global Climate Change Research Report: The new
Summary of NHEERL Ecological Research on Global
Climate Change reports on 14 years of research
conducted by EPA at its National Health and Environ-
mental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL).  This
research compendium presents findings on how global
climate change may affect terrestrial, freshwater, and
marine ecosystems, as well as agriculture. The re-
search has added to the understanding of potential
ecosystem effects of global warming and rising levels
of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Find the report at
                                                Invasive species like this Chinese Mitten Crab can displace
                                                native species, upsetting an ecological balance

                                                www.epa.gov/wed/pages/publications/authored/
                                                GCC_report_web.pdf.

                                                OR "Most Dangerous Invaders" List: The Oregon
                                                Invasive Species Council has released the 2007 list of
                                                the 700 Most Dangerous Invaders. Find the list at
                                                www.oregon.gov/OISC/most  dangerous.shtml.

                                                The Washington Aquatic Nuisance Species committee
                                                also has a 2007 "Watch List" of invasive species. Call
                                                Joan as noted above for information.
The National Invasive Species Management Plan notes that: "Invasive Species introduced from around the
globe are having a major impact on our plant and animal communities in our farms, parks, waters, forests,
ranches, coasts and backyards. As global climate patterns shift, the distribution of species will change, and
particular habitats may become more or less susceptible to the impacts of new species introductions. Human
activity such as trade, travel and tourism have all increased substantially, increasing the speed and volume of
species movement to unprecedented levels. Invasive species are often unintended hitchhikers on cargo and
other trade conveyances. Still more species are deliberately introduced as pets, ornamental plants, crops,
food, recreation, pest control or other purposes.  Most non-native species, including most of our sources of
food and fiber, are not harmful; and many are highly beneficial. A small percentage of non-native species
cause great harm the environment, economy or harm to animal or human health. Non-native species that
cause harm are collectively known as invasive species."
                                                                           Watertalk February 2008

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Beneficial Landscaping
The Virtues  of Snowberry
Winter seems the best time to appreciate the charms
and benefits of snowberry, an unassuming but delight-
ful deciduous low native shrub. Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos spp.) is in the honeysuckle family,
and there are four species native to the Northwest. On
the Pacific slope, Symphoricarpus albus, common
snowberry, grows from Oregon to southeast Alaska in
thickets, woodlands, and open slopes from low to
middle elevations.  S. mollis, a trailing species, grows
from west of the  Cascades eastward to northern Idaho.
Erect species east of the Cascades include S.
oreophilus and S. occidentalis.

Snowberry has opposite, mostly simple to lobed
leaves, which offer quiet, attractive foliage.  Its small,
pink to white flowers are inconspicuous. However, it's
easy to spot snowberry in winter when all that remains
on the twiggy shrubs are the snow white, waxy berries,
which  seem to hang like baubles  in mid air.  They are
especially striking when seen in thickets with bright red
wild rose hips, a  common sight along coastal bluffs.
Snowberry is hardy, versatile, fast growing, easy to
propagate, an excellent choice for erosion control, and
provides food for butterflies and birds. It spreads
vegetatively by rhizomes, yet is not considered inva-
sive. Snowberry grows happily in moist or dry condi-
tions, in well drained or heavier soils, in full sun, full
shade, or a mixture thereof.  For beginning native
landscapers, it is a confidence booster! What more
could we ask?

Soon local native plant sales will begin. Those spon-
sored by local Conservation Districts usually offer bare
root stock at very low cost.  Why not give this sweet,
spunky native 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.

References:
Hitchcock and Cronquist. Flora of the Pacific North-
   west, University of Washington Press,  1973.
Link, Russell. Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific
   Northwest, University of Washington Press, 1999.
Pojar and Mackinnon. Plants of the Pacific Northwest
   Coast, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia &
   Alaska, Lone Pine  Publishing,  1994.
Kruckeberg, Arthur R. Gardening with Native Plants of
   the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington
   Press,  1982.
Menashe, Elliott.  Vegetation Management: A Guide for
   Puget Sound Bluff Property Owners. Coastal Zone
   Management Program, Washington Department of
   Ecology, 1993.
 Watertalk February 2008
ID

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                               CALENDAR
 February

 February 11-15:
    Alaska Forum on the Environment, Anchorage,
    AK, www.akforum.com, 888-301-0185

j February 20-21:
    Alaska Collaborative Problem Solving,
    Anchorage, AK, http://
    resourcesolutions.uaa.alaska.edu, or Jane
    Oakley, anjeo@uaa.alaska.edu, 907-786-6374

 February 27:
    Federal Storm Water and Wetland Regulation
    Workshop, Idaho Falls, ID,
    www.idahosbdc.org, or Joan Meitl, 208-426-
    1839, joanmeitl@boisestate.edu

 February 28:
    Federal Storm Water and Wetland Regulation
    Workshop, Pocatello, ID, www.idahosbdc.org,
    or Joan Meitl, 208-426-1839,
    joanmeitl @ boisestate.edu
 March

 March 9-15:
    Ground Water Awareness Week,
    www.ngwa.org/public/awarenessweek/

 March 12-14:
    GLOBE 2008 Trade Fair and Conference,
    Vancouver, BC, Canada, www.globe2008.ca/

 March 22:
    World Water Day, www.water.org/
    worldwaterday

 March 26:
    South Sound Science Symposium, Making
    Connections across the Ecosystem, Lacey, WA,
    www.psp.wa.gov/about_us/action_areas/
    aa_south_sound.htm

 March 27:
    Managing Stormwater in Washington, Tukwila,
    WA, www.nebc.org/content.aspx?pageid=27
April

April 13-19:
   National Environmental Education Week,
   www.eeweek.org

April 14:
   Deadline for contributions to the May issue of
   Watertalk. Andrea Lindsay, Editor, 206-553-
   1896, 800-424-4372, lindsay.andrea@epa.gov

April 12-13:
   Seattle Green Festival, WA,
   www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/767/
   3907

April 22:
   Earth Day, www.epa.gov/earthday

April 24:
   Making Renewable Energy Projects Happen,
   Portland, OR, www.nebc.org/enews/
   2007_November.pdf

May

   American Wetlands Month,
   www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm/

May 4-10:
   National Drinking Water Week, www.awwa.org/
   advocacy/dww

May 8-9:
   Practical Sustainability 2008 Spring Mini-
   Conference, Coeur d'Alene, ID,
   www.pncwa.org/Calendar/internal/
   view_entry.php?id=177&date=20080508

May 17-18:
   Idaho Green Expo, Boise, ID,
   www.idahogreenexpo.org
                                          Page 11
                         Watertalk February 2008

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      Watertalk is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental Protection
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     Please recycle or share with a friend.
In  This Issue...

A Different  Kind of New
Year's Resolution

Computers, Phones,
Cars

Protecting from
Unwanted Invaders

The Spunky Snowberry

Days to Celebrate

And More...

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