Here are Beyond Toxics’ comments for the EPA/NOAA proposal to disapprove Oregon’s nonpoint source pollution plans for water quality in coastal communities of Oregon. These comments were put together lovingly by Laurie Bernstein and Lisa Arkin.
Background
Two federal agencies have asked for public comment on their proposal to disapprove Oregon’s Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program under the federal law known as “CZARA.” This is your opportunity to comment on how well Oregon controls nonpoint source pollution – basically everything that does not come from the end of a pipe – and how well it protects riparian and wetlands habitats. Comments are due by March 20, 2014.
What is CZARA?
CZARA stands for Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments. Congress passed CZARA because coastal watersheds suffer from uncontrolled nonpoint source pollution and are particularly important environments to protect. Congress wanted to provide a strong inducement to States to do something about the problem of nonpoint source pollution by threatening to cut their federal funding
