WSP03432 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~>:.-. d,;,'",..1 ~\~~ltl1 STATES O\b05n WESTERN January 11, 1991 Issue No. 869 WATER THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN STATES WATER COUNCIL Creekview Plaza, Suite A-201/942 East 7145 So. 1 Midvale. Utah 840471 (801) 561-53001 FAX 255-9642 editor - Tony Willardson typist - Carrie Curvin 'S";~- !",-.~~.:- 'Wit ENVIRONMENT Intergovernmental Relations The Northwest Renewable Resource Center (NRRC), a not-for-prof~ fao;:i1~ator of mediation for natural resources disputes. has announced a three- year project entitled Tribes and Counties: Intergovernmental Cooperation. NRRC hopes the project will result In a better working relationship between Washlngton's Indian tribes and county governments. Some of the issues to be addressed are land-use planning and regulation. ground water protection. and solid waste management. NRRC was founded 'In 1984 to provide a forum for alternative natural resource dispute resolution. It coordinated and organized the Timber/FishlWildlife , negotiations betwee,n environmentalists., Indian tribes. the timber industry, and state agencies, and other projects such- as the Alaska Forest Practices Act Review. and the Idaho Water Antidegredation Negotiations. The first phase of the Tribes and Counties: Intergovernmental Cooperation project would establish lines of communication and explore methods to achieve cooperation.' The second phase, scheduled to begin in late 1991, will include substantive negotiations. The project will be conducted in conjunction with the Washington Governor's Office. the state Department of Community Development, the Washington Association of Counties. and Indian leaders. Funding is provided by the Ford Foundation. Northwest Area Foundation. and EPA Region X. Wetlands EPA recently announced the availability of program guidance to assist states in applying water quality standards to wetlands under Clean Water Act Section 304. Federal regulations include <.~J~;~~~ chairman - William H Young executive director - Craig Bell wetlands in the definition of "waters of the U.S." and subject them to water quality standards. but a number of states have not developed standards for wetlands, nor do they include them in theirdefin~ion of "state waters." The guidance document. issued 'jointly by the Office of Water Regulations and Standards and the Office of Wetlands Protection.: provides a regulatory basis to protect and enhance the nation's wetland resources. Copies have been sent to state agencies responsible for water quality standards. A limited number of copies are available free of charge to Ihe public from the Cr~eria and Standards Division, Office of Water Regulations and Standards (WH-585), U,S. EPA, 401 M Street. Southwest, Washington, D.C, 20460. For information contact Jill Minter, Standards Branch. (202) 475-7315. WATER RESOURCES , Oregon/Water Conservation- The Oregon Water Resources Commission and Department of Water Resources are in the process of developing statewide water policies on various issues, including conservation and efficient water use. A draft statement explains the "use of water w~hout waste is required by state statute and the appropriation doctrine.... In addition. improving the efficiency of water use through implementation of voluntary conservation measures can help restore instream flows and provide for future needs including public uses and continued economic development." In the late 1950's. Oregon began a systematic evaluation of available water supplies in each river basin. Some of the remaining unappropriated water was allocated to public uses. but in many areas there was no unappropriated water available during periods of seasonal low/lows. As a result. remaining streamflows were not sufficient 10 support fish. provide recreational opportun~ies, and maintain water quality, Recently, growth and economic development have