Water Quality Data Management Meeting - Overview

This meeting, supported through a cooperative agreement between the Environmental Law Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provided an opportunity for state and EPA staff to discuss multiple aspects of ATTAINS, developments in Water Quality Framework-relevant information, how to transfer tools and processes to other jurisdictions, and how to better communicate information to stakeholders and the public. Participants included staff from 11 states, 7 EPA regions, and EPA headquarters.

2018 Training Workshop - Overview

This training workshop, supported through a cooperative agreement between the Environmental Law Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provided an opportunity for staff from state and territorial Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Listing and TMDL programs and tribal water quality programs to discuss obstacles and learn proven and emerging approaches to achieving their goals for 2022. Participants included staff from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, five tribes, all ten EPA regions, and EPA headquarters.

Natural Resource Damages, Mitigation Banking, and the Watershed Approach
Author
James McElfish, Cynthia Harris, Azi Akpan, Thien Chau, and Rebecca Kihslinger
Date Released
March 2018
Natural Resource Damages, Mitigation Banking, and the Watershed Approach

The Oil Pollution Act and CERCLA allow for the recovery of more than just cleanup costs following an oil spill or the release of hazardous substances. These laws also provide for recovery of damages to restore or replace natural resources to the conditions that would have existed prior to the spill or release, as well as to compensate for interim losses of ecological services.

Fast Tracking Restoration: Addressing Resource Constraints in Federal Agencies
Author
Benjamin Solomon-Schwartz, Teresa Chan, Amy Streitwieser, Jay Austin, Azi Akpan
Date Released
December 2017

In general, federal agencies can only expend funds allocated to them through the Congressional appropriations process. Under some circumstances, however, federal agencies are allowed to accept outside funds or share personnel with other entities. This report highlights some of these circumstances. Appropriately applied, these provisions may assist federal agencies overseeing Gulf restoration in addressing at least some of their resource constraints related to environmental compliance.

Good Projects Checklist
Author
David Roche, Teresa Chan, Azi Akpan
Date Released
May 2017

Our Good Projects Checklist is intended to help members of the public determine whether a restoration project is good or not. It includes seven different elements of what to look for in a project. For each element, we provide: (1) a list of questions to determine whether a project adequately includes that element; (2) guidance on how to apply the element; and (3) an example of a Gulf project that satisfies the element.

Data Training Workshop Summary

From May 31 through June 2 of 2017, the Environmental Law Institute ran a training workshop to equip state and territorial staff, along with their federal counterparts, with the knowledge, contacts, and tools necessary to manage water quality assessment decision data, including the geospatial data for the ATTAINS system, and transition to electronic reporting for Integrated Reports. The training workshop was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Training Workshop Summary

From May 31 through June 2 of this year, the Environmental Law Institute ran a training workshop for state and territorial Clean Water Act Section 303(d) listing and TMDL programs and tribal water quality programs from across the country. The workshop provided an opportunity for staff in these programs to learn about and discuss new opportunities and practical approaches to address difficult water quality and program challenges. The training workshop was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. 

Outreach Materials

One of the goals of the Long-Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration, and Protection under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Program is for states to “…actively engage the public and other stakeholders to improve and protect water quality, as demonstrated by documented, inclusive, transparent, and consistent communication; requesting and sharing feedback on proposed approaches; and enhanced understanding of program objectives.” Successful implementation often requires informed and engaged stakeholders, and certain public participation is required by law.

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