owow
Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
Winter 1993
A Note From Bob Wayland
Carol Browner has been confirmed as Ad-
ministrator and a newchapterin ourhistory
has begun!
Several of us clustered around the VCR
recently to watch the confirmation hearings
(Thanks, Suzanne!) and ponder what may
be in store. Senators posed a number of
questions about our programs and activities
and discussed the prospects for reauthoriz-
ing environmental laws. Senator
Durenberger made a thoughtful and articu-
late case for a renewed Clean Water Act
embodying a holistic, watershed, approach.
Senator Warner was among thosewhoasked
how the Federal government could more
effectively deal with polluted run-off, which
he characterized as our most significant re-
maining water quality problem and recog-
nized was caused in significant part by
agriculture. The new Administrator replied
that the Agency needs to be better able to
"speak the language of farmers."
OWOW has been working to better under-
stand, and be understood by, those involved
in farming, ranching, and silviculture. Our
wetlands protection and nonpoint source
control efforts affect farmers and are often a
source of confusion and consternation to
them. Agricultural advocacy groups have
taken their complaints to the press and the
Congress. Because many of these appear to
be based on incomplete or inaccurate infor-
mation, a number of OWOW managers and
staff have been working to formulate a better
game plan for getting our messages across to
those engaged in agriculture.
Note—Continued on
An EPA Strategy for Protecting Habitats and Ecosys-
tems By Doug Norton, AWPD
Natural habitats are of inestimable value in supporting all life,
including human life. These life-sustaining values of habitats,
however, have been threatened by dramatic alterations in the
environment during the past century. Broad-scale changes in
habitats, such as the decline in total acreage of forests, wetlands,
and prairies, have been evident for many decades. Losses in
species and biodiversity have accompanied these changes. Nu-
merous human-made stressors, including physical, chemical
and biological stressors are often responsible for altering habi-
tats. The most profound effect of habitat alteration is the loss of
critically important habitat functions that are ecologically, so-
cially and economically valuable. These values include, for
example, maintenance of aquatic systems integrity, pollution
prevention, climate moderation, recreation, and biodiversity.
Historically, EPA has tended to emphasize human health issues,
and its consideration of ecosystems has varied from program to
program. Habitat has been factored into EPA decisions more
frequently in recent years, particularly as the Agency moves
toward focusing its strategies on the whole environment instead
of its isolated parts. For example, the Agency has increased its
use of ecological risk assessment-based approaches to environ-
mental problems; geographic targeting and watershed-based
management; and monitoring status and trends in ecological
resource extent and condition. These activities exemplify EPA's
progress toward a more comprehensive, cross-media approach
to environmental problems and their remedies. Habitat protec-
tion is an integral part of this perspective.
In the Fall of 1991, an EPA inter-office working group called the
Habitat Cluster was assigned to formulate an EPA strategy for
the problems facing the Nation's habitats. The Cluster researched
the habitat protection elements of EPA's legislated mission and
its various programs and analyzed the Agency's habitat informa-
tion needs. The Cluster also identified ecosystem and habitat
protection programs of other Federal, State, and private organi-
zations and used their findings to develop a national goal, define
EPA's role, and identify the central concepts of an Agency
Habitat-Continued on Page 8
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Several States Considering Assumption of
404 Program by Lori Williams, WD
In 1984, Michigan assumed responsibility for the Clean
Water Act Section 404 permit program; however, no
other State has assumed this program since then. Cur-
rently, the 404 program is administered jointly by EPA
and the Corps of Engineers. Through the 404 program,
the Corps of Engineers issues permits for the discharge
of dredged or fill material into navigable waters includ-
ing wetlands. The 404 program is the primary Federal
regulatory program for the protection of wetlands.
EPA reviews 404 permit applications to ensure that the
environment is adequately protected from any adverse
impacts caused by the discharges. Various reasons are
cited for why more states have not yet assumed the 404
program, including lack of Federal funds to support
State programs, limits on the waters the states can
assume, and excessive Federal involvement.
Recently, several States have begun moving toward
program assumption. New Jersey is finalizing the
documents to formally request program assumption,
and its request should be received shortly. Florida is
currently assessing its program to determine what
revisions and modifications are needed to assume the
Federal program. North Dakota is working on legisla-
tion needed to qualify to assume the program. Dela-
ware is considering further efforts to enact freshwater
wetland legislation to qualify for program assumption.
Louisiana is assessing the feasibility of assuming the
program. EPA's State Wetlands Protection Develop-
ment Grant Program is supporting many of these as-
sumption efforts.
EPA must approve a State's request to assume the
Federal permit program. A State's program should be
similar to the existing Federal permit program includ-
ing scope of jurisdiction, types of activities regulated,
and compliance with the Section 404 (b) (1) Guidelines.
EPA will also evaluate the State's enforcement pro-
gram and public participation in the permit program.
States are becoming more interested and involved in
wetlands protection. In many cases, States have wet-
land programs that duplicate the Federal program.
Program assumption would eliminate this duplication
between the Federal and State programs thereby sim-
plifying permit procedures for applicants. State agen-
cies often have larger wetlands staffs than do the Fed-
eral agencies. State agency staff, in most cases, are more
familiar with State resources, needs, and issues than are
Federal agency staff. Under an assumed program,
States will have more responsibility for decisions af-
fecting their resources.
EPA's Wetlands Division and Regional staff are inter-
ested in working with States as they develop their
wetland protection programs. Contact the appropriate
Regional Wetlands Coordinator or Lori Williams, 260-
5084.
Watershed '93 Takes Shape
Watershed '93 is fast approaching, and it is shaping up
to be an excellent conference. EPA is lead sponsor with
12 other Federal agencies, five local sponsors, and
numerous nongovernmental groups for this national
conference on watershed management. The program
agenda for Watershed '93 is currently being finalized
and includes panel presentations, plenaries, a resource
fair, and field trips.
More than 200 practitioners, academicians, and policy-
makers from across the nation will participate in 30
concurrent session panels to discuss the problems
they've faced, the solutions they've tried, and the les-
sons they've learned. The closing day of the conference
will be broadcast by satellite to miniconferences across
the Nation.
Nationally recognized experts will lead plenary ses-
sions that are designed to help attendees:
- Learn from the past;
- Broaden their understanding of current environmen-
tal problems and institutional barriers to watershed
management;
- Gain sensitivity for the needs, expectations, and op-
portunities ahead for those involved in or affected by
the decisions made about a watershed;
- Examine different approaches for getting the work
done; and
- Explore options for the future.
The Resource Fair will feature 45 multi-media presen-
tations that will provide opportunities for indepth,
one-on-one discussions on a wide range of topics. Four-
teen different field trips will take conference attendees
on site visits to see first hand innovative watershed
management activities. Sites to be visited include the
Chesapeake Bay, Great Falls, Jug Bay Natural Area and
Merkel Wildlife Sanctuary, Occoquan Watershed, and
the Potomac River Water Treatment Plant.
Watershed '93 is being held March 21-24,1993, at the
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Mark Center in Alexandria,
Virginia. The registration fee is $150 before March 1
and $200 after that date. For general information about
Watershed '93, contact Janet Pawlukiewicz, 260-9194.
For registration information, contact Jennifer Paugh at
the Terrene Institute, (202) 833-8317.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
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Efforts Being Made to Expedite Section 319
Grants Process
EPA is working to expedite the award process for Clean
Water Act section 319 nonpoint source (NPS) grants.
These grants have been awarded to States, Territories,
and Indian Tribes since!990 for the implementation of
EP A-approved NPS Management Programs. Approxi-
mately $50 million is awarded annually by EPA Re-
gional Offices to States. A survey of fiscal year (FY)
1992 grants indicates that the majority of the 319 grants
were awarded in September 1992, the last month of the
Federal fiscal year.
This Fall, EPA established a State/EPA operational
work group to develop recommendations for reducing
the Section 319 grant award timeframe for FY 1993 and
beyond. The work group is composed of 10 State
representatives (one per Region), and selected Regional
and Headquarters staff involved in the grant process.
The Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution
Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) is assisting with
this project to facilitate State participation in the work
group.
The work group held its first meeting November 30 -
December 1 and identified several issues to address in
its efforts to expedite the award of Section 319 grants
including: the need for an earlier award schedule;
differences in Regional review processes (i.e., different
schedules and work plan formats); and the need to
reduce unnecessary paperwork and reporting require-
ments. The work group is using a Total Quality Man-
agement (TQM) process. The next steps for the work
group are to do some fact finding regarding these issues
and to identify alternative solutions. Several EPA
Regions are already moving in the direction of expedit-
ing the 319 grant award process for FY 1993, and we
anticipate that further efforts will be made to expedite
the process as a result of this work group. Contact Anne
Weinberg, 260-7107.
Note—Continued from Page 1
A key to our ability to better inform farmers and ranchers
is developing a better understanding of them, the range of
challenges they face, and the other governmental pro-
grams that influence their actions. The agricultural panel
discussion at last Spring's National meeting was a very
revealing and stimulating session which helped provide a
perspective on just how extensively and rapidly this
"industry" and its underlying culture are changing.
John Burt of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) recently
made a presentation to several of us on his agency's
strategic examination of its historical role in helping
farmers to prevent erosion and, more recently, protect
water quality. SCS assignees in our Regional Offices have
provided a valuable link between our agencies in recent
years. Our links to Agriculture were further strengthened
with the recent arrival in OWOWofRuss Lafayette as a
liaison with the U.S.- Forest Service — Russ' experience
has included work in USD A's programs for tree producers
operating on private lands.
Former Congressman Mike Espy's confirmation hearings
for Agriculture Secretary were also very exciting as they
pertained to our issues. He professed his support for
funding the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Conser-
vation Reserve Program. The new Secretary proclaimed
his intention to work to "build bridges" in reconciling
agricultural production and environmental protection
interests and objectives. Secretary Espy stated repeatedly
that agricultural productivity and a healthy environment
should not be seen as "choices."
Alliances with public and private institutions are one of
the keys to success in our programs. Continuing and
building on the close relationship that we've been estab-
lishing with colleagues in USDA certainly sounds as
though it will be encouraged from the top in both Depart-
ments (Cabinet status for EPA having been another widely
supported concept at Carol Browner's hearing)1. Coopera-
tion between USDA and EPA, better understanding of the
myriad demands on farmers and ranchers, more effective
communication directly with agricultural producers —
these can be translated into advances in controlling pol-
luted run-off, as well as protecting coastal resources and
wetlands. The nature of farming and ranching, and the
vast land areas devoted to these pursuits make this an area
where the potential is even greater than the challenge.
"Quarterly Highlights" is prepared by the Office
ofWetlands,OceansandWatersheds(OWOW).
Its purpose is to share information with our
Headquarters and Regional counterparts on
major events that occurred during the past
quarter, to provide an update on specific topics,
and to advise you of key personnel changes
and upcoming activities. Any questions or
suggestions conceming'X^uarterly Highlights"
should be directed to Anne Robertson of
OWOW at 202-260-9112.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
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News Bits
* CZARA Guidance Signed - On January 12, Martha
Prothro, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water,
and W. Stanley Wilson, Assistant Administrator for
Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management at
NOA A, signed off on the Management Measures Guid-
ance and the Program Implementation Guidance for
Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA guidance). The Guid-
ance was published in the Federal Register on January
19. This Guidance specifies technology-based manage-
ment measures to be used by the States in developing
Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs aimed
at restoring and protecting coastal waters. For more
details, see article in Fall 1992 issue of Quarterly High-
lights or contact Stu Tuller, 260-7112.
* Clean Lakes Program Guidance Issued - On Novem-
ber 30, the final FY1993 Clean Lakes Program Guidance
was issued. This annual guidance establishes the pro-
gram priorities and procedures for awarding the $4.0
million Clean Lakes appropriation in FY 1993. This is
the second year OWOW has implemented a more de-
centralized (Regional) approach in awarding the funds,
which allows the States more latitude in building state-
wide program capacity. Contact Tim Icke, 260-2640.
* MAG Releases Recommendations on NFS Programs
In December, the Management Advisory Group (MAG)
for OW released its recommendations on nonpoint
source (NPS) programs. The MAG's recommendations
focus on the following four areas:
- Commitment of adequate program resources and
continued partnership development with other Fed-
eral agencies;
- Implementation of an aggressive outreach program;
- Refinement of the strategic plan with the involvement
of all stakeholders and incorporating pollution preven-
tion and water quality driving mechanisms; and
- Continued development of needed policy, program,
monitoring, and knowledge tools.
The MAG believes that these recommendations pro-
vide a framework for an EPA NPS policy that advances
water quality goals and allows cities and states to
develop realistic NPS pollution policies and plans that
can be implemented. Contact Rod Frederick, 260-7054.
* Four Estuaries Added to National Estuary Program
(NEP) - On September 11, Peconic Bay (NY) was added,
and on October 22, Corpus Christi Bay (TX), Tillamook
Bay (OR), and San Juan Bay (PR) were added to the NEP
program. These additions bring the total number of
estuaries in the program to 21. Public-private partner-
ships, called management conferences, will develop
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans
over the next three to five years to identify solutions for
each estuary's problems and restore their productivity.
Contact Ruth Chemerys, 260-9038 or Eric Slaughter,
260-1051.
* Proposed Ocean Dumping Site Reorganization
Regulation Recently Forwarded to Administrator for
Signature - The purpose of this rule is to correct and
reorganize the list of ocean dumping sites that appear
in the Code of Federal Regulations. This rule would
eliminate listings of expired or terminated sites, elimi-
nate listings of sites which lie landward of the baseline
of the territorial sea, and correct technical errors in the
list. Contact Susan Hitch, 260-9178.
* Corps Rejects EPA's Request to Review a Case-
Specific Section 404(q) Elevation - The permit deci-
sion was made by the Corps of Engineers' Sacramento
District and concerns the proposed Churchill Downs
residential/commercial complex near Sacramento,
California which would impact 17 acres of vernal pools
and associated swales that provide habitat for several
candidate threatened and endangered species. This
elevation to Headquarters was the first under the re-
vised Section 404(q) Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with the Army Corps of Engineers. For more
details on this MOA, see article in Fall 1992 issue of
Quarterly Highlights. Contact Sandy Sieg-Ross, 260-
9914.
* EPA Defends Decision on Ware Creek Reservoir -
EPA is currently defending its decision to block the
proposed Ware Creek reservoir in James City County,
Virginia which has been challenged by the applicant.
EPA has twice vetoed the permit because construction
of the proposed reservoir would result in the loss of an
area that, from a site-specific and regional standpoint,
provides an important wildlife habitat as well as envi-
ronmental contributions to the York River and the
Chesapeake Bay. The impoundment is intended by the
applicant to meet the needs of its citizens, but a multi-
jurisdictional effort to address the water supply needs
of the region may choose a less damaging site. The
Agency is concerned that without a regional approach
several impoundments, each with wetlands impacts,
would eventually be proposed. Contact Will Garvey,
260-9900.
* Objections to 404 Permits for Homestead Resort and
Woodlands Meadow Remain - The Wetlands Division
and Region V continue to be involved in objections to
two 404 permits that the state of Michigan proposes to
issue. The first permit (the Homestead Case) is for a
267-acre golf course development in Homestead Re-
sort that will result in the filling of approximately three
acres of wetlands. The second permit (the Woodland
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
-------
Meadows case) authorizes the discharge of fill in up to
90 acres of wetlands for a proposed Type II and Type III
sanitary landfill. Region V and Headquarters both
objected to this permit. A recent significantly revised
proposal for the project has been developed, and EPA is
reviewing the case pursuant to the requirements of the
Clean Water Act. Contact Menchu Martinez, 260-5299.
* National Wetlands Conservation Alliance Estab-
lished - OWOW has been participating in the develop-
ment of a new group, the National Wetlands Conserva-
tion Alliance, which has the objective of persuading
farmers and other landowners to protect wetlands for
the financial and other benefits to be gained by the
owners. The group was convened by Bill Richards,
Director of the Soil Conservation Service, with active
participation by John Turner, Director of the Fish and
Wildlife Service; EPA; the Fish and Wildlife Founda-
tion; the National Association of Conservation Districts;
and Ducks Unlimited. A number of organizational
meetings were held in November and December, a draft
charter was prepared, and commodity groups were
briefed. Contact John Meagher, 260-1917.
* Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE)
Announced - On December 17, EPA announced the
initiation of WAVE, a program to encourage hotels and
motels, through voluntary partnership agreements with
EPA, to implement and install water saving techniques
and equipment. The goal of the program is to reduce
water and energy consumption, thus reducing environ-
mental demands. Simultaneously, hotels and motels
can become more efficient and profitable, and lodging
industry guests and employees can learn about the
benefits of water efficiency. The potential annual sav-
ings from industry-wide adoption of cost-efficiency
measures are: 32 billion gallons of water, one trillion
BTUs of energy, and $85 million in energy, water, and
sewer costs. Contact John Flowers, 260-7288.
People
Darrell Brown has been named as the Acting Chief of
the Coastal Management Branch in OCPD. He replaces
Mark Curran, who left recently to accept a job with
Battelle at the Environmental Planning and Social Re-
search Center. Darrell has returned to OCPD after a 2-
year IPA with the International Maritime Organization
in London.
Chuck Spooner has joined AWPD on a two-year detail
from the Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office.
Russell LaFayette of the U.S. Forest Service has re-
cently begun a two-year assignment as Forest Service
Liaison to EPA. Russ will work with managers and
staff in both agencies to foster mutual understanding
of each agency's programs and to facilitate cooperative
efforts in areas of shared interest or concern. Although
the focus will be on OW-related programs and activi-
ties, Russ will also pursue similar objectives in other
EPA offices. OWOW is serving as "host" office to Russ.
Glenn Eugster has embarked upon an eight-month
detail to the Chesapeake Bay Program. Phil Oshida
from Region DC will begin a rotation as Acting Chief of
the Wetland Strategies and State Programs Branch on
February 9.
Recent Releases
Final Report: Plastic Pellets in the Aquatic Envi-
ronment: Sources and Recommendations - This
report describes the results of EPA's comprehen-
sive assessment of the sources, fate, and effects of
plastic pellets in the aquatic environment and pro-
vides recommenda lions about what can be done to
control and prevent their release to the environ-
ment. This report should be available in February
1993. Contact Dave Redford, 260-9179.
Monitoring Guidance for the National Estuary
Program - This document provides the National
Estuary Program (NEP) with guidance on how to
design, implement, and evaluate a monitoring
program. Contact Joe Hall, 260-9082.
Third National Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring
Conference Proceedings - These proceedings in-
clude detailed summaries of over 25 workshops,
panel discussions, and technical sessions. Topics
include collecting quality volunteer monitoring
data; sharing volunteer data with State and local
governments; volunteer nonpoint source monitor-
ing; environmental educationand community out-
reach; and watershed walking. Contact Alice
Mayio, 260-7018.
The O.S.V. Anderson: Working to Protect Our
Oceans and Coasts - This document describes the
activities of the O5.V. Anderson, EPA's ocean
research vessel. Contact Marcy O'Dell, 260-1904.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
-------
Meetings
Wetlands Enforcement Roundtable, October 27-28 -
At this roundtable, Regional and Headquarters staff
discussed such topics as selection of an appropriate
enforcement response; coordination with other Federal
agencies, such as the COE and FWS; implementation of
the Section 404 administrative penalty policy; criminal
wetlandsenforcement; media relations; and the Region
I wetlands enforcement program. Contact Hazel
Groman, 260-8795.
12th Annual International Symposium of the North
American Lake Management Society (NALMS), No-
vember 4-7 - This symposium with over 500 attendees
provided a forum for exchange of technical and general
information on lake management and restoration. The
symposium included a training session for Regions,
states, and Tribes on the Clean Lakes Program Manage-
ment System (CLPMS); a workshop on developing
bioassessment protocols and biocriteria for lakes and
reservoirs; and a session to discuss new ideas and
future directions for the Clean Lakes Program. Contact
Susan Ratcliffe, 260-5404.
15th Consultative Meeting of Parties to the London
Dumping Convention (LDC), November 9-13 - Issues
addressed at this meeting included the procedures and
subject areas of possible amendments to the Conven-
tion. Potential areas of amendment to be discussed
during upcoming negotiations will include prohibition
of industrial waste dumping, prohibition of incinera-
tion-at-sea, establishment of a binding moratorium or
ban on dumping of low-level radioactive waste, and
adoption of a precautionary approach to ocean dump-
ing. In addition to addressing the amendment process,
the Parties also took action to provisionally adopt a
comprehensive waste assessment framework for use in
making permit decisions, adopted a resolution ban-
ning incineration-at-sea of noxious liquid wastes, and
established procedures for notification of parties prior
to issuance of dumping permits for industrial waste.
Contact John Lishman, 260-8448.
Workshop on Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material,
December 1-4 - This workshop, entitled "How to De-
sign, Fund and Implement Beneficial Use of Dredged
Material for Habitat Restoration/Creation," was at-
tended by approximately 250 participants representing
the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, the Great Lakes,
Canada, and Panama. The participants called for new
Federal priorities to encourage re-use of dredged mate-
rial for habitat creation projects and future dialogue to
facilitate the implementation of beneficial use projects.
Contact Fran Eargle, 260-1954.
Kudos Korner
Coastal States Organization
January
To: Trudy Cost. Director OC*M
Bob myluxl, Mputy JUil*Hat Jutaln. EM offlc. of later
•roau David Jta*ley, Chain
Re: 6«cttoo tan Progran Guidance and HanageMant Measure*
I 9* writing to cosellaa-nt you and your staft for the long
hour* and hard work OB the Section «Ji 7 Pruyran Guidance and
Management HMSures. It ia exciting news that OMB has approved
these Materials and that the states can now begin our work in
earnest.
During the pa at two yean NOAA and EPA have ahovn the state*.
interest group* and Congress that federal agencies can work
roy*-i nnr and produce a quality product. Although the atat.es
anxiously wait to s*e the specific changea Bads eince the laat
public review draft, wv expect ttwy jtr* workable. We wmnt to now
get on with the business of responding to nonpoint eource pollution
in the coastal ions.
Again, congratulations I The states look forward to working
with you on isplssisntlng this program.
HALL OF STATES BUTE 322. 444 MOOTH CAPIIOL ST. N W, WASH MOT OH O C 9OOOI
Special Events
Wetlands Forestry Field Tour
In September, the U.S. Forest Service and the
Southern Group of State Foresters sponsored a
field tour of forested wetlands in coastal North
Carolina and Virginia. The tour focused on water
quality issues, specifically forest management in
wetlands and nonpoint source pollution from
forestry practices. The tour objectives included:
- Building bridges among State forestry agencies,
EPA, the Corps of Engineers, and the U. S. Forest
Service;
- Increasing state forestry understanding of sec-
tions 319 and 404;
- Assisting EPA and the Corps in understanding
forestry; and
- Identifying unresolved concerns and issues.
Several staff members from the Wetlands Divi-
sion were able to participate in the tour. Contact
Jane Freeman, 260-6422.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
-------
Upcoming Events
Workshop To Develop Ocean and Coastal Protection
Division (OCPD) Technical Assistance Strategy, San
Francisco - February 17-18, New Orleans - March 18-19
These workshops will bring appropriate professionals
together to provide OCPD with input on the develop-
ment of its Technical Assistance Strategy. Contact
Steve Glomb, 260-6414.
National Estuary Program (NEP) National Coordina-
tors Training Workshop, March 16-18 - An annual
workshop designed to allow NEP Headquarters and
Regional staff to be updated on guidance procedures.
This workshop is also an opportunity for Headquarters
and Regional staff to address issues of common con-
cern. Contact Ruth Chemerys, 260-9038.
Watershed '93, March 21-24 - This is a national confer-
ence on watershed management. See article on page 2
for more information.
OWOW National Meeting, March 25-26 - This meet-
ing brings managers from Headquarters and all the
Regions together to discuss accomplishments made in,
problems with, and future directions for OWOW re-
lated programs. Contact John Pai, 260-8076.
OWOW Region m Review, April 14-15 - Headquar-
ters staff will be visiting Region III to review Regional
activities that relate to OWOW programs. These re-
views are conducted in all the Regions on a rotating
basis and provide both Headquarters and Regional
staff with an opportunity to share information on pro-
grams and identify ways to improve interactions. Con-
tact Craig Vogt, 260-1952.
301(h)/403 National Coordinators Meeting, April 19-
23 - Headquarters and Regional staff will be meeting to
discuss significant issues related to 301 (h) and 403
programs. Contact Bridgette Farren, 260-9119.
EPA Chief Scientist Certification and Training Pro-
gram, May 3-7 - This program will train and certify EPA
personnel to be Chief Scientists and lead ocean surveys
using the Agency vessel, theOSV ANDERSON. Course
work will include monitoring design, survey planning
and reporting, ship operations and communications,
emergency response, and data management. Contact
Kevin Perry, 260-6833.
Enhancing the States' Lake Management Programs,
May 5-7 - At this sixth annual meeting, State and Tribal
lake program managers as well as citizens involved in
lake associations will interact and discuss current lake
management issues. Contact Susan Ratdiffe, 260-5404.
"The lakes and rivers sustain us; they
flow through the veins of the earth and into our
own. But we must take care to let them flow back
out as pure as they came, not poison and waste
them without thought for the future." Vice Presi-
dent Al Gore, Earth in the Balance
TQM Corner
Improvements
* Streamlining Regional funds Allocation - Over the
pastyear, OWOW has been working to streamline
the resource distribution process, which includes
the development of program-specific guidance,
release of targets, and transfer of funds. Efforts to
improve the timeliness of these activities began as
a result of Regions' concerns that late-arriving
targets and funds hindered planning efforts. Re-
gional staff also expressed an interest in seeing the
gamut of available contract and grant funds. In
May 1992, Bob Wayland transmitted the Regional-
Funds Allocation plan for FY 1993. The package
included milestones for distributing AC&C funds
for eachOWOW program (NEP, grant funds, etc.).
Though the FY 1993 plan has been somewhat
disrupted due to the Agency's overall budget dif-
ficulties, we intend to do our best to meet our goals
of providing guidance and Regional funds earlier
than last year and improving the process m the
future. Contact Bob Brown, 260-9173.
*OWOW Plans ThirdCustomer Survey- To facilitate
Headquarters ability to provide the Regions with
the support they need, OWOW, for the third year
in a row, is conducting a customer survey. This
survey focuses on the importance, quality, and
opportunities for improvement of OWOW ser-
vices. Headquarters staff will hold focus group
meetings to explore the issues and concerns iden-
tified by the survey respondents. Three to five of
the Issues discussed in the focus groups win be
selected for in-depth discussion during the Na-
tional Meeting in March in an effort to further
define the issues and make recommendations. In
addition to evaluatingOWOW's services, Regions
are being asked to evaluate the services provided
them by other Headquarters' program offices.
These responses will allow OWOW to compare its
ability to provide services to that of other program
offices. This benchmark exercise is intended to
help OWOW and other program offices improve
their services to the Regions. Contact John Pai,
260-8076.
OWOW Highlights
Winter 1993
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New Personnel
A warm welcome is extended to the following new
j employees who have recently joined OWOW
(where these new arrivals most recently hailed
I from is indicated in parentheses):
Budget and Program Management Staff
\- Christopher Bundy, Stay-in-School (Prince
j George's Community College)
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
- Christopher Zabawa (MD Dept. of Natural Re-
sources)
- Laura Sprehe, volunteer (Indiana University)
- Rebecca Glos, volunteer (Indiana University)
- Inez Belcher, Senior Environmental Employee
- Barbara Wilkins, Senior Environmental Employee
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
- Beth McGee (MD Dept. of the Environment)
- Judith Weis, consultant (sabbatical from Rutgers
University)
- Lynn Wagenfuehr, volunteer (Indiana Univer-
sity)
Wetlands Division
- Aura Stouffer, National Network for Environ-
mental Management Studies (Penn State)
- Meredith Smith, volunteer (Stanford University)
- Vic Pyle, Sea Grant Fellow (Louisiana State Uni-
versity)
Habitat-Continued from Page 1
strategic approach. They have recently compiled
their findings into a draft EPA habitat and ecosystem
protection strategy (Strategy), which is based on
EPA's responsibilities for protecting the environ-
ment and recognizes that habitat protection is a
powerful approach for EPA to use in working to-
ward a goal of sustainable environmental quality.
In discussions of habitat protection opportunities
within EPA's Program and Regional Offices, six
areas for action emerged as critically important.
These key areas span EPA's capabilities and together
can form a diverse, yet integrated approach. Each
area enlists EPA's existing strengths, and the Strat-
egy recommends ways to use these more effectively.
The key areas are:
- Improving the use of existing regulatory authori-
ties;
- Focusing EPA's non-regulator) programs;
Improving the habitat science base;
- Providing better habitat information management;
- Forming effective public and private partnerships;
and
Using a risk-based approach for setting priorities
and making decisions.
When approved, the Strategy can be implemented
immediately. Specific,near-term actions are included
as recommendations for initial action under each key
area and in cross-organizational support.
United States Environmental
Protection Agency (WH-556F)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
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