Posted September 17th, 2008
Traverse the desert, and then ye can tell
What treasures exist in the cold deep well,
Sink in despair on the red parch’d earth,
And then ye may reckon what water is worth.
– Eliza Cook
Posted November 18th, 2008
Agrimet: Reclamation’s Northwest Evapotranspiration Network
Peter Palmer, US Bureau of Reclamation, shares advantages of using AgriMet
Competition for limited water resources in the western United States continues to increase. In most western states, irrigated agriculture is the largest single consumer of water. To help improve irrigation efficiency, the Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration partnered to create a network of automated agricultural weather stations – called “AgriMet” – in the Pacific Northwest. These stations collect and telemeter the meteorological parameters required to model crop evapotranspiration (ET). The information is used by irrigation districts, farmers, resource conservation agencies, and agricultural consultants for irrigation scheduling and related purposes. Since the initial installation of 3 stations in 1983, the network has grown to over 60 stations in Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest region, 21 stations in the Great Plains Region in western Montana, and seven stations in the Mid Pacific region. These automated weather stations transmit their data by the GOES satellite, and the information is used in the Kimberly-Penman 1982 evapotranspiration model to compute reference ET at each station. Crop coefficients are then applied to estimate water use for specific crops grown at each station for every day of the growing season. This information is available on the Internet, and is integrated into various on farm technical assistance programs by local agricultural consultants, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Use of AgriMet information in irrigation scheduling results in water and energy savings, reduced soil erosion, and protection of surface and ground water supplies. Various agricultural consultants have reported water and power savings ranging from 15 to 50 percent. Some irrigators have reported real savings of as much as $25 per acre in pumping costs after using AgriMet ET data to schedule their irrigations.
Posted November 18th, 2008
Municipal Storm Water Phase II
Presenters:
Misha Vakoc,
Storm Water Permit Coordinator, NPDES Permits Unit,
Office of Water and Watersheds, US EPA Region 10
John Seigler,
Public Works Department, City of Pocatello
NPDES Permits for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
The Stormwater Phase II Final Rule (December 8, 1999) requires operators of regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and develop a stormwater management program designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into the MS4 (or from being dumped directly into the MS4) and then discharged from the MS4 into local waterbodies. Regulated small MS4 operators have the option of choosing to be covered by an individual permit, a general permit, or a modification of an existing Phase I MS4′s individual permit. In the MS4 program, operators are required to implement a stormwater management program as a means to control polluted discharges from these MS4s.
Tags: MS4, Stormwater
Posted November 18th, 2008
NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (2008 MSGP)
Presenters:
Misha Vakoc,
Storm Water Permit Coordinator, NPDES Permits Unit,
Office of Water and Watersheds, US EPA Region 10
Julie Congdon,
Storm Water compliance assistant, NPDES Permits Unit,
Office of Water and Watersheds, US EPA Region 10
The 2008 MSGP regulates discharges of stormwater from industrial activities. The MSGP includes requirements affecting 29 different industrial sectors. The 2008 MSGP specifies steps that facility operators must take prior to becoming eligible for permit coverage, including submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI), installing stormwater control measures to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff, and developing a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). The MSGP also includes effluent limits, monitoring, inspection, and reporting requirements, and corrective action requirements.
More information:
EPA has recently posted the final permit text on the EPA website. (Note: US EPA Region 10 has not yet issued the final permit in Idaho, until it completes the certification process under CWA Sec. 401 with IDEQ. But the main permit provisions are there for anyone who wants to start gearing up for their site. The EPA anticipates finalizing the permit for Idaho by the end of the calendar year). Here is EPA’s updated website for the permit: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp
Tags: industrial, MSGP, Stormwater
Posted November 19th, 2008
Pharmaceuticals In Water
Overall we will be addressing Emerging Contaminants in the Environment with specific emphasis on Pharmaceuticals.
Jeff Fromm will speak first and overview the broader issue. His presentation title is “Pharmaceuticals in the Environment.” His talk will provide an overview on pharmaceuticals in wastewater, with respect to sources, occurrence in water bodies, observed and potential ecological and human health effects, treatment, and prevention.
Tressa Nicholas will present on her Thesis project:
“Monitoring Groundwater for Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) from a Municipal Lagoon Treatment and Land Application site.” The talk will provide information and results from this Idaho study site.
Robin Finch will present on:
“Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP) in the Environment and Lower Boise River” This talk will review point and non point source contribution with emphasis on the Lower Boise River studies.
Tags: clearwater, water purity
Posted November 19th, 2008
Toxin Levels in the Columbia River and Tributaries
Mary Lou Soscia
Ann Williamson
Tags: Columbia River, Toxin
