Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
Progress in Implementing
Clinton's Wetlands Plan
Since the release on August 24, 1993 of
President Clinton's wetlands plan—Pro-
tecting America's Wetlands: A Fair, Flexible
and Effective Approach—implementation
efforts have been underway. Much
progress has been made on several of the
President's major objectives including
addressing Alaska-specific concerns re-
garding the section 404 program, clarify-
ing delineation of wetlands for purposes
of section 404 and the Food Security Act
(FSA), and developing guidance for miti-
gation banking.
The Administration plan contained two
provisions for the State of Alaska. Due to
the potential significant adverse environ-
mental consequences associated with is-
suance of a final Alaska 1% rule, the Ad-
ministration announced that the proposal
would be withdrawn. However, recog-
nizing the need to address Alaska-specific
concerns in a fair, flexible, and efficient
manner, the Administration plan commit-
ted EPAandtheCorpsof Engineers (Corps)
to meeting with Federal resource agen-
cies, state and local governments, repre-
sentatives of Native villages, industry
groups including oil and fishing interests,
and environmental groups to consider
other environmentally appropriate means
to assure regulatory flexibility and the fea-
sibility of alternative permitting proce-
dures in Alaska.
On October 12,1993, the Federal agencies
in Alaska announced the Alaska Wetlands
Initiative and invited a diverse and com-
prehensive group of stakeholders to par-
ticipate in two series of independently
facilitated meetings in Juneau, Bethel,
Fairbanks, and Anchorage. In addition,
the public was invited to attend these
meetings, to submit written'comments,
and to participate in a Statewide telecon-
ference linking 20 locations throughout
Clinton Plan-Continued on Page 3
Winter 1994
Three NEPs Achieve Milestones
During the fall of 1993, three National Estuary Programs (NEPs)
reached major milestones. On September 24, Assistant Administra-
tor Bob Perciasepe approved the Management Conference Agree-
ment for the Peconic Bay Estuary Program. Then on November 30,
the Policy Committee for the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound Program
transmitted their final Comprehensive Conservation and Manage-
ment Plan (CCMP) to the Governor of North Carolina for concur-
rence and to Administrator Carol Browner for approval. As Fall
1993 came to a dose, Administrator Browner, on December 9,
approved the CCMP for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Pro-
gram making it the fourth NEP with a final CCMP in place.
The Peconic Bay Estuary Program (PEP) is the first of the four
estuaries that were added to the NEP in the fall of 1992 to have an
approved Management Conference Agreement. Threats to Peconic
Bay include nuisance algal blooms, nutrients, and pathogens. The
PEP Conference Agreement documents the commitment of the
Management Conference to fulfill the requirements, as described in
section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Agreement commits the
participants to early demonstration of potential CCMP action plans,
a preliminary CCMP to be submitted by July 1994, a draft CCMP to
be available for public comment and Agency-wide review by July
1995, and a final CCMP to be submitted for Administrator approval
by July 1996. If the PEP meets this schedule, it will be the first
program to surpass EPA's 1992 guidance for completing CCMPs in
four years or less. Actions being considered and undertaken include
planting grass buffer strips to control pathogen contamination due
to road runoff, replanting scallops to recovering areas, and
remediating wetlands. . , _ •
Development of the Albemarle-Pamh'co Sound CCMP has involved
thousands of officials and citizens over the last five years. The final
CCMP is consistent with North Carolina's Watershed Protection
Approach. Among the issues addressed most aggressively by the
program were agricultural and forestry practices. Activities to
implement the CCMP are already underway; for example, the
Governor has designated 1994 as the Year of the Coast and has
established a Coastal Futures Committee to review the 20 years of
coastal management in North Carolina. The CCMP implementation
will be carried forward by a Coordinating Council and five regional
sub-councils, the latter also corresponding to the watershed regions
in the study area.
The CCMP for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary is the culmina-
tion of the efforts of over 100 representatives from the private and
public sectors, including government, industry, business, and envi-
ronmental interests, as well as elected officials from all 12 Bay-Delta
NEP-Continued on Page 2
Printed on pipor thtt contains
at least SDK racycMflbor
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Working Group Established to Improve Dredging Process
At the direction of Secretary of Transportation Pena,
the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has set up an
inter-agency working group to study and make recom-
mendations to improve the process for sediments dredg-
ing. The dredging permit process is suffering from
difficulties and delays in proceeding for a number of
reasons including the complex and lengthy process for
obtaining all required federal and state approvals; the
lack of practicable disposal alternatives; the lack of
long-term, coordinated disposal strategies; and the
absence of any formal mechanisms for developing co-
ordinated strategies. The working group has begun
working on 11 issue papers which will be modified
based on information received from 11 public meetings
being held around the country. These issue papers will
discuss the major issues related to dredging and pro-
vide options for improving management of the dredg-
ing process. Among the issues being addressed are:
Should there be a national dredging policy?
Coordination issues including inter-agency,
intra-agency, federal and state;
Administrative inefficiencies;
Dredged material management strategies;
Contaminated dredged material; and
Economic and sustainable development issues.
The Ocean and Coastal Protection Division has the lead
in the MARAD work group for drafting two issue
papers—contaminated sediments and intra-agency
coordination, and will seek input from the Wetlands
Division and the Office of Science and Technology.
Contact Dave Redford, 260-9179.
NEP-Continued from Page I
counties. EPA established the San Francisco Estuary
Project in 1987 in response to growing public concern
for the health of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. The
CCMP contains 144 specific action items that will foster
the improvement and maintenance of the Bay-Delta
Estuary. Actions identified are to utilize funds from
section 319 and Titles II and VI of the Clean Water Act.
Actions include forming partnerships to foster pollu-
tion prevention and sustainable agriculture in the Cen-
tral Valley and restoration activities throughout the
Bay-Delta.
Focus for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary is now
shifting toward implementation of the Plan resulting in
project reorganization. The San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board in Oakland now has the
primary lead for project management instead of EPA
Region IX. However, EPA is providing staff for imple-
mentation activities and for supporting the
Administrator's approval of the CCMP. The Associa-
tion of Bay Area Governments is continuing to provide
staff for the public involvement program. Contact
Betsy Tarn, 260-6466 (Peconic Bay), Eric Slaughter, 260-
1051 (Albemarle-Pamlico Sound), or Steve Taylor, 260-
6578 (San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary).
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM
NOVEMBER 1994
ASHLAND, OR
***CALL FOR POSTERS***
DEADLINE-AUGUST 1,1994
The Watershed Management Council Sympo-
sium, being held in November 1994 in Ashland,
Oregon, will address issues of integration and
communication in watershed management. The
deadline for submission of posters for the Sym-
posiumis August 1,1994. For more information,
contact Hannah Kerner, University of Califor-
nia, ESPM Extension Forestry, (510) 642-2360;
Internet kerner@nature.berkeley.edu.
Meetings
Shared Resources Conference, October 24-26 -
This conference for resource managers from the
Gulf of Maine to North Carolina examined four
"shared resources" - the coastal ocean, the airshed,
the flyway, and migratory fish - and explored the
status of our knowledge base on each of the re-
sources, as well as management issues and oppor-
tunities for collaborative action. Contact Darrell
Brown, 260-6426.
London Dumping Convention Meeting, Novem-
ber 8-12 - The major topics discussed at this meet-
ing were amendments to the Convention and its
Annexes on banning industrial waste dumping,
incineration-at-sea, and low level radioactive waste
dumping. Contact John Lishman, 260-8448.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
-------
California Releases Wetland Conservation Policy
On August 23, 1993 California Governor Wilson re-
leased his Wetland Conservation Policy and Executive
Order to increase the extent and quality of California's
wetlands and to increase the consistency and cohesion
of State and Federal programs and policies that affect
wetland resources. The objectives of the Policy are to
reverse the current decline in California's wetlands
base, to achieve an overall increase in the quantity,
quality, and permanence of wetlands throughout Cali-
fornia, and to reduce procedural complexity and confu-
sion in the administration of wetlands conservation
programs. The California Resources Agency has pro-
jected that the state's wetlands acreage and quality
could be increased under the Governor's policy by as
much as 30 to 50 percent by the year 2010.
The key components of Governor Wilson's program
include a comprehensive statewide inventory; estab-
lishment of regional and statewide goals to increase
wetland acreage and quality; promotion of landowner
incentive programs to preserve, restore, and enhance
wetlands; adoption of a single regulatory definition for
wetlands; increased state role in implementation of
section 404; enhanced efficiency and coordination in
the permitting process; support for a natural resource
bond measure for acquisition, restoration, and enhance-
ment; support for mitigation banks; and an interagency
task force for implementation of the Policy. These steps
will be achieved through Executive Order, administra-
tive actions, cooperative agreements, and legislation.
Region IX and OWOW provided funding for the devel-
opment of the Policy through the Near Coastal Waters
Program and the State Wetland Development Grants.
A stimulus for the Policy was the National Wetlands
Policy Forum which advocated the need for State Wet-
lands Conservation Plans. In developing the Compre-
hensive State Wetlands Policy, the Wilson administra-
tion worked cooperatively with many public and pri-
vate organizations involved in wetlands issues, includ-
ing the agricultural community, business and develop-
ment concerns, conservation organizations, and state
and local agencies. Acting Regional Administrator
John Wise praised the policy as a "giant step forward
for U.S. EPA and the state in providing protection of
existing wetlands. U.S. EPA is most pleased to support
"Quarterly Highlights" isprepared by the Office
ofWetlands,OceansandWatersheds(OWOW).
Its purpose is to share information with our
Headquarters and Regional counterparts on
major events that occurred during the past
quarter, to provide an update on specific topics,
and to advise you of key personnel changes and
upcoming activities. Any questions or
suggestions concerning "Quarterly Highlights"
should be directed to Anne Robertson of
OWOW at 202-260-9112.
the California Wetlands Conservation Policy as a key
tool in protecting California's vital wetland resources."
Copies of the Policy can be obtained from the Wetlands
Hotline (1-800-832-7828). Contact Stephanie Wilson,
Region IX, (415) 744-1968.
Clinton Plan-Continued from Page 1
Alaska. Eleven draft issue papers for public review
were distributed on December 17,1993 by EPA and the
Corps, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS), as a result of the first meetings held and public
comments received. The draft issue papers served as
the focus of further, refined discussion at a final set of
stakeholder meetings that were convened in January
1994. The second public comment period closed Febru-
ary 4, 1994, and the four federal agencies will now
revise the draft issue papers and develop a final sum-
mary report for release in March in coordination with
the Administration's Interagency Working Group on
Wetlands Policy.
On January 6, EPA and the U.S. Departments of Agri-
culture, Army, and Interior entered into a Memoran-
dum of Agreement (MOA) concerning the delineation
of wetlands for purposes of section 404 and the FSA.
This MOA carries out another of the President's initia-
tives—making the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) the
lead federal agency responsible for identifying wet-
lands on agricultural lands under both section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (CW A) and the Conservation Title
of the FSA. This initiative as laid out in the President's
Wetlands Plan is intended to benefit American farmers
by reducing duplication and inconsistencies between
CWA and FSA programs. The MOA specifies the
manner in which wetland delineations made by SCS
under the FSA will be relied upon for purposes of
section 404 of the CWA. EPA and SCS staff are
incorporating the MOA's provisions in the upcoming
Third EditionoftheNational Food Security Act Manual.
This manual provides guidance to SCS field staff in
implementing the FSA.
As identified in the President's Wetlands Plan EPA and
the Corps, in coordination with FWS and NMFS, issued
interim guidance to field staff on August 23, 1993 to
clarify the manner in which wetland mitigation bank-
ing is appropriately used within the section 404 regula-
tory program. In a follow up effort, an interagency
work group is currently developing additional guid-
ance to provide more detailed technical and procedural
guidelines for the establishment and use of mitigation
banks in the section 404 regulatory program. The
guidance is scheduled to be completed later this year.
Contact John Goodin, 260-9910 (Alaska), Mike Fritz,
260-6013 (MOA), or Tom Kelsch, 260-8795 (mitigation
banking guidance).
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
-------
EPA/NOAA Conduct First Three CZARA Threshold Reviews
EPA (AWPD) and the National Oceanic and Atmo-
spheric Administration (NOAA) (Coastal Programs
Division) have completed threshold reviews of coastal
nonpoint pollution control programs for three states:
South Carolina, New York and Maryland. EPA and
NOAA established the threshold review process to
assist coastal states in developing the coastal nonpoint
programs required by the Coastal Zone Act Reauthori-
zation Amendments of 1990 (CZARA). This voluntary
process is intended to provide states with early feed-
back on their proposed approaches to their coastal
nonpoint programs. It also encourages early public
participation and promotes direct dialogue between
EPA, NOAA and the state coastal zone and water
quality agencies responsible for program development
and implementation. The two-day reviews are con-
ducted by a team comprised of staff from NOAA, EPA
Headquarters and the appropriate EPA Region.
In the national program guidance issued by EPA and
NOAA a year ago, states were urged to utilize existing
state and local programs and authorities to the maxi-
mum extent possible in developing their coastal
nonpoint programs under CZARA. The initial thresh-
old reviews indicate that states are doing just that,
attempting to fill gaps by revising technical guidance
and regulations and/or introducing new legislation to
bring existing programs into conformity with CZARA
requirements. To date, states seem to be furthest ahead
in addressing CZARA requirements with respect to
urban sources and marinas. As expected, agriculture is
proving to be a challenge, in large part because CZARA
requires enforceable policies and mechanisms to en-
sure implementation of the specified management mea-
sures and most agricultural programs to date have
depended upon a voluntary approach based upon
education, technical assistance, and cost share.
A fourth threshold review, with Maine, is scheduled for
February 24-25. Five other states have formally re-
quested reviews over the next three months and several
more have informally indicated their interest in partici-
pating. EPA and NOAA expect that most of the 29
states and territories covered by CZARA will request
reviews over the next year. Final state programs must
be submitted to EPA and NOAA by July of 1995.
Approval of the programs must occur within six months
of submittal. Contact Dov Weitman, 260-7100.
STORET Returns
On October 1,1993 the STORET Operations and Main-
tenance (O&M) Activities returned to AWPD from the
Off ice of Information and Resource Management's Pro-
gram Systems Division, where it had been located since
1984. STORETs return to AWPD included the transfer
of six staff (seepage 8). The return of STORET to AWPD
willspeedthe ^f>Mff STORET
moderniza- -3r:\ *~**"»'. i tionprocess.
The STORET
eludes the
ity and Daily
STORET and
and tax-
ofBIOS along
lated pro-
system in-
WaterQual-
Flow files of
the BIOS
onomy file
with the re-
grams that
access and manipulate these files. STORET supports
approximately 250 regular users. The goals of the
STORET modernization process include the creation of
a flexible water quality information system which sup-
ports local, state, and federal efforts to clean up ground
and surface waters; allows these agencies to determine
if their programs are working; allows water quality
trends to be determined over time; will help describe
water quality conditions to the public; allows the dis-
play of water quality conditions geographically; and
allows the easy sharing of data with other agencies and
the public. Modernization is expected to be completed
by 1998. Contact Robert King, 260-7028.
Human Resources Corner
Streamlining
The Office of Water Streamlining Plan is address-
ing the following issues:
• Strategy for reducing Grade 14 and above
positions by the end of FY 1995;
• Flattening the organization (approach to
achieving the Agency's goal of a 1:11 ra-
tio);
• Delegations, empowerment, and accoun t-
ability;
• Diversity and employee development; and
• Improvement in work processes and sys-
tems (including relationship to the Na-
tional Performance Review initiatives).
In early November an OW employee work group
was formed to begin a discussion of the issues and
options for addressing them. The process OW
followed to develop the Plan featured extensive
involvement of staff from all of OW's organiza-
tional units and our employee Unions. Office
Directors and the staff-level work group met inde-
pendently on specific issue areas, then in joint
sessions to reach agreement on their major issues
and approaches in the Plan. The OW Plan was
submitted to the Agency on February 15. The next
step calls for an Agency Review Team to discuss
AA-ship Plans relative to evaluation criteria, iden-
tify Agencywide issues, and develop papers on
major issues.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
-------
Recent Releases
Managing Wastewater in Coastal Urban Areas - This
National Research Council report describes key issues
relating to wastewater and storm water management
and presents case histories for Boston and San Diego.
Current wastewater management approaches in the
context of complex coastal issues, such as increasing
population pressures, significant nonpoint source pol-
lution, and decreased public funding are examined. An
integrated coastal management framework for evolv-
ing coastal environmental management strategies to
successfully consider multiple sources, cost-effective
controls, and regional differences is recommended. This
report is available in hardback for $49.95 from the
National Academy of Press, (202) 334-3313 or 1-800-624-
6242.
Using Nonprofit Organizations to Advance Estuary
Program Goals -This pa per examines the role nonprofit
organizations (NPOs) can play in carrying out the rec-
ommendations for action identified in the Comprehen-
sive Conservation and Management Plans that are be-
ing developed for the 21 estuaries in the National Estu-
ary Program. The paper covers the ability of NPOs to
attract funding and carry out implementation, over-
sight, and federal consistency activities. Types of NPOs
and advantages and disadvantages of using an existing
NPO versus a new NPO are also discussed. The issues
and recommendations in this paper are also relevant to
most ecosystem and watershed management programs.
Contact Betsy Tam, U. S. EPA (4504F), 401 M Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20460.
Water-Related CISs (Geographic Information Systems)
Along the United States-Mexico Border - This looseleaf
catalog identifies 26 existing or proposed GISs within
about 62 miles of the border. The catalog is intended to
helpborder governmentsbetter manage water resources
and share GIS information that may help solve border
environment problems. Contact Betty Ford or Eliot
Tucker, U.S. EPA (4204), 401 M Street, SW, Washington,
DC 20460.
WETLANDS AND HIGHWAYS: A Natural Approach -
This 40-page, full-color brochure on wetlands mitiga-
tion and mitigation banking published by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) focuses on the prob-
lem of vanishing wetlands and 10 state "success sto-
ries." Contact FHWA, Office of Environment and Plan-
ning, (202) 366-2069.
Luck Isn't Enough: The Fight for Clean Water - This
video explains the causes and effects of nonpoint source
pollution, and suggests ways that individual citizens
and municipalities can combat it. Examples are drawn
from the greater Long Island Sound region, but the
information is applicable to any locale. Copies are $10
each. Call (203) 789-6454.
Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
(OWEC) Primer (EPA830-K-93-001) - This document
gives an overview of the integrated water pollution
control, permitting, and enforcement program activi-
ties of OWEC. Contact EPA's Office of Water Resource
Center, (202) 260-7786.
Progress Report: Texas Colonias Sub-Group Pro-
vides an overview of progress to date in the develop-
ment of a coordinated approach to implementing as-
sistance to colonias, unincorporated neighborhoods
and subdivisions on the U.S. side of the U.S. Mexico
border. The Texas Colonias Sub-Group, chaired by the
U.S. EPA and including representatives from several
other federal and state agencies, is charged with ex-
ploringoptions for financingdrinkingwaterand waste-
water infrastructure for the colonias. Contact Oscar
Cabra, (214)655-7110.
The National Environmental Benefits of the Clean
Water Act (EPA842-K-93-001) - This brochure high-
lights national statistics and progress made in 14 case
studies through the secondary treatment of municipal
wastewater. Contact Ray Hall, 260-1998.
A State and Local Government Guide to Environmen-
tal Program Funding Alternatives (EPA 841-K-94-
001) - This pamphlet provides an overview of tradi-
tional funding mechanisms and introduces state and
local governments to innovative alternatives to tradi-
tional funding. The focus is on nonpoint source pollu-
tion, but funding sources and mechanisms can be
applied to environmental programs in general. Con-
tact Pamela Harris, 260-8077.
Common Groundwork: A Practical Guide to Protect-
ingRural and Urban Land - This handbook for making
land-use decisions describes over 30 growth manage-
ment tools for protecting land such as zoning, agricul-
tural districts, and land trusts; contains histories that
show different ways to protect land; and explains the
benefits of land conservation. Contact the Institute for
Environmental Education, 1-800-484-7949, ext. 1993.
1992 Clean Lakes Annual Program Report - This docu-
ment outlines regional highlights and current Clean
Lakes Program projects. Contact Susan Ratcliffe, 260-
5404.
Lake Smarts, The First Lake Maintenance Handbook
- This document is a do-it-yourself guide for citizens to
solving lake problems. Contact Terrene Institute, (202)
833-8317. The charge for the document is $18.95 plus
shipping and handling.
Toward a Watershed Approach: A Framework for
Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Protection, and Man-
agement - This document defines watersheds; pre-
sents several case studies; summarizes state initia-
tives, non-governmental efforts, and federal efforts;
and presents a vision of the future. Contact Anne
Robertson, 260-9112.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
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News Bits
NJ Becomes Second State to Assume 404 Program - On
December 22, EPA approved New Jersey's application
to assume the section 404 program. New Jersey will
formally assume the section 404 program following
notice in the Federal Register in February. As part of the
approval package, New Jersey, EPA Region II, and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 signed a Memoran-
dum of Agreement to ensure protection of endangered
species following New Jersey's assumption of the pro-
gram. Contact Jeanne Melanson, 260-6073 or Lori Wil-
liams, 260-5084.
Shore Protection Act (SPA) Work Group Closure - At
the January 18 work group closure meeting for the SPA
regulation development work group all offices con-
curred, although a few concurrences were contingent
on comments or conditions being addressed prior to
Red Border review. The SPA mandates that EPA de-
velop waste handling regulations for vessels transport-
ing municipal or commercial waste in U.S. waters.
Contact Joel Salter, 260-8484.
Taxonomic Database Set for Wider Use - EPA water
programs have long used a taxonomy organized by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), and
OW's Lee Manning has been instrumental in providing
data management support to keep it organized and
available to users. While the taxa contained in the
system has grown to about 200,000 entries, the database
technology is old and cannot keep pace with the needs
of increasingly active biological monitoring programs.
Staff from EPA have been working with NODC, the
U.S. Geological Survey, and the new National Biologi-
cal Survey (NBS) to convert the NODC taxonomic file
into a relational database useful to the data systems of
these and other agencies. OW's version of this database
is maintained by Lee on the EPA mainframe and will
soon be available as an upgrade to the BIOS data system
where it will become one of the first products to support
the modernization of STORET. Contact Lee Manning,
260-6082.
1994 CWA Section 303(d) Guidance Issued - On De-
cember 10, guidance for the 1994 Clean Water Act
(CWA) section 303(d) rulemaking was issued. The
guidance discusses the major total maximum daily
load program goals for 1994. They are: to develop fully
approvable section 303(d) lists; to integrate the section
303(d) listing process more completely into other state
programs; and to ensure consistent application of the
national section 303(d) requirements. The guidance
also clarifies several issues which arose during devel-
opment of the 1992 lists. Contact Mimi Dannel, 260-
1897.
Work Group on Water Quality Monitoring During
Flood Events Established - In December, the Working
Group for Interagency Flood Event Water Quality
Monitoring was established. The Work Group will
develop an implementation plan for water quality
monitoring during flood events and intends to have a
draft plan available in the Spring of 1994. EPA will vice-
chair the Work Group and representation from both
Headquarters and theRegionsisbeingsought. Contact
Mary Belefski, 260-7061.
Coastal America to Continue Under Clinton Admin-
istration - The White House confirmed that Coastal
America will continue under the current Administra-
tion. Coastal America will coordinate and promote
interagency efforts to protect the coast. Earlier this
year, Coastal America held a national workshop to
highlight lessons learned in Coastal America projects;
created a mid-Atlantic region; and agreed to enhance
the involvement of state and environmental groups
through an outreach effort. Currently an invitation is
being extended to the Departments of Energy and
Education to join Coastal America. Contact Marian
Mlay, 260-1952.
Coordination Between NEP and EMAP-E Being Ad-
vanced - The Environmental Monitoring and Assess-
ment Program for Estuaries (EMAP-E) has committed
to assist OWOW and the Office of Science and Technol-
ogy (OST) in the development of estuarine
bioassessment protocols and biological criteria. The
intent is to use these proposed protocols to guide state
programs in conducting assessments of the biological
integrity of estuarine waters. In addition, a Coordina-
tion Team has been formed to promote cooperation
between the National Estuary Program (NEP) and
EMAP-E. This Team will promote technical transfer of
EM AP data and tools to coastal managers and provide
a vehicle for continued communication between EM AP-
E and the NEP; promote several Regional collaborative
projects between EMAP-E and the NEPs that will be
spotlighted in an upcoming NEP guide on EM AP; and
distribute an EMAP-E document list to NEP directors.
Contact George Loeb 260-0670.
Coastal Region/Watershed IAG with NOAA Signed -
Over the summer, EPA and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) signed an Inter-
agency Agreemen t (1 AC) to expand coopera ti ve projects
in coastal regions and watersheds of mutual concern
including the National Estuarine Research Reserves,
the National Estuary Programs, south Florida, and
coral reef systems in the Atlantic and Pacific. Projects
focus on nutrient over-enrichment, nonpoint source
pollutionimpacts,strategiesforsustainingbiodiversity,
and in the case of coral reefs, development of biocriteria
for monitoring the health of reefs. Contact Eric Slaugh-
ter, 260-1051.
FY93 Mini-Grants Awarded to TMDL Projects - Over
the summer, OWOW and OST together awarded
$150,000 in small grants to Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) projects throughout the country. The Mini-
Grant Award process was established in fiscal year (FY)
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
-------
News Bits
1992 to provide states with support as they undertake
implementationof TMDL projects. These projects serve
as useful demonstrations of techniques and methods
that can be applied nationally as part of the TMDL
program. Contact Peggy Michell, 260-5378.
Work Group Incorporating Watershed Protection Into
319-106 Grants - This work group is reviewing how
grant administrative requirements under sections 106
and 319 of the Clean Water Act should change to reflect
and support programmatic changes already taking
place to support the watershed protection approach.
This work group is co-chaired by Jane Ephremides of
OWEC and Don Brady of OWOW and includes repre-
sentatives from EPA Headquarters and Regional Of-
fices as well as the states. Contact Don Brady, 260-7074.
Know Your Watershed Campaign Hires Full-time
Coordinator - The Conservation Technology Informa-
tion Center (CTIC) has hired Karol Keppy to guide and
promote the "Know Your Watershed" campaign. Karol
has an extensive background in the agricultural com-
munity including past membership in 4H and FHA, a
degree in agricultural journalism from Iowa State Uni-
versity, and experience in marketing and communica-
tions with a farm equipment manufacturer. Karol has
developed an ambitious plan of action for the cam-
paign. She is currently completing a workbook to assist
local farm leaders in initiating local watershed alli-
ances. Also, she has been asked to make presentations
to leading business, farm, and state organizations in-
cluding the National Agricultural Marketers Associa-
tion and Agricultural Relations Council, the Illinois
Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Farm Bu-
reau Leadership Conference. Contact Joan Warren,
260-7796.
ITFM Highlights - In December 1993, the Intergovern-
mental Task Force on Monitoring Wa ter Quali ty (ITFM)
completed the second year of its 3-year life. In 1993, the
eight ITFM subcommittees developed "building block"
products to help implement the national water moni-
toring strategy. Products include a Framework for
Water Monitoring Programs, selection criteria and rec-
ommended environmental indicators to measure wa-
ter quality goals, a performance-based methods policy,
and draftCharters for a permanent ITFM successor and
a Standards and Methods Comparability Council. In
1994, the ITFM will further define the national strategy
by detailing recommendations for how compliance
monitoring fits with ambient monitoring needs, re-
gional implementation of a national strategy, a moni-
toring handbook for watershed managers, and inte-
grated training in methods and data management. The
first and second year ITFM reports are available from:
USGS, Office of Water Data Coordination, 417 National
Center, Reston, Virginia 22092,703 648-5023.
National Strategy for Private Wetlands Finalized -
EPAand theNational WetlandsConservation Alliance
have developed a national strategy to promote wet-
lands conservation and restoration programs on pri-
vate lands. The goal of the strategy is to establish state
alliances and train field staff to market the advantages
of voluntary protection and restoration of wetlands
and to provide assistance to landowners. Contact
Marjorie Wesley, 260-1905.
OWEC Developing Watershed Strategy -The Officeof
Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance (OWEC) is
working with EPA Regions, states, and other Head-
quarters' offices to develop a specific strategy for a
closer integration of the National Permit-Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program into the larger
OW watershed protection initiative. The key themesof
the NPDES Watershed Strategy are refocusing permit
issuance, technical assistance, and oversight activities,
and reaching out to other key OW programs to build a
stronger watershed partnership. The strategy compo-
nents address Statewide coordination, NPDES per-
mits, monitoring and assessment, programmatic mea-
sures and environmental indicators, public participa-
tion, and enforcement. Contact Ephraim King, 260-
9541.
Upcoming Events
Local Government Workshop Series to Continue in
1994 - These workshops are designed to familiarize state
and local decisionmakers and planners with the regula-
tory and non-regulatory tools available to them for pro-
tecting their coastal resources, as well as the financing
mechanisms available. Upcoming workshops will be
held in Boston, MA; Norwalk, CT; coastal North Caro-
lina; Orlando, FL; San Juan, PR; Portland, OR; and Port-
land, ME. Specific dates and workshop sites are being
arranged. Contact Macara Lousberg, 260-9109.
Fourth National Volunteer Monitoring Conference,
Portland, OR, April 10-14 -This conference will include
hands-on workshops, working field trips, and discus-
sion sessions. Contact Alice Mayio, 260-7018.
Empowering Watershed Stakeholders, Chicago, IL, May
2-3 - This workshop will explore proven approaches for
reaching watershed stakeholders through four intensive
training sessions—Public Awareness, Balancing Natural
Resource Uses through Conflict Resolution, Stakeholder
Participation in Implementation Programs, and Effec-
tive Communication Tools. Each workshop will be led
by an experienced team of instructors and practitioners.
Contact Bob Kirschner, Northeastern Illinois Planning
Commission, (312) 454-0400.
Enhancing the States' Lake Management Programs,
Chicago, IL, May 4-6 -This conference will focus on ways
to improve partnerships among state lake programs,
statewide lake associations, and local lake management
initiatives. Program topics will integrate the highly
successful interactive workshops and leadership/orga-
nizational training sessions held during previous confer-
ences. Contact Bob Kirschner, Northeastern Illinois Plan-
ning Commission, (312) 454-0400.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1994
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People
Reassignments
The following STORET staff have joined OWOW from the
Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM):
Phil Lindenstruth Tommy DeWald
Lee Manning Dan Parker
Clarence Tutwiler Joyce Boyd
To address changes in staffing needs, OWOW has recently
shifted several people from their current roles in OWOWto
the Wetlands Division. The Wetlands Division is welcom-
ing the following to its ranks:
- Anne Weinberg from AWPD is taking a permanent
positionin the Wetland sand Aquatic Resources Regu-
latory Branch;
- John Ettinger from BPMS joins the Wetlands and
Aquatic Resources Regulatory Branch on a one year
detail;
- Kevin Perry and Reggie Parrish from OCPD are
taking permanent positions in the Wetlands Strategies
and State Programs Branch; and
- Mary Hinton from BPMS is taking a permanent
position in WD's immediate office
New arrivals
Tom Mortenson has joined AWPD, Katie Benedict has
joined PCS, and Melanie Evans and Heather Malec have
joined WDfbr4month internships. All four are undergrads
at Indiana University.
*Nancy Roth and Abby Friedman have joined WD and
Jessica Cogan has joined OCPD for 1 year as Sea Grant
Fellows.
•Elizabeth Zinecker has joined WDasa National Network
for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS) in-
tern.
*Steve Taub and Jack McClure have joined OCPD as
Senior Environmental Employees (SEE).
Details
*Karen Klima is on a six month detail to OIRM.
*Will Garvey is on detail to the Office of Federal Facilities
Enforcement.
*Ed Liu joins AWPD from Region IX for S months.
*Captain Franz Schmidt joins AWI'D from the U.S. Air
Force for 8 months.
* Chris Faulkner of AWPD is on an K month detail to Region
IX.
*Mimi Dannel is on detail to AWPD from Region VI.
Departures
*Shem Fields moves to OWEC as Jim Elder's special assis-
tant.
*Peter Keller moves to the Department of the Interior.
*Menchu Martinez becomes special assistant to Bob
Perciasepe.
*Judy Johnson moves to Underground Storage Tanks as a
branch chief.
* Mark Jen departs for Alaska to work on wetlands issues in
the field.
* Vic Pyle completed his! year NNEMS internship and has
returned to Louisiana State University to complete his
masters.
*Jane Freeman has transferred to Region IX's wetlands
program.
*Glenn Eugsterhas moved to the Chesapeake Bay Program
to work on watershed protection on Bay tributaries.
*George May, a SEE, has retired. He served as OCPD's PC
support person.
Births
*Doreen Robb gave birth to a boy—Ian Bradley Robb—on
December 22,1993.
*Cory Giacobbe gave birth to a girl—Maya Te~esa
Giacobbe—on January 22,1994.
United States Environmental
Protection Agency (4501F)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
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