winter newsletter 2012 - columbia riverkeeper · effects: animal studies show that phthalates...

RIVER CURRENTS | WINTER NEWSLETTER 2012

Riverkeeper works extensively in Longview to reduce toxic discharge and stop a new coal export terminal (proposed at bottom left).

| PHOTO BY BRETT VANDENHEUVEL

EVERYDAY TOXINS: IN OUR RIVER & YOUR HOME

HANFORD | PLUTONIUM & K BASIN CLEANUP

OR LNG: CITIZENS KEEP PRESSURE ON IN SALEM

THE ECONOMICS OF COAL & LNG EXPORT

COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012 2

Our Vision for the Columbia Riverkeeper’s vision is to restore a Columbia Basin with clean, clear waters flowing cold from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. Our vision is for a Columbia with healthy salmon runs that can support traditional harvest by Native Americans and non-native fishermen. In our vision, a broad range of diverse interests will bring back a Columbia River that parents can let their chil-dren play in without fear of toxic exposure. The Columbia River we work to bring back is bordered by vibrant bands of riparian habitat and home to a rich diversity of native fish and wildlife. In short, our vision is for a Columbia River Basin that the people of the United States and Canada can be proud of. Riverkeeper uses a range of activities to protect and restore the Columbia, including public education, grassroots organizing, enforcement of environmental laws and on-the-river monitoring.

WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG

Our Mission

Columbia Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the water quality of the

Columbia River and all life connected to it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean.

Our strategy for protecting the Columbia includes working in river communities and protecting the people,

fish and wildlife that depend on the Columbia River.

Clean Water. We’ll Fight for It.

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Our Team

BRETT VANDENHEUVEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LAUREN GOLDBERG, STAFF ATTORNEY DAN SERRES, CONSERVATION DIRECTOR LORRI EPSTEIN, WATER QUALITY DIRECTOR KELLY NOKES, PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Our Board

Carter Case, PRESIDENT Laura Guimond, VICE PRESIDENT Captain Peter Wilcox, SECRETARY Cheryl Meyers, TREASURER

Dan Belica | Colleen Coleman | Se-ah-dom Edmo | Kris Gann | Chuck Johnson | Gayle

Kiser | Jason Salmi Klotz | Thane Tienson Karen Trusty

About the Cover Photos by Brett VandenHeuvel | Riverkeeper works extensively in Longview to reduce toxic discharge and stop a new coal export terminal (front). Winter sunshine on the Deschutes (back).


A Letter from the Director We received many wonderful cards, notes, and kind words during the holiday season. “I’m proud to support Columbia Riverkeeper.” “I’m grateful for the vision, dedication, and hard work.” “Thanks for tackling so many big issues on the Columbia today.” Your encouragement and financial support mean a lot to me, our staff, board, and our many volun-teers. You told us that you appreciate the on-the-ground, substantive nature of Riverkeeper’s work. From pushing for new rules that reduce toxic pollution, to collecting samples, to protecting special places, we work to identify the most important threats and opportunities. Thank you all for your continued support of Columbia Riverkeeper as we ramp up our 2012 action. The Clean Water Act - a critical protection for our river that we use everyday - turns 40 years old. We will contin-ue to make sure the law is enforced and celebrate the Act’s accomplishments with events in many communi-ties along the river. Stay tuned on our website and e-news to find out when we are coming to a town near you. Hope to see you soon.

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RIVER NOTES

| Gain valuable work experience | Learn how to use the latest water monitoring technology | Spend time outdoors! | Meet a network of citizens + professionals working to protect the Columbia River

LEARN MORE ONLINE WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG

HOW TO APPLY:

Riverkeeper is looking for Intern Water Quality Technicians to help with our 2012 Water Quality Monitoring programs this summer. We have position open-ings in Hood River, Gresham, Portland, and Longview. Each position includes a stipend and hours are flexible. Please visit our website for more information and share with folks you know who might be interested! Application deadline 2/29.

| RIVERKEEPER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNTIES:

SEND COVER LETTER + RESUME TO [email protected].

JOIN OUR WATER QUALITY MONITORING TEAM THIS SUMMER!

Riverkeeper Executive Director, Brett VandenHeuvel


Everyday TOXIns You probably aren’t surprised to hear that there are toxic chemicals in the Columbia River, but you might be surprised to hear some of the same toxics that pollute our river are also polluting our homes. They escape consumer products, mix with dust, and cling to our skin, clothes, and even food. As they leave our homes, many of them pass through wastewater treatment plants unaffected and are released into our waterways. The following is a guide to some of the toxic chemicals found in your home and what you can do to reduce your exposure and your impact on the environment.

Sources: BPA is found in plastic bottles and containers, and in the lining of food and beverage cans. Effects: Studies have shown that BPA accumulates in the tissues of humans and animals. It can damage the endocrine system (which controls development) and is linked to obesity, diabetes, cancer, reduced fertility, Attention Deficit Disorder, and altered brain de-velopment. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 92% of Americans have BPA in their urine. Reduce your exposure: Purchase plastics marked “BPA-free” or use glass bottles and containers. Avoid storing or microwaving food or bev-erages in plastic containers. Limit your intake of canned foods and buy BPA-free when available (Eden Foods offers some choices).

BPA | Bisphenol A

Sources: PBDEs are used as flame retardants in electronics, furniture, foam products (including baby items), and mattresses. The chemicals escape from the foam, mix with dust, and are inhaled or ingested. Effects: PBDEs accumulate in the environment and in animals, including hu-mans. They damage reproductive, development, and neurological systems, increase the risk of cancer, and disrupt hormone functions. Reduce your exposure: Avoid products containing PBDEs. Repair rips or tears in upholstery and consider replacing products that are breaking down or have loose or exposed foam. Use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter designed to trap small particles.

PBDEs | Polybrominated diphenyl ethers + chlorinated tris ww

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REDUCING TOXIC CHEMICALS IN YOUR HOME

Sources: Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial found in liquid hand soaps, toothpastes, toys, and garments. Effects: Triclosan persists in the environment and accumulates in wildlife and humans. Studies show endocrine disruption even at very low doses. Its use is restricted in Japan and Canada. Reduce your exposure: Avoid triclosan-laden products. Wash hands with plain soap and warm water, which has been shown to work just as well at pre-venting the spread of infections and reducing bacteria on the skin.

Sources: PFC’s are used to make materials stain resistant and stick resistant. They are found in clothing, carpet, furniture, and grease-resistant food packaging (such as pizza boxes and fast food containers). They can also be found in cleaners, paints, hardwood floor protectant, cosmetics and even shampoo. Teflon™ prod-ucts contain PFCs, and Scotchguard ® was made with PFCs until 2002. Effects: PFC’s are extremely persistent and are linked to cancer. Animal studies link PFCs to liver and kidney damage and reproductive problems. Reduce your exposure: Avoid greasy or oily packaged foods since containers, such as microwave popcorn bags, french-fry boxes, and pizza boxes, may contain PFCs. Choose furniture, clothing, and carpets that are not marketed as “stain-resistant”. Avoid personal care products with ingredients that include the words “flouro” or “perflouro”. Avoid Teflon or non-stick cookware, and if you do use them, dis-card when the coatings show sign of wear.

Sources: A fragrance carrier and plasticizer, phthalates are used to make plastics soft and pliable. They are found in a wide array of products (especially those containing polyvinyl chloride or PVC), including vinyl shower curtains, de-tergents, soaps, adhesives, food packaging, inflatable toys, garden hoses, nail polish, lotions, and shampoo. Effects: Animal studies show that Phthalates damage endocrine and reproductive systems, cause the feminization of male genitals, and alter brain development. Initial human studies show phthalates altering DNA in sperm. Reduce your exposure: Avoid products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient. This usually means phthalates are present. Avoid artificial air fresheners. Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Avoid PVC in plastic toys, shower cur-tains, floor coverings, and building materials.

PFCs | Perflourinated compounds

Phthalates | “Plasticizers”

Triclosan | “Antimicrobials”

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IMPORTANCE OF CITIZEN ENFORCEMENT HIGHLIGHTED BY EPA AUDIT

Audit shows abysmal enforcement by states

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General recently released an audit of EPA’s oversight of state enforcement of three environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act. The audit harshly critiques the agency’s failure to oversee enforcement of the nation’s cornerstone environmental laws. In a year when presidential candidates and members of Congress labeled EPA as a “job killing” agency, the audit is a stark reminder that EPA and the states are shirking their duty to protect human health and the environment. Although not directly addressed in the audit, its findings highlight the critical role of citizen groups who exercise their rights under environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, to enforce the law against polluters when the govern-ment turns the other cheek. The audit, bluntly titled, EPA Must Improve Oversight of State Enforcement, reviewed the effectiveness of EPA’s oversight of states’ enforcement of three environmental laws: the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which regulate air, wa-ter, and hazardous waste, respectively. The Clean Water Act, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2012, is the nation’s cornerstone law designed to protect healthy river systems and other waterbodies throughout the nation. Yet in many states the law’s strong protections for public health and healthy river systems is compromised by weak or minimal enforcement. Most commonly, the state—not EPA—acts as the first responder, implementing and enforcing these critical

public health and environmental laws when industry, cities, or others discharge pollution or fail to properly manage hazardous waste. EPA has backstop authority to take action and stop polluters from breaking the law but, as the audit points out, rarely exercises this authority. The audit’s key findings include:

EPA does not administer a consistent national enforcement program;

State enforcement programs frequently do not meet national goals and states do not always take the necessary enforcement actions;

EPA data indicate that noncompliance is high and the level of enforcement is low.

“The report underscores Columbia Riverkeeper’s decade of experience exercising citizens’ right to enforce the Clean Water Act when EPA and the state refuse to act,” explains Riverkeeper’s Staff Attorney Lauren Gold-berg. Notably, the audit found that Oregon and Wash-ington rank at the bottom for effective Clean Water Act enforcement programs. “These findings are consistent with our experience reviewing polluters’ compliance with clean water laws—and the infrequent enforcement ac-tions taken by the states and EPA,” Goldberg stated. Riverkeeper works to enforce clean water laws, bring-ing dozens of industrial and municipal pollution dis-chargers into compliance with the law. We’re also work-ing hard to fight for more funding for state agencies to take the necessary steps to curb pollution and protect wa-ter quality in the Columbia River.

“Law without enforcement is just good advice” Abraham Lincoln

Check out Riverkeeper’s blog to view the complete audit online.


This summer, hundreds of Wash-ington and Oregon residents strongly urged U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to excavate as much plutoni-um as possible from highly contami-nated areas of Hanford’s Central Plateau. In hearings from Portland to the Tri-Cities, kite-boarders, physi-cians, and conservationists pressured DOE to aggressively pursue cleanup of plutonium. According to DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the public’s message was clear and emphatic: plutonium is forever, and it should not be left in Hanford’s soils near the Columbia River. Defying this overwhelming, unanimous sentiment, DOE decided to leave large quantities of uranium,

plutonium, cesium, and other con-taminants in Hanford soils. Most disturbingly, DOE argued that pluto-nium will remain “stable” in Hanford soils for the foreseeable future. Be-cause of its long half-life, plutonium will remain dangerous for over 200,000 years in Hanford’s soils. Yet, DOE’s decision to curtail its cleanup of the Central Plateau assumes that – for those 200,000 years – plutonium will not move into groundwater and ultimately into the Columbia River. DOE reached this conclusion despite expert testimony that demonstrated the potential for plutonium to be-come mobile in Hanford’s soils. Columbia Riverkeeper has called on DOE to withdraw this flawed deci-sion, not only because it fails to pro-

tect the Columbia River, but also be-cause it sets a dangerous precedent for future cleanup decisions. The Hanford Advisory Board, a broad regional board that operates on a consensus basis, has agreed that DOE’s plutonium decision is unac-ceptable, as well.

U.S.DOE PLANS TO LEAVE PLUTONIUM IN SOIL + LIMIT RIVER CLEANUP Plutonium Decision Sets Stage for Inadequate Cleanup

Even as the public and the Han-ford Advisory Board continue to de-bate a controversial decision on plu-tonium cleanup, the DOE and EPA are approaching a major decision for

another area of the Hanford site. In the K Area, a swath of land on the shores of the Columbia River that once stored leaking spent nuclear fuel, Riverkeeper is calling on EPA

and DOE to re-move pollution rather than rely-ing on future re-strictions on how the area will be used. For exam-ple, if DOE and EPA acknowledge that residents along the Colum-bia River could

use irrigation in the future, they will have to dig deeper and remove more pollution. As the decision-making process for cleaning up the K Area and other lands near the Columbia River un-folds, we will continue to update our members on opportunities to com-ment and attend hearings. Your voice is critical to ensure that the federal government does not take shortcuts in the ongoing effort to protect the Columbia River from Hanford’s chemical and radioactive pollution.

What’s Next: Will Agencies Do Better in Hanford’s River Corridor?

HANFORD & THE RIVER |

Hanford’s Central Plateau

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Hanford’s K Area and the Columbia River. www.

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LEARN MORE ONLINE WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG


OREGON LNG: CITIZENS KEEP PRESSURE ON IN SALEM

A delegation of landowners and community activists visited Oregon’s Capitol in December to urge the State to deny LNG projects. The group attended the State Land Board meeting and met with the Department of State Lands (DSL). The group is pictured in the Capitol rotunda, where the State’s 2011 Christmas tree was grown by Oregon Citizens Against the Pipeline (OCAP) members Dallas and Sharon Boge.

In December, Columbia River-keeper convened a delegation of land-owners and community members who live near the Oregon Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline and terminal to attend a meeting of Oregon’s State Land Board and urged the Depart-ment of State Lands (DSL) to investi-gate Oregon LNG. Over 20 landown-ers from six counties presented their stories about how LNG pipeline pro-posals are impacting their lives. The proposed Oregon LNG termi-nal would be located in Warrenton, Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia River. The terminal and its connected,

120-mile, new pipeline would have a dramatic, negative impact on Young’s Bay and key watersheds that are cur-rently being restored for salmon habi-tat. Additionally, the pipeline would carve through family farms, for-estland, and other private lands in or-der to export U.S. natural gas to Asia. In response to our efforts, DSL informed the Port of Astoria and Ore-gon LNG that they do not have au-thority to use state lands for LNG ex-port. According to DSL’s letter, the lease, “while allowing for the import of natural gas, does not allow for the ex-port of natural gas.” As Oregon LNG

seeks investors for an export terminal, this letter will not help. In addition, the State of Oregon also reevaluated the lease terms to quadruple the yearly price. Columbia Riverkeeper and OCAP also asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to terminate its review of the Oregon LNG proposed “import” terminal and pipeline. To learn more about Riverkeeper’s work to protect the Columbia Basin from LNG, contact Dan Serres, River-keeper Conservation Director, at [email protected].

State takes firm stand on Oregon LNG lease in Warrenton

Did the State's letter to Oregon LNG matter? Here is what Investors read on the

LNG Law Blog this month (Yes, there is an industry-

sponsored "LNG Law Blog" and, yes, we read it, but try

not to talk about it at dinnertime):

“An editorial carried in the Daily Astorian argues that Oregon LNG should cancel its LNG project in the face of new challenges. The piece notes that the Oregon De-partment of State Lands recently informed project developers that the lease for the Oregon LNG ter-minal site permits only LNG im-ports, not exports, preventing the company from shifting its project from LNG regasification to liquefaction.”


2012 RIVER RALLY | MAY 4-7 | PORTLAND, OR

What Is River Rally?

Keynotes by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. + Alexandra Cousteau

Panels + Workshops Galore

Learn More + Join Us | www.rivernetwork.org/programs/national-river-rally

The largest gathering of water conservation professionals in the world gathers in Portland this Spring

The 2012 River Rally is an international gathering of the watershed conservation community, and it’s coming here to the Pacific Northwest this Spring. A merger of the annual conferences of the River Network and the Water-keeper Alliance, the combined River Rally conference will be the largest gathering of water conservationists in the world. Staff, board members, volunteers, agencies, trib-al representatives, and individuals interested in water-shed conservation should all consider attending.

Keynote speakers include Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and explorer and filmmaker Alexandra Cousteau. Mr. Kennedy was the former attorney for Hudson Riverkeeper and is one of America’s leading voices for clean water.

With over 90 panels and workshops to choose from, this weekend of learning, networking, and action has some-thing for everyone interested in water protection and restoration. From intensive workshops focusing on the legal framework of laws like the Clean Water Act and panels on energy use and climate change, to fields trips showcasing dam removal success stories in the Gorge, ample opportunities await. Columbia Riverkeeper will play a prominent role in the national conference. Brett will present a panel on Clean Water Act enforcement, Lauren will present on our success in reducing toxic levels in Oregon, and Kelly will show off the beautiful Gorge on a field trip hike.

Riverkeeper’s Lauren Goldberg and Brett VandenHeuvel with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the 2009 Waterkeeper Alliance Conference.

Keynote speakers include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Alexandra Cousteau.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America www.rivernetwork.org


ON THE ROAD

One of the most frequent ques-tions we face at Riverkeeper is “How can you work to protect such an enormous river?” Fair question. At over 1,200 miles, the Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. From its headwaters in Canada to its terminus at the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia is the largest North American tributary to the Pa-cific Ocean. “Our approach is simple: take it one community—one town hall meeting, one volunteer sampling water quality—at a time,” explains Riverkeeper’s Director, Brett VandenHeuvel. “Tackling the seri-ous pollution issues and habitat threats that face the Columbia re-quires working with local river com-munities. In turn, our staff—which are based in the Columbia River Gorge and Portland—work closely with volunteers in communities along the Columbia River. Some-times this is as simple as arranging a weekly conference call with our ac-tive members in Kelso and Longview

who are working to pro-tect the Columbia from coal export. In many cases, our staff will personally attend local hearings and meetings—be it in The Dalles, Astoria, or Richland. We don’t ap-proach our work by staying glued to our desks. Instead, we’ve made a strong commitment to being closely connected with the communities that are directly impacted by the is-sues we’re trying to tackle.” Riverkeeper’s campaign to pro-tect farms, forests, and salmon from liquefied natural gas (LNG) termi-nals and pipelines is a prime exam-ple of this approach. Starting over six years ago, Riverkeeper worked with local farmers and foresters in Yamhill, Forest Grove, and Wood-burn to launch regular community meetings on fighting LNG pipelines. Riverkeeper also established a monthly Lower Columbia Estuary meeting in Wahkiakum County, Washington. “We listen closely to our mem-bers and volunteers who spend their days working and recreating on the Columbia River,” explains River-keeper’s Conservation Director, Dan Serres, who regularly meets with concerned citizens in the Columbia River Estuary and along the LNG pipeline routes. “Folks turn to us for the latest news from the legislature

or agency decisionmakers, and ad-vice on how they can inject their voices in what often feels like a closed-door process. We also look to local communities for direction and input on our campaigns—from re-ducing toxics in Columbia River fish to stopping dirty coal export termi-nals.” Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Monitoring and Adopt-a-River pro-grams are also examples of how Riverkeeper stays connected to river communities, from Wenatchee to Puget Island. For the last six years, Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Direc-tor has led volunteer water quality training sessions in Wenatchee, Hood River, Gresham, Portland, and Longview. With the help of River-keeper’s community-based water quality technicians, Riverkeeper works with over a hundred volun-teers who collect and analyze sam-ples of river water from their com-munity. “These programs have not only gathered important infor-mation about the health of the Co-lumbia, they’ve introduced River-keeper to hundreds of volunteers who might not otherwise connect with our work to protect the river,” explains Riverkeeper’s Water Quali-ty Director, Lorri Epstein.

with Riverkeeper

“Our approach is simple: take it one community—one town hall meeting or one volunteer sam-pling water quality—at a time.”

Brett VandenHeuvel, Riverkeeper Director

Staying Connected While Working to Protect the Northwest’s Largest River


Huge corporate profits at the expense of American citizens and critical habitat By Brett VandenHeuvel| Executive Director

I just returned from a training on coal and natural gas financial issues at New York University Law School. I joined market analysts, lawyers, professors, and activists to share views on the future of U.S. energy. I was particular-ly interested in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal exports - what are market drivers for the rapacious projects threatening the lower Columbia? For the last six years, Columbia River-keeper and citizens across the Northwest have fought tooth and nail to pro-tect some of the world’s most productive wild salmon habitat from the de-structive forces of energy speculators. My time in New York reinforced how our organization’s fight to protect the Columbia fits into the multibillion dollar coal and gas industry’s quest for new global markets.

In 2008, U.S. natural gas prices dropped dramatically after a new technology called “fracking” (check out the documentary Gasland) allowed aggressive gas production. The U.S. market was flooded with cheap gas. The viability of coal-fired power plants in the United States is directly tied to natural gas prices. Coal, long the cheapest and dirtiest source of electricity, is now outcompeted by less expensive gas. With tremendous public pressure to shut down or ret-rofit old, dirty, coal plants, the pru-dent choice is often shut down. The chart to the right shows the signifi-cant decrease in electricity from coal and increase from natural gas. *While transitioning off coal is positive, simply replacing coal with natural gas is not the solution. The black line - renewa-bles - needs far greater growth, along with, of course, better efficiency.

FOLLOW THE MONEY: GAS & COAL PRICES

THE ECONOMICS OF EXPORTING COAL & LNG


Successful efforts to reduce coal use in the U.S. (combined with cheaper gas) has greatly reduced the demand for coal. This creates the perverse effect of coal companies aggressively pursuing an export market. Coal compa-nies like Peabody report profit margins from selling Powder River Basin coal domestically at $1 to $4 per ton. Peabody estimates that selling the same coal to Asia will produce profit margins of $14 per ton, even after ship-ping. There are current proposals to export 100 million tons or more per year, resulting in very large profit. Be-cause coal is by far the largest rail user in the United States, some rail companies also support coal export.

U.S. manufacturers and homeowners benefit from the world’s cheapest natural gas prices because our gas is not tied to the world market. The gas companies are drooling, therefore, over the profit margins of shipping LNG to Asia. The effect on our natural gas price would be significant. A study cited by the U.S. Department of Energy found that building a proposed LNG terminal at Sabine Pass, Louisiana (roughly the same size as the proposed Oregon LNG terminal), may increase the regional gas price by 10%. Despite the huge economic risk of higher gas prices, the U.S. government appears poised to simply rubber-stamp export permits to ship our gas to Asia. Is the State of Oregon standing up to LNG export? The state has sent mixed messages: it has strong con-cerns about the impacts, but just approved a major dredging permit for a new LNG and/or coal export ter-minal in Coos Bay. Actions speak louder than words. Citizens have been incredibly successful in opposing LNG so far. This will need to continue - and ramp up - as the multinational gas giants seek big profits overseas.

THE ECONOMICSOF EXPORTING COAL & LNG

SELLING TO THE HIGHEST BUYER: NATURAL GAS EXPORT

THE PROMISE OF BIG PROFITS OVERSEAS: COAL EXPORT

Rally against coal export in Bellingham, WA.


Exporting coal, however, faces tremen-dous challenges. First, siting a coal export terminal in Oregon and Washington will be extremely difficult due to strong public oppo-sition and the lack of suitable locations, which require deep-draft ports, rail access, and huge storage space for dirty coal. Coal ports and trains are dirty and harm public health. Second, the Asian energy market is fickle and few ports are willing to build infrastructure to bet on coal. Riverkeep-er’s Fall 2011 newsletter detailed why most public ports have rejected coal export and how coal proposals failed at the Port of Portland and Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s. Third, citizens of the Northwest are not in the mood to use taxpayer money to pay millions of dollars for needed infrastructure and rail upgrades for private profit and dirty coal.

“. . . resistance from local communities and environmental advocates is formidable and not to be underestimated. Expect contentious liti-

gation and local politics to make or break the Powder River Basin coal’s ability to access west coast ports.”

— Coal Analyst Richard Morse in the October issue of World Coal

In the span of less than one generation, the mighty Columbia was drastically altered in the name of cheap ener-gy: hydropower. Today, the ever-changing global energy market is putting new pressure on the health and recov-ery of Columbia’s iconic salmon runs. Could the face of the Columbia again change with dirty coal and LNG ter-minals dominating the lower river, a dramatic spike in mega ocean-going vessels, and the dredging of thousands of acres of river sediment. At Riverkeeper, we’re working hard to ensure that our regional and national investment in restoring strong, healthy salmon runs and thriving river communities is not lost to the short term whims of the global energy market.

THE ECONOMICSOF EXPORTING COAL & LNG

A NEW CHAPTER OF ENERGY SPECULATION ON THE COLUMBIA


UPCOMING EVENTS

| Meet Board President, Carter Case An environmentalist since serv-ing as President of his high school’s Conservation Club in the late 1960’s, Riverkeeper ‘s current President of the Board of Directors has been ac-tive with the organization since 2006. Carter Case is a Portland-based restaurant designer and consultant of over 30 years experience and has de-signed such Portland landmarks as the Heathman Hotel, the Paragon, Voodoo Doughnuts, and Brasserie Montmarte. His work has also ex-tended through the Gorge with the Celilo Inn and the Water’s Edge Bis-tro in The Dalles. Along the now free-flowing White Salmon River, he re-cently remodeled The Logs Tavern, a historically significant and unique log cabin-turned-restaurant soon to open

in BZ Corners, WA. Carter’s knack for event planning and connections within the Portland restaurant commu-nity are often at the forefront of River-keeper’s annual fundraisers when it comes to venue se-lection, catering, and ambiance. His moti-vation for generously donating his time and talents to Riverkeeper is a simple yet sincere love of the mighty Columbia River. When not focused on a new de-sign project, Carter also spends his time volunteering with Multnomah

County’s Healthy Retail Initiative whose goal is to get healthier foods into small ethnic grocery stores in Portland. Carter is helping store own-ers re-design their stores to allow for the sale of fresh produce.

Riverkeeper Board President, Carter Case.

FACES OF RIVERKEEPER

Join us Thursday, May 10th in Hood River as we cele-brate the 4th Annual Spirit of the River– Hood River. An evening of remembrance and celebration of the Columbia’s everlasting spirit, this year’s event will feature an exhibit of historic photographs from Celilo Falls. View this collection of over 40 prints that capture the beauty and culture of a once wild Columbia River. Performances by local poets, musicians, and dancers will celebrate the continued vitality of the great river of the west. This year’s event will be held in the beautiful facilities of Springhouse Cellars, featuring an outdoor exhibit and performance stage (dependent on weather). Join our email list online and watch for more de-tails to come this Spring.

SPIRIT OF THE RIVER, HOOD RIVER | THURS. MAY 10th 6-8 PM | Springhouse Cellars . 13 Railroad Street . Hood River


THANK YOU SUPPORTERS Foundation Support

Bullitt Foundation Burning Foundation

Changing Horizons Foundation Earth Share Oregon

Energy Foundation Funding Exchange

Jiji Foundation Jubitz Family Foundation

Mitzvah Foundation NW Fund for the Environment

Oregon Community Foundation Templeton Foundation

Tides Foundation William B Wiener, Jr. Foundation

Rockefeller Family Fund Wallace Global Fund

Supporters Oct. 2011– Jan. 15, 2012 Robert & Kerstin Adams

Harriet Anderson Stephen Arch

Ronald Atwood Marc Auerbach

Aveda Institute Portland Betsy Ayers

Carolyn Azure Judith Barbuto Susan Bardeen

Ken Barker Claudia Barnes

Elizabeth Bartell Kayrene Beck Stewart Bell

Jane Betts-Stover Winnie Beu Caren Black

Ruth Blackburn Jeff Blackwood

John Bleakmore Jim Boaz

Frank Bocarde Sharon Boge Philip Brady Larry Brandt

Peter Bray Bobbi Brice

Dave Bronson Lucile W. Brook Donald Brown Liv Brumfield Betty Brumm

Becky Brun Tom Buchele Wendy Busch

Catherine Butler Kathleen Carl

Douglas Charters Nancy Christie

Louise Clare Frances Coffield

David Cruickshank Mary Lou Daily Kristina Detjen

Carol Dew Mark Dix

Carl Dominey Deborah Donnelly Robger Dorband

Sam Drevo Lori Durheim

Daniel Eggleston Patricia Ekman Judith Emerson Ashley Erdely Janet Essley

Robert Ewing Frans Eykel Megan Faria

Scott Fernandez Mark Fischer

Christine Fisher Betty Flick

Andrea Flint Carol Folk

Brent Foster Elizabeth Foster

Joyce & Robert Foster Jeff Fryer Kris Gann

Karen Garber Steve Gates

Marshall Goldberg Phil Goldsmith Lucia Gonzalez

Cecelia Goodnight John Green

Stephen Grove Lorrie Haight

Hanna, McEldowney, & Associates

Rhys Harriman Tom Hartland Arthur Hauge

Suzanne Haynes Willis Heavenrich Jeanne Henderson Alan C. Hershamn

Mary Hicks Kelly Hochendoner

Wendela Howie Roger Hull

Barbara Hume Corinne Ilvedson

McLaren Innes Donald Isaacson

Mark Jenkins Cheryl Johnson

Liz Johnson Jessie Jones

Kathleen Jones James Kelly

Joseph Kelsey Gayle Kiser

Morley Knoll Ben Koker

Harold Kriesel Carlene Krueger Belinda Kruger Elizabeth Lang Susan Lanker

Carolyn Zimmerman- Larson

Charles Law Kristin Lee

J. Kirk Leonard Heidi Logosz

Lower Columbia Clinic Ken Macdonald

Gloria Mackenzie Stefan Malecek

Elizabeth Mannarino Harriette Maranze

Georgia Marincovich Daniel Marvin Robert Marvos

Julianne Matzell Vicki McAfee

Molly McCully Brown Hugh McMahan Kathleen Merritt Johanna Metzger Herman Migliore

Marilyn Miller Robin Miller Jim Minick

Gary Miniszewski Velda Mitchell Edward Moen

Charles Montgomery Moreland Frameworks

Gary Moucka Gary Muehlberg Michael Mullett

Nancy Munn Jennifer Munson

Kevin Murphy Pauline Nathan Allen Neuringer

Laureen Nussbaum Joe Oakes

Ocean View Cremation and Burial Service

Edward Osborn Rachael Osborn

Thomas Penchoen Ilsa Perse

A.S. Patterson Sandy Polishuk

Jo Pomeroy-Crockett Melissa Powers

Marilyn Putman Brian Puziss

Randall Weisberg Steven Rander

Jane Rees Robert Reid Dell Rhodes

Lewis Richardson Caralee Roberts

Rebecca Robinson Jack Rock

Mont Rock Roger Rocka Richard Roy Glenda Ryan

Joseph Sacamano Daniel Sager Bill Sauber

Joyce Sauber Joanne Sayles John Schmidt

Theodora Schrier Sharon Shrock Paul Seamons Linda Serres

Larry Shadbolt Bonnie Shannon Melody Shapiro

Carolyn Shepherd Karen Sheridan

Patricia Sims Julie Smith

Mary Lou Soscia Sha Spady

Cummins Speakman Diane Speakman

Ueli Stadler Nicole Good Stefani

Charles Stephens Merrill Stephens

Larry Stryker Susan Svensson Nancy Sweeney Karin Temple Kim Thomas

Deborah Thrall Thane Tienson

Celia Tippit Peggy Toole Janet Torline

Florence Wagner Adina Walsh Joan Walsh

Jennifer West Lynn Weyand Martha White

John Whittlesey Peter Wilcox Mary Wilson Rod Windle

Lawrence Woelfer W.R. Wollenbecker

John Wood Steven Woolpert

Kate Young

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Permit No. 1

EVERYDAY TOXINS: IN OUR RIVER & YOUR HOME

HANFORD | PLUTONIUM & K BASIN CLEANUP

OR LNG: CITIZENS KEEP PRESSURE ON IN SALEM

THE ECONOMICS OF COAL & LNG EXPORT

RIVER CURRENTS | WINTER NEWSLETTER 2012 Winter sunshine on the Deschutes. | PHOTO BY BRETT VANDENHEUVEL

winter newsletter 2012 - columbia riverkeeper · effects: animal studies show that phthalates...

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