IMPLEMENTING THE
NA T/ONAL WA TER PROGRAM
STRATEGY:
RESPONSE TO CUM A TE CHANGE
PROGRESS REPORT
FOR 2008
rtto
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
January 2009
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Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Table of Contents
I) Introduction 1
II) Implementation of Climate Strategy by 3
National Water Program Offices
A) Goal 1: Mitigation 4
B) Goal 2: Adaptation 17
C) Goal 3: Research 36
D) Goal 4: Education 39
E) Goal 5: Management 42
III) Climate Change and Water Activities 45
in EPA Regions
IV) Other Climate Change and Water Activities 56
APPENDIX:
Status of Implementation of 44 Key Actions in National 61
Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change
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I) Introduction
In March of 2007, the Office of Water
established a Climate Change Workgroup made up
of senior water program managers from
Headquarters and the EPA Regional Offices. This
Workgroup assessed the implications of climate
change for clean water and drinking water programs
managed by the EPA Office of Water. After meeting
with interested stakeholders, the Workgroup
developed a National Water Program Strategy:
Response to Climate Change, which was published
in September 2008.
Over the past year, the National Water
Program has been both finalizing the Strategyanti
proceeding with implementation of many of the actions described in the Strategy.
This report describes the progress made in implementing the Strategy during
2008.
The Strategy provides an overview of the major impacts of a changing
climate on water resources and water programs, describes overall goals for the
water program response to climate change, and identifies 44 specific actions for
EPA to take to accomplish these goals during 2008 and 2009. One of the key
actions (i.e. key action # 38) calls for an annual, public report on the work EPA is
doing to implement the Strategy. This progress report has been developed in
response to key action #38.
Report Organization
This document describes the implementation work that occurred in 2008
and is divided into three major sections:
• a description of activities by National Program Offices to implement the
44 key actions in the Strategy;
• a review of implementation of water-related climate change activities in
EPA Regions; and
• a summary of EPA climate and water-related activities not specifically
addressed in the Strategy.
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The discussion of implementation of key actions is organized based on the
five major goals of the Strategy.
Goal 1: Water Program Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases: Use core water
programs to contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation
Goal 2: Water Program Adaptation to Climate Change: Adapt
implementation of core water programs to maintain and improve program
effectiveness in the context of a changing climate and assist States and
communities in this effort.
Goal 3: Climate Change Research Related to Water: Strengthen the link
between EPA water programs and climate change research.
Goal 4: Water Program Education on Climate Change: Educate water
program professionals and stakeholders on climate change impacts on
water resources and water programs.
Goal 5: Water Program Management of Climate Change: Establish the
management capability within the National Water Program to engage
climate change challenges on a sustained basis.
As indicated in the chart to
the right, half of the 44 key actions
involve tasks related to adapting
water program implementation to a
changing climate. Eleven key
actions relate to opportunities to
mitigate greenhouse gases through
water program activities. The
remaining actions relate to water-
related research on climate
change, education of water
program managers on climate
change issues, and integrating
climate change within the
management structure of the
National Water Program.
Some of these key actions that support these five goals involve existing
water program work that has climate change implications while other actions
involve new activities, or changes in the direction of current activities, in response
to climate change. Implementation of these new key actions was planned with
an assumption of level funding and activities that could not be supported with
available resources were deferred.
44 Key Actions Support Five
Goals
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Adaptation
Mitigation
22
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Finally, the narrative portion of this report is supplemented with
appendices summarizing the implementation work, including the status of each
key action with respect to implementation milestones and schedules and the work
in EPA Regional offices related to climate change and water.
Summary of Progress
Overall, progress in
implementation of the
Strategy k\ 2008 has been
substantial.
As indicated in the
chart to the right, work on all
but three of the 44 key actions
has been initiated. For most
of these actions, interim
milestones and schedules
have been accomplished and
work is on schedule. Six of
these actions are currently
behind schedule. One of the key actions is now complete.
Some highlights of successful implementation efforts include:
• publication of proposed regulations designed to assure that geologic
sequestration of carbon does not pose a threat to underground sources
of drinking water;
• development of the "Climate Ready Estuaries Program;" and
• establishment of a Federal Interagency Workgroup on climate change
and water matters.
Next Steps
EPA is committed to sustaining a strong effort to implement the Strategy
and is actively engaged in adjustment of implementation plans in response to
changing conditions and new scientific and programmatic information.
More information about the Strategy, including information on the
development of the Strategy and its implementation is available on the Office of
Water Climate Change Website at: www.epa.aov/water/climatechanae. In
addition, the Office of Water has established a Water Program/Climate Change
Listserve. Anyone interested in receiving emails providing periodic updates on
water and climate change topics, including implementation of the Strategy, is
welcome to sign up for this Listserve.
Status of 44 Key Actions: Key
Actions Initiated, On Schedule and
Completed
50
40
30
20
10
Initiated
On Schedule Completed
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II) Implementation of Climate Strategy by
National Water Program Offices
The key actions identified in the Strategy support five major goals:
• Goal 1: Mitigation;
• Goal 2: Adaptation;
• Goal 3: Research;
• Goal 4: Education; and
• Goal 5: Management.
Each of the four national program offices within the Office of Water is
responsible for implementing the key actions that support these five major goals.
These offices include:
• the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM);
• the Office of Science and Technology (OST);
• the Office of Wetlands, Ocean, and Watersheds (OWOW); and
• the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW).
The Office of the Assistant Administrator for Water (OWIO) is also
responsible for implementing several of the key actions that cut across water
program offices.
A status report on the work being done in each of these program offices to
implement the key actions that support the five goals in the Strategy is provided
below in section A through E.
A) Implementation of Goal 1: Water Program
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases
The largest sources of emissions and
of potential reductions of greenhouse gases
are from the electricity generation,
transportation and industry sectors.
However, reductions of greenhouse gases
associated with water programs can play a
role in America's efforts to reduce
greenhouse gases.
Goal 1: Water Program Mitigation of
Greenhouse Gases: use water
programs to contribute to greenhouse
gas mitigation.
Many of the actions that can help reduce greenhouse gas releases also
help conserve scarce water supplies and help improve water quality. Water
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conservation is a win-win-win situation-in many cases a single program
investment will have greenhouse gas, water supply, and water quality benefits,
and will lead to economic savings and greater sustainability of water
infrastructure.
The key actions related to water programs that lead to mitigation of
greenhouse gases are described in this section and fall into several categories:
¦ water-related energy conservation/production;
¦ water conservation;
¦ "green building" design and "smart growth;" and
¦ direct greenhouse gas emissions mitigation from agriculture.
If creation of greenhouse gases cannot be avoided, these gases can be
"sequestered" so that they are not released to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide
sequestration refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and sequestering or capturing the carbon dioxide to prevent release
to the atmosphere. Sequestration activities related to water programs include:
¦ geologic sequestration of carbon through underground injection; and
¦ "biological" carbon sequestration through forestry and agricultural
practices, many of which benefit water resources.
Key actions in support of this goal are addressed below.
KEY ACTION #1: Improve Energy Efficiency at Water and Wastewater
Utilities. The National Water Program will continue to work with the Office of Air
and Radiation (OAR) to promote energy performance benchmarking programs,
use of energy audits and energy tracking systems, use of alternative energy
sources within plants (e.g., solar, wind, hydro), installation of Combined Heat and
Power systems for heat and energy generation in facilities that use anaerobic
digesters, and will provide State and local governments information on available
and emerging treatment technology. (Lead Office: OWM)
Status:
In February, 2008, the Assistant Administrator for Water issued a memo to
the EPA Regions on the nexus between water and energy (see:
http://www.epa.aov/waterinfrastructure/pdfs/memo si bengrumbles nexus-
between-water-energy 02142008.pdf.) The memo is designed to elevate this
important within the Regions and to solicit their involvement in promoting
residential and commercial water efficiency, as well as energy efficiency at water
and wastewater treatment plants.
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OWM and OGWDW have also created a new web page addressing water
and energy resources linked to the Better Management page (see
http://www.epa.aov/waterinfrastructure/bettermanaaement enerav.html
OWM developed, in cooperation with EPA Region 1, the Energy
Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities.to help utilities
address their key energy challenges through the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach
embodied in environmental management systems (EMS). This Guidebookwas
released in January, 2008 and can be found on the internet at
http://www.epa.aov/waterinfrastructure/pdfs/auidebook si enerqymanagement.p
df.
In addition, OWM has offered seven energy management training
workshops across the country in 2008 and plans to conduct four additional
workshops in 2009.
OWM is also collaborating with partners, including the EPA Office of Air
and Radiation (OAR) and Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) to
pursue activities related to energy conservation and biogas use at publicly owned
treatment works (POTWs) and the reduction or offsetting of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions from POTWs, where possible. The goals are to significantly
improve energy use efficiency, expand onsite methane to energy production, and
reduce and offset GHG emissions.
In a key step toward stengthening cooperation with OAR was
accomplished in November 2008 with the signing of a joint Memorandum of
Understanding between OAR and OW (including both OWM and OGWDW) on
energy efficiency at water facilities. This MOU is intended to provide a strong
foundation for cooperation between the offices in this critical area and can be
found on the internet at: on the internet at:
www.epa.aov/water/climatechanae/implementation.html.
OWM and OAR will continue to work on several of their programs
including:
¦ Energy Star Program to promote energy performance benchmarking: 1)
strengthen the energy bench marking tool to expand benchmarking
capability to various plant process configurations and advanced treatment
processes and incorporate biosolids management, handling and disposal
options for wastewater facilities; and 2) help develop OAR's guide to
improve energy efficiency and implement cost saving opportunities for the
municipal wastewater industry.
¦ Combined Heat and Power Partnership \.o 1) promote the beneficial use of
digester gas to produce power and heat for wastewater operations; and 2)
promote ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for wastewater
treatment and biosolids operations.
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Development of fact sheets and case studies tor municipal wastewater
treatment plant operators on energy conservation and alternative energy
sources.
OWM is also working within OAR's schedule, and we anticipate that OAR
will produce an Energy Star energy management guide for the wastewater
industry and case studies and fact sheets within the next several years.
OWM is also planning, depending on resource availability, a study of
successful POTW energy conservation projects. The document would be
targeted to POTW decision makers to demonstrate the economic feasibility and
greenhouse gas reduction benefits of implementing energy conservation projects
that result in energy savings with reasonable payback periods. The study would
summarize current available technical information and present performance, cost
and savings data for a number of actual successful energy conservation projects.
OWM is also supporting the activities of our key stakeholders, such as the
Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Water Environment Research
Foundation (WERF) to promote energy conservation and recovery at wastewater
treatment plants including:
WERF's Issue Area Team (IA T) to coordinate priority research needs in
energy management, solids volume reduction, and resource recovery; and
WEF technical programs at the 2008 Water Environment Federation
Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) on energy management
and recovery.
KEY ACTION #2: Implement the WaterSense Program. EPA will continue its
current efforts to implement the WaterSense program and will incorporate
educational information about related reductions in energy use. (Lead Office:
OWM)
Status:
Through increased water efficiency, significant energy efficiencies are
gained thereby helping to decrease our nation's carbon footprint. EPA will
continue its current efforts through the WaterSense program (
http://www.epa.aov/owm/water-efficiency/) to inform the public about the energy
required to supply, heat, and treat water and to coordinate the efforts of voluntary
programs related to water and energy efficiency. WaterSense is saving 277
million gallons of water each year and results in saving Americans $1.6 million
each year on water utility bills.
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WaterSense program staff attended a Water-Energy meeting in Chicago in
March 2008 and continue to collaborate with ENERGY STAR and the Alliance for
Water Efficiency to make the water-energy connection on a regular basis.
(Information about the Water-Energy meeting in Chicago is available at
http://www.energystar.aov/index.cfm?c=partners.pt meetings water2008. the
ENERGY STAR website is http://www.energystar.gov. and the Alliance for Water
Efficiency website is http://www.allianceforwaterefficiencv.org/.)
Also in March, 2008, WaterSense staff worked with the Office of Air and
Radiation to finalize and publish Water and Energy: Leveraging Voluntary
Programs to Save Both Water and Energy, a joint report illustrating the co-
benefits of energy and water efficiency programs and summarizing the current
and future opportunities to be pursued under the ENERGY STAR and
WaterSense programs to save both energy and water (
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/Final%20Report%20
Mar%202008.pdf).
WaterSense completed a brochure for public distribution, "Saving Water,
Saves Energy" and incorporated specific "Drops to Watts" messaging in all
presentations to educate audiences on the connections between water and
energy consumption (see: http://epa.gov/watersense/pubs/waterenergv.htm).
KEY ACTION #3: Water Conservation and Management for Drinking Water
Systems. The National Water Program will explore opportunities with States and
drinking water systems to better address expected impacts of climate change on
water supply and water usage rates through water conservation and water
resources management. (Lead Office: OGWDW)
Status:
OGWDW is providing support for states' efforts, described below, through
the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) to define water
conservation and resource management issues and options related to source
water availability, variability and sustainability.
In May 2007, OGWDW participated in two state listening sessions with
ASDWA and the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) on water availability,
variability and sustainability (WAVS) issues. Findings from the state listening
sessions were presented and additional listening sessions were held at ASDWA
and GWPC annual meetings.
ASDWA completed a national survey of state water management issues,
practices and water conservation policies, programs and implementation
mechanisms in Spring 2008. Survey findings will be summarized in a draft white
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paper now undergoing State/EPA workgroup review and scheduled for release in
the first half of 2009. The white paper will guide further work by ASDWA.
ASDWA's web site has begun highlighting WAVS issues at:
http://www.asdwa.org/index. cfm?fuseaction=Paae.viewPaae&paaeld=526&paren
tlD=473&nodelD=1.
KEY ACTION #4: Water Conveyance Leak Detection and Remediation. The
National Water Program will promote technologies to identify and address
leakage from water pipes and other conveyances. (Lead Office: OGWDW with
OWM)
Status:
EPA is collecting and compiling information on tools and techniques to
conduct water audits and to identify and repair leaks in drinking water distribution
systems. The information will be summarized in a document (hardcopy and web
version) using decision tree and matrix formats to allow utilities to identify and
implement effective water loss mitigation tools.
Key milestones in this work include:
¦ Develop and launch dedicated web page for water loss document, general
water loss mitigation information, available research, links to state
programs and utility organization resources; expected July 2009.
¦ Deliver a one-hour webinar (125 connections) to promote water loss
mitigation and provide a synopsis of the information contained in the water
loss mitigation document; expected October 2009.
KEY ACTION #5: Industrial Water Conservation, Reuse and Recycling
Technology Transfer. The National Water Program will identify industries and
facilities that best maximize their water efficiency and develop a technical guide
for control authorities and industry for promoting water minimization, reuse, and
recycling. (Lead Office: OST/OWM)
Status:
OW is funding the Water Science and Technology Board of the National
Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NRC/NAS) to conduct
study on 11 Assessment of Water Reuse as an Approach for Meeting Future Water
Supply Needs." The study began this year and the report is expected by the end
of 2010, at which time the results will be incorporated into case studies, fact
sheets and technical guidance. (Information about the study is available at
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=48995.)
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The study is assessing the current state-of-the-technology in wastewater
treatment and production of reclaimed water; how available treatment
technologies compare in terms of treatment performance, cost, energy use, and
environmental impacts; challenges and limitations; infrastructure requirements of
water reuse for various purposes; life cycle costs; benefits of water reclamation;
and how reuse compares with other supply alternatives. More specifically,
results of this study will be used to:
¦ update and revise its "2004 Guidelines for Water Reuse" (available at
http://www.epa.aov/nrmrl/pubs/625r04108/625r04108.pdf):
¦ develop a comparison of performance, costs, energy requirements and
greenhouse gas releases for different levels of wastewater treatment;
¦ develop a comparison of costs, energy requirements and greenhouse gas
releases for water reclamation/reuse vs. desalination vs. long distance
transport of water supplies and vs. pumping from deep aquifers, including
case studies;
¦ update the comparison of wastewater treatment systems' performance,
costs and energy use included in the 1993 report issued by the Water
Science Technology Board on Managing Wastewater in Coastal Urban
Areas (available at
http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2049#toc); and
¦ develop case examples of the use of reclaimed municipal effluent as an
alternative water supply by various types of industries.
KEY ACTION #6: Federal Agency Water Conservation Guidance.
The National Water Program will develop Water Efficiency Implementation
Guidance for all Federal agencies under Executive Order 13423. (Lead Office:
OWM)
Status:
Executive Order (EO) 13423, Strengthening Federal En vironmentai.
Energy and Transportation Management January 29, 2007) directs each agency
beginning in FY 2008 to reduce water consumption intensity, relative to the
baseline of the agency's water consumption in FY 2007, through life-cycle cost-
effective measures by 2% annually through the end of the fiscal year 2015 or 16
percent by the end of FY 2015. For more information about the guidelines for
meeting these goals, see the Water Efficiency Goals Guidance page. Federal
sites should strive to meet or exceed this 2% annual savings in water use
intensity each year. See also DOE guidance at:
http://www1 .eere.eneray.gov/femp/pdfs/water auidance.pdf
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EO 13423 also directs Federal sites to conduct water audits of at least
10% of facility square footage annually and to conduct audits at least every 10
years. Federal agencies also are encouraged to purchase water efficient
products and services, including WaterSense labeled products, and use
contractors who are certified through a WaterSense labeled program, where
applicable. More information can be found at the Environmental Protection
Agency's WaterSense web site.
It should be noted that the requirements under EO 13423 supersede the
requirements in EO 13123, namely the development of Water Management Plans
and the implementation of FEMP Water Efficiency Best Management Practices
(BMPs). However, agencies are encouraged to use these existing tools in
achieving the goals of EO 13423.
OWM worked with Federal Water Guidance Working Group (WGWG) to
update and revise the Water Efficiency Best Management Practices (BMPs) for
Federal agencies. The new BMPs were posted on the FEMP website in February
2008; see http://www1 .eere.eneray.gov/femp/water/water bmp.html. OWM also
provided Questions & Answers for Federal building managers on the BMPs and
posted WaterSense information.
WaterSense opened promotional partnership to federal agencies by
welcoming the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a partner in June
2008. WaterSense continues to encourage federal agencies to become
promotional partners.
KEY ACTION #7: Promote Energy Saving/Generating "Green Buildings" and
"Green Infrastructure" Including Provisions Allowing Such Practices in
Stormwater Permits. The National Water Program will work with other EPA
offices to support States, Tribes, and local governments and the private sector in
promoting the "green buildings" rating systems, with a focus on saving water and
energy and will work to integrate "green infrastructure" practices into stormwater
permits. (Lead Office: OWOW with OWM)
Status:
OWM will lead efforts to develop green infrastructure and National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits.
EPA formally released the Green Infrastructure (Gl) Action Strategy on
January 17, 2008, entitled Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure.
Included in its framework is a set of actions to address Clean Water Act (CWA)
regulatory support.
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Milestones include:
1. Memo clarifying that Green Infrastructure approaches are
acceptable controls for combined sewer overflows (CSOs), stormwater
etc. within the CWA.
On August 16, 2008, EPA issued the memorandum, "Use of Green
Infrastructure in NPDES Permits and Enforcement" to EPA Regional
Water Division Directors, EPA Regional Counsel/Enforcement
Coordinators, and State NPDES Directors, committing to the development
of specific guidance to assist implementation (see
http://www.epa.aov/npdes/pubs/ai memo enforce.pdf).
2. Technical support to States for customized permit language for
municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits and fact sheets .
* West Virginia proposed an MS4 general permit incorporating Green
Infrastructure this summer (2008). OWM participated in both a technical
meeting with their MS4s and a general public meeting. The State re-
proposed the general permit in January 2009.
• Tennessee draft permit is undergoing internal review.
• Oregon is taking comments on a proposed 'template' for their
Phase I permits.
• Pennsylvania has requested assistance on both MS4 and
Construction permits; OWM has had one preliminary meeting so
far.
3. Guidebook for State/Region permitting & enforcement programs on
facilitating use of Green Infrastructure via regulatory programs.
EPA anticipates completing the Guidebook in Spring 2009. The
Guidebook compiles various green infrastructure operation and
maintenance protocols and examples for use in State/Region programs.
4. Guidance on interface between Green Infrastructure stormwater
technologies and underground injection control (UIC) regulations for class
V wells.
EPA issued the memorandum titled, "Clarification on which stormwater
infiltration practices/technologies have the potential to be regulated as
"Class V" wells by the Underground Injection Control Program" on June
13, 2008 to EPA Regional Water Division Directors:
http://www.epa.aov/npdes/pubs/memo gi classvwells.pdf. EPA is
incorporating a presentation of this information into its green infrastructure
workshops.
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5. Training for municipal officials who operate MS4s, CSOs, and other
wet weather programs.
EPA has developed and conducted a significant of workshops in 2008 and
has maintained webcast training available on the EPA website at:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/outreach.cfm?program_id=0&otype=1 Many
additional training tools are available from the EPA website at
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298 , including
research reports, case studies, models, and calculators.
For calendar year 2009: Region 3 has requested five workshops and
there are two additional requests for Region 4, one request from Region 6
and from Region 7.
6. Pilot collaboration to develop 'green' long-term control plans
(LTCPs) in select communities.
EPA is involved in number of negotiations with communities on
incorporating solutions into LTCPs for combined sewer overflow (CSO)
abatement. This has typically includes working closely via our regional
offices, with state enforcement authorities, Department of Justice, and
other relevant agencies, to come to mutual understanding and agreement
about feasible technologies, enforcement order provisions and other
issues. We expect several communities to finalize LTCPs in 2009 with
notable green infrastructure components. Ongoing technical assistance to:
Kansas City MO, Louisville KY, New York NY.
In addition, in 2007 EPA, released LTCP-EZ, a template for LTCP
development for small communities. We have just initiated work on
revisions to LTCP-EZ to include green infrastructure elements. We expect
to have this available by fall 2009.
KEY ACTION #8: Develop Geologic Sequestration Regulations. In 2008,
EPA will work with stakeholders to consider comments on regulations, proposed
in July 2008, for siting and managing geologic sequestration (GS) projects to
prevent endangerment of underground sources of drinking water.
(Lead Office: OGWDW)
Status:
The Drinking Water Protection Division within the EPA Office of Water is
developing regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act's (SDWA's)
Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.
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Key milestones include:
• Conducted a two-day public stakeholder meeting in Washington DC
to discuss the development of proposed regulations (completed
December 2007);
• Hold a second two-day public meeting in Washington DC
(completed February 2008);
• Published a proposed rule for public comment (completed July
2008);
• Held public hearings on the proposal in Chicago and Denver
(completed September and October 2008);
• Extended the public comment period on the proposal to December
24, 2008.
The Agency will review and revise the rule based on comments and
expects to publish the final rule in late 2010 or 2011. A key need is to build
technical capacity in the states and direct implementation (Dl) Regions.
KEY ACTION #9: Continue Technical Sequestration Workshops. The
National Water Program will continue to coordinate with EPA's Office of
Research and Development, the Department of Energy, and National
Laboratories on geologic sequestration research and hold public meetings and
workshops with experts and stakeholders.
(Lead Office: OGWDW)
Status:
The Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water completed its technical
workshop series in January 2008 in New Orleans with a public workshop that
addressed measurement, monitoring, and verification issues associated with
carbon dioxide geologic sequestration. This key action is complete.
Coordination with EPA's Office of Research and Development, the
Department of Energy, and National Laboratories will be ongoing throughout rule
development.
KEY ACTION #10: Support Evaluation of Sub-seabed and Ocean
Sequestration of CO2. EPA will work with other interested agencies and the
international community to develop guidance on sub-seabed carbon
sequestration and will address any requests for carbon sequestration in the sub-
seabed or "fertilization" of the ocean, including any permitting under the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) or the Underground
Injection Control program that may be required. (Lead Office: OWOW)
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Status:
The Oceans and Coastal Protection Division will address any requests for
permits under the MPRSA for carbon sequestration in the sub-seabed or for
fertilization of the ocean for the purpose of sequestration. No requests are
pending or expected at this time.
International guidance on sub-seabed carbon sequestration has been
completed. Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol, under the
chairmanship of the United States, completed guidance for sub-seabed carbon
sequestration. The guidance, entitled "Specific Guidelines for Assessment of
Carbon Dioxide Streams for Disposal into Sub-seabed Geological Formations,"
was adopted by the 2nd meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Protocol in
November 2007. The guidance will be posted on the International Maritime
Organization's website. In the meantime, it can be found as Annex 4 to the report
of the meeting at which it was adopted:
http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data id%3D20797/17.pdf.
Extensive coordination is needed within EPA (especially with the UIC
program and the Climate Change Program), as well as with interested Federal
agencies (such as DOE, NOAA, and DOS), state agencies, international bodies
(such as the London Convention/London Protocol Scientific Groups), and other
stakeholders.
KEY ACTION #11: Pilot Marketing of Nonpoint Source Biological
Sequestration. The National Water Program will support cooperative pilot
projects with selected State section 319 nonpoint pollution control programs to
demonstrate the potential for the cumulative results of 319 programs to provide
carbon sequestration benefits. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
OW is working with a contractor to define potential markets for water
related biological sequestration actions, include both clean water and drinking
water. This work will result in background papers for OW staff and other
interested parties outlining options and issues for water programs.
The EPA Science Advisory Board is expected to release a draft of the
integrated Nitrogen Strategy for the Agency in the near future which will comment
on the science behind N-storage as well as carbon sequestration in the N-cycle.
The Conservation Technology Information Center recently hosted an
international carbon sequestration symposium (see
http://www.conservationinformation.org/?action=article&id=41). The proceedings
will soon be published and will be of great assistance to watershed planners in
developing 319 projects for carbon and nutrient storage.
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EPA is participating in a DOI-led workgroup, called for in the new Energy
Bill, to study Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration. OWOW is also following the
research and information being compiled by the Consortium for Agricultural Soil
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases (see http://www.casmas.colostate.edu/).
EPA will support cooperative pilot projects by providing appropriate
assistance where states express interest.
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II) Implementation of Goal 2: Water Program
Adaptation to Climate Change
Goal 2: Water Program Adaptation to
Climate Change: adapt implementation
of core water programs to maintain and
improve program effectiveness in the
context of a changing climate.
As the climate changes, the
National Water Program has an
obligation to continue to ensure that
water is safe to drink and that the
health of aquatic ecosystems is
protected. To meet this challenge,
Federal, State and Tribal managers
of clean water and drinking water programs will need to adapt the implementation
of the programs in light of the changing climate.
Adaptation of water programs to climate change will be a long and iterative
process. The understanding of the impacts of climate change on water that is
now emerging from scientific studies, however, provides a sufficient basis for
defining an initial set of preliminary steps to adapt water programs to climate
change.
Key actions that National Water Program managers will take in response
to climate change are discussed in the following five sections representing core
water programs:
• Drinking Water, Water Quality and Effluent Standards;
• Watershed Protection;
• NPDES Permits;
• Water Infrastructure; and
• Wetlands Protection.
Key actions in support of this goal are addressed below.
KEY ACTION #12: Address Impacts of Climate Change on Potential
Contamination of Drinking Water Sources. The National Water Program will
evaluate, as part of the contaminant occurrence analyses supporting the EPA six
year review of drinking water standards and the contaminant candidate list, the
potential for projected climate change to increase the nature and extent of
contaminants in drinking water supplies and systems. (Lead Office: OGWDW)
Status:
As the Six Year Review of regulated drinking water contaminants
proceeds, OGWDW will evaluate currently available information for possible
impacts of climate change on the occurrence of particular contaminants in water
systems and identify what, if any, options may be prudent to address possible
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changes in the nature and extent of contaminants in drinking water supplies and
systems. The Agency expects to publish its preliminary results for the second Six
Year Review in the Federal Register in late summer of 2009 and plans to request
information from the public that may be useful in evaluating/considering the
impact of climate change on contaminant occurrence in drinking water.
KEY ACTION #13: Assess Need for New or Revised Clean Water Microbial
Criteria and Risks of Waterborne Disease. The National Water Program will
assess the potential for increases in waterborne disease and other water-related
disease vectors as a result of climate change, including recommendations for
appropriate responses (e.g., publish new or revised biological/pathogen criteria
for surface waters). (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
OST completed a literature review of re-growth of pathogens and
pathogen indicators in tropical climates (December 2007) and is reviewing this
information to determine relationships between pathogens and changing
environmental parameters.
OST will also assess effects of changes in environmental parameters (e.g.
temperature and rainfall) on recreational waters and will study tropical climates
as a surrogate for waterbodies affected by climate change.
OST will conduct an epidemiological study to determine if the risks to
human health when recreating in tropical waters are different from risks to human
health when recreating in other recreation waters. The study is expected to be
completed in December 2010.
KEY ACTION #14: Clean Water Criteria for Sedimentation/ Velocity. In
anticipation of increased flow and velocity and sediment loadings in some
streams, rivers, and estuaries, the National Water Program will review the
potential for development of criteria for sediment and velocity in streams that are
appropriate to these changing conditions. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
OST is examining the policy and technical implications of velocity or flow
standards. This has included discussions with water quality standards
coordinators, and the Water Quality Standards Managers' Association (2007 and
2008).
Additionally, OST is providing technical and policy support to Regions and
states interested in developing flow criteria, including helping Region 1 develop
flow-based biological criteria (January 2008).
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OST will compile information on current state and regional
sedimentation/velocity initiatives/programs and will scope the issues and current
tools available on sedimentation and velocity (2009). OST will also identify all
flow/velocity standards nationally (2009).
KEY ACTION #15: Develop Biological Indicators and Methods. The National
Water Program will improve the biological information base to better manage
water resources in a changing climate, including developing guidance on coral
reef bioassessments and biological criteria. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
OST will conduct a scoping exercise to determine which states/regions
have developed or are developing biological indicators of climate change. ORD
conducted a workshop in February 2008 in which states reported on their
biological baselines and biological indicators related to climate change; see
http://www.epa.aov/ncea/workshop/. ORD is also planning to conduct four pilot
studies on adaptation options with bioassessment programs with four states in
different climatic regions of the country (Ohio, North Carolina, Utah and Maine).
OST will work closely with ORD in this area.
OST, in cooperation with ORD, completed the Stony Coral Rapid
Bioassessment protocol in July 2007. ORD is taking the lead in the development
of the draft biocriteria technical guidance manual for stony corals for OST. It is
expected to be completed in 2010.
OST is coordinating with ORD's National Center for Environmental
Assessment (NCEA), which is leading the effort to assess state biocriteria
programs and climate change. OST is also coordinating with ORD's National
Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) on the
development of the stony coral biocriteria technical methods manual.
KEY ACTION #16: Link Ecological and Landscape Models. The National
Water program will work with the Office of Research and Development and the
Office of Air and Radiation and Federal partners to invest in refinement of models
of ecological process and landscape hydrology. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
OST is in the process of integrating the Surface Water Assessment Tool
(SWAT) into BASINS and expects to complete this work by March, 2009. At the
present time, SWAT does not provide the capability to readily address climate
change scenarios in any of the other GIS platforms through which it is available.
(Information about BASINS is available at
http://www.epa.aov/waterscience/basins/.)
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OST is also integrating the Climate Assessment Tool (CAT) into SWAT
(Fall 2009). BASINS4.0 system will allow the public substantially greater access
to the environmental impact forecasting capabilities that the CAT can provide
when linked to this popular and widely used watershed model. (Information
about CAT is available at
http://cfpub.epa.aov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=198586.)
KEY ACTION #17: Evaluate New Industry Sectors. The National Water
Program will evaluate new industry sectors (including biofuels) and existing
effluent guidelines for industrial categories to determine potential NPDES
permitting needs and assess the need for new or revised technology-based
performance standards. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
Alternate energy source development may result in effluent sources that
need to be controlled. As part of its effluent guideline planning process, OST will
review industrial sectors that have emerged or whose discharges have changed
as a result of climate change issues.
The Water Permits Division and Engineering and Analysis Divisions within
the EPA Office of Water also intend to evaluate whether effluent limitations
guidelines might be appropriate for alternative energy sources such as biofuels.
In addition, EPA intends to study whether these new industries associated with
climate change, will require permits as new sources and/or new dischargers.
Potential changes in effluent composition, such as changes in pollutants or the
amount of pollutants due to new or different air emissions control technologies or
the addition of carbon sequestration technologies, may also require modifications
to existing industrial effluent guidelines or require changes in permit limitations for
some existing industrial categories.
Key activities include:
1. Evaluate existing effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) to determine if they
are applicable to emerging industry sectors such as biofuels.
As part of its annual 304(m) effluent guideline planning process, OST is
evaluating new industrial sectors to determine if they may require further
study or potential regulation. Climate impacts, including water
conservation and reuse, are considered in the review. OW issued the
most recent 304(m) plan in September 2008. The preliminary plan for
2010 is due in October 2009.
Additionally, as part of the 2009 Clean Water Act Section 304(m) annual
review, EPA is soliciting information on industrial sectors that use water
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efficiency practices that promote water efficiency, re-use, or recycling.
EPA is seeking this information to inform its evaluation of technology
options across multiple industrial sectors.
http://www.epa.aov/fedrastr/EPA-WATER/2008/September/Day-
15Zw21484.htm
Water efficiency practices can reduce the amount of pollutants discharged
by industrial facilities, especially for those facilities that have on-site
wastewater treatment systems, but also for those without them. EPA's
effluent guidelines rulemakings and reviews have documented numerous
examples of industrial facilities employing water conservation as a means
to meet effluent limitations based on promulgated effluent guidelines (see
documents listed in Section 12.1 of EPA-HQ-OW-2004-0032-2783.1).
Reducing water use will also reduce associated costs (and energy
requirements) for industry.
On August 11, 2008, EPA's Office of Water, Water Permits Division and
the Engineering and Analysis Division Directors issued the memorandum,
"Applicability of Effluent Guidelines and Categorical Pretreatment
Standards to Biodiesel Manufacturing" to EPA Regional Water Division
Directors that summarizes existing ELGs and their relationship to the
biodiesel industry:
http://www.epa.aov/npdes/pubs/memo biodieselpretreatment aua08.pdf
2. Conduct site visits of new industries as part of a process to characterize
the discharges.
In 2007 and 2008, EPA staff visited approximately 30 biofuels facilities
(ethanol manufacturing, biodiesel manufacturing, integrated facilities)
throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest U.S. to gain a better
understanding of the processes and their discharge characteristics. The
results of the observations were developed into the memorandum issued
in #1, above, and the Biodiesel and Ethanol Technical Guidances issued
by EPA Region 7.
3. Conduct a literature review to determine how industries will be impacted
by climate change and to develop an understanding of emerging
industries. For example, Canada has done work related to this that could
provide useful insight about new industries sectors and their impacts.
OW is working with a contractor to evaluate how various facilities, permit
parameters, and permit conditions may be affected by climate change.
Additional information is being evaluated through the annual review
conducted under Clean Water Act 304(m) effluent guideline planning
process. (See discussion in #1 above.)
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KEY ACTION #18: Watershed Climate Change Policy Memo. The Office of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds will develop a Climate Change Policy memo
that promotes the incorporation of responses to climate change into these core
programs. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
Predicted changes in climate, particularly precipitation, stream flow,
temperature and coastal inundation, could affect existing programs to protect and
restore watersheds on a regional basis throughout the nation.
OWOW is examining the likely effects, uncertainty and possible responses
to modify, if necessary, their existing program and policy structures. The results
of those deliberations will be published in a discussion memo in 2009. Because
of the uncertainty inherent in predicting changes to local watersheds and the
flexibility of existing programs to respond to identified problems, program
adjustments may be unnecessary.
KEY ACTION #19: Expand National Water Resource Surveys to Include
Climate Change Indicators. The National Water Program will expand the national
water resources surveys, such as the recent assessment of wadeable streams
and the Coastal Condition Report, to address climate change issues and
information. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
The National Aquatic Resources Survey Team is exploring opportunities
for the national aquatic resource surveys in evaluating the impact of climate
change on our nation's rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and coastal
waters.
Key activities are:
• The Survey Team worked with other agency partners planning a half-day
session for the Workshop on Climate Change Effects on Biological
Indicators: Rivers, Streams and Lakes sponsored by NCEA on February
19-21,2008.
• The Coastal Survey will evaluate existing data from NOAA and States on
habitat destruction and sea level rise to include in the next Coastal
Condition Report that will be released in 2011.
• A potential indicator under consideration for future fresh water surveys is
an evaluation of changes in the extent of the target population. For
example, the Western Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP) rivers and streams project included an indicator to
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describe the size of the population of perennial waters versus intermittent
and ephemeral waters. Changes in the size of the population reflect
shorter term weather variability and longer term climate patterns. Over
time, longer term patterns associated with climate change should become
discernable in the data.
• The survey team, in partnership with OST, will look at changes in the
condition of reference sites that are under minimal influence of localized,
watershed scale land use change.
• In addition to looking at biological indicators, the survey team will explore
potential indicators of stress that may be related to global climate change.
KEY ACTION #20: Assess Waterbody Spatial Changes Due to Climate
Change. In cooperation with USGS, explore opportunities and needs to assess
change in the spatial characteristics of fresh waters due to climate change and
summarize any findings. (Lead Office: OWIO)
Status:
The Office of Water will work with USGS and other appropriate Federal
agencies to identify key baselines describing the location of freshwater resources
and identify waters for which boundaries may change in response to a warmer
climate (e.g. changes in the size of the Great Lakes). As part of this work, OW
will define appropriate steps to preserve baselines for long term future reference.
This key action is not yet initiated. Work planned for FY 2009 includes:
• initial meeting with USGS (Winter 2009);
• assessment of freshwater location baseline issues (Spring 2009); and
• summary of Findings (Summer 2009).
KEY ACTION #21: BASINS Climate Assessment Tool. The Office of Water
will develop training sessions in Washington, DC and selected Regions to assist
EPA, State, Tribal and other government staffs in using the CAT element of the
BASINS decision support tool. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
Due to other higher priorities, work on this project, including actual training
sessions planned for 2009, is currently on hold.
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KEY ACTION #22: "Climate Ready Estuaries". The National Water Program
will establish a Climate Ready Estuaries Program in partnership with the Office of
Air and Radiation's Climate Change Division. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
OWOW/Oceans and Coastal Protection Division and OAR/Climate
Change Division are jointly working with interested National Estuary Programs
(NEPs) to develop and implement "Climate Ready Estuaries."
The Climate Ready Estuaries program works with the National Estuary
Programs and other coastal managers to: 1) assess climate change
vulnerabilities, 2) develop and implement adaptation strategies, 3) engage and
educate stakeholders, and 4) share the lessons learned with other coastal
managers.
The primary focus of the program is on adaptation of coasts to climate
change as well as actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The national
program will designate NEPs and other coastal communities as "climate ready,"
allowing the coastal leaders to implement climate adaptation within their
communities and market their needs and actions to public and private interests.
The joint OW/OAR project has awarded 6 pilots and is proceeding, with additional
support from ORD, to support those pilots as they complete vulnerability
assessments and develop adaptation plans.
The six pilot estuaries are:
• Albemarle-Pamlico NEP;
• Charlotte Harbor NEP;
• Massachusetts Bays Program;
• New Hampshire Estuaries Project;
• Partnership for the Delaware Estuary; and
• San Francisco Estuary Project.
The project launched a web site on 2008 (http://www.epa.aov/cre) to
disseminate the components of a coastal adaptation tool kit, which includes a
new synthesis of coastal climate change adaptation options and sources for
information of coastal climate impacts and elevation data and models.
Key activities in this work include:
1. Conduct a needs assessment with the NEPs to provide a foundation for
design and planning of "Climate Ready Estuaries" (completed January
2008);
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2. Prepare a summary of available adaptation techniques (completed
February 2008).
3. Develop a prototype program design for examination and revision at the
NEP National Meeting February 2008);
4. Implement the program in 6 pilot NEPs (completed Summer 2008); and
5. Expand to other NEPs and other coastal communities (projected for
Summer 2009).
The program is co-lead by OWOW and OAR's Climate Change Division.
ORD/NCEA/Global Change Research Program is also providing support to the
work.
KEY ACTION #23: Continue Coral Reef Protections. The National Water
Program will continue participation in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and support
related efforts to protect coral reefs. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
The National Water Program staff continue to participate in the U.S. Coral
Reef Task Force. Recent activities related to the Task Force include:
• OW is one of three federal agencies invited to participate on the NOAA
Coral Reef Conservation Program's (CRCP) Land Based Sources of
Pollution Working Group, which is tasked with recommending goals and
objectives for the CRCP to better address this major threat to coral reef
ecosystems.
• the EPA Office of Research and Development, along with NOAA, are
chairing a Climate Change Working Group formed by the Task Force as
part of a Climate Change resolution passed in August 2007 and comprised
of interested federal and jurisdictional Task Force members (see:
www.coralreef.aov/climate/climate samoa 2007.pdf.).
KEY ACTION #24: Review/Revise Nonpoint Pollution Management
Measures: EPA will review the sector specific series "National Management
Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution" based on emerging information
related to climate change impacts. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
The primary focus of current activities is to evaluate the effectiveness of
best management practices under predicted climate change impacts. In the
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future, depending upon availability of information, OWOW will supplement the
Nonpoint Source Management Measures technical documents with results of
published research that indicates the change in effectiveness of particular
management measures with respect to climate change.
KEY ACTION #25: Review and Adapt NPDES Permit Program Tools.
Conduct an internal review of the flexibilities and tools in the NPDES program
that can be used to respond to changing water quality/quantity conditions and
new technologies; collaborate with programs within the Office of Water and
across the Agency, modify and expand training to reflect climate change, and
provide technical assistance to permit authorities and permit writers. (Lead
Office: OWM)
Status:
The Water Permits Division will evaluate the NPDES permitting process to
determine if sufficient flexibility exists within the program to adequately adapt
NPDES permits to changes within the aquatic ecosystem as a result of climate
change and to ensure they continue to be protective of water quality. Anticipated
climate change impacts on the hydrologic regime include variations in water
temperature, low flows, intensity of wet weather events, and ambient water
quality. As an understanding of the impacts of these hydrologic changes
emerges, the NPDES permitting process will need to assess the impacts and
potentially adapt to accommodate them.
To do so requires that OWM evaluate the underlying data that permit
writers and system engineers use when developing permit limits and design
specifications. For example, NOAA maintains the precipitation frequency charts
that are used by engineers to design systems. Those charts had not been
updated since 1962, and NOAA has begun a process for revising them by
updating them with precipitation data collected since then. However, NOAA
currently is not planning to account for climate change for future precipitation.
This raises a fundamental question as to how our constituents will use this data-
as they design systems that may last 20, 50 or 100 years-and therefore maybe
be under- (or over-) designing their systems.
Another example is permit writers' reliance on USGS stream flow data.
However, EPA needs to evaluate the data and understand how permit writers
and engineers use this data, to understand and articulate how to ensure that
standard procedures account for climate adaptation strategies.
1. Conduct a review of areas of the NPDES permitting program that may be
impacted by climate change and the scope of that impact. Assess the
flexibilities that exist within the NPDES framework and the data systems
available for permit writers.
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OWM is working with a contractor to assess how climatic changes will
impact the NPDES permitting process. Goals include assessing the tools
used in writing permits, e.g., what information permit writers will need to
write permits inclusive of climate change impacts, how to provide
information to permit writers about climate change and the permitting
process, as well as to identify areas where additional guidance may be
necessary.
2. Evaluate underlying data sources used by permit writers and develop
information on how to use this data in NPDES permits considering a
changing hydrologic regime. Review how these tools are being used and
who is using them. Work with NOAA and USGS, and others as needed.
OWM, OST, and OGWDW collaborated with ORD to plan and convene an
expert workshop in January, 2009. NOAA, USGS, ACOE, FEMA, DOE,
and USDA were in attendance. Also, EPA has begun a dialogue with
NOAA and we anticipate working with them to resolve some of these
issues. In addition, the early discussions with USGS have laid the
foundation for initiating further dialogue on these issues.
3. Determine how to provide information to permit writers about climate
change and the permitting process, as well as to identify areas where
additional guidance may be necessary.
See #1, above. In addition, at a July 2008 NPDES Permit Writers
Conference, Deputy Assistant Administrator Shapiro presented the
National Water Program Climate Change Strategy to approximately 90
participants representing 26 States. Per recommendations from this
meeting, OW is evaluating options which include the creation of an on-line
forum to facilitate the exchange of information between permit writers.
4. Collaborate across OW Offices to work on reviewing existing effluent
guidelines including effluent limitations, ambient monitoring data, and
effluent monitoring data.
See #1, above, and also Key Action #17.
5. Evaluate the need for permit writers to consider climate change in
developing permit conditions for cooling water intake structures or thermal
discharges (CWA 316(a) and (b)). Revise existing guidance including
1977 Section 316(a) thermal discharge technical guidance to incorporate
any applicable climate change considerations.
The 316(a) 1977 guidance review has begun and will continue through FY
2009.
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KEY ACTION #26: Evaluate Opportunities to Address Wet Weather/Climate
Impacts at Municipal and Industrial Operations. The National Water Program will
evaluate the wet weather program to identify initiatives to effectively address
increases in precipitation due to climate change. Actions will include identifying
best practices for characterizing design storms that take climate change into
account, incorporating climate change into outreach and training materials, and
promoting Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Infrastructure. (Lead Office:
OWM)
Status:
Water quality and wastewater facility managers will need to consider the
changes in climate and hydrology that are expected to occur during the functional
lifespan of their infrastructure, i.e., keeping such infrastructure "sustainable." A
recent screening report by ORD indicated that there is concern that some
communities in the New England and Great Lakes areas may exceed the 4-6
CSO annual target.
In order to make sound decisions, program managers first need good data
and predictive tools to understand potential localized impacts on hydrology and
water quality, as well as wastewater and stormwater conveyance systems and
treatment systems. The heart of the issue lies in the scale mismatch between
global climate models and local watershed or catchment models. Two
approaches are likely needed until the resolution of data is refined-a "bottom up"
and a "top down" approach. The bottom-up approach incorporates a vulnerability
assessment for risk management, and is addressed in key action #29. The top
down approach requires downscaling of climate data, and work to this end is
addressed in key action #25.
OWM will participate in these efforts to ensure that wet weather program
needs are addressed. An evaluation of the wet weather program will proceed as
we develop more understanding of these localized impacts.
Key milestones include:
• participate in NOAA and USGS workgroups (continuing);
• develop white paper for the wet weather program (expected 2009); and
• conduct outreach to stakeholders to help them plan for climate change
(ongoing).
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KEY ACTION #27: Assess Climate Impacts at Animal Feeding Operations.
The National Water Program will work with USDA to evaluate climate change
impacts, such as increases in wet weather, at animal feeding operations. (Lead
Office: OWM)
Status:
Just as crop agriculture will be affected by a changing climate, so will
animal agriculture. Increased storm and precipitation has implications for the
storage capacity of lagoons and other waste storage structures, and poses the
possibility for increased runoff from outdoor litter storage and from land
application of manure. Increased dry periods will lead to increased evaporation
rates, thereby possibly affecting ammonia volatilization rates from land
application of manure/litter/wastes.
In addition, AFOs and CAFOs are a major source of methane, a powerful
greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The Office of Air and
Radiation has a "Methane to Markets" Partnership (
http://www.epa.aov/methanetomarkets/) that develops methods for capturing
methane from different waste streams, such as landfills and animal agriculture,
for re-use as a clean energy source. The AgStar partnership (
http://www.epa.aov/aastar/) with USDA encourages the use of methane recovery
(biogas) technologies at the confined animal feeding operations that manage
manure as liquids or slurries.
EPA's ORD and USDA's Agricultural Research Service are conducting
studies on the feasibility of producing power from manure and litter and other
agricultural by-products as well as studies on manure application that reduces
ammonia volatilization rates. OW will keep abreast of progress on these studies
and assist them in determining areas of focus.
Animal feedlot owners and operators will need information that enables
them to account for the localized impacts of climate change in order to evaluate
how to adapt. Therefore, results of key action #26 working with NOAA and the
research community to 'downscale' data will be needed to make this work most
effective.
1. Engage USDA in dialogue to understand what they are doing to address
climate change impacts; work with USDA such as to understand how
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds can be used to
address water quality impacts of animal agriculture that may be
exacerbated by climate change.
USDA participated in the January Expert Workshop; however, discussion
on impacts of climate on animal feedlots has not begun.
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2. Assess the EPA CAFO program to identify impacts of climate change on
AFOs and implications for the NPDES program.
The results of items 1 and 2 depend upon the outcome of Key Action #25
-- working with NOAA and the research community on understanding
local impacts.
3. Raise awareness in stakeholder community for need to incorporate a
predictive capacity for climate change in models such as USDA's Manure
Management Planner and the USDA's Soil-Plant-Air-Water (SPAW)
Regional Water Impacts Model (available at
http://wmc.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/WQ/mmp.html and at
http://www.bsyse.wsu.edu/saxton/spaw/): facilitate updates to models
once data becomes available.
This work is not scheduled to begin until 2010.
KEY ACTION #28: Implement the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Initiative
and Adapt Decision Support Tools to Include Climate Change. The National
Water Program will continue the implementation of the Sustainable Infrastructure
(SI) Initiative and incorporate climate change into its activities, including
incorporating climate change considerations in a range of new and existing
sustainable infrastructure tools and outreach efforts. (Lead Office: OWM)
Status:
The Sustainable Infrastructure (SI) Initiative is designed to help move
utilities to sustainable practices which, in and of themselves, will help them to
adapt to climate change. However, adapting to climate change will put an
additional strain on our aging infrastructure and adds additional factors for water
and wastewater managers to consider. The additional challenge posed by
climate change will be integrated into SI work as opportunities arise.
Some examples of how SI tools are already addressing climate change
can be found in the Energy Management Guidebook and workshops (discussed
under key action #1) and work on leak detection (discussed under key action #4).
For other related milestones, see:
• Key Action #2 Implement the WaterSense Program;
• Key Action #6 Federal Agency Water Conservation Guidance;
• Key Action #7 Promote Green Buildings and Green Infrastructure;
• Key Action #26 Evaluate Climate impacts on the Wet Weather
Program;
• Key Action #29 Sustainability Handbook and Climate Vulnerability
Analysis; and
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• Key Action #31 Clarify Use of SRFs for Climate related projects for
related milestones.
KEY ACTION #29: Develop a Sustainability/Vulnerability Analysis Handbook
for Climate Change Impacts. Work to publish a document describing a process
through which utilities can conduct a self analysis of sustainability, including a
climate change-specific vulnerability analysis. (Lead Office: OWM)
Status:
1. Sustainability Handbook: OW is reviewing the conclusions of a national
meeting of water infrastructure experts to define next steps in this area and
the best way to provide key information to water utility managers.
2. Effective Utility Management: Work on effective utility management is
conducted by EPA in partnership with leading associations and utilities under
the Statement of Support on Effective Utility Management signed in May 2007
(http://www.epa.aov/waterinfrastructure/watereum.html). Under this
Agreement, OWM is working with these associations and leading utility
managers to develop a series of tools, the first of which is a basic
implementation guide based on the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed
Utilities, along with performance measures.
The Agency has released the 'primer' (
http://www.epa.aov/waterinfrastructure/pdfs/tools si watereum primerforeffe
ctiveutilities.pdf) to help utilities get started in assessing their operations
based on the attributes and a series of suggested utility performance
measures based on the attributes to gauge progress over time, along with an
electronic resource "toolbox" linked to the Ten Attributes; link to toolbox is
http://watereum.org/)
The Agency is currently initiating work on a set of case studies to capture
"lessons learned" as utilities begin to adopt and implement the ten attributes.
Thereafter, further products and/or activities specific to the Effective Utility
Management initiative, including those that may address climate change and
other critical issues will be identified.
3. Vulnerability Analysis: EPA can perform a function as convener,
clearinghouse and advocate to promote practices by water and wastewater
infrastructure managers to evaluate their systems' vulnerabilities and to plan
to improve the resiliency of their systems to adapt to climate change. This
work will be an essential part of the Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative's work
to promote sustainable management.
During FY2008, EPA conducted a web search and networked with industry
partners to identify current state of the art practices. A work assignment is in
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place for development of the Vulnerability Assessment technical guidance
and a product is planned for 2009. The January Climate Expert Workshop will
lay the foundation for this document, and further work will be conducted
thereafter. EPA's goal is to develop a best practice statement promoting
climate change vulnerability assessments in 2009.
KEY ACTION #30: Clarify Use of the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs
to Support Adaptation to Climate Change: Work with State partners to clarify
what types of climate change-related infrastructure expenditures are eligible for
State Revolving Fund (SRF) assistance. (Lead Office: OWM and OGWDW, Co-
Leads)
Status:
• Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF): OWM has worked
with partners to determine what types of climate change related
projects are eligible for CWSRF financial assistance. Eligibility was
analyzed from both the perspective of reacting to conditions caused by
climate change and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
(GHG).
OWM issued a draft White Paper, titled, "Tapping the Untapped
Potential of the CWSRF," to clarify the uses of the CWSRF, explore
innovative finance techniques to augment assistance and efficiently
deliver funding, and to refine strategic management of the program.
The program has conducted substantive outreach activities related to
the White Paper including a panel discussion during the 2007 annual
Council for Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Conference, a
full day Headquarters Roundtable involving managers and staff of
water, solid waste, and air programs, a webcast presented jointly with
Iowa DNR on the vast potential of the CWSRF, and a series of State
and Regional Roundtable Seminars attended by regional managers
and state representatives. These roundtables have been conducted in
Regions 6, 7, 8, and 9. The remaining regions will be visited in 2009.
In addition to this general clarification of CWSRF eligibilities, OWM is
developing a fact sheet titled, Reducing Climate Change Effects with
Clean Water State Revolving Funds. The fact sheet presents how
CWSRF funds are being used to reduce greenhouse gases and protect
water in a changing climate. OWM plans to finalize the fact sheet in
2009.
The 2008 CIFA Conference featured a session on climate change.
OWM is currently planning an environmental track for the national
CWSRF Conference, scheduled for July 2009, that will feature climate
change issues and funding.
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• Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund: OGWDW is working with
Regions, States, and other stakeholders to clarify the broad range of
climate change related projects and activities that can be supported by
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program. A range
of potential utility and State responses to climate change may be
supported through the DWSRF fund itself or through State Set-Asides.
Examples include:
o Certain infrastructure investments in response to climate change;
o Incorporation of climate change impact mitigation/prevention in
short- and long-term DWSRF program planning and
implementation;
o Drinking water source assessment and planning activities that
address projected climate change impacts under State capacity
development strategies;
o Assistance to water utilities in planning for and adapting to the
effects of climate change on their infrastructure and other water
resources;
o Energy efficiency assessments and improvements (including
operations monitoring and water pumping) in public water systems
(PWSs); and
o Leak detection and remediation.
OGWDW is developing a Fact Sheet on use of the DWSRF for projects
related to climate change and expects to release the fact sheet and to
update the DWSRF document CD in October 2009.
KEY ACTION #31: Develop and Expand Emergency Response Planning.
The National Water Program will implement a range of actions to ensure existing
emergency response planning considers impacts from climate change, and will
work with federal partners to promote adoption of sustainable practices during
recovery and rebuilding. (Lead Office: OGWDW)
Status:
Existing programs will serve as the basis for fulfilling the goal of providing
utilities with tools, training, and resources they need to respond to potentially
more catastrophic storms and droughts. As outlined in the Water Sector Specific
Plan, as part of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, a number of activities
can be conducted to make the water sector more resilient when facing the
impacts of an emergency.
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EPA set a goal of providing 20 trainings to the water section of the Incident
Command System and National Incident Management System by September
2008 and met this goal.
Throughout 2009, EPA will work with a range of stakeholders in this effort
including:
• Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response;
• Office of Water, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water;
• Office of Water, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds;
• Federal Emergency Management Agency;
• United States Army Corps of Engineers;
• Water Sector Coordinating Council;
• Water Sector Government Coordinating Council;
• State drinking water and wastewater regulatory agencies;
• drinking water and wastewater utilities;
• Water and Wastewater Response Networks (WARN); and
• EPA's Response Support Corps.
KEY ACTION #32: Evaluate Opportunities to Refine Implementation of the
404 Regulatory Framework to Address Climate Change. The National Water
Program will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the effective
implementation of the regulatory framework under section 404 of the Clean Water
Act in a way that considers the effects of climate change and will explore the
need for additional guidance on avoiding or minimizing impacts, defining
"significant degradation" and "unacceptable adverse impact", and/or
implementing compensatory mitigation. (Lead Office: OWOW)
Status:
The Wetlands Division has been internally reviewing the 404 regulatory
framework to identify strategic areas in which mitigating for or adapting to the
impacts of climate change could potentially be addressed. Current and
completed efforts include:
Initiated internal discussion to identify areas of the program that could be
revised to incorporate climate change impacts (completed March 2008).
¦ Initial review of the 50 nationwide general permits issued by Army Corps of
Engineers. This includes a general analysis of the types of impacts
resulting from climate change that may be considered in permitting
decisions, as well as identification of general permits that are likely to be
particularly affected by climate change impacts.
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¦ Include Mitigation Rule provision supporting mitigation projects that
provide the resilience needed to address climate change, such as coastal
restoration projects designed to take into account reasonably foreseeable
rises in sea level, (completed March 2008)
¦ Coordination with external stakeholders including the Association of State
Wetland Managers, and identifying points of collaboration for their
September 2008 conference, which was focused on climate change.
In addition, Wetlands Division plans to initiate several future actions, in
coordination with the Corps and other relevant stakeholders, to further climate
change related goals:
¦ Assessment of best management practices for considering climate change
in permitting-related activities (e.g. state-federal coordination efforts of
National Estuary Program).
Analysis of environmental review activities that may be impacted by
climate change; i.e., 404(b)(1) guidelines and review process for permits
(e.g., 404(q) elevation and 404(c) veto processes). Discussions to
strategize which activities might be revised according to programmatic
needs and constraints.
¦ Consultation with regional wetlands officers and states to identify best
management practices and shared goals for incorporating climate change
concerns into permitting actions and state programs (e.g., state Climate
Action Plans, Regional Plans).
KEY ACTION #33: Finalize National Wetlands Mapping Standard. Work with
other Federal agencies to finalize the National Wetlands Mapping Standard and
work with Federal partners to fund updates of arid west maps. (Lead Office:
OWOW)
Status:
The Wetlands Division is working with the Federal Geospatial Data
Committee (FGDC) to finalize the National Wetlands Mapping Standard.
Comments have been received on the draft Standard from the Federal Register
comment period and it is being revised to address comments.
The National Mapping Standard has been revised to reflect Federal
Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) comments on the final Standard. The final
Wetland Mapping Standard has been re-submitted to the FGDC standards
workgroup for approval. The standards workgroup met December 11, 2008 and
approved the Standard and it will now move to the full FGDC Steering committee
for approval at their next meeting in 2009.
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Prior to finalization of the National Wetlands Mapping Standard, the FGDC
workgroup will begin working with partners, including Federal Agencies, States,
Local governments and NGOs to pursue ways to fund/encourage statewide
wetland mapping efforts. This work is ongoing and will continue over the next
two years.
C) Implementation of Goal 3: Strengthen
Climate Change Research Related to Water
Research on climate change
issues related to water is occurring
both internationally and in the United
States. Much of this research is
being managed by Federal agencies,
including EPA.
Goal 3: Climate Change Research
Related to Water: strengthen the link
between EPA water programs and
climate change research.
The National Water Program will benefit from much of the research now
underway. At the same time, the National Water Program will begin to play a
larger role in defining research priorities and working with the research
community to make research results as useful as possible.
Key Actions supporting Goal 3 are:
• monitoring of Water related reports of the U.S. Climate Change
Science Program (CCSP);
• climate Research in Water Related ORD Research; and
• revision of ORD Global Change Multi-Year Plan.
The status of each of these actions is described below.
KEY ACTION #34: Monitoring of Water Related CCSP Reports. The
National Water Program will monitor the development of reports by the Climate
Change Science Program and name a representative to join an ORD
representative on the CCSP Water Cycle Working Group. (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
The Office of Water named a representative to join the EPA Office of
Research and Development (ORD) representative on the CCSP Water Cycle
Working Group (November 2007).
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The Office of Science and Technology within the Office of Water has
monitored the development and review of CCSP reports and has forwarded
reports to affected offices/programs within the Office of Water and EPA Regions.
This is an ongoing activity until all Synthesis and Assessment Products (SAPs)
are completed. Comments on draft reports have been provided to CCSP, via the
EPA Office of Research and Development, the lead liaison office.
Throughout 2009, the Office of Science and Technology within the Office
of Water will continue to monitor CCSP SAPs and provide materials to OW
programs, collect comments, and forward comments to ORD.
The following SAPs are relevant to the Office of Water and have been
monitored closely. Most of the SAPs are now final, except for 4.1 and 4.2.
SAP#
SAP Title
3.3
Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate: Focus on North
America, Hawaii, Caribbean, and the U.S. Pacific Islands (NOAA)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD3-3/final-reDort/default.htm
4.1
Coastal Elevation and Sea Level Rise (EPA)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-1/default.DhD
4.2
Thresholds of Change in Ecosystems (USGS)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-2/default.DhD
4.3
Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources
and Biodiversity (USDA)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-3/final-reDort/default.htm
4.4
Review of Adaptation Options for Climate Sensitive Ecosystems and
Resources (EPA)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-4/final-reDort/default.htm
4.5
Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use (DOE)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-5/final-reDort/default.htm
4.6
Analyses of the Effects of Global Climate Change on Human Health and
Welfare and Human Systems (EPA)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-6/final-reDort/default.htm
4.7
Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Gulf Coast Study (DOT)
httD://www.climatescience.aov/Librarv/saD/saD4-7/final-reDort/default.htm
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KEY ACTION #35: Climate Research in Water Related ORD Research. The
National Water Program will work with the EPA Office of Research and
Development in development of water research related to climate change and will
also coordinate with external research foundations engaged in water and climate
change related research.
(Lead Office: OST)
Status:
The Office of Science and Technology within the EPA Office of Water
(OW) is coordinating climate research efforts for the Office of Water, working with
other OW offices to identify climate related research needs, and develop an
overall OW research request. OW and the EPA Office of Research and
Development are working together to plan climate change research. In some
cases, climate-related research needs may be included in the drinking water
research multi-year plan (MYP), the ecosystem research multi-year plan and
other appropriate multiyear research plans. For example the following research
activities may be covered by other multi-year research plans:
• potential impacts of carbon sequestration on ground water quality;
• potential climate change impacts on growth and migration of drinking
water pathogens; and
• ecological impacts due to climate change-induced hydrology and
temperature changes.
In 2009, OST will work closely with ORD and lead offices in ORD that are
conducting research related to OW's climate change research needs.
KEY ACTION #36: Revision of ORD Global Change Multi-Year Plan. The
Office of Water will appoint a representative to participate in the ORD revision of
the Global Change Multi-Year Plan (MYP). (Lead Office: OST)
Status:
OW reviewed and commented on ORD's draft Global Change MYP
(January 2008) and reviewed the final draft of the MYP in the fall of 2008. OST
will represent OW on the Global Change MYP team and will monitor the
development of climate research related to water programs.
In addition, OW will continue to provide reviews and input on the selection
of climate-related STAR Grants. ORD's Science to Achieve Results or STAR
program funds research grants and graduate fellowships in numerous
environmental science and engineering disciplines through a competitive
solicitation process and independent peer review. The program engages the
nation's best scientists and engineers in targeted research that complements
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EPA's own outstanding intramural research program and those of our partners in
other federal agencies.
In addition, OW collaborated with ORD to plan and convene an "expert
workshop" in early January, 2009 addressing issues climate change issues
related to water infrastructure (i.e. drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater).
EPA will draw on the information presented at the workshop as it considers next
steps in this area.
D) Implementation of Goal 4: Educate Water
Program Managers on Climate Change
Climate change science and
policy is evolving rapidly and the
current understanding of climate
change impacts on water
resources, and conclusions about
needed response actions, may
change over time.
Goal 4: Water Program Education on
Climate Change: educate water program
professionals and stakeholders on climate
change impacts on water resources and
programs.
In order for the National Water Program to stay current with climate
change issues, new practices are needed to strengthen outreach to partners and
stakeholders on climate change-related water program issues and educate water
program professionals on climate change generally. This communication needs
to involve both EPA informing others about new issues and activities and EPA
listening to and learning from the suggestions of others.
Key Actions supporting Goal 4:
• Clearinghouse/Website and Listserve;
• Annual Public Reports on Strategy Implementation;
• Outreach to Partners and Stakeholders; and
• Expand Existing Training Programs.
The status of each of these actions is described below.
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KEY ACTION #37: Clearinghouse Website/Listserve. The Office of Water
will work with other EPA offices to establish a website to provide documents
related to water and climate change, including research products, and offer as
part of this site, a "listserve" to send update emails to interested parties. (Lead
Office: OW)
Status:
These two web tools-a climate change website/clearinghouse and
Listserve-will provide basic information about the impacts of climate change on
water programs including copies of related materials and links to the EPA climate
change website and other related sites. The Listserve will provide periodic email
updates on climate change-related issues to subscribers.
EPA established the expanded climate and water website in November
2008, about 3 months behind schedule. The Listserve was established in
December 2008, about 2 months behind schedule. To review the website or sign
up for the Listserve go to www.epa.aov/water/climatechanae.
EPA expects to actively expand and update the website over the next year
and plans to release information to the listserve mailing list on a about a weekly
basis.
KEY ACTION #38: Annual Public Reports on Strategy
Implementation. The Office of Water will publish annual reports describing
progress in implementing the Strategy. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
This report, and subsequent annual progress reports, are intended to
identify progress toward key goals identified in the Strategy, describe "best
practices" addressing the water impacts of climate change, and identify new or
emerging issues.
This report constitutes the annual report of progress for 2008. Final
publication of this report in January 2009 constitutes on schedule completion of
this Key Action for 2008. EPA will publish a report on the status of
implementation of Key Actions in 2009 in January of 2010.
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KEY ACTION #39: Outreach to Partners. The Office of Water will provide
material and briefings on the National Water Program climate change response
actions periodically to a wide variety of EPA advisory groups, State and Tribal
organizations, and stakeholder organizations. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
The National Water Program is working with EPA Regional Offices, States,
and other organizations to identify meetings, seminars, and other opportunities to
provide information about climate change and to identify and address climate
change issues related to water programs.
Since the publication of the Strategy in September 2008, EPA has held
extensive meeting with State/Tribes, State/Tribal organizations, and others to
review the Strategy and related topics. Extensive background materials have
been developed to support this effort (e.g. powerpoint presentations, fact sheets,
Q/A statements, and related materials).
Examples of these meetings include:
• presentation to National Tribal Water Council (October 15, 2008)
• presentation to ASIWPCA/ASDWA/ECOS (October 29, 2008);
• presentation to Office of Chief Financial Officer;
• presentation to American Water Works Association's Annual
Conference and Exposition (June 2008);
• Region 1 presentation to New England Interstate Water Pollution
Control Commission;
• Region 3 presentation to States;
• Maryland Groundwater Symposium (September 25, 2008)
• Region 6 presentation to States, Tribes, and environmental justice
community; and
• Region 10 presentation to States.
KEY ACTION #40: Expand Water Training on Climate Change. EPA will
revise existing training programs to include attention to the impacts of climate
change on water programs and will offer training on water-related climate change
impacts to national and Regional offices. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
The National Water Program is including basic information about climate
change in various training programs to help build understanding of climate
change issues among water program staff and strengthen the ability of the
program to address climate change problems. In addition, short, focused training
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on climate change issues related to water would be a benefit to water program
staff in national and Regional offices.
EPA has identified existing training programs that may benefit from a
climate change module and is in the process of developing a pilot training module
addressing climate change and water issues to be included in the Watershed
Academy program. In addition, the permit writer's training, pretreatment training,
Safe Drinking Water Act training, and green infrastructure training now include
short references to climate change impacts and the Strategy. This work is on
schedule.
This pilot climate change module will be included in other training
programs in the future, including:
• the Water Quality Standards Academy;
• the Drinking Water Academy;
• Green Infrastructure Training;
• Stormwater Training and Webcasts; and
• the NPDES Permit Writers' Training Course.
E) Implementation of Goal 5: Establish Climate
Change Management in Water Program
Climate change poses
significant and long-term challenges
for the National Water Program. The
development of the National Water
Program Strategy: Response to
Climate Change is a key first step in
understanding climate change
Goal 5: Water Program Management
of Climate Change: establish the
management capability within the
National Water Program to address
climate change challenges on a
sustained basis.
impacts on water programs and the
beginning of the process of implementing response actions. To sustain this focus
on climate change, the National Water Program will need to establish
management practices to build on this initial assessment of climate change
impacts.
Key actions supporting Goal 5 are:
Maintain Office of Water Climate Change Workgroup;
Include Climate Change in Strategic Plan and Annual Program
Guidance;
Support EPA Regional Additions to the National Water Program
Strategy and
Establish a Federal Agency Water Climate Coordination Group.
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KEY ACTION #41: Maintain Office of Water Climate Change Workgroup.
The Office of Water will maintain the National Water Program Climate Change
Workgroup. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
An important step in the process of integrating climate change throughout
the National Water Program is to continue the operation of the National Water
Program Climate Change Workgroup. This group is chaired by the Deputy
Assistant Administrator for Water and includes senior managers from national
and EPA Regional offices as well as representatives of the Office of Air and
Radiation and the Office of Research and Development.
Since the publication of the Strategy'\x\ September, the Workgroup has
held 4 meetings and playing a key role in maintaining good communication
among these offices on climate change issues and overseeing implementation of
the Strategy. Workgroup members contributed much of the information provided
in this progress report. During 2009, the workgroup is expected to play a role in
making needed updates to the Strategy.
KEY ACTION #42: Agency Strategic Plan and Water Program Annual
Guidance. The Office of Water will include key actions from the Strategy in the
FY 2010 annual National Water Program guidance, and when appropriate, make
needed changes to the water elements of the EPA Strategic Plan. (Lead Office:
OW)
Status:
The National Water Program will integrate climate-related Key Actions with
the established water program management tools, including the EPA Strategic
Plan and the annual National Water Program Guidance. The initial materials for
the revision of the EPA Strategic Plan in September of 2009 have been drafted
and are included in preliminary EPA materials related to the Strategic Plan. This
work is on schedule.
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KEY ACTION #43: Regional Additions to National Water Climate Strategy.
Each EPA Regional Water Division will review climate change impacts in the
Region, identify impacts of special concern to that Region, and develop Region-
specific additions to this national Strategy as needed. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
Some Regional Water Divisions are considering supplementing the
StrategywWh key actions designed to more specifically address the needs in the
Region. (See section III for more information on this Key Action.)
KEY ACTION #44: Federal Agency Water/Climate Coordination Group. The
Office of Water will work with other Federal agencies with a significant interest in
the water-related impacts of climate change through creation of a staff level
coordination group. (Lead Office: OW)
Status:
In response to this Key Action, senior managers of five Federal agencies
with substantial interests in climate change impacts on water resources recently
signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an interagency workgroup
to identify and address issues of common interest (see
www.epa.aov/water/climatechanae/docs/Aaency Senior Staff Fed Agency Co
op re Adaption of Water-Related Proarams.pdf).
The five Federal agencies are:
• the Army Corps of Engineers;
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
• U.S. Department of Energy;
• U.S. Department of Interior (Geologic Survey, Fish/Wildlife Service);
• U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This work was completed on schedule. The workgroup is meeting on a
periodic basis to review issues of common interest and share information
concerning policy or program developments. Issues of interest include mapping
of sea level rise and development of Agency climate policy.
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Ill) Climate Change and Water Activities in
EPA Regions
EPA's ten Regional Offices play an important role in implementing the
National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change. Regional
offices participated on the workgroup that developed the Strategy and will support
the implementation of the Strategy in several important respects. In addition,
EPA Regions are building on the Strategy to develop climate change and water
related activities that respond to specific demands within each Region.
This section of the 2008 Progress Report describes the activities that EPA
Regions are undertaking to support implementation of the Strategy and to go
beyond the Strategy\o address specific needs in the Region. Each Region has
undertaken the following implementation actions:
• allocated staff to support the National Water/Climate Workgroup;
• developed material for 2008 Water/Climate Change progress report;
• conducted are range of education and outreach activities; and
• supported specific key actions in national Strategy
In addition, a range of additional actions are underway, or under
consideration, in one or more Regions:
• development of a Regional supplement to national Strategy;
• development of a Regional Climate Change/ Water website; and
• development of an interagency process for coordination of climate and
water issues.
Climate change and water activities in each EPA Region in 2008 are
summarized below.
Region 1 (Boston):
Region 1 is focusing its climate and water work in two key areas: energy
and water conservation at water facilities and development of climate ready
estuaries.
For the energy and water conservation efforts, the Region has piloted the
Energy Star portfolio benchmarking tool for sewage treatment plants and assisted
over 50 facilities in this benchmarking work. The Region is also promoting the
WaterSense program. All six States in the Region have become WaterSense
partners and there are more than 80 partners involved, including irrigation
companies and water trade associations.
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Two of the six pilots for the Climate Ready Estuaries Program are in the
Region (New Hampshire Estuaries and Massachusetts Bays) and a third estuary
program (Casco Bay) is planning to apply for the program in the future. The
Massachusetts Bay program is focusing on coastal vulnerability assessment and
the New Hampshire program is focusing on road culverts and low impact
development.
The Region is also working in several other areas including developing
climate change indicators for the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, Green Buildings and
Green Infrastructure, and coordination with various partners through regional
alliances including the New England Governors' Conference, the Northeast
Regional Ocean Council, the Gulf of Maine Council, and the New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.
Region 1 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions # 1
(energy conservation at water facilities), #2-3 (WaterSense and water
conservation), #7 ("Green Buildings and Green Infrastructure"), #22 (Climate
Ready Estuaries), and #39 (outreach to partners).
The Region 1 climate change website is:
www.epa.aov/reaion1/climatechanae/index.html.
Region 2 (New York):
Region 2 is focusing climate and water work on protection of coral reefs
and is supporting implementation of Strategy key action # 23. There are
numerous programs involved in the protection and management of coral reefs. In
order to bring all the pieces together, Region 2 established a Coral Reef Team
(CRT) comprised of staff from various EPA regulatory, monitoring, and support
programs. The CRT is focusing on the following goals/tasks:
• Assemble available information on coral reefs and all regulatory,
monitoring, and scientific programs dealing with coral reefs;
• Establish and identify a process to organize/coordinate all regulatory,
monitoring and scientific programs dealing with coral reefs (including
coordination with other agencies at the Federal level (e.g. NOAA,
USFWS, EPA-ORD, EPA-HQ) and at the local level);
• Make recommendations to EPA Region 2 senior management; and
• Addressing Climate Change issues.
The Region is also working on climate change and water in several other
areas including the Water Sense Program, Green Buildings (Region 2
established a Green Team to coordinate green initiatives across the Region),
Biological/Geological Sequestration, Sustainability, Public Outreach, the SRF
Program and the Climate Ready Estuaries program through OCPD/CCD.
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EPA Region 2 has also established a Climate Change/Energy Workgroup
to coordinate and track energy and climate change activities throughout the
Region. The Climate Change/Energy Workgroup will also identify opportunities
to partner with key stakeholders to address energy priorities:
• Partner with Region 2 states (and NYC) to track and supplement their
energy and greenhouse emissions programs;
• Partner with city governments to create energy and emissions plans;
and
• Create multi-stakeholder partnerships with industry and NGOs to
address environmental impacts of energy production in the coal and
petroleum sectors.
Additional information on Region 2 Climate Change and Energy related
activities can be found on the web at http://www.epa.aov/reaion02/climate/.
Region 3 (Philadelphia):
Region 3 has been focusing on a number of water and climate change
projects.
The Region is actively involved in the Partnership for the Delaware
Estuary (PDE) "Climate Ready Estuaries" pilot, which is one of six nationwide.
On May 6th, a technical workshop and public "Town Square" meeting was held to
discuss impacts and adaptation options for addressing climate change in the
Delaware Estuary. Goals included developing consensus on the most pressing
science and management needs, identifying a course of action, and engaging the
public. A workgroup has been formed to support this effort and the next public
forum will take place during the January 2009 Delaware Estuary Science and
Environmental Summit.
The Region is also working with the Office of Air and Radiation's Climate
Change Division and Region 2 on a project ($75,000), which will develop and
implement a methodology for describing the ecological and economic impacts of
sea level rise on selected ecosystem services in the Delaware Estuary. This
ecosystem services project will provide significant information for PDE's
ecosystem-based Regional Restoration Initiative currently under development
and will also contribute valuable and timely information to the "Climate Ready
Estuaries" pilot project.
The Region is also refocusing efforts on the impacts of climate change on
infrastructure. An Electrical Efficiency workshop for wastewater & water
operators is planned and the Region is participating in key marketing
opportunities on energy efficiency at various broader events like Earth Day,
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Coast Day, and the Philadelphia Flower Show to distribute thousands of
WaterSense promotional materials. A "train-the-trainer" forum was conducted in
May 2008 on Sustaining Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, offering expert
advice, technical training, and hands-on learning related to infrastructure
management software applications. Other topics discussed included asset
management, Environmental Management Systems, and water conservation
practices. The Region has also volunteered to serve as the first national Lead
region for WaterSense and has increased focus and resources invested in Green
Infrastructure through our Healthy Waters priority and Lands Team focusing on a
number of projects designed to more effectively use water resources.
Another major area of focus for the Region is geologic sequestration. In
addition to having two representatives on the Tier 2 Workgroup developing
Underground Injection Control (UIC) regulations (Class VI), Region 3 is presently
managing several experimental C02 sequestration injection projects. One is for
the injection of C02 from a coal-fired power plant (AEP Mountaineer facility) and
the other for C02 injection into coal seams for the enhanced recovery of natural
gas. The region is also directly overseeing a C02 injection project in Virginia,
where it has direct implementation authority for the UIC Program. This project
involves the sequestration of C02 into coal seams.
Region 3 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions #18
related to the watershed policy memo.
Region 4 (Atlanta):
Region 4 has focused climate and water work in three key areas:
preparing the southeast for adaptations to climate change, greenhouse gas
mitigation by supporting energy efficiency at Southeastern utilities, and
demonstrating the potential for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Adaptation: Region 4 is working with the Office of Water and the Office of
Air and Radiation to bring together a workshop of state and local practitioners
and principals to assess and develop options for communities to use in adapting
to the inevitable changes brought on by climate disruption. The workshop is
scheduled for the fall of 2009 and will focus on synthesizing climate change
impacts and scoping adaptation planning and management options for the U.S.
Southeast. The planning and management lessons learned from the project will
be available to be applied in other parts of the country.
In addition, Region 4 has two Climate Ready Estuaries (ORE) Pilot
projects. The first ORE, a partnership with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary
Program (CHNEP), initiates preparation of an adaptation plan for Punta Gorda, a
Southwest Florida coastal community. The second, partners with the Albemarle
Pamlico Estuary Program in initiating a CRE project to promote outreach and
education regarding understanding the effects of climate change on the North
Carolina coast. Region 4 has additionally partnered with the CHNEP, utilizing
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Regional discretionary funding, to undertake a climate change vulnerability
assessment for the Southwest Florida coast. Each of these efforts is expected to
provide information for and assistance to coastal Southeast US communities
related to climate change vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning.
Mitigation: Region 4 and the Tennessee Department of Environmental
Control (TDEC) co-sponsored an energy management workshop on October 14th,
2008 in Nashville, TN. The workshop was based on the Energy Management
Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities prepared by the Office of Water.
Over ninety persons attended the well received workshop. The workshop
focused on helping utilities develop energy management plans, prioritizing
energy management activities, setting energy goals and reducing operating
costs. Region 4 is planning similar workshops for other States in collaboration
with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Sequestration: The Region is working closely with the Commonwealth of
Kentucky by providing technical assistance and drafting of the Class V UIC
permits for Duke Power and the Kentucky Geological Survey geologic
sequestration for two pilot projects. Region 4 has UIC program implementation
responsibility in the Commonwealth. The Region also provides grants and has
oversight responsibility for the UIC programs in the States of Mississippi and
Alabama which are in the process of issuing Class II and Class V UIC permits for
two geologic sequestration pilot projects each in the Department of Energy's
Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership.
Region 4 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions #2
(Implement WaterSense Program), #7 (Promote Green Buildings), #11 (Pilot
Projects for Marketing NPS Biological Sequestration), #17 (Evaluate New
Industry Sectors), #22 (Climate Ready Estuaries), #28 (Continue Implementing
Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative) and #32 (Evaluate Changes to 404 Needed
to Address Climate Change).
Region 5 (Chicago):
Recognizing that energy management is a key to reducing climate impacts
and enhancing infrastructure sustainability at water and wastewater facilities,
Region 5 participated in three energy workshops in 2008. Workshops in Indiana
and Wisconsin were developed through the EPA Office Wastewater Management
to guide water and wastewater managers and operators toward a proven process
to identify, measure, and reduce energy consumption at their facilities. Region 5
also used the two workshops as opportunities for outreach on energy conserving
practices such as WaterSense and Combined Heat and Power. The third
workshop was a POTW Nutrient Reduction and Energy Efficiency Workshop.
Co-sponsored by Region 5 and State agencies and associations, this workshop
was held in Kentucky and provided assistance to wastewater treatment plant
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operators and consultants to improve energy efficiency while managing and
controlling the discharge of nutrients.
Region 5 also recognizes that using green infrastructure approaches to
address wet weather control objectives is a climate change mitigation strategy.
The Region is working on voluntary approaches to accelerate use of green
infrastructure practices, and is also seeking to set the stage for using regulatory
and permit approaches to support green infrastructure approaches. In April 2008
Region 5 and Headquarters completed a policy paper on Green Infrastructure/
Low Impact Development and TMDLs. The Region is currently working on 3 pilot
projects for waters impaired due to stormwater sources to develop TMDLs that
will look explicitly at flows, hydrology, and the appropriateness of green
infrastructure for restoring the impaired waters. In September 2008 the Region
and Headquarters hosted a workshop on green infrastructure approaches for
addressing CSO control needs. The Region is currently working with OWM and
OECA on a Green Infrastructure Permitting and Enforcement Guide.
At the end of 2008, Region 5 released a comprehensive report on market
factors that may restrain green infrastructure and green building practices. This
report was the culmination of 16 months of work to investigate this topic. In the
summer and fall of 2008 the Water Division and Great Lakes National Program
Office, working in partnership with the Chicago Wilderness coalition,
implemented a conservation and native landscaping awards program. This
program recognizes sites that are exemplary in terms of green infrastructure,
sustainable stormwater management, and use of native plants.
In addition, Region 5 is currently working with Chicago Wilderness on a
climate change conference that will address habitat and biodiversity issues.
Green infrastructure will be highlighted as a mitigation and adaptation strategy.
The Region is also coordinating several projects to measure/quantify the
performance of green infrastructure BMPs and to share research findings. This
data is needed to help address lingering uncertainty about the performance of
green infrastructure approaches for meeting wet weather control needs.
The Region is actively working with a major metropolitan sewer district to
promote green infrastructure components in the negotiation of its CSO Long
Term Control Plan (LTCP). Several other communities in Region 5 are being
considered as candidates to include such measures in their LTCPs to be used in
combination with conventional storage, conveyance, and treatment systems to
meet infrastructure needs.
Region 5 was integral in the proposed rule-making process for Carbon
Capture and Sequestration. In addition, the Region convened a workshop to
discuss technical and regulatory issues relevant to underground carbon
sequestration.
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Region 5 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions #1
(energy conservation), #8, 9 (Carbon Sequestration), #7 (promote Green
Buildings), and #26 (Evaluate Climate Impacts on Wet Weather Program).
Region 6 (Dallas):
Region 6 has been especially engaged in outreach to State partners. On
August 5, 2008, the Region welcomed over 30 state officials and representatives
from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas to the first regional
dialogue on climate change. The first-of-its-kind forum is part of the Regional
Clean Energy and Climate Change strategy that calls for expanding partnerships
to tackle the factors that contribute to climate change. The forum's main goals
were to familiarize participants with state and federal perspectives; better
understand individual and mutual concerns; and identify follow-up needs.
As part of the forum, senior representatives from each state's
environmental agency took part in the roundtable discussions, and shared their
climate change strategies and suggestions with EPA leadership and other states.
Attendees also heard technical presentations about current state initiatives and
programs addressing greenhouse gas and cleaner energy solutions. In addition
representatives from the British Consulate-General shared lessons learned from
the United Kingdom's climate change policies. Over the next 16 months EPA
will be working closely with participants to develop opportunities for regional
cooperation.
In partnership with Region 8, Region 6 co-hosted a Regional Sustainable
Water Infrastructure Forum in Denver December 2-3, 2008. Approximately 300
individuals attended this 2-day meeting where discussions centered around such
topics as Integrating water policies and planning for a sustainable future, Water
Utility Planning under Climate Variability, and 10 Attributes of Effectively
Managed Utilities.
The Region has also played an active role in EPA's work to develop
regulations for the protection of underground sources of drinking water in the
case of geologic sequestration of carbon.
Region 6 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions # 8,
relating to development of regulations for geologic sequestration of carbon, and
#9, related to workshops addressing geologic sequestration.
Region 7 (Kansas City):
Region 7 is focusing on several areas related to water and climate change
including energy conservation/production and water program adaptation to
climate change.
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Due to the number of ethanol and biodiesel production facilities in
operation or under construction/consideration in Region 7, impacts to the
environment including water and wastewater are important issues especially in
the Region, especially in states with limited water resources. In FY 08, the
Region 7 Biofuels Team completed the "Environmental Laws Applicable to
Construction and Operation of Biodiesel Production Facilities" guidance which is
a companion document to the previously completed guidance for ethanol
production facilities. Both documents include information on water and energy
conservation and wastewater treatment plant permitting.
The 2008 Iowa floods were considered the largest single disaster in the
four state region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The Region 7 Water
Emergency Planning and Preparation Team's previous work with water utilities in
Iowa resulted in 95 of 96 drinking water systems impacted by floodwaters
remaining in service as a result of advanced planning by the Team and state and
utilities representatives. After action meetings have included significant
discussion on water conservation and the WaterSense program. Public
education on water conservation and the WaterSense program is accomplished
through participation in meetings/events/trade shows throughout Region 7.
Utilities in all four states, including the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources are WaterSense partners.
In addition, the Region hosted and Energy Management Workshop with
over 70 attendees and 100 webcast participants. Over 10 utilities requested
follow-up support from EPA. The Region is working with state environmental and
energy agencies and the Satellite Environmental Finance Center to develop pilot
projects focused on energy management with these utilities. In addition, Region
7 has been actively involved with Kansas City, Missouri on green infrastructure
solutions to be included in their Long Term Control Plan.
Region 7 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key action #8
related to development of the national regulation for geologic sequestration of
carbon and worked with the Kansas Corporation Commission on development of
state regulations.
Region 8 (Denver):
EPA Region 8 hosted the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Regional
Forum in Denver on December 2-3, 2008 (
http://www.epa.aov/reaion8/water/si forum.html). Approximately 300 individuals
attended this 2-day meeting where discussions centered around such topics as
Integrating water policies and planning for a sustainable future, water utility
planning under climate variability, and 10 attributes of effectively managed
utilities.
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Region 8 is leading by example by providing environmental educational
tours of EPA Region 8's new gold LEED certified and ENERGY STAR® labeled
building for over 8,200 people from a variety of community groups, developers,
and individuals, including engineers, architects, city and county representatives,
college and high school students. Water conservation features include:
• Water savings through the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures such as
waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets.
• A vegetated green roof covers much of the building roof area. By
incorporating vegetation, green roofs help reduce stormwater runoff,
filter pollutants from stormwater, and contribute to overall sustainability
by reducing building energy needs and minimizing urban heat island
effects.
Region 8 is in the process of reviewing options for development of a
supplement to the national Strategy addressing drought impacts of climate
change with special attention to impacts on drinking water supply. Availability of
quality water is of great concern to people in the Rocky Mountain West where
much of the water is already allocated under State water rights regulation and
where many groundwater supplies are over extended. Authorities for
conservation, reuse and protection of existing supplies are shared by many
organizations. Region 8 plans to support our partners in their response to the
challenge of climate change through knowledge building, technical assistance,
and partnerships.
Region 8's focus for this past year has revolved around Water and Energy
Conservation (Key Actions #1-6), Green Building Design (#7) and Carbon
Sequestration/Injection (#8 and 9).
The Regional climate change website is:
http://www.epa.aov/reaion8/climatechanae/
Region 9 (San Francisco):
Region 9 is focusing on promoting sustainable infrastructure including
water and energy efficiency at water and wastewater facilities. The Regional
Water Program has created a Sustainable Infrastructure Office to develop tools to
encourage activities that can mitigate and respond to the impacts of climate
change. A new website addressing this work was recently established
www.epa.aov/reaion09/waterinfrastructure.
The Region organized an Innovative Energy Management Workshop for
water/wastewater facilities in December, 2008 in Sacramento (
http://epa.gov/reaion09/water/npdes/eneray-workshop/). A second conference
with major utility sponsors is planned for southern California in 2009. The Region
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is also actively promoting the WaterSense program and worked closely with the
State of Hawaii to encourage energy and water efficiency project using SRF
funds.
Other activities underway include support for the new Climate Ready
Estuary program as part of the San Francisco Bay Estuary Project, support for a
range of green infrastructure projects, support of the Region's climate change
speaker series, and participation on California's Water/Energy Team to
implement the State's climate change legislation (AB32).
Region 9 is supporting Strategy key actions # 1 (energy conservation at
water facilities), 2 (water conservation), 22 (Climate Ready Estuaries), 23 (coral
reef protection), 28 (sustainable infrastructure), and 30 (clarify use of SRFs).
Region 10 (Seattle):
Region has played an active role in bringing States in the Region together
to evaluate climate and water issues. The Region organized a Climate
Adaptation and Water Infrastructure Forum in September where stakeholders
learned about climate change impacts in the northwest and Alaska, adaptation
strategies and available tools and resources
(http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ecocomm.nsf/climate+change/ccwi). A key focus of
the conference was to support collaboration among many interested parties.
Participants expressed great interest in identify tools that are available for
evaluating water resource management issues, such as tools for "downscaling"
climate change models to smaller scale planning decisions.
In a related effort, the Region worked with the Office of Wastewater
Management (OWM) and Idaho Rural Water Association to sponsor an energy
efficiency conference for water utilities, focusing on OWM's Energy Management
Guidebook, OAR's new tool for benchmarking energy efficiency at utilities, and
asset management for small utilities.
The Region is also working to develop ideas and models for the inclusion
of climate change considerations, such as increasing the resiliency of
watersheds. In the Skagit watershed, EPA has diverse resources (e.g. Office of
Research and Development STAR Grants, Western Estuaries Initiative funding,
and other funding that address climate change adaptation concerns. EPA is
working with several other stakeholders to integrate their climate change efforts
into a collaborative watershed approach Major stakeholders include Seattle City
Light, two tribes, local watershed groups, local governments and others.
Region 10 is supporting the implementation of Strategy key actions #1
(energy conservation), # 4 (leak detection), and #18 (development of a watershed
policy memo).
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Region 10's regional webpage for climate and water is:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ecocomm.nsf/climate+chanae/ccwi
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IV) Other Climate Change and Water
Activities
In addition to implementing the Strategy, the National Water Program is
working on a range of projects related to climate change that are not addressed
in the Strategy. These activities have been developed in the latter part of 2008
and could not be included in the Strategy as it proceeded through the final review
process. This work is described briefly below.
1. Cross Program Coordination of Climate Change Activities:
The Office of Water is participating in several new efforts to strengthen
coordination on climate change work across a range of EPA program
areas. For example, EPA has initiated regular climate change
coordination calls involving a wide range of program areas. The Office of
Water also is participating in cross Agency efforts to evaluate
methodologies and protocols for estimating the climate change benefits of
voluntary carbon management programs and to develop consistent
practices for estimating benefits.
2. Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule:
The Office of Water is participating in the Agency Workgroup developing
the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule. A draft rule requiring that major
sources releasing carbon dioxide and equivalent greenhouse gases report
amounts of releases on a regular basis is expected to be released in the
near future. The Office of Water supported evaluation of key sectors
related to water including the wastewater treatment sector.
3. Water Quality Impacts of Biofuels Production:
The Office of Water is working with the Office of Air and Radiation to
review and assess the water quality implications of biofuels production. A
key question being addressed is the impact of the production of
agricultural feedstocks for biofuels on water quality, especially in the
Midwest. A related question concerns the impacts of biofuels production
facilities on surface waters and on groundwater supplies. EPA is
considering a range of options for addressing and reducing water quality
impacts. EPA Region 8 has worked actively in this area and developed
guidance documents (see Region 8 summary; page 54).
4. Cooperation with State and Tribal Organizations:
The Office of Water is working closely with State water organizations,
including the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
and the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control
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Administrators (ASIWPCA) to develop new agreements and processes for
engaging these organizations in management climate related policy and
program management. Several meetings with these groups have
occurred to date and EPA plans to advance proposals to strengthen
coordination in the Spring of 2009.
The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) continues to work with
the Office of Air and Radiation and the Office of Research and
Development on various aspects of climate change to assure Tribal
interests are represented in climate change activities, as well as to assure
appropriate information is provided to the Tribes. In developing the
National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change, AIEO
worked with the National Tribal Water Council and Tribes in 2008 to
assure Tribal review and input into the draft strategy. AIEO has sent
notification of the final Strategy to all federally recognized Tribes and will
work with the Tribes in its implementation.
5. Federal Agency Climate Change Coordination:
In addition to the work of the Federal agency workgroup on Climate
Change and Water (see key action #44), the Office of Water is actively
reviewing and commenting on major new climate change guidance and
papers by other Federal agencies including:
• Proposed guidance from the Army Corps of Engineers addressing sea
level rise and Corps projects;
• Climate Change Policy Papers from the Department of Interior (
http://www.usas.aov/alobal chanae/doi taskforce.asp#reports): and
• A draft paper by the US Geological Survey titled " Climate Change and
Water Resources Management: A Federal Perspective.
The Office of Water is also participating in Federal agency coordination
meetings on climate change policy hosted by the Office of Science and
Technology Policy.
6. Ocean Acidification:
EPA has received a petition to review and revise the marine water quality
criteria for pH based on emerging scientific information about the impacts
on marine life of absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans. Substantial
new scientific information indicates that higher levels carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere are absorbed by the oceans and that ocean waters are
becoming more acidic. High levels of acidity pose a threat to the marine
organisms with calcium structures such as corals. EPA is currently
considering the petition and expects to respond to it early in 2009.
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7. State Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change:
The Office of Water is working with the Office of Air and Radiation and
EPA Region 4 to support States in the southeast in evaluating options for
planning for adaptation to climate change. EPA recently released a notice
requesting proposals from organizations for work to develop background
papers on adaptation challenges in the southeastern States and options
for how these states might organize adaptation planning and management
programs to be most effective. A workshop of senior State decision-
makers in the southeastern States to consider these options is planned for
the fall of 2009.
8. Climate Change Implications for the Future of Wastewater Treatment:
The Office of Water is beginning to consider the implications of climate
change for the design of the next generation of wastewater treatment
facilities. Many existing facilities employ treatment processes that are
energy intensive. Although the energy efficiency of these treatment
processes can be improved, the significant reductions in energy use that
may be needed to respond to a changing climate, and increasing energy
costs, may require the development of alternative treatment processes
and facility designs. A related consideration is whether there are options
to use sewage as a source of energy or a feedstock for biofuels.
9. Sea Level Rise and Coastal Inundation Mapping:
Building on a workshop on coastal climate adaptation planning held in
September 2008, the Office of Water is co-chairing an initiative of the
Coastal Coordinating Committee to coordinate all federal and state work
on sea level rise mapping and inundation modeling in the context of
climate change adaptation. Some coastal areas of the country now have
very detailed topographic mapping that supports accurate simulations of
inundation as a result of sea level rises and storm surges, but other areas
lack this more accurate mapping data. A joint working group has been set
up to craft a mission statement and identify specific tasks to accomplish in
2009-10. A related topic is how best to support State and local coastal
planners in use of sea level rise mapping in making local land use and
coastal ecosystem protection decisions.
10. Regional Effort Offers Funding for Natural Hazard, Climate Change
Resilience Research
The U.S. EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program, the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant
college programs, the NOAA Northern Gulf Institute, and the U.S.
Geological Survey are inviting pre-proposals for projects dealing with
natural hazard and climate change resilience. The goal of the initiative is
to develop information, tools, technologies, products, policies or public
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decision processes that coastal communities can use to increase
resilience to coastal natural hazards and sea level rise.
Projects are to address research questions identified in the Gulf of Mexico
Regional Research Plan and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Action Plan II.
Federal funds for each selected project will not exceed $200,000 per year
for two years. Non-federal matching funds are required at 50 percent of
the federal amount. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, and
projects must be regional in scope. For more information:
http://flseaarant.org/fundina/GOM.
11 .Coordination with Federal Highway Administration:
The Federal Highway Administration convened representatives from 11
Federal agencies in June of 2008 to discuss partnership opportunities to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation sources.
The EPA Office of Water is participating on a newly formed Interagency
Working Group. The long-term goals for the Working Group are to explore
opportunities to leverage Federal resources, policies and programs to
reduce VMT, and thus GHG emissions and congestion, and to develop an
interagency action plan including legislative, regulatory, and policy
recommendations. The Office of Water is working with this group to
identify actions to support these goals. Most recently, draft action plan
items have been developed and vetted.
12. Assisting Coastal Land Trusts with Climate Change Adaptation
The Office of Water is developing an MOU on "Coastal Conserving
Networking" with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Fish and Wildlife Service, Land Trust Alliance, Restore America's
Estuaries, and The Nature Conservancy, to provide tools, training and an
education platform for coastal land trusts. This platform will enable land
trusts to take conservation action in coastal areas that is informed by each
party's national and regional programs and priorities for coastal
conservation, as an adaptive strategy in the face of climate change.
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APPENDIX
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PROGRESS REPORT
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM STRATEGY:
RESPONSE TO CL/MA TE CHANGE
This table indicates the status of work to implement each key action in the
Strategy.
Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
Status
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
Progress
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule 1 P
Behind schedule
1) Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Energy Conservation/Production
1
Improve Energy
Efficiency at Water and
Wastewater Utilities
OWM (Note
that OAR
leads this
work for the
Agency)
U
Water Conservation
2
Implement Water Sense
Program
OWM
U
3
Water Conservation at
Drinking Water Facilities
OGWDW
u
4
Water Conveyance and
Leak Detection
Remedies
OGWDW with
OWM
u
5
Industrial Water
Conservation
and Reuse
OST
u
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Status
Progress
Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
6
Federal Agency Water
Conservation Guidance
OWM
U
O
Green Building Design and Smart Growth
7
Promote Green Buildings
OWOW with
OWM
U
Agriculture Related Mitigation
Carbon Sequestration/Injection
8
Develop Geologic
Sequestration
Regulations
OGWDW
u
<=>
9
Continue Technical
Workshops
OGWDW
c
10
Evaluate Ocean and
Subseabed
Sequestration
OWOW
u
Biological Sequestration
11
Pilot Projects for
Marketing NPS Biological
Sequestration
OWOW
u
a
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Status
Progress
Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
2) Water Program Adaptation to Climate Change
Water Quality and Technology-Based Standards
12
Address Impacts of
Climate Change on
Potential Contamination
of Drinking Water
Sources
OGWDW
U
13
Assess Clean Water
Microbial Criteria and
Risk of Waterborne
Disease
OST
U
14
Consider Criteria for
Sedimentation/Velocity
OST
u
<=>
15
Develop Biological
Indicators and Methods
OST
u
16
Link Ecological and
Landscape Models
OST
u
-CL
17
Evaluate New Industry
Sectors
OST with
OWM
u
Watershed Approach
18
Watershed Climate
Change Policy Memo
OWOW
u
a
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Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
Status
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
Progress
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
19
Expand National Water
Resource Surveys to
Address Climate Change
owow
U
O
20
Assess Fresh Waterbody
Spatial Changes Due to
Climate Change
ow
TBI: Spring
2009
a
21
Promote BASINS
Climate Assessment Tool
OST
TBI: 2009 (note;
on hold)
22
Climate Ready Estuaries
OWOW
U
a
23
Continue Coral Reef
Protections
OWOW
U
24
Review/Revise NPS
Guidelines
owow
U
NPDES Program
25
Review Permit Program
Tools
OWM
U
26
Evaluate Climate Impacts
on Wet Weather Program
OWM
U
27
Assess Climate Impacts
at Animal Feeding
Operation
OWM with
OWOW
TBI: January
2009
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Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
Status
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
Progress
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
Water Infrastructure
28
Continue Implementing
Sustainable
Infrastructure Initiative
OWM with
OGWDW and
OWOW
U
29
Sustainability Handbook
with Climate Impacts
OWM with
OGWDW
U
30
Clarify Use of SRFs for
Climate Change Related
Projects
OWM with
OGWDW
u
<=>
31
Expand Emergency
Response Planning
OGWDW with
OWM
u
Wetlands Protection
32
Evaluate Changes to
404 Needed to Address
Climate Change
OWOW
u
£L
33
Complete National
Wetlands Mapping
Standard
OWOW
u
3) Water/Climate Related Research
34
Monitoring of Water
Related CCSP Reports
OST
u
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Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
Status
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
Progress
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
35
Add Climate Research in
ORD Water Related
Research Plans
OST
U
O
36
OW Role in Revision of
Global Climate Research
Plan
OST
U
a
4) Education on Climate Change
37
Clearinghouse/Website
OW
u
38
Annual Public Reports on
Strategy Implementation
OW
u
39
Outreach to Partners and
Stakeholders
OW
u
40
Expand Existing Training
Programs
OW
u
5) Climate Change Management
41
Maintain Office of Water
Climate Change
Workgroup
OW
u
42
Strategic Plan and
Annual Program
Guidance
OW
u
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
66
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Key Actions
Office of
Water Lead
with
Supporting
Offices
Status
To be initiated -
TBI/date
Underway - U
Completed - C
Progress
On schedule / *)
Ahead of schedule "j f"
Behind schedule -0=-
43
Regional Additions to
National Strategy
Regions with
OW
U
a
44
Federal Agency Water
Climate Coordination
Group
OW
U
<=>
EPA OFFICES:
OAR Office of Air and Radiation
OGWDW Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water (EPA's Office of Water)
OST Office of Science and Technology (EPA's Office of Water)
OW Office of Water
OWM Office of Wastewater Management (EPA's Office of Water)
OWOW Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (EPA's Office of
Water)
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
67
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Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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