Alaska Idaho Oregon Washington U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Bulletin - EPA 910/9-92-043 November 2003 EPA Announces the Second Round of Watershed Initiative Grants To further preserve and restore the country's waterways, EPA is calling on the nation's governors and tribal leaders to apply for the second round of EPA watershed grants. This Watershed Initiative was first proposed to protect waterways across the country. In May 2003, EPA announced the first round of nearly $15 million in grants to 20 watershed organizations selected as part of this new Watershed Initiative. This year, EPA has requested a $21 million appropriation for grants to support community-based restoration. Applications are due to EPA by January 15, 2004. Last year, EPA selected 20 watershed organizations to receive grants averaging $700,000 each. In Region 10, the Lower Columbia National Estuary Program and the Clark Fork-Pend Orielle Water- shed were selected. These organizations were chosen because their work plans were most likely to achieve environ- mental results in a short time. Also, the University of Alaska won a smaller grant as part of its watershed leadership program to provide training to watershed groups in Alaska. For 2004, the Agency is con- tinuing its focus on approaches aimed to provide quick, measur- able environmental results. EPA is also looking for grant (continued on page 2) In This Issue... *3K)ILIGHI ECO SUM EPA News to update you on agency activities Tools to clue you in on resources, publications, opportunities, and services WaterWords to share stories from communities around the Greater Northwest Spotlight to showcase success stories and environmental stars Ecosystem to provide news that goes beyond water topics ------- SEFEQEWS (continued from page 1) applications involving partner- ships, innovation, and program integration. In addition, more emphasis will be placed on market-based approaches and other socio-economic strategies, along with ways to address the hypoxia problem facing the Gulf of Mexico. Nominations by the country's governors and tribal leaders for the second year of grants competition are due to EPA on or before January 15, 2004. The Agency will then evaluate and rank each submission. Final selections of the watershed grantees will be announced next spring. To access infor- mation about the Watershed Initiative go to: http://www.epa. gov/owow/watershed/ initiative/. Contact Region 10's Bevin Reid, Reid.Bevin@epa.gov or 206/553-1566. EPA to Fund Innovative Environmental Solutions Regional Geographic Initiative (RGI) grants are now open for competition in EPA Region 10. The grants support broad-based, cooperative efforts to address environmental problems at the local level. RGI funding encourages integrated solutions, as well as coordination and cooperation between partners. Problems addressed by RGI often showcase innovative solutions. RGI grants are available in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. States, Indian tribes, universities, public or private nonprofit institutions such as watershed councils, and, sometimes, businesses are eligible. Typically, the grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Proposals must be postmarked by Thursday, December 18,2003. This year, proposals are more likely to be chosen if they support improved, cost-effective monitoring and assessment tools, or if they include effective collaboration with key agencies to maxi- mize use of monitoring resources. Detailed information about RGI grants and an on-line application can be found on the EPA Region 10 web page at http:// yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ecocomm.nsf/Programs/RGI+Solicitation, or you can contact Dan Phalen, 206-553-8578, r10.rgi@epa.gov. EPA Proposes New Water Quality Standards for Oregon EPA Region 10 has proposed certain new standards for Oregon. These standards include: • use designations for critical life stages of certain salmon and trout in Oregon waters; • temperature water quality criteria for the protection of salmonids in Oregon waters, except for the Columbia River; • an intergravel dissolved oxygen water quality criterion to protect salmonid spawning; • methods to implement Oregon's existing antidegradation policy; • a provision addressing the addition of heat from anthropogenic sources to impaired waters; and • a process for federal agencies responsible for federally owned or operated dams to request that EPA modify its federally-promulgated water quality standards for Oregon. EPA held public meetings in late October in Portland, Eugene and Bend. About 100 people attended the meetings and commented on the proposal. EPA will respond to comments and develop the final standards by March 2004. For more information about this proposal, please contact Mary Lou Soscia, U.S. EPA Region 10, 811 S.W. Sixth Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204; phone: 503-326-5873; e-mail: soscia.marylou@epa.gov. WaterTalk November 2003 Page 2 ------- &EPIQEWS 2004 National EPA Community Involvement Conference... will be June 15-18, 2004, in Denver, Colorado. The Con- ference's Planning Committee is soliciting presentation proposals. Proposals should explain experiences in meeting commu- nity needs through public partici- pation, outreach and education. Share your knowledge and expertise by presenting a success- ful approach, telling a story, or describing an innovative solu- tion. If you are interested, please check out the " Call for Presenters" page on the conference website: http://www.epancic.org/2004. EPA Surveys State Nutrient Standards EPA has announced the results of its survey of nutrient standards adopted by states, tribes and territories. Every state has narrative standards that protect the waters from conditions that might indicate nutrient problems. Some states have nutrient stan- dards that specifically recognize eutrophication (a frequent result of nutrient overenrichment) as a problem. Numeric criteria for turbidity is the most common nutrient parameter. The next most common is total phospho- rus in lakes and rivers. You can download the complete docu- ment from the Internet at http:// epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/ nutrient/statesummarv.htm. Web Tool: Window to My Environment Looking for environmental information about your community? Check out EPA's online tool called Window to My Environment. This interactive tool helps you get answers to questions about your community's water, land and air. It also tells you what is being done locally to protect the environ- ment. Developed as an EPA- state partnership, this tool offers one-stop Web search capabilities. It includes interactive maps with links to federal, state and local data. Access the tool at www.epa.gov/enviro/wme/. Stream Restoration Guidebook The North Carolina State University Stream Restoration Guidebook is now available at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/ programs/extension/wqg/ sri/stream_rest_guidebook/ sr_guidebook.pdf. It is intended as a reference for professionals who plan, design, review and imple- ment stream restoration projects. Watershed Academy CD/Web Training Available The Watershed Academy's online training program, Watershed Academy Web, is now available on a free CD as well as on the Internet at www.epa.gov/watertrain/. The CD format allows users to save their limited web access time as well as move through the training modules more quickly than they could via slow web connections. This training CD contains 44 modules on the primary elements of watershed management, and includes all the materials needed for the training certificate earned by over 500 graduates in 47 states and 14 countries. Single copies are available by requesting " Watershed Academy Web on CD" publication number EPA841-C-03-001 from ncepimal@one.net or by phone at 1-800-490-9198. Ordering information is also available on the Watershed Academy Web home page. For more information contact Doug Norton at 202/566-1221. Page 3 WaterTalk November 2003 ------- Storm Water News A new fact sheet discussing When Are Storm Water Dis- charges Regulated as Class V Wells? is now available. The fact sheet clarifies when shallow wells, dry wells, and other storm water best management prac- tices may be regulated by EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The fact sheet seeks to raise the awareness of storm water managers about protecting vulnerable under- ground sources of drinking water as they design and ap- prove best management prac- tices to control storm water runoff to creeks, rivers and lakes. To view this fact sheet from EPA's Underground Injection Control program, visit www.epa. gov/safewater/uic/classv.html. For additional information on discharges of storm water to sur- face water, visit www.epa.gov/ npdes/stormwater or contact the EPA Region 10 Storm Water Program at 206/553-6650 or 1-800-424-4372 (ext. 6650). Looking for Grants Info? A handy website that provides information about all the different grant programs adminis- tered by EPA can be found at http:// www.epa.gov/epahome/ qrants.htm. Help for Septic Owners Several resources for septic tank owners are available from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Pumping Your Septic Tank (Item #WWBRPE71) explains why it is necessary to regularly pump your septic tank. The brochure lists the information that should appear on a pumper's receipt, and includes a brief description about watertight septic tanks. Homeowners, public health officials and local officials will find this information useful. The brochure costs 40 cents. Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Septic Systems, But Didn't Know Who To Ask! Homeowner Version 1.0 (Item #WWCDPE76) is an interactive CD ROM that educates home- owners about conventional systems. The CD is divided into sections such as public health issues, effluent characteristics, failures and repairs, where to find more information, and more. The septic tank and drainfield are detailed through a video/slide show. This CD ROM may interest public health officials, regulators, contractors and developers, as well as the general public. The cost of this CD is $6.50. Landscaping Your Septic Tanks (Item #WWBRPE72) describes ways to plan a landscape design for optimum septic tank operation. Information is provided about topics such as knowing your septic compo- nents for easy access and choosing the right plants. This brochure costs 40 cents. Septic Systems for Wastewater Disposal (Item #WWBLPE75) provides basic septic system information for homeowners. The booklet discusses several topics, including the purpose of wastewater disposal systems; how septic tanks and aeration systems work and when to use them; the purpose of a soil absorption system, how it works, and siting requirements; how to prevent system failure; and where to go for additional information. This booklet will be useful to public health officials, contractors/developers, and the general public. The cost is 65 cents. To learn more, visit the NSFC Web Site at www.nesc.wvu.edu/ nsfc/nsfc_new_products.htm. To place your order, call (800) 624- 8301 or e-mail nsfc_ orders@mail.nesc.wvu.edu. The Clearinghouse is a nonprofit organization funded by EPA to provide free and low-cost information about small community wastewater treatment. WaterTalk November 2003 Page 4 ------- Toll-Free Answers to Pesticide Questions Have questions about the safe use of insect repellents on your children? Pregnant and wondering about using a pesticide in your home? The National Pesticide Informa- tion Center offers a toll-free line for you to get answers to your pesticide questions. Real people are available to take your call seven days a week. The center is a cooperative effort between Oregon State University and EPA. Call 1-800-858-7378. Or visit the web site at www.npic.orst.edu. Want More Water News? Check out Nonpoint Source News-Notes. "News-Notes" is a periodic report on the condition of the water-related environment, the control of nonpoint sources of water pollution, and the ecological management and restoration of water- sheds. This national EPA publication is available on line at http:// www.epa.gov/owow/ info/NewsNotes. Citizen Groups Around the World Monitor Local Waters THE YEAR OF CLEAN WATER This fall, America's Clean Water Foundation and the International Water Association invited citizens and organizations around the globe to monitor their local lakes, rivers and streams. World Water Monitoring Day encouraged people to register their monitoring sites on the web and enter their data into an international database. The tests focused on the four basic parameters of temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity (pH) and turbidity. The goal was to introduce citizens to water monitoring and help them under- stand its importance in protecting world water resources. Monitoring results should be entered by December 5 at: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. EPA Employees Celebrate World Water Monitoring Day In late September, EPA staff participated in the "Kids and Bugs" workshop held in Oregon's Rogue River Basin - a fun and educa- tional "family field day" where kids studied aquatic insects in a local stream. EPA was one of several partners, including the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and the Izaak Walton League of America. Local school children, EPA's Regional Administrator, John lani, and EPA executives took water monitoring samples at Kelsey Creek in Bellevue, Washington. At Piper's Creek in Carkeek Park, Seattle, EPA staff demonstrated water quality testing for about 30 Cub Scouts and Girl Scout Brownies. Since reintroduced salmon return each year to Piper's Creek, EPA staff explained the conditions which salmon like best. The students' favorite part of the day was looking in the stream for certain bugs that are a sign the creek is healthy. PageS WaterTalk November 2003 ------- EPA Grants Help Communities Restore Streams When you were 8 years old, did you go down to the swamp behind your house at night and catch frogs and salamanders? Did you pick wildflowers at the edge of the marsh near your school? Would you like your children and their children to have opportunities like these to enjoy and learn from nature? That is the purpose of the Five Star Restoration Program. This year, nearly $600,000 was awarded to 56 community projects throughout the country. The winning projects were selected from a competitive pool of nearly 200 applications. Of the five grants awarded in Region 10 this year, one grant will be used by Wallowa Resources to improve a section of Swamp Creek in Oregon and educate local youth. Another grant was awarded to Friends of the Teton River Project in Idaho. This grant will increase the amount of quality habitat available for the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, a species proposed for the Federal endangered/threatened species list. Work includes planting native grasses and willows, installing a fence to stabilize the stream banks, and enhancing Yellowstone cutthroat trout habitat. The Five Star Restoration Program was created by the National Association of Coun- ties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Wild- life Habitat Council, the Envi- ronmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The program brings together citizen groups, corporations, students, landowners, youth groups, and local, state and federal governments to restore stream banks and wetlands across the country. It provides grants, technical support and information to help communities work together on restoration projects. Through education, outreach, training and good old-fashioned hard work, communities learn to build diverse partnerships and foster homegrown natural resource stewardship. "EPA is a proud supporter of the Five Star Restoration program, which provides excellent opportunities for environmental education and habitat restoration in commu- nities around the nation," said G. Tracy Mehan III, Assistant Administrator of EPA, at this year's awards announcement. "Five Star partners demon- strate a strong commitment to the protection of our natural resources, and they can take pride in their projects that improve the health of wetland and river environments." The Five Star Program is funded primarily by EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds and the National Marine Fisheries Service's Community-Based Restoration Program. For more information on the Five Star Program, see EPA's River Corridor and Wetlands Restoration website at www. e pa. g ov/o wo w/ wetlands/restore/Sstar or call the EPA Wetlands Information Helpline at 1-800-566-1382. Get WaterTalk Electronically! Sign up to receive WaterTalk by e-mail. The website links and e-mail addresses are live, giving you instant access. To get on the e-mail list, send an e-mail message to Lindsay.Andrea@epa.gov or use the form on page 9. Please indicate whether or not you would like to be removed from our paper copy mailing list. WaterTalk November 2003 Page 6 ------- EPA Recognises Federal Agencies for "Green Government" EPA Region 10 recently announced the results of the first annual "Champions for Environmental Leadership and 'Green' Government Innovation" recognition for Federal Facilities. Samples of this year's winners: Federal Aviation Administra- tion, Renton, WA for their first LEED Building and the Green Power Purchasing Program. The Sea-Tac Terminal Radar Approach Control will receive LEED Certification Gold Level. This building will increase energy and water efficiency, reduce or eliminate toxic or hazardous substances in the building mate- rials used, prevent waste production through recycling, specify environ- mentally preferred materials, improve indoor air quality through material selection and construction processes. The Green Power Purchasing program resulted in a storm water management plan designed to remove 80% of the average annual post development total suspended solids, and 40% of the post development phosphorus, acheiving overall potable water savings of at least 30%. Department of Energy, Richland, WA Operations Office for their Project for Water Distribution, the Hanford Mortar-Lining. The mortar-lining technique is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, trenchless pipeline rehabilitation process to extend the service life of existing waterlines through application of a thin coat of cement-like mortar inside the pipe- line. As a result of the project, flow rates tripled from 460 gallons per minute to 1,403 gallons per minute. Plans are being made to continue restoring degraded waterlines at Hanford with the mortar-lining technology to ensure water service essential to the success fulfillment of the Hanford Site environmental cleanup mission. For a complete list of winners and information about next year's competition, e-mail Wriqht.Michele@epa.gov. ECO Reduce Energy Consumption, Protect the Environment, Save Money This summer's power outage in our northeastern and midwestern states reminds us how dependent we are on energy to power our homes, businesses, industries and communities. You can do many things in your home that will reduce energy use, protect the environment and save you money: • Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room. • Heat and cool smartly. Have your system checked annually and install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat so that you are not paying to heat or cool your house when you are not at home. • Use compact fluorescent lighting and other energy- efficient appliances. If every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb, it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road. • Put your home to the test. Find out where your home (continued on page 8) Page? WaterTalk November 2003 ------- ECO (continued from page 7) has room for improvement with ENERGY STAR'S Home Energy Yardstick (see website below). • Reduce your energy consump- tion by up to 30 percent by purchasing home products that display the ENERGY STAR label. Improving energy efficiency saves you money and helps protect the environment without sacrificing comfort. ENERGY STAR is a government- backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environ- ment through superior energy efficiency. To learn more about ways to save, visit www.energystar.gov. To learn how EPA is helping the environment by encouraging use of clean energy sources, visit the following web pages: • Renewable Energy Technologies - Find out about how EPA facilities are using renewable energy tech- nologies at a variety of facilities at www.epa.gov/oaintrnt/projects/ renewtech.htm. • Green Power Partnership is electricity that is generated from resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low- impact hydro facilities. Find out about its benefits and how to participate in the Green Power Partnership at www.epa.gov/ greenpower/index.htm. • Clean Energy and You - Find out about sources of energy in the U.S. and environmental impacts of various energy generation technologies at www.epa.gov/ cleanenerav/enerqynvou.htm. Washington State University selected for National Environmental Performance Track Twenty-five facilities have recently been selected as new members of EPA's National Environmental Performance Track program, including Washington State University. The program recognizes top environmental performers that voluntarily go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over the next three years. Washington State University is the first university selected for the program. Members in the Performance Track Program receive a range of incentives such as public recognition and a lower priority for inspection. Facilities are also eligible for several kinds of administrative flexibility and streamlined administrative requirements that reduce costs and enable members to achieve better environmental results. In addition, members benefit from special services, including a learning network comprised of top environmental per- formers that has a mentoring program, tele-seminars, EPA roundtable discussions, and newsletters. Region 10 of the U.S. En- vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) covers the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. WaterTalk November 2003 Page, ------- MAILING LIST UPDATE (check all that app/y): NOTE: There is no need to contact us if the address on your mailing label is correct and you do not wish to make changes. PAPER SUBSCRIPTION TO WATERTALK: Q Please add me to the mailing list for future WaterTalk newsletters. Q Please remove me from the mailing list. Q Please remove my name from the mailing list. I will view the WaterTalk newsletter on the web when it is available. E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION TO WATERTALK: Q Please add me to the e-mail list for future WaterTalk newsletters. Q Please remove me from the e-mail list. WATERTALK ON THE WEB: Q Please notify me by e-mail when a new WaterTalk newsletter is available to be viewed on the web. Q Please remove me from e-mail notification list. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Q Please change my information on the mailing list or e-mail list. My old address or e-mail address is: Name: Company or Group (optional): Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: E-mail: COMMENTS: Page 9 WaterTalk November 2003 ------- 8Z L L- LO L86 uoi6u|L|SBM ' anuaAV LIIXJS OOZI L80-033'AVSQNH V3yQNV :N11V ADN3DVNOIID3IONJ 7VIN3PVNOHIAN3 5* 72 9J9H MAI LING LIST UPDATE If you have address changes or comments, please complete the form on the reverse side, and fold and mail to EPA or fax to 206-553-2955 or e-mail the information to lindsay.andrea@epa.gov WaterTalk November 2003 Page 10 ------- ECO Beneficial Landscaping: Gardening Don'ts Protect Environment Believe it or not, there are gardening activities you can quit doing this fall that will benefit water and air quality and bring more wildlife to your yard, while allowing you more time for quiet enjoyment of the natural world. Elaine Somers, EPA's Regional Beneficial Landscaping Coordinator, suggests following Flora Skelly's "Don't Do" list for gardens (Fall 1997 Northwest Garden News): Don't use pesticides. Allow the natural balance of beneficial insects and birds to re-establish itself. Don't rake leaves. Birds feed on the insects that live under leaves, and the leaf compost nourishes the soil for next year's growth. Don't chop down dead or dying trees, unless they pose a hazard. These "snags" provide insect food and nesting sites for birds. Don't mow all your lawn. If allowed to grow tall and interspersed with weeds, your lawn can be a haven for butterfly caterpillars, small mammals and birds. Don't remove old flower heads. The seeds provide food for over-wintering birds. Don't seek a perfect and utterly tidy garden. A half-wild place is preferred by wildlife because it offers more food and shelter. More information? Contact Elaine Somers at 206/553-2966 or 1-800-424-4EPA X2966, somers.elaine@epa.gov, or visit the Region 10 Beneficial Landscaping website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/bl.htm. November Source Water Protection Month, Year of Clean Water, www.epa.gov/water/yearofcleanwater. 17-20: Joint Ventures: Partners in Stewardship Conference, Los Angeles, CA. USDA Forest Service, 510/559-6342, www.partnerships2003.org/main.html. 18: Funding Watershed Restoration in the Pacific Northwest, via satellite. Pacific North- west Regional Water Quality Program, 360/ 786-5445 x7911, http://wawater.wsu.edu/. December 18: Regional Geographic Initiative grant appli- cations are due. Dan Phalen, 206/553-8578, http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ecocomm.nsf/ Programs/RGI+Solicitation. January 14: Watershed Funding Workshop, Rogue Basin, Oregon. Location TBA. Amy Williams, Environmental Finance Center, 208/426-4990, http://sspa.boisestate.edu/efc/. 15: Watershed Funding Workshop, Umpqua Basin, Oregon. Location TBA. Amy Williams, Environmental Finance Center, 208/426-4990, http://sspa.boisestate.edu/efc/. Watershed Initiative nominations from gover- nors and tribal leaders are due. Bevin Reid, e-mail: Reid.Bevin@epa.gov, http://www.epa.gov/ owow/watershed/initiative/. March 1: Application deadline for Landscapes for Learning Awards for youth gardens. Fine Gardening and the National Gardening Association, http://www.kidsqardeninq.com/qrants/fq.asp. Page 11 WaterTalk November 2003 ------- Alaska Idaho Oregon Washington WaterTalk is published each February, May, August and November by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10. WaterTalk seeks to be a useful tool for those who protect water resources and ecosystems in communities of the Greater Pacific Northwest, by providing practical resources and relevant agency news. You are invited to contribute items for publication. Submittal deadline is the 15th day of the month before publication. WaterTalk articles can be used in other publications. Please give credit to WaterTalk. For mailing changes, or to contact the editor, call Andrea Lindsay at 206/553-1896 or 1-800-424-4EPAx1896, or email lindsay.andrea@epa.gov. Accessibility information: To request services to accommodate per- sons with disabilities, contact EPA at 206/553-1200 or 1-800-424-4EPA. Mention of trade names, products or services does not convey, and should not be interpreted as conveying, official EPA approval, endorsement or recommendation. In This Issue EPA News Watershed Initiative Grants Septic Tank Resources Handy Tools Environmental Events ------- |