Freshwater Mussels, Why do we Care? - Tiffany Morgan

This document provides an overview of Maryland wetland laws and the process for obtaining permits for work impacting wetlands and waterways from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of the Environment. It defines key terms like wetlands and regulated waters. It explains the three-parameter approach used to identify wetlands. It also summarizes several important U.S. Supreme Court rulings that influence the extent of federal regulation. The presentation outlines the joint federal and state permitting process and criteria for approval, including requirements for mitigation. It notes the need to consider other state and local laws governing issues like stormwater management and erosion control.

Musseling Through State and Federal Regulations on Threatened and Endangered ...

1) There are significant data gaps in knowledge of freshwater mussel occurrences and life histories in Texas that hamper conservation efforts. Several state-listed and candidate federal species lack basic host fish data. 2) State and federal regulations provide authority to require mussel surveys for water projects but additional guidance is needed. Proposed federal critical habitat rules and future listings of candidate mussel species could significantly impact water projects. 3) Coordination between agencies and stakeholders is ongoing to understand mussel distribution, address data deficiencies, and minimize regulatory impacts of potential listings. Standardized survey methods and a central database are needed.

Discussant: Walter Rast, Director, International Center for Watershed Studies...

Iwl Pcu

Walter Rast presented on the challenges and considerations regarding lakes and reservoirs. He noted that lakes hold over 100,000 cubic km of freshwater, accounting for over 90% of the liquid freshwater on Earth's surface. Lakes provide a wide range of ecosystem services but are also prone to water use conflicts. Their integrated nature means that changes occur gradually and responses are often unpredictable. Considerations include the lack of global lake data and management implications when lakes are not explicitly considered in river basin studies. There is also a need to better integrate science across water systems and coordinate policy across different water authorities.

The Delta smelt, an endangered fish species found only in California's Bay-Delta region, is at risk of extinction due to changes in its habitat from increased water diversions for agricultural and municipal use downstream. As a vital food source and indicator species, the decline of the Delta smelt suggests negative impacts on the broader ecosystem. Competing demands for water from northern and southern California have resulted in legal battles between conservationists and water users. Improved water management strategies are needed to balance these demands and prevent further degradation of the fragile Bay-Delta environment.

Water Law and Policy in the U.S.

Chuck Bowen

Maryland Wetland Law and Compliance

This document provides an overview of Maryland wetland law and the process for obtaining permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of the Environment for impacts to tidal and non-tidal wetlands and waters. It defines key terms like waters of the U.S., wetlands, and regulated impacts. It also explains the joint federal/state permit application process and requirements for delineating wetland boundaries, conducting alternatives analyses, and developing mitigation plans.

Maryland Water Laws and Regulations

This document provides an overview of Maryland water laws and regulations, stormwater management, and best management practices. It discusses four categories of effects from development on hydrology, geomorphology, habitat, and water quality. It describes regulatory definitions of waters, permitting criteria for impacts and regulated waters from various agencies, water quality standards, stormwater management criteria and practices, and the differences between erosion and sediment control and stormwater management.

Treasuring the Trinity: Challenges and Opportunities

The Trinity River supplies water to 45% of the Texas population, making it perhaps the most important river basin in Texas. Water quality issues have challenged this river, as well as drought, land fragmentation and habitat loss. Trinity Waters and AgriLife Extension are working with partners to promote land stewardship to improve landowner quality of life and water supplies by connecting urban resources back into the watersheds that support them.

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

The document discusses the Trinity River in Texas, including its history of pollution, current water quality issues, and efforts through programs like the Trinity River Basin Restoration Initiative to improve habitat, water quality, and connections between rural and urban communities in the watershed through outreach, best management practices, and funding for conservation projects. Key challenges include population growth, habitat loss, and water quality problems from bacteria and other pollutants impairing segments of the river.

Stateof issues water_2013

Shahla Werner

This document provides information about the Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter in Wisconsin. It discusses the founding and mission of the Sierra Club, details about the John Muir Chapter including its leadership, priorities, and accomplishments. Key points include that the Sierra Club was founded in 1892 by John Muir and is the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the US, the John Muir Chapter has over 15,000 members and focuses on issues like clean water, clean energy, and preventing destructive mining.

Update on Native Mussels Listing Process - Glenn Clingenpeel

The document provides an update on the listing process for native mussels under the Endangered Species Act. It discusses that in 2011, environmental groups settled a lawsuit with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, requiring listing decisions on over 800 candidate species. A draft species status assessment is currently due on central Texas mussels like the Texas pimpleback and Texas fatmucket, with a listing decision expected in 2018. A separate assessment has also been initiated on east Texas mussels like the Texas heelsplitter, with a listing decision planned for 2019. Species status assessments compile the best available data, describe ecological needs and population changes, and forecast species responses to future conditions.

New efforts in planning for large scale ecosystem restoration in the Sacramen...

Cory Copeland

The Delta Stewardship Council (Council) is responsible for promoting the coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem that forms the upper portion of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. The Council is responsible for writing an enforceable Delta Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh. After a multi-year development process that included extensive public engagement and scientific synthesis, the Council, in 2020, authorized initiation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review of its proposed amendment to the Delta Plan focused on ecosystem protection, restoration, and enhancement. The amendment consists of six new and revised ecosystem performance measures, an updated narrative which includes four new and revised policies and 14 recommendations, and seven technical and regulatory appendices. The amendment is novel in that it focuses on landscape-scale process-based restoration, acknowledges the many social benefits from ecosystem restoration, utilizes advanced technical climate change analyses informed by best available science, and employs more rigorous tracking of progress in meeting Delta Plan objectives. The amendment embraces a portfolio of approaches to adaptively manage ecosystems in highly altered and changing landscapes, and strives to reestablish ecological processes in natural communities at a sufficient scale (and with connectivity, complexity, and diversity) to be resilient to land conversion and climate change. This digital poster will describe the collaborative science-driven process the Council used in developing the amendment, the draft currently under environmental review, and lessons for resource managers in other systems facing the challenge of planning ecosystem recovery amidst ongoing anthropogenic stressors and a rapidly changing climate.

Environmental and Natural Resource Protection

Connie Sue Martin

The document provides an overview of a lecture on environmental and natural resource protection under tribal law. It discusses how tribes have authority over natural resources on their lands through inherent sovereignty, federal statutes like the Clean Water Act, and treaties. Tribes enact laws and standards to regulate areas like air and water quality. The lecture covers tribal roles as regulators, property owners, and trustees responsible for natural resources. It also gives examples of tribal environmental codes.

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

Endangered Species Act Panel, Nathan Pence - Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority...

Willamette River Initiative

The document summarizes the endangered species listing process and species to track under the Endangered Species Act in central Texas. It provides details on mussel species in central and east Texas that are undergoing species status assessments and listing decisions. It also lists species in the agency's listing workplans for fiscal years 2020 through 2023, including plants, birds, fish, salamanders and other terrestrial species. The presentation cautions that lack of data on species distributions, life histories, tolerances and population numbers could impact listing decisions. It concludes with lessons learned from California's experience with ESA listings and water projects, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation, science, coordination and public education.

Galbraith, Ed, Barr Engineering, US EPA Draft Rulemaking on Waters of the US...

Kevin Perry

The document summarizes the key aspects of the US EPA's draft rulemaking on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). It defines what bodies of water would be considered WOTUS and thus protected under the Clean Water Act. These include tributaries, adjacent waters, and those with a significant nexus to other jurisdictional waters. It also outlines exclusions like waste treatment systems and some ditches. There is debate over whether the draft rule extends federal jurisdiction beyond current reach, especially regarding water quality regulation of small tributaries. Definitions of important terms like tributary, adjacent, and significant nexus are provided.

Keynote: Science in Large Scale River Restoration - Dahm

Large scale river restoration programs require bringing science into both planning and implementation. Two successful projects, the Kissimmee River Restoration and Healthy Waterways Initiative in Australia, established rigorous monitoring programs to evaluate outcomes. The California Delta faces challenges of balancing water exports and habitat restoration, requiring an adaptive approach incorporating the best available science. Institutional challenges to large river restoration include uncertainty, the transition from planning to action, effective communication, and integrating synthesized data.

SJRA and the Catahoula Aquifer paper

Dcla web page version v2

GeneRose3

Douglas County lakes and streams are important for recreation and provide over 20% of the tax base, but water quality cannot be taken for granted as some are impaired. Zebra mussels are changing lake ecology by increasing water clarity and vegetation growth. Excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from sources like lawns, storm runoff, and septic systems contribute to algae blooms and lake impairment, reducing property values. Grants are available to address water quality, but require matching funds. A Douglas County Water Quality Legacy Fund was created to provide these matching funds and protect water resources for future generations.

The Role of Beaver in Southwest Montana

amychad

Beaver were once abundant throughout North America but were trapped extensively from the 1810s to 1830s. This reduced their population from an estimated 60-400 million to only 6-12 million today. Beaver create ponds that store water, reduce erosion, raise water tables, increase vegetation and habitat for other species. Reintroducing beaver could help increase water retention and meet water quality targets in some areas if done with consideration for habitat needs, potential impacts and long-term management. Modeling suggests beaver ponds could substantially reduce sediment levels in watersheds over time.

Eutrophications.pptx

VikashKushwaha54

1. Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates, which promotes excessive growth of algae. 2. When algae dies and decomposes, high levels of organic matter are released and decomposing organisms deplete oxygen levels, causing death of other organisms like fish. 3. Sources of eutrophication include fertilizer runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, which are difficult to regulate. Eutrophication can damage ecosystems, harm human and environmental health, and negatively impact recreation and tourism.

Mesa County Town Hall Meeting

Walter Davidson

The document summarizes a public meeting about water issues in Mesa County, Colorado. The agenda included discussions on local water supplies, challenges like endangered fish and water quality, population growth projections, and filling the gap between future water supply and demand. Attendees provided input on basin implementation plans and principles like protecting senior water rights and local control over water planning. Breakout sessions covered topics like agricultural, environmental, and policy issues.

Texas drought and watermaster update twca 2014

Salado Salamander Threatened | Proposed Critical Habitat, Dirk Aaron - Clearw...

This document summarizes efforts to protect the threatened Salado salamander in Bell County, Texas. The Bell County Adaptive Management Coalition was formed in 2013 to fund research on the Edwards aquifer and address threats like groundwater pumping. Conservation easements have been established at sites like Solana Ranch Springs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is under a court order to propose critical habitat for the salamander by August 2020. The coalition will develop comments on the proposed designation. Options being considered include developing an alternative habitat map and discussing a 4(d) rule and other options with stakeholders. Research and outreach to landowners will continue.

Maui Supreme Court Case & WOTUS/NWPR Update, Nathan Vassar - Lloyd Gosselink ...

Michael J. (Mike) Stoever

Similar to Freshwater Mussels, Why do we Care? - Tiffany Morgan

Mike Stoever_Non-technical summary

Water Law and Policy in the U.S.

Chuck Bowen

Maryland Wetland Law and Compliance

Maryland Water Laws and Regulations

Treasuring the Trinity: Challenges and Opportunities

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

Stateof issues water_2013

Shahla Werner

Update on Native Mussels Listing Process - Glenn Clingenpeel

New efforts in planning for large scale ecosystem restoration in the Sacramen...

Cory Copeland

Environmental and Natural Resource Protection

Connie Sue Martin

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

Endangered Species Act Panel, Nathan Pence - Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority...

Willamette River Initiative

Galbraith, Ed, Barr Engineering, US EPA Draft Rulemaking on Waters of the US...

Kevin Perry

Keynote: Science in Large Scale River Restoration - Dahm

SJRA and the Catahoula Aquifer paper

Dcla web page version v2

GeneRose3

The Role of Beaver in Southwest Montana

amychad

Eutrophications.pptx

VikashKushwaha54

Mesa County Town Hall Meeting

Walter Davidson

Texas drought and watermaster update twca 2014

Similar to Freshwater Mussels, Why do we Care? - Tiffany Morgan (20)

Mike Stoever_Non-technical summary

Water Law and Policy in the U.S.

Maryland Wetland Law and Compliance

Maryland Water Laws and Regulations

Treasuring the Trinity: Challenges and Opportunities

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

Stateof issues water_2013

Update on Native Mussels Listing Process - Glenn Clingenpeel

New efforts in planning for large scale ecosystem restoration in the Sacramen...

Environmental and Natural Resource Protection

All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation

Endangered Species Act Panel, Nathan Pence - Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority...

Galbraith, Ed, Barr Engineering, US EPA Draft Rulemaking on Waters of the US...

Keynote: Science in Large Scale River Restoration - Dahm

SJRA and the Catahoula Aquifer paper

Dcla web page version v2

The Role of Beaver in Southwest Montana

Eutrophications.pptx

Mesa County Town Hall Meeting

Texas drought and watermaster update twca 2014

More from TWCA

Salado Salamander Threatened | Proposed Critical Habitat, Dirk Aaron - Clearw...

Maui Supreme Court Case & WOTUS/NWPR Update, Nathan Vassar - Lloyd Gosselink ...

EPA’s Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Rese...

EPA released draft ambient water quality criteria recommendations for lakes and reservoirs in May 2020. The draft uses stressor-response models based on new water quality data to derive chlorophyll-a, phosphorus, and nitrogen criteria. It recommends chlorophyll-a criteria ranges for different lake depths to protect aquatic life. Potential criteria derived from models show illustrative phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations corresponding to chlorophyll-a levels. The document's approach raises questions about the validity of nationwide models, adjustment to Texas conditions, and linking chlorophyll-a to nutrient criteria. State regulators will determine how to respond.

Texas Extreme Weather Trends, John Nielsen-Gammon - Texas State Climatologist...

Texas is experiencing increasing extreme weather trends according to a state climatologist study. Monthly summer temperatures are seeing more 100 degree days with each little rise in average temperatures. Precipitation trends over the past century show increases across most of the state of 5-15% per century. Droughts and floods depend on a combination of factors including rainfall amounts, temperatures, timing of rain, and how much water plants need. The trends towards higher temperatures are enhancing evaporation and severe weather is increasing but not well understood. Everything fits together complicatedly to impact floods and droughts. A likely La Niña winter also tilts the odds toward a dry winter for Texas.

Flood Mitigation Funding: State Collaboration, Josh Davies - Texas Division o...

This document summarizes flood mitigation funding sources from various state agencies in Texas. It lists panelists from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas General Land Office, and Texas Water Development Board who manage programs that provide funding for flood mitigation projects. These include grants from FEMA, the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation program, and state programs that have allocated over $3 billion total for flood mitigation since 2015. It also describes the Texas Flood Information Clearinghouse website which is a resource for local governments to learn about available funding opportunities and determine which programs best fit their flood mitigation needs.

SARS - CoV2 and Water/Wastewater

COVID-19 and the Workplace: Considerations for the Employers & Employees, Bru...

The document discusses considerations for employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines the implementation of a return to work plan in phases, with communication to employees at each stage. The plan includes implementing work shifts, social distancing measures, personal protective equipment, health protocols like temperature checks and sanitation. It also covers briefing employees on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and addressing common concerns about liability, accommodation of at-risk employees, and allowing some to work remotely.

Harmful Algal Bloom Lady Bird Lake 2019, Sara Hartley and Brent Bellinger - C...

The document summarizes the City of Austin's response to a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that occurred in Lady Bird Lake in 2019. It provides background on HABs and cyanobacteria, details the monitoring and communication plans for 2020, and reviews factors that may have contributed to the 2019 event. The city aims to routinely monitor water quality, identify algal species and toxins present, and inform the public through signage, media, and an online resource on the current HAB risk level. Questions from attendees are invited.

The History, Science & Economics of Bringing Back Comanche Springs, Robert Ma...

This document discusses strategies for restoring flow to Comanche Springs in Fort Stockton, Texas. It analyzes the relationship between pumping in Management Zone 1 of the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District and spring flow. Reducing pumping by methods like permit retirement, irrigation efficiency, and crop switching could help bring the springs back. Funding may come from sources like the US Bureau of Reclamation, Texas Water Development Board, or bond issuances supported by new revenues from tourism drawn to restored spring flow. Full restoration may require reducing pumping by around 50,000 acre-feet per year.

Texas Dam Safety, Warren Samuelson - TCEQ and Protecting Your Flood Control D...

The document provides information about Texas' dam safety program and watershed dams. It notes that Texas has over 7,000 total dams, with nearly 1,800 classified as high or significant hazard. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates most dams in the state. Watershed dams were built with NRCS assistance, and now local sponsors are responsible for maintenance. However, as dams age, maintenance costs have increased, with $14 million needed currently. Urban development has also led to over 500 watershed dams being reclassified as high hazard. The TSSWCB and NRCS provide funding to help sponsors with repairs and upgrades.

Case Law Update, Kimberly G. Kelley - Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP an...

The document provides a summary of key case law updates from 2020 related to water law. It discusses rulings on the Clean Water Act's regulation of groundwater pollution, original actions involving interstate water compacts, and challenges to the Waters of the US rule. It also summarizes cases related to groundwater districts, inverse condemnation and flooding liability, governmental immunity, the Expedited Declaratory Judgment Act, and certificates of convenience and necessity for water utilities. The document analyzes these recent decisions and their implications for water rights and management in Texas.

WOTUS Update, Paulina Williams - Baker Botts

The document summarizes a presentation on the EPA's new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule. It outlines the key aspects of the 2015 rule, the litigation and stays surrounding it, and the EPA's new proposed two-step process to redefine and narrow the scope of protected waters. The proposal focuses on traditional navigable waters, tributaries, certain ditches, lakes and ponds, and adjacent wetlands but excludes many features that were previously protected such as waste treatment systems, groundwater, ephemeral streams, and certain ditches.

Everybody Has an Opinion: Flood Litigation, Legislation, and Action, Allison ...

The document summarizes discussions from the TWCA Annual Conference regarding recent Texas legislation and rulemaking related to flood control projects. Key points include: - Texas passed SB 7 and SB 8 in 2019 related to flood project financing and planning. The TWDB has since proposed rules to implement these bills. - Proposed Chapter 363 rules regarding SB 7 financing require findings of cooperation/participation between political subdivisions in a project's watershed. Comments suggested defining the watershed to clarify which entities must be involved. - Rules require an affidavit attesting to certain criteria, but comments proposed tying the criteria to the defined project watershed. - SB 7 also implements previous requirements for memoranda of understanding between relevant

KEYNOTE: Commissioner Jayne Harkins - International Boundary and Water Commis...

The USIBWC Commissioner presented on the agency's projects and priorities. Key priorities included border sanitation, treaty water deliveries, and infrastructure maintenance. Major projects discussed were the Rio Grande Canalization Project which involves sediment removal, the American Canal rehabilitation, and the Amistad and Falcon Dams. The agency is also focused on water management, border security, and developing a new 5-year strategic plan through stakeholder input to guide priorities and performance metrics. The budget has increased in recent years but continued investment is needed to address aging infrastructure and mitigate dam safety risks.

KEYNOTE: Director Kathleen Jackson - Texas Water Development Board

The document discusses new Texas state programs and funding for flood planning, mapping, and mitigation following Hurricane Harvey and the 2019 legislative session. Over $1.4 billion will be available through programs like the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund and Floodplain Management Account. The Texas Water Development Board is improving flood mapping and models using LiDAR data and regional flood planning groups will create regional flood plans to guide flood risk management. The goal is better data, science, and policy to protect Texans from flooding.

KEYNOTE: Josh Roberts - Texas Division of Emergency Management

The document provides information on emergency management in Texas, including guidelines on handwashing and staying home when sick to prevent the spread of illness. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in coordinating emergency response at the state level. TDEM works with local governments and disaster districts to respond to incidents and request state or federal assistance when needed.

What You Need to Know About NOAA Atlas 14, Gregory Waller - National Oceanic ...

The document provides information about NOAA Atlas 14, which updated precipitation frequency estimates for Texas. Some key points: - Atlas 14 analyzed over 3,900 weather stations and 60 years of data to develop new intensity-duration-frequency curves for precipitation events. - The estimates generally show higher rainfall amounts than previous studies, with some locations up to 30% higher for certain storm durations and return periods. - Notable events like Hurricane Harvey influenced some long-duration estimates. Atlas 14 provides more spatially refined data to help infrastructure planning and flood risk assessment. - While an improvement, Atlas 14 still has limitations and uncertainties that may be addressed through future updates and complementary studies. The new precipitation frequency curves do

An Overview of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers’ Produced Water White P...

This document discusses sustainable produced water policy and management in the Texas oil and gas industry from 2019 onward. It defines produced water as water extracted during oil and gas production that may include formation water, injected water, and added fluids. The majority comes from Texas shale plays like the Permian Basin, which accounts for over 65% of the state's produced water volume. The goals of produced water policy in Texas are outlined, along with 2019 legislative activity and 10 policy recommendations. Meetings held by the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers in Washington D.C. with EPA, DOE, and legislators are summarized. The role of water midstream companies in infrastructure for sourcing, transporting, treating and recycling produced water is also

Adding ASR to a Surface Water Provider’s Portfolio, Dan Buhman and Zach Huff ...

Planning for Alternative Water Supplies in Texas, Jason Afinowicz - Freese & ...