Citation:

Hall, E., R. Hall, S. Swanson, W. Yee, D. Kozlowski, M. Philbin, D. Heggem, J. Lin, J. Aron, R. Schafer, D. Guiliano, AND E. Wilson. Assessing Dungeness River Functionality and Effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) Using an Ecological Functional Approach. American Journal of Environmental Engineering. Scientific & Academic Publishing, Rosemead, CA, 9(2):36-54, (2019). https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ajee.20190902.03

Impact/Purpose:

Regulating water pollution is a key Clean Water Act (CWA) tool. Success of the water programs (e.g., CWA Section 303(d) total maximum daily load (TMDL) and CWA Section 319 restoration program) in controlling point source (PS) and nonpoint source (NPS) is based on identifying actions to attain water quality standards (FWPCA, 1972; USEPA 2008). The 2004 USEPA National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress indicates approximately 44% of rivers and streams, and 64% of lakes and reservoirs surveyed are impaired for fishing, swimming, and other uses (USEPA, 2009). Primary causes of impairment are pathogens, habitat alterations, nutrients, and unknown factors. This report raises some interesting questions about the USEPA’s water quality program, and its ability to deal with nonpoint source pollution. After more than 35 years of implementing the CWA and investment of billions in public and private funds, USEPA, states and tribes acknowledge a substantial portion of the nation's waters are still impaired or threatened by NPS pollution. This paper points to an alternative tool for the CWA and shows that this tool can be highly effective in regulating water pollution. This tool could be highly cost effective for all involved in regulating water quality.

Description:

Effective stream and wetland best management practices (BMPs) restore the physical processes of ecosystem function to its potential natural condition. Ecological functions connect stream monitoring and management to address the causes of ecosystem degradation and drivers of restoration. This ecological function approach empowers sustainable management of many ecosystem services including water quality through assimilation, water stability (aquifer recharge), fish and wildlife habitat, and enhancement of focal niches. Dungeness River and Dungeness Bay, in the upper Olympic Peninsula, Washington, has had reduced anadromous fish populations since the early 1960’s. River and Bay have been listed as impaired for sediment and fecal coliform contamination. The area between Port Angeles and Sequim, Clallam County, WA, has experienced 16% growth between 1990 and 2000. US Forest Service (USFS) using proper function condition (PFC) assessment protocol developed a management strategy for the Upper Dungeness River watershed from clear cutting to thinning by identifying concerns and establishing measures to restore ecosystem functions. Remote sensing based PFC assessments determined the stream and wetland riparian ecosystem has improved since the USFS changed its resource management in 1994. Upper, middle and lower reaches of the Dungeness River are in a functional at risk (FAR) condition with an improving (upward) trend. A new flood plain has developed within the channelized/incised section of the river. Riparian vegetation is populating and stabilizing point bars, and water flows are increasing later into the year. Assessing and monitoring the drivers of ecosystem function (vegetation, hydrology, soil and landform) as part of a watershed adaptive management plan, and implementing BMPs to increase functions will improve aquatic habitat and water quality. Cost effective BMPs result from a change in land management practices. Reducing the chance of ecosystem collapse is a more effective means of reducing risks across a watershed.

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