Federal Mediators For Columbia Basin Salmon Recovery Hope For Extension Of Litigation Pause; Would Give More Time For Comprehensive Plan
June 30th, 2022
A federal mediator told the Columbia Basin Collaborative Wednesday that his group is hoping for “an extension on the stay” of litigation over Columbia/Snake river basin salmon recovery so mediation among plaintiffs and defendants can continue to move forward.
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Washington Begins Process To Update Rules For Protecting Salmon, Steelhead, Orcas From Toxic Chemicals
June 24th, 2022
The Washington Department of Ecology has started the rulemaking process to update the state’s aquatic life toxics criteria to reflect new information about toxic chemicals. Among the species of aquatic life that needs protecting are endangered chinook salmon, steelhead and Orca whales.
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House Bill Includes ‘Columbia River Restoration’ Section; Would Include Assessment Of Lower Snake River Dams’ Impacts On Economy, Fish
June 9th, 2022
The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 approved by the House of Representatives Wednesday includes a lengthy section called “Columbia River Basin Restoration” and would require an inter-agency assessment of the four lower Snake River dams’ impact on fish and wildlife.
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Conservation Groups Sue USDA Over Insecticide Spraying Of Western Grasslands; Say Harms ESA Species, Kills Pollinators
May 24th, 2022
The Xerces Society and Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice of intent this week to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s secretive Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for failing to properly consider harms to endangered species caused by insecticide spraying across millions of acres of western grasslands.
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White House Plans On Being Involved With Columbia Basin Salmon Recovery As BiOp Litigation Talks Continue; Collaborative Approves A Charter
March 31st, 2022
The White House this week made clear it plans to be involved in Columbia River salmon recovery, saying it has engaged mediators to facilitate “public policy dialogue” with governments and stakeholders.
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Corps Releases First Court-Ordered Willamette Basin Status Report On Improving Conditions For Salmon, Steelhead At Numerous Dams
March 3rd, 2022
Through the end of 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented a number of measures required by a federal court to improve conditions for protected salmon, steelhead and bull trout at its Willamette River valley dams. In addition, the Corps continued implementing other measures already in process prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 court injunction. Even more measures that will improve passage or water quality for fish will be put into motion this year, according to the federal agency’s recently released report.
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Corps Evaluating EIS Alternatives For Potential Survival Improvements At Willamette Valley Dams For ESA-Listed Salmon, Steelhead
January 27th, 2022
In its development of an environmental impact statement for 13 Willamette Valley Project dams, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering and evaluating a range of four alternatives, plus a no action alternative, that will likely change the way it operates the dams to protect salmon, steelhead and bull trout listed under the Endangered Species Act.
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Washington State Supreme Court Allows Cooke Aquaculture To Farm Sterile Steelhead In State’s Waters
January 27th, 2022
The Washington state Supreme Court has unanimously upheld permits allowing Cooke Aquaculture Pacific to farm steelhead trout in net pens in Washington waters.
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Court: EPA Must Determine Soon Whether Feds Should Take Over Developing Washington’s Water Quality Standards For Toxins
January 6th, 2022
A federal court in Washington State has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make a determination within 180 days whether it should take over development of Washington’s water quality standards for toxic pollutants.