The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies
537 SE Ash Avenue, Suite 12
Portland, OR 97214
ph 503-236-6722
fx 503-236-6719
DEQ/EPA Tools & Links (27) | Education Materials (26) | Manuals (16) | Regulatory Update (13) | Studies & Reports (31) | Jobs | Links
Resources
DEQ/EPA Tools & Links
July 28, 2006
DEQ Sets Policy to Govern Local Government Relations
DEQ has set out a policy to assist their staff in seting positive relationships with local governments. The policy is available heres.
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deqimdlocalgov.pdf | 53k |
August 10, 2006
Revised DEQ Reasonable Potential Analysis Spread Sheet
Use this revised DEQ RPA spread sheet to determine if your discharage has the reasonable potential to exceed standards for chlorine, ammonia, metals, and human health criteria.
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deq-PERMIT-RPA-WQBEL-vMay2006.xls | 382k |
July 28, 2006
DEQ Sets Biosolids Policy Guidance
DEQ has issued a new guidance (called an Internal Management Directive) for the Oregon biosolids program. This is from December, 2005.
July 28, 2006
DEQ Toxics Criteria Calculator
Revised DEQ toxic criteria standards were adopted and slated to take effect on 2/05, but EPA has not adopted them. Use this draft spread sheet from DEQ to determine either existing Oregon, or revised Oregon standards are more stringent for specific types of toxic pollutants.
January 22, 2007
EPA Pretreatment Streamlining Rule
EPA has issued a fact sheet detailing how industries regulated by the pretreatment program might use equivalent mass limits rather than concentration limits. See the PDF below for details.
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2007-EPA-Streamlining-Fact-Sheet--3.pdf | 120k |
July 28, 2006
DEQ Tools for Calculating Shade Targets
Municipalities will be required to develop plans for meeting shade targets under temperature TMDLs being developed in many parts of the state. These two DEQ tools outline approved approaches for calculating how the number of trees planted in a basin relate to shade targets:
1. "Shade-a-lator" this spread-sheet based calculation has been used in the past.
2) DEQ now prefers the additional changes they made in this Heat Source model.
July 28, 2006
Is Your System Prepared for Emergencies?
Wastewater treatment systems and other utilities may be getting more questions about emergency preparedness. Use this planning tool developed by the Water Environment Research Foundation (with funding from EPA) to check your existing emergency plans for adequacy or develop new plans.
July 31, 2007
EPA Guidance on Watershed-Based Permiting
Detailed EPA guidance on Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting Implementation Guidance (12/2003) The information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/watershedpermitting_finalguidance.pdf
July 30, 2006
EPA develops security training tool
Emergency Response Tabletop CD-ROM Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems (EPA-817-C-05-001).
The CD-based tool contains tabletop exercises to help train water and wastewater utility workers in preparing and carrying-out emergency response plans. The exercises provided on the CD can help strengthen relationships between a water supplier and their emergency response team (e.g., health officials, laboratories, fire, police, emergency medical services, and local, state, and federal officials). Users can also adapt the materials for their own needs. The exercises also allow water suppliers to test their Emergency Response Plans before an actual incident occurs.
In total, twelve unique exercises can be created from the CDROM, incorporating teaching points from documents created by the Water Security Division relating to emergency response. The trainer or user will be able to select the threat warning from the eight basic types described in the Response Protocol Toolbox (e.g., security breach, witness account, direct notification by perpetrator, unusual water quality, consumer complaints, notification by public health agency, notification by news agency, notification by law enforcement agency).
The trainer or user will also be able to choose from five basic event types: intentional contamination, security breach, cyber security, physical attack, and interdependency. Finally, users are encouraged to adapt the materials on the CD to meet their own needs and objectives.
Currently hard copies of the CD can be back-ordered from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications by calling 1-800-490-9198 or by sending an email to ncepimal@one.net. Interested parties wishing to view the materials on the CD before copies are available can currently do so on the Water Security Channel and on the WaterISAC public site by clicking on the icon with the EPA logo.
Also available: more EPA information on security issues for wastewater plants.
July 30, 2006
Asset Management Tool
The EPA Office of Water resources on Asset Management provides the excel spreadsheet asset management inventory tool.
July 30, 2006
Healthy Lawn Care Web Site
Finding information about how to have a great-looking lawn without chemical fertilizers and weed killers became easier today with the launch of a new Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Web site.
The DEQ Healthy Lawns, Healthy Families site at www.healthy lawns.org includes information about how our lawn care habits influence water quality and tips on how to practice natural lawn care.
Misuse and overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on the lawn can lead to lawn problems. Rain or irrigation often washes the chemicals of the lawn into storm drains and ultimately to Oregon?s rivers and streams. Once in the water, the chemicals can cause problems for fish.
July 30, 2006
DEQ Issues Report to Legislature On Water Reuse in Urban Areas
A recently released Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) report on water reuse in urban areas in Oregon makes several recommendations targeted to encourage the beneficial reuse of properly treated wastewater. The report identifies opportunities for and barriers to greater water reuse. Using water that has been previously utilized for a different purpose helps conserve finite water sources. Several ACWA members participated in the development of the report.
Here's the complete release.
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Waterreusereportreleased.pdf | 56k |
July 30, 2006
DEQ Enforcement Database
DEQ has built a database of enforcement action taken by the agency. It summarizes enforcement actions taken since 1997 in a searchable database.
July 30, 2006
DEQ and ACWA Work Group Complete Review of Subsurface Discharge
A DEQ and ACWA work group has reviewed the opportunities and issues involved in subsurface discharge of treated wastewater effluent, and completed this report. The group has presented its recommendations to DEQ and DEQ staff are reviewing them with an eye towards developing a guidance document allowing subsurface discharges where appropriate. Charts summarizing the technical and regulatory issues regarding subsurface discharge are also included.
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Subsurfacegrpfinalreport-.pdf | 519k |
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summarycharttech3.pdf | 171k |
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summarychartreg3.pdf | 165k |
July 30, 2006
EPA Releases BASINS upgrade
EPA has released an upgrade to the BASINS program. Like the previous release, BASINS includes a data extractor, projector, project builder, GIS interface, various GIS-based tools, a series of models, and custom databases. But instead of including the data on multiple CDs as in version 3.0, data are available entirely through a web data extraction tool. This web data extractor provides a tool for dynamic downloading of GIS data and databases from the BASINS web site and a variety of other sources. Other significant enhancements in version 3.1 include updated data holdings, a new tool to archive and restore BASINS projects, and a tool to update the BASINS software interactively.
July 30, 2006
EPA Launches Sustainable Infrastructure and Water and Wastewater Pricing Web Sites
Clean and safe water is critical for human and ecosystem health. Our nation's livelihood depends, in large part, on the quality of our water - for drinking, swimming, recreation, economic uses, and other benefits of healthy ecosystems. Over the past 20 years communities have spent more than $1 trillion (in 2001 dollars) on drinking water treatment and supply and wastewater treatment and disposal. However, the infrastructure that provides us with drinking water and treats our wastewater is aging. Much of it was constructed in the period following World War II and will be reaching the end of its useful life in the next 20-40 years. Communities are challenged to ensure that they can keep pace with the infrastructure needs of the future.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed web pages that describe and provide information about the ?Four Pillars of Sustainable Infrastructure.? Learn more about the Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative and Water and Wastewater Pricing.
July 30, 2006
Calculating Excess Thermal Loads
Use this DEQ policy on calculating excess thermal loads in preparing a NPDES permit renewal or reviewing a draft NPDES permit. Updated in June of 2003, this policy sets a statewide consistent approach for excess thermal load calculations.
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deqExcess-Thermal-Load-Permit-Limits-6.16.2003.pdf | 122k |
July 30, 2006
SSO Tracking Form
Oregon municipalities should be tracking Sanitary Sewer Overflows. Use the attached simple, excel-based spread sheet, to gather the information DEQ will be requesting.
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SSOReportingData1.xls | 15k |
July 30, 2006
Stream Information Available On-line
Learn more about biological information and listed species details in your receiving stream. EPA suggests using this information to determine what types of species might be present in receiving streams, and the types of temperature regimes that would be necessary to meet water quality standards.
January 16, 2008
EPA Report: Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices
This new report contains 17 case studies from across the country that illustrate the economic viability of LID practices. Using these practices in construction projects can lower costs while improving environmental results. The report highlights examples that, in most cases, reduce project costs while improving environmental performance. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with a few exceptions. To access this new report, please visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid
February 02, 2007
Vulnerability Assessments
Some wastewater agencies are completing vulnerability assessments to improve security at their treatment plants. Link to this EPA site to get information and tools on completing the assessments and related tools and training.
July 31, 2007
EPA Updates Nutrient Policy
EPA is indicating that every state needs to move to numeric nutrient standards. This memo outlines EPA's thinking and highlights where Oregon is in this process. The information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/nutrient/policy20070525.pdf
September 07, 2007
EPA Starts Green Infrastructure Page
As EPA Regional Administrator Elin Miller discussed at the ACWA Summer Conference, EPA has started a green infrastructure page focused on a green approach to stormwater management.
March 30, 2007
New EPA Web Module Offers Watershed Outreach Training
EPA's Watershed Academy recently posted a free, updated online training module on "Getting In Step: A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns." This module offers a tested step-by-step system to help local governments, watershed organizations and others maximize the effectiveness of public outreach campaigns to help solve nonpoint source pollution problems and protect local waterways. The module is based on EPA's free, downloadable outreach guide "Getting in Step: Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns" (published in Dec. 2003 and posted here
To view the new Getting in Step online training module, visit here
Approximately 50 other free online Watershed Academy training modules are available here
May 07, 2007
EPA Ditigal Outreach Toolbox
Link http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/toolbox/ to the EPA Nonpoint source Outreach toolbox - a comprehensive inventory of watershed education and outreach tools. Products include TV, radio, print ads and other outreach products, along with logos, slogans, and mascots, and information about outreach and education programs in other parts of the nation.
June 26, 2007
EPA Resources for School Lab Chemical Cleanouts
EPA and other partners have built a web site to help environmental professionals within a community partner with the local school district to clean out chemicals from school laboratories and maintenance facilities.
Go tohttp://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/clusters/schools/index.htm for more information about EPA's Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign.
February 29, 2008
EPA Wastewater Management Fact Sheet
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EPA-energycon-fasht-final3.pdf | 760k |
Education Materials
July 31, 2007
Industrial Pretreatment Brochures
In Microsoft Publisher format
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PretreatBrochureShort.pub | 700k |
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PretreatBrochure.pub | 3331k |
June 12, 2008
ACWA 2008 Stormwater Summit in Eugene, OR - presentations
Below are PDFs of the presentations made at the ACWA Stormwater Summit, May 28, 2008.
Stormwater Retrofits-Local actions for Oregon's Water Quality - Teresa Huntsinger, Oregon Environmental Council
Stormwater Retrofits-Oregon Examples, Costs, and Maintenance Issues - Steve Fancher, City of Gresham
Introduction and Overview - Janet Gillaspie, OR ACWA
Stormwater Retrofits-Oregon Examples, Costs, and Maintenance Issues - Henry Stevens, City of Portland BES
Basics of Stormwater Retrofitting: The Set Up - Mike Novotney, Center for Watershed Protection
Stormwater Retrofit Process - Step 1: The Hook - Mike Novotney, Center for Watershed Protection
Stormwater Retrofit Process - Step 2: The Tale - Kelly Collins, Center for Watershed Protection
Stormwater Retrofit Process - Step 3: The Sting - Mike Novotney and Kelly Collins, Center for Watershed Protection
Stormwater Retrofit Process - Steps 4-8: The Clean Up - Mike Novotney and Kelly Collins, Center for Watershed Protection
May 21, 2008
Building an Oregon Drug Take Back Program
This PowerPoint presentation summarizes the current status of efforts to build an Oregon Drug Take Back program.
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Building-an-Oregon-drug-take-back-program---revised-05-08.ppt | 1250k |
July 28, 2006
Center for Watershed Protection Develops Benchmarking Tool Smart Watershed Benchmarking Tool just released!
Using lessons learned from around the country, this self-assessment tool helps local program managers make better decisions on watershed restoration priorities to maximize the performance of staff and financial resources. Local watershed groups can also use this tool by determining how their community compares to others and work with their local governments to encourage adoption of practices that would improve scores. Link here to learn more about the benchmarking tool and download a copy.
January 24, 2008
Drug Take Back - Summary of national information and resources
The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program has compiled a one page summary of a variety of information sources and tools related to drug take back programs. Go to http://www.iisgcp.org/unwantedmeds/ for this useful compendium of information.
July 30, 2006
PLOAD Software Available
A copy of the PLOAD software program, customized for ACWA members, is available. The PLOAD program, customized for ACWA by CH2M Hill, is a GIS-based model that allows municipalities to estimate sources of stormwater pollution on an annual average basis. This interactive tool allows stormwater managers to estimate pollutant loadings and reductions from various management and best management practice decisions. The program is based on ArcGIS 9.0 platform.
The program is only available to ACWA members. Please fill out the license agreement (see PLOAD License Agreement - to be signed) and return it to the ACWA office. A CD-ROM with the program, including a user's manual, will be mailed to you.
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PLOADLicenseAgree.pdf | 3014k |
July 30, 2006
Homeowner Grease Kits Available
ACWA has taken advantage of some Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) advertising that the Portland/Metropolitan agencies conducted this winter to order homeowner FOG outreach kits, now available to ACWA members.
These kits include a plastic grease scrapper, a lid that will fit three different sizes of metal cans and an easy-to-follow instruction card in English and Spanish that you can stamp your city/utilities logo on. The scrapper and lid both say "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" and "Brought to you by your local sewer utility." We had the budget to order enough for each ACWA member to have an initial supply of 40 kits. If there is enough interest, we can organize an additional run of materials at cost to ACWA members.
Attached are the campaign elements (newspaper ad and radio commercial) for the Portland-regional campaign. These items, too, are available to other communities who have an interest. The editing and talent costs to do a 13-week run of the radio ad is about $1500. The print ad is available free of charge. Both elements are attached. Contact the ACWA office by phone (503/236-6722) or e-mail if you would like a set of 40 homeowner grease scrapper kits. Only available to ACWA members. To have larger amounts of the kits printed contact GiGi Goff Company in Beaverton, OR at (503)646-3191 or gigigoffcompany@gmail.com
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FinalFOGPrintad1104.pdf | 88k |
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FOGRadioCommercial.mp3 | 945k |
September 10, 2007
PNCWA Drug Take Back Presentation
Review the presentation ACWA Executive Director Janet Gillaspie gave on Oregon’s Drug Take Back Program at the PNCWA conference in Vancouver on 9/10/07.
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PNCWA---09-07.pdf | 753k |
July 30, 2006
Resources on Fostering Sustainable Behavior
Doug McKenzie-Mohr has provided information and resources on fostering sustainable behavior.
July 30, 2006
BMPs for Dentists
Here's the inventory of Best Management Practices recommended for dentists by the Oregon Dental Association. Developed in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.
June 06, 2008
Gillaspie Discusses Drug Take Back at AOR Conference
ACWA Executive Director Janet Gillaspie discussed the Oregon Drug Take Back program at the Association of Oregon Recyclers conference in Seaside. A copy of the presentation is below.
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AOR-Conference---Oregon-drug-take-back-program---06-08.pdf | 602k |
January 01, 2007
Costs for Septic Hauling - survey by City of Eugene, 2005
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2005-Septic-Hauler-Costs-Eugene-info.xls | 92k |
November 01, 2006
Dentistry - preventing water pollution brochure
Water pollution prevention tips for dentistry.
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Dlayout.pdf | 661k |
November 01, 2006
Breweries - preventing water pollution brochure
Water pollution prevention tips for breweries.
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Brewer.pdf | 767k |
November 01, 2006
Print Shops - preventing water pollution brochure
Water pollution prevention tips for print shops.
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PShop.pdf | 767k |
November 01, 2006
Auto Shops - preventing water pollution brochure
Water pollution prevention tips for auto repair shops
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AShop.pdf | 792k |
November 01, 2006
Vehicle Washing - preventing water pollution brochure
Water pollution prevention tips for vehicle washing operations
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Vehicle.pdf | 814k |
June 06, 2008
Information on Energy Management for POTWs
These publications on energy management may be useful…
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WERFWebseminar-Presentation-6-4-08.pdf | 1793k |
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EPA-Energy-Management-Guide.pdf | 2264k |
December 20, 2006
The Oregon Water Listserv
The Oregon Water List (TOWL) is a moderated listserv designed to disseminate water and related information to the entire Oregon water community and others interested in Oregon and related Pacific Northwest water issues. Suitable posts include: announcements of workshops, conferences, and meetings; publications; news items; awards and honors received by list members; requests for information; and similar messages.
March 15, 2007
PH:ARM presentations
The group working on the Washington PH:ARM pilot project made a recent presentation on drug take back issues to the Washington Legislature. The presentations are posted below.
Overview of Drug Disposal Issues
Washington PH:ARM pilot
Possible Product Stewardship model
British Columbia System
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drug-BritishColumbia.pdf | 635k |
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drugProductStewardship.pdf | 33k |
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PHARMOverviewPilot.pdf | 2036k |
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WA-issueoverview.pdf | 479k |
July 28, 2008
ACWA Conference Speaker contact information, handouts & presentations
Presentations & Handouts:
Janet Gillaspie, ACWA - Regulatory Issues Facing Oregon Wastewater and Stormwater Utilites
Pat Bradley, EPA - Get out of the NPDES box-Innovative permitting approaches focused on water quality improvement
Dick Pedersen, Oregon DEQ - Partnering with Local Governments to Improve Oregon's Environment
Alan Zelenka, Kennedy/Jenks - Energy Independence fo Oregon Wastewater Utilities
Susie Smith, ACWA Chair/ City of Springfield - Conference Welcome opening
Guy Graham, City of Gresham - Energy Independence for Oregon Wastewater Utilities
Mike Gallagher, Washington Department of Ecology - Washington PBT reduction program - lessons from a leader....
Dr. Ken Williamson, Oregon State University - The Changing Paradigm of the Wastewater Industry
Michele Pla, Bay Area Clean Water Agencies - Look South, see what's heading to you-update on California wet weather issues, PBTs, mercury & dioxin, greenhouse gas emission limits, and other issues......
Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington - Building Sustainable Biosolids Programs
Ephraim King, US EPA - Putting the Science in Environmental Regulation
Jane Bacchieri, Oregon Governor's Office - Governor Kulongoski's Headwaters-to-Ocean Initiative
Keith Jones, NACWA - National and Local Legal Trends Affecting Oregon Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities
Ken Ortega, City of Oxnard Public Works - Integrated Water Reuse Strategies-Reaching Between Utilities-The Oxnard Example
Okkyoung Choi, University of Missouri - Impact of Silver Nano-particles on Wastewater Treatment
Dr. Mel Kohn, Oregon Public Health Division - Public Health Impacts of Climate Change
Tracy Tackett, Seattle Public Utilites - Low Impact Development Techniques
Jay Witherspoon, CH2M Hill - Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Dr. Dan Woltering, WERF - Introduction to Water Environment Research Foundation
Bill Sullivan, Navilus Press - Oregon's Greatest Natural Disasters
Jim Hutchison, University of Oregon - Oregon's Green Nano-Tech Initiative
September 17, 2007
BETC, SELP and waste water/water treatment facilities
Materials from presentation by Roland Gilchrist at the Energy Trust workshop 9/18/07
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BacGen.pdf | 10k |
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ReedsportCaseStudy.pdf | 339k |
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HB2210Biosolids.pdf | 22k |
November 15, 2007
New Pacific Northwest Extension Publications
Managing Irrigation Water Quality for Crop Production in the Pacific Northwest (August 2007, PNW 597-E, 24 pages)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/pnw/pnw601-e.pdf
Managing Salt-Affected Soils for Crop Production (November 2007, PNW 601-E, 29 pages)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/pnw/pnw597-e.pdf
December 19, 2007
Building an Oregon Drug Take Back Program - PowerPoint presentation
This PowerPoint presentation outlines the work of the Drug Take Back Stakeholder’s group and next steps in building an Oregon drug take back program.
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Building-an-Oregon-drug-take-back-program-12-07.ppt | 902k |
June 26, 2008
Oregon Drug Take Back Convening Meeting Held 6/24/08
Over 80 stakeholders gathered in Portland on 6/24/08 to hear presentations and consider building an Oregon Drug Take Back Program.
The agenda and presentations are linked below:
1. Agenda
2. Stakeholder’s Group
a. Tom Penpraze/Tony Burtt - Co chairs
3. Issues and Challenges
a. Matt Laidler, Oregon Public Health Division
b. Karen Wheeler, Oregon Addictions & Mental Health Division
c. Socorro Rodriguez, EPA
4. Product Stewardship Model - Overview
a. Scott Klag, Product Stewardship Institute
5. PhRMA Issues
a. Doug Finan, PhRMA - PiE representative
6. Retail Outlets - Issues and Concerns
a. Lis Houchen, Nat’l Association of Chain Drug Stores
7. What have others done?
a. National overview - Janet Gillaspie, ACWA
b. Jennifer Crittenden, U of Maine Center on Aging
c. Shirley Reitz, Group Health Cooperative, PH:ARM team members
d. Tom Badrick, Legacy Health Systems
8. Outline of Possible Proposal
a. Tom Penpraze, City of Corvallis
Manuals
January 23, 2007
ACWA Fats, Oil, Grease (FOG) Best Management Practices Manual - Spanish version
Spanish version of ACWA's FOG BMP Manual.
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ACWA-FOG-Spanish012207.pdf | 675k |
July 28, 2006
Stormwater Program Funding Manual Available
The National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies has prepared a manual to provide guidance to local governments for funding stormwater programs. The guidance includes procedural legal and financial considerations for developing viable funding approaches.
July 28, 2006
Updated Infrastructure Management Manual Released
The International Infrastructure Management Manual has been updated. The revised manual reflects the advancing field of asset management providing additional guidance in each section on the core elements of Asset Management, adding more case studies from around the world, including best practices and detailed examples. This New Zealand web site will give you further details and ordering information.
July 30, 2006
Stormwater Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Manual Available
The Center for Watershed Protection, working with the University of Alabama, has developed a stormwater illicit discharge manual. The Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Guidance Manual provides valuable guidance for Phase II NPDES MS4 communities and others seeking to establish Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) programs and investigate non-storm water entries into storm drainage systems. The manual also has application for Phase I communities looking to modify existing programs, and for groups interested in conducting public outreach and awareness activities as part of watershed restoration projects.
September 13, 2007
Center for Watershed Protection Publishes Urban Stormwater Retrofit Manual
The Center for Watershed Protection has published its manual on Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices. The 400+ manual is available for downloading free.
July 30, 2006
EPA Water Quality Trading Assessment Handbook
EPA Region 10 developed the Water Quality Trading Assessment Handbook to assist a stakeholder such as yourself in determining whether it may work successfully in your watershed.
Once you understand the basic concept of water quality trading and the water quality conditions in your watershed, the Water Quality Trading Assessment Handbook will help you investigate whether this tool is right for your watershed. The handbook guides you through a structured, informal assessment of trading opportunities. It looks at the environmental, economic, and technical factors in a watershed that influence your ability to create a water quality trading market.
July 30, 2006
Urban Stormwater BMP Performance Monitoring Report
This manual provides targeted practical assistance in conducting water quality monitoring and reporting data that are useful for assessing effectiveness of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). It was developed by integrating experience gleaned from field monitoring activities conducted by members of the ASCE Urban Water Resources Research Council and through the development of the ASCE/EPA National Stormwater BMP Database.
January 10, 2007
Mid-Atlantic "Primer" on Water Quality Credit Trading
A variety of universities in the mid-Atlantic have produced a water quality credit trading "primer" to assist dischargers - - especially in Pennsylvania and Virginia - - in participating in those states water quality trading programs.
January 19, 2007
The Environmentally Responsible Dental Office
Oregon Dental Association's Guide to Best Management Practices of Dental Waste
December 04, 2006
EPA Introduction to the National Pretreatment Program
This EPA manual reviews the national pretreatment programs and answers many questions about how the program operates and how businesses comply with the program. Find the information here
October 05, 2006
Detailed Best Management Practices for Dentists
The Oregon Dental Association has prepared detailed BMPs for dentists. Information on recyclers and disposal services is also included. The manual can be found here
July 10, 2007
Temperature Management Plan Guidance Manual (2000)
Guidance manual for the Temperature Management Plan.
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temperature-mgmt-plan.pdf | 18370k |
March 15, 2007
ACWA Stormwater Toolbox for Maintenance Practices
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap1.pdf | 94k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap2.pdf | 141k |
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ACWASW-Toolbox-Chap3.pdf | 172k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolboxl-Chap4.pdf | 184k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap5.pdf | 155k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap6.pdf | 163k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap7.pdf | 118k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap8.pdf | 114k |
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ACWASW-Toolbox-Chap9.pdf | 113k |
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ACWA-SW-Toolbox-Chap10.pdf | 101k |
June 27, 2007
Central Oregon Stormwater Manual
This manual - - developed by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council - - details the BMPs best for stormwater control in Central and Eastern Oregon. The manual can be found at http://www.coic.org/stormwater/index.htm .
December 06, 2007
Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance for Dirt and Gravel Roads
EPA has completed a 300-page manual for how to environmentally maintain gravel and dirt roads. The manual was completed with the assistance of Pennsylvania State University. It covers the use of natural systems and innovative technologies to reduce erosion, sediment and dust pollution.
February 25, 2008
Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities Sustainable Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
The Water Environmental Research Foundation has a new website focused on sustainable stormwater with information, links, resources and other tools. The website is designed to encourage and facilitate the integration of stormwater BMPs into development projects in your area by providing tools and resources for effective communication and implementation as well as in-depth case studies that examine BMP integration in several cities across the United States.
Regulatory Update
January 20, 2007
City of Salem Wet Weather Permit
Below is a copy of the City of Salem's NPDES permit for its River Road Treatment Plant.
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City-of-Salem-Wet-Weather-Permit-2004-A-C.pdf | 144k |
July 30, 2006
Updated DEQ Enforcement Guidance Released
DEQ has released its updated Enforcement Guidance for Field Staff. This Internal management directive developed by DEQ programs and the Office of Compliance and Enforcement is designed to ensure statewide consistency of DEQ actions. The guidance includes the enforcement guidance text and 26 appendices labeled A through Z. The handbook was revised June 1, 2005, to reflect changes to the Division 12 rules which became effective June 1, 2005.
July 30, 2006
DEQ Antidegradation Policy
The Oregon water quality antidegradation policy will be examined carefully as Oregon considers revisions to the temperature water quality standard.
June 06, 2008
DEQ Finalizes Temperature IMD
DEQ has finalized it Internal Management Directive on temperature. A copy is available here. It is also available on the DEQ web site at http://www.deq.state.or.us, water quality”, “Internal Management Directives”.
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DEQ-Temperature-IMD-04-08.pdf | 903k |
March 13, 2007
DEQ starts fish consumption standard review process
DEQ, in association with EPA and Tribal Governments, is starting a review of the fish consumption standard. The standard is used to set human health water quality criteria. ACWA members are preparing brief summaries of the discussions at the workshops. The 3/13/07 workshop summary is available below. Link here to learn more about the project, and sign up to receive information routinely. The
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fish-constn-pdx-workshop-summary-03-07.pdf | 21k |
June 05, 2008
EPA and Environmental Public Interest Groups Settle on WQ Standards
The EPA and environmental public interest groups have settled their litigation regarding EPA’s lack of action on the pending Oregon water quality standards revisions. A copy of the settlement agreement is available here.
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WQ-stds-Final-Consent-Decree-Judge-Signed-05-08.pdf | 411k |
July 31, 2007
Oregon WARN Organized
An Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (ORWARN) has been organized and its web site lauched. The website is at http://www.orwarn.org/
August 15, 2007
EPA Creates WQ Trading Toolkit
The Water Quality Trading Toolkit for Permit Writers is EPA's first "how-to" manual on designing and implementing water quality trading programs. The Toolkit helps National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting authorities incorporate trading provisions into permits. It will help improve the quality and consistency of all trading programs across the nation.
June 27, 2007
DEQ Provides TMDL Implementation Plan Guidance
DEQ has produced a TMDL Implementation Plan guidance document (May, 2007) to assist DMAs in drafting TMDL implementation plans. A sample strategy "matrix" is also available on the DEQ web site at http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/TMDLs/docs/impl/07wq004tmdlimplplan.pdf
August 20, 2007
EPA Posts Electronic Version of WQ Standards Handbook
As of June of 2007, EPA created a Web version of the Water Quality Standards Handbook, taking the opportunity to add selected links and resources designed to aid the reader in finding additional information. These links were added only to the Web version. The text of the 1994 Handbook was not edited in any way.
The Water Quality Standards Handbook: Second Edition provides guidance issued in support of the Water Quality Standards Regulation (40 CFR 131, as amended). This Handbook includes the operative provisions of the first volume of the Handbook issued in 1983 and incorporates subsequent guidance issued since 1983. The 1994 Handbook contains only final guidance previously issued by EPA; it contains no new guidance.
October 09, 2007
BC Medications Return Program Update
Paul Iverson, manager of the British Columbia Medications Return Program, provided an update on the system for a group interested in Product Stewardship issues during a 10/2/07 tour to BC. A PDF of his presentation is below.
Iverson indicated that the 2006 program costs for management, communication, collection and disposal of the collected unwanted drugs was $253,600 (CN).
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BC--MRP-presentation-P.-Iverson-10-07.pdf | 45k |
January 09, 2008
DEQ Updates Mixing Zone IMD - Effective July 08
DEQ has finalized its mixing zone Internal Management Directive. The directive will affect all NPDES permit applications filed after July of 2008, so NPDES permit holders currently working on permit renewal applications will want to review the guidance carefully. For more information go to http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/pubs/pubs.htm#imds
July 08, 2008
Willamette Partnership Creates Tools for EcoSystem Services
The Willamette Partnership has completed a series of tools and templates to assist local governments, including wastewater agencies, in considering creating or using ecosystem marketplace tools. Link to the Willamette Partnership page at http://www.willamettepartnership.org/tools-templates
Studies & Reports
November 28, 2006
A Call for Laboratory Quality
A group of lab managers and others concerned with data quality are promoting a plan for more Oregon municipal wastewater laboratories to be voluntarily accredited to the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). Their white paper, A Call for Lab Quality, outlines their thinking, and why senior wastewater managers should be working with their laboratories to ensure adequate quality procedures are in place.
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A-Call-for-Laboratory-Quality.pdf | 57k |
July 28, 2006
Readable Reference on Cadmium affecting livestock health
Read this good reference on cadmium affecting livestock health - Trace Minerals and Cadmium Toxicity, Dr. Larry L. Berger, University of Illinois.
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cadiumspring-2006.pdf | 619k |
July 28, 2006
New EPA Smart Growth and Stormwater Publications
There are three new publications that will be of interest to stormwater managers at the local and state level.
-- Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development (EPA publication 231-R-06-001) -- The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the U.S. population will grow by 50 million people, or approximately 18 percent, between 2000 and 2020. This study is designed to help communities better understand the impacts of higher and lower density on water resources.
The findings indicated that low-density development may not always be the preferred strategy for protecting water resources. Higher densities may better protect water quality - especially at the lot level and watershed scale.
-- Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices (EPA publication 231-B-05-00) -- This publication reviews nine common smart growth techniques and examines how they can be used to prevent or manage stormwater runoff. This publication will help communities encourage smart growth and meet the new regulatory requirements.
-- Parking Spaces/Community Places: Finding the Balance through Smart Growth Solutions (EPA publication 231-K-06-001) -- This report highlights proven approaches that balance parking with broader community goals. An oversupply of unnecessary parking wastes money and creates places that degrade water quality and encourage excess driving and air emissions. The highlighted solutions cover a range of supply management, demand management, and pricing strategies. Communities have found that combinations of parking pricing, shared parking, demand management, and other techniques have helped them create vibrant places while protecting environmental quality and still providing for necessary vehicle storage.
December 13, 2006
USGS NAWQA report updated and available
The US Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program has updated and integrated its data warehouse. Link to a summary report and information about the data warehouse. Find the information here
July 28, 2006
EPA Guide Identifies Criteria Used by Inspectors to Evaluate CMOM Activities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s (EPA) Office of Compliance has published the Guide for Evaluating Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) Programs at Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems. The guide is designed to encourage EPA regions and states to use a CMOM approach for implementing a performance-based strategy for handling sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The document is a compliance monitoring tool for use by federal and state inspectors and a compliance assistance tool for use by the regulated community.
The guide identifies some of the criteria used by EPA inspectors to evaluate a collection system?s management, operation, and maintenance program activities. A limited number of hard copies of the document are available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 800/490-9198.
Click on the "featured case studies, fact sheets and other information" link.
August 22, 2006
ACWA Survey Shows Metal Concentrations Generally Dropping
A survey of biosolids metals concentrations comparing current metal levels and those of 10 years ago shows that metal levels are generally dropping. Concentrations of cadmium, mercury, lead, arsenic, and nickel - - along with other metals - - all dropped within the last 10 years. Two metals were shown to have increased - selenium and molybdenum. The complete survey report is available. The results were compiled by ACWA Biosolids Chair Mark Ronayne of the City of Portland BES.
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2006-ACWA-Biosolids-Surveyfinal.pdf | 116k |
July 28, 2006
Need Comparision Sewer Rate Information?
Here's where to get to the League of Oregon Cities web site with a 2004 and 2002 wastewater rate survey.
June 19, 2007
Information on Drug Take Back Programs
"Conflicting Public Policies: Why is it so Difficult to Keep Pharmaceuticals out of the Water?"
Brenda Ortigoza Bateman, Ralph Thonstad, Daniel Danicic
5/07
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Drug Take Back Program options - powerpoint presentation 3/08/7
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Drug Take Back Program Funding Options paper 3/01/07
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Pharmaceutical Take Back Costs Reviewd paper 3/01/07
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Oregon DEQ Policy on Unwanted Drug Disposal
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Trash Your Stash - Popular in some California cities, this program has enforced deposit boxes for unwanted drugs and pharmaceuticals. Law enforcement inventories and empties the containers routinely. Additional information found here
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Detailed report from the Northeast Recycling Council that provides a road map for holding legal unwanted medicine collection events. The report in a PDF format is below.
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In May 2006, the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group (BAPPG) piloted a first-of-its-kind regional collection event for residential pharmaceutical waste. Throughout the Bay Area, more than 1,500 residents disposed of 3,634 lbs of pharmaceutical waste at 39 locations. The BAPPG coordinated this pilot program with 17 agencies that managed the collection event details, which included location, staffing, police presence, and documentation of controlled substances. The PDF below contains a final report documenting the details.If you have any questions please contact Jen Jackson at the East Bay MUD at jacksonj@ebmud.com
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Regulatory Framework on Drug Take Back Programs from Wisconsin. This publication from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources outlines the Wisconsin regulatory requirements for drug take back programs, including federal requirements under the US Drug Enforcement Administration and US EPA
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Washington PH:ARM program
Review this program to learn more about the proposed PH:ARM program being developed in Washington for proper drug disposal.
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Learn more about the Australian Drug Take Back program here
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Indiana TRIAD Program - Link here
to learn more about the Allen County, Indiana drug take back program.
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Information on the existing unwanted drug product stewardship law in British Columbia can be found here
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July 28, 2006
DNA Fingerprinting Shows Interesting Results
ACWA members may be interested in this presentation by Jan Miller from Clean Water Services made to the ACWA Stormwater Committee on bacteria DNA fingerprinting conducted in the Tualatin basin. More details in the ACWA fall newsletter.
July 28, 2006
A New Look at the Effects of Common Disinfectants
Recent research suggests that decisions regarding the need for effluent disinfection must be made on a site-specific basis. In a newly released report from WERF, Effects of Wastewater Disinfection on Human Health (stock no. 99HHE1), researchers have reexamined common assumptions associated with wastewater disinfection and provided detailed characterization of the effects of common disinfectants on bacteria and phage in wastewater. With a focus on chlorine and ultraviolet radiation disinfection methods, the research team studied common wastewater bacteria, in terms of their initial response to disinfectant exposure, changes in the bacterial community post-exposure, and the nature and extent of bacterial physiological damage resulting from exposure to these disinfectants. In general, (viable) bacterial populations showed an immediate decline as a result of disinfectant exposure; however, incubation of disinfected samples under conditions that were designed to mimic the conditions in a receiving stream resulted in substantial recovery of the total bacterial community. After a five-day incubation period, the total bacterial population in disinfected samples was generally greater than or equal to the bacterial population in the undisinfected controls. It should be noted that non-culture-based assays designed to assess the nature and extent of damage among bacteria resulting from exposure to chlorine or UV revealed that the extent of damage, as defined by these assays, tended to be far less than that defined by conventional bacterial viability assays, such as membrane filtration. Researchers drew their conclusions based primarily on analyses of samples collected from five municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Facilities were selected to provide a broad spectrum of effluent quality, particularly as related to nitrogenous compounds. Water Environment Research Foundation subscribers can download a copy of the full report.
July 30, 2006
Willametter Basin Explorer Tool
If you want to know more about the 13th largest river in the United States, whose basin is home to more than 2 million people, you're looking for the online "Willamette Basin Explorer: Past, Present, Future."
This website provides a history of the Willamette Basin, analysis of critical issues, mapping tools, video clips, links to publications, data sets, and many more helpful resources. It also explores different development options for the basin, and offers information to help people better understand the implications of land management decisions.
The site was developed by the OSU Libraries as part of the Willamette Basin Conservation Project, a two-year effort to provide Oregonians with more information to help make sound, informed land management decisions.
The initiative, funded by a $600,000 grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust, is a collaborative effort of the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University, OSU Libraries, the University of Oregon, Willamette Restoration Initiative, and Defenders of Wildlife.
July 30, 2006
Report examines Landowner Incentive Programs
With nagging questions in mind about what really works to promote landowners to participate in conservation incentive programs, the Defenders of Wildlife set out in mid 2004 to get a reality check. Defeners wanted to explore in more depth what motivated landowners to participate in conservation incentive programs, and what kept them from doing more. The group also wanted an objective, third-party review of the issues, unencumbered by pre-conceived notions of the answers. With financial support provided by the Meyer Memorial Trust and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation under the broader umbrella of the Willamette Basin Conservation Project, Defenders opted to focus our examination on landowners in Oregon's Willamette Valley.
July 17, 2008
Energy Independence Study Completed
Read how two Oregon wastewater facilities could become energy independent. Learn more about the types of conservation and renewable energy opportunities are available for your facility. Funding for the ACWA Energy Independence Project provided, in part, by the Energy Trust of Oregon
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Final-ACWA-EIP-Report-7-3-08.pdf | 2873k |
July 30, 2006
International Stormwater BMP Database
This database provides access to BMP performance data in a standardized format for roughly 200 BMP studies conducted over the past fifteen years. The database may be searched and/or downloaded on this Web site, and is also available on CD-ROM. Additional BMP studies are currently being prepared for the database. The database was developed by the Urban Water Resources Research Council (UWRRC) of ASCE under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
July 30, 2006
Example Land Use Compatibility Statements
Review this sample land use compatibility statement related to stormwater as examples of LUCS. These were completed by Marion County, and DEQ has forwarded them as good examples to follow. For more information contact Lisa Milliman, Natural Resource Planner ? (503) 588-5038 or email Lisa at "lmillima@co.marion.or.us".
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sampleLUCS-MS4fromMarionCo.rtf | 274k |
July 30, 2006
USGS Report on Modeling completed as part of Willamette Temperature TMDL
US Geological Survey has just released its report on the temperature modeling completed on the Santiam and North Santiam Rivers as part of the Willamette temperature TMDL. A portion of this USGS work was funded by ACWA members.
July 30, 2006
Media Calls about Biosolids?
Media calls about biosolids? Use this updated, concise media guide to ensure you are well prepared and know the "right" answers. Thanks to Mark Jockers at Clean Water Services and Joan Saroka at the City of Portland for this guide.
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03BiosolidsMediaGuideUpdate.pdf | 135k |
July 30, 2006
Mercury Pollution Reduction Measures
National study completed by AMSA details the effectiveness of pollution prevention, with a focus on dental practices, in reducing mercury concentrations.
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sources-of-mercury-walker-report.pdf | 247k |
February 14, 2007
Pharmaceutical Take-Back Programs in Adult Care Facilities: A Pilot Project in Newberg, Oregon
Presentation made to the Drug Take-Back Program Task Force by Dr. Brenda Bateman, Public Policy Coordinator for the Tualatin Valley Water District.
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2007-02-Newberg-Program.pdf | 657k |
July 30, 2006
Updated Technical Review of Willamette Basin Temperature TMDL Revisions from USGS
Dated May 1, 2006
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updated-usgs-tmdl-review-with-appendix.pdf | 353k |
September 21, 2006
Learn more about long range mercury transport
A group of U of W scientists are studying long range air contamination transport using a monitor atop Mt. Bachelor. The group includes mercury deposition in its study.
Find more information here
November 08, 2006
Federal Report Shows New Nonmedical Users of Prescription Pain Relievers Outnumbered New Marijuana Users between 2002 and 2004
One of the conclusions of the report,"Parents and other caregivers should store their prescription drugs carefully and dispose of any unused drugs before they can fall into the wrong hands.”
Find the complete report from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration here
October 09, 2007
USGS Report on Temperature Issues related to the Willamette Issued
US Geological Survey has completed its report on temperature issues associated with point sources, riparian shading and dam operations. The report was completed with funding from ACWA and the Willamette Partnership.
The report can be found at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2007/5185/
August 06, 2007
Learn More about BioPower
Learn more about how the City of Gresham partnered with the Energy Trust of Oregon to improve the use of biogas - - Gresham now generates over half the power it needs to operate the treatment plant from digester gas - - and received financial incentives that makes the project payback period less than six years.
December 15, 2007
USGS Willamette temperature modeling report now online
The report from the first phase of the USGS/ACWA Willamette temperature modeling project is now officially available and online. You will find it at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2007/5185/
June 30, 2008
ACWA Contractor Completes Energy Independence Report
Kennedy-Jenks has completed a report for ACWA evaluating the ability of two wastewater systems chosen as pilots (Corvallis and Gresham) to become energy independent through conservation and renewable energy sources.
The report details the energy conservation measures for wastewater plants, and evaluates 7 types of renewable energy sources that might power a treatment plant. Detailed information on each renewable energy source is included.
December 17, 2007
OEC Stormwater Solutions Team Completes Report
The Oregon Environmental Council Stormwater Solutions Team has completed its report detailing suggestions on stormwater management issues. The two top recommendations from the group included providing greater state support for low impact development stormwater projects at the local level, and developing a comprehensive stormwater education program focused on sustainable stormwater management. Several ACWA members participated as members of the Solutions Team. A copy of the full report is at http://www.oeconline.org/rivers/stormwater/index_html
January 14, 2008
NACWA Completed Report on Watershed Approach
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies has completed its report RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A VIABLE AND VITAL 21ST CENTURY CLEAN WATER POLICY (October, 2007). The report details ideas for moving beyond the silo-approach currently used to tackle water quality issues, and advocates a watershed approach. Oregon ACWA members Charlie Logue and Peter Ruffier served on the committee that produced the report.
January 22, 2008
Willamette Dischargers - Is temperature trading possible?
Use this temperature trading tool developed by US Geological Survey to learn how municipal dischargers could trade temperature allocations.
January 30, 2008
EPA Report on stormwater and low impact development practices
This EPA report provides information to cities, counties, states, private-sector developers and others on the costs and benefits of using Low Impact Development (LID) strategies and practices to help protect and restore water quality. LID practices are innovative practices that manage stormwater close to its source by mimicing a site's predevelopment hydrology and use design techniques that infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and reuse runoff. LID practices are increasingly being used by communities across the country to help protect and restore water quality. This report provides information on the cost savings and benefits that can be achieved by implementing LID practices versus conventional stormwater practices.
The report can be found at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/
July 08, 2008
Willamette Partnership Report Completed
The Willamette Partnership has completed it report on developing the Willamette Ecosystem Marketplace
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Developing-the-Willamette-Ecosystem-Marketplace.pdf | 8001k |
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