A consensus agreement was reached during the June 15, 2015 phone conference meeting among the 11 voting members of the Task Force. The consensus was to approve the final document titled, “Coordinated Response to EPA Regarding the Remand from Judge Rothstein” (and attachments) and submit it to EPA for its submittal to the judge.
Category Archives: Announcement
July and August Task Force Meetings Moved to July 29th and September 3rd
The July and August Task Force Meetings have been rescheduled. Based on the doodle poll results and availability of the venues, the rescheduled dates are as follows:
- The July 22nd meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday July 29th, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the Spokane County Water Resource Center.
- The August 26th meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday September 3rd, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.
The updated schedule can be found on the Task Force Website.
June 16th, 2015: MOA Work Group Meeting
The next Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Work Group meeting is:
Date: Tuesday, June 16th, 2015
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Washington Department of Ecology
N. 4601 Monroe St.
Spokane, WA 99205
Click here for a map
Call In Number: 800-704-9804
Participant Code: 34863442#
note: Webinar information will be emailed to the work group prior to the meeting
All MOA revisions and comments received have been posted to the Task Force website here.
LimnoTech Draft Report on Phase 2 Technical Activities available for review
LimoTech’s draft report on Phase 2 Technical Activities is available for review.
The Technical Track Work group briefly discussed the report during the June 3rd work group meeting. The group agreed that they had not had enough time to thoroughly review the document or the comments that have been submitted. Therefore, the review period has been extended.
Please review the report and send any comments to Kara Whitman at kmwhitman@wsu.edu (Ruckelshaus Center) no later than c.o.b June 16th. Kara will compile the comments and post to the Task Force website for Task Force review at the June Task Force meeting.
DRAFT REPORT
– SRRTTF_Phase_2_Draft_Report_2015_05_20
COMMENTS
– LimoTech Synoptic Report Comments_Spokane County Utilities
– Limnotech-report-comments-spokane-county-utilities-2
Coordinated Task Force Response: Final Draft ready for Review
Members of the Task Force have drafted a coordinated response (see below) to contribute to EPA’s submittal to the United States (federal) District Court Judge. There is a very short timeline for review and approval of this document. The process for reviewing, editing, and finalizing the coordinated Task Force Response is as follows: (REVISED on 5/29/15, UPDATED 6/5/15)
- Written comments on version provided at the Task Force meeting are due by 5 pm, Monday June 1, 2015. Comments and revisions are to focus on high level, content related edits. (COMPLETE)
- Comments and proposed edits will be sent out via email to the Task Force and posted to the Task Force Website no later than Monday evening on June 1st, 2015. (COMPLETE)
- Small Work group to meet on Tuesday June 2, 2015 from 1-4 pm at the Spokane County Water Resource Center to review the document and any edits received. (To Join by phone: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#). (COMPLETE)
- Edited/Revised Version will be sent out via email to the Task Force and posted to the Task Force Website by 12 pm on Wednesday June 3, 2015. (Will be posted by Thursday morning by 9 am at the latest)
- Small work group meeting on Thursday June 4, 2015 from 9 am-12 pm at the Department of Ecology. (To Join by phone: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#). (COMPLETE)
- Task Force conference call from 9-11 am on Friday June 5, 2015. (phone: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#). (COMPLETE)
- Edited/Revised Version will be sent out via email to the Task Force and posted to the Task Force Website by 12 pm on Monday June 8, 2015.
- Task Force Decision call on Monday June 15 at 12 pm to approve the final coordinated response. (requires a quorum of voting members). (phone: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#).
FINAL DRAFT:
– SRRTTF-Work-Summary-FINAL-DRAFT-for-SRRTTF-6-8-2015 (FINAL DRAFT For DECISION)
– VERSION 4_SRRTTF DRAFT Response Revised 6.4.2015 (Task Force To Review for conference call Friday June 5)
Comments:
– Ecology_Adriane Borgias Comments on Coordinated Response to EPA
– Greg Lahti _ comments on Draft Response
– Riverkeeper and Lands Council comments
– RICK E. Mike P._Jerry W. proposed edits_track changes
– Riverkeeper_Lands Council_ Alternate EPA feedback format
– Post Falls Task Force Submittal Comments 6.01.15
– Post Falls additional Comments on EPA Submittal Letter
DRAFT Documents
Revisions
– SRRTTF Coordinated Response Revised Draft 6.3.2015_clean
– SRRTTF Coordinated Response Revised Comparison from original Draft 6.3.2015
Original Version Presented to Task Force:
– SRRTTF Work Summary – draft 3 for SRRTTF_ 5-27-2015 (pdf)
– SRRTTF Work Summary – draft 3 for SRRTTF_ 5-27-2015 (word doc)
– Appendix A: Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force Final Memorandum of Agreement
– Appendix B: SRRTTF-Work-Plan-First-Draft-Adopted-10-24-12 , SRRTTF-Work-Plan-Milestone-Schedule-10-24-2012
– Appenix C: – Measurable Progress SRSP PCB reduction activities 9_9_2014 (note: Appendix C is a DRAFT that is still awaiting feedback)
June 3, 2015 Technical Track Work Group Meeting
Spokane River Regional Task Force
Technical Track Work Group Meeting
Date: June 3, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Department of Ecology
N. 4601 Monroe St.
Spokane, WA 99205
Click here for a map.
Call In Number: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#
Meeting Documents
– TTWG 6 3 15 Summary notes DRAFT
– Tech Track WG agn 06-03-15_Revised
– SRRTTF_Phase_2_Draft_Report_2015_05_20
– Rationale and cost_benefit for funding flow gages on the Spokane River at Trent and Nine Mile
– LimnoTech Presentation: SRRTTF_HighLevelScoping_2015_06_03
– SRRTTF_GW_Seepage_PCB_mass-loading_Jun 02-2015
– Budget Forecasting 060115
– Notes from the SRRTTF Fish Focus Group Meeting 5-27-2015
LimnoTech Draft Report Comments:
– LimoTech Synoptic Report Comments_Spokane County Utilities
– Limnotech-report-comments-spokane-county-utilities-2
May 27, 2015 Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force Meeting
The next meeting of the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force is:
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Spokane County Water Resource Center
1004 N. Freya Street
Spokane, WA 99202
Click here for a map
Call In Number: 800-704-9804
Participant Code: 34863442#
*Please note, the conference call in number will remain open until 15 minutes until after the meeting begins. It will continue to remain open as long as there are callers on the line. If you wish to join the meeting by phone late, please notify Kara Whitman (kmwhitman@wsu.edu) ahead of time.
Meeting Documents
– SRRTTF 5-27-15 summary Notes Final
– SRRTTF May 27 TF Meeting Agenda DRAFT
– SRRTTF Meeting 4 22 15 Summary Notes DRAFT
– TTWG 5-6-2015 summary Notes DRAFT
– SRRTTF 5-18-2015 Conference Call_summary notes (Conference Call with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
– SRRTTF SWAT Team Updates_REVISED on 5.21.15
– 2015-16 SRRTTF – Ruckelshaus Center Proposal SOW
– ACE Financial Statement
– P2 at the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center- Presentation Marjorie MartzEmerson
LimnoTech Documents
– SRRTTF_Wet Weather Presentation_2015_05_15
– SRRTTF_Phase_2_Draft_Report_2015_05_20
– Conflict of Interest LimnoTech
Fish and PCBs
– Sorting Issues Related to Fish and PCBs
– feed ingredients
Hydroseed Project Documents
– Hydroseed Pilot Project Workplan_Revision 051915
– PRODUCT QAPP_2014 082014_FINAL_City PacRim Signed (1)
– PCB Product Sampling QAPP Addendum__SRRTTF Task 1 2015 03
– Mulch material specs from 2014 Spec Book (1)
– WSDOT List of Qualified Suppliers
Coordinated Task Force Response
– SRRTTF Work Summary – draft 3 for SRRTTF_ 5-27-2015 (pdf)
– SRRTTF Work Summary – draft 3 for SRRTTF_ 5-27-2015 (word doc)
News Release: Merkley, Blumenauer, Wyden, Bonamici, DeFazio Introduce Columbia River Basin Restoration Act to Clean Up Columbia Basin
United States Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2015
Contact: Martina McLennan/Ray Zaccaro (Merkley) – 202.224.3753
Nicole L’Esperance (Blumenauer) – 202.225.4811
Hank Stern (Wyden) – 503.326.7539
Alexandra Gilliland (Bonamici) – 202.754.1649
Kristie Greco Johnson (DeFazio) – 202.225.6416
Merkley, Blumenauer, Wyden, Bonamici, DeFazio Introduce Columbia River Basin Restoration Act to Clean Up Columbia Basin
WASHINGTON – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04) introduced the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act. The legislation would authorize $50 million over five years for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary, competitive Columbia Basin grants program for projects that assist in eliminating or reducing pollution, cleaning up contaminated sites, improving water quality, monitoring the basin, and promoting citizen engagement.
Toxins are present throughout the Columbia Basin, and are harmful to humans, fish, and wildlife. These contaminants make their way into fish tissue and can be dangerous to humans if consumed. Some of these toxins are known to cause cancer and have been linked with neurological, developmental, and reproductive problems, including birth defects and learning disabilities.
“The Columbia River is an Oregon icon that is central to both our environment and our economy,” said Merkley. “A clean Columbia River is essential for the health of our communities and for the strength of our fishing and recreation industries. Congress should step up and help protect this Oregon gem.”
“The Columbia River is the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest, providing energy, food, jobs and recreation, but it’s become dangerously polluted,” said Representative Blumenauer. “We must do all that we can to protect and restore this majestic river. I look forward to working with Senator Merkley and other members of the Northwest delegation to advance this legislation to address an issue critical to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.”
“The Columbia River has served the people of the Pacific Northwest for eons as a source of food, energy, and a major highway for commerce,” Wyden said. “Dedicating funds to cleaning up the river is critical to ensuring that it is protected from pollution that harms the people and ecosystem that depend on it. It is past time to provide this support for the Columbia River Basin, and I’m proud to introduce this bill that will improve water quality and protect the river for future Oregonians.”
“The Columbia River is a powerful economic force in Oregon. It helps carry goods to market, serves as a valuable source of energy, and provides food to tribal populations and others,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “We must reduce pollution and contamination of this critical resource. I am pleased to support the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act, which includes grants for projects that help preserve and protect the waterway.”
“The Columbia River is one of the most bountiful natural resources in Oregon, providing cultural, economic, and ecological benefits to many states,” said Representative DeFazio. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a bill that will put significant federal investment behind meaningful restoration projects to improve water quality and reduce pollution of the Columbia River. Rising levels of toxins in the Columbia River Basin threaten Oregon’s salmon and the livelihood of tribal communities and other Oregonians.”
The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, and the only large aquatic ecosystem in the United States that currently receives no dedicated funding to clean up and monitor toxic chemicals. It is 1,243 miles long and its drainage basin extends into seven states. Approximately 8 million people inhabit the Basin, including members of several Tribal nations and angling groups who frequently fish in its waters. Historically, the Columbia and its tributaries have constituted the largest salmon-producing river system in the world, with annual returns peaking at 16 million fish.
This bill is supported by a diverse group of stakeholders including the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and Salmon-Safe.
###
—
Martina McLennan
Deputy Communications Director
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
(202) 224-3753
Coordinated Task Force Response: EPA’s submittal to the United States (federal) District Court Judge
In its submittal in response the March 2015 court ruling, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to tell the court what the Task Force believes it is important for the court to know about the Task Force’s work. EPA has asked for a single concise brief, rather than multiple responses from Task Force members, and has requested it no later than June 15th. EPA has also suggested that if individual entities would like to provide information on PCB reduction activities, this is to be submitted as an individual entity. Both Task Force and individual responses will be discussed at the May 27th Task Force meeting.
Task Force members held a conference call with EPA on Monday May 18 to discuss this submittal. The summary of this call is provided below.
– SRRTTF Conference Call 5.18.15 summary notes
– Measurable-Progress-SRSP-PCB-reduction-activities-_short-form-9-9-2014
– SRRTTF Measurable Progress Assessment 04.17.15
EPA Requests a unified response from the Task Force -Conference Call Scheduled
In its submittal in response the March 2015 court ruling, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to tell the court what the Task Force believes it is important for the court to know about the Task Force’s work. EPA has asked for a single concise brief, rather than multiple responses from Task Force members, and has requested it no later than June 15th.
To answer questions from Task Force members, provide any additional information, and assist in the development of this response, EPA will hold a conference call for interested SRRTTF members.
The conference call is schedule for Monday May 18th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
To Join the call: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#
– SRRTTF Conference Call 05-18-15 agenda_draft
– Measurable Progress – SRSP PCB reduction activities _short form 9-9-2014