Water / Public News Service

The Truckee River is considered exceptional for its water quality and importance to wildlife. (Lauren Kuhlman)

Monday, September 27, 2021

NV Rivers, Streams Singled Out for Protection

RUBY MOUNTAINS, Nev. -- Nevada is the driest state in the nation, yet few of its rivers and streams have federal protections. Now a new report …

Over the past 30 years, nutrient and sediment pollution has been reduced by half in Chesapeake Bay, but more needs to be done to meet federal cleanup goals for the watershed. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Over the past 30 years, nutrient and sediment pollution has been reduced by half in Chesapeake Bay, but more needs to be done to meet federal cleanup goals for the watershed. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bureaus Urge USDA to Back New Chesapeake Cleanup Plan

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Farm bureaus and agricultural leaders of Chesapeake Bay watershed states are pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund a …

Better flood resiliency is top of mind in New York, after scenes like the Long Island Expressway's partial shutdown in Tropical Storm Ida. But who will pay for it? (Adobe Stock)

Flood Resiliency: One NY Priority for "Build Back Better" Plan

ALBANY, N.Y. - As a U.S. House committee debates the Biden administration's "Build Back Better" Act, a letter from more than 200 wealthy Americans …

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, has proposed a $33.5 billion plan to save Chinook salmon and other endangered fish in the Columbia River Basin. (BLM/Flickr)

ID Salmon Industry Feels the Pain from Dismal Runs

BOISE, Idaho -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has proposed $1 billion in culvert removal and restoration for salmon in the budget-reconciliation bill. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

Outfitters, Guides Close Doors as Salmon, Steelhead Numbers Drop

SEATTLE -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

Zebra mussels are among the aquatic invasive species that have surfaced in Minnesota lakes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Press for More Detailed Plan to Fight Aquatic Invaders

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota continues to battle aquatic invasive species in certain lakes. As the state fights these threats, there are calls for the …

A new report examined 15,221 miles of Colorado's rivers that currently lack any conservation designation, but that also met criteria for protections under state law. (Adobe Stock)

Report Spotlights Key Colorado Rivers for Protections

DURANGO, Colo. - Colorado's rivers and streams supply drinking water and outdoor recreation opportunities, and support biodiversity and wildlife…

Roughly 1,000 Atlantic salmon remain in the Gulf of Maine. (jamie/Adobe Stock)

Four Atlantic Salmon Restoration Projects in Maine Get Federal Funding

BANGOR, Maine -- Efforts are under way to restore Atlantic salmon populations in the Gulf of Maine, by removing dams, replacing culverts and …

The definition of "waters of the United States," identifies the waters covered by the Clean Water Act. (lasacequias.org)

Undoing of Trump-Era Clean-Water Rule Creates Optimism, Uncertainty

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Opponents of rollbacks to the Trump-era Clean Water Act say 90% of New Mexico's waters were left unprotected and hope a recent …

Tropical Storm Ida left towns like Conshohocken, in Montgomery County, completely submerged in floodwaters. (Michael Stokes/Wikimedia Commons)

PA Forest Action Could Help Prevent Damage from Extreme Weather, Like Ida

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's creeks and rivers flooded at historic levels last week after Tropical Storm Ida decimated the Northeast. In the …

Activists last week sent Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau some clean Great Lakes water as a symbolic reminder of their shared responsibility to safeguard the Great Lakes. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Chicagoans Call for Canada to Support Closing Line 5

CHICAGO -- Groups concerned about water quality and the environment are asking Canadian as well as U.S. officials to back efforts to close the Line 5 …

This year's water release from the Morelos Dam is a more targeted version of the first iteration of the diversion project, which took place in March 2014. (Peter McBride/Raise the River)

Colorado River Flows Once Again to Gulf of California

By Lourdes Medrano for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

The headwaters of the Mississippi River play a key role in providing drinking water to 2.5 million Minnesotans. (Adobe Stock)

Key MN Resource Swept Up in Climate-Change Threat

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Despite recent rain, the effects of Minnesota's dry summer remain visible, including shrinking levels in waterways. Those monitoring …

An agreement between Maine People's Alliance and Mallinckrodt U.S. LLC will not go into effect unless the Federal District Court in Maine approves it. (peter/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Input on Mercury Removal Proposal for Penobscot River

BANGOR, Maine -- A proposed settlement for cleaning mercury out of the Penobscot River is in its 90-day public-comment phase, with court hearings set …

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others have filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to hold Pennsylvania accountable for polluting the bay. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Could Bring Funding to PA for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania is behind on its goal to reduce pollution into Chesapeake Bay, and clean-water proponents say legislation in …

Together, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests are home to many diverse ecosystems, with elevations ranging from 5,000 feet to more than 14,000 feet. (P Owens/usda.gov)

Groups Urge More Wilderness in GMUG National Forests' Draft Plan

DELTA, Colo. - The U.S. Forest Service has released its draft management plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests. The plan …

Tara Houska, founder of Giniw Collective, has worked with other tribal activists such as Winona LaDuke in trying to stop the Line 3 oil pipeline project. (Photo courtesy of honortheearth.org)

With Line 3 Nearing Finish Line, Tribal Opponents Continue Speaking Out

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Line 3 oil pipeline for northern Minnesota could begin operating by as early next month. The latest update comes as …

The Piney Point property has received 22 inches of rain since the start of June, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protections' motion to request to transfer control of the troubled former phosphate plant from its owners, HRK Holdings. (Pixabay)

Piney Point Pollution Could Overflow with Storms, Hurricanes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Due to the recent tropical weather systems threatening the region, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is …

Environmental groups have sounded the alarm over runoff from factory farms and industrial agriculture that flow into rivers in central Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

New Map Highlights Impact of Slaughter Facilities on Waterways

DES MOINES, Iowa - Some of Iowa's largest drinking-water sources have struggled with runoff from livestock facilities and farm sites. A new …

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently estimated a majority of the state's waterways are "impaired" in terms of water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Could Help with SD Water Quality

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Anyone hoping for a range of new infrastructure projects across America saw a major development this week, with the U.S. Senate …

A clean closure of the Michigan City Generation Station could create roughly 70 jobs in the surrounding area. (Larry Lawhead/Adobe Stock)

Report: Remove Coal Ash to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of IN Groundwater

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new study reinforces the view of many Indiana environmentalists the best way to clean up toxic coal ash is by removing it, rather …

As the Northwest feels the summer heat, salmon are struggling to migrate hundreds of miles upstream. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

Northwesterners to Rally to Support Threatened Salmon

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

A video from July shows sockeye salmon with red lesions and fungus because of the Columbia River's hot water. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

In Hot Water, Rallies Planned for NW Salmon

BOISE, Idaho -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

Struggling salmon also are bad news for the orcas of the Northwest that rely on them. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

NW Heat Boils Salmon, Drives Rallies Across Region

SEATTLE -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

About 25 species of mussels live in the freshwater rivers and streams that flow into Chesapeake Bay. (Flickr)

Report: Mussel Restoration Essential for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Freshwater mussels are key to keeping the Chesapeake Bay watershed clean, and with more than half of all species now facing …

Chinook salmon spawn in four runs per year. The eggs, fry and juveniles in the winter and fall runs are expected to be harmed this year by water flows that are too warm. (dhogan172/Adobe Stock)

Groups Warn of Massive Salmon Die-Off, Press for Water Reform

SHASTA LAKE, Calif. - Within the next several weeks, experts are expecting a massive die-off of winter-run Chinook salmon as they spawn below the …

Resource Institute and partners recently restored a portion of Big Elkin Creek in Surry County to improve habitat and downstream water quality.(Resource Institute)

NC Community Tackles Erosion, Sediment Issues in Water Supply

ELKIN, N.C. -- Surry and Wilkes County residents will have cleaner water with less pollution and less sediment, thanks to a recently completed stream …

A recent report shows PFAS levels greater than the EPA health advisory level in water treatment plants for Westminster and Hampstead, Md. (Adobe stock)

U.S. Bill on Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Could Help Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

Before Mackinaw City, the Red Road to DC Project stopped in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (House of Tears Carvers)

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. -- A group of artisans from Lummi Nation is carrying a 25-foot carved totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C.…

There are no state or federal regulations for toxic PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. (AdobeStock)

Congress Takes Action on Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

By 2050, South Dakota could see a 75% increase in the severity of widespread summer drought conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Meteorologists: Hot, Dry Weather Not a Fluke

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Much of South Dakota will see a familiar weather pattern this week: very hot temperatures and little precipitation. With more …

A class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been used in products such as firefighting foam. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Could Restrict WI Cities From Suing Over 'Forever Chemicals'

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin policymakers are looking to provide more aid to towns and cities faced with contamination cleanup of so-called "forever …

About 39 miles of the Gallatin River would be designated Wild and Scenic under legislation in Congress. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Diverse Coalition Backs Legislation to Protect MT Rivers

HELENA, Mont. -- A wide range of groups are supporting an effort to protect cherished rivers in Montana. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has introduced …

Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /> — Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)

River Managers Take Emergency Steps to Refill Lake Powell

PAGE, Ariz. -- The federal Bureau of Reclamation is taking emergency measures to shore up water levels in Lake Powell, to preserve the reservoir's …

Minnesota-based CD3 Systems has developed self-service cleaning stations for boat owners to use amid efforts to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. (Photo courtesy of CD3stations.com)

You Can Adopt a Highway; What About a Boat Landing?

MINNEAPOLIS -- "Only you can prevent forest fires" is among the more iconic public awareness campaigns. In Minnesota, new funding aims to make boat …

Cover crops can improve water infiltration into the soil and some, like legumes, also are natural fertilizers. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: Indiana Farmers Planted More Cover Crops than Ever

INDIANAPOLIS -- There's good news for soil conservation efforts in a new survey by the Indiana Conservation Partnership: Farmers in the state planted …

A yellow-crowned night heron seen on a Harrisburg rooftop. State ornithologist Sean Murphy says a few years ago, a night heron nest was found in a sycamore tree on the Governor's Residence property. (Jen Hirt)

State-Endangered Night Herons Find Refuge in Urban Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Some rare birds that have called Harrisburg's tall sycamore trees home are taking flight this week. Yellow-crowned night herons …

Virginia's new Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Master Plan is expected to use nature-based solutions, like wetlands restoration, to help absorb the impact of severe storms and flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Welcomes Public Input on Coastal Flooding Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- As floods grow worse from sea-level rise and more frequent storms along Virginia's Atlantic coast, the state is encouraging …

There are an estimated 50 billion pieces of litter on roadways nationwide, according to Keep America Beautiful. (Adobe Stock)

TN to Embark on Litter Pollution Study

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Plastic bottles and cans line many of the state's roadways and rivers, and now the state is conducting a large research study to …

Topography makes the Mountain State one of the most flood-prone regions in the country. (Wikimedia Commons/June 2016 U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Penni Harris)

Is WV Prepared 5 Years after Devastating Floods?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Deadly flooding five years ago continues to haunt many West Virginia communities, and advocates called on the state to update …

In July 2020, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported 3.4 million visitors, an increase of almost a million from the same time period in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CO Water Stewards Brace for Record Crowds on Public Lands

ALAMOSA, Colo. -- Colorado's public lands, which account for 43% of the entire state, are seeing record use after officials relaxed COVID-19 health …

Illinois is responsible for 20% of the nitrates that have caused a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and thousands of rural water wells across the state have high levels of nitrates. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: More Data Needed on Nitrates in Rural IL Wells

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report finds that thousands of drinking-water wells in Illinois are contaminated with high levels of nitrates. Clean-water …

West Virginia's Cheat River flows from five major tributaries, known as the "Forks of the Cheat," which originate in the Monongahela National Forest. (Adobe Stock)

Ongoing Restoration Key to Improving Cheat River Water Quality

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- June has been National Rivers Month, and in West Virginia, conservation groups are celebrating the results of decades-long …

According to Ocean Defense Initiative, 18 coastal states have already identified more than $6 billion worth of resiliency projects to undertake if they receive funding through the American Jobs Plan. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Groups Seek Funding for NY Coastal Resilience

NEW YORK -- Environmental groups across the U.S. are asking Congress for money in the next infrastructure package to curb the negative effects of …

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve near Coos Bay supports 65 jobs. (Werewombat/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Southern OR Coastal Reserve Has Big Local Impact

COOS BAY, Ore. -- A system of little-known public lands protecting sensitive coastal habitats generates big economic impacts for local communities…

A new report looks eelgrass restoration projects on the West Coast, including 14 in Washington state. (Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Report: Vital Seagrass Restoration Needs Real Estate to Thrive

EVERETT, Wash. -- Eelgrass plays a vital role in marine habitats, but along the West Coast, it's disappearing at alarming rates. A new study found …

Florida mangroves' natural ability to curb flooding protected over 626,000 people during Hurricane Irma in 2017, according to a University of California Santa Cruz report. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Say FL Coasts Need Federal Dollars to Mitigate Storm Impacts

TAMPA, Fla. -- Environmental groups are urging federal lawmakers to allocate $10 billion in the upcoming infrastructure package for coastal …

A new study says California's eelgrass beds have been decimated by pollution, dredging, development, sea level rise and other problems. (Kathyrn Beheshti/U.C. Santa Cruz)

Loss of CA Eelgrass Leads to Coastal Erosion, Hurts Marine Life

MISSION BAY, Calif. -- An important part of California's coastal ecosystem, eelgrass, is disappearing, with 90% gone since the 1950s. A report …

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