Annual Report
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Note from the Acting Director
Dear Colleagues, Friends and Partners:
First of all, I want to thank all of our partners, including federal agencies, state, tribal and local govern-
ments, the private sector and academia who played a role in the many milestones presented in our annual report.
We cannot take credit for these accomplishments without acknowledging your invaluable contributions.
Je cannot t
Wii
'ith the beginning of a new Administration and the promise of new directions and possibilities, EPA's Of-
fice of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) will also be looking to the future. Our new EPA Administra-
tor, Lisa Jackson, has outlined three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule
of law, and transparency. OWOW embraces these principles and looks forward to working with our new leadership
to make them a reality here at EPA.
In the coming year, OWOW will continue to advance strategies to reduce nutrients, which are a leading
cause of pollution in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries. With the release of the new GulfHypoxia Action
Plan in 2008, we have outlined an ambitious strategy to help combat hypoxia. Another priority will be to prevent
healthy watersheds from becoming degraded. While we have invested heavily in the past decade and made sig-
nificant progress in cleaning up impaired waterbodies, we must also look to protect those waterbodies that meet
standards and support a diversity of aquatic life. And finally, we will continue to work closely with the Corps of
Engineers on policies related to the "Waters of the U.S." and strive to achieve a net increase of wetlands with a
greater focus on biological functions.
I encourage my staff, as well as our external partners, to explore ways to leverage the great work that we
do. We need to build upon and expand our partnerships with our sister federal agencies and to work more closely
with our state partners to ensure that our programs deliver even better environmental performance for the Ameri-
can public. Clean water is everyone's business. And everyone must do his or her part to protect this precious and
finite natural resource.
I look forward to working with each of you as we strive together to achieve our goals for clean water and
healthy ecosystems in 2009.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Schwartz, Acting Director
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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2008 Highlights
Hypoxia Action Plan: An updated Hypoxia Ac-
tion Plan, released in June 2008, sets the stage to
combat the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.
The plan, which followed a scientific reassessment
of the 2001 Action Plan, includes 11 actions de-
signed to reduce, mitigate and control hypoxia.
Wetland Protection and Restoration: OWOW and
its partners improved and/or restored more than
82,000 acres of wetlands in Fiscal Year 2008. Major
contributions came from the National Estuary Pro-
gram, the Five-Star Restoration Program and the
§319 Nonpoint Source Program.
Yflzoo Section 404(c) Veto: In 2008, EPA exercised
one of the strongest legal authorities available for
wetlands protection under the Clean Water Act
when it completed a §404(c) veto of the Yazoo
Backwater Pumps project in the Mississippi Delta,
protecting more than 67,000 acres of vital wet-
lands.
Wetlands Guidance: In 2008, EPA and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers issued revised guidance
on the scope of "Waters of the U.S.," providing
further clarifications on the Supreme Court's deci-
sion in Rapanos vs. the United States.
National Aquatic Surveys: 2008 marked the
completion of the first year of field sampling for
the National Rivers and Streams Assessment,
along with extensive lab and analytical work for
the National Lakes Assessment. Together with
upcoming surveys of wetlands and coastal waters,
these ambitious national assessments will provide
statistically valid data on the condition of the na-
tion's aquatic resources.
Watershed Protection and Restoration: Thanks
to efforts involving EPA and numerous partners,
more than 2,000 waterbodies, identified as im-
paired in 2002, now meet water quality standards.
In addition, more than 9,000 Total Maximum Daily
Loads (i.e., impaired water cleanup plans) were
completed in 2008, including 314 in the Mississippi
Basin.
New Partnerships: OWOW launched new part-
nerships with federal land management agencies
to accelerate the cleanup of impaired waters on
federal lands.
About the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds (OWOW)
OWOW is one of five offices in the Office
of Water at EPA Headquarters in Wash-
ington, D.C. The office provides leader-
ship, policy direction, and financial support to
our 10 regional offices and to the states, tribes
and territories that implement our programs.
We also work collaboratively with our sister EPA
offices, other federal agencies, as well as with
local governments, the private sector and non-
profit organizations to carry out our mission to
protect and restore the aquatic ecosystems of our
marine and fresh waters.
In addition to our Clean Water Act authorities,
the office has authorities under the Marine Pro-
tection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean
Dumping), Coastal Zone Management Act,
National Environmental Policy Act and several
other environmental statutes.
OWOW Programs and Initiatives
• National Estuary Program
• Dredged Material Management
• Ocean Dumping
• Marine Debris
• Control of Vessel Discharges
• Ocean Monitoring and the Ocean Survey
Vessel Bold
• National Water Quality Inventory
• National Aquatic Resource Surveys
• Volunteer Monitoring
• Nonpoint Source Program
• Wetlands Permitting
• Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
• Five-Star Restoration Program
• Wetland Program Development Grants
• Targeted Watersheds Grants
• Community Action for a Renewed Environ-
ment (CARE) program (new in 2009)
For more information about OWOW,
visit epa.gov/owow
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In this report.
Chapter One: Protecting and Restoring Water Quality on a Watershed Basis (5)
Chapter Two: Protecting and Restoring Wetlands and Natural Habitats (10)
Chapter Three: Protecting and Restoring Oceans and Coasts (14)
Chapter Four: Addressing Global Climate Change in Coastal Communities (17)
Chapter Five: Improving Monitoring and Assessment (19)
Chapter Six: Improving Environmental Performance
and Program Management (22)
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CHAPTER ONE
on a Watershed Basis
Although tremendous progress has been made in cleaning up the nation's waters since the passage
of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA), many challenges remain. An estimated 40 percent
of the waters assessed by the states fail to meet state water quality standards. Low-oxygen or
"dead zones" — caused by excessive amounts of nutrients — plague many waters, including the Gulf of
Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay and other important estuaries. Stormwater runoff from farms, lawns and
cities is now a leading cause of impairment. Unlike factory discharges from pipes and sewage treatment
plants, these discharges are much more difficult to control and require a more holistic, watershed-based
approach.
In 2008, OWOW strengthened capacity at the state and local level to accelerate the cleanup of polluted wa-
terbodies through a number of its statutory programs and initiatives, including the Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) Program and §319 Nonpoint Source Program. To address hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico, a
new plan was announced to help reduce and control major sources of pollution that sometimes originate
thousands of miles upstream. OWOW also launched new partnerships with other federal agencies to
restore impaired waters on federal lands, which comprise a large percent of the nation's land area. And
finally, OWOW advanced low impact development (LID) and other innovative approaches to stormwater
management through numerous partnerships and a demonstration project at EPA Headquarters.
A Watershed Approach
A Watershed Approach is the most effective framework to address today's complex water resource challenges.
The approach:
Is hydrologically-defined,geographically-focused
• Includes all stressors (air and water)
Involves all stakeholders, including public (federal, state, local) and private sector
Is community-based
Includes a coordinating framework
• Strategically addresses priority water resource goals (e.g. water quality, habitat)
Integrates multiple programs (regulatory and voluntary)
Is based on sound science
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2008 GulfHypoxia Plan Focuses on Nutrient Reductions and Accountability
Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico continues
to garner national attention. An article in
Science reported over 400 hypoxic zones
worldwide, and the zone in the Gulf ranks second
largest in the world at 20,720 square kilometers.
To move forward on this pressing national con-
cern, in June 2008, the interagency Mississippi
River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task
Force, chaired by EPA's Office of Water, published
the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008 after complet-
ing a scientific reassessment of the 2001 Action
Plan. The 2008 Action Plan contains 11 actions
designed to reduce, mitigate and control hypoxia
in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and improve water
quality throughout the Mississippi River Basin.
Critical improvements include:
1) A focus on state-led nutrient reduction
strategies.
2) A complementary action to develop and
implement federal strategies.
3) An outreach plan to engage stakeholders
and build partnerships.
In addition, the Action Plan increases accountabil-
ity and specificity through an Annual Operating
Plan that provides mechanisms for maintaining
progress and tracking results. The first of five to
guide the Task Force, the 2008 Annual Operating
Plan is a compilation of actions that the various
state and federal members of the Task Force took
in FY 2008 to implement the Action Plan.
The OWOW Director leads the Task Force Coor-
dinating Committee and EPA's Hypoxia Team in
The newly redesigned Task Force Web site,
www.epa.gov/msbasin, serves as a resource for partners
and stakeholders.
implementing the Action
Plan with support from
five federal and ten state
partners. A major focus
is the development of
EPA's nutrient reduction
strategy. The four main
objectives include:
• Employing innova-
tive uses of Clean
Water Act programs and tools.
• Supporting the adoption of state numeric
nutrient standards and criteria.
• Enhancing environmental priorities in agri-
cultural program implementation.
• Improving and utilizing hydrologic models
to identify watersheds within the Basin with
the highest loadings of nitrogen and phos-
phorus
(Contact: Kristen Goodrich, 202-566-1284)
Sediment loads empty into the Gulf from the
Atchafalaya River Basin.
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
6
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O WOW Promotes Low Impact Development for Cities and Developers
OWOW works with EPA's Office of Wastewater Management and
other partners to promote low impact development (LID) ap-
proaches to prevent and mitigate the effects of urban runoff and
stormwater. LID practices, including green roofs, rain gardens, vegetated
swales and porous pavers, can reduce the harmful effects of stormwater
runoff on downstream receiving waters. The goal is to mimic the natural
way water moves through an area prior to development by using design
techniques and strategies that infiltrate, evaporate and reuse runoff close to
its source.
In January 2008, OWOW published "Reducing Costs through Low
Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices" and made numer-
ous presentations at conferences to advertise the findings - that LID
typically saves communities and developers money while protecting
water quality. Working with the signatories of the "Green Infrastruc-
ture Statement of Intent" (2007), OWOW continues to promote these practices
through an LID Best Management Practices Effectiveness database, LID cost-
ing tools, LID models, guidance documents, fact sheets and other products.
On EPA's Green Infrastructure Web site, www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure,
OWOW co-funded a Municipal Handbook Series to provide local governments
with information on funding options, retrofit policies, green streets and rainwa-
ter harvesting programs. (Contacts: Robert Goo, 202-566-1201; Don Waye, 202-
566-1170 or Anne Weinberg, 202-566-1217)
Large cisterns in the basement of EPA
West collect rainwater as part of EPA's
LID demonstration project.
Reducing Costs through Low Impact
Development (LID) shows how LID can pro-
tect water quality and save money!
100 Nonpoint Source Successes Documented
OWOW exceeded EPA's commitment to partially or fully restore 91
waterbodies, achieving its fiscal year 2008 strategic plan measure.
In November 2008, OWOW posted its 100th restored waterbody
success story to the Nonpoint Source Web site at www.epa.gov/np/success.
The definition of success is strict: to qualify, a previously impaired water-
body that had been included on the Clean Water Act's (CWA's) §303(d)
list of polluted waters must have subsequently achieved water quality stan-
dards for one or more pollutants and/or designated uses. Further, the water
quality improvement must have been as a result of addressing nonpoint
source pollution through actual restoration efforts.
These successes span 34 states and the District of Columbia, with many states documenting mul-
tiple successes. In the vast majority of cases, restoration was at least partially funded by the CWA's §319 Non-
point Source Management Program. Under §319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports
a wide variety of restoration, educational and monitoring activities. (Contacts: Andrea Matzke, 202-566-1150 or
Jenny Biddle, 202-566-1281)
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New Document Helps States Clean up Waters Impaired by Air-Deposited Mercury
In Sept. 2008, OWOW released "TMDLs Where Mercury Loadings are Predominantly from Air
Deposition," a document to assist states in developing water-
shed-based cleanup plans (TMDLs) for mercury-impaired
waters under CWA §303(d). A Total Maximum Daily Load, or
TMDL, is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant
that a waterbody can receive and still safely meet water quality
standards (i.e., a "pollution budget"). Also referred to as a mer-
cury TMDL "checklist," the document helps ensure that states
follow existing EPA guidance. The document also provides fac-
tors for states to consider when developing TMDLs at different
geographic scales (i.e., waterbody, regional and interstate), build-
ing on successful approaches. This effort is part of EPA's multi-
pronged approach to accelerate the clean up of mercury-impaired
waters. Presently, more than 8,500 water bodies in 43 states and
Puerto Rico are listed as impaired due to mercury. EPA, the states
and other stakeholders have been working to determine how
best to address this challenging problem, particularly where the
primary source of the mercury is atmospheric deposition.
Although state water programs have tools for addressing mercury discharges from water sources un-
der the CWA, they need to work closely with air, waste and toxics programs to address other sources.
The mix of long-distance and local sources makes it difficult in some waterbodies to achieve water
quality standards. However, progress is being made —more than 6,600 waterbodies in 26 states and
the District of Columbia now have approved mercury TMDLs. In addition, a number of states are
moving ahead to address mercury sources within their control through comprehensive mercury re-
duction programs. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/mercury/. (Contact: Ruth
Chemerys, 202-566-1216)
Cumulative Number of Impaired Water Clean-up Plans
(TMDLs) Completed since 1996
40,000 -,
35,000
30,000
" 25,000
Q
^ 20,000
fc
* 15,000
10,000
5,000
0
# of TMDLs per fiscal year • Cumulative # of TMDLs
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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Impaired Waters on National Forest System
Lands (2005)
60.3 % ^m Top 4 States wrtth 303(d) listed segments In fS land*
77.2 % 5SSS lop 9 States with JO^d) listed tagmsnts In hS Uriels
22.8 % ^B 32 other States with 303{d) |
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Restoring Wetlands a.
Natural Habitatr
Protecting, sustaining and restoring the health of natural habitats and aquatic ecosystems is a major
objective in EPA's Strategic Plan. As part of this goal, the Agency is committed to increasing the
quantity and quality of wetlands, which play a vital role in fish and wildlife habitat, along with
other critical functions and values. Wetlands also filter pollutants, recharge water supplies and reduce
flood risks. In addition, wetlands provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic benefits and places for
research and education.
WOW Programs that Support Wetlands and Habitat Goals
The Five-Star Restoration Program
The Five-Star Restoration Program brings together students, conservation corps, other youth groups,
citizen groups, corporations, landowners and government agencies to provide environmental education
and training through projects that restore wetlands and streams. The program provides challenge grants,
technical support and opportunities for information exchange to enable community-based restoration
projects. Funding levels are modest, from $5,000 to $20,000. However, when combined with the
contributions of partners, projects that make a meaningful contribution to communities become possible.
The National Estuary Program
The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a very successful community-based program designed to restore
and maintain the ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. There are 28 NEPs, each with
a director and staff, working with local stakeholders to improve the health of their estuary — its waters,
habitats and living resources.
The Tampa Bay National Estuary
Program involves the community in a
coastal restoration effort.
10
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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National Fish Habitat Action Plan Leverages New Partners
F<
:
For the past two years, OWOW has staffed EPA's participa-
tion in the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP)
and fostered EPA collaboration in several NFHAP regional
partnerships. NFHAP is a comprehensive national, public/pri-
vate partnering strategy created by USFWS to assess, restore and
protect the nation's fish habitats and maximize the impact of fish
habitat conservation dollars on the ground, all to safeguard the
economic value of fisheries as well as the interests of the 32 mil-
lion Americans who fish each year. Under NFHAP, numerous
federal agencies, states and private interests are building regional
partnerships that are addressing the nation's biggest fish habitat problems and maintaining the benefits
of fish resources. During 2008, private interests in NFHAP successfully introduced draft fish habitat
legislation, and federal participants drafted a proposed executive order and a national assessment of
fish habitat. (Contact: Doug Norton, 202-566-1221)
Clean Water Act §404 Program
Clean Water Act §404 establishes a permit program to regulate discharges of dredged or fill material into
waters, including wetlands, of the United States. §404 outlines specific and coordinated responsibilities for
both EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). EPA is required, in conjunction with the Corps, to
establish environmental standards for reviewing permit applications for activities that would fill wetlands for
residential development, roads, levees, and other projects.
The Corps administers the permit program, processing applications in accordance with EPA and Corps' envi-
ronmental standards, and issuing permits, where appropriate, after notice and an opportunity for public com-
ment. Both EPA and the Corps have enforcement responsibility and routinely coordinate the review of permit
applications to ensure that permit decisions are made in a timely manner, while providing effective protection
for human health and environmental quality.
EPA and Corps Issue Revised Guidance Clarifying "Waters of the United States"
In December 2008, EPA and the Corps issued revised guidance clarifying the scope of "waters of the
United States" protected under the CWA §404 program. This guidance replaces guidance issued in
2007, which followed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rapanos vs. United States. After the 2007
guidance was issued, EPA received more than 66,000 public comments. OWOW coordinated review
and summary of those public comments, along with an analysis of field experiences to make conclu-
sions and clarifications on three key issues. As a result, the revised Rapanos Guidance further clarifies
the concepts of traditional navigable waters and adjacency, and refines the concept of a relevant reach.
Based on initial feedback, the revised guidance will increase consistency and speed of CWA jurisdic-
tional determinations. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/CWAwa-
ters.html. (Contact: Donna Downing, 202-566-1367)
11
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Yazoo CWA 404(c) Veto Protects More Than 67,000 Acres of Mississippi Wetlands
In 2008, EPA exercised one of the strongest legal authorities available for wetlands protection under
the CWA when it issued a §404(c) veto of the Yazoo Backwater Pumps project in the Mississippi
Delta. Under the CWA, EPA can prohibit, restrict or deny using waters of the United States as a
disposal site for fill material when it determines it will have an unacceptable effect on municipal water
supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife or recreational areas. The Yazoo Pumps §404(c) Final
Determination, signed in August, 2008, will protect over 67,000 acres of some of the nation's most valu-
able water resources, including critical fish and wildlife habitat. EPA concluded that the proposed proj-
ect would have resulted in unacceptable damage to these valuable resources that are used for wildlife,
economic and recreational purposes. EPA has used this CWA authority only 12 times since the law was
passed in 1972. (Contact: Tanya Code, 202-566-1063)
New Mitigation Rule Focuses on Science, Innovation and Ecological Results
In March, 2008, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) issued revised regulations
governing compensatory mitigation for autho-
rized impacts to wetlands, streams and other
waters of the U.S. under §404 of the Clean Water Act.
These regulations are designed to improve the ef-
fectiveness of compensatory mitigation to replace lost
aquatic resource functions and area, expand public
participation in compensatory mitigation decision
making and increase the efficiency and predictability
of the mitigation project review process. In addition,
the new wetlands compensatory mitigation standards
emphasize best available science, promote innovation
and focus on results. This rule follows the recommen-
dations of the National Research Council by estab-
lishing equivalent, effective standards for all forms of
wetland replacement projects under the Clean Water
Act. (Contact: Palmer Hough, 202-566-1374) The new wetlands rule will improve compensatory
mitigation when wetlands are drained or filled.
Girl Scout Water Drop Patch Project Receives a Facelift
In March 2008, OWOW partnered with the Girl Scouts of the USA to update and reprint the popular
Water Drop Patch Project. The patch manual now aligns to the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
It is divided into grade-level, age-appropriate activities suitable for adult's use with Girl Scout Brownies
through Ambassadors (grades 2-12). New and expanded girl-led, learning by
doing and cooperative learning activities help Girl Scouts discover, connect and
take action. This project is nationally recognized under Linking Girls to the
Land (LGTTL). Thanks to LGTTL, 35,000 girls each year work collaboratively
with federal natural resource agencies.To obtain more information, visit www.
epa.gov/adopt/patch. Free copies of the manual can be ordered by calling the
National Service Center for Environmental Protection at 1-800-490-9198.
Ask for EPA document #EPA 840-B-07-001. Patches can be ordered from the
GSUSA online store or at Girl Scout council shops. (Contact: Patty Scott,
202-566-1292)
12
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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EPA Celebrates Ten Years of Wetlands Protection and Enhancement under Five-Star Grant
Program
OWOW made a renewed commitment to community-based wetlands and stream restoration in
2008 by releasing a new grant for the Five-Star Wetlands Restoration Program. This marks the
tenth year of OWOW support for Five-Star, which has restored over 23,000 acres of aquatic
resources (wetlands, dunes and estuaries) and 130 miles of streams by engaging over 21,000 community
volunteers. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its partners will administer the program by
providing small grants to community-based partnerships that restore wetlands and stream corridors,
educate youth about their environment and foster local stewardship of water resources. With this new
4-year grant cycle, EPA is adopting a number of enhancements to strengthen the Five-Star program.
These include encouraging grantees to develop sustainability plans to maintain restoration efforts
over time, making it easier for grantees to share best practices and lessons learned, offering assistance
for grantees in developing partnerships in a strategic manner, providing greater flexibility in funding
amounts and project duration, and finding ways to develop the technical capacity of project teams.
With these enhancements, the Five-Star program will provide even more inspiration for catalyzing local
action and education. (Contact: Myra Price, 202-566-1225)
OWOW Leads the Way in Web 2.0
Sign in ID TwHtar
OWOW has been exploring the use of new
Web-based tools to help communicate
information and news about our pro-
grams to our partners and to the public. In 2008,
OWOW proved to be at the forefront of the latest
trends in Web technology.
RSS Feeds Provide Real-Time Updates
Whenever OWOW posts a significant
new addition to its homepage, an
RSS feed informs all of our subscrib-
ers. Anyone can elect to receive these updates in real-time. OWOW also started a Twitter account,
where people can have updates sent to their cell phones or other Web-
enabled devices. In the first two months, ninety people followed our
Twitter updates (twitter.com/usepaowow).
Find Your Watershed
Enter your ZIP:
OWOW created a "Find Your Watershed" widget that anyone can put
into their own blog or Web page. By adding this widget to a Web page,
visitors to that page can type in their zip code and immediately find a
wealth of information about their watershed generated by EPA's Surf
Your Watershed database. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/
owow.
13
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CHAPTER THREE
Protecting and Restorin
nd Coast
Keeping our ocean and coastal waters clean and safe is an important part
OWOW has a number of marine pollution prevention programs
to ensure marine ecosystem health, including improving water
quality on a watershed basis. In addition to the National Estuary Pro-
gram, the agency's flagshap watershed protection program, OWOW
works to assess and reduce the air deposition of nutrients and toxic pol-
lutants into coastal waters, a leading cause of water body impairments.
With ever-increasing pressures on coastal resources from development
and growth, OWOW is working with communities to promote smart
growth and low impact development.
of OWOW's mission.
OWOW works with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement
watershed management tools, strategies and plans for coastal
ecosystems in order to restore and maintain the health of coastal aquatic
communities on a priority basis, including promotion of dredged material
management and beneficial uses in a watershed context. In addition,
as part of the Coral Reef Task Force, OWOW works to protect coral reef
ecosystems using a watershed protection framework.
PUMP
OUT
STATION
OWOW promotes the use ofpumpouts
and "no discharge zones" to help
control pollutants from vessels.
OWOW operates the Ocean Survey Vessel Bold to monitor coastal and ocean waters by conducting
baseline trends and assessments (e.g., Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone, climate change indicators, and
coral reefs) and supporting ocean disposal site management. OWOW is responsible for developing the
environmental criteria used in determining whether dredged material is suitable for ocean disposal.
Our office works closely with our partners to improve dredged material management planning and
provide guidances to promote environmental stewardship in U.S. ports. Significant environmental
impacts to coastal and ocean ecosystems can occur from vessel discharges, and vessels can serve as
a vector for non-indigenous species. OWOW is also developing and implementing regulations and
technical guidance to control pollutants from vessels and is working in conjunction with our federal
and state partners to address aquatic invasive species both domestically and internationally. Finally,
our office supports international marine protection programs with other federal agencies through
negotiations of international standards that address aquatic invasive species, harmful antifoulants, bilge
water, dumping of wastes at sea and marine debris.
N_^^_X-V_X-V_X-V_X-
Off|ce of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
14
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T
National Estuary Program Advances Water Quality Protection
Efforts in 28 Coastal Communities
he NEPs successfully leveraged EPA §320 grant money to support the implementation of
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs). These community-based wa-
tershed plans help address priority issues. Examples include:
Reducing pollutants from storm water runoff.
Protecting and restoring important habitat (e.g., revegetation, mapping critical areas and work-
ing to protect manatees, salmon and other wildlife).
Developing web-based tools and strategies for habitat protection.
Using partnership dollars to leverage funds for restoration projects.
Adopting long-range finance plans.
Engaging business entities in conservation practices.
Conducting third-party permit review of local water districts and State Department of Transpor
tation agencies.
Developing action plans to address groundwater and surface water use.
Updating CCMPs to address biological production loss resulting from water
diversions and invasive species.
Promoting smart growth and green infrastructure concepts and tools.
Providing minority high school students with hands-on field and laboratory
experiences in NEP study areas.
Developing education and outreach products such as newsletters, calendars
and Web sites.
ESTUARY
PROGRAM
NATIONAL
Eart
'ports
Earth Gauge™ Delivers Environmental Information on TV Weather Report,
Earth Gauge™, a free environmental newsletter produced by the National Environmental Education
Foundation and funded in part by OWOW, now reaches more than 175 broadcast meteorologists in 102
media markets, reaching over 211 million local television viewers. Earth Gauge1™ is designed to make it
easy for weathercasters to explain the environmental implications of weather events and what viewers
can do to help protect their watersheds. Other Water offices are now engaged and providing tips on
water efficiency and other issues. For more information, visit www.epa/gov/owow/watershed/weather.
(Contact: Patty Scott, 202-566-1292)
15
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EPA Reinvigorates Marine Debris Prevention
Marine debris is a pervasive environmental problem
of increasing public concern. The issue stretches
beyond the set responsibilities of any individual
office or agency. Recognizing the need for a comprehen-
sive approach, OWOW undertook projects with other EPA
offices, non-governmental organizations and other federal
agencies. OWOW created an EPA Marine Debris Workgroup
that includes the Office of Wastewater Management; the Of-
fice of Solid Waste; the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and
Toxic Substances; and EPA Regional offices. The workgroup
is developing a comprehensive approach to address the
types, sources, movement and impacts of marine debris. In
addition, the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Com-
mittee, co-chaired by EPA and National Oceanic and Atmo-
spheric Administration, submitted a report to Congress that contains
25 recommendations to guide the federal government's strategies
on marine debris, identifies the sources of marine debris, reviews
the ecological and economic impacts of marine debris, and provides
recommendations to reduce marine debris both domestically and in-
ternationally. The report discusses marine debris efforts, recent progress and innovative ways to address
the problem. More information is available at www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/debris/index.html. (Contacts:
Molly Madden, 202 -566-1279 and Katherine Weiler, 202-566-1280)
Local Girl Scouts receive Water Drop Patch
awards from former Assistant Administrator
Ben Grumbles during the Anacostia
International Coastal Cleanup event.
EPA Strengthens Ocean Dumping Management
Owow completed a number of major steps in 2008
to improve ocean dumping management. In June,
EPA submitted to Congress a package of legisla-
tive changes to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanc-
tuaries Act to support ratification of the London Protocol,
an international ocean dumping treaty. With the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, EPA completed the first draft
of the consolidated Ocean Disposal and Inland Testing
Manuals to promote consistency and improve manage-
ment of dredged material disposal programs. As co-chair
of the National Dredging Team (NDT), EPA restructured
the NDT website creating an information portal on key
navigational dredging issues. EPA is also leading a
review of the NDT's progress in implementing its 2003 Ac-
tion Agenda to assess progress and identify any emerging
issues of concern.
More information on the ocean dumping program is
available at: www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/regulatory/
dumpdredged/dumpdredged.html. (Contacts: Molly
Madden, 202-566-1279 or Ken Potts, 202-566-1267)
Watershed
Academy Webcasts
Provide Training
and Reduce Carbon
Footprint
Watershed
cade my
webcasts
OWOW continues to host regular Webcasts on the
latest topics in watershed management. Thanks
to a new Web platform that uses state-of-the-art
Internet streaming technologies, OWOW is now
able to reach even larger audiences than ever
before. An October Webcast on GulfHypoxia,
which featured former Assistant Administrator for
Water, Benjamin Grumbles, EPA expert Darrell
Brown, and renowned hypoxia scientist Nancy
Rabalais, attracted several hundred participants.
The December 2008 Webcast on rain gardens
drew more than 1,100 attendees. Webcasts have
emerged as a very cost-effective approach for
providing training while saving money. Archived
versions are accessible 24-7, including podcast
subscriptions from iTunes. Visit: www.epa.gov/
watershedwebcasts. (Contacts: Anne Weinberg, 202-
566-1207 or Patty Scott 202-566-1292)
16
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Global warming is the defining challenge of our generation. The scientific evidence for rising
global temperatures has been called "unequivocal" by the United Nations Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change. The world's leading scientists have warned that global warming, left
unchecked, will lead to rising sea levels, more frequent droughts and floods, loss of species, spreading
disease and other impacts. Dealing the potential impacts on infrastructure, water supply and habitat
needs to be a top priority for all federal agencies.
New Climate Change Tool Kit Available for Coastal Communities
The Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) program is a new partnership established in 2008 among the
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, EPA's Climate Change Division, and the National Estu-
ary Program (NEP) to address climate change in coastal areas. This partnership will strengthen
capacity in the NEPs and other coastal communities to adapt to the effects of climate change and
improve coastal resiliency. Since its inception, CRE has become widely recognized for innovation and
leadership.
In 2008, the CRE program unveiled its Web site, www.epa.gov/cre, to provide users with information
about the importance of coastal adaptation to climate change and provide tools for adaptation. More
specifically, the online toolkit features resources about coastal vulnerability, adaptation planning,
smart growth, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing, serving a range of needs - from
community members to coastal resource managers.
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In 2008, OWOW provided targeted assistance to six NEP pilots to identify climate change vulnerabili-
ties and develop adaptation plans. Results and lessons learned from these projects will inform future
efforts and serve as a model for coastal managers to get "ready" for reducing risks and future costs
associated with rising sea level and other climate change impacts. For more information, visit the CRE
Web site at www.epa.gov/cre. (Contact: John Wilson, 202-566-1158)
Charlotte Harbor NEP
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) is developing a vulnerability assessment/
overview for the seven-county southwest Florida CHNEP study area. The Climate Ready Estuaries pilot
program will build on this work by developing an adaptation plan for a small city within the area. The
adaptation plan will address a wide variety of issues, including future scenarios, emergency response,
minimization/avoidance/mitigation, building materials and design, land development regulations, fiscal
policies, habitat translocations, exotic plant and animal invasion, management challenges and solutions,
and variable risk.
Massachusetts Bays Program
The Massachusetts Bays Program is working with EPA to design and complete a climate change
vulnerability assessment for the coastal zone of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bay. This effort will
leverage existing initiatives under the StormSmart Coasts program in the Massachusetts Office of
Coastal Zone Management. Upon completion of the vulnerability assessment, the information will be
incorporated into a revised Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to strengthen
climate change preparation.
Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership
The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) will lead a geographic information systems
(GlS)-based analysis of road-stream infrastructure vulnerabilities associated with projected increases
in storm water resulting from climate change and future development in the coastal Oyster River
watershed. The analysis will result in the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies to be
included in a 2010 Management Plan update.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (Partnership) will work with its many partners to begin
evaluating which resources are most at risk and prioritizing what can—and should be—done to
monitor, protect or otherwise benefit the most valuable and vulnerable features. The Partnership's
Climate Adaptation Project will focus on assessing vulnerability and adaptation needs for three critical
"case study" resources in the Estuary: drinking water, tidal wetlands and shellfish. The final product
will be an adaptation plan that will provide new guidance on monitoring, management actions and
policies that have the greatest likelihood to maximize the "natural capital" of these key life-sustaining
features in the Delaware Estuary and its watershed.
San Francisco Estuary Project
The San Francisco Estuary Project's (SFEP) 2007 CCMP update targeted the assessment of and response
to potential impacts of climate change. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development
Commission (BCDC) has taken a lead role in identifying and planning for these threats, completing
an assessment of the impacts of sea level rise. With BCDC and other partners, SFEP intends to work
with EPA to complete a vulnerability assessment for other climate-related impacts and produce an
adaptation plan for the estuary.
of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Report
18
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Scientifically defensible data are essential in the Information Age. Water quality monitoring and
assessment programs—the essential underpinning of all aspects of the watershed approach—are
critical for establishing priorities, measuring success and following adaptive management strate-
gies. In 2008, OWOW made significant strides toward improving the accessibility, comprehensiveness,
and quality of information on the condition of the nation's waters.
Water Quality Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Loads Information (ATTAINS)
In 2008, EPA released a new Web site where water quality managers and the public can go to view
a wide range of state-reported water quality information. This Web site, known as ATTAINS, com-
bines water quality assessment information reported by the states under §305(b) of the Clean Water
Act, along with impaired waters information reported under §303(d). By combining these two databas-
es (the National Assessment Database and the National Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking
System), ATTAINS gives the "full story" showing which waters have been assessed, which are impaired
and which are being (or have been) restored. Users can access and download dynamic, continuously
updated tables and charts that summarize state-reported information for the nation as a whole, for
individual states and waters, and for the ten EPA Regions. The Web site also provides information that
helps EPA track our strategic planning goals. Visit ATTAINS at www.epa.gov/waters/ir. (Contacts:
Shera Reems, 202-566-1264 or Wendy Reid, 202-566-1705)
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National Surveys at Full Steam
OWOW is working with the states and tribes to conduct a
series of probability-based surveys (i.e., surveys based on
a representative, random sample) of major U.S. aquatic re-
sources to identify national priorities and evaluate the effectiveness
of water quality protection efforts. These ambitious, unprecedented
national surveys of water quality demand an exceptional amount
of coordination and scientific data collection and analysis by EPA
and its state and tribal partners. The surveys follow the Wadeable
Streams Assessment, completed in 2006, which is available at epa.
gov/owow/streamsurvey. (Contact: Susan Holdsworth 202-566-1187)
• A National Lakes Assessment is planned for release in
2009. In 2008, labs also processed over 10,000 samples
collected at 909 lakes in 2007. Sample results are
undergoing quality review and analysis.
Ellen Tarcjuinio of OWOW measuring a
smallmouth bass in Delaware as part of a
stream/river sampling in summer 2008.
A National Rivers and Streams Assessment report will be issued in 2011. In 2008,
EPA and its partners in the states successfully completed the first of two years of field
sampling. More than sixty field crews sampled nearly 850 sites nationwide. Among
other benefits, this 2011 report will allow EPA to track progress in meeting our strategic
planning goals for wadable streams.
A National Coastal Assessment will be released in 2010. In June 2008, OWOW sponsored
a national planning meeting with state representatives, where indicators of coastal quality
were selected.
A National Wetland Condition Assessment will be issued in 2013 (survey data will
be collected in 2011). Initial decisions have been made on condition indicators and
assessment methods that can be applied across a wide range of wetland types. EPA is
also coordinating a number of regional pilot projects to test wetland field protocols and
indicators.
Enhancing the Use and Sharing of Water Quality Data over the Internet
In 2007, OWOW released version 1.0 of the Water Quality Exchange, or WQX. WQX uses new
Web technology to make it easier for states, tribes, watershed groups and other users to submit water
quality data to the National STORETData Warehouse, EPA's national repository for water quality
data. In 2008, OWOW released an enhanced version, WQX v2.0, which allows for the sharing
of biological taxonomic results and habitat assessment data. Essentially, WQX v2.0 now handles
a complete suite of water quality monitoring assessment data (physical, chemical, biological and
habitat) —making it easier for water quality managers to understand conditions and make decisions.
WQX
OWOW continues to expand the community of data users by providing training and technical support to states
and tribes. Web Services, a capability that allows users to incorporate data from the National STORET Data
Warehouse into their own specialized applications, allows linkages to other water program data systems including
ATTAINS. The STORET team also worked closely with the U.S. Geological Survey to ensure that the Survey's
water data system generates data in compatible formats. In addition, OWOW has just released WQX Web, a
new tool that makes it easier for small organizations without more formal systems to submit data. For more
information on WQX, visit www.epa.gov/storet/wqx.html (Contact Kristen Gunthardt, 202-566-1194)
20
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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EPA Completes Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report
As the cruise industry continues to expand, there is growing concern over the potential environ-
mental impacts resulting from ship discharges. In response, EPA examined five primary waste
streams from cruise ships. In 2007, OWOW released a draft Assessment Report covering sewage,
graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste and hazardous waste. After reviewing public comments on the
draft report, in 2008 EPA issued a completed Assessment
Report which included options and alternatives to address
the primary cruise ship waste streams.
As part of EPA's ongoing evaluation of environmental
impacts due to vessel discharges, OWOW partnered with
the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to
conduct studies in Skagway Harbor, Alaska during July of
2008. The OSV Bold, EPA's ocean survey vessel, served as the
scientific platform used to conduct these studies: near-field
dilution of treated sewage and graywater discharge plumes
from stationary cruise ships, experiments to determine if
phytoplankton growth in Skagway Harbor is limited by
nutrients, and the examination of nitrogen uptake by seaweed to assess the relative importance of natural
and anthropogenic sources of nutrient inputs. More information is available at: www.epa.gov/owow/
oceans/cruise_ships/. (Contacts: Laura Johnson, 202-566-1273 or Brian Rappoli, 202-566-1548)
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel, OSV Bold, Provides Critical Support for Ocean Programs
As part of a very active year, the OSV Bold, EPA's ocean survey vessel, provided monitoring support
at 20 ocean dredged material disposal sites. For the first time, the ship provided primary support
for West Coast programs. The Bold arrived in San Diego, California in March 2008, and performed
missions as far north as Skagway, Alaska. The ship supported six surveys and one open house event for
EPA Region 9, and eight surveys and six open house events in Region 10. The Bold returned to the East
Coast in October and conducted three surveys and one open house event for Region 4. The ship's mis-
sions were quite varied and included cruise ship discharge studies in Alaska; sediment work on PCBs and
dioxins in Puget Sound; and water quality assessments along the Washington and Oregon coasts. (Con-
tact: Ken Potts, 202-566-1267)
The Bold, EPA's ocean survey vessel, monitors
our nation's oceans and coastal waters, including
dredged material disposal sites.
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CHAPT
mproving Environmen
Performance and Program Management
National Estuary Program Implementation Reviews and Programmatic Evaluation
In June 2008, OWOW released the National Estuary Program (NEP) Implementation Review (
Report. The report summarizes NEP accomplishments documented during EPA's 2004 -
2006 Implementation Reviews of the 28 NEPs. Also, it demonstrates that the Implementa-
tion Reviews served as an effective tool for EPA to assess NEP strengths and challenges. For
example, the ecosystem protection projects and education and outreach efforts were found to
be consistent strengths, while funding and organizational structure were found to be consis-
tent challenges. The report can be accessed at www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries.
In November 2008, OWOW completed nine NEP Program Evaluations (PE); all nine programs
passed. EPA provided each NEP with a final letter with details about strengths, challenges and
recommendations for improvements. A report summarizing the results of the 2008 PE process is
expected to be issued in 2009. (Contact Noemi Mercado, 202-566-1251)
Targeted Watersheds Grants Programmatic Evaluation
After issuing three rounds of grants to 52 grantees, EPA conducted a programmatic
evaluation of the Targeted Watersheds Grant (TWG) Program to assess its overall
effectiveness. The evaluation examined results to date, including success in build-
ing on public/private watershed partnerships, achieving environmental results and encour-
aging innovative approaches. Results indicated that grantees are achieving environmental,
social and organizational results and are communicating their successes to other organizations and the
public. The following factors most influenced successful watershed project implementation:
• Strong partnerships.
• Access to funding.
• Stakeholder and community support and organization.
• Administrative and technical capacity.
Grantees reported that the most valuable aspects of the TWG program include funding, which grantees
often leverage for additional financial support, and programmatic assistance from EPA staff. OWOW
intends to use the results of the TWG evaluation to improve the program, as well as grants programs across
OWOW. OWOW will continue to assist grantees in improving their output and outcome metrics, including
the more difficult challenge of measuring social and organizational outcomes. (Contact: Erin Collard, 202-
566-2655)
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds ZOOS Annual Repol~t
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Christina River Basin Clean Water Partnership Exceeds TWG Program Goals
The Christina River Basin Clean Water Partnership in Pennsylvania and Delaware
succeeded in significantly reducing stormwater pollution. Using a $1 million EPA
Targeted Watersheds Grant, the partnership reduced the harmful effects of runoff
on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. For every federal
dollar invested, the partnership leveraged more than two dollars, allowing them to
exceed the original goals, some by more than 50 percent. Accomplishments include
over 10,000 feet of stream restoration, 8,000 feet of stream fencing and nutrient
management control plans on over 1,000 acres. The final grant report includes a complete description of the
projects.
Rathbun Lake
Iowa's Rathbun Lake Water Alliance (RLWA), a 2003 TWG grantee, has realized success through an
innovative approach to Best Management Practices (BMP). RLWA used GIS modeling to determine the
agricultural lands in the watershed where BMPs would achieve the largest reduction in phosphorus and
sediment at the lowest cost. Outreach and technical assistance were focused in these areas. As a result of
their targeted approach, costs were reduced by 25 percent and participation among agricultural producers in
these areas was 70 percent. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/twg.
Enhancing State and Tribal Wetland Management Programs
OWOW's Wetlands Division continues to enhance support for state and tribal wetland programs,
building on recommendations from a 2007 third-party evaluation of the Wetland Program
Development Grants (WPDGs). In FY08 the division launched the Enhancing State and Tribal
Programs (ESTP) Initiative, a sustained effort to better align EPA's financial, planning and technical
resources to enhance state and tribal wetlands programs, especially those that are in earlier stages of
development. Key components of the ESTP are to:
• Provide more specificity about wetland program development actions and benchmarks in a
format useful to states/tribes that are still defining their programs. In FY08 the division consulted
with states and tribes to develop the Wetlands Core Elements Framework (CEF). For each of the
four elements of a wetlands program - monitoring and assessment, voluntary restoration and
protection, regulatory actions and wetland water quality standards - the CEF describes a menu of
program objectives, actions and milestones that states/tribes can choose from to chart their own
course for program development.
• Align Wetland Grants with program-building activities in the Wetlands CEF. To maximize the
effectiveness of grant funds, the Wetlands Division plans to closely align future WPDG decisions
with the program development actions in the Wetlands CEF beginning in FY10.
• Assist states and tribes to develop other sources of program funding and support. Recognizing that
WPDGs are a critical but limited resource for state and tribal wetland programs, we are assisting
states/tribes to leverage and develop other sources of program support. An October 2008 webinar
introduced about 70 participants to the basics of sustainable finance; this curriculum and outreach
will be expanded in FY09.
• Provide targeted technical assistance. The Wetlands CEF provides an excellent framework for better
understanding where states/tribes are focusing their program development efforts. Beginning
in FY09, we will use this information to develop more targeted technical assistance that directly
addresses the needs of emerging state and tribal wetland programs.
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EPA would like to thank and acknowledge the following photographers for their contributions to this
report.
Bill and Sharon Draker (cover photo)
Stephan Gersh
Jon Paul
April Wiese
Eric Vance
Danny Hart
Kenneth Potts
Don Paulson
Larry Willis
Tampa Bay National Estuary Program
EPA Document Number. 840R09001
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds,
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (4501T)
Washington, D.C. 20460
April 2009
www. epa.gov/owow
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