Item A: Adoption of 2007 Legislative Policies

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Phase I communities in Oregon had received their NPDES permit. The EPA is now moving into Phase II, which requires all cities with a population exceeding 50,000 to obtain a stormwater permits. The agency has also authorized Oregon’s DEQ to extend the requirement to any city it deems appropriate. Officials from Oregon cities have acknowledged their responsibility for maintaining and improving water quality and have developed measures to reduce discharges from city facilities. Over the next 10 years, for example, Oregon’s Phase I cities and Corvallis will spend more than $10 billion on measures to reduce storm water pollutants. While urban areas are a significant source of storm water pollutants, it is estimated that non-point sources are responsible for more than half of the pollutants in water systems. However, regulatory requirements focus almost exclusively on discharges from point source and urban runoff. If the objective is to remove pollutants from Oregon’s waterways, then all sources of non-point source discharges need to assume an equitable share of responsibility. Local taxpayers should not be expected to continue funding water clean up while rural non- point sources are exempt from responsibility. Recommendations: 1. Support an increase in industrial wastewater fees and require DEQ to be accountable as to how the fees are being used by the agency. 2. Support the use of state revolving funds for non-point sources and advocate for increased funds for the State Revolving Loans Fund program. 3. SALMON RECOVERY AND WATERSHED HEALTH In March 1999, NOAA Fisheries listed the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Upper Willamette Spring Chinook spends part of its life in the Willamette River, including areas within the City of Eugene. The protective rules for this species, known as Section 4(d) rules, became effective on January 8, 2001, and prohibit any activity that harms the listed fish or their habitat. Following legal challenges to ESA listing of various salmon populations around the Northwest, NOAA Fisheries reviewed salmon listings throughout the region, City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2007 Session With IGR Mtg 10/17 and 10/26 Amendments C:\Documents and Settings\ceexelf\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK10B\LegPol2007Sesxx1.doc Updated on: 11/6/2006 By: Last saved by ceexmfw 64