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Archived Water News Articles:

Colorado: New Audit Program Finds Sprinklers Wasting Water 09/06/2005
As much as half of the water consumed by homeowners in a year is used for outdoor lawn watering, and a new audit program in Colorado is finding that much of that water is going to waste. Over 90 percent of the several hundred automatic lawn sprinklers evaluated as part of a new Front Range audit program are wasting water, a recent analysis shows. The main problems include the fact that that many of the sprinklers' pressure settings are too high, causing water to mist instead of soaking into lawns. Also, the distribution settings - calibrations that determine where water is aimed - are often off, causing water to spill onto sidewalks and streets, according to the Boulder-based Resource Conservation Center. The center runs the lawn watering audit program, known as Slow The Flow Colorado, for Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Golden, Erie, Westminster and Thornton. The audits are free to homeowners and businesses.
Original Story
 
Navajos Receive Water Protection Award for Banning Uranium Mining 09/05/2005
The Karl Souder Water Protection Award of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center was awarded to three Navajos for their roles in banning uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. "I believe in economic development and that there is a place for it. However, there is a choice to be made --whether we make a dollar or survive for generations to come. We decided it was more important to have generations and generations after us," said Navajo Councilman George Arthur. Arthur sponsored the Dine' Natural Resources Protection Act, which banned uranium mining and processing on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation Council passed the act in April. Lynnea K. Smith, of the Eastern Navajo Diné Against Uranium Mining, also received the water protection award along with Esther Yazzie-Lewis, president of the Southwest Research Center board.
Original Story
 
Thousands Sign Up for Animal Feeding Operations Air Compliance Agreement (EPA) 08/15/2005
More than 2,000 animal feeding operations (AFOs) have signed agreements for EPA's air compliance initiative. Sign-up ended Friday, but the agency will continue to process agreements postmarked with Friday's date. Many of the companies that signed up have several farms that will come under the agreement. Applicants originate from more than 37 states across the United States and include representation from the pork, egg layers, meat birds, and dairy industries. After EPA makes an official determination as to whether all types of animals are adequately represented, the agency will request approval from EPA's Environmental Appeals Board (EAB). Once the EAB approves the agreements, the monitoring study can begin.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Communities Recycle Wastewater in Effort to Stretch Resource 08/01/2005
Wastewater that's been treated, but not to drinking water standards, is being used on parks, golf courses, and sports playing fields in a dozen Colorado cities. According to Russell George, director of the state's natural resources department, with Colorado's population expected to grow from 4.5 million now to 6 million in 2030, and other states demanding more of the rivers that originate in Colorado's mountains, reuse and conservation are the only sources of "new" water for growth.
Original Story
 
Montana: Air Testing to Be Done in Livingston 07/18/2005
Air testing is being planned in Livingston to determine if a chemical found in groundwater supplies has evaporated into homes and businesses. Recently, high levels of the chemical tetrachloroethene have been found in the groundwater.
Original Story
 
Montana: Funds Available For Gallatin River Assessment 07/18/2005
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has come up with $200,000 for an environmental assessment on the Gallatin River. The Board of Environmental Review directed the DEQ to conduct an EIS on the river to determine whether the Gallatin merits Outstanding Resource Water status for 38 miles from where it leaves Yellowstone National Park to the confluence with Spanish Creek.
Original Story
 
Montana: Grants Available for Watershed Projects 07/18/2005
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is issuing a "Call for Grant Applications" with the deadline for draft applications due October 21, 2005 with all final applications due on December 16, 2005. The 2006 grant cycle will focus on: Watershed Restoration and/or Groundwater projects with approved water quality restoration plans, source water protection areas, and waterbodies on the 1996 or 2004 303(d) lists of impaired waters that have an approved or developing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
Original Story
 
Montana: Call For Abstracts for Annual Conference 07/08/2005
The 22nd annual meeting of the Montana Chapter of the American Water Resources Association will be held Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, 2005 in Bozeman, Montana. The due date for accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters is July 14,2005.
Original Story
 
Montana: Report Indicates Drought Recovery in State 07/08/2005
The June 2005 Drought Report shows significant improvement in water supplies and moisture conditions across the state and indicates that recovery from drought is well underway over most of Montana. The report was prepare by the Drought Advisory Committee. Although reports of localized flooding have been common in recent weeks, the committee stopped short of declaring the drought over. Long-term indicators of drought continue to indicate that drought persists in parts of the state, including the Surface Water Supply Index.
Original Story
 
North Dakota: 2004 Drinking Water Compliance Report Released 07/01/2005
The North Dakota Department of Health released the 2004 Drinking Water Compliance Report, which contains information about North Dakota’s public water systems. According to Larry Thelen, manager of the department’s Drinking Water Program, the purpose of the annual report is to improve consumer awareness of drinking water compliance issues. A copy of the report can be obtained from the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Municipal Facilities.
Original Story
 
Montana Tribes Restore River 06/29/2005
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Northwestern Montana are midway in a multi-year plan to restore 22 miles of the Jocko River. By planting bushes and trees, creating new flood plains, and redirecting the river into historical beds, the project hopes to provide better habitat for bull trout and improve water quality.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: More Than $9 Million in Grants and Loans Recommended 06/27/2005
The South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources approved more than $9 million in grants and low-interest loans for water, wastewater and solid waste projects. The $9,168,843 total includes nine grants, nine loans, and two amendments to grants. The funds were awarded to 17 project sponsors.
Original Story
 
EPA Survey Indicates Rise in Costs for Drinking Water 06/16/2005
According to EPA's third Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, the nation's water utilities will need to make an estimated $277 billion in investments over the next 20 years in order to ensure safe drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to conduct the assessment every four years. This report to Congress documents anticipated costs for repairs and replacement of transmission and distribution pipes, storage and treatment equipment, and projects that are necessary to deliver safe supplies of drinking water.
Original Story
 
EPA Awards Grant Money to Region 8 States 06/10/2005
EPA Region 8 announced that it will provide nearly $1.3 million to 20 water quality projects in the states of Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming and three tribal nations. The grants will support research, monitoring, data collection, and other activities focused on many water resources to include: rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: Conservation Districts Receive Project Funding 06/10/2005
The State Conservation Commission awarded a total of $577,447 to 15 conservation districts from the state's Coordinated Soil and Water Conservation Grant Fund. The grants will be used to provide a variety of conservation practices to improve range and pastureland, reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. A complete listing of receipients is posted on the website.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Request For Stormwater Programs and Household Hazardous Waste Survey 06/07/2005
Tri-County Health Department in Commerce City, Colorado is requesting that people who deal with stormwater programs or household hazardous waste (HHW) programs to participate in a survey. The survey will explore whether communities can use stormwater utility fees to operate successful, self-sustaining, HHW programs to reduce or eliminate household wastes from entering nations waters.
Original Story
 
World Wilderness Conference Highlights Native Lands Issues 06/07/2005
The 8th World Wilderness Congress (WWC) will be held September 30 - October 6, 2005 at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The conference will bring together indigenous groups from the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Africa with the goal of forming an international Native Lands and Wilderness Council. Participating groups will present case studies of indigenous conservation initiatives, and groups that have developed or are developing conservation projects on their traditional wild areas will share their experiences. The Conference is sponsored by the WILD Foundation.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Engineers Without Borders Team Wins International Award 06/03/2005
Students at the University of Colorado-Boulder have been awarded the international Mondialogo Engineering Award along with about $18,000 to support their long-term sustainable engineering project in Muramba, Rwanda. The students, along with students from University of Wisconsin-Madison, belong to Engineers Without Borders and have participated in projects to help the village of Muramba, Rwanda. The projects in Muramba has improved the 75-year-old gravity-fed water system and its leaky taps, built two new rainwater catchment systems, and installed solar-powered lighting in a clinic and school along with other projects and plans for future projects.
Original Story
 
Indigenous Leadership Awards 06/01/2005
Ecotrust requests nominations for the Buffett Award for Indigenous Leadership. This award, funded by the Peter and Howard Buffett families, recognizes outstanding individuals in the field of conservation and community development within the Pacific salmon territory of North America. One $25K cash award will be presented to an individual whose activities demonstrate leadership to improve the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions in his or her homelands. Four honorees will receive a $2.5K cash award. Responses due 9/31/05.
Original Story
 
Montana: 2005 Montana AWRA Call for Abstracts 06/01/2005
The Montana Section of the American Water Resources Association has released a Call for Abstracts for its 2005 annual meeting "Surface Water/Ground Water: One Resource" scheduled for October 27 and 28 in Bozeman, Montana. Topics will include: Conjunctive Use of Surface and Ground Water, Water Supply and Quality, Flood Plain and Channel Connectivity, Surface/Ground Water Monitoring, Drought, Wetlands, and other water related topics.
Original Story
 
2004 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Report 05/26/2005
EPA has released it's 2004 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Report that highlights program activities and successes through the past 15 years. Since it started in 1988, the fund has provided low-interest loans targeting a wide range of projects in areas like wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, estuary management, and a host of projects focusing on water quality.
Original Story
 
Help for Improving National Beaches 05/26/2005
The EPA announced the availability of $10 million in federal grants to assist in monitoring for pathogens in recreational waters. Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act) in October 2000 to make monitoring programs more consistent nationwide, improve water quality testing at the beach, and help beach managers better inform the public about water quality problems. The Clean Beaches Plan was finalized in April 2004 to help state, tribal, and local beach managers strengthen their programs.
Original Story
 
Environmental Stewardship is a Birthright for Arizona Tribe 05/23/2005
This according to Salt River-Maricopa President Joni M. Ramos. She was speaking on behalf of the tribe in accepting the Environmental Protection Agency's 2005 Environmental Achievement Award. The tribe was honored for partnering with nearby communities to reduce toxic air emissions, protecting Sonoran wetlands, and removing tons of waste from the landfill. Ramos said "We owe it to our children and their children to protect our natural environment. Our ancestors did it for us and it's our responsibility to extend that same concept for future generations."
Original Story
 
Wyoming: Training Calendar Available for Drinking and Wastewater Operators 05/20/2005
Wyoming's DEQ, along with drinking water and wastewater training providers, have completed a web-based training calendar to help operators meet their continuing education requirements. Wyoming operators can view and schedule upcoming training opportunities. Because of this calendar, the training providers can coordinate their efforts and avoid training conflicts.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Revisions Considered for Surface Water Standards 05/19/2005
The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission will hear in a public rulemaking meeting, plans for revisions to the state's Basic Standards and Methodologies for Surface Water. The meeting will be on Monday, June 13, 2005. CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division is proposing the majority of the revisions with additional proposals coming from the towns of Paonia and Collbran; the Colorado Water Congress Special Project on Basic Water Quality Standards; and the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant. The proposed revisions include revised ammonia standards; modified recreation classifications; revised anti-degradation provisions; and updated metals standards.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Boulder Listed in Green Cities Top 10 05/17/2005
The Green Guide has put together a list of the top ten green cities that list Boulder as number two. The criteria they used included: good water and air quality, efficient use of resources, renewable energy leadership, accessible and reliable public transportation, and green building practices. In addition, they also used parks and greenbelts, access to locally-grown fresh food through farmers' markets and community supported agriculture groups, and affordability in their criteria.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Student Engineers Provide Sustainable Water Solutions 05/17/2005
Colorado State University Engineering students will travel to El Salvador in August to implement a sustainable water supply project. The students belong to a chapter of Engineers Without Borders. The team consists of nine students from the engineering and natural resources colleges as well as civil engineering assistant professor Brian Bledsoe and research scientist Lloyd Walker as professional mentors. Some work being considered would include drilling further in an existing well, trucking water from nearby water supplies, or building a piping system to provide water. The students goal is to train the community in all phases of their sustainable project to ensure ownership and long-term effectiveness of their project.
Original Story
 
North Dakota: Governor Announces Public Works Week 05/13/2005
Governor Hoeven has announced that the week of May 15-21, 2005 will be Public Works Week. Public Works Week celebrates the contributions of public works professionals, including those who manage community water, sewer, public transportation, and refuse-removal systems, as well as those who are responsible for maintaining public buildings and grounds.
Original Story
 
North Dakota: Governor Proclaims Drinking Water Week 05/03/2005
Governor Hoeven has proclaimed that the week of May 1-7 is Drinking Water Week in North Dakota. Drinking Water Week recognizes the importance of water source protection and conservation.
Original Story
 
Celebrate American Wetlands Month 04/29/2005
The nation will be celebrating the 15th annual American Wetlands Month during the month of May. This year's theme is "It Pays to Save Wetlands" and focuses on the economic benefits that wetlands provide. EPA will join with officials, environmental agencies, and many others at local wetlands events across the country. Events are designed to educate, involve and engage the public about the ecosystem.
Original Story
 
Colorado: New Plant Choices for 2005 04/29/2005
Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens announced the new Plant Select choices for gardeners to consider in 2005. These seven plants are able to endure the dry climate of the high plains. As a result, the amount of water needed for the plants growth and survival are reduced.
Original Story
 
Utah: New Wind Farm Slated Near Spanish Fork Canyon 04/27/2005
A $13 million wind farm will be built at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon. Wasatch Wind plans to build seven 213 foot turbines next summer about one mile from the canyon. The 1.5 megawatt turbines has the capacity to produce power for more than 600 homes, and save up to 40 million gallons of water a year that are wasted through fossil fuel burning.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Mercury Switch Removal Project Has Environmental Benefits 04/13/2005
Colorado's campaign to remove mercury from switches is proving to be a success. Plans to expand the project are also moving forward, thanks to a contribution from Xcel Energy. According to the CDPHE, more than 8,000 mercury-containing electronic lighting switches have been removed from scrapped automobiles.
Original Story
 
Wyoming: EPA offers Public Water System Operator Training 04/07/2005
The EPA will offer a Public Water System Operator Training Course in Sheridan on May 18, 2005. This is a free training seminar for operators of transient non-community public water systems. The Wyoming DEQ has agreed to allow those who attend the entire day of training and complete the necessary paperwork to earn credits for the Wyoming Operator Certification.
Original Story
 
CARE Announces Funding Availability 04/06/2005
Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) is a new EPA initiative to establish multi-media community projects to reduce exposure to toxic pollution. Proposals will be accepted from local and tribal governments, universities, and non-profit organizations. CARE will help communities create collaborative stakeholder groups to select and implement local voluntary actions. It also offers technical assistance for risk assessment, funding, and access to a wide range of voluntary programs. The closing date for applications is May 20, 2005. More information about CARE is available at: www.epa.gov/care/.
Original Story
 
Conference to Focus on Achieving Mercury Reductions 03/30/2005
May 23-25, EPA New England, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association are sponsoring the "Achieving Mercury Reduction in Products and Waste" conference. Federal, state, tribal, local government, and university-based mercury reduction program coordinators, staff, and regulators from around the U. S. are invited to attend and share ideas and expertise. The conference will be in Portland Maine and will feature mercury reduction in specific sectors (schools, dental clinics, etc.), policy and legislative issues, and information about mercury added products.
Original Story
 
DOE Announces New Criteria for Energy Star Clothes Washers 03/30/2005
The Department of Energy has established tougher standards for clothes washers carrying the ENERGY STAR label. The criteria includes water savings requirements that will save consumers money. The new criteria will go into effect on January 1, 2007, when tougher minimum efficiency standards for all clothes washers take effect. The new criteria for ENERGY STAR models will be 36 percent more efficient than washers that just meet minimum requirements.
Original Story
 
Nisqually Tribe Overcomes Economics to Protect Environment 03/28/2005
(Indian Country Today) The Oregon Nisqually Tribe has fought a long battle to protect salmon habitat with limited resources. Recently their efforts have started paying a modest return. Nine years ago the tribe scraped together enough cash to buy a 310-acre farm at the mouth of the Nisqually River to take out dikes and allow the agricultural land to return to its natural marshy state. Now the tribe has agreed to a 25-year co-management deal on their land with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which will help them recoup some of their investment and continue restoration efforts.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: 17th Annual Ground Water Quality Conference Held 03/24/2005
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resource held the 17th Annual Ground Water Quality Conference on March 16-17, 2005 in Pierre. This conference was in conjuction with National Ground Water Awareness Week. Topics included learning about biological approaches to clean up solvents in ground water, and other methods to protect ground water.
Original Story
 
Colorado: CDPHE Offers Pollution Prevention Grants 03/15/2005
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Pollution Prevention Advisory Board is accepting applications for 2005-2006 grants. These grants will be used to fund projects to identify and reduce environmental risks in Colorado. Those wishing to apply have until March 31, 2005 and the applications must be submitted electronically. Applicants may apply for as much as $25,000.
Original Story
 
North Dakota: Promotes National Ground Water Awareness Week 03/14/2005
The North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Water Quality is providing a package of information to create public awareness on issues pertaining to the importance of ground water and some ways to protect this resource. The series of articles is in recognition of National Ground Water Awareness Week which goes on during March 13-19, 2005 and includes fact sheets and ground water questions and answers.
Original Story
 
Colorado, Montana, Utah: EPA Awards $2.6 Million in Small Business Innovation Research Contracts 03/10/2005
Companies from Colorado, Montana, and Utah have received a portion of $2.6 million in Small Business Innovation Research grants from the EPA. The program is awarded to small businesses to control and monitor air and water pollution, manage solid and hazardous waste, prevent pollution, and ensure safe buildings and drinking water security.
Original Story
 
Utah: Campus Becomes More Environmentally Friendly 03/10/2005
The University of Utah has found ways to become more environmentally friendly. One way is the cessation of using coal to provide emergency electricity to many of it's buildings. They will now use natural gas that is shipped to its Main Campus High Temperature Water (HTW) Plant. Other ways include an upcoming agreement that will help reduce the amount of fossil fuel utility companies use to generate electricity for the campus. The university is also in the final stages of negotiating for wind generated electricity, in addition to the hydro-power already being purchased.
Original Story
 
EPA Considers New Contaminants for Possible Future Drinking Water Regulations 02/24/2005
The EPA is researching and evaluating a list of 51 unregulated, new or emerging drinking water contaminants for possible regulation. The Safe Water Drinking Act requires that the EPA publish a list of new contaminates that may require new regulations in the future. The list is called the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL).
Original Story
 
Utah: Large Groundwater Cleanup to Begin 02/22/2005
One of the largest groundwater cleanup projects in the United States will begin soon in Utah. The project will cleanup groundwater plumes from mining operatins in the Oquirrh Mountains. The process that will be used is reverse osmosis, which is a process where water is pushed through a membrane leaving salts behind.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Bioterrorism, Risk Management Focus of Agricultural Outlook Forum 02/18/2005
Local and national experts on plant, animal, water and financial security, and international issues will speak at this year's annual Colorado Agricultural Outlook forum. The focus of the forum, called "Safegarding Our Future" will be on bioterrorism and other risk management issues. The forum is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel.
Original Story
 
Watershed Grants Program Announced 02/18/2005
(EPA) The third round of funding for EPA's watershed grants program has been announced. In its first two years, EPA awarded nearly $30 million in grants to 34 watershed organizations across the country. For fiscal year 2005, Congress has approved $18 million for grants to support community-based approaches and activities to help local water resources. Governor's and tribal leaders are invited to nominate watersheds for funding on or before May 19, 2005.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Funds For Uravan Natural Resource Restoration Approved 02/17/2005
Colorado's Natural Resource Trustees authorized nearly $2.1 million for three projects designed to enhance natural resources in the Uravan area in western Colorado with funds from the Uravan Superfund cleanup. The projects include: converting a ball park into a camp ground, abandoned uranium mine and adjacent stream restorations and a cooperative weed management plan.
Original Story
 
Montana: Impact of New Oil and Gas Wells on Waterway Questioned 02/16/2005
The impact of how new oil and gas wells will affect western waterways is not known, but explorations of these wells have accelerated. A Bozeman firm issued a report that concludes that more studies on environmental impacts are needed. Other recommendations included conducting some environmental analysis prior to granting development leases. Information on environmental impacts of drilling is scarce. So far, there have been only 15 studies with only two of them being field studies.
Original Story
 
Wyoming: Drought Continues to Cause Problems Along North Platte 02/10/2005
Wyoming State Engineer Patrick T. Tyrrell announced that for the fourth year in a row, senior water rights owners now have priority over junior water rights for water upstream of Guernsey Reservoir, due to the continuing drought. Water rights are determined by adjudicating water rights on a "first in time, first in right" basis. The North Platte snow pack has continued to dwindle due to abnormally warm temperatures. Streamflow and snowpack conditions have made water supplies below-average during this recent six-year trend.
Original Story
 
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park Scheduled to Get More Funding in New Budget 02/08/2005
Yellowstone National Park is scheduled to get more funding from President Bush's proposed budget. Yellowstone's budget will increase from $29.8 million last year to $30.7 million next year. The budget also includes money to replace the wastewater treatment plant, and to replace the visitor center at Old Faithful.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Eagle River Hearing Delayed Until December 02/07/2005
The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission has delayed a rulemaking hearing concerning water quality standards revisions for two segments of the Eagle River until December 2005. The revisions to the Eagle River standards being proposed are a result of a study of the effects of a Superfund cleanup of nearby Eagle Mine.
Original Story
 
Great Lakes Legacy Funding Requested 02/04/2005
(U. S. EPA) President Bush is requesting $50 million in the FY 2006 Budget to implement the Great Lakes Legacy Act signed in May 2004. This will double past funding. Some of the new funding would go toward continuing remedial work and revitalization at the Black Lagoon near Trenton, Michigan. The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system on earth and are valued not only for their beauty and recreational possibilities; they supply more than 30 million Americans with drinking water. The intention to collaborate with tribes in the region to restore and make the Great Lakes cleaner will support the culture and ways of native communities.
Original Story
 
Study Suggest Need for Water Conservation on Farms 02/04/2005
A professor at Cornell University conducted a study which shows that a combination of a growing population and diminishing water supplies would force farmers to study ways to conserve water when watering their crops. Farms currently use about 70% of the worlds fresh water supplies every year. Because of this data, Professor David Pimentel believes that farming should be the focus of intense conservation efforts. Some methods recommended in the study would include different irrigation methods combined with water and soil conservation practices to minimize run-off.
Original Story
 
North Dakota: Homeowners Cautioned Against Using Fertilizer To Melt Ice 01/31/2005
The North Dakota Department of Health has cautioned homeowners not to use fertilizer to melt ice on their sidewalks and driveways, because it may pollute the water that they use. Fertilizer contains nitrates and can cause health problems in children. Fertilizer enters the water system as the ice melts and drains. The NDDOH recommends a mixture of sand and salt as the preferred method.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: Release of 2004 Annual Water Report and Plans for 2005 01/27/2005
The South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources has compiled an Annual Report which describes water development and waste management activities during the past year. The report describes expenditures from the Water and Environment Fund that supported the activities of 56 of these projects.
Original Story
 
Colorado: USGS Study Finds Household Chemicals in Colorado's Waters 01/21/2005
A U.S. Geological Study shows various household chemicals are finding their way into Colorado's waters, in particular along the front range. According to the USGS study, although none of the concentration of chemicals have reached the regulatory limit, there is concern as to the long-term impact.
Original Story
 
National Tribal Conference on Environmental Managment 01/18/2005
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) is sponsoring the 7th National Tribal Conference on Environmental Management (NTCEM) in Traverse City, Michigan June 7 - 10, 2005. The conference theme is "Sacred Ground: Sustainability for Indian Country and the Earth." The conference will be held at the tribally owned Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The organizing committee is seeking presentation proposals (to be submitted by February 15, 2005).
Original Story
 
Tribal Leaders Summit 01/18/2005
(Sitka Tribe) The EPA Region 10 Tribal Leaders' Summit, hosted by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, will be held April 17-22, 2005 in Sitka, Alaska. The theme of the Summit is "Government to Government Consultation: Effective Use of Tribal Sovereignty." Registration deadline is March 11 and request for proposals deadline is February 11.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: DENR Approves Nearly $47 million in Grants For Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Projects 01/07/2005
The South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources approved nearly $47 million in grants or low-interest loans for water, wastewater and solid waste projects. The grants include two Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grants, seven Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program loans, one Solid Waste Management Program grant, and four Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program loans.
Original Story
 
Utah: Some Cities and Companies Late in Developing Water Conservation Plans 01/05/2005
Utah, one of the driest states in the country, passed a law six years ago requiring municipal water districts and private water providers to create conservation plans. To date, eight cities and private companies have never submitted a conservation plan to the state; another 15 have failed to update their original plans that were due by Dec. 31. There is a high compliance rate of 85 percent with the law.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Snowpack Below Normal In Most Places 01/03/2005
The snowpack for Colorado is both good and bad. Right now the snow level is at 106% of where it was last year, but 96% less than normal. Snowpack is followed closely since 80% of the water supplies comes from melting mountain snows. Front Range residents rely on three major mountain river basins for their water supplies: the Colorado, South Platte and Arkansas. All three basins are showing some improvement over last year, but only one, the Arkansas, has seen above-average snows to date. For further measurements around the state, see the original story.
Original Story
 
Utah: Water for Growing Communities 12/29/2004
Two water projects under consideration involve transporting water long distances to serve Wasatch Front communities and booming Washington County. One proposal involves a dam for diverted water from the Bear River piped to a new reservoir in Willard Bay and from there transported to the Wasatch Front. The other project involves building a pipeline to take water from Lake Powell to St. George. There are questions concerning the possible environmental impacts of these projects.
Original Story
 
Utah: Celebrating 30 Years of Safe Drinking Water 12/16/2004
Residents of Utah and visitors have now enjoyed 30 years of safe drinking water thanks to the passage of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. In Utah, and across the nation, the number of contaminants regulated by public drinking water systems has increased from a few dozen in 1974 to nearly 100 in 2004, while the number of waterborne disease outbreaks has dropped.
Original Story
 
Colorado: Creative Technology Combines Personal Digital Assistants and Natural Resource Field Work 12/14/2004
At Colorado State University, PDA's are being incorporated with student's field work at Pingree Park. Electronic flashcards have been developed to help students study plants, animals, fish and other ecosystem information. Students majoring in fishery biology, forestry, natural resources management, rangeland ecology and wildlife biology are required to take a four-week summer field program at Pingree Park. These PDA's and electronic flashcards replace bulky field guides for students use in studying material.
Original Story
 
U.S. EPA Officials Convene to Sign Great Lakes Declaration 12/03/2004
Dozens of government officials and tribal representatives signed a Great Lakes Declaration and a framework document for the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. This signing is in response to President Bush's signing of a Presidential Executive Order recognizing the Great Lakes as a National Treasure.
Original Story
 
EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program Is Now Available Online 11/29/2004
On November 23, the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program has been made available online. The public can access Form R and Form A Certification Statement information for TRI Reporting Year (RY) 2003 on a form-by-form, facility-by-facility basis through the EPA Envirofacts internet database. The Public Data Release (PDR), which will include national analysis and trends, is expected Spring 2005.
Original Story
 
Utah: Utah State Wastewater Treatment Training Center Receives Award 11/19/2004
Utah State University’s Utah On-Site Wastewater Treatment Training Progam recently received the Lynn Thatcher Award. The award was given by the Utah Environmental Health Association and was established to honor an entity outside the UEHA that has made a significant contribution to the field of environmental health.
Original Story
 
Montana: New Clean-Water Regulations Affect Animal Feeding Operations 11/10/2004
Animal feeding operators in Montana face broadened federal and state clean-water guidelines. Depending on the number of animals and how long they’re kept in pens or other enclosures where wastes can accumulate, water-quality regulators may consider the pens to be Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The regulations apply to beef, dairy, swine, poultry, sheep and lamb and horse operations. Permits may be required, costing $2500 plus an additional $1000 per year for five years.
Original Story
 
South Dakota: DENR Board Approves $250,000 for James River Feasibility Study 11/10/2004
The state approved a $250,000 grant to the James River Water Development District. The grant will help fund the re-evaluation of a flood control feasibility study to include the development of a federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on James River restoration efforts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is completing the feasibility study and EIS at an estimated cost of $4 million.
Original Story
 
Wyoming, Colorado: EPA Awards Environmental Justice Grants 11/05/2004
The EPA has awarded two states in region 8, Wyoming and Colorado, with grants from the Environmental Justice Hazardous Substances Research Small Grants Program. The grants for this fiscal year focused on research projects related to multiple environmental risks. Because such environmental harms and risks have the most impact at the community level, the grants were awarded to community-based organizations. The grants were awarded to the Wind River Alliance of Wyoming and the Highland Economic and Community Health Organization (HECHO)of Colorado.
Original Story
 
Utah: Elevated Arsenic Levels Found in Trout 11/01/2004
Trout found in the Silver Creek area have been found to have elevated levels of arsenic. For years, metal mining has occured in the area and may be a cause according to John Contreras a state epidemiologist. People are being warned to limit their consumption of fish from the Silver Creek area.
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Colorado: University Hosts Environmental Research Colloquium 10/27/2004
Colorado State University is hosting an environmental research colloquium November 9-10, 2004. Session topics will include recent climate change, air pollution in the national parks, the university's role in developing and disseminating air quality solutions, and emerging issues in drinking water quality.
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Colorado: Recruiting Members For Stormwater Advisory Committee 10/25/2004
Colorado State University is assembling a Stormwater Advisory Committee to develop mechanisms to involve and receive feedback from the campus community in the development and implementation of a stormwater management plan for Colorado State. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for October 28.
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Colorado: Phase II of Water Conservation Study to Begin 10/23/2004
Up to $500,000 will be spent next year by the Colorado Water Conservation Board to begin phase two of a study on how to conserve water in the midst of a population boom. The study began over a year ago because of the effects of the drought. For updates on the initiative and an overview of the project, visit: http://cwcb.state.co.us/SWSI/Table_of_Contents.htm
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P3 Award Winners Announced 10/22/2004
EPA announced the winners of its second annual P3 Awards: $660,000 will go to 66 student teams to research and develop sustainable designs through the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) competition. More than $100,000 was given to 7 programs in Utah and Colorado schools. Project focus areas include: green buildings and sustainable construction materials, biodiesel production and use, drinking water quality and supply, alternative energy sources and fuel cells, urban redevelopment and green chemistry. Complete list of awardees. The agency also announced next year's competition. Applications are due by January 27, 2005.
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Utah: Bioneers Conference Recognizes Biological Pioneers 10/22/2004
Conference coordinators have recognized businesses and individuals as "Bio-neers," biological pioneers who have worked to improve the quality of human life while protecting the environment. Utah State supports the conference in an effort to foster discussion among scolars and members of the community about issues involving local air, water, land and economic resources.
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Colorado: Study Finds Antibiotics for Food Animals Can Make Their Way into Waterways 10/19/2004
A Colorado State University study is the first to show that antibiotic drugs used specifically for enhancing growth, preventing diseases and increasing feed efficiency in food animals, such as cattle, are making their way into public waterways. The results from this study indicate that antibiotics can accumulate in the sediment and potentially impact stream health.
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Montana: 7 Towns Want to Tap Aquifer Almost 4,000 Feet Below Ground 10/17/2004
Most central Montana water meets state and federal standards, but ever-tightening regulations have convinced local government officials that it's only a matter of time before it fails the tests. To combat this problem, communities in six Montana counties are working on a regional water system that they hope will provide a long-term solution. The proposed water project hangs on deep wells that will tap into water reserves flowing through the porous, 330-million-year-old limestone of the Madison Formation.
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2004 Clean Water Act Recognition Awards 10/06/2004
On Monday, October 4th, EPA announced the 29 first and second place winners of the 2004 National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards. The presentation of these awards helps raise the public's awareness of the pollution reduction efforts that their wastewater treatment plants make to improve the Nation's waters. Several in Region 8 received awards. They were: Central Davis Sewer District, Utah; Iowa Hill Water Reclamation Facility, Colorado; Metro Denver, Colorado; Parker Ag services, Colorado; Central Davis Sewer District, Utah.
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Montana: Proposed CAFO Rule Revisions 10/01/2004
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has scheduled three meetings in October to discuss incorporating revised federal effluent limitations and guidelines and establish state technical standards for nutrient management. Meetings will be held in Great Falls on October 19th, in Dillon on October 21st, and in Miles City on October 26th. A draft of the new rules is available on the web site.
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Utah: Ecology Team Receives $6 million Grant To Form the National Ecological Observatory Network 10/01/2004
Utah State University biology professor Jim MacMahon and a team of scientists representing the American Institute of Biological Sciences has received a $6 million grant to form the National Ecological Observatory Network, whose purpose is to study ecological issues confronting society. The Environmental Protection Agency and Congress may use the data from NEON when making rules or laws. NEON will be based in Washington, D.C. and not affiliated with just one university, and will be open to all scientists who wish to participate.
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South Dakota: Governor Recommends More Than $3 million ForWater, Wastewater, and Recycling Projects 09/29/2004
The South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources approved eight grants and six loans for water, wastewater, and recycling projects recommended by Governor Rounds, totaling more than $3 million. A full listing of grant recipients is available online.
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Colorado: $1.2 Million Environmental Penalty Assessed at Chrome Plating Facility 09/14/2004
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has finalized an agreement for collection of the penalty assessed against Power Engineering of Denver a facility specializing in refurbishing and chrome-plating crankshafts and pistons in marine engines to give them a longer wear life.
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New NPDES Compliance Inspection Manual Available 09/13/2004
The recently updated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Compliance Inspection Manual is now on the public EPA website. It is a guide for EPA inspectors and serves as a reference on compliance with NPDES regulations. For those interested in storm water and construction, see Chapter 11, and Appendix S.
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New EMS Handbook for Wastewater Utilities 09/09/2004
The Office of Wastewater Management at EPA, working with the Global Environmental & Technology Foundation and a steering committee of wastewater utility staff and other experts, has developed Achieving Environmental Excellence: An Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Handbook for Wastewater Utilities to help wastewater utility operations.
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South Dakota: Guide for Rural Home Owners Published 09/01/2004
"Rural Living" is a 41 page booklet designed to create an awareness of environmental concerns associated with living on a rural development or a small acreage. It includes information about soils, watersheds and ecosystems and offers an extension section onsources of additional information and assistance.
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EPA Posts National Listing of Fish Advisories 08/24/2004
Today EPA released its annual listing of fish advisories on the web. The listing is compiled from reports voluntarily submitted by states, territories and tribes. 48 states reported, all but Alaska and Wyoming. The numbers of waters tested, the pollutants tested for and the threshold for issuing advisories varies but the overall trend is that the number of fish advisories is increasing even as emissions for major pollutants are decreasing. A fact sheet with additional information is available at: www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advisories/factsheet.pdf.
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Montana: River Rules Survive Outfitters Challenge 08/17/2004
The rules managing recreation on the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers enforced by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have survived a court challenge filed by an organization representing Montana's fishing outfitters.
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Montana: DEQ Calls for 319 Proposals 08/10/2004
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a Call for Grant Applications under Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Funds are distributed competitively to support projects in these three categories: Water Quality (Watershed)Restoration, Groundwater, Information & Education. Draft applications are due November 1.
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Montana & Wyoming: Study Evaluates Effects of CBM on Tongue River 07/20/2004
The U.S. Geological Survey recently started an intensive streamflow and water quality monitoring program on the Tongue River to collect scientific information about areas with potential for coalbed methane development in Montana and Wyoming. Monitoring data is available on-line at tonguerivermonitoring.cr.usgs.gov.
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