AMERICAN RIVERS ANNOUNCES AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS 2007
The Rivers included are 1. Santa Fé River, NM; 2. San Mateo Creek, CA; 3. Iowa River, IA; 4. Upper Delaware River, NY; 5. White Salmon River, WA; 6. Neches River, TX; 7. Kinnickinnic River, WI; 8. Neuse River, NC; 9. Lee Creek, AR , OK; and 10. Chuitna River, AK www.AmericanRivers.org/endangeredrivers
CO AG MOVES TO GUT BLACK CANYON ACCORD
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has filed papers in state court that would gut agreements between the federal government and more than 100 Gunnison River Basin water users. The agreements were reached as part of an effort to settle a lawsuit aimed at determining how much water the federal government can demand for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Grand Junction Sentinel; April 17
COLORADO LAWMAKERS FLEX THEIR MUSCLE IN WATER DISPUTE WITH STATE
Western Slope lawmakers said they were outraged by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers’ filing of objections to stipulations reached with the federal government on water flows in the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and said they would not allow bills to fund Colorado Water Conservation Board projects out of committee until Suthers explains his actions. Grand Junction Sentinel; April 23
FISH PASSAGE ONLY ALTERNATIVE AWARDED FOR PRICE-STUBB DAM
The Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program announced that the Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a contract of $9.7 million to build the fish passage only alternative at the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam on the Colorado River. The Town of Palisade and members of the local boating community designed a whitewater park feature they hoped to incorporate with the fish passage structure at an additional cost of $3 million. The fish passage only alternative was awarded because the Town of Palisade was unable to raise the funds by the deadline set to move the project forward. The Price-Stubb Diversion Dam is the last barrier to fish migration on the Upper Colorado River. Construction of the Price-Stubb fish passage will give endangered fish access to 50 miles of critical habitat that has been blocked since the 8-foot- high diversion dam was completed in 1911. Fish passages are already in place at the Redlands Diversion Dam on the Gunnison River and the Grand Valley Irrigation Company Diversion Dam and Grand Valley Project Diversion Dam on the Colorado River. Press release, 4/17
COLORADO CITIES MUST WORK TO PROTECT THEIR WATERSHEDS
The plan of Genesis Gas and Oil to protect the Palisade and Grand Junction watersheds during drilling operations is certainly laudable, but since it’s non-binding and wouldn’t transfer to a new owner of the leases, Grand Junction and Palisade should do what it takes to protect their watersheds. Grand Junction Sentinel; April 6
RESEARCHER SAYS PRIVATE WELLS THREATEN COLO. COUNTY’S WATER SUPPLY
Many of the residents along the western edge of Jefferson County on Colorado’s Front Range depend on private wells for their water, but more, smaller lots means more draws on water supplies, and state water officials said new studies are needed to correctly assess the area’s water supplies. Denver Rocky Mountain News; April 25
EXCESSIVE WATER STALLS COALBED METHANE WORK IN COLORADO
Twenty-four coalbed methane wells operated by EnCana Oil and Gas USA east of Mamm Creek in Colorado are producing extraordinary amounts of discharge water, and company officials have shut down operations until they can come up with a solution for all that water. Grand Junction Sentinel; April 15
COLORADO’S LACK OF SNOWPACK MEANS SLOW RIVERS BY SUMMER
Forecasters said spring runoff will occur early this year in Colorado, and with snowpack considerably below average in many of Colorado’s river basins, state water officials are lauding fairly high water levels in reservoirs as the state’s saving grace. Grand Junction Sentinel; April 5
WATER SUSTAINABILITY TURNS TO TALKS OF DAY OF RECKONING
At a panel discussion at the 2007 State of the Rockies Conference in Colorado Springs, panelists outlined water projects and tactics to provide water for growing cities in the West, but in the end, also touched on what might happen when growth outpaces supplies. Headwaters News; April 11
COLORADO WATER OFFICIALS CONSIDER ‘PUMPBACK’ PROPOSAL
Water planners said the proposal to allow water to flow down Colorado’s Blue River to supply water to communities between Silverthorne and Heeney, then pump it back through a 25-mile pipeline to the Dillon Reservoir would only cost $12,000 an acre foot, a deal considering what other Front Range communities are considering paying for their water projects. Denver Post; April 10
NEW MEDIATOR WADES INTO COLORADO WATER ALLOCATION TALKS
It took months for the Denver Water Board and Western Slope water interests to agree on a mediator for their water allocation talks, and John Bickerman, an attorney from Washington, met with the 40 or so water officials from Colorado’s Front Range and Western Slope to begin water negotiations. Denver Post; April 10
PLANS FOR NEW RESERVOIR IN COLORADO SAIL ALONG
If all goes as planned, the new Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be a 1,200-acre lake, and will have enough water to support 144,000 homes in and around Parker, Colo. Denver Post; April 2
COLORADO WATER OFFICIALS QUIETLY WELCOME END OF DROUGHT
Caution abounded at the monthly meeting of Colorado water officials on Wednesday, who conceded that a key index indicated that the drought that had gripped the state since 2002 may be over. Denver Rocky Mountain News; April 19 [This story ignores the conditions in the Gunnison Basin where the latest forecast is that Blue Mesa Reservoir will not fill this year.]
BOULDER’S FLOOD PLAN COULD BECOME LAW AND LIMIT GROWTH
A new study shows more homes and businesses than once thought could be at risk during a 100-year flood in Boulder, Colo., and the study could become part of new rules by next year. Boulder Daily Camera; April 18
THE WEST RECONSIDERS LARGE PROJECTS TO BRING RESIDENTS WATER
A continued drought, global warming and population growth are forcing cities and communities throughout the western U.S. to consider large water projects, such as a 250-mile pipeline in Nevada, a desalination plant in Arizona, new Colorado River water agreements and a 120-mile water pipeline in Utah. New York Times; April 4
INTERMOUNTAIN WEST FACES AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH LESS WATER
A 2007 National Academy of Sciences study found that the series of drought years recently experienced by the Rocky Mountain West appear to be the norm, and that, along with the region’s rapidly increasing population, will fuel change in the region. A perspective from the 2007 State of the Rockies Conference. Denver Post; April 14
WYOMING-COLORADO WATER PROJECT DRAWS CRITICISM
At the Southwestern Water Conservation District’s 25th annual water seminar, Aaron Million said his plan to ship water from the Green River Basin in Utah and Wyoming to Colorado is a common-sense plan to move underutilized water to an area that needs it. Durango Herald; April 7
WATER EXPERTS CONTEST PLATTE RIVER WATER PLAN
The Wyoming Water Development Commission Director and the president of the Upper North Platte Valley Water Users Association both expressed concerns over amendments to federal legislation that provides an agreement to guide Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and the federal government on Platte River water while protecting four endangered or threatened species. Casper Star-Tribune; April 27
N.M. CITY, DEVELOPER AT ODDS OVER WHO PAYS FOR WATER
The developer of Mesa del Sol, a development that could add 35,000 homes and commercial space to Bernalillo County over the next three decades, said a 1993 agreement with Albuquerque shields the developer from having to pay extra for water rights when it connects to the city’s water system, but city and county officials disagree, and said the developer — or new home buyers, should pay the $48-million bill. Albuquerque Journal; April 20
SANTA FÉ RESIDENTS, OFFICIALS WORK TO RESTORE FLOWS TO N.M. RIVER
Residents and officials of Santa Fé said they believe water flows could be restored to the Santa Fé River, but they acknowledged that at a time when the whole region is struggling with the costs of providing water to the area, the process will require time, commitment and money. Santa Fé New Mexican; April 15
NATIONAL GROUP NAMES SANTA FÉ RIVER TO LIST OF MOST ENDANGERED
American Rivers said that the Santa Fé River in New Mexico was at the top of the conservation group’s most endangered rivers list, and river advocates hope the label will bring some attention to the damaged waterway. Santa Fé New Mexican; April 17
BIG CHANGES FORECAST FOR NEW MEXICO’S WATER SUPPLY
Despite Gov. Bill Richardson’s declaration that 2007 would be the Year of the Water in the state Legislature, only seven of the nearly 130 bills related to water actually passed and most of water projects came away with considerably less money than requested. An indepth look at New Mexico’s water picture. Santa Fé Reporter; April 5
OTERO MESA TOO VALUABLE FOR OIL, GAS DEVELOPMENT
OPINION: It may not be widely known that New Mexico’s largest, untapped fresh water aquifer lies just beneath the Otero Mesa wilderness, and that drilling for oil and gas development would likely contaminate this vital resource.
RICHARDSON’S POCKET VETO OF WATER-RIGHTS BILL ANGERS N.M. RANCHERS
Legislation that would allow New Mexico farmers and ranchers to sell their water rights but keep their land, and to allow ranchers and farmers in the eastern part of the state that sold the rights to both their water and land to the state in 2003 to buy back the land, expired on the governor’s desk. Santa Fé New Mexican (AP); April 24
U.N. CLIMATE REPORT PREDICTS DRIER TIMES AHEAD FOR ARIZONA, NEVADA
Reports that the Southwest United States will see less moisture is particularly disturbing since some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Las Vegas and Phoenix, are in the region. Washington Post; April 6
SCIENTIST: CLIMATE REPORT PORTENDS SOCIAL SHIFT IN WESTERN U.S.
Scientists in the western United States said the U.N. climate report predicts a scary future for the southwestern United States and said that states from Colorado to California face some tough decisions on water allocation. Los Angeles Times; April 6
UTAH SAYS ESA LISTING NOT NEEDED FOR BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT
Environmental groups that had sued the federal government to list Utah’s state fish as an endangered species said they may continue litigation to get the fish listed, but Utah officials said listing the trout would likely stall conservation efforts already under way in the state. Salt Lake Tribune; April 6
UTAH COUNTY MAYORS TRY TO SLOW WATER FLOW OVER COUNTY LINE
City officials are getting territorial over underground water. Some northern Utah County communities are trying to organize now to block attempts to pipe local water to Salt Lake County users. The communities of Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Alpine, Highland, Lindon and Cedar Hills have joined the North Utah County Water Replenishment Association, with other cities expected to follow. AP, 4/13
UTAHNS WHO COULD LOSE HOMES TO EXPANDED RESERVOIR WON’T SELL
A groups of homeowners along the shore of Sandwash Reservoir are refusing to sell their property to the Bureau of Reclamation, which wants to expand the reservoir, and a trial is set for tomorrow to determine if the Central Utah Water Conservancy District can take four parcels, all above the high-water mark, through eminent domain. Deseret News; 4/4
PROPONENTS, OPPONENTS SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON UTAH PIPELINE PROJECT
The proposed Lake Powell pipeline is the first big water project built by Utah, stretching 140 miles from Lake Powell to some of the fastest growing counties in the state, and the projected cost of the project is expected to be $500 million to $800 million, although some skeptics said the cost could easily approach $1.5 billion. Salt Lake Tribune; April 19
LAKE POWELL PREDICTED TO BE LOW AGAIN IN 2007
Lake Powell should look much like it did last year. The Bureau of Reclamation expects the lake to top out at 3,606 feet above sea level, just four feet short of last year’s high mark. The lake is considered full at 3,700 feet. By the time runoff from snowmelt in the Upper Colorado River Basin concludes in early summer, Lake Powell will have gained just nine feet. The lingering drought has prevented the lake from cresting to full pool for eight years. Arizona Daily Sun, 4/9
GLEN CANYON INSTITUTE INVIGORATED DEBATE ABOUT DAM REMOVAL
The Glen Canyon Institute may not ever be widely known, but it has been instrumental in opening up the debate about whether to remove Glen Canyon Dam and how to replace the water services it provides. A guest column. Denver Post; April 29
STATE SAYS SOUTHERN NEVADA WATER AUTHORITY CAN HAVE GROUNDWATER
Nevada’s chief water regulator approved Southern Nevada Water Authority’s request to pump groundwater from the Spring Valley on the Utah border, but allocated only about two-thirds of the water Las Vegas was seeking, and capped annual withdrawals for the first decade at 40,000 acre feet. Las Vegas Review Journal; April 17
ANALYST: NEVADA WATER DECISION COULD AFFECT PIPELINE PROJECT
An economic analyst hired by the Southern Nevada Water Authority to analyze the effect of a growth slump on the state’s economy said the State Engineer’s decision to reduce the amount of water allowed to be pumped from a valley north of Las Vegas to the city may make the pipeline project less financially attractive. Las Vegas Review- Journal; April 17
NATURE CONSERVANCY HANDS NEVADA PROJECT OVER TO NATURE
Five years and $8 million later, The Nature Conservancy officials said a project to restore a stretch of the Truckee River in Nevada can now be turned over to nature to finish the job. Reno Gazette-Journal; April 16
SERIOUS WATER WOES COULD STRIKE TUCSON IN A FEW YEARS
Tucson Water Director David Modeer followed up a warning by federal officials that spring runoff into Lake Powell will only be about 50 percent of normal with another warning that industries and residents could face water restrictions by 2010 and nearby forest fires could come earlier this season because of the ongoing drought. Arizona Daily Star; April 4
LAND USE, WATER ISSUES HALT LARGE HOUSING PROJECT IN ARIZONA
Work on Pravada, a 5,750-acre master-planned community near Kingman, Ariz., which will ultimately feature 30,000 homes, was suspended because of land use and ongoing water issues with the state. Las Vegas Review Journal; April 19
WATER COMES AT A HIGH PRICE FOR ARIZONA COMMUNITIES
Two towns in Arizona’s Verde Valley bought out a private water company to help give them more power over the water and development, but the purchase came at quite a cost and water bills have nearly quadrupled since 2006. Arizona Daily Sun (Cronkite News Service); April 23
WATERING THE WEST
A new report helps fill in the missing link between land-use and water planning.
The U.S. Forest Service has until June to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision issued earlier this year that ruled use of wastewater to make snow at Arizona’s Snowbowl ski area violated tribes’ religious freedoms, but an expert on tribal sovereignty said tribes’ would likely lose the case in the Supreme Court. Arizona Daily Sun; April 18
JUDGE THREATENS TO SHUT DOWN CALIFORNIA AQUEDUCT
Responding to a county court ruling ordering that the California State Water Project’s giant pumps that fill the California Aqueduct be turned off within 60 days to protect endangered fish, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) urged the judge to ‘reconsider his draft decision. AWWA, 3/30
OVER 2 MILLION IN CA TOLD TO CONSERVE WATER
Bay Area residents are told to cut their water use 10 percent by June or face the kind of mandatory water restrictions that the area hasn’t seen in 15 years. The order comes from managers of the Hetch Hetchy water system, who are worried about summer water shortages after an unusually dry winter. The Daily Review, 4/11
BORDER NOW EXPECTED TO RESUME BY JUNE
The long-planned water conservation project on the Mexican border designed to increase San Diego County’s supply, is set to move forward after a seven-month delay, following a federal appellate court’s ruling. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco lifted an emergency injunction that had kept the project on hold since August. The court also dismissed an appeal by a Mexican business group and two California environmental groups opposed to the project. San Diego Union Tribune, 4/10
ATTORNEYS GENERAL DUKE IT OUT OVER WATER COMPACT
Wyoming Attorney General Pat Crank claims the U.S. Supreme Court should refuse to hear a water rights lawsuit brought by neighboring Montana. Legal Newsline, 4/2
FREUDENTHAL SAYS WYOMING WON’T BUDGE IN MONTANA WATER FIGHT
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal said Montana has long been getting more water than it deserved under the original agreement between the states on water releases from Yellowtail Dam, and that he understands why Montana officials are upset now that they must follow the law, but Wyoming isn’t going to back down. Casper Star-Tribune; April 22
WYOMING JUDGE REVERSES WATER ALLOTMENT
A district judge in Wyoming reversed a water exchange permit granted by the state engineer’s office for developers of the controversial Copperleaf subdivision saying it was “illegal and void” but the developers said it doesn’t matter because the water transfer was only a backup water supply, not the main source. Casper Star-Tribune; April 30
MONTANA LEADERS AGAIN ASK BUREC FOR MORE WATER IN BIGHORN
Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester, Rep. Denny Rehberg and Gov. Brian Schweitzer all signed a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation’s commissioner asking him to allow more water to flow in the Bighorn River this spring to protect the river’s fishery and the local economy it supports. Billings Gazette; April 18
MONTANA BEING UNFAIR, UNREALISTIC IN WATER FIGHT WITH WYOMING
Montana needs to realize it’s not the only state in the West that needs more water, and Wyoming officials should take a strong stance against their neighbor’s unrealistic call for higher flows in the Bighorn River. Casper Star-Tribune; April 19
WYOMING COMPANY SEEKS PERMIT TO REINJECT CBM WATER IN MONTANA
The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation will consider the request of Wyoming-based Pinnacle Gas Resources Inc. to pump water produced during coalbed methane operations in southeastern Montana back into four injection wells. Billings Gazette; April 10
MONTANA OFFICIAL SAYS CBM WATER CAN’T BE SHIPPED TO WYOMING
Montana hearing examiner David Vogler denied a permit to a coalbed methane operator to ship water produced from operations in Montana to Wyoming, but the director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said she anticipated the decision will get a second hearing. Casper Star-Tribune (AP); 4/9
MONTANA DISTRICT COURT RULES AGAINST STATE IN GROUNDWATER CASE
For the second time, a Montana district court ruled against the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for granting an exemption in a basin closed to new surface water appropriations in drainage basins considered fully appropriated or over-appropriated. Bozeman Daily Chronicle; April 10
DOWNSTREAM USERS PROTEST MONTANA-BLACKFEET TRIBE WATER PACT
The Blackfeet Tribe has been negotiating with Montana and federal officials for 20 years to settle federal reserve water claims, but the proposed water deal on the table now elicited protests from downstream irrigators, who said the deal would create an economic hardship on them. Great Falls Tribune; April 11
MONTANA, FOREST SERVICE SIGN PACT ON FEDERAL RESERVED WATER RIGHTS
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture Mark Rey and U.S. Assistant Attorney General Ryan Nelson all signed a pact concerning the management of federal reserved water rights, which is water on federal land that is necessary for the purpose of that land, but which still must be negotiated for with states. Missoulian; April 18
MONTANA GROUP ASKS STATE TO INCREASE SEDIMENT REMOVAL NEAR MILLTOWN
The Clark Fork Coalition is asking Montana to increase the amount of sediment it is removing in the cleanup of arsenic and heavy metal- laden soils near Milltown that came from mine tailings in the Clark Fork River and were found above the flood plain after the clean-up plan was created. Missoulian; April 16
MONTANA HOUSE TABLES STREAM ACCESS BILL
After weeks of debate and several amendments that some lawmakers said changed the intent of the bill, the Montana House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee voted to table a stream access bill that originally would have allowed the public to access streams at bridge abutments. NewWest.net; April 4
MONTANANS WILL HAVE THEIR STREAM ACCESS, DESPITE BATTLES
It’s uncertain whether Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s latest attempt to shore up stream access in the state will work, but given Montana’s passion about the issue, it’s a pretty sure bet that the people of the state will continue to come together on this issue. Missoulian; April 18
CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT ON MONTANA TROUT STREAM BACK AT SQUARE ONE
After a developer began moving earth and cutting down trees to clear the way for a housing project on Rock Creek, a blue-ribbon trout stream in Montana, area residents formed a zoning district, but at a meeting on Wednesday the Missoula County Commission decided that if area residents want zoning they need to address it in a holistic manner, rather than targeted at a single project. Missoulian; April 19
USFWS DENIES RARE MONTANA FISH ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION
In a ruling published Tuesday in the Federal Register, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the fluvial Arctic grayling, one of the rarest fishes in Montana, was similar enough to the more abundant lake-dwelling grayling that federal protection is not needed, and removed the species’ “special candidate” status that it has had since 1994. Bozeman Daily Chronicle; April 25
IDAHO GOVERNOR SIGNS WOOD RIVER WATER BILL
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter signed the Wood River Legacy Project into law, which allows water rights holders to donate water to the Wood River system without losing their water rights; the bill went through several iterations to satisfy concerned ranchers before it was approved. Idaho Mountain Express (Sun Valley); April 4
IDAHO WATER SUMMIT OPENS WITH TALKS ABOUT GROUNDWATER DISPUTES
Hundreds of water users, managers and scientists gathered at Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s much anticipated water summit to tackle issues of supply in scare times and groundwater allocation, but no agreements have yet been reached. Idaho Statesman; April 18
SILT FILLING SNAKE, CLEARWATER RIVER DAMS IN IDAHO TOWN
In the 30 years since Lower Granite Dam in Idaho at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers created a 39-mile-long reservoir stretching to Lewiston, the space between the highest foreseeable flood and the top of the levee has shrunk from 5 to 1.5 feet as sediment piles up on the bottom, and local officials are looking for a fix. The Columbian; April 17
LACK OF INTEREST IN IDAHO WATER-SAVING PLAN CONCERNS OFFICIALS
A plan to allow water users in the Thousand Springs Reach area of Idaho to forfeit their water rights to the state in exchange for money, though not necessarily give up all of their water, as a means of making sure there is enough water to go around, isn’t attracting much attention, which has some officials concerned about supplies. Twin Falls Times-News; April 4
COURT RULES AGAINST BUSH ADMINISTRATION’S FISH-PROTECTION PLAN
A federal appeals court ruling that the Bush administration’s plan for “protecting” fish on the Northwest’s Columbia and Snake rivers violates the Endangered Species Act. The coalition of sporting and environmental groups that had challenged the plan was pleased by the ruling, with a Sierra Club regional director saying, “Two decades of federal failure and dishonesty must stop here.” AP, 4/9
CLIMATE CHANGE ADDS TO THE NORTHWEST DEBATE ON SALMON, DAMS
PacifiCorp officials have added the issue of clean, hydroelectric power to their portfolio of reasons to keep the company’s four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River, but American Indians, environmentalists and anglers said that argument doesn’t wash. New York Times; April 23
OREGON FARMERS ASK FOR MORE WATER FROM THE COLUMBIA RIVER
Farmers in northeastern Oregon are asking lawmakers to approve the Oregon Oasis Project, which would divert water from the Columbia River during summer for irrigation, industry and cities east of the Cascades, a project others say will endanger the river’s salmon. Portland Oregonian; April 16
THE NEXT 20 YEARS
The state Senate passed the framework for a $750 million plan to create as many as 19 water reservoirs in the next 20 years, the centerpiece of a broad stewardship and conservation plan for Texas. Austin American-Statesman
BOTH SIDES WEIGH IN ON NECHES RIVER ENDANGERED STATUS
Reactions came from Angelina County natives far and near in response to the national ranking of the Neches River as America’s sixth-most endangered river. And while most were sympathetic to maintaining the river’s integrity, Upper Neches River Authority assistant general manager Monty Shank questioned the group’s scope in developing the list. Lufkin Daily News, 4/18
TX BILL MAKES IT EASIER TO OBTAIN WATER RIGHTS
The legislation streamlines the process of converting irrigators’ water rights to municipal use. Valley Morning Star, 4/12
S.C. AND N.C. SPAR OVER RIVER RIGHTS
If Kannapolis and Concord want to use 10 million gallons a day of the Yadkin River’s water, should Horry and Georgetown counties care? Yes, say state officials worried at increased demands for water from neighboring states and possible shortages for South Carolina’s growth needs. Myrtle Beach Sun, 4/15
HOUSE
The House overwhelmingly approved a massive water projects bill that has languished for years over its price tag and how the Army Corps of Engineers does business. The overall cost of the bill is at least $15 billion.
USDA AWARDS $180 MILLION FOR RURAL WATER SYSTEMS
USDA Rural Development funding of 61 new rural water and wastewater community systems in 29 states.
U.N. MARKS WORLD WATER DAY, CALLS FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT
With some 700 million around the world currently suffering from water scarcity, integrated cross-border management of this vital resource is ‘crucial’, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message marking World Water Day. AP, 3/27
CHINA DROUGHT THREATENS WATER SUPPLY FOR MILLIONS
A prolonged drought over a wide swathe of China is threatening drinking water supplies for 13.4 million people and 12 million cattle, the official Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. Planet Ark, 3/29
COLORADO LAWMAKERS PROPOSE LEGISLATION ON CBM WATER
Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar and other Western lawmakers are pitching a companion bill to the House-passed bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., that requires federal agencies to evaluate methods of treating water discharged during coalbed methane operations and would provide a 50 percent match of federal funds to build research projects to test those methods. Durango Herald; April 24
UTAH OFFICIALS ISSUE ANOTHER ROUND OF MERCURY WARNINGS TO ANGLERS
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality have issued warnings about eating trout caught in four popular fishing areas in southern Utah, and two areas in northern Utah, because of high levels of mercury found in the fish. Salt Lake Tribune; April 24
WYOMING GOVERNOR OVERRULES AGENCY’S RULES ON CBM WATER
Gov. Dave Freudenthal denied the approval of the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council’s new rules that attempted to regulate the quantity of water discharged by coalbed methane operations in the state, causing some to criticize the governor’s stance as a “do nothing” one. Casper Star- Tribune; April 24
WATER WELLS IN WYOMING LIKELY CONTAMINATED BY ENERGY TRUCKS
A Bureau of Land Management official said that water wells on the Jonah and Pinedale Anticline natural gas fields in Wyoming were likely contaminated with benzene from trucks used by energy operators to siphon water out of the wells, though other sources are also being considered. Casper Star-Tribune; April 29
SCIENTISTS UNSURE IF DRUGS’ PRESENCE IN NATION’S WATERS A PROBLEM
The U.S. Geological Survey began testing 139 streams around the nation in 1999, and found that 80 percent of those streams contained residues of drugs like painkillers, hormones, blood pressure medicines or antibiotics, but scientists are still unsure of what effect these traces of drugs may have on humans. New York Times; April 3
REPORT EXAMINES NUTRIENT DELIVERY FROM MISSISSIPPI RIVER
The U.S. Geological Survey released a report that presents information on streamflow and nutrient delivery from the Mississippi River Basin to the northern Gulf of Mexico. Water World, 3/30
EPA, USDA TO STUDY IMPACT OF MANURE SPREADING AND RUNOFF
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have started a new study about the impact on streams, rivers and lakes from the agricultural practice of winter manure spreading. EPA, 4/6
EPA ISSUES DETERMINATION ON 11 CONTAMINANTS
EPA has made a preliminary determination not to regulate 11 contaminants on the second drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL). The 11 contaminants include naturally occurring substances, pesticides, herbicides and chemicals used (or once used) in manufacturing. Two other contaminants — perchlorate and MTBE — require additional investigation to ascertain total human exposure and health risks.
U.S., CHINA INCREASE EFFORTS TO PROTECT CHINA’S WATER RESOURCES
The U.S. and China signed an agreement March 27 to expand the cooperative program that provides U.S. technical assistance to help improve and protect water quality and access to safe and sustainable water resources in China. Water World, 3/30
CHINA: YANGTZE IS IRREVERSIBLY POLLUTED
More than 370 miles of the river are in critical condition and almost 30 percent of its major tributaries are seriously polluted, the China Daily said, citing a report by the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
