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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

Our Coastal Living Resources Although the fragile fringe of habitats comprising the "coastal zone" occupies only about 5% of the U.S. continental land area, this region harbors an extraordinary abundance and diversity of living resources. Throughout history people have relied on coastal areas for food, soothing climate and wonderful vistas, for the watery highways facilitating trade and travel and a place to be in touch with our natural world. Interested in Ocean Shores? Westport? Cohasset? Click here to jump to our local Grays Harbor Estuary issues which are quite significant -or- Click here for local hot topics -or- click here to help Restore America's Estuaries - or - You can also check out the North Coast News for local information out of Ocean Shores! From outside our area comes: The Columbia River and it's Estuary A crystal ball to the future of Grays Harbor? The coastal zone is where land, fresh waters, and salt waters meet, forming boundaries of enormous ecological complexity and significance, The dynamic mixing areas of fresh and salt water, called estuaries, are particularly important because their high productivity is critical to many species of fish, plants, and wildlife. Our coastal areas are notable as valuable nursery, breeding, staging, spawning, resting, and migration areas for fish and wildlife. They support enormous numbers and diverse assemblages of species. U.S. coastal areas support or harbor: Approximately 50% of North America's migratory song birds of management concern; 1 Nearly 50% of all U.S. endangered and threatened species, including 75% of the Federally listed birds and mammals; 33% of North America's overwintering waterfowl; Almost 33% of the nation's total wetlands. The natural bounty of coastal wetlands and estuaries is also vitally important for the Nation's economic health. Commercial fisheries and related businesses provide our nation with an annual value of more than $19 billion. In the Great Lakes, up to $15 billion annually is generated from recreation, sport fishing, and tourism. The value of Florida coastal wetlands to fisheries is estimated at up to $10,000 per acre. In California, the coastal region is responsible for nearly 80% of the State's tourism revenues. Coastal wetlands account for about 16% of the Nation's coastal area; More than 66% of all fish harvested worldwide depend upon estuarine ecosystems for some part of their life cycle. Coastal Estuary Resources At Risk what are the concerns? from: Meeting Our Coastal Challenges - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service What are the local issues? Aug. 26, 2004 WaDOE has approved a permit for Half-Moon Bay. Dec. 17, 2003 Local cities and counties are already lining up to modify their shoreline master programs to reflect revised guidelines adopted today by the state Department of Ecology (Ecology). Oct. 08, 2003 WaDOE says Oyster-growing and pulp-making will be able to work side by sideunder a new discharge permit that has been issued to Weyerhaeuser's pulp mill in Cosmopolis. Oct. 08, 2003 The Aberdeen Daily World reports on significant entry of Washington Environmental Council (WEC) into the four-year battle over the Half-Moon Bay golf course. Jul. 11, 2003 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that Corps wants more rock near jetty. Jun. 25, 2003 The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is adopting its first major overhaul of the state's water quality standards in a decade. "These updated rules will help us do a better job of protecting all of Washington's waters - from the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Asotin Creek, from the Dungeness River to the mighty Columbia," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology director. "They reflect the latest science about how to keep Washington's waters clean and safe for people, fish and wildlife." Mar. 23, 2003 Here is an excellent reference for coastal terminology. Mar. 18, 2003 The Aberdeen Daily World reports For more than 100 years, the Corps has tried to control the ocean current churning around Westport. Feb. 13, 2003 WaDOE has released (in PDF only form) a report (Effectiveness Monitoring for Dioxin Total Maximum Daily Loads in Western Washington) stating that monitoring data indicates dioxin discharges have been reduced at four mills in Washington. Dec. 21, 2002 WaDOE hasn't published a news release yet, but two years ago, Ecology updated the state's shoreline management guidelines for the first time since 1972. However, a coalition of business groups and local governments challenged the guidelines, and the Shoreline Hearings Board subsequently invalidated them. In an effort to avoid years of legal appeals, Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons asked Governor Locke and Attorney General Christine Gregoire to sponsor mediation talks aimed at reaching a legal settlement. ( DOE's Shoreline page homepage.) The outcome of the negotiations is new draft shoreline management guidelines that Ecology will propose through formal rule-making. Two documents which might be of interest: Thurston County Superior Court "Stipulation for Dismissal" (9 pages) Settlement agreement details (Attachment B): Negotiated agreement outlining a schedule for adopting the guidelines, and a strategy for pursuing funding and legislative amendments to the SMA . Nov. 23, 2002 The SOUTH BEACH Bulletin reports on the first major fall storm to hit the South Beach. It came in with a vengeance and accelerated the rate at which fill has been chewed away from the bay's southern shore. Nov. 23, 2002 Grunbaum/Orgel team win coveted WEC Environmental Heros 2002 award for their significant environmental work in Grays Harbor County. Jul. 17, 2002Summertime beachcombers may see an unusual-looking sand buggy driving along some of Washington's shorelines this summer - all part of a research project to better understand erosion trends along Washington's coastline. May. 24, 2002The Aberdeen Daily World reports that: In an effort to slow the inevitable and prevent a breach, the Corps and Westport have been cooperating on a three - part plan to nourish the erosion - prone strip and ready it for another bout with Mother Nature. May. 22, 2002Oyster growers given ok to use carbaryl on limited basis. Apr. 14, 2002 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that oyster growers and environmentalists disagree over chemicals and pest control. Feb. 14, 2002 There is an informational meeting about the Army Corps of Engineers' plans for the ocean beach, South Jetty and Half Moon Bay Friday the 15th at Westhaven State Park and the Islander Motel. Jan. 31, 2002 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that erosion control efforts weather storms. Dec. 27, 2001 Razor clams and coastal erosion. What is the connection? Here's an explanation. Dec. 06, 2001 Westport's Half Moon Bay development draws attention in this letter to the editor. Dec. 02, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World reports erosion a major concern at the South Jetty. Nov. 25, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that storm damage raises erosion concerns in Westport. Nov. 24, 2001 South Beach Bulletin reports that erosion is accelerating along Half Moon Bay at South Jetty Jul. 16, 2001 Massive coastal erosion is predicted by a study reported by the Chinook Observer Jul. 02, 2001 Late last month The Aberdeen Daily World reported on WaDOE request to clean up rivers flowing into Grays Harbor. Feb. 11, 2001 We found this too late for your comments, but here is a notice on the Wa Draft Coastal Management Assessment. Jan. 30, 2001 WaDOE announced that oyster growers in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor will sign an agreement with the state to control burrowing shrimp. 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 October 1996, Bowerman Basin was in the news as the federal government completed purchase of the largest portion of the refuge. Jan. 24, 2001An U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal designed to cut dredging costs for Grays Harbor might have a side benefit, halting beach erosion that threatens homes just north of the jetty at Ocean Shores. This report appeared in the The Aberdeen Daily World , earlier th is month. Jan. 05, 2001 he Center for Marine Conservation, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is hosting a series of two-day workshops for leaders of volunteer estuary monitoring programs. Dec. 16, 2000 Nitrogen in rain and airborne particles contributes as much as 15 to 35 percent of the nitrogen in the coastal streams that flow into U.S. estuaries, according to a new study. Oct. 24, 2000 Interested in wetlands or water? Here is a brief outline of two new national sources of congressional information on laws dealing with water and/or wetlands. Oct. 22, 2000 Only in Washington State could such utter mass confusion between agencies, local county government and residents take place. No wonder folks are confused, angry and bitter over government decision making ability. Sep. 20, 2000 We received an interesting news story, out of the Oregonian, which deals with Washington coastal erosion. Sep. 07, 2000 The public is invited to participate in an evaluation of how the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is managing the state's coastal resources through its coastal-zone management program. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is conducting the evaluation, will host a public meeting Aug. 21, 2000 Lower Chehalis fecal coliform TMDL attracts attention of City of Chehalis Mayor, in this article from The Chronicle. Aug. 11, 2000 WaDOE provided this letter and the enclosed FOCUS sheet informing stakeholders about the results of a Washington State Department of Ecology study of water quality in the Chehalis and Grays Harbor watersheds. Aug. 11, 2000 On August 7. 2000 WaDOE sent out a PUBLIC NOTICE regarding Routine Program Changes to Washington State's Coastal Zone Management Program. Aug. 02, 2000 The Montesano Vidette reports that: County Commissioners and other Grays Harbor County officials have made it clear they do not want proposed amendments to to shoreline rules. Aug. 01, 2000 Wildlife Forever of Grays Harbor has pursued an objection related to logging and converting sites in Ocosta. The location is environmentally sensitive and primarily a wetland. Aug. 01, 2000 In a letter to the editor an oyster grower defends the new shoreline management guidelines. Jul. 27, 2000 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports that Grays Harbor County Commissioners adopted a resolution Monday opposing proposed changes to the state Shoreline Management Act 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. 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. 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. Jun. 23, 2000 A recent advisory from WaDOE really symbolizes why the Chehalis River Council is concerned about our local water quality and the potential impact loss of water quality has on resources and humans. While this is a Spokane River issue, there might be a lesson for us. Apr. 06, 2000 Want to learn about some clean water, salmon and wetland issues? Thanks to National Wildlife Federation here are some topics of local interest! Mar. 20, 2000 WaDOE has released a 'draft' study of fecal coliform in Grays Harbor - here is the single section on conclusions. 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. Feb. 17, 2000 As the global population continues to grow USGS scientists see 10 top scientific challenges for the next century Safe, clean water leads the list! Feb. 13, 2000 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that FOGH and the City of Aberdeen have reached a tentative agreement. 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. Dec. 31, 1999 As we enter 2000 the Chesapeake Bay Program has made available a draft watershed partnership agreement. It "contains commitments that are far reaching and that address issues of the waters and living resources of the Bay and its rivers, and the land and air that surround them. It is intended to take us well into the next decade and beyond." A viable new year resoution for us in the Chehalis Watershed would include a similar citizen, scientist and policy maker based agreement for us to work from. 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. Nov. 02, 1999 Election day today? Meanwhile, in the other Washington, decisions are being made on appropriations, dams, habitat conservation plans, dredged material dumping and estuaries. Sep. 30, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that poplars are being used in an attempt to clean up a contaminated sawmill site in Grays Harbor. Aug. 12, 1999 The City of Ocean Shores Interdisciplinary Team on Coastal Erosion Management has published this recommendation to the Ocean Shores City Council. It is of general interest to all Washington residents. Aug. 05, 1999 What in the World is SWISH? Ocosta students know the answer! Jul. 14, 1999 A settlement has been reached relating to the revetment extension in Half Moon Bay. Jun. 17, 1999 The The Aberdeen Daily World reported that Ocean Shores residents are facing tough erosion issues. Jun. 15, 1999 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports that Ocean Shores residents are facing up to erosion problems. Jun. 08, 1999 Join the fun this weekend at Grays Harbor model watershed! Jun. 03, 1999 The City of Ocean Shores has announced the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which is the subject of a public meeting on June 9, at the Shilo Inn, Ocean Shores - 7:00 PM May. 29, 1999 Coastal erosion is the topic of 4 meetings in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. May. 11, 1999 May is Wetlands Month. Here is a fact filled site with information on wetlands. Apr. 20, 1999 Coastal Erosion? Any solutions? Here is the executive summary for the Coastal Erosion Task Force "Report to the Governor" Mar. 24, 1999 The North Coast News reports there is more to the coastal erosion issue - politics, careers and more are all involved in the issue. Mar. 05, 1999 Corps studies of North Jetty could lead to future flood control measures. Feb. 14, 1999 WaDOE and fish processors in debate over fish waste and water quality as reported in this article by the The Aberdeen Daily World . Feb. 14, 1999 Few northwesterner's could make this meeting, so here is a report on the health of the ocean and marine ecosystems. Jan. 17, 1999 Coastal erosion: another expert view! Jan. 17, 1999 Erosion on the coast is a major concern for North Cove residents and others. Jan. 16, 1999 How well do we stop coastal erosion? Here's a North Cove report. Dec. 19, 1998 According to the The Aberdeen Daily World the City of Aberdeen is debating conditions and budget needs mandated by legal consent agreement related to the sewer rate hike. Dec. 12, 1998 The Aberdeen Daily World reports on the installation of Ocean Shores geotubes. Dec. 11, 1998 Ocean Shores is installing geotubes this week. Dec. 05, 1998 Ocean Shores invites public comment on EIS for Management of Coastal Erosion. Meeting to be held December 16. Dec. 03, 1998 The City of Aberdeen, according to The Aberdeen Daily World , has a plan for downtown flooding. Dec. 03, 1998 Ocean Shores, in the The Aberdeen Daily World article, plans to install their geotubes to stop a pending disaster. Nov. 22, 1998 The Aberdeen Daily World reports on Ocean Shores and PI Engineering. Nov. 05, 1998 Ocean Shores declares an erosion emergency Nov. 03, 1998 Ocean Shores may declare an emergency and install geotubes, despite other concerns. Oct. 28, 1998 Westport erosion problems undergo Army Corp modeling for 1999 Oct. 06, 1998 Ocean Shores passes geotube hurdle. Oct. 02, 1998 Special state audit reveals irregularities in erosion grants Oct. 02, 1998 Engineered Geotubes are still an issue for Ocean Shores. Oct. 02, 1998 The North Coast News Publisher takes to task the process used to award erosion funds to contractors. Oct. 02, 1998 The North Coast News , Sept 30, 1998, published this analysis of contracts between the City of Ocean Shores and Pacific International Engineering /Pharos Corporation Joint Venture Consultants, relative to coastal erosion. Sep. 29, 1998 How well does an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) address all issues? Ocosta Schools has identified a significant financial impact that was not addressed in the Stafford Creek Dept. of Corrections EIS. If schools were overlooked could other items have been overlooked? Sep. 19, 1998 The The Aberdeen Daily World reports that the Washington Parks Board supports geo-tubes at Ocean Shores. Sep. 17, 1998 Ocean Shores erosion subject of special meeting on September 18!. Sep. 08, 1998 An interesting article that claims Oytermen are for the birds! Sep. 06, 1998 South Sound Stewards has some estuary tours planned for you! Aug. 26, 1998 A Grays Harbor resident expresses concerns about Cohasset Park. Aug. 26, 1998 Grays Harbor County expresses concerns about Cohasset Park SEPA checklist. Aug. 25, 1998 This SEPA appeal was made concerning the Cohasset project. Aug. 25, 1998 The coast hardly seems like a location for flooding. Here is some background material on Cohasset Park. Aug. 24, 1998 A planned development in Westport (Cohasset) has generated some local interest! Aug. 24, 1998 The CRC took a position on the Cohasset development. Aug. 04, 1998 Ocean Shores announces a public meeting, August 6, to focus on EIS for the Ocean Shores Coastline Erosion environmental review process. Ocean Shores also announced the availablility of a WWW site for those with access to the internet, background information and materials prepared as part of the EIS process are now available electronically at the following address: www.ocean-shores-erosion.com or by clicking here: Ocean Shores Erosion Aug. 01, 1998 Surfrider Foundation has defined their concerns about the armoring of Half Moon Bay. Jul. 27, 1998 Armoring (protecting) beaches is a controversial topic. A resident speaks out here, on armoring in Westport, Washington Jul. 23, 1998 Green crab arrives (unfortunately) in Grays Harbor. Jul. 20, 1998 Ocean Shores starts EIS process for coastline erosion project with this press release of meetings and events. Jul. 15, 1998 Washington State attracts a "beach bum" label. Jul. 02, 1998 Grays Harbor Seaport faces issues with potential contaminated brownfield site. Jul. 02, 1998 Green Crab is now a threat in Willapa Bay. Apr. 01, 1998 A serious threat for west coast estuaries is the green crab. Feb. 19, 1998 A Oregon based story on Booming Growth and Pollution , which might foretell the Washington future. Feb. 13, 1998 Added Oyster growers comments on watershed management plans February 12, 1998 Here, in a guest opinion/editorial, Friends of Grays Harbor speaks out on estuary issues. Even though Nucor, in early December 1997, announced it had no more interest in a Potential 400 acre steel plant in the Hoquiam area, this information is still pertinent to estuary development concerns. The Stafford Prison site involves numerous issues. Wetlands, fish streams and more: Sep. 29, 1998 How well does an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) address all issues? Ocosta Schools has identified a significant financial impact that was not addressed in the Stafford Creek Dept. of Corrections EIS. If schools were overlooked could other items have been overlooked? Jun. 27, 1998 Grays Harbor Stafford Creek Prison Site gains final permit approval. Mar. 19, 1998 Two columns from the North Coast News on the DOC and FOGH Agreement Mar. 12, 1998 Official press release from Dept. of Corrections and Friends of Grays Harbor The Corps of Engineers responded to prison site selection and wetlands destruction. Prison site and wetlands another view. Prison site selection and wetlands Aberdeen World. CRC request to Corp of Engineers for a full EIS on prison site. EPA And U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sevice oppose prison permit. Bay group sues EPA over Chesapeake water quality problems. Lawsuit over Aberdeen waste treatment violations of law. Coastal Erosion is a continuing concern for many: Jul. 12, 1998 Grays Harbor and Lewis County Commissioners went to Wash. D.C. and the report is here. The trip dealt with flooding and beach erosion issues and was reported by Aberdeen Daily World Jun. 18, 1998 Oceans Shores will follow permit process for beach armoring. Jun. 11, 1998 Ocean Shores erosion plan contested. May. 29, 1998 The CRC addressed the Ocean Shores issue in this May 21st letter to Governor Locke. May. 28, 1998 Washington Environmental Council (WEC) expresses concerns about Ocean Shores Wave Bumper. May. 28, 1998 Friends of Grays Harbor expresses concerns about Ocean Shores Wave Bumper. Apr. 14, 1998 Another view on 4/12/98 on coastal erosion Apr. 14, 1998 A November 1997 article on the continuing coastal erosion battle in Ocean Shores Apr. 14, 1998 A September 1997 article on Washington Coastal Erosion Apr. 13, 1998 Good or bad? Armoring of Washington beaches to protect condos read about the problems. Mar. 20, 1998 Financial cuts impact Wa DOE Coastal Erosion Study Management of Washingtons Coastal Resources a position paper on planned activities to manage the Washington Coast, by Orrin Pilkey, Duke University July 1997 CRC Position on Wa. Beaches July 10, 1997 in support of Pilkey paper Pilkey letter to Hatfield August 11, 1997 relative to Coastal activities Pilkey Recommendations for Actions Aug. 11, 1997 in response to a letter from WaDOE Letter from DOE August 13 in response to CRC letter of July 10th Letter from Hatfield Sept 2, 1997 in response to Pilkey August 11th letter CWC Sept 18, 1997 Recommendations for Actions in response to a letter from WaDOE Back to Hot Topic Index Page Back to Whats New Index Page Back to Chehalis River Council Index Page Back to Grays Harbor Issues Page

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