ECOLOGY NEWS: Policy 1-11 workshop, December 13th and 14th. Register Now!

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Ecology will hold a two day workshop on Washington’s Water Quality Assessment and Policy 1-11.

Registration is now open for the two days workshop that will be held on Dec. 13 and 14 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Lacey Community Center.  You can participate in person or by webinar.

The portion that most Task Force members will want to participate in will be the December 14th (2nd day). Please go to the following link and fill out the survey information to register. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQA_Meeting 

Public meetings on the Water Quality Assessment and Water Quality Policy 1-11 will be held next week onDec. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Lacey Community Center.   If you plan to attend in-person or by Webinar, please register at:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQA_Meeting.
 
Agendas for the two days are as follows:
 
Tuesday, December 13
9 a.m. – Noon                  Data used in the Assessment (representativeness, confidence levels, transparency)
Noon – 1 p.m.                  Lunch
1 – 3:30 p.m.                    Bioassessment
3:30 – 4 p.m.                    Wrap up and next steps for each topic
 
Wednesday, December 14
9 a.m. – Noon                  Toxics Data and use of fish tissue
Noon – 1 p.m.                  Lunch
1 – 2 p.m.                          TMDL Prioritization
2 – 3:30 p.m.                    Sediment Management Standards used for listing
3:30 – 4 p.m.                    Wrap up and next steps for each topic
 
We have posted on our website Issue Papers and related materials for the 5 key topics that will be the basis of discussion for the meetings.  If you plan to participate, we encourage you to read these prior to the meetings if possible.
 
Thank you for your interest in Washington’s water quality.
 
Susan Braley
Watershed Management Section
Phone: (360) 407-6414

Ecology News: PCB source tracing report now posted on Ecology website

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With your input, the King County Science and Technical Support Section completed the report A Review of Select PCB Source Tracing Programs this summer for Ecology. PCB source tracing programs reviewed covered Portland, Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane as well as San Francisco Bay and Delaware River Basin.
Ecology experienced website design transitions that delayed posting of the report on their website but it is now here: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/puget_sound/docs/PCBSourceTracingProgramsReport.pdf
Please share and distribute to anyone you think would be interested. One of the main objectives of the project was to facilitate information sharing. Therefore, our success is dependent on wide distribution and communication. I appreciate your efforts to assist us with this.
Keep up the good work on PCBs!
Jenée Colton
Acting Supervisor
Toxics and Contaminant Assessment Unit
King County DNRP, WLRD Science Section
206-477-4075
Mailing address:
201 S. Jackson St., Ste 600
Seattle, WA 98104

EPA to Host Upcoming WIFIA Informational Webinars

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The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) is a new loan program, which is targeted at large projects $20 million for large communities and $5 million for small communities (population of 25,000 or less).

Over the next month, EPA will be hosting a series of informational sessions about WIFIA program.

Eligible projects include wastewater and drinking water facilities as well as energy efficiency projects at these facilities and other large projects. The WIFIA program is separate from State Revolving Fund programs, but will coordinate with them.

If you are interested in this new funding program, then you are encouraged to attend one or more of the Webinars, particularly the first one, which is scheduled for November 29th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time and will overview the WIFIA Program, loan terms and conditions, and credit policies.

The webinars are targeted at prospective WIFIA borrowers including municipal entities, corporations, partnerships, State Revolving Fund programs, non-governmental organizations, and organizations that support prospective borrowers. In each session, EPA will focus on a specific topic and provide participants the opportunity to ask questions.

Webinar 1 Tuesday, November 29 (1:00-3:00 pm ET)
WIFIA Program Overview; loan terms and conditions; and credit policies
Register

Webinar 2 Tuesday, December 6 (1:00-3:00 pm ET)
WIFIA Project Selection; letter of interest components; EPA’s selection process; and the selection criteria weighting
Register

Webinar 3 Monday, December 12 (1:00-3:00 pm ET)
WIFIA Project approval and closing; and term sheet development.
Register

Learn More.

Ecology News: Ecology website update with new WQS information and Update on the Draft Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit

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Task Force,
A few updates from Ecology:
1. Additional information about the Draft Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit.
The Department of Ecology is developing a new Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit. We are accepting written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet until 5 p.m., December 2, 2016.
For your review, we have added a new link on our website to the draft Notice of Intent (NOI), which would be the application for coverage by this permit.
If you have questions, please contact Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6439.
2. Ecology’s Water Quality website is now updated.
We have now updated our water quality standards rulemaking website to include EPA’s Nov. 15, 2016, decision. Visit our page at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/ruledev/wac173201A/1203ov.html
Sandy Howard | Communications Manager | Water Quality Program | WA Dept. of Ecology | 360-407-6408 or 360-791-3177,sandy.howard@ecy.wa.gov

Ecology News: PCB Product Testing final report and data available for download and review

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FOCUS SHEET

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1604024.html 

REPORT
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1604014.html

If you want to download all the data – Download Data by STUDY (bottom of the page) – https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/ptdbpublicreporting/
The results are in TWO studies
PCBs in General Consumer Products – 2013 Part 1 (Report 14-04-035)
PCBs in General Consumer Products – 2014-15 Part 2

Holly Davies, PhD | Toxics Policy Coordinator | holly.davies@ecy.wa.gov
WA Department of Ecology | PO Box 47600 | Olympia, WA 98504-7600| Phone 360.407.7398

Contractor Notification of Other Employment

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Any Contractor employed by the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force (SRRTTF) may take on other professional assignments during the course of the contract period provided: 1) the Contractor provides the SRRTTF through its Administrative and Contracting Entity (ACE) with a description of the proposed scope of services and 2) the Contractor receives written notice from ACE confirming that the SRRTTF has determined that the assignment is not a conflict of interest with the work under the contract agreement.

The Eastern Regional Office of the WA Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Program has asked Dr. David Dilks, LimnoTech, Inc., if he would participate in the Dec. 6, 2016 Spokane River Dissolved Oxygen Advisory Group meeting via conference call.  Specifically, Ecology has asked Dr. Dilks to call in to the meeting for approximately one hour to provide background information on how he used the CE-QUAL-W2 model for the Spokane Dischargers.  Dr. Dilks is providing this service pro bono.

Dr. Dilks’ agreement as part of his work with the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force is that he not be involved in DO TMDL issues unless there is consensus among Task Force members that his work provides no potential for Conflict of Interest.

This notice is being posted on the SRRTTF website and begins a 5-business day reply period. Any response or concern about potential Conflict of Interest should be provided via email to Bud Leber, ACE President, and the SRRTTF Website Contact point, no later than noon, Friday, Dec. 2nd, 2016. 

Contact information is: bud.leber@kaisertwd.com

SRRTTF Website Contact information: abor461@ecy.wa.gov

Ecology News: Announcing a Draft Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit

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The Washington State Department of Ecology is accepting comments on a proposed Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit (permit).

Proposed Permit

The Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that allows for the regular maintenance cleaning, preparatory washing, and painting of bridge and ferry terminals and associated over water metal structures. Cleaning of over water structures, such as bridges, is necessary to assess their structural integrity. Additionally, cleaning, washing, and painting prolong the integrity and safety of these structures. This permit would apply to both WSDOT and local jurisdictions.

Copies of the Draft Permit

You may download copies of the draft permit and the fact sheet from the following website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. You may also request copies of the documents from Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or (360) 407-6439.

Submitting Written Comments

Ecology will accept written comments on the draft permit and fact sheet until 5 pm, December 2, 2016. Ecology prefers comments be submitted by email or in a letter format mailed directly to Ecology. Comments should reference specific permit text when possible.

Submit comments by email to:       foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov

 Submit written comments to:             Foroozan Labib

Washington State Department of Ecology

PO Box 47696

Olympia, WA  98504-7696

You must provide comments before 5 pm, December 2, 2016. Written comments must be postmarked no later than 5 pm, December 2, 2016.

Public Workshop and Hearing

The workshop and hearing will be an event at which you may learn about and provide formal comments on the draft NPDES Bridge and Ferry Terminal Washing General Permit.

The purpose of the workshop is to explain the general permit and answer questions prior to the formal public hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for people to give formal oral testimony and comments on the proposed draft permit. Written comments will receive the same consideration as oral testimony. The public workshop will begin at 1 pm on November 22, 2016. The public hearing will begin immediately following the public workshop and will conclude when public testimony is complete.

November 22, 2016 – 1 pm

Washington State Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey, WA  98503

The workshop and hearing may also be attended as a webinar where individuals may view the presentation and provide testimony via computer. To register for the webinar go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/permits/bridgewashing/index.html. Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.

Issuing the Permit

The final decision on the permit will be made after Ecology receives and considers all public comments. Ecology expects to issue the general permit in early 2017. If you have any questions, please contact Foroozan Labib at foroozan.labib@ecy.wa.gov or (360) 407-6439.

Ecology UPDATE: Solid Waste Handling Rules

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Where we are
At the end of June we released preliminary draft language and invited comments. We held a series of day-long workshops to walk stakeholders through major changes and answer questions. We asked stakeholders to submit comments on the preliminary draft by early September.  We received some very good feedback that highlighted stakeholder concerns, and identified areas where the draft language could be improved. Based on that input, Waste 2 Resources Program staff are working to revise the draft rule.
 
Next steps
 We feel it is important to give stakeholders time to review the new language, ask additional questions, and submit further comments if needed.  Ecology is postponing the formal rule proposal until 2017. We will issue a revised preliminary draft to stakeholders in November, and ask for comments by the end of January 2017. We plan to evaluate those comments by spring 2017, and file a formal rule proposal by early summer.
 Revised schedule
·        November – Revised preliminary draft rule released (mid to late month)
·        January 31, 2017 – Comments due on revised draft due
·        June 2017 – Formal proposed rule filed – formal comment period begins
·        July 2017 – Public hearings and formal comment period closes
·        Fall 2017 – Rule adopted
The Solid Waste Handling Standards are important for Washington state. The rule sets standards for a wide range of activities, and affects major environmental and economic decisions in our state. Because of this, Ecology has worked with stakeholders to understand the strengths and shortcomings of the current rule, evaluate different approaches to improve the rule, and assess the impact of potential changes. Our goal is to develop a rule that is clearly written, reflects the feedback of stakeholders, and sets standards that will serve our state for years to come.
 How you can remain informed
 It is very important to subscribe to our Solid Waste Handling Standards ListServ if you are interested in this rulemaking.  It is the main way that we communicate with stakeholders on this rulemaking.  You can easily subscribe with just a name and email address at http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=ECY-SW-HANDLING-STANDARDS&A=1.  Please let others know if you think they might be interested.
 
Our rulemaking web pages are periodically updated.  See what is happening with the solid waste rule, starting at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/rules/wac173350/1308ov.html.
 
We thank you for your continued interest in this rulemaking and for your involvement as we work to improve the rule. 
  
Kyle Dorsey
Rules & Policy Coordinator
Waste 2 Resources Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA  98504-7600
360-407-6559

News Releases from Region 10: EPA updates standards for toxic pollutants in Washington waters

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NEWS Release from EPA :

Partnership with Washington will improve water quality and protect fish consumers, regulatory flexibility will help control costs

11/15/2016

Contact Information: 

Mark MacIntyre (macintyre.mark@epa.gov)

206-553-7302

(Seattle – November 15, 2016) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced actions to update the limits for toxic pollutants in Washington’s surface waters, which will protect water quality and people who eat fish from those waters.

The Clean Water Act sets clear expectations for the nation’s water quality and calls for establishing health-based standards using the best available science to ensure that all people can safely fish and swim in U.S. waters.  Today’s actions set standards aimed at protecting those who eat salmon and other fish and shellfish from Washington waters.

Specifically, EPA approved 45 of the pollution standards the Washington Department of Ecology adopted earlier this year and finalized updates to 144 additional federal standards. For a complete list of the pollutants addressed in this action go to: https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-regulations-washington#fed

As part of today’s actions, EPA also approved Ecology’s revisions to its variance and compliance schedule provisions, which give the state and affected industries and municipalities needed flexibility and time to implement these new standards while making reasonable progress in improving water quality.

“Washington maintains one of the strongest water programs in the entire nation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Dennis McLerran. “Now, the state will have updated standards on the books and the needed flexibility to make progress meeting these more protective standards over time.”

Surveys of local residents in the Pacific Northwest, including tribes with treaty-protected rights, reflect that Washingtonians eat fish and shellfish at levels much higher than the rate that was previously used to set standards for toxics in Washington’s waters.  EPA and Ecology have been working to establish these new water quality standards based on a far more realistic estimate of the amount of fish Washingtonians eat.

“We applaud the Governor and Ecology’s decision to increase the fish consumption rate recognized in the standards and to retain the state’s protective one-in-a-million cancer risk level. The fish consumption rate and risk level in the standards match those established in Oregon and clearly recognize that greater protection of people who eat larger amounts of fish is appropriate in the Pacific Northwest where fishing is a part of our heritage,” McLerran said.

Most of Washington’s human health standards for toxics in surface water haven’t been updated since 1992. This new set of standards is based on the latest science about health protection and fish consumption rates.  Today’s actions ensure that water quality standards are now in place at levels that will adequately protect fish consumers in Washington, including tribes with treaty-protected rights, from exposure to toxic pollutants.

The region’s tribes helped both the EPA and the state better understand the particular health risks that tribal members have long faced due to their consumption of large amounts of fish. In establishing a fish consumption rate that better reflects the amount of fish people eat, the Ecology and EPA standards will help to lower health risks from eating fish for all Washingtonians, even those, such as tribal members, who regularly consume large amounts of fish and shellfish. EPA’s final rule incorporates Washington’s 175 grams per day fish consumption rate and a one-in-one million cancer risk level.

In practice, Ecology and EPA will continue to work together to determine the right level of regulatory flexibility and the feasibility of meeting the new standards when incorporating the new pollution limits into state permits and in other Clean Water Act programs. Flexibility in implementing these new standards will be important as pollutant detection and control technologies are developed.

EPA’s rule and Washington’s approved water quality standards will take effect 30 days after publication of the rule in the Federal Register. The rule was signed today (November 15) and is expected to be published in the Federal Register in one to two weeks.

# # #

For more information about EPA’s action on Washington’s water quality standards: https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-regulations-washington#fed

– Washington Rule_Water Quality Standards-part-131-2040-af56-final-rule
–  EPAs Partial-Approval Partial-disapproval_WA HH WQC Impl-tools_Bellon

Ecology Director Maia Bellon responds to EPA’s announcement on Washington’s water quality standards

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Director Bellon’s statement:

 “We’re disappointed that Washington state’s approach wasn’t accepted in its entirety. We worked hard to craft new water quality standards that were balanced and made real progress – improving environmental protection and human health while helping businesses and local governments comply.

“We were always clear in our goal – to meet EPA’s requirements and tailor our proposal to work for Washington state. We believe we did that with the clean water standards we adopted in August.
 
“Reviewing the details of EPA’s decision is important to understand all the implications.
 
“It appears that EPA largely approved the implementation tools that we developed. These are pivotal to ensure that dischargers can stay in compliance while making real progress toward updated standards.
 
“Regardless of EPA’s decision today, we must stay focused on reducing toxic contaminants at their source rather than rely on expensive end-of-the-pipe treatment that has limited benefits.”
  
Helpful links
·       EPA news release (Nov. 15, 2016): EPA updates standards for toxic pollutants in Washington waters
·       Ecology news release (Aug. 1, 2016): State adopts new clean water rule