<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Rosemere Neighborhood Association &#187; Northwest Environmental Defense Center</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/tag/northwest-environmental-defense-center/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home</link>
	<description>Dedicated to promoting the welfare of our neighborhood, our community, and our environment.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:42:26 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
		<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
		<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=3.7.41</generator>
	<item>
		<title>Update: New Hurdles for Proposed Oil Terminal</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2016/03/05/update-new-hurdles-for-proposed-oil-terminal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2016/03/05/update-new-hurdles-for-proposed-oil-terminal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 Mar 2016 00:28:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brian Wolfe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efsec]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Port of Vancouver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sierra club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=2091</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our friends at Columbia Riverkeeper, Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC), and Sierra Club learned this week that the Washington State Supreme Court will review the previous lower court rulings in their lawsuit  challenging the Port of Vancouver&#8217;s closed-door meetings in 2013 during the port’s initial consideration of the Tesoro Savage Oil Terminal lease. If they are successful, and win at the Supreme Court level, the potential result could be the court voiding the current lease agreement. From the Columbian: “If we were to prevail at the Supreme Court, we believe the remedy the court should give us is voiding the lease and asking the Port of Vancouver to make a new decision on the lease in light of the information in a final environmental impact statement,” said attorney Miles Johnson with Columbia Riverkeeper. That is not the only challenge facing the Port&#8217;s lease agreement. As the deadline looms for the Port to confirm the terminal lease this summer on August 1st, Port Commissioner Brian Wolfe is re-thinking his support for the project: Late Thursday, Commissioner Brian Wolfe told The Columbian that he hadn’t made up his mind about how he might cast another vote. “Am I prepared to make a decision on it? No,” Wolfe said. “I honestly don’t know; there are so many variables to consider.” Wolfe’s uncertainty turns what was a 3-0 decision nearly three years ago into a big maybe. “It was and will remain a really hard decision between economic development and the environment, in my mind,” Wolfe said. The other two Port Commissioners are divided; Jerry Oliver is expected to re-affirm his support for the terminal, and Eric Labrant,  the newest commissioner, is a longtime opponent to the project, so Wolfe&#8217;s vote could sway the lease vote this summer. And just this past week, local<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2016/03/05/update-new-hurdles-for-proposed-oil-terminal/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2016/03/05/update-new-hurdles-for-proposed-oil-terminal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>BIG WIN FOR CLEAN WATER: CLARK COUNTY AGREES TO IMPROVE SALMON HABITAT AND COMPLY WITH STORMWATER POLLUTION LAWS</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/12/18/big-win-for-clean-water-clark-county-agrees-to-improve-salmon-habitat-and-comply-with-stormwater-pollution-laws/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/12/18/big-win-for-clean-water-clark-county-agrees-to-improve-salmon-habitat-and-comply-with-stormwater-pollution-laws/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2013 04:37:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jan Hasselman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Janette Brimmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stormwater]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=2016</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[December 18, 2013 Contacts: John Felton, Rosemere Neighborhood Association, 360‐993‐4939 Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper, 503‐348‐2436 BIG WIN FOR CLEAN WATER: CLARK COUNTY AGREES TO IMPROVE SALMON HABITAT AND COMPLY WITH STORMWATER POLLUTION LAWS County agrees to comply with stormwater pollution laws, fund significant stream restoration in lieu of potential federal penalties (Vancouver, WA) Clark County Commissioners voted today to improve salmon habitat and reduce dirty stormwater pollution as part of a binding settlement agreement with neighborhood and conservation groups. “This is a win for clean water and healthy salmon runs in Clark County,” said John Felton, chair of the Rosemere Neighborhood Association. “This is a good result for the community as a whole.” Rosemere Neighborhood Association along with Columbia Riverkeeper and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center challenged Clark County’s violation of laws designed to protect salmon and reduce pollution. After the County lost several rounds of litigation, the County has agreed to take steps to correct the problem. Clark County agreed to comply with the Clean Water Act and to provide $3 million in funding to an independent third party, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, that will oversee projects to protect and restore Clark County rivers and streams harmed by stormwater pollution. The settlement will need to be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice and the federal court overseeing the lawsuit. “This agreement means cleaner water and more salmon for the region as a whole,” stated Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper. “The County will now act to reduce polluted stormwater and invest in protecting salmon. It’s a win‐win.” Stormwater pollution, which is created when rain mixes with debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flows into storm sewer systems and then into local waterways, is the number one source of water pollution in urban and developing<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/12/18/big-win-for-clean-water-clark-county-agrees-to-improve-salmon-habitat-and-comply-with-stormwater-pollution-laws/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/12/18/big-win-for-clean-water-clark-county-agrees-to-improve-salmon-habitat-and-comply-with-stormwater-pollution-laws/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>LANDMARK DECISION: Federal Judge Rules Clark County Violated Permit, Clean Water Act from 2008-2011</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/06/07/landmark-decision-federal-judge-rules-clark-county-violated-permit-clean-water-act-from-2008-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/06/07/landmark-decision-federal-judge-rules-clark-county-violated-permit-clean-water-act-from-2008-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2013 03:04:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2013]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[District Court Western District of Washington]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[epa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Janette Brimmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Felton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Judge Ronald B. Leighton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[June 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stormwater]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1971</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[US District Judge Ronald Leighton ruled Thursday Clark County violated their Phase I Permit from August 2008 to December 2011 in what marks a landmark decision for stormwater controls in Washington State. Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center represented by Earthjustice attorneys Jan Hasselman and Janette Brimmer began the fight for enforcing EPA Clean Water standards for polluted stormwater mitigation in 2010 (see story here) In January 2011, the Washington State Pollution Control Board ruled that Clark County’s “alternative” plan for monitoring stormwater was illegal (story here). Clark County subsequently filed an appeal of the Pollution Board’s ruling, but in December 2011, Judge Leighton ruled that pending their appeal, Clark County must comply with Washington State’s stormwater guidelines (story here). Most recently, in May, Judge Leighton found Clark County’s argument for modified stormwater controls “makes no sense,” as the Pollution Control Hearings Board decision was clear that Clark County’s modified Agreed Order with Ecology was “unlawful” and the Permit Modification was “invalid.” &#8220;We are elated that our efforts to protect the environment have yielded such a positive result,&#8221; said John Felton, Chairman, Rosemere Neighborhood Association. From the Summary Judgment ruling: Even viewed in the light most favorable to Clark County, the evidence supports no conclusion other than Clark County is liable for violating the 2007 Phase 1 Permit during this time period. The 2007 Phase 1 Permit required Clark County to adopt the default stormwater flow control standard or an approved alternative by August 16, 2008. Clark County, however, to adopt a flow control ordinance that complied with the Permit. On December 28, 2011, this Court enjoined Clark County from issuing any permit or authorization that fails to meet the Phase 1 Permit’s flow control standards. Prior to the injunction, Clark County authorized numerous development<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/06/07/landmark-decision-federal-judge-rules-clark-county-violated-permit-clean-water-act-from-2008-2011/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/06/07/landmark-decision-federal-judge-rules-clark-county-violated-permit-clean-water-act-from-2008-2011/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>WA State Supreme Court Denies Clark County&#8217;s Stormwater Appeal</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/03/06/wa-state-supreme-court-denies-clark-countys-stormwater-appeal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/03/06/wa-state-supreme-court-denies-clark-countys-stormwater-appeal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 02:41:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[March 5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stormwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WA Supreme Court]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1957</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a unanimous decision, the Washington State Supreme Court has declined to review Clark County&#8217;s appeal of the WA State Court of Appeals stormwater ruling. In September 2012, Washington State Court of Appeals upheld the Pollution Control Hearings Board ruling that Clark County’s weak stormwater plan allowed too much polluted runoff and violates both State and Federal laws to protect clean water. For more on that ruling read here: WA Court of Appeals Rules County’s Plan to Manage Polluted Runoff Illegal Clark County subsequently appealed that decision to the Washington State Supreme Court which on March 5, 2013 issued a 2 page decision denying Clark County&#8217;s petition. View the Washington Supreme Court ruling here: WA Supreme Court Rosemere v Clark County Order Related articles: From The Columbian: &#8220;Rosemere Neighborhood Association, an environmental advocacy group that, along with Columbia Riverkeeper and Northwest Environmental Defense Center, have been winning at every level in their attempt to force Clark County to follow state default standards for managing polluted runoff.&#8221; &#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.Read the full article here: Clark County dealt stormwater setback: State high court refuses to review unfavorable ruling From The Oregonian: Washington Supreme Court rejects Clark County&#8217;s stormwater appeal]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2013/03/06/wa-state-supreme-court-denies-clark-countys-stormwater-appeal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>WA Court of Appeals Rules County’s Plan to Manage Polluted Runoff Illegal</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/09/26/wa-court-of-appeals-rules-county%e2%80%99s-plan-to-manage-polluted-runoff-illegal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/09/26/wa-court-of-appeals-rules-county%e2%80%99s-plan-to-manage-polluted-runoff-illegal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:35:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sole Source Aquifer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia river]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jan Hasselman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase I Permit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stormwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WA Court of Appeals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1913</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2012 Contacts: Jan Hasselman, Earthjustice Dvija Michael Bertish, Rosemere Neighborhood Association Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper Mark Riskedahl, Northwest Environmental Defense Center WA Court of Appeals Rules County’s Plan to Manage Polluted Runoff Illegal Taxpayer subsidy, fish-killing loopholes scrapped by judges as violations to clean water laws Tacoma, WA &#8211; In a major decision with statewide impacts in Washington State, a court of appeals ruled Clark County’s weak development rules that allow too much polluted runoff violate state and federal laws to protect clean water. The ruling, announced late Tuesday, signals an end to the county’s on-going failure to protect rivers, streams and salmon threatened with extinction. “We applaud the court of appeals for recognizing that Clark County’s refusal to comply with clean water laws is unfair to other cities and counties in our state, not to mention industries, that continue to work hard to clean up our polluted waterways,” said Dvija Michael Bertish of the Rosemere Neighborhood Association. “As residents of Clark County who enjoy fishing and swimming in our local rivers, we’re fed up with our elected officials’ attempts to compromise our health and safety—especially when the law requires otherwise.” Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, represented by Earthjustice, challenged Clark County’s adoption of development standards that were too weak to prevent significant harm to the county’s already-stressed rivers and streams. “The Court of Appeals ruling comes down to this—clean water is our future and everyone needs to do their share to keep our water clean,” said Jan Hasselman from Earthjustice, who is representing the groups. Polluted runoff, or stormwater, is a toxic stew of metals, oil, grease, pesticide, herbicides, bacteria and nutrients. When it rains, the toxic runoff drains off roofs and streets in amounts that seriously degrade<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/09/26/wa-court-of-appeals-rules-county%e2%80%99s-plan-to-manage-polluted-runoff-illegal/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/09/26/wa-court-of-appeals-rules-county%e2%80%99s-plan-to-manage-polluted-runoff-illegal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>CITIZENS FIGHT FOR CLEAN WATER IN CLARK COUNTY</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/03/17/citizens-fight-for-clean-water-in-clark-county/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/03/17/citizens-fight-for-clean-water-in-clark-county/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 03:36:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burnt Bridge Creek]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aquifer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Low Impact Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stormwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watershed]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1786</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CITIZENS TAKE ON CLARK COUNTY’S FAILED ATTEMPT TO MAKE TAXPAYERS PAY FOR DEVELOPERS’ STORMWATER POLLUTION Nationwide, stormwater is the leading source of water pollution. This is also true for the Columbia River Basin. In urban areas, rain runs across dirty pavement and roofs, picking up toxic metals, oil, grease, bacteria and other contaminants along the way. Experts across the country agree: the cost of stormwater pollution is steep. Murky, smelly streams and rivers and fish advisories warning people not to eat otherwise healthy, locally caught fish are a stark reminder of the public costs of stormwater pollution. Yet Clark County tried to make taxpayers pay for stormwater impacts that are the responsibility of private development. Taxpayer dollars already support public stormwater infrastructure and now its time for developers to pay their share. IGNORING COMMON SENSE Why is Clark County Trying to Evade Protections for Safe, Swimmable Rivers and Livable Communities? In 2010, local citizens and conservation groups successfully challenged Clark County’s sweetheart deal with Washington State regulators—a deal that made Clark County the only major county in the state to avoid critical steps to reduce stormwater pollution. Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board ruled that the County’s controversial development standards violated state laws to protect clean water. In 2011, a federal court judge also found that Clark County’s actions likely violate the federal Clean Water Act. Not only is Clark County violating the law, it is ignoring the very real economic and quality of life costs associated with stormwater pollution. For example, stormwater pollution: Increases flooding—the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that stormwater causes or contributes to at least one quarter of economic losses due to flooding—or $1 billion per year. Adds costs to providing safe drinking water. Threatens public health. Impacts fishing opportunities and water recreation. CITIZENS FIGHT FOR<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/03/17/citizens-fight-for-clean-water-in-clark-county/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2012/03/17/citizens-fight-for-clean-water-in-clark-county/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Federal Judge Suspends County’s Inadequate Polluted Runoff Standards</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/12/29/federal-judge-suspends-county%e2%80%99s-inadequate-polluted-runoff-standards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/12/29/federal-judge-suspends-county%e2%80%99s-inadequate-polluted-runoff-standards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:56:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sole Source Aquifer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia river]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jan Hasselman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Janette Brimmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Judge Ronald B. Leighton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase I Permit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1762</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2011

Contacts:

Janette Brimmer, Earthjustice, 206-343-7340 ext. 1029
Dvija Michael Bertish, Rosemere Neighborhood Association, 360-281-4747
Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper, 503-348-2436
Federal Judge Suspends County’s Inadequate Polluted Runoff Standards
Injunction requires Clark County to shelve fish-killing loopholes in its development standards

Tacoma, WA.—A Washington state county’s controversial development standards appear to violate federal laws to protect clean water, according to a preliminary ruling by a U.S. District Court Judge.

The decision, issued December 28 by U.S. District Court Judge Ronald B. Leighton, means Clark County must comply with federal clean water laws, like other cities and counties in the state, to protect rivers, streams and salmon threatened with extinction. The ruling applies to development projects permitted or approved by the county on or after the court’s order while a related state court appeal is pending.

Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, represented by Earthjustice, challenged Clark County’s failure to protect threatened salmon.

“Many cities and counties in our state are working hard to clean up polluted waterways and now Clark County must finally do the same,” said Janette Brimmer, an Earthjustice attorney who is representing the groups. “The ruling recognizes that everyone needs to do their share to protect our precious streams, rivers and salmon and that Clark County, like everyone else, must follow the law.”]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/12/29/federal-judge-suspends-county%e2%80%99s-inadequate-polluted-runoff-standards/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>PEAC Comments on Final Environmental Impact Statement for I-5 Columbia River Crossing Project</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/10/25/peac-comments-on-final-environmental-impact-statement-for-i-5-columbia-river-crossing-project/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/10/25/peac-comments-on-final-environmental-impact-statement-for-i-5-columbia-river-crossing-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:53:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columbia River Crossing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sole Source Aquifer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aquifer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Association of Oregon Rail and Trail Advocates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coalition for a Livable Future]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia river crossing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Legal Clinic of Lewis & Clark Law School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[epa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[groundwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oregon Public Health Institute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Audubon Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Title VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upstream Public Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1750</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center (“PEAC”), the Environmental Legal Clinic of Lewis &#38; Clark Law School, has submitted comments on behalf of a coalition of environmental groups on the Columbia River Crossing Project (&#8220;CRC&#8221;) Final Environmental Impact Statement. PEAC clients include Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Coalition for a Livable Future, the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, Columbia Riverkeeper, the Portland Audubon Society, Oregon Public Health Institute, Upstream Public Health, and Association of Oregon Rail and Trail Advocates. PEAC also states that although it specifically represents these groups, it is &#8220;in fact representing the concerns and views of a broad and diverse coalition of groups.&#8221; To date, CRC has established a pattern of ignoring input from these environmental and stakeholder groups concerned about the proposed bridge design impacts to our sole source aquifer, surface and groundwater resources, salmon, air quality, general public health concerns and other environmental impacts. In this document PEAC details all these concerns and the various technical reports behind them, finding, Overall it is remarkable how much incomplete and missing analysis is found when the public reviews this FEIS, which has already cost Oregon and Washington taxpayers more than $130 million. This would be Oregon’s largest public works project, and its taxpayers and the taxpayers of Washington are entitled to a much more thorough and complete analysis, a true comparison of all reasonable alternatives that “sharply defines the issues and provide[s] a clear basis of choice among options” (40 C.F.R. § 1502.14), and a meaningful opportunity to review and comment on all of those things in a supplemental DEIS. While the coalition is not &#8220;anti-bridge&#8221;, it does charge CRC with the responsibility to not harm our environment, destroy our resources or our community and to be fiscally responsible. PEAC concludes with, For all the reasons set forth<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/10/25/peac-comments-on-final-environmental-impact-statement-for-i-5-columbia-river-crossing-project/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/10/25/peac-comments-on-final-environmental-impact-statement-for-i-5-columbia-river-crossing-project/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>PRESS RELEASE: Pollution Control Board Rules Clark County Development Standards Illegal</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/01/06/press-release-pollution-control-board-rules-clark-county-development-standards-illegal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/01/06/press-release-pollution-control-board-rules-clark-county-development-standards-illegal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:13:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia river]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[epa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[groundwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January 6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1608</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[PRESS RELEASE****PRESS RELEASE***PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2011

Contacts:

Jan Hasselman, Earthjustice, 206-343-7340 ext. 25
Dvija Michael Bertish, Rosemere Neighborhood Association, 360-281-4747
Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper, 503-348-2436
Mark Riskedahl, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, 503-768-6673

Appeals Board Rules-- Clark County Development Standards Illegal
Taxpayer subsidy &#038; fish-killing loopholes scrapped

Tumwater, WA.-In a major decision with statewide impacts, a state appeals board today ruled that Clark County's controversial development standards violate state and federal laws to protect clean water.

The ruling, by the state Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB), means the county is out of compliance with federal clean water laws. It signals an end to the county's on-going failure to protect rivers, streams and salmon threatened with extinction.

"Clean water is our future. Clark County has the potential to be a leader in low impact development, parks and green space. These are real growth sectors in our economy and will put people back to work," said Dvija Michael Bertish of the Rosemere Neighborhood Association.

Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, represented by Earthjustice, challenged Clark County's adoption of development standards that were too weak to prevent significant harm to the County's already-stressed rivers and streams.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2011/01/06/press-release-pollution-control-board-rules-clark-county-development-standards-illegal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Press Release: Pollution Control Board Hearing</title>
		<link>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2010/09/17/press-release-pollution-control-board-hearing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2010/09/17/press-release-pollution-control-board-hearing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:04:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Storm Water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clark county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean water act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[columbia riverkeeper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department of ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earthjustice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[epa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northwest Environmental Defense Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pollution Control Hearings Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rosemere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[September 17]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rosemerena.org/home/?p=1541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Press Release******Press Release******Press Release September 17, 2010 Pollution panel to weigh closing illegal loopholes in Washington’s building rules and strong controls for polluted runoff WHAT: The Pollution Control Hearings Board will begin a trial to determine whether to throw out Clark County’s “special lopsided deal” under the state stormwater code. The County’s plan allows harmful development without proper runoff controls. The hearing raises issues of statewide importance, including the question of whether state vesting laws should trump efforts to protect rivers, streams and Puget Sound. The vesting law allows developers to build projects under whatever rules are in place when they file a development application. This lets developers avoid any new rules that may be adopted later, even if the rules are adopted before anything is actually built. WHEN: September 28, 2010 – October 1, 2010 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Pollution Control Hearings Board Environmental Hearings Offices—Room 301 1111 Israel Road S.W. Tumwater, WA 98501 CONTACTS: Jan Hasselman, Earthjustice, 206-719-6512 (cell) Dvija Michael Bertish, Rosemere Neighborhood Association, 360-281-4747 Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper, 503-348-2436 Mark Riskedahl, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, 503-768-6673 BACKGROUND: In February 2010, local residents and clean water advocates filed a challenge to Clark County’s on-going failure to protect rivers, streams and comply with laws limiting stormwater pollution. The county’s contested plan was developed with the Department of Ecology, the agency charged with regulating Clark County under state law and the federal Clean Water Act. The public interest law firm Earthjustice filed an appeal on behalf of the Rosemere Neighborhood Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center asking the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board to throw out a recent agreement between Clark County and the Washington Department of Ecology. Local residents and clean water advocates argue the state authorized inadequate development standards that<a class="more-link" href="http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2010/09/17/press-release-pollution-control-board-hearing/">[Read More...]</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rosemerena.org/home/2010/09/17/press-release-pollution-control-board-hearing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
