For the first time in 20 years, you have an opportunity to be a voice for aquatic life when Oregon Department of Environmental Quality releases its draft aquatic life rules for public comment in February.
For the past year, the Deschutes River Alliance has closely monitored the DEQ aquatic rulemaking process regarding aquatic life.
Based on the draft rules, DRA expects that some standards will be relaxed and these changes are not based in science. The public comment period is expected open in February, and supporters of the lower Deschutes River need to make their voices heard in order to get the best possible standards and protect the aquatic life in the lower Deschutes.
How to make your voice heard
• Submit public comments – DRA will have a list of concerns based on the draft rules document when it is released
• Sign up and attend the public hearing when the date is announced.
• Sign up for DRA’s email blasts and follow our Facebook and Instagram – these are the best way to receive updates, reminders and how to attend the meeting and submit comments.
Background
DEQ is responsible for setting and enforcing water quality standards on Oregon waterways. The Aquatic Life Rulemaking standards determine if fish thrive or simply survive.
Because our waterways are at continued risk due to climate change and increasing water demand from people and agriculture, it is critical the standards are optimal for fish, and other aquatic life, to thrive because once these standards are set, they are enforced by DEQ and governed by the national Clean Water Act.
As part of the rulemaking process, the maps that detail where and when water quality standards apply, will also be updated for the first time in 20 years. During that time, improved fish passage, the reintroduction of native species, updates on when and where fish species are distributed, and improved mapping technology has occurred as well as the effects of climate change.
How rules are applied
DEQ applies rules and standards to waterways depending on defined aquatic life use of the water and waterway. As an example, DEQ applies standards (i.e. temperature, pH levels, etc) to stream areas identified by the species use such as spawning and juvenile-rearing habitat or cold water habitat. If one of those uses required a higher water quality standard, like spawning, the higher standard becomes the benchmark for the standard used for that area.
DEQ can also decide to change the standards if they determine the use has changed or is no longer necessary. Such changes can cause a decline in water quality and damage to the most vulnerable species or use. These types of decisions are part of the rulemaking process and why it is crucial to let DEQ know aquatic life requires the highest water quality standards possible and the enforcement of those standards.
This year, changes to the dissolved oxygen (DO) standard that protect salmon and trout spawning are being proposed. Since colder water has a higher concentration of DO, colder water creates a better environment for salmon, trout, and steelhead and is key to their success.
Based on current information, the DRA has identified some key points and our response and recommendations for the draft document. Read the proposed rules when they are released in February. Our responses can then be used to help you with your comments to DEQ.
The DRA encourages you to voice your opinion during this unique and critical opportunity to protect our waterways and the aquatic life that depends upon them.
Deschutes River Alliance: Cooler, cleaner H2O for the lower Deschutes River.
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