June 2008 Issue

The Effects of Toxic Chemicals in the Columbia River

Michael Cox of the Environmental Protection Agency and Greg Fuhrer, U.S. Geological Survey, presented information (50k PDF) about the problem of toxic chemicals in the Columbia River system. Some of the contaminants of concern are: DDT, PCB, mercury, and PBDEs (flame retardants).

Bonneville Moves to Address Region's Transmission Needs

Brian Silverstein, Bonneville Power Administration, briefed (1mb PDF) the Council on the agency's plans to address the need for added transmission service. Central to this will be the network open season (NOS), which Silverstein described as a new business model for going forward. Customers that sign long-term contracts will be assured of service, and Bonneville will have the financial certainty to commit to building new transmission facilities. The NOS will be offered at least once a year.

Council Releases Draft Report on High Level Indicators for Fish and Wildlife

Council members approved the release of a draft report on high level indicators for public comment. The report includes biological and implementation indicators that will help determine the progress toward fish and wildlife goals.

Council and Canada's Columbia Basin Trust Highlight Joint Public Information Projects

The Council met with the Columbia Basin Trust, the Council's closest counterpart agency in British Columbia, and approved moving forward on five cross-border projects having to do with public information, including an Internet-based portal to information about the river in its international dimensions and a possible international Columbia River conference in 2009.