Protecting Rivers through Federal Legislation

• Sewer Overflow – Community Right to Know Act
  The Sewar Overflow bill would require any waste water discharger to notify the public (in a way that is to be determined) of any sewer overflow where raw sewage is spilled into a river or lake. This notification must take place within 24 hours of the spill starting. It would require monitoring devices be placed on any Combined Sewer Overflow or Sanitary Sewer Overflow location and additional monitoring done throughout a sewer system.
  
  The Sewage bill had 31 co-sponsors before River Action Day. Following Brian and other activists' work on the hill, they were able to get definite sign-on from another 15 House Representatives and possible sign on from another 30. It appears all of Washington's Representatives have or will sign on to the House bill.
  
  This bill has only just been introduced into the Senate but it looks like both Washington State Senator Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are willing to sign on.
  

• Wild and Scenic Designation
  American Rivers is pushing for 40 additional Wild and Scenic River designations by the 40th anniversary (next year) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Washington currently has parts of 3 rivers designated; Klickitat, White Salmon and Skagit. There is currently 1 river bill pending for Washington; The Wild Sky Bill. There are more than 500 miles of additional rivers that are eligible for designation. When the Wild Sky bill passes, Washington State U.S. Representatives and Senators will consider additional river designations. Possible designations include the Pratt River, Sol Duc River and Illabot River.
  
  As of yet, there are not Wild and Scenic Rivers in Eastern Washington. The Toucannon and Asotin rivers in the Umatilla National Forest and the Kettle River in the Colville National Forest are the only Eastern Washington candidates for consideration at this time. Additional studies could bring this number higher for Eastern Washington.
  

• Clean Water Restoration Act
  The CWRA aims to return the original intent to the Clean Water Act. After years of court decisions and agency precedence, lawmakers are finally working to rebuild the CWA into what it was intended to be. During the River Action Day, Brian had an opportunity to discuss this act with Senators and Representatives. All have agreed to look further into the legislation. Check out www.cleanwaternetwork.org for additional information on this act.