tyler powell deputy secretary of environment state of oklahoma oklahoma municipal league...
TRANSCRIPT
Tyler PowellDeputy Secretary of EnvironmentState of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Municipal League Water/Environment SummitMidwest City, Oklahoma
February 20, 2015
Office of the Oklahoma
Secretary of Energy & Environment
The Ongoing Drought
• There is no “silver bullet” solution to fixing our current or future drought situations
• Governor Fallin encouraging water conservation and cutting state government use of water and launched drought.ok.gov
• Taking the lessons learned from the current and past droughts to lessen future hardships
Image: U.S. Drought Monitor, Oklahoma, http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Population Affected by Drought: 2,868,158
Meeting Water Demand for Today and Tomorrow
• Water availability is going to continue to be an issue for Oklahoma, we must take action to ensure long term availability of water for development.
• Water reuse will be vital to meet future water needs.
• Reminding Oklahoma citizens of the importance of water conservation and developing easy steps they can take.
Images: Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Waters of the United States
• Last year, EPA and the Corps proposed to modify the definition of WOTUS to provide “clarity.”
• Broadens the definition to potentially include any surface waters or “shallow sub-surface connection.” Which would require permitting by the Corps.
• Groundwater is exempted in most cases, but definition could conflict with state law.
Image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District
Opportunity for Assistance
• The Tulsa District of the Corps of Engineers would like to provide assistance with water supply infrastructure to cities and towns.
• COE has certain authorities that can be helpful for construction and funding for critical water infrastructure.
• For more information contact Lori Hunninghake at [email protected]
Image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District
