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It groes me great pleasure to share the 2010 Annual Report for the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds (OWOW). It's been a year with many challenges as well as opportunities to advance the protection
and restoration of our nation's waters. OWOW staff and managers played a vital role in helping to advance key
Water Program priorities and showed exceptional dedication, commitment, flexibility, and, resilience.
One of our most notable achievements was working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the de-
velopment of new draft guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act (Waters of the U.S.
Guidance). This action, when finalized, will describe what is a water of the United States for all CWA Programs
and is expected to provide more regulatory clarity, predictability, consistency, and transparency around the is-
sue of what waters are and are not protected under the Clean Water Act. Among other important achievements
in 2010, OWOW also ensured better protection of water quality in Appalachia by working in partnership with
the regional offices to ensure that permits issued for surface coal mining operations minimized the harmful
environmental effects. In addition, OWOW played an invaluable role in supporting the federal government's
response to the BP Oil Spill, by working collaboratively in the evaluation of monitoring data and in helping to
design monitoring plans. Many OWOW staff worked tirelessly in the Agency's Emergency Operations Center
to support our government's immediate response to that environmental catastrophe. OWOW also launched
the Healthy Watersheds Initiative in 2010—and saw this Initiative gain traction in EPA's Coming Together for
Clean Water Strategy document that was finalized in the Spring of '2011. OWOW also showed real leadership
in helping OW to advance green infrastructure—considered by many to be among the most promising avenues
for making a big leap forward in water management. OWOW's Ocean and Coastal Protection Program was
very instrumental in advancing the work of the National Ocean Council. Finally, OWOW partnered closely
with Office of Science and Technology (OST) in 2010 in developing the recommended Framework for states to
use to reduce the impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. This Nutrient Framework is intended to help
advance reductions in loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus to our nations waters, while states continue their
work to develop and adopt numeric nutrient water quality standards.
In this coming year, we will continue efforts to work with OST, the Office ofWastewater Management,
the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, and the regions and states in advancing nutrient reductions,
in cleaning up and restoring impaired waters, in advancing green infrastructure, and in protecting healthy
watersheds. OWOW will also continue to play a leadership role in major Administration and Agency initia-
tives, including finalizing Waters of the U.S. Guidance and initiating rulemaking, supporting Region 10 in the
ongoing scientific assessment of Bristol Bay, supporting the regions in the consideration and evaluation of '404
permits, and in the implementation of the National Ocean Policy, the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Action Plan, and
the work of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Taskforce. As the co-lead for EPA's Community Action
for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program, OWOW will also help support Administrator Jackson's strong
commitment to environmental justice.
And finally, OWOW will continue its critical work to assess the status and trends of the health of the
nation's waters through our National Aquatic Resource Surveys. In 2011, we begin sampling for the National
Wetlands Condition Assessment, the first-ever survey of the ecological integrity of the nation's wetlands.
I look forward to leading OWOW in these important endeavors. Working together with our partners in
state, tribal, and territorial governments as well as others, I believe we can make important progress in achieving
our vision for healthy watersheds and sustainable communities.
Sincerely,
_j^* .^^^•^^^J^—•--
Denise M. Keehner, Director
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
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About OWOW 4
Fiscal Year 2010 Highlights 5
Chapter One: Strengthening Wetlands and Water Programs 6
Draft Guidance to Clarify Waters Covered by the Clean Water Act
EPA Reduces Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining in Appalachia
EPA Guidance for Chesapeake Bay Helps Control Nonpoint Source Pollution
Addressing Impacts from Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution: Nutrients Framework Document
and Memorandum
Memorandum on Ocean Acidification Addresses Rising CO2 Levels
Chapter Two: Advancing Watershed Protection through Partnerships....10
Hypoxia Task Force Urges States to Develop State-Specific Strategies
EPA's Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Program Reduces
Pollution in Communities
OWOW helps Launch New National Ocean Policy
2010 International Coastal Cleanup Urban Waters Event
Coastal Wetlands Workgroup Conducts Reviews in Key Watersheds
Nonpoint Source Program Showcases 215 Success Stories
Interstate Management Conference Advances Coordination on Mercury Emissions
Chapter Three: Achieving New Milestones in Monitoring and 16
Assessment
OWOW Assists in Gulf of Mexico BP Oil Spill Response
OSVBOLD Conducts 29 Scientific Surveys
Data Collection Continues on Four Major National Aquatic Resource Surveys
Chapter Four: Building Capacity through Tools and Technologies 18
Climate Ready Estuaries Program Helps Reduce Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
Ex-USS Kittiwake Sunk at Last: First International Vessel-to-Reef Project
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About the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds (OWOW)
OWOW is one of four program offices within the Office of Water at EPA Head-
quarters in Washington, DC that works to protect and restore the nation's
aquatic ecosystems. The office provides leadership, policy direction and
financial support to our 10 regional offices and to the states, tribes, and territories that
implement our programs. OWOW also works collaboratively with sister EPA offices,
other federal agencies, as well as with local governments, the private sector, and non-
profit organizations to carry out our mission. In addition to its Clean Water Act au-
thorities, the office has authorities under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctu-
aries Act (Ocean Dumping), Coastal Zone Management Act, National Environmental
Policy Act and several other environmental statutes.
OWOW Programs and Initiatives
• Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program
• Control of Vessel Discharges • Dredged Material Management
• Five-Star Restoration Program • Impaired Waters and Total Maximum
Daily Loads • Marine Debris "Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico
Watershed Task Force • National Aquatic Resource Surveys
• National Estuary Program • National Water Quality Inventory
• Nonpoint Source Program* Ocean Dumping
• Ocean Monitoring and the Ocean Survey • OSV Bold
• Targeted Watersheds Grants* Volunteer Monitoring
• Wetlands Permitting • Wetland Program Development Grants
For more information about OWOW,
visit www.epa.gov/owow
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Developing Draft Guidance to Clarify Waters Covered by the Clean
Water Act: OWOW worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
to develop draft guidance for determining whether a waterway,
water body or wetland is protected by the Clean Water Act.
Reducing Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining in
Appalachia: EPA issued comprehensive interim guidance to protect
water quality in Appalachian streams from the harmful effects of
surface coal mining and also reviewed numerous proposed Section
404 permits for surface coal surface mining operations.
Assessing the Condition of the Nation's Waters: OWOW issued the
National Lakes Assessment, the first-ever comprehensive assessment
of the nation's lakes, which found that habitat loss and nitrogen
and phosphorus pollution are leading causes of impairment. These
important findings will be critical for managers in setting priorities,
targeting resources and communicating with the public on the
condition of the nation's waters.
Addressing Impacts from Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution: OWOW worked with the Office
of Science and Technology to draft a State Nitrogen and Phosphorus Reduction Framework
that states can use to develop strategies that address the degradation of drinking water and
environmental quality due to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
Controlling Polluted Runoff in the Chesapeake Bay: OWOW issued new guidance that
will help control runoff in the Chesapeake Bay watershed from federal lands and on federal
facilities. The guidance addresses major categories of nonpoint source pollution, including
nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and sediments.
Responding to the BP Oil Spill: During the environmental crisis, OWOW staff were
instrumental in assessing the collected data against risk-based aquatic life and human health
benchmarks and posting the data on the web.
Attaining State Water Quality Standards: In FY 2010, 2,909 waterbodies, identified in 2002 as
not attaining water quality standards, met state standards.
Developing "Pollution Diets" for Impaired Waters: 4,951 Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) or "pollution diets" were developed by states and approved by EPA or established by
EPA on a schedule consistent with national policy.
Addressing Nonpoint Source Pollution: In FY 2010 an additional 68 waterbodies identified by
states (in 2000 or subsequent years) as being primarily nonpoint source (NPS)-impaired were
partially or fully restored. OWOW's Nonpoint Source "Success Stories" Web site now features
215 examples of how Clean Water Act Section 319 funds have helped restore waterbodies
degraded by polluted runoff.
Advancing Wetlands Protection and Restoration: In FY2010,130,000 wetland acres were
restored and improved under 5-Star Restoration Program, National Estuary Program, Clean
Water Act Section 319, and Great Waterbody Programs.
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Protecting America's Waters and Wetlands: Draft Guidance to
Clarify Waters Covered by the Clean Water Act
Americans depend on clean and
abundant water. However, over
the past decade, interpretations
of Supreme Court rulings
removed some critical waters
from Federal protection, and caused
confusion about which waters and wetlands
are protected under the Clean Water Act.
As a result, important waters now lack clear
protection under the law, and businesses and
regulators face uncertainty and delay.
In 2010, OWOW worked with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to develop draft guidance
for determining whether a waterway, water
body, or wetland is protected by the Clean
Water Act. This draft guidance would replace
previous guidance to reaffirm protection for
critical waters. It also will provide clearer,
more predictable guidelines for determining
which water bodies are protected by the Clean
Water Act.
The draft guidance will reaffirm protections
for small streams that feed into larger streams,
rivers, bays and coastal waters. It will also
reaffirm protection for wetlands that filter
pollution and help protect communities
from flooding. Discharging pollution into
Aerial of wetlands in Butte County, CA, Photographer:
Lynn Betts, NRCS Photo Gallery
protected waters (e.g., dumping sewage,
contaminants, or industrial pollution) or
filling protected waters and wetlands (e.g.,
building a housing development or a parking
lot) require permits. This draft guidance will
keep safe the streams and wetlands that affect
the quality of the water used for drinking,
swimming, fishing, farming, manufacturing,
tourism and other activities essential to
the American economy and quality of
life. It also will provide regulatory clarity,
predictability, consistency and transparency.
Approximately 117 million Americans get
part of their drinking water from small
headwater streams and intermittent and
ephemeral streams. Many of these waters
also provide critical habitat for fish, ducks
and other wildlife prized by hunters, anglers,
birdwatchers. The sporting and conservation
community injects more than $76 billion
annually into the economy.
Pine Barrens Swamp, Photographer. Anneke Davis
The draft guidance was made available for
public comment on May 2, 2011.
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/
wetlands/CWAwaters.cfm. (Donna Downing,
202-566-1783)
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EPA Reduces Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining in
Appalachia
On April 1, 2010, EPA issued
detailed interim final guidance
to protect water quality in
Appalachian streams from the
harmful effects of surface coal
mining. Based upon reviews of past practices
and emerging science, including two major
EPA scientific reports, the guidance clarified
existing requirements of the Clean Water Act
Section 404 and 402 permitting programs that
apply to pollution from surface coal mining
operations in streams and wetlands. With an
important focus on the latest science regarding
the impacts of elevated conductivity levels
on stream life and other areas of concern, the
guidance has been a valuable tool for EPA
Regions in providing clear and consistent
environmental review of proposed Clean
Water Act permits for surface coal mining
operations. In conjunction with the guidance,
EPA's Office of Research and Development also
released two draft scientific reports - The Effects
of Mountaintop Mines and Valley Fills on Aquatic
Ecosystems of the Central Appalachian Coalfields,
and A Field-based Aquatic Life Benchmark
for Conductivity in Appalachian Streams -
Valley Fill and Sediment Pond, Perry County,
Kentucky. Photographer. Brian Topping
highlighting the adverse environmental
effects on aquatic ecosystems caused by
mountaintop mining. In 2011, EPA will make
necessary modifications to the guidance after
consideration of public comments and the
final results of the Science Advisory Board
technical review of the EPA scientific reports.
In 2010, EPA Regions in coordination with the
Wetlands Division also reviewed numerous
proposed Section 404 permits for surface coal
mining operations. These reviews provided
recommendations for reducing water quality
impacts through improved monitoring of
streams, implementation of Best Management
Practices, and enhanced compensatory
mitigation for stream impacts. (Chris Hunter,
202-566-1454).
Spruce No. 1 Mine in Logan County, West Virginia
Section 404(c) Veto - 13th in EPA History
On September 24, 2010, EPA Region 3 recommended that EPA exercise its CWA Section 404(c) "Veto Authority"for the
Spruce No. 1 Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. Region 3's assessments and analyses concluded that the placement
of fill material in Pigeonroost and Oldhouse Branches, two of the highest quality streams remaining in the Coal River
sub-basin, would likely lead to unacceptable adverse impacts on wildlife While EPA offered various alternatives, EPA
and the company could not reach agreement on options for redesigning the mine in ways that would meaningfully
reduce anticipated unacceptable adverse environmental and water quality effects. After reviewing EPA Region 3's
recommendations and comments provided by the public, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection,
and Arch Coal Company, EPA Headquarters (HQ) issued a Final Determination in January 2011, prohibiting new
impacts to these high quality streams at the site but allowing ongoing mining activities to continue. EPA's action
protects high quality stream systems, which support diverse and productive biological communities, from being buried
under tons of rock and mining spoil, and prevents pollution of downstream waters. The final decision reflects significant
effort by EPA HQ and Region 3 to gather an incredible amount of scientific and technical data about mining techniques
and environmental impacts to water quality and wildlife habitat.
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EPA Guidance for Chesapeake Bay Helps Control Nonpoint
Source Pollution
s part of a series of actions designed to help protect and restore the Chesapeake
Bay, in May, 2010, EPA published guidance for managing federal lands in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed. The guidance provides information and data on
appropriate, proven and cost-effective tools and practices for nonpoint source
implementation on federal lands and at federal facilities. While an important step,
EPA recognizes that the vast majority of land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is nonfederal
land that private landowners, states, and local governments manage. Thus, the agency
has emphasized that the same set of "proven cost-effective tools and practices that reduce
water pollution" are appropriate for all land managers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. If
implemented broadly, the practices outlined in the guidance will enable the Chesapeake Bay
to be restored (assuming all necessary point source reduction and other restoration actions are
taken).
Extensive studies of the Chesapeake Bay indicate that the great majority of nonpoint sources
need to be controlled in order to restore the Bay. Accordingly, the guidance addresses many
categories of nonpoint sources that contribute the majority of nutrient and sediment pollution,
including the following categories of activities on federal lands: Agriculture; Urban Areas,
including Turf (excluding sources regulated as point sources); Onsite/Decentralized Treatment
Systems; Forestry; Riparian Areas; and Hydromodification. http://www.epa.gov/nps/
chesbay502. (Katie Flahive, 202-566-1206)
Addressing Impacts from Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution:
Nutrients Framework Document and Memorandum
OWOW worked with the Office of Science and Technology to draft a State
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Reduction Framework that states can use to
develop strategies that address the degradation of drinking water and
environmental quality due to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. On March
16, 2011, Office of Water Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner
issued a Memorandum to all EPA Regional Administrators that included
the "Recommended Elements of a State Framework for Managing Nitrogen
and Phosphorus Pollution." The memo describes the extent of the problem and conservation Service
reaffirms the agency's commitment to partnering with states and collaborating
with stakeholders to accelerate reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings.
I
Photo by the National Resources
According to a recent joint Task Group of senior state and EPA water quality and drinking water
officials, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution has the potential to become one of the costliest and
challenging environmental problems the nation faces. The Framework initiates a conversation with
states and other stakeholders on how best to achieve both near- and long-term reductions in nitrogen
and phosphorus pollution. It envisions that as states proceed in efforts to develop numeric nutrient
criteria and related schedules, they also reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution by targeting the most
effective practices to the areas with highest contributions. The Framework recognizes that collaborative
efforts with United States Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders will be critical for success.
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Memorandum on Ocean Acidification Addresses Rising CO2 Levels
Ocean acidification (OA) refers to the decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans
caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas (GHG), from
the atmosphere. Scientific research over the last 10 years indicates that the
implications of OA for ocean and coastal marine ecosystems are potentially very
serious since the ocean has a large capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere,
and that the resulting lowered
pH levels and carbonate ion
(CO32-) concentrations in ocean
waters can have serious cascading
effects. Specifically a reduction in
CO32- could negatively affect the
survival of calcifying organisms
(e.g., algae, snails, clams, oysters,
coral reefs) that rely on the
availability of CO32- to build their
calcareous shells and skeletons,
causing changes up the food
chain. Recently, the National
Research Council stated that while
the ultimate consequences of OA
are still unknown, there is a
risk of ecosystem changes that
threaten coral reefs, fisheries,
protected species, and other
natural resources.
Top left to right: Foraminifera (David field); pteropod, Limacina
helicina (NOAA); oysters Bottom left to right: Wild pink salmon,
Pacific coast (Barry Kovish); Rapture Reef, French Frigate Shoals of
the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (fames Watt) Organisms and
ecosystems that could be negatively affected by ocean acidification
In November 2010, EPA released a memorandum on OA to assist the states and Regions in
preparing and reviewing integrated water quality reports related to OA impacts under the
Clean Water Act. Under Section 303(d), states, territories, and authorized tribes are required
to develop lists of "water-quality limited segments" every two years. The memorandum
recognizes the seriousness of aquatic life impacts associated with OA and describes how
states can move forward to address OA during the 2012 listing cycle using the current 303(d)
Integrated Reporting (IR) framework. At the same time, this memorandum acknowledges
that information is largely absent or limited to support the listing of waters for OA in
many states. The memorandum concludes that states should list waters not meeting water
quality standards, including marine pH water quality criteria (one parameter that reflects
OA impacts) for their 2012 lists, and should also solicit available information on OA. The
memorandum also encourages states to focus on OA-vulnerable waters (e.g., waters with
coral reefs, marine fisheries, shellfish resources) that already are listed for other pollutants
(e.g., nutrients) in order to promote ecological restoration, http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/
Iawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/oa_memo_nov2010.cfm. (Christine Ruf, 202-566-1220)
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Hypoxia Task Force Urges States to Develop
State-Specific Strategies
Over the past 50 years, the amount of nitrogen
and phosphorous entering our waters has
dramatically
escalated, and now poses significant water
quality and public health concerns. Significant
sources include agricultural runoff from cropland,
especially in heavily farmed areas, as well as from
residential/commercial fertilizers, animal waste,
sewage treatment plants, and air deposition from
utilities and vehicles. The ecological, human health,
and economic impacts of excess nitrogen and
phosphorus have the potential to become one of the
costliest, most difficult environmental problems in
the 21st century.
The Task Force's goal to reduce the size of the Gulf "dead
zone" to 5,000 square kilometers is a formidable task that
will require a staggering 45 percent reduction in riverine
nitrogen and phosphorus.
When a body of water acquires a high
concentration of nutrients, it can trigger excessive
algae growth. As the algae die and decompose,
they can deplete oxygen levels, causing the death
of fish and other aquatic organisms. In the Gulf of
Mexico, a hypoxic zone of over 15,000 -square kilometers (almost 5800-square miles) threatens
aquatic life through changes in temperature and habitat losses. The Gulf is critical to the
national economy and provides some of the Nation's most valuable fisheries.
In 1997, the establishment of the Mississippi River Gulf of Mexico/Watershed (Hypoxia)
Task Force offered a new federal-state partnership to help coordinate activities to address
Gulf Hypoxia. The Hypoxia Task Force currently is comprised of five federal agencies and
12 Mississippi Atchafalaya Basin states. It provides a forum for federal and state agencies
to partner on local, state, and regional efforts and encourage a holistic approach that takes
into account upstream sources and downstream impacts. Since the release of the Task Force's
2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan, the Task Force has been focusing on approaches to reduce
the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that collect and ultimately discharge at the mouth of
the Mississippi River, where they fuel the Northern Gulf hypoxic zone. Development and
implementation of state nutrient reduction strategies is a key Task Force focus, and during 2010
the Task Force adopted a nutrient reduction strategy "road map" to help guide the Task Force
states with strategy development, and also convened a nutrient reduction strategy workshop
for the lower Basin states. In addition, in 2010 the Task Force agreed to a shared federal-state
leadership structure, so that now EPA serves as the federal Co-chair, working closely with the
state Co-chair, currently the State of Mississippi.
http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/named/msbasin/msbasin_index.cfm. (Hazel Groman,
202-566-1219)
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EPA's Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE)
Program Reduces Pollution in Communities
regions.
ARE is a community-based, community-driven program
that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations,
and universities to help the public understand and reduce pollution. In 2011,
EPA's Office of Water assumed the lead role for the CARE program, which entails
coordinating across the many EPA program offices in headquarters and the
The Office of Air and Radiation serves as co-lead.
The CARE program helps communities build capacity to reduce pollution through local
collaboration. This "collaborative planning" is essential to leveraging skills and resources,
looking at problems holistically, and ensuring sustainable solutions for the community.
Consistent with OWOW's watershed protection approach, the CARE program shares a focus
on holistic planning, collaboration, and building sustainable solutions for the community.
Since 2005, CARE has provided technical assistance and $14 million in funding to 80
environmentally overburdened communities in 39 states and territories. These CARE
grantees have helped communities reduce pollution and protect people's health. Over 90% of
CARE Communities are Environmental Justice communities of concern. In addition CARE
communities have leveraged one-to-one funding from community partnerships. Over 1,700
partners have been engaged in local CARE projects, including local and state agencies,
businesses, citizen groups, and universities. A recent evaluation by the National Association
of Public Administrators (NAPA) recognized the CARE program as a solid tested framework
for engaging communities. NAPA noted that CARE partners are reducing pollution in their
communities, http://www.epa.gov/care/ (Gale Bonanno, 202-564-2243)
Wheeling West Virginia CARE Program
The Wheeling Jesuit University's partnership,
which consists of seven rural West Virginia (WV)
communities, used the CARE Roadmap to prioritize
140 environmental concerns voiced by citizens, the
most pressing of which was drinking water quality.
This community project secured temporary potable
water supplies to three WV communities and 500
families. Municipal water lines were extended to
hundreds of families. West Virginia's state legislature
also mandated a study of the underground injection
of coal slurry on groundwater and community health
along with enacting a temporary moratorium on
underground injection of coal slurry in the area. The
CARE model is now being replicated to reach other
West Virginia communities with similar water quality
problems.
Brushy Fork coal sludge impoundment in Raleigh County,
W.Va..Photo by Vivian Stockman/ www.sludgesafety.org
Flyover courtesy SouthWings.org.
Another view of Brushy Fork—which is a Massey
Energy operation. Photo by Vivian Stockman. Flyover
courtesy SouthWings.org.
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OWOWHelps Launch New National Ocean Policy
On July 19, 2010, the President issued Executive Order 13547 (EO) that establishes
the nation's first comprehensive National Policy for the Stewardship of the
Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes. The EO also establishes a National
Ocean Council, which includes Administrator Jackson and 26 other federal
members. The EO adopts the Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean
Policy Task Force, and directs Federal agencies to take action on nine priority objectives most
of which relate to EPA's mission and activities. OWOW's Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division staffed Agency participation in the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force by assisting
in identification of priority areas needing action, ensuring the inclusion of underserved
communities, and defining a broad geographic scope that includes inland sources of
impacts. EPA also helped coordinate public and stakeholder listening sessions, reviewed and
considered public comments on the draft recommendations, and contributed to legal and other
documents to ensure a smooth launch of the new National Ocean Policy. OCPD continues to
staff the Agency's participation in the National Ocean Council, co-chairs the Strategic Action
Plan on Water Quality and Sustainable Practices on Land, and leads cross-agency participation
in the development of the other eight Strategic Action Plans in addition to other activities. The
EO, Final Recommendations, and other key documents can be found at the National Ocean
Council website, http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans (Paul Cough, 202-566-0688).
2010 International Coastal Cleanup Urban Waters Event
EPA's Marine Debris Prevention and Urban Water Teams partnered with the Ocean Conservancy
(OC) on September 25, 2010, to host a pilot International
Coastal Cleanup Urban Waters event at Anacostia Park
in Washington, DC. EPA and OC worked closely with
local partners including Anacostia Watershed Society,
Ward 8 Environmental Council, Sierra Club - DC, and
Howard University to make the event a great success.
The event included the cleanup of the river, educational
exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment, and fun.
More than 200 participants from the local community,
Anacostia River organizations, and the federal
government participated.Volunteers collected trash in
the park, along the river, and on the river via canoes. * "
Participants collected over 150 bags of trash, a few large tires, a bicycle, a fire extinguisher, and
many other interesting items. Following the cleanup, volunteers enjoyed food and music while
browsing through interactive exhibits about the urban-coastal connection and keeping waterways
clean and trash-free. The Anacostia Park Aquatic Center was also open for visitors. In addition,
the event received a DC Mayoral Proclamation declaring September 25, 2010, Urban Waters
International Coastal Cleanup Day. (Katherine Weiler, 202-566-1280)
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Coastal Wetlands Workgroup Conducts Reviews in Key Watersheds
Coastal wetlands provide important ecosystem services that are vital to the health
and well-being of our nation, but they are highly susceptible to loss due to coastal
development, sea level rise, storm water runoff, pollutant runoff from agriculture, and
other factors. A report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service found that between
1998 and 2004, in the Eastern United States alone, coastal
wetlands disappeared at an average rate of 59,000 acres per year.
EPA launched the Coastal Wetlands Initiative in 2009 to seek a
more complete understanding of:
Why are coastal wetland losses occurring?
Which tools and strategies can combat losses?
What specific areas of need remain in order to
enhance their protection?
As part of this effort, EPA is conducting on-site reviews in
specific coastal watersheds. The goals are to gather local Mangrove, Photographer.
information and obtain insights from local stakeholders on sources Nancy Laurson
of coastal wetland stressors, effective management tools, and gaps
and needs to more effectively address the losses that are representative of the region. In 2010,
reviews were held in focal watersheds of the Neuse River, NC and Buzzards Bay, MA, bringing
to five the total number of reviews conducted along the Atlantic coast. Information collected
as part of these reviews is being finalized in regional review reports that will help inform
actions of the Interagency Coastal Wetlands Workgoup to reduce or reverse coastal wetlands
loss nationally. In 2011, EPA turned its focal watershed review efforts to the Gulf Coast. (Nancy
Laurson, 202-566-1247; or Jennifer Linn 202-566-1258)
New EPA -NOAA Memorandum of Agreement Provides Support for Coastal Communities
Populations and built environments in coastal watersheds are growing rapidly, putting fragile
coastal ecosystems and coastal communities at considerable risk. Coastal regions also are
very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. During 2010, OWOW's Oceans and Coastal
Protection Division co-led development of an EPA-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will help coastal communities sustain
their natural resources and economies as well as adapt to climate change. The new MOA responds
to a recent Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force recommendation that federal agencies integrate and
coordinate their partnerships with non-federal entities. Under the MOA, EPA and NOAA will use their
respective scientific resources and expertise and provide technical assistance to states, tribes, and local
governments working to build their own capacity to help coastal communities protect and restore their
coastal ecosystems; develop strategies and use tools to effectively adapt to climate change; and maintain
strong economies. The technical assistance will include scientific information, training for natural
resource managers and local planners, educational materials, and information about best management
practices. (Jamal Kadri,202-566-1248).
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Nonpoint Source Program Showcases 215 Success Stories
The Nonpoint Source (NFS)
Program's Success Stories document
the restoration of water quality
in previously NFS-impaired
waterbodies. Over the last five years,
the program has documented 215 remediated
waterbodies across 46 states and territories,
totaling 1,650 restored stream miles and
64,567 acres of lakes and reservoirs. To qualify
as a success, the project must demonstrate
achievement of water quality standards for
one or more pollutants and/ or the attainment
of one more or more designated uses. These
Success Stories showcase many excellent examples of efforts to
control a wide array of pollutants from a variety of sources.
• Puerto Rico attained secondary contact designated uses (e.g., waters safe for boating, wading,
and rowing) for 31 miles of tributaries comprising the Rio Grande de Manati sub-basin as a
result of several years of efforts to control bacteria from livestock enterprises, urban runoff,
communities lacking sanitary systems, landfills, and wastewater discharges. After several years
of conducting outreach and ensuring that livestock enterprises developed and implemented
waste management plans, fecal coliform levels dropped precipitously in the sub-basin and
designated uses for secondary contact were met.
• California restored a total of 58 river miles of Sacramento and Feather River segments impaired
by widespread use of the organophosphate pesticide, diazinon. The Central Valley Water Board's
implementation of the diazinon Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality objectives
and allocated reductions was instrumental to the successful remediation of these waters,
motivating the agricultural community to adopt best management practices and transition to
pest management practices that limit diazinon use.
• Cobbossee Lake, a large 5238-acre lake in central Maine, valued for its recreational use and as
a secondary source of drinking water for the state's capital, Augusta, was restored after a long
history of nuisance algae blooms. Almost four decades of restoration efforts, including upstream
alum treatments, widespread installation of best management practices, and the collaboration
of nine municipalities, resulted in improved water quality and attainment of water quality
standards.
• Pennsylvania restored nearly 14 miles ofBabb and Pine Creeks Watershed, impaired by
abandoned mine drainage. After nearly two decades of remediation by active and passive
treatment systems, pH and metal concentrations are now meeting water quality standards.
http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/nps/Success319/ (Dov Weitman, 202-566-1207)
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Interstate Management Conference Advances Coordination on
Mercury Emissions
i
Photographer: Eric Vance
Mercury in the air eventually settles into water or
onto land where it can be washed into water. Once
deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into
methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in
fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish.
,n June 2010, the first-ever Clean Water Act
Section 319(g) Management Conference
took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
EPA convened the Management Conference
. in response to a petition from seven
Northeast states - Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, and New York. Under Section 319(g), a
state may petition EPA to convene an interstate
management conference if the state is not meeting
water quality standards in whole or in part as a
result of nonpoint source pollution from another
state. The Northeast states based their petition on
the Northeast Regional Mercury Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL), which indicated that
reductions in mercury emissions from outside the
Northeast region are needed to meet water quality
standards. The petition named eleven upwind states
as contributing to deposition in the Northeast: Illinois,
Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey,
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
West Virginia. Air and water program experts from
seven Northeast states, the eleven named states, and
EPA Headquarters and Regions participated.
The conference included presentations on the Northeast states' Regional Mercury TMDL
and 319(g) petition, EPA's mercury deposition modeling, and EPA's schedule of upcoming
air regulations to address mercury emissions. Conferees shared successes and lessons
learned and identified key areas for further action at the state and national levels in the
areas of: technology, global deposition, communications, and product stewardship (i.e., a
product-centered approach to environmental protection, which calls on those in the product
lifecycle—manufacturers, retailers, users, and disposers—to share responsibility for reducing
the environmental impacts of products). The conference highlighted the fact that significant
action is already underway to reduce mercury emissions. It was agreed that reducing
mercury is a national and international issue, not just an upwind downwind states issue.
There was great interest among the states in continuing to meet in order to advance mercury
reduction efforts at both the state and national levels. States also expressed a strong desire
for federal leadership and a comprehensive approach to addressing mercury emissions at the
national level. The petition, meeting summary, and other related information are available at:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/mercury/319g.cfm. (Ruth Chemerys,
202-566-1216)
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Data Collection Continues on Four Major National Aquatic
Resource Surveys
„_. . «_orking with partners in the states, tribes,
M ^L ^ and other federal agencies, OWOW
M I ^ / is leading a series of statistically-
•/ %f representative surveys of the nation's
W w waters. These National Aquatic Resource
Surveys (NARS) report on the condition of the nation's
waters using core indicators and standardized lab and
field methods. The NARS help improve the states'
capacity for water quality monitoring and assessment.
The survey team and its state, tribal, and federal partners
made significant progress in all four assessments in 2010.
Participants in the National Wetlands
Condition Assessment set up a vegetation
sampling plot. Photographer: Joan Hurley
The Fifth National Coastal Condition Assessment (NCCA)
During the summer of 2010, field crews completed
sampling from more than 1,300 sites in the nation's estuarine waters and the Great Lakes.
Scientists monitored a wide range of water column constituents such as dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, and nutrients; sediment indicators such as sediment toxicity and benthic
macrofauna; and fish tissue. State and contract labs will be analyzing and validating the NCCA
data in early 2011, with a final report expected by December 2012. http://water.epa.gov/type/
oceb/ (Contact Greg Colianni, 202-566-1249)
National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) In 2010, scientists conducted lab analysis of
National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) samples collected in the summers of 2008 and
2009. The NRSA includes an evaluation of changes in the condition of small streams compared
to the finding of the 2004 Wadeable Streams Assessment, as well as an assessment of the current
condition of streams and large rivers (including the Great Rivers such as the Mississippi and
Missouri Rivers), and the key stressors in those waters.
The National Wetlands Condition Assessment (NWCA) This first-ever survey of the ecological
integrity of the nation's wetlands will help inform the public about the health of the nation's
wetlands and identify the most common causes of wetland degradation. In 2010, the NWCA
planning team finalized plans for sampling, set to begin in 2011. The team selected locations,
finalized methods, and produced technical support documents. These accomplishments
were the culmination of more than four years of rigorous scientific research, pilot surveys,
and stakeholder outreach to ensure the technical products supporting the NWCA are of the
highest quality. As with the other National Aquatic Resource Surveys, results will be provided
in a report, to be issued in 2013. When paired with national information produced by Fish and
Wildlife Service describing the quantity or extent of wetland resources, wetland managers will
have a stronger basis for developing effective protection strategies . http://water.epa.gov/type/
wetlands/assessment/survey/index.cfm. (Contact Michael Scozzafava, 202-566-1376)
The second National Lakes Assessment was in its research and planning phase, with sampling
scheduled to begin in 2012. www.epa.gov/aquaticsurveys (Sarah Lehmann, 202-566-1379)
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OSVBOLD Conducts 29 Scientific Surveys
The OSVBOLD supported EPA regional and headquarter priorities
along the East Coast, and in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean
during 2010. A wide variety of environmental monitoring was
conducted over 238 sea days. Some 29 scientific surveys were
performed and 3 educational events were held for the public and
community leaders at several major ports, including ports in urban
waters. The primary mission of the OSVBOLD is to conduct surveys
of the nation's Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (ODMDS).
Seven disposal sites were evaluated along the East Coast and in the
Caribbean in 2010. The data collected
indicate that the disposal sites are being
used properly; they are performing as designed; and no impacts to
human health or aquatic life were demonstrated. In addition to the
ODMDS evaluation surveys, the OSVBOLD also performs coastal
eutrophication and toxicity assessments, monitors ocean outfalls,
assesses critical coral reef habitats and the impacts of invasive coral
species, monitors hypoxia conditions within the Gulf of Mexico,
and gathers marine debris data, http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/
assessmonitorlosvbold_index.cfm (Kennard Potts, 202-566-1267)
Photographer: Charles LoBue
Photographer: Chris McArthur
Responding to the Gulf of Mexico BP Oil Spill
In response to the massive BP Oil Spill that began in the Gulf of Mexico
in April 2010, EPA regional and contractor crews collected pre- and
post-spill samples along the Gulf coast and beyond for chemicals related
to oil and dispersants; supported and advised federal partners in efforts
to clean reclaimed oil and waste from shorelines; and monitored the
effects of dispersants in subsurface waters.
During the crisis, OWOW staff played an instrumental role in
assessing the collected data against risk-based aquatic life and human
health benchmarks and posting the data on the web. To document
the impacts of the oil spill and determine if contaminants are accumulating over time, these data are
now being compared to long-term, consistent, baseline water-quality data, primarily National Coastal
Condition Assessment data from 2000 to 2006 (http://www.epa.gov/emap/nca/index.html). Though these
data may not include all contaminants of concern, they will support evaluation of changes following
the spill and subsequent restoration activities. EPA continues to coordinate with federal agencies such
as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, and Food and
Drug Administration to provide sampling locations, advocate indicators to sample, and share data and
protocols, http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/ (Treda Grayson, 202-566-0916)
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Climate Ready Estuaries Program Helps
Reduce Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
CLIMATE READY
ESTUARIES
xvEPA
During 2010, the The Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE)
Program and its National Estuary Program (NEP) partners became increasingly
involved in climate change adaptation efforts across the country and were at the
cutting edge of this field. The White House Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ) recognized CRE for its work in helping resource managers reduce their
vulnerability to climate change effects, and CEQ's Climate Adaptation Task Force cited CRE as
a good example of a Federal program helping to facilitate adaptation at the local level.
EPA provided targeted support to NEPs through grants and technical assistance, access to
key resources, and tools through the CRE website and Coastal toolkit and EPA also facilitated
collaboration and communication among NEP Partners and other federal, state, regional,
and local organizations. NEP partner accomplishments include: the development of climate
change indicators by two NEPs, one NEP's sponsorship of a vulnerability assessment and
development of adaptation options for several key resources in the NEP study area; and the
development by one NEP of a report providing scientific projections about climate change for
the NEP's study area followed by the NEP's development of an outreach plan for educating
local decision makers and stakeholders about the contents of that report, http://www.epa.gov/
climatereadyestuaries/. (Michael Craghan, 202-566-1946)
Ex-USS Kittiwake Sunk at Last: First International Vessel-to-Reef Project
EPA, the United States Maritime Administration, the
Cayman Islands Tourism Association, and the Cayman
Islands Department of the Environment worked closely
to successfully complete the First International Vessel-
to-Reef Project. The Ex-USS Kittiwake was prepared
and cleaned to maintain a clean and safe marine
environment, as well as to provide potential habitat for
aquatic organisms. On November 12, 2010, EPA issued
a clearance letter to the Cayman Islands government,
indicating that both the requirements of TSCA and the
cleanup goals of the BMP Guidance had been met. On
December 17, 2010, the vessel towing from Norfolk, Virginia to the Cayman Islands
commenced, and the Kittiwake arrived at Grand Cayman on December 25. The vessel was
sunk off the lee side of Grand Cayman on January 5, 2011. The vessel is currently sitting
upright at a depth of 65 feet, with the uppermost structure of the vessel just 15 feet below
the surface. (Laura Johnson, 202-566-1273)
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EPA Document Number: 840R11001
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds,
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (4501T)
Washington, DC 20460
June 2011
www.epa.gov/owow
Please note that mention of any commercial product, enterprise or service
does not mean that EPA endorses them.
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