Western States Water Council 2005 Report

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7 recent Talent decision.' Ed Anton reported the California State Water Resources Control Board will hold a hearing on July 19, and then may adopt a general permit for the use of aquatic pesticides under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Karen Smith, a recently appointed member from Arizona, reported on the possible implications of another suit, Rice v. Harken, with regard to the definition of "waters of the United States," as it relates to ground waters and ephemeral streams! Gary Beach of Wyoming talked about coordinating Endangered Species Act and CWA requirements under a January 2001 memorandum of agreement. He expects consultation on a broad array of federal CWA actions. EPA regulation of animal feeding operations was discussed with Mr. Sutfin. The deadline for comments is now July 30th, and changes are likely in view of so much significant new information. Don Ostler addressed stream quality impairment due to low flows, and the need to coordinate state decisionmaking. Don also presented to the Committee a proposed position, later adopted by the Council, which expresses western states' concerns that a new federal grant program for combined sewer overflow control should not be funded out of monies now appropriated for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund ( CWSRF). It is already underfunded, given estimated needs. In a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees, the Council states, "We do not question the need to address these wet weather problems in certain areas of the nation. It is the Council's position that the wet weather grant program should not be funded at the expense of maintaining CWSRF funding. We urge your support for maintaining current funding levels for the CWSRF and that additional funds be provided to fund the new wet weather grant program. Merely shifting funding from one under funded program to another is not the way to solve the nation's water quality problems." The Executive Committee addressed progress on priority issues, the budget and future Council meetings. It reviewed water - related activities of the Western Governors' Association with Carolyn Duffin. She noted several water - related positions will be renewed or allowed to sunset at the WGA's Annual Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on August 12 -14th. The Council reelected its current officers to another term unanimously. Bob Hirsch, the U.S. Geological Survey's Associate Director for Water, told the Water Resources Committee the Congress has funded USGS at a level similar to last year, between $200- $205 million, compared to the $44 million cut the Administration requested. Three western Senators, Jeff Bingaman (D -NM), Byron Dorgan (D -ND) and Gordon Smith (R -OR), wrote in support of maintaining funding and attached the WSWC's position. Mr. Hirsch also noted a new real -time streamflow map is available.' Chairman Mike Brophy pointed out twelve senators signed a letter the WSWC staff drafted requesting a $2,525,000 increase in the snow survey budget for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the outlook is favorable. Jim Davenport reviewed the results and purpose of WSWC workshops in Albuquerque and Seattle on the ESA and state water law. Staff outlined the agenda for a meeting on Water 'Western States Water, Issue #1412, June 8, 2001. 'Ibid. 'Online at http : / /water.usgs.gov /waterwatch. 10