March 30, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm) EPA Spokane River PCBs TMDL Webinar

Please consider joining the EPA for a conversation on development of the Spokane River PCBs TMDL. This webinar will start with a ~30 minute presentation on progress to date and next steps, then transition to an hour of discussion on challenges and opportunities related to the project.

The EPA is committed to robust and meaningful public engagement in our work, so please feel free to forward this meeting invitation. We look forward to answering questions, addressing concerns, and collaboratively identifying solutions to PCB impairments in the Spokane River. This webinar is the first in a series that will occur roughly every three months through completion of the project in 2024, so there will be multiple future opportunities to participate in the dialog if you cannot make this session.

Thanks,

Gunnar Johnson, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Washington State TMDL Coordinator │Watersheds Section
Standards, Assessment & Watershed Management Branch │ Water Division
Region 10 │ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
johnson.gunnar@epa.gov │206.553.2114
1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155 (19-A02), Seattle, WA, 98101

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November 22, 2022 Tech Track Zoom meeting/EPA announcement

The next meeting of the TTWG will be held on Tuesday, November 22 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Please contact lara@whitebluffsconsulting.com for the Zoom meeting link.

TTWG_agenda 11-22-2022 v2
Historical_PCB_Source_Review_Draft_11152022
PCB_Program_Talking_Points_Clean_2022-11-18 Revisiting_Superfund_Sites_Clean_2022-11-18

EPA news:
On November 14, 2022, the Administrator signed the final rule to restore protective federal human health water quality criteria for the state of Washington. These federal criteria will help protect the health of all Washington state residents, and particularly tribal people and others who consume higher levels of locally caught fish and shellfish. When EPA initiated this rulemaking to restore the federal criteria, we committed to an expedited schedule to finalize the rule. We are pleased that the Administrator was able to sign a month and a half earlier than anticipated.

For background on EPA’s actions related to human health criteria in Washington and to download a copy of the final rule, please visit the following website: https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/federal-human-health-criteria-washington-state-waters.

If you have questions or wish to discuss further, please feel free to call me at (360) 753 – 9082.

Thank you,

Lucy Edmondson
Director, Washington Operations Office
US EPA Region 10
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey, WA 98503
(she/her/hers)

 

April 20, 2022 Tech Track work group Zoom meeting/EPA proposed rule link

The next meeting of the TTWG will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.  Please contact lara@whitebluffsconsulting.com for the Zoom meeting link.

Meeting documents:

TTWG_agenda 4-20-2022d2docx
TTWG_Dilks_04202022 presentation
MissionReachSourceAssessmentMonitoriongReport_04142022_redline
Historical_PCB_Assessment_Draft_04142022_redline
ArtesianWell2022Justification_04142022draft
CatchBasinJustification_04142022draft
Expanded Synoptic SamplingJustification_04142022draft
HistoricalReviewJustification04142022
MirabeauJustification04142022
SedimentBiofilm SamplingJustification_04142022draft

A Proposed Rule by the Environmental Protection Agency published on 04/01/2022
Restoring Protective Human Health Criteria in Washington

Public comment period Draft Spokane Water Quality Permits/Pollution Prevention Grant Opportunities

Ecology invites comments on the Spokane County and Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District draft permits from March 18 – May 3, 2022.  We are drafting updated water quality permits to ensure the five wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into the Spokane River continue to meet clean water requirements. These are the final two draft permits open for comment. Previously, we held comment on the Kaiser Aluminum Facility and City of Spokane Facility draft water quality permits from Dec. 29, 2021 – Feb. 11, 2022. We also have a comment period open for Inland Empire Paper from March 4 –April 18, 2022.  

View draft documents on our webpage  
Comment on Spokane County  
Comment on Liberty Lake
We are planning two identical workshops to explain the proposed changes to this permit and to answer questions prior to the formal public hearings. Hearings provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony. Oral testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments. The public hearings will begin immediately following each workshop and will conclude when testimony is complete.

Tuesday, April 19 at 2 p.m.
Join the webinar  
Tuesday, April 26 at  6 p.m.
Join the webinar  

The workshops and hearings offered via webinar allow individuals to view the presentation and provide testimony via computer, phone, or mobile device. Ecology will not be offering in-person hearings due to safety concerns from COVID-19.

Next Steps
After reviewing the feedback we receive, we respond to comments and will make decisions on permit reissuance for the facility. We plan to complete this work by Spring 2022.

Karl Rains Water Quality Planner
Karl.Rains@ecy.wa.gov
509-329-3601

Pollution Prevention Grants

Watch our Webinars to Learn How to Apply for $23 Million in Pollution Prevention Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available recordings of four webinars hosted by the agency to educate stakeholders on $23 million in pollution prevention (P2) grant funding opportunities for states and tribes. Proposals are due by April 11, 2022.

Three of the webinars reviewed general information about P2 and the grant application process to help potential applicants submit high-quality applications to EPA for consideration. The fourth webinar was targeted to the specific needs of federally recognized tribes.

The two grant opportunities provide funding for states and tribes to develop and provide businesses with information, training, and tools to help them adopt P2 practices. A new P2 grant of approximately $14 million is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For the first time, this funding is available with no grantee matching requirement, increasing access to funds for all communities. There is also a second grant opportunity for the traditional P2 grants program for approximately $9 million.

Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia. EPA anticipates announcing the grant recipients on a rolling basis starting in late summer.  

Learn more about P2 grants
View the webinars

Spokane River Biofilm Study Review/Other Announcements

Attached is the final draft of the Spokane River Biofilm Study for Task Force review. Ecology will evaluate and consider any comments that are made. Please provide any comments by March 11 to Brandee Era Miller @ BERA461@ECY.WA.GOV and cc lara@whitebluffsconsulting.com.

Here is the link to the report on Ecology’s ezShare site:

Spokane River PCBs in Biofilm, Sediment, and Invertebrates, 2018 and 2019 – Screening Study Results (wa.gov)

Clean Water Act Section 123 Columbia River Basin Restoration Program – Request for Applications – NEW DEADLINE March 8th

EPA is offering a one month extension to the following funding opportunities.

Applications must be submitted electronically by Tuesday, March 8, 2022 11:59 pm (Eastern) through www.grants.gov by following the instructions in the RFA. 

Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program – Lower Columbia River Estuary Basin

EPA-R10-OW-CRBRP-2022-01 is available at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336445.

Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program – Middle and Upper Columbia River Basin

EPA-R10-OW-CRBRP-2022-02 is available at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336446

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA), is issuing two Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible entities to improve water quality in the Lower Columbia River Estuary and/or the Middle and Upper Columbia River Basin through specific actions to reduce toxics, increase monitoring, and/or increase public education and outreach. The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program (CRBRP) will assist tribal, state, and local governments; nongovernmental entities, and others as they implement the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan and the Lower Columbia River Estuary Plan – Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and conduct activities to support EPA national goals for the Columbia River Basin.  

Eligible projects must address at least one of the following project categories: eliminating or reducing pollution; cleaning up contaminated sites; improving water quality; monitoring to evaluate trends; reducing runoff; protecting habitat; or promoting citizen engagement or knowledge. Priority for funding will be given to projects which are consistent with federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 (FY21/22) funding priorities as described in the RFA.   

More information about this funding opportunity can be found at: EPA’s Columbia River Basin Website .

Our work to rid schools and buildings of hazardous PCBs

Few would argue there are higher priorities than protecting children from harm. We agree with the need to provide protection for children, and want to see that protection extended to those who work with children in the places where they spend vast amounts of time: schools.

Our work to identify and eliminate toxic chemicals in schools has been ongoing for decades, but a big push in recent years has been targeting polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs. While the government banned the manufacture of PCBs in the U.S. in 1979, the chemicals remain in buildings that were constructed or renovated before or around that date.

PCBs are a group of human-made compounds found in air, water, land, and sediments. They last for decades in the environment, building up in the food chain causing toxic effects to the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems in people and animals. PCBs also cause cancer in animals and are believed to cause cancer in people.

Read online

EPA proposed consent decree to prepare PCB TMDL for Spokane River

Hi Task Force members and interested parties,

In response to the lawsuit filed by Sierra Club and Center for Environmental Law and Policy, EPA has a proposed consent decree to prepare a PCB TMDL for the Spokane River by September 30, 2024.

Here is a link to the official notice in the Federal Register, which was published today. The notice identifies opportunity for public comment for the next 30 days. Written comments on the proposed consent decree must be submitted to EPA by January 3, 2022:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-12-01/pdf/2021-26085.pdf

We are adjusting the December 15 Task Force agenda to provide time to discuss this new development and implications for Task Force future.

2021 – 2023 Ecology WRRED Grants Program/EPA CWA Section 123 Grants application

The Department of Ecology is pleased to announce the opening of the application period of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Education (WRRED) Grants Program for the 2021-23 biennium. Ecology is providing funding from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The application period will run from November 2nd, 2021 to November 23rd, 2021.

This competitive grant program provides up to $60,000 dollars to qualified local governments and nonprofit organizations for local or statewide education programs designed to help the public with waste reduction, recycling, composting, and litter control. The program requires a 25% match of the total eligible costs either in cash or contributed services for a total project maximum of $80,000.

Please see the updated program guidelines for more specific information and to review the application evaluation criteria that will be used to assess each application: https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/SummaryPages/2107035.html

More information is available on the program’s webpage: https://ecology.wa.gov/WRRED

EPA is Seeking Applications to Reduce Toxics in the Columbia River Basin

Applications due: February 8, 2022

Clean Water Act Section 123 Columbia River Basin Restoration Program Request for Applications: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA), is issuing two Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible entities to improve water quality in the Lower Columbia River Estuary and/or the Middle and Upper Columbia River Basin through specific actions to reduce toxics, increase monitoring, and/or increase public education and outreach. The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program (CRBRP) will assist tribal, state, and local governments; nongovernmental entities, and others as they implement the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and conduct activities to support EPA national goals for the Columbia River Basin.  Eligible projects must address at least one of the following project categories: eliminating or reducing pollution; cleaning up contaminated sites; improving water quality; monitoring to evaluate trends; reducing runoff; protecting habitat; or promoting citizen engagement or knowledge. Priority for funding will be given to projects which are consistent with federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 (FY21/22) funding priorities as described in the RFA.   

EPA is offering an informational session, via webinar, to be held on three different dates. We encourage potential applicants to attend one of the sessions to learn more about the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program and the grant application process. During the webinar, EPA will highlight any changes to the program, review eligibility criteria, funding limits and mandatory cost share requirements. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Pre-registration is not required.

  • Wednesday, November 17, 1-2:30pm (Pacific)
  • Wednesday, December 1, 9-10:30am (Pacific)
  • Wednesday, December 14, 9:30-11am (Pacific)

More information about this funding opportunity and the informational webinars can be found at: EPA’s Columbia River Basin Website .

Applications must be submitted electronically by Tuesday, February 8, 2022 11:59 pm (Eastern) through www.grants.gov by following the instructions in the RFA. 

 

EPA & Ecology News/Upcoming SRRTTF meetings

The US DOJ filed 2 motions in US District Court regarding the Washington Water Quality Standards Litigation. 

EPA has decided to propose protective Human Health Criteria for Washington’s surface waters that reflect the Agency’s commitment to apply sound science in administering the federal Clean Water Act.

The agency is committed to working with Washington State to protect vital water resources, ensuring that Human Health Criteria protect people who consume fish from Washington’s waters, including tribes with treaty-protected subsistence fishing rights. To that end, within nine months from the date the Court grants EPA’s request to hold the case in abeyance, EPA will formally propose protective federal criteria for Washington that would replace the less stringent criteria EPA approved in the prior administration.

EPA will be communicating early and often with tribes, elected officials, stakeholders/NGOs and the general public about progress and opportunities to comment during the rulemaking process.

Attached are copies of the filed motions:

30 PSA Motion for abeyance
84 WA Motion for abeyance

Thank you for your interest in this important issue.

Lucy Edmondson
Senior Advisor, Office of the Regional Administrator
US EPA Region 10
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey, WA 98503

Ecology is pleased to announce the publication of the State Fiscal Year 2022 Final Water Quality Funding Offer List and Intended Use Plan (SFY22 Final List). The SFY22 Final List describes how Ecology will use state and federal dollars to fund projects to improve and protect water quality.

Ecology is offering nearly $312 million in financial assistance for 108 high priority clean water projects across Washington state. The total includes approximately $22 million in Centennial Clean Water Program grants, $1.6 million in Clean Water Act Section 319 Program grants, $35 million in Stormwater Financial Assistance Program grants, and $254 million in Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans and forgivable loans.

To ensure that funds were directed to the highest priority projects, our water quality specialists evaluated and scored all eligible project proposals. Scores were compiled, and a statewide priority list was developed. Projects offered funding are based upon the priority list, the type of project, and the funding source.

More Information
For more information about the SFY22 Funding Cycle, including the interactive map of funded projects and access to a worksheet describing the projects and funding offered, please visit the Water Quality Combined Funding Program Funding Cycles webpage.

Upcoming Meetings:(contact lara@whitebluffsconsulting.com for Zoom info)

July 7 – iPCB/TSCA beginning with WA DES discussion at 9:30 am
July 13 – Education and Outreach at 10:00 am
July 28 – SRRTTF at 8:30 am

June 9, 2021 ACE Board Meeting/EPA Informational Webinar/ORLP Grant Program

The next meeting of the ACE board will be a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 9 from 1:30 – 2:15 pm. Please contact larafloyd@whitebluffsconsulting.com to get the meeting link.

Meeting documents:

Revised ACE Meeting Agenda 060921

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites you to participate in the  

2021-2022 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Solicitation Informational Webinar

Thursday, June 10, 2021
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

Register Now!

Registration for the 2021-2022 SBIR solicitation webinar is free.  Join us for an informational webinar on EPA’s 2021-2022 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I solicitation. Learn about EPA’s SBIR program, this year’s solicitation topics, and how to apply for an SBIR contract. EPA SBIR program experts will be available to answer questions following the presentation.

EPA’s 2021-2022 SBIR Phase I solicitation is anticipated to open in mid-June 2021. The solicitation purpose is to support eligible small businesses in the development and commercialization of innovative environmental technologies. EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR Program as a result of the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982. With this solicitation, EPA is calling for small businesses to apply for Phase I awards for up to $100,000 to demonstrate proof of concept in one of the SBIR solicitation topic areas. Successful Phase I awardees are eligible to receive Phase II funding, up to $400,000 for two years, through an additional application process.

Webinar Objectives

  • Review topics anticipated in the upcoming 2021-2022 SBIR Phase I solicitation
  • Learn about the federal SBIR Program and EPA’s SBIR Program
  • Learn how to apply via FedConnect
  • Review administrative, submission, eligibility and proposal evaluation processes
  • Share frequently asked questions

Proposed Research Topics for the 2021-2022 Solicitation 

Clean and Safe Water

  • Modular decentralized non-potable water reuse for urban applications
  • Low-input decentralized non-potable water reuse for irrigation applications
  • Detection of lead service lines
  • Retrofit technologies to improve operation of stormwater management infrastructure
  • Technologies to process environmental samples of microplastics
  • Technologies to remove microplastics from wastewater or stormwater

Air Quality

  • Air monitoring technology for air toxics
  • Low-cost sensors for air toxics and odors
  • Continuous emission monitoring system for metal HAPs
  • Integrated sampling, continuous monitoring for metal HAP emissions
  • Technologies to reduce exposure to radon in buildings
  • Air monitoring technology for methane (CH4) from oil and gas storage tanks

Homeland Security

  • Air treatment methods to reduce the risks from transmission of viruses and bacteria in enclosed or semi-enclosed environments

Sustainable Materials Management

  • Innovative technologies that help consumers prevent food waste in the acquisition, preparation, and storage of food
  • Innovative technologies that will improve the U.S. recycling system
  • Low impact reusable and recyclable material alternatives to low value plastic items that escape management
  • Low impact construction materials and technologies to reduce embodied carbon of buildings
  • Low impact construction materials and technologies to increase resiliency to disasters and recovery of materials generated from these incidents

Safer Chemicals

  • Microphysiological systems for predictive toxicology
  • Post application pesticide drift predictor
  • PCB-free coloration technologies

Risk Assessment

  • Software tools and machine-learning applications for systematic review in science assessment

For more information on EPA’s SBIR program and funding opportunities: https://www.epa.gov/sbir

Learn more about SBIR program: www.SBIR.gov

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland Announces $150 Million to Create Public Parks, Expand Recreation Opportunities in Urban Areas

On May 10, 2021, the Department of the Interior announced the National Park Service will distribute $150 million to communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program.

During this grant cycle, open May 10 – September 24, 2021, the National Park Service will be awarding between $300,000 and $5 million to state and local governments. State agencies must be the lead applicant for this grant opportunity, but they may apply for funds on behalf of a local government.

This grant program provides funding to renovate existing parks or create new outdoor recreation space in underserved communities funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).  For Information go to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=ORLP

To read the full Press Release:  https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-haaland-announces-150-million-create-public-parks-expand-recreation 

Examples of past projects are available here, including one in Portland, OR:

Portland, OR — $500,000 – The City of Portland, Verde, and private partners will develop a 25-acre park on a former brownfield in the Cully neighborhood of northeast Portland. The neighborhood, one of Portland’s larger and more populous neighborhoods, is predominantly minority and low-income and has limited outdoor recreation opportunities as compared to other regional areas. The grant will restore habitat and support development of an accessible playground, walking trail with exercise equipment, scenic overlooks, off leash dog area, Intertribal Gathering Garden (open to the public), and a youth soccer field at Thomas Cully Park.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Columbia River Basin: Implications for Stock Recovery

Among the populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) that inhabit the Columbia River basin there are currently 13 Evolutionarily Significant Units listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. While habitat loss, dams, overharvest, and climate change have been implicated in declining abundance of Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha in the Columbia River, chemical contaminants represent an additional, yet poorly understood, conservation threat. In this study we measured concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in juvenile Chinook Salmon from various Columbia River stocks and life history types to evaluate the potential for adverse effects in these threatened and endangered fish. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), recognized contaminants of concern in the Columbia basin, are the primary focus of this paper; other contaminants found in these fish, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are described in other publications. We frequently detected PCBs and DDTs in juvenile salmon and salmon diet samples from the lower Columbia River and estuary. In some cases, concentrations in salmon were above estimated thresholds for effects on growth and survival. The tidal freshwater portion of the estuary, between Portland, Oregon, and Longview, Washington, appeared to be an important source of contaminants for juvenile salmon and a region in which salmon were exposed to toxicants associated with urban development and industrial activity. Highest concentrations of PCBs were found in fall Chinook Salmon stocks with subyearling life histories, including populations from the upper Columbia and Snake rivers, which feed and rear in the tidal freshwater and estuarine portions of the river for extended periods. Spring Chinook Salmon stocks with yearling life histories that migrate more rapidly through the estuary generally had low PCB concentrations, but high concentrations of DDTs. Lipid content was low (<1%) in many of the fish examined, contributing to high lipid-adjusted contaminants concentrations in some samples. Click here to read the full study published in Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.

Ecology WQ Program open comment periods regarding Spokane River watershed/EPA Stormwater Grant Program

Hi Task Force,

We want to make the Task Force aware of two Water Quality Program open comment periods that include proposed updates affecting the Spokane River watershed.  Details, resources, primary Ecology contacts, and instructions for submitting comments are provided below.  

The first (see item ❶ below) is related to the proposed reissuance of the Upland Finfish Hatching and Rearing NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit.  This includes WDFW’s Spokane Hatchery located on the Little Spokane River. 

The second (see item ❷ below) is related to Ecology’s release of the draft Water Quality Assessment (WQA).  The draft WQA includes new listings on segments of Lake Spokane and/or the Spokane River for temperature, pH, methyl mercury and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). 

Ecology has provided substantial information on their website (see links below) and we encourage you to review the available information and resources.  Primary contacts Laurie Niewolny and Jeremy Reiman can respond to question specific to the proposals.

❶ Ecology proposes to reissue the Upland Finfish Hatching and Rearing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Waste Discharge General Permit (permit). The current permit was issued on April 1, 2016, and expired on March 31, 2021. The draft permit and accompanying fact sheet, which explains the technical basis for the permit, are available for review and public comment from Wednesday, April 7, 2021, through Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Ecology will host two public workshops and public hearings on the draft permit.

Purpose of the Permit
The permit provides coverage for upland finfish hatching and rearing operations and limits the discharge of pollutants from raising or spawning fish, which includes uneaten feed, fish fecal matter, and medications and disease control chemicals. Under Federal and State water quality laws (Federal Clean Water Act and State Water Pollution Control Act), a permit is required for the discharge of these wastewaters. State, county, private, and some tribal hatcheries that rear finfish such as salmon and trout and that discharge wastewater to waters of the State must obtain permit authorization for their discharge.

Submitting Written Comments
We will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet from April 7, 2021, through May 26, 2021 by 11:59 pm. Comments may be submitted:

Online: Submit your comments through our online comments form (preferred method)

By mail:
Laurie Niewolny
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47775
Olympia, WA  98504-7775

In person: Comments are accepted during the following Public Workshops and Hearings. The purpose of the workshops is to explain the general permit and to answer questions prior to the formal public hearings. The purpose of the hearings is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony on the proposed draft permit. Oral testimony will receive the same consideration as written comments submitted.

The public hearings will begin immediately following the public workshops and will conclude when public testimony is complete.

Morning Webinar: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 – 10 a.m.  Join the Webinar*

Evening Webinar: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – 6 p.m.  Join the Webinar*

*Workshops and hearings offered via webinar allow individuals to view the presentation and provide testimony via computer or mobile device. Ecology is not currently offering in-person hearings due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

Issuing the Permit 
After we receive and consider all public comments, we will make a final decision on permit issuance. We expect to make a decision on the general permit in August 2021.

Copies of the Draft Permit and Fact Sheet
The draft permit and fact sheet are available on our permit webpage. You may also request copies from Water Quality Reception at (360) 407-6600.

Ecology Contact
Laurie Niewolny – General Permit Writer
Telephone: (360) 584-8852
Email: laurie.niewolny@ecy.wa.gov

To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, call Ecology at 360-407-7285 or visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.

❷ The Department of Ecology is releasing the draft Water Quality Assessment for public review and comment. The Assessment pulls together existing data for fresh and marine water, and is available for review as an interactive online tool.

Ecology is responsible for identifying and improving Washington’s polluted streams, lakes, and marine water.  As part of this work, we must regularly update Washington’s Water Quality Assessment that categorizes state waters as clean or polluted, based on data we have.  Results of the Assessment help us see where progress is being made and where to prioritize future water quality improvement plans.  The Assessment is used by tribes, federal, state, and local governments, and stakeholders to design monitoring programs and water quality improvement projects; incorporate the data into other environmental reporting; and to share successes in water quality improvement efforts.  The Assessment includes data gathered by Ecology and readily available data from several other local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, and environmental groups.  To help ensure that the data we use is accurate, all data must meet our quality assurance requirements.

Online training
We are holding a virtual training on April 20 at 1:30 p.m. to offer background information on the Assessment and tips on how to use the search and map tools to review any areas of interest. Register for the online training webinar

How can I comment?
We are inviting people to review Assessment results in watershed areas of the state that they are familiar with or have an interest in. For information on the Assessment and to access the online tool and other materials, please visit the Assessment website.

The deadline for public comments is 5 p.m., Friday, June 4, 2021.

Submit comments by:
Online comment form provided on the review tool (preferred method)
Email: 303d@ecy.wa.gov
Mail: Washington State Department of Ecology
Jeremy Reiman
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Please note, any information (e.g., personal or contact) you provide in a comment or in an attachment may be publicly disclosed and posted on the Internet.

Next Steps:
After reviewing public feedback and making any revisions, Ecology will submit the final Assessment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet Clean Water Act requirements.

More information:
Water Quality Assessment webpage
Water Quality Assessment Focus Sheet
April 8, 2021 Ecology News Release

Questions? Contact
Jeremy Reiman
Water Quality Assessment Scientist
email: 303d@ecy.wa.gov
phone: 360-819-0197

The Department of Ecology is committed to providing people with disabilities access to information and services by meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Washington State Policy #188.

To request an ADA accommodation, contact Ecology by phone at 360-407-6600 or email at jeremy.reiman@ecy.wa.gov. For Washington Relay Service or TTY call 711 or 877-833-6341.  Visit Ecology’s website for more information.

EPA Announces $67 Million Grant Program to Help Communities Manage Stormwater
04/01/2021
Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov )
WASHINGTON (April 1, 2021)— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $67 million in grant funding through the new Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. This funding will support public health and environmental protections by helping states and cities improve stormwater management to address sewer overflows and reduce pollution that can flow into local waterways.

“While utilities do an incredible job of managing wastewater and safely returning it to the environment, increased water from heavy rains and storms can challenge and even circumvent this great work,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Under America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, this new grant program empowers EPA’s state, local, and utility partners to improve stormwater management and benefit communities.”

This grant program will provide funding for critical overflow and stormwater infrastructure projects in communities. Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect pollutants—including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment—and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows (CSO) during heavy rainstorms. Managing stormwater is a complex environmental challenge and EPA is working with its partners to meet the needs of communities. 

States, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia can apply for funding. Once awarded, these funds will be provided as sub-awards to municipal entities for projects that address infrastructure needs for CSOs, sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management. Through this $67 million investment in water infrastructure, EPA estimates that over a thousand direct and indirect jobs will be created.

Background
America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 amended section 221 of the Clean Water Act, which reauthorized the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program. These amendments expanded project eligibilities to include stormwater management projects and authorized appropriations for the program. The program received a $28 million appropriation in fiscal year 2020 and a $40 million appropriation in fiscal year 2021. EPA developed an allotment formula for the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to best address CSOs, SSOs, and stormwater needs for each state, as determined by the data from the latest Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, along with supplemental data on population, urban population, and precipitation. 

For more information about the program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/sewer-overflow-and-stormwater-reuse-municipal-grants-program.