Additional chapters and Ecology’s Nonpoint plan ready for public review.
LINK SOURCE: DOE
The Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture is a technical resource in development for agricultural producers that describes our recommended best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. Our goal is to support healthy farms and help farmers meet clean water quality standards. We understand that each farm is unique and each producer is managing a differing set of site, soil, and climate factors. The vision for each chapter in this guidance is to help producers identify the BMPs and implementation strategies that best fit their farm’s needs.
Once completed, the guidance will have chapters on 13 different topics. While we are working to draft a number of chapters, so far we have released one chapter for public review, Cropping Methods: Tillage and Residue Management.
We are now accepting comment on three additional chapters until Dec. 23, 2022:
Livestock Management-Pasture & Rangeland Grazing
Sediment Control: Soil Stabilization & Sediment Capture (Structural)
Riparian Areas & Surface Water Protection
The Cropping Methods chapter is still available for comment. If you have already submitted comments on this chapter, you do not need to submit the same comments again.
After this set is complete and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we will work on the next set of chapters, providing opportunities for public feedback along the way.
Who helped write the guidance?
We work closely with an Advisory Group to develop each chapter. The group includes representatives from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Conservation Districts, the Washington Department of Agriculture, State Conservation Commission, Washington State University, agriculture producer groups, environmental groups, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
Our submission to EPA
We are required to submit these guidance chapters to EPA as part of our updated Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution (Nonpoint Plan) by the end of 2022.
At this time, we are also taking feedback on the Nonpoint Plan, which we are updating to reflect our current approach to addressing nonpoint sources of pollution. Nonpoint pollution is the technical name for diffuse sources of pollution that do not come from a pipe or ditch. Sources of nonpoint pollution are not always easy to track, but can include unmanaged stormwater runoff, agriculture and forestry practices, and failing septic systems. Learn more about nonpoint pollution.
EPA requires our state to have an up-to-date Nonpoint Plan in order to maintain our nonpoint grant and loan program, also know as Section 319 funding.
Our draft updates to the Nonpoint Plan reflect the work we have done in the past few years, including important programs and projects that are already working, such as adding in explanation of the No Discharge Zone, expansion of the on-site sewage system loan program, and updates to our ongoing work in the Lower Yakima Valley. We also updated information related to forest practices, our grants program, monitoring programs, Water Quality Assessment, and the list of water clean-up projects.
We added information on our work related to environmental justice and climate change.
For the most part, these updates reflect ongoing work that needed to be included in the Nonpoint Plan.
We welcome your feedback
We are accepting comments on the draft chapters and the updated Nonpoint Plan until Dec. 23, 2022. You can access these materials on our Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture webpage.
To submit comments:
Go to our Voluntary Clean Water Guidance Comment Form.
Select the document you want to provide feedback on before entering your comments
Join us for an informational webinar
We are hosting an informational webinar on Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. to present information from the guidance and Nonpoint Plan and answer questions.
Dec. 14 Webinar information
This webinar is not a formal hearing and we will not be taking formal comments during the webinar. Please submit your comments using the comment form.
More details about the guidance is available in our focus sheet and on the guidance webpage.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Plan to cut statewide fuel emissions 20% starts Jan. 1--DOE
State disciplines health care providers--DOH
Clallam County
In October 2022 the secretary of health ended probation on the substance use disorder professional trainee credential of Sandra Dawn Allen (CO61069778).
(2) FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
KILMER APPLAUDS NEW FUNDING TO HELP COASTAL TRIBES MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.
LINK SOURCE: Congressman Kilmer's webpage
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement that it will award $25 million to support the Quinault Indian Nation’s relocation efforts. With these funds, the Quinault Indian Nation plans to relocate critical community facilities in the village of Taholah to higher ground. The Taholah Village Relocation project will reduce recurring flood damage to critical tribal infrastructure, including community facilities and housing. Rep. Kilmer has championed efforts to protect vulnerable coastal communities, including the village of Taholah and other tribal communities impacted by climate change.
“Today’s announcement is a big deal. It’s a big deal because tribes – including the Quinault Indian Nation – have seen their homelands threatened by climate change and rising sea levels. And it’s a big deal because the effort to move people to higher ground and out of harm’s way requires the federal government to step up and fulfill its trust and treaty responsibilities,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This shows a real commitment by the Biden Administration and Secretary Haaland to have the federal government help those who are on the front lines of the climate crisis. I've been pushing for years for federal action to help the Quinault and other coastal tribes in our region enhance their coastal resiliency. I intend to keep pushing because there’s more to do.”
In December, the federal government will begin a community-driven 120-day planning period that will include the Department of the Interior and partnering federal agencies traveling to the Quinault Indian Nation to establish formal relationships and begin the process of planning the relocation.
In August 2021, Rep. Kilmer and the Quinault Indian Nation hosted U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in Taholah, Washington, to tour the Quinault Indian Nation’s Taholah Village Relocation project and discuss the urgent need for the federal government to support tribal relocation efforts. The Taholah Village Relocation project is an effort to move the Taholah Village to higher ground and relocate critical community facilities and housing. The Quinault Indian Nation, along with other coastal tribes in Washington including the Quileute Nation, the Hoh Tribe, and the Makah Tribe, are facing increased threats from climate change, increased flooding, and the threat of tsunami – and are actively moving to higher ground to protect their people and their way of life.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Kilmer has consistently fought for increased funding for tribal relocation efforts. In March 2022, Congress passed and the President signed into law an omnibus spending package that included new federal funding to support three tribal relocation projects in Washington’s sixth congressional district. That law included $500,000 for the Quinault Indian Nation to help the Tribe build out and develop infrastructure for the Taholah Village Relocation project. The infrastructure would help the tribe build streets, sewer, water, and storm water, as well as power utilities. The infrastructure would also serve a future school site and water tank site.
Rep. Kilmer is pushing for more federal funding for tribal relocation, and in the House-passed FY2023 Interior Appropriations Bill, Rep. Kilmer advocated to include increased funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Climate Resilience program – which would provide competitive awards to support critically vulnerable coastal tribal communities and Alaska Native Villages that experience severe weather-related conditions.
In the same bill, Rep. Kilmer successfully secured House report language emphasizing the needs of Tribes in both the lower 48 states and Alaska, in addition to requesting a report on unmet needs for coastal tribal communities in the lower 48 states as they attempt to move to higher ground.
Rep. Kilmer is the lead sponsor of the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act – which provides federal resources to Native American tribes living in coastal areas to support their efforts to mitigate threats caused by climate change and sea level rise. The bill would modernize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Coastal Zone Management Grant Program to create a dedicated set-aside for tribal communities to secure grant funding to support key projects that will protect their people and landmarks from changing landscapes and weather events.
Rep. Kilmer’s bipartisan bill recognizes tribal sovereignty by amending the Coastal Zone Management Act to allow tribal governments to directly compete for Coastal Zone Management Grants, instead of requiring them to petition states to prioritize their projects. This parity is essential given the severe challenges tribal governments face in implementing coastal and shoreline measures that support public safety, public access, and cultural and historic preservation.
Coastal tribes are increasingly confronting persistent flooding, tsunami threats, and coastal erosion. Washington state has over 3,000 miles of marine coastline, where 17 tribal communities have made their homes since time immemorial.
IN OTHER CONGRESSIONAL NEWS:
Sen. Murray Statement on Rail Bargaining Resolution.
(3) WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
Amid Global Conflict, Economic Uncertainty, General Assembly Adopts Text Highlighting Transformative Power of Sport to Achieve Peace, Sustainable Development--UN PRESS RELEASE.
Against a backdrop of global conflicts, economic uncertainty and a changing climate, the General Assembly today recognized the power of sport to expand sustainable development and inspire young people around the planet with the adoption of a consensus resolution.
Adopting the text, titled “Sport as an enabler for sustainable development”, delegates laid out the ways in which sport can be used to help young people improve their lives while generating cooperation among nations.
Csaba Kőrösi (Hungary), President of the General Assembly, said the international community must include sports and athletes in its work to carry out the changes that transform the world, pointing out that sports bring people together in peaceful conditions and can help combat some of the greater dangers facing humankind. Noting that the World Cup is underway, he said both male and female athletes are role models for millions of young people. It is more promising if nations compete on the fields of sports rather than on battlefields. “The former is more noble and the latter leaves death and devastation behind,” he said, encouraging all Member States to preserve the unifying spirit of sports and the Olympic Movement.
In introducing the resolution, the representative of Monaco pointed to sport’s potential as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted the text refers to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ guidance notes on fighting climate change through sport. The resolution also points out that the sport sector can reduce its own carbon footprint by adopting sustainability standards and raising awareness.
Egypt’s delegate said sport promotes mutual understanding amongst peoples, celebrates cultural diversity and eases dialogue, which is particularly important in a world facing ongoing complex challenges. Sport can also be used to maintain physical and mental health in societies — especially amongst youth. His Government, for example, sponsors and encourages sport activities, develops the skills and talents of children and promotes youth centres. These facilities include innovative platforms for activities outside sport, such as technical and vocational education programmes and employment training. Such efforts ensure that youth are fully integrated into national development, he added.
Agreeing that sport is an effective way to engage youth in a positive and constructive manner, India’s representative said sport teaches discipline, develops camaraderie and enhances communities by bringing people together. “Indeed, sports play a subtle, positive and constructive role in development and peace,” he said. His country’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports lays down the policy framework and institutional support for sports-related activities, while the Sports Authority of India, established in 1984, is the principal body for nurturing talent and providing infrastructure, equipment and coaching.
Senegal’s representative, associating himself with the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, welcomed the outstanding work of the International Olympic Committee, including its efforts to promote gender equality, empower women and improve lives through high-quality sports infrastructure. Sport is a vector for many positive values and “a real school of life” that helps everyone reach their potential, he said. In 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games, the first time that the event will take place in Africa, reflecting the country’s goal to integrate sports into its development programmes.
Encouraged by the Assembly’s unity on the resolution, the Permanent Observer of the International Olympic Committee said stronger collaboration between the Olympic community and the United Nations system can advance the global goals by using sport in such areas as peace, health, education, gender equality and climate action. In a polarized world, there are few occasions when humankind can set aside its differences and come together in peace, he said, adding that the Olympic spirit is the most important symbol of peace in today’s world. He welcomed that the draft resolution specifically highlights that international sporting events should be organized in a spirit of peace and without discrimination of any kind.
The Emir of the State of Qatar’s opening speech at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup was an eloquent response to the unfair, selective, racist, condescending and politicized campaigns which targeted Qatar’s organization of the sporting event, that country’s representative said. Her delegation will focus on humanity by building strategic partnerships and expanding international cooperation mechanisms to spread a culture of tolerance and peace. She also pointed to the launch of a campaign on the global goals on the sidelines of the World Cup.
In other business, the Assembly extended its seventy‑seventh session, upon request of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), as well as the work of that Committee, until Friday, 23 December.
Also speaking today were representatives of the Maldives, Singapore, China, Kuwait, Belarus, United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Bahrain.
The representative of the United States spoke in explanation of position.
The Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 6 December, to discuss the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and the Secretary-General’s related reports, and to consider action on draft resolutions. The Assembly will also take action on a draft resolution under the topic “culture of peace”. (see link source for furture details)
IN OTHER WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
Legacy of slavery still scars society, blocks progress says UN chief--UN NEWS CENTER
UN appeals for record $51.5 billion to help 230 million on the brink in 2023.--UN NEWS CENTER
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on World AIDS Day--USUN.
U.S., French Presidents State Support for Ukraine, Global Security---DOD
(4) NATIONAL & BUSINESS HEADLINES:
New York Diagnostic Testing Facility Owners Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Scheme--DOJ
Two New York diagnostic testing facility owners were sentenced today to three years in prison for their roles in a more than $18 million health care fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Tea Kaganovich, 50, and Ramazi Mitaishvili, 62, both of Brooklyn, are a married couple that co-owned several diagnostic testing facilities in Brooklyn. The couple paid over $18 million in kickbacks for the referral of beneficiaries who submitted themselves to diagnostic testing and other purported medical services. Kaganovich and Mitaishvili also falsely reported to the IRS that the illegal kickback payments were legitimate business expenses and therefore submitted tax forms that under-reported business income and claimed deductions to which they were not entitled.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York; Acting Special Agent in Charge Susan Frisco of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Office of Investigations; Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI New York Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York Field Office made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG, FBI, and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Debra Jaroslawicz and Trial Attorney Sarah Wilson Rocha of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha Payne handled forfeiture matters.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
IN OTHER NATIONAL NEWS:
Cyber Safety Review Board to Conduct Second Review on Lapsus$--DSHS
BUSINESS HEADLINES:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2022 – One year after the reinstatement of the White House Tribal Nations Summit, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sharing its actions to better serve tribal governments, citizens, and organizations and honor our nation’s trust and treaty responsibility. The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are taking steps to empower tribal self-determination, promote equity and remove barriers to services and programs, and incorporate Indigenous perspectives.
“USDA is honored to work alongside the sovereign governments of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We continue to make our programs and services more accessible and include Indigenous viewpoints in program design and delivery.”
In observance of Native American Heritage Month, and coinciding with the White House Tribal Nations Summit, USDA shares a comprehensive list of USDA’s Indian Country Accomplishments (PDF, 289 KB). Below are a sampling of these efforts.
USDA is removing barriers to service for Indian Country
USDA announces for the first time in history that a permanent Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed, opening regular access to USDA decision-makers for Indian Country. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, the committee will advise the Secretary on topics important to tribal producers. The committee complements the ongoing government-to-government consultation between USDA and Indian Tribes. A notice for applications will be forthcoming. Per tribal leaders’ requests, USDA also announces that the Tribal College/1994 Program will be moved to the Office of Tribal Relations.
USDA is taking additional steps to increase tribal access to high speed internet through the ReConnect Program. USDA clarified that the long-standing requirement to obtain necessary permits and rights-of-way, also includes the need for tribal permissions when providing USDA-funded broadband service on tribal lands.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) is also working hard to ensure equity in their pursuit of tribal food sovereignty for tribal nations through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) program. LFPA empowers state, tribes, and territories to purchase local foods from local, regional, underserved, and tribal producers to distribute those foods to their communities. New flexibilities and a historic $100 million allocation to tribes will help address the disproportionate food insecurity needs in Indian Country and ensure a more equitable distribution of LFPA resources.
USDA is enhancing tribal self-determination
USDA’s Forest Service will highlight 11 new signed co-stewardship agreements at this year’s Tribal Nations Summit, and has a historic 60 additional co-stewardship agreements in process. Through the Joint Secretarial Order (PDF, 549 KB) promoting increased tribal inclusion in federally managed lands, USDA and the Department of the Interior codified a policy to ensure that tribal governments have a role in decision-making on public lands. This policy enhances the protection of sacred sites and resources, and incorporates traditional Indigenous values and perspectives in land and resource management decisions.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is also a leader in empowering tribal self-determination and has awarded $5.7 million to eight tribes for demonstration projects that give them more options to directly select and purchase foods for their Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or tribal “commodities” programs. This is an important step to increasing tribal food sovereignty in the program and support tribal economies, vendors, and producers.
USDA is incorporating Indigenous perspectives in agricultural research and education
In supporting the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives in agriculture, USDA recognizes the importance of Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK). USDA’s Agricultural Research Service is partnering with Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish (NHS) College in North Dakota on a research program that integrates Western and Indigenous knowledge in propagating Indigenous plants important to tribes in the region. USDA is also partnering with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) to fund an Indigenous Knowledge research track at their annual youth conference.
Earlier this month, USDA announced new resources and agreements, including Indigenous foods cooking videos, as part of USDA’s comprehensive efforts to incorporate Indigenous perspectives through the USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative, which promotes traditional food ways, Indian Country food and agriculture markets, and Indigenous health through foods tailored to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dietary needs.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
IN OTHER BUSINESS HEADLINES:
Why Bank Capital Matters
Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr
At the American Enterprise Institute, Washington, D.C. --THE FED
IRS, Security Summit partners begin National Tax Security Awareness Week; urge people to watch out for holiday scams and protect personal information as tax season nears--IRS
Calling on Congress
American businesses and families need Congress to act on inflation and the economy.--US CHAMBER of COMMERCE
(5) LOCAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 12/5/22
Clallam County Commission regular session for 12/6/22
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12062022-500
PASD Board Meeting
When: Thu, December 8, 6pm – 8pm
Where:905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA (map)
Description
Regular meetings are usually scheduled on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:00 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Call 360.565.3702 for information.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 12/5/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/dbba64a6-eb6e-4485-8db0-78b172595802
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA 12/5/22
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1714
2022 WPPA
Annual Meeting (Port of Port Townsend attending)
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-WPPA-Annual-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
