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What's New? What is the CRC? Fish News Public Resources Can we help you? Contact the CRC Watershed Mangement Dairy Issues Fertilizer Concerns Contamination General Water Quality Community Focused Permits & Checklists Coast-Estuary Concerns Coastal Erosion Concerns Storm and Flood News Lewis County Issues Grays Harbor County Issues Thurston County Issues Water Quality Plan Water Quality Issues Rivers of the Chehalis Newsletters W.S.U. Extension Visit FOGH Grays Harbor Model Watershed Water Quality Monitoring, a plan How to Shade the Chehalis American Rivers Year of the Ocean NonPoint Source Pollution Seasons of the Chehalis The Impaired Waterbodies Any value to water? Glossary of Terms What's A Basin? Where's the Basin? The Chehalis Nation What's the Law? Thurston County Lewis County Grays Harbor County Weather-flood warnings STORMWEB Centralia gage USGS River Information Corp of Engineers Basin Index Satsop gage The Chronicle Aberdeen Daily World The Olympian

1999 thru 2001 Local Community Topics Which Are Interesting or Controversial Be sure to visit Coastal and Estuary Concerns. - For more information see: Lewis County issues page or the Grays Harbor County Issues page or the Thurston County Issues page for more information on issues covered on this Hot Topic page. Learn about 700,000 sites which handle dangerous chemicals at this award winning EPA site Or check this Chehalis Watershed listing of known contaminated sites. Back to top Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), growth, treatment plants, NPDES permits, development and community related Related topicsfor 1998 and earlier Dec. 13, 2001 Chehalis City Council alters monthly sewage rates. Dec. 13, 2001 The city of Chehalis will have no problem meeting the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's new standard for arsenic. Oct. 19, 2001 The Chronicle reports that contamination (found in 1998) is a major concern to users of contaminated Lewis County aquifer. Oct. 05, 2001 Anyone with an interest in cleaning and protecting Washington's waterways is encouraged to participate in public workshops this month to discuss adjusting fees for wastewater discharge permits.b Oct. 04, 2001 WaDOE announces nearly $108 million to clean and maintain Washington's lakes and rivers Sep. 02, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that the city of Aberdeen will receive a major loan for improvements to aging wastewater treatment plant. Jul. 24, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World states that McCleary water stinks! Jul. 15, 2001 Centralia accepts $27 million interest free loan for new wastewater treatment plant. Jul. 02, 2001 Late last month The Aberdeen Daily World reported on WaDOE request to clean up rivers flowing into Grays Harbor. Jun. 17, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World describes major leaks in the Aberdeen reservoir (thousands of gallons per day). Jun. 15, 2001 The Montesano Vidette reports that Elma is moving forward on waste water treatment project. Jun. 15, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Centralia signs $7 million sewer contract. May. 23, 2001 Pollution of the Skookumchuck illustrates that the 'solution to pollution is dilution' and this year we simply don't have the water in our streams. Conintued demands upon surface and groundwater resources will worsen this problem in the future. May. 22, 2001 WaDOE is inviting public comment on Chehalis/Grays Harbor watershed cleanup planning (fecal coliform TMDL). Apr. 19, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Centralia accepts large loan for treatment plant. Centralia is taking aggressive steps to address their long term waste treatment needs. Mar. 30, 2001 While addressing water quality through a new treatment plant, the City of Chehalis has to deal with wastewater rate increases. Mar. 05, 2001 Power generation and the use of the water resource are in the news again as Chehalis City Council approves a utilities agreement for Tractebel. Feb. 17, 2001 The state Department of Ecology has released a new draft of a plan to solve summer water temperature problems on the Chehalis River. Feb. 16, 2001 WaDOE issued a press release highlighting communities who successfully have reclaimed and reused wastewater. Feb. 05, 2001 The Rochester Water Association is receiving over $1 million in a loan and grant to repair a failing water system. Jan. 30, 2001 Will EPA's new Guidelines for Management of Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Systems Affect You? Jan. 30, 2001 Here is another edition of "Yesterday's News, Today". More will be added over time. In January 1996 The Chronicle, in Our Views, spoke out on Chehalis wastewater discharge. In October of 1996 Elma's Cloquallum sewer project had a flood of worry. Jan. 29, 2001 Back in 1996 illness and flood recovery slowed down information added to this website. Here is the first edition of "Yesterday's News, Today". More will be added over time. In June of 1996 Thurston County was considering sewer and water district in Grand Mound. Later in June the Thurston Commissioners had approved zoning for Grand Mound and it is now contingent upon landowners' approval. In July 1996 plans for a golf course and 540 home development in Tenino made the news. Jan. 21, 2001 Aberdeen addresses changes in fees for stormwater and sewer. Jan. 20, 2001 Aberdeen joins others in the appeal of Shoreline Management Act. Source: The Aberdeen Daily World Jan. 14, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Chehalis is still looking for a site for a new wastewater treatment plant. Jan. 14, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Centralia is going ahead with plans for their own wastewater treatment facility. Jan. 14, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World reports Aberdeen city council deciding on funding for a new stormwater utility. Jan. 14, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Centralia and Chehalis are facing major funding issues as they choose future for local waste treatment plants. Jan. 14, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Centralia and Chehalis eyeing options in dealing with sludge byproducts, or biosolids. Dec. 10, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Centralia is interested in a regional solution for a wastewater treatment plant. Nov. 29, 2000 WaDOE adopts revised shoreline guidelines today. Nov. 17, 2000 Chehalis and Tractebel might reach agreement over a substantial upgrade to Chehalis water and sewer systems. Nov. 11, 2000 The Chehalis Watershed has a number of TMDL's in effect. This EPA article explains the significance of the recent Final TMDL Rule. Nov. 02, 2000 WaDOE has announced penalties for various types of violations. Here is a complete list. Most have a relationship to water quality. Nov. 02, 2000 Washington State University Cooperative Extension in Yakima County is offering a basic training on water quality and monitoring. Oct. 29, 2000 This is a must read document. Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) gathers information on water quality in the state and reports this information to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every two years. The EPA then compiles the information with data received from other states to report the conditions of our nation's waters to Congress. A copy of the 2000 Washington State Water Quality Assessment Section 305(b) Report is available on the CRC in traditional WWW format. A pdf version is available from WaDOE Oct. 23, 2000 Confusing to read, but EFSEC has published a notice that they are amending and making an addendum to the Chehalis Power Generating (LLP) Adoption Notice of January 30, 1996 which deals with the power generating facility located in their 33 acres of the Chehalis Industrial Park. Oct. 23, 2000 WaDNR published this SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance dealing with coabed test wells on private timberland in Lewis County. Oct. 21, 2000 A number of industrial and municipal permits are due for renewal or reauthorization. DOE is seeking public input. Facilities include Centralia, Chehalis, Pe Ell, Vader, Hampton/Parkwood Lumber, Morton Forest Products, Symons Frozen Foods, Morton, Toledo and Shakertown Corp. Oct. 19, 2000 Some good news, as The Chronicle, reports that Centralia College students band together and cleanup China Creek. Oct. 17, 2000 WaDOE has a number of Thurston County wastewater permits up for renewal and is seeking public invovlement. Sep. 30, 2000 A report from The Chronicle discusses water treatment and sewer system issues faced by the city of Tenino. Sep. 27, 2000 The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) wants to hear from local governments, businesses, Indian tribes and citizens on how best to manage stormwater runoff, one of the state's most prevalent and elusive water-quality problems. Sep. 07, 2000 WaDOE has produced the final Centennial Clean Water Fund/Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund/Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Fund report. Here is our verions as an alphabetical listing The complete, official document, released by WaDOE is available at: Department of Ecology Web site - http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/2001 Sep. 06, 2000 Thurston Conservation District has announced a public meeting to review the Scatter Creek Habitat Conservation Plan. Sep. 06, 2000 WaDOE has announced the availability of the Site Register through an online subscription. Aug. 29, 2000While it hasn't yet happened here, elsewhere local officials are pumping pure well water into the parched North Fork of Issaquah Creek to protect salmon habitat. Aug. 25, 2000 It's a wetland, a wildlife refuge, and a working waste treatment plant. This bio-reactor wetland sytem is reported to clean water, air and attract wildlife. Aug. 23, 2000 Here is an overview of the final national TMDL rule which will go into effect October 1, 2001. Aug. 21, 2000 Lower Chehalis fecal coliform TMDL attracts attention of City of Chehalis Mayor, in this article from The Chronicle. Aug. 16, 2000 The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is proposing changes to state regulations that contain standards and cleanup levels for toxic contamination. Beginning today, the public has 30 days in which to comment on the proposed changes, either in writing or at one of two public hearings. Aug. 11, 2000 WaDOE is inviting help and participation as it works to create a process for assembling the state's "polluted waters" list, which is related to the TMDL process, the Clean Water Act and is known as the 303(d) list. Jul. 25, 2000 The next Chehalis Basin Partnership meeting is July 28 and here is the agenda and last meeting summary. Also included are the CBP Vision and a report on which members can participate in decision making. Jul. 25, 2000 The Montesano Vidette reports that: The Port of Grays Harbor commissioners have thrown heir collective hats into the ring of controversy surrounding the new shoreline changes Jul. 25, 2000 The City of Chehalis published this 2000 Annual Water Quality report. Jul. 20, 2000 The City of Oakville has released this 2000 Drinking Water Report. Jul. 20, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Centralia and Chehalis are doing what they can with 40-year old treatment plants. Jul. 20, 2000 The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has once again fined Weyerhaeuser Company's mill at Cosmopolis for discharging high levels of fecal-coliform-laden waste water into the lower Chehalis River. Jul. 11, 2000 Biosolids are a local interest item. WaDOE recently issued this press release concerning biosolids in the Spokane area. Jul. 11, 2000 Recently WaDOE issued this press release about $89 million being provided to improve and protect water quality. Jul. 10, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Centralia's wastewater treatment plant is on track and on schedule, after the city was nominated to accept a zero-interest, $24.7 million loan to build a new facility. Jul. 04, 2000 >Late in June The Aberdeen Daily World reported on a public meeting to provide information on the Fecal Coliform TMDL strudy of the Grays Harbor and the tributaries to the harbor. Jul. 04, 2000 A well-written letter to the editor raises a concern: "we are planning to sell 70 million gallons of water per year to a power company that will occupy nearly 40 acres of prime land, provide 22 jobs and sell its electricity to any state in the union." Jul. 02, 2000 WaDOE Director spoke to the Wa. State Grange about shorelines management. Jun. 29, 2000 According to WaDOE 500 stormwater permit holders (a potential source of nonpoint pollution) are receiving notices about their permit status. Jun. 27, 2000 A little behind this week, but here is news of a water quality fine related to gravel mining. Jun. 26, 2000 The Capital Press reports that existing and ongoing agriculture will not be subject to the state's new shoreline guidelines. Jun. 23, 2000 Pe Ell water treatment decision is deferred. Jun. 23, 2000 Grays Harbor Commissioner strongly opposed to new shorelines rules. Jun. 20, 2000 WaDOE has an alert we never wanted to have happen: Well drillers are advised to proceed with caution before drilling wells near the intersection of Forest Napavine Road East and Jackson Highway south of the city of Chehalis. Why? Toxic contamination! Jun. 05, 2000 WaDOE announces two solutions for stormwater management in Washington. Apr. 12, 2000 The Chronicle reports a lawsuit (Clean Water Act) against the City of Chehalis because of treatment plant violations. Mar. 20, 2000 WaDOE has released a 'draft' study of fecal coliform in Grays Harbor - here is the single section on conclusions. Mar. 18, 2000 Although the company is now European owned, the power output is changing, the cooling is changing and the water source is changing - not to mention that the U.S. Dept. of Energy is gone, and they want to alter the plant's original justification from presold output to on-demand output Tractebel wants the permit modifications approved. Mar. 17, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Tenino is seeking to establish a city sewer system. Mar. 17, 2000 WaDOE has informed us about the recently completed TMDL (fecal coliform) study in the Grays Harbor area. A workshop is planned March 31, GHCC at 1:00 p.m. Mar. 12, 2000 Tractebel, formerly Chehalis Power Inc., seeks EFSEC approval for significant modifications to the 1997 agreements. Mar. 02, 2000 EPA extends comment period for standards for the use or disposal of sewage sludge. Feb. 16, 2000 Interested in the health of the waters of the Chehalis? Here is a new, summarized report on rivers and streams that WaDOE submitted on the last 303(d) list. Jan. 21, 2000 The issue of whether Aberdeen's sewer system can handle a connection with the Stafford Creek Correctional Center is once again before a court, according to this report from the The Aberdeen Daily World Jan. 16, 2000 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that faced with a deadline the city can't meet on sewage treatment system upgrades, the City of Aberdeen wants a meeting with the Friends of Grays Harbor to buy some time to evaluate additional options Jan. 11, 2000 The Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) t urned 25 years old in 1999. In December the U.S. EPA published a history of these 25 years. Here is a description of water supplies before the SWDA. Jan. 05, 2000 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that the City of Aberdeen and FOGH are back in court over the terms of the 1998 consent decree. Jan. 02, 2000 Centralia is addressing some of the same water rate increases that have troubled Pe Ell, Montesano, Aberceen, Elma and other communties in the Chehalis watershed. Jan. 02, 2000 Centralia's new treatment siting is reviewed in the Jan 1 article from The Chronicle. Dec. 27, 1999 What is a mudminnow or Magic Apple? Who is the lead agency for the CBP? What has the Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force done this last year? How is Aberceen eliminating sewer problems? The answers to all these questions are in the January 2000 issue of Drops of Water. Dec. 18, 1999 Aberdeens's wastewater treatment plant capacity is the subject of a professional peer review in this detailed report. Dec. 18, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports on City of Aberdeen and FOGH conflict - Champions of clean water or purveyors of groundless hype? Dec. 18, 1999 The City of Aberdeen responds to a complaint letter contained about the Aberdeen wastewater treatment plant. Dec. 08, 1999 EPA has posted on the Federal Register new regulations for revision of the water pollution control program addressing storm water discharges. Dec. 06, 1999 WaDOE, in support of Drops of Water, provided us with an early announcement of Proposed Revisions To The Upper Chehalis River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL . There is a limited time for public comments. Dec. 02, 1999 Are you interested in education, or students, or the environment? Do you foster and support better stewardship of the Chehalis River Basin through environmental education that will ensure sustainable watershed health, functions and economic uses? Then you should attend this meeting of the CBEC on December 7th! Nov. 27, 1999 The Chehalis Basin Partnership has meeting on December 3rd. This is largely a "business" meeting to focus on continuing activities and issues related to how the Partnership will continue to function. Nov. 23, 1999 U.S. EPA announced signing of cleanup plans for the Palermo Wellfield Superfund Site. Nov. 23, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that new $8.1 million filtration is close to startup. Nov. 23, 1999 WaDOE announces cancellation of wasterwater and stormwater permits - in Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor area. Nov. 22, 1999 An early version of Drops of Water is online now. Find out about Canoeing the Chehalis, inside dope on culverts, voluntary livestock compliance, wetlands, youth puzzle, wet septics and more! Nov. 15, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports even after this week's (Nov. 13, 1999) heavy rains, flooding and high tides, the Aberdeen Water Department says Aberdeen's drinking water supply is still safe, and the situation may even be improving. Nov. 09, 1999 WaDOE is hotsing a meeting on a TMDL for streams in the Shelton area which include portions of the Satsop and Wynooche River. Nov. 08, 1999 With wet weather in the forecast, here are some tips for users of septic systems. Nov. 03, 1999 EPA is holding a workshop in Seattle on TMDL draft regulations. The date is Nov. 10th, advance registration! Oct. 23, 1999 WaDOE seeking clairty on water law requirements for large housing developments. Oct. 23, 1999 Grays Harbor, in this The Aberdeen Daily World story, gets $3.5 million for ailing Aberdeen industrial waterline. Oct. 16, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Bucoda is dealing with water quantity and quality issues. Oct. 14, 1999 Centralia has announced that the draft EIS for the wastewater treatment plant is available for review. Oct. 03, 1999 EPA is proposing rule changes that deal with TMDL and NPDES. Sep. 23, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Pe Ell wins grant for water treatment facility. Sep. 21, 1999 The Chronicle reports Chehalis loses interest in regional wastewater plant, but plan still alive. Sep. 18, 1999 Here are three reports dealing with local water systems ( Crowder Road, Loma Vista, Valley Meadows, Prairie Villa system, and Lathrop Industrial Park) which managed to make the news today. Sep. 16, 1999 WaDOE announces a significant fine against Weyerhaeuser Company for discharges at the Cosmopolis mill facility. Sep. 16, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Tenino area residents still facing boil water warning and E. coli related issues. Sep. 11, 1999 WaDOE is asking for comments on draft cleanup action plan for the Centralia Landfill. by September 27, 1999 Sep. 11, 1999 The Chronicle reports that as soon as the environmental impact statement is delivered and the public gets a look at it, plans to build a wastewater treatment facility at the Flying T Ranch northwest of Centralia will proceed. Sep. 06, 1999 WaDOE released information concerning the wastewater discharge permits to be renewed in 1999-2000. Local wastewater dischargers affected include LoTT, Millersylvania, Yelm, Domsea (Rochester), Equilon LLC and Northwest Sea Farms. Sep. 05, 1999 Centralia brings a new well, which can overcome contamination, online. Aug. 27, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Centralia has tapped a new water well. Aug. 27, 1999 EPA is proposing NPDES rule changes. Aug. 24, 1999 EPA is proposing TMDL and CWA regulation changes and is calling for comments on the changes. Aug. 12, 1999 Napavine hears about marshlands as wastewater treatment facility. Aug. 11, 1999 A regional treatment plant for Centralia - Chehalis? Not likely according to this report from The Chronicle. Aug. 10, 1999 US EPA proposes a cleanup plan for the Palermo Wellfield Superfund Site. Aug. 08, 1999 The City of Centralia is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water. Aug. 06, 1999 The U.S. EPA announced regulations. Here's the quick intro to: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Application , and Requirements for Publicly Owned Treatment Works and Other Treatment Works Treating Domestic Sewage; Final Rule. Aug. 05, 1999 According to The Chronicle Tenino is debating a potential wastewater-sewer system for the city. Jul. 28, 1999 The Chronicle reports the Pe Ell finally gets funding to address water treatment plant needs. Jul. 25, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Chehalis has applied for a $900,000 waste treatment plant loan. Jul. 25, 1999 The Chronicle reports new Centralia plant will cost $30 million. Jul. 24, 1999 Tenino is now considering options for wastewater treatment. Jul. 23, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Centralia buys land for itself, but big enough, to house a regional wastewater treatment plant. Jul. 17, 1999 The Chronicle reports that the City of Chehalis has made a decision concerning potential developer provided wastewater line. Jul. 12, 1999 The Chronicle reports that the community of Pe Ell can stop boiling water. Jul. 07, 1999 Pe Ell, according to The Chronicle, has Won One and Lost One in their continuing effort to address drinking water and sewer treatment plants. Jul. 01, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Centralia will fight DOE funding decision. Jun. 13, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reported on the $10 million treatment plant in Ocean Shores. Jun. 12, 1999 According to the The Aberdeen Daily World , the City of Elma is taking action on funding treatment plant costs! May. 08, 1999 According to The Capital Press the U.S. EPA is ready to take TMDLs away from Wa DOE! May. 08, 1999 The Upper Chehalis River is in hot water and there is a TMDL plan ready for review. May. 06, 1999 WaDOE has a Draft TMDL for temperature on the Upper Chehalis. Check out this electronic copy. There is a limited public comment period. Electronically submitted comments will be accepted. Apr. 24, 1999 The Chronicle reports a $2.5 million grant for Onalaska treatment plant upgrade. Apr. 16, 1999 The Chronicle reports that folks have at least talked about a regional wastewater treatment option. Apr. 07, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Pe Ell is looking for funding for treatment facility. Mar. 19, 1999 Check out this new publication - an online version of WaterTalk, which is reproduced courtesy of EPA Region 10 - Seattle Mar. 11, 1999 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports the City of Montesano is facing the issue of sewer and water rates headon. Mar. 05, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Pe Ell now drawing from the Chehalis River. Mar. 05, 1999 Elma steps up to a treatment plant decision. Mar. 04, 1999 Tumwater wells finally get cleaned up. Mar. 04, 1999 PE ELL - Water woes continue to plague Pe Ell, striking again Tuesday morning with another broken pipe. Feb. 25, 1999 What is a Living Machine? An interesting treatment plant option! Jan. 25, 1999 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports on a million dollar Grays Harbor industrial waterline issue. Jan. 25, 1999 Meanwhile, according to the The Aberdeen Daily World , Aberdeen residents have water quality issues of their own. Jan. 16, 1999 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports on Aberdeen's efforts to secure regional assistance to solve water supply issues: The GH PUD avoids water supply alternative. and a new agreement is reached between various local governments Jan. 11, 1999 The The Chronicle reports that Pe Ell is working on a water solution. Jan. 10, 1999 Treatment plants and their costs continue to confront cities, in this case it is the Elma treatment plant. Jan. 07, 1999 This is a followup to the Dec. 30 story on water machines. Back to CRC Index - or - Related topicsfor 1998 and earlier Go to What's New

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