FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 2002
OLYMPIA - The state Department of Ecology is updating its policy for assessing which water bodies in Washington are polluted, and the public is invited to make suggestions and comments on what should be considered.
Under the federal Clean Water Act, every two years the state is required to update its list of water bodies that are impaired due to pollution.
Typically, these include bacteria, high temperatures, excess nutrients and toxic substances. The list is known as the 303(d) list, after the section of federal law that requires it.
The listing process has three phases and begins by establishing the policy that will be used to assess whether a water body should be listed as impaired. Questions for researchers include: how many samples are needed per water body to declare it polluted, and should an entire stream be listed or just segments where problems are identified?
"Listing a lake or stream as polluted is a major decision that none of us takes lightly, because public health, environmental quality and economic prosperity are all on the line," said Megan White, who manages Ecology's water-quality program. "A listing can be disheartening for a community, but it also triggers cleanup efforts that can bring people together to better protect their water quality."
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has drafted an assessment policy for review and comment. Public comments will be accepted in writing through July 8.
To obtain a copy of the document or submit comments, contact Matthew Green at 360-407-6386 or 303d@ecy.wa.gov. It also may be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/303d/index.html.
Workshops have been scheduled for those who want to learn more about the assessment process. The workshops will be held twice each day, from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m.
.* Spokane on June 5 at Spokane County Cooperative Extension, Rm. E, N. 222 Havana St.
* Yakima on June 6 at Dept. of Ecology, Central Region Office, 15 W. Yakima Ave., Ste. 200.
* Vancouver on June 10 at Dept. of Ecology, 2108 Grand Blvd.
* Wenatchee on June 12 at Wenatchee Valley College, Wells Hall Theater, 1300 5th St.
* Walla Walla on June 13 at Walla Walla Community College, Main Building, Rm. 185A, 500 Tausick Way.
* Bellevue on June 19 at Dept. of Ecology, 3190 - 160th Ave. S.E.
* Bellingham on June 20 at Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave.
* Lacey on June 27 at Dept. of Ecology, 300 Desmond Dr
The subsequent phases of the 303(d) listing process include a call for monitoring data from lakes and streams throughout Washington, which will occur this summer, followed by comment period next fall on a draft list.
The final list will be adopted early next year.
The state's current 303(d) list was developed in 1998 and names 688 water bodies as polluted.
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