Blocked image
	Without proper cleanup, abandoned mine sites throughout Montana will continue to pollute ground and surface waters.

Q: Linda, what was one of the most daunting challenges for getting the State Restoration GIS database together?

A: One of the significant challenges was to design a database system that serves the grassroots users in Montana: legislators, watershed coordinators, conservation district supervisors, economic developers and program managers in public sector agencies. I conducted sixteen focus groups and interviewed more than one hundred individuals to secure input. Within the focus groups, there was a need to attain a common ground. Restoration activities are a joint endeavor of nature and business, and the guiding principles of ecological stewardship and business management are similar. Both reject waste while embracing responsible oversight and investments to create greater long-term returns. In restoring Montana's ecosystems, we set a goal to work for environmental as well as economic prosperity, which are compatible and simultaneously attainable. The database naturally reflects these dual outcomes.

Q: In terms of stream restoration projects, what are some of the features you find most helpful with this database and why?

A: The features in the State Restoration Projects Map have been developed to help key stakeholders understand the economic impact of the restoration economy. For example, community-based project managers can identify best management practices. Public-sector program planners can use the database to coordinate efforts for future projects, and land-use planners have additional data tools for the decision making process. People who want to learn more about water projects in Montana will discover more than 300 projects funded or managed by a wide array of organizations ranging from agriculture to schools. The restoration map has been designed to allow users to search at many different levels. For example, they can search by agency and discover that Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Future Fisheries has 81 projects; the umbrella category, water, identified 318 projects, and the advanced search query asking for data from FWP (Future Fisheries) and DEQ 319 projects with a water focus displayed 162 projects.

Q: How can the database be used to help create a comprehensive state plan for stream restoration projects?

Blocked image
Restoration work to clean up toxic sediment at the former Milltown Dam site near the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers is scheduled to continue into 2012.

A: The database is designed and programmed to produce detailed information on a statewide basis, as well as a geographic area, that will help planning efforts. Currently, the database does not reflect Montana projects funded or managed by watershed groups, conservation districts, federal agencies or non-profit organizations. The goal for the database is to capture these datasets. This undertaking will require the cooperation of many partners and funding to add new data and maintain its currency and accuracy. This would result in Montana having all of its restoration data located in a centralized repository and available for state and regional planning efforts.

Q: Does this information provide evidence of economic and environmental benefits to the state?

A: Yes, the system was definitely designed to calculate the economic impact for Montana as a whole and at more refined levels, such as by legislative district, county, watershed and agency. From an economic impact perspective, Montana's restoration and conservation work from 2006 to 2009 has generated more than $2 billion. The home page of the Projects Map can generate PDF reports that produce financial information. And each project in the database contains a project description that would define the environmental benefits-such as a DEQ 319 project on the Ruby River where corrals were moved to a new location to protect a specific riparian area.

Q: How will the database support the governor's initiative to bring a restoration economy to Montana?

A: Montana's restoration economy has resulted in billions of dollars being invested in restoring and enhancing the state's critical natural resource base. The database provides valuable information as to the scope of past current projects, as well as insights into where the state needs to continue in the future. As more information is compiled, the database will also include state, federal, and private funding sources applicable to Montana restoration projects. A restoration economy provides the foundation for even more jobs in the future as we transition from high paying restoration jobs to high paying jobs based on the wise use of restored resources.

But first, we must clean up the soil and water. For example, Montana still has thousands of abandoned mining sites that leak toxins into streams and groundwater. Environmental restoration is an ethic, a culture and an industry..that focuses social, economic and environmental forces on the common goal of a sustainable environment and a sustainable economy. And, as new technologies are developed in Montana for restoration and sustainability, they can be exported to other areas for the benefit of all.

Blocked image

The webinar will be Tuesday, December 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants will only need internet access to participate. For more information email Steve Guettermann or register at the webinar website.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER

	Blocked image
	Bob Sanders and Rock of the Montana DU team.

Q: Ducks Unlimited has great success combining the efforts of natural resource agencies and private landowners with habitat conservation. What makes DU's formula for building consensus so successful?

A: Ducks Unlimited has been conserving North America's wetlands since 1937 and has delivered over 500 conservation projects in Montana since 1984. The key to success has been in developing a landscape-level approach that is based on strong partnerships with government agencies and landowners. DU has a multi-faceted program that addresses wetland restoration, grassland and wetland protection through tools such as conservation easements and public policy outreach to promote legislation that benefits waterfowl habitat.

Q: Has perception of wetlands changed from the past?

A: Yes! Historically, wetlands have been viewed by many people as obstacles to development, a view that has led to the draining and filling of over half of Montana's wetlands. This view has changed dramatically over the past few decades as our knowledge and appreciation of the diverse values of wetlands has developed. In addition to providing prime habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, the public now recognizes many other values provided by wetlands. These include recreational opportunities, water purification, ground water recharge, flood control, carbon sequestration and aesthetic values. Although wetlands comprise less than 2% of Montana's landscape, they provide a disproportionately high level of benefit. Many people now view wetlands as an asset that should be conserved.

Blocked image
Strauser Wetlands Reserve Program project constructed by DU, northwest of Havre.

Q: The Prairie Pothole Region of northeast Montana and the Dakotas is referred to as "North America's duck factory." What water and land use issues pose the most significant challenges to protecting this region for waterfowl?

A: The two biggest issues facing waterfowl conservation in Montana are demands on our water resource and the conversion of native grasslands to row crop agriculture. As we are all too well aware, the demands on Montana's water are increasing constantly. More often than not, the use of water for wetland restoration takes a back seat to demands such as urban development and row crop agriculture. Given the fact that wetlands provide many important values to society, the question about how much of our limited water supply should be dedicated to wetland use is a critical one.

A similar question could be asked about our remaining native grasslands in Montana and the Dakotas. We are losing approximately 10,000 acres of native prairie a year in Montana; much of that land is in areas with highly erodible soils. Strong partnerships between conservation groups and ranchers are one way we can keep grasslands and wetlands intact while sustaining strong rural economies.

Q: Wetlands restoration work can be tricky after the natural wetland has been drained. What does DU do to assure restoration work accomplishes its duck habitat objectives?

A: Successful wetland restoration requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the highest quality habitat is produced in as cost-effective manner as possible. DU's approach involves a team of biologists, surveyors, engineers, draftsmen and real estate specialists who work together with government agencies and private landowners to deliver wetland habitat projects. Location of the project site relative to high waterfowl use areas, desired wetland habitat types to be restored, topography of the site, soils, water supply, investigation of water rights, and obtaining all necessary permits are just a few of the tasks that DU and our partners need to address when delivering a wetland project. Once the project is constructed, DU biologists assist land managers with development of water management plans that serve to maximize wetland habitat benefits and efficiency of water use. In addition to on-the-ground project delivery, DU provides financial support for wetland projects throughout the state.

	Blocked image
	DU and Partners' project at Ninepipe State Wildlife Area in the Mission Valley.

Q: Conservation is a way to offset habitat lost due to development. What else needs to be done to protect wetlands and other waterfowl habitat and migratory routes for the birds?

A: Conservation of large grassland and wetland complexes throughout the northern Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada is the key to the long-term viability of North America's breeding grounds for waterfowl and grassland birds. As demands for water and cropland increase, it becomes increasingly important to conserve remaining habitats if wildlife populations and wetland functions are going to remain intact. Voluntary, incentive-based programs, such as those offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, provide landowners with conservation options and economic incentives to conserve wildlife habitat. DU supports programs such as NRCS's Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wetland and Grassland Easement program by providing funding and delivery capabilities to the agencies, and encouraging elected officials to provide sufficient funding for these programs.

More information about DU can be found at the DU website.

Blocked image

The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program assessed water quality in untreated water from 932 public wells in the U.S., and in treated and source water from 94 of these wells. The study describes the occurrence of man-made contaminants in source water from public wells and their potential significance to human health. More findings, including FAQs, technical information and Congressional briefing documents are available on the USGS website. Additional questions and comments may also be emailed to Patricia Toccalino, USGS hydrologist and lead scientist of the assessment.

USGS Report: Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems

A new USGS report explains the effects of urban development on stream ecosystem health. Learn more about how stream ecosystems respond to urban development from USGS reports and video podcasts on the USGS website.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER

	Blocked image
	Dusti Lowndes conducts a sanitary survey on a water system.

Among the most important resources we have are our drinking water and wastewater facilities. As these are often near surface water sites, they are vulnerable to floods, making drinking water especially susceptible to contamination. Local water systems can be overwhelmed and have disrupted service for many reasons including massive water leaks, floods and excessive demand such as for fighting a major fire. Communities can find themselves without the necessary number of technical experts and equipment to get the utility back into service quickly. That's where MT WARN comes in. It is Montana's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.

Recently we spoke with Dusti Lowndes of Montana DEQ about MT WARN. Based out of Kalispell, Dusti is DEQ's Public Water Supply Security & Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and serves on the MT WARN Steering Committee.

Blocked image

Q: What is the purpose of MT WARN?

A: Let me first say that WARN is a program initiated and supported nationally for the past three years by the EPA, American Water Works Association, National Rural Water Association, Midwest Assistance, Water Environment Federation and many more. Currently forty seven states have their own state WARNs. Montana's WARN has been active since 2008. It provides a method whereby water/wastewater utilities members that anticipate or have sustained damages from natural or human-caused incidents can provide and receive emergency aid and assistance in the form of personnel, equipment, materials, and other services from other water/wastewater utilities. The objective of this network is to provide rapid, short-term deployment of services to restore the critical operations of the affected water/wastewater utility.

Q: How do utilities participate?

A: The backbone of the WARN concept is the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. The Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement provides for network activation, reimbursement, liability and other issues as mutually agreed upon by participating utilities. Keep in mind this program is strictly voluntary. Even after signing an agreement a utility is not required to provide requested assistance.

However, WARN networks are built upon certain realities. For example, water utilities require specialized resources to sustain operations, so often relief can only come from a comparably equipped utility with certified water operators or personnel who understand the situation and how to operate water utilities and protect public health. And the utility's employees may also be negatively impacted by an emergency, so a local response may not be possible, let alone adequate. With local or regional resources available, we can have help in place before the federal government can respond and even before an emergency is declared. This can save money, property and lives.

	Blocked image
	Emergency service workers coordinate efforts when calls for help come.

Q: Has MT WARN responded to an emergency yet?

A: Fortunately no, but we have been able to share small specific event information with each other. It is just a matter of time before our first active response, so we continue to prepare and stay vigilant. A good example of how the network could operate comes from Colorado WARN. A salmonella outbreak occurred in Alamosa, Colorado and the CoWARN was activated on March 19, 2008 to assist. The source of the contamination was quickly pinpointed to the drinking water system. Although the ground water source was not contaminated, contamination was found throughout the distribution system and storage tank.

During this incident, 23 water and wastewater utilities, industry support organizations/agencies and the State of Nebraska (through the Mid-America Alliance) assisted Alamosa. Work included public notices, phases of system flushing, disinfection, sampling, and massive distribution of water to residents from other potable sources. CoWARN members provided technical expertise, manpower, equipment and supplies to Alamosa that were critical to proper system disinfection and water sampling throughout the flushing events and into system recovery. Often the crews of CoWARN worked 12 hour shifts. Nearly a month later, all restrictions were lifted and residents were informed the water was safe to drink.

Q: In Montana, if a water utility responds to a request for help from another, is the responding utility reimbursed? If so, how will that work?

Blocked image
Men underground keep things working above ground.

A: Oh definitely! That is why the signed mutual aid agreement by the participating member utilities is so important because it spells out liability and reimbursement concerns. In our operational plan, there are forms and a checklist to guide requesting and responding utilities with the process. The systems will need to communicate with each other after they have found who can assist and get some details ironed out such as when, where, who, what, and how. We are also holding training sessions for the members and will be conducting table top exercises to practice protocols and methods.

Q: What's the current status of the Montana WARN network?

A: The network is growing and we recently launched a website that has a public area for news and events, as well as the secure log-in side for members and agencies. Approximately a dozen utilities currently belong to the Montana WARN network, but its strength will come from greater participation from more of the thousands of water/wastewater systems in Montana. Anyone interested can go to the website and contact members of the steering committee for more information. Being a member of this network broadens the sense of people helping each other and sharing resources, and it is governed by the utilities members, themselves.

Blocked image

A field trip is planned for the afternoon of October 13 to the Rimini/Ten-Mile Creek area, with a likely stop at an MBMG hydrologic study site. Robert Glennon, author of "Unquenchable" and other writings about ways to solve the country's water crises, is a keynote speaker and will do a book signing Thursday evening during the poster session/social hour. More details will follow later!

Blocked image

Three meetings will be held in Montana in June and August. Tribal-focus meetings run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Public meetings will run from 5 to 8 p.m. with an open-house from 5 to 7 p.m. and the final hour will be reserved for public speakers' comments. For information and meeting details please visit the MRAPS website.

Blocked image

Sponsored by the Madison River Foundation and held annually on the banks of the Madison, this gala evening set for June 25, 2010, features fine wine and dining, its signature "One Day on the Madison" silent art auction featuring paintings created that day by six local artists, a live auction, and more. All proceeds go to support the Foundation's mission and projects. Email the Madison River Foundation for more information.

Madison River Noxious Weed Mapping

On July 27, volunteers from the Madison River Foundation, Trout Unlimited and other groups will split up and float the Madison from Quake Lake to Three Forks noting weed types and locations to create a GPS map of noxious weeds along the river's banks. To participate in the mapping, email the Madison River Foundation.

Blocked image

If interested in the RFP, please email Lynda Saul at DEQ for an information sheet about submitting a pre-proposal for Montana Wetland Grant Peer Review. Emailed pre-proposals to Lynda Saul are due June 4, 2010. The 4-page pre-proposal should fully describe the project: include summary, project description, tasks and timeline, budget, partners, how the project addresses the State's Strategic Framework and EPA's core elements. Written comments summarizing Grant Review Team input will be emailed by June 16. Final proposals are due July 9, 2010 to EPA Region 8.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER

	Blocked image
	Without proper cleanup, abandoned mine sites throughout Montana will continue to pollute ground and surface waters.

Q: Linda, what was one of the most daunting challenges for getting the State Restoration GIS database together?

A: One of the significant challenges was to design a database system that serves the grassroots users in Montana: legislators, watershed coordinators, conservation district supervisors, economic developers and program managers in public sector agencies. I conducted sixteen focus groups and interviewed more than one hundred individuals to secure input. Within the focus groups, there was a need to attain a common ground. Restoration activities are a joint endeavor of nature and business, and the guiding principles of ecological stewardship and business management are similar. Both reject waste while embracing responsible oversight and investments to create greater long-term returns. In restoring Montana's ecosystems, we set a goal to work for environmental as well as economic prosperity, which are compatible and simultaneously attainable. The database naturally reflects these dual outcomes.

Q: In terms of stream restoration projects, what are some of the features you find most helpful with this database and why?

A: The features in the State Restoration Projects Map have been developed to help key stakeholders understand the economic impact of the restoration economy. For example, community-based project managers can identify best management practices. Public-sector program planners can use the database to coordinate efforts for future projects, and land-use planners have additional data tools for the decision making process. People who want to learn more about water projects in Montana will discover more than 300 projects funded or managed by a wide array of organizations ranging from agriculture to schools. The restoration map has been designed to allow users to search at many different levels. For example, they can search by agency and discover that Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Future Fisheries has 81 projects; the umbrella category, water, identified 318 projects, and the advanced search query asking for data from FWP (Future Fisheries) and DEQ 319 projects with a water focus displayed 162 projects.

Q: How can the database be used to help create a comprehensive state plan for stream restoration projects?

Blocked image
Restoration work to clean up toxic sediment at the former Milltown Dam site near the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers is scheduled to continue into 2012.

A: The database is designed and programmed to produce detailed information on a statewide basis, as well as a geographic area, that will help planning efforts. Currently, the database does not reflect Montana projects funded or managed by watershed groups, conservation districts, federal agencies or non-profit organizations. The goal for the database is to capture these datasets. This undertaking will require the cooperation of many partners and funding to add new data and maintain its currency and accuracy. This would result in Montana having all of its restoration data located in a centralized repository and available for state and regional planning efforts.

Q: Does this information provide evidence of economic and environmental benefits to the state?

A: Yes, the system was definitely designed to calculate the economic impact for Montana as a whole and at more refined levels, such as by legislative district, county, watershed and agency. From an economic impact perspective, Montana's restoration and conservation work from 2006 to 2009 has generated more than $2 billion. The home page of the Projects Map can generate PDF reports that produce financial information. And each project in the database contains a project description that would define the environmental benefits-such as a DEQ 319 project on the Ruby River where corrals were moved to a new location to protect a specific riparian area.

Q: How will the database support the governor's initiative to bring a restoration economy to Montana?

A: Montana's restoration economy has resulted in billions of dollars being invested in restoring and enhancing the state's critical natural resource base. The database provides valuable information as to the scope of past current projects, as well as insights into where the state needs to continue in the future. As more information is compiled, the database will also include state, federal, and private funding sources applicable to Montana restoration projects. A restoration economy provides the foundation for even more jobs in the future as we transition from high paying restoration jobs to high paying jobs based on the wise use of restored resources.

But first, we must clean up the soil and water. For example, Montana still has thousands of abandoned mining sites that leak toxins into streams and groundwater. Environmental restoration is an ethic, a culture and an industry..that focuses social, economic and environmental forces on the common goal of a sustainable environment and a sustainable economy. And, as new technologies are developed in Montana for restoration and sustainability, they can be exported to other areas for the benefit of all.

Blocked image

The webinar will be Tuesday, December 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants will only need internet access to participate. For more information email Steve Guettermann or register at the webinar website.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER

	Blocked image
	Bob Sanders and Rock of the Montana DU team.

Q: Ducks Unlimited has great success combining the efforts of natural resource agencies and private landowners with habitat conservation. What makes DU's formula for building consensus so successful?

A: Ducks Unlimited has been conserving North America's wetlands since 1937 and has delivered over 500 conservation projects in Montana since 1984. The key to success has been in developing a landscape-level approach that is based on strong partnerships with government agencies and landowners. DU has a multi-faceted program that addresses wetland restoration, grassland and wetland protection through tools such as conservation easements and public policy outreach to promote legislation that benefits waterfowl habitat.

Q: Has perception of wetlands changed from the past?

A: Yes! Historically, wetlands have been viewed by many people as obstacles to development, a view that has led to the draining and filling of over half of Montana's wetlands. This view has changed dramatically over the past few decades as our knowledge and appreciation of the diverse values of wetlands has developed. In addition to providing prime habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, the public now recognizes many other values provided by wetlands. These include recreational opportunities, water purification, ground water recharge, flood control, carbon sequestration and aesthetic values. Although wetlands comprise less than 2% of Montana's landscape, they provide a disproportionately high level of benefit. Many people now view wetlands as an asset that should be conserved.

Blocked image
Strauser Wetlands Reserve Program project constructed by DU, northwest of Havre.

Q: The Prairie Pothole Region of northeast Montana and the Dakotas is referred to as "North America's duck factory." What water and land use issues pose the most significant challenges to protecting this region for waterfowl?

A: The two biggest issues facing waterfowl conservation in Montana are demands on our water resource and the conversion of native grasslands to row crop agriculture. As we are all too well aware, the demands on Montana's water are increasing constantly. More often than not, the use of water for wetland restoration takes a back seat to demands such as urban development and row crop agriculture. Given the fact that wetlands provide many important values to society, the question about how much of our limited water supply should be dedicated to wetland use is a critical one.

A similar question could be asked about our remaining native grasslands in Montana and the Dakotas. We are losing approximately 10,000 acres of native prairie a year in Montana; much of that land is in areas with highly erodible soils. Strong partnerships between conservation groups and ranchers are one way we can keep grasslands and wetlands intact while sustaining strong rural economies.

Q: Wetlands restoration work can be tricky after the natural wetland has been drained. What does DU do to assure restoration work accomplishes its duck habitat objectives?

A: Successful wetland restoration requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the highest quality habitat is produced in as cost-effective manner as possible. DU's approach involves a team of biologists, surveyors, engineers, draftsmen and real estate specialists who work together with government agencies and private landowners to deliver wetland habitat projects. Location of the project site relative to high waterfowl use areas, desired wetland habitat types to be restored, topography of the site, soils, water supply, investigation of water rights, and obtaining all necessary permits are just a few of the tasks that DU and our partners need to address when delivering a wetland project. Once the project is constructed, DU biologists assist land managers with development of water management plans that serve to maximize wetland habitat benefits and efficiency of water use. In addition to on-the-ground project delivery, DU provides financial support for wetland projects throughout the state.

	Blocked image
	DU and Partners' project at Ninepipe State Wildlife Area in the Mission Valley.

Q: Conservation is a way to offset habitat lost due to development. What else needs to be done to protect wetlands and other waterfowl habitat and migratory routes for the birds?

A: Conservation of large grassland and wetland complexes throughout the northern Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada is the key to the long-term viability of North America's breeding grounds for waterfowl and grassland birds. As demands for water and cropland increase, it becomes increasingly important to conserve remaining habitats if wildlife populations and wetland functions are going to remain intact. Voluntary, incentive-based programs, such as those offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, provide landowners with conservation options and economic incentives to conserve wildlife habitat. DU supports programs such as NRCS's Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wetland and Grassland Easement program by providing funding and delivery capabilities to the agencies, and encouraging elected officials to provide sufficient funding for these programs.

More information about DU can be found at the DU website.

Blocked image

The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program assessed water quality in untreated water from 932 public wells in the U.S., and in treated and source water from 94 of these wells. The study describes the occurrence of man-made contaminants in source water from public wells and their potential significance to human health. More findings, including FAQs, technical information and Congressional briefing documents are available on the USGS website. Additional questions and comments may also be emailed to Patricia Toccalino, USGS hydrologist and lead scientist of the assessment.

USGS Report: Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems

A new USGS report explains the effects of urban development on stream ecosystem health. Learn more about how stream ecosystems respond to urban development from USGS reports and video podcasts on the USGS website.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER

	Blocked image
	Dusti Lowndes conducts a sanitary survey on a water system.

Among the most important resources we have are our drinking water and wastewater facilities. As these are often near surface water sites, they are vulnerable to floods, making drinking water especially susceptible to contamination. Local water systems can be overwhelmed and have disrupted service for many reasons including massive water leaks, floods and excessive demand such as for fighting a major fire. Communities can find themselves without the necessary number of technical experts and equipment to get the utility back into service quickly. That's where MT WARN comes in. It is Montana's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.

Recently we spoke with Dusti Lowndes of Montana DEQ about MT WARN. Based out of Kalispell, Dusti is DEQ's Public Water Supply Security & Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and serves on the MT WARN Steering Committee.

Blocked image

Q: What is the purpose of MT WARN?

A: Let me first say that WARN is a program initiated and supported nationally for the past three years by the EPA, American Water Works Association, National Rural Water Association, Midwest Assistance, Water Environment Federation and many more. Currently forty seven states have their own state WARNs. Montana's WARN has been active since 2008. It provides a method whereby water/wastewater utilities members that anticipate or have sustained damages from natural or human-caused incidents can provide and receive emergency aid and assistance in the form of personnel, equipment, materials, and other services from other water/wastewater utilities. The objective of this network is to provide rapid, short-term deployment of services to restore the critical operations of the affected water/wastewater utility.

Q: How do utilities participate?

A: The backbone of the WARN concept is the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. The Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement provides for network activation, reimbursement, liability and other issues as mutually agreed upon by participating utilities. Keep in mind this program is strictly voluntary. Even after signing an agreement a utility is not required to provide requested assistance.

However, WARN networks are built upon certain realities. For example, water utilities require specialized resources to sustain operations, so often relief can only come from a comparably equipped utility with certified water operators or personnel who understand the situation and how to operate water utilities and protect public health. And the utility's employees may also be negatively impacted by an emergency, so a local response may not be possible, let alone adequate. With local or regional resources available, we can have help in place before the federal government can respond and even before an emergency is declared. This can save money, property and lives.

	Blocked image
	Emergency service workers coordinate efforts when calls for help come.

Q: Has MT WARN responded to an emergency yet?

A: Fortunately no, but we have been able to share small specific event information with each other. It is just a matter of time before our first active response, so we continue to prepare and stay vigilant. A good example of how the network could operate comes from Colorado WARN. A salmonella outbreak occurred in Alamosa, Colorado and the CoWARN was activated on March 19, 2008 to assist. The source of the contamination was quickly pinpointed to the drinking water system. Although the ground water source was not contaminated, contamination was found throughout the distribution system and storage tank.

During this incident, 23 water and wastewater utilities, industry support organizations/agencies and the State of Nebraska (through the Mid-America Alliance) assisted Alamosa. Work included public notices, phases of system flushing, disinfection, sampling, and massive distribution of water to residents from other potable sources. CoWARN members provided technical expertise, manpower, equipment and supplies to Alamosa that were critical to proper system disinfection and water sampling throughout the flushing events and into system recovery. Often the crews of CoWARN worked 12 hour shifts. Nearly a month later, all restrictions were lifted and residents were informed the water was safe to drink.

Q: In Montana, if a water utility responds to a request for help from another, is the responding utility reimbursed? If so, how will that work?

Blocked image
Men underground keep things working above ground.

A: Oh definitely! That is why the signed mutual aid agreement by the participating member utilities is so important because it spells out liability and reimbursement concerns. In our operational plan, there are forms and a checklist to guide requesting and responding utilities with the process. The systems will need to communicate with each other after they have found who can assist and get some details ironed out such as when, where, who, what, and how. We are also holding training sessions for the members and will be conducting table top exercises to practice protocols and methods.

Q: What's the current status of the Montana WARN network?

A: The network is growing and we recently launched a website that has a public area for news and events, as well as the secure log-in side for members and agencies. Approximately a dozen utilities currently belong to the Montana WARN network, but its strength will come from greater participation from more of the thousands of water/wastewater systems in Montana. Anyone interested can go to the website and contact members of the steering committee for more information. Being a member of this network broadens the sense of people helping each other and sharing resources, and it is governed by the utilities members, themselves.

Blocked image

A field trip is planned for the afternoon of October 13 to the Rimini/Ten-Mile Creek area, with a likely stop at an MBMG hydrologic study site. Robert Glennon, author of "Unquenchable" and other writings about ways to solve the country's water crises, is a keynote speaker and will do a book signing Thursday evening during the poster session/social hour. More details will follow later!

Blocked image

Three meetings will be held in Montana in June and August. Tribal-focus meetings run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Public meetings will run from 5 to 8 p.m. with an open-house from 5 to 7 p.m. and the final hour will be reserved for public speakers' comments. For information and meeting details please visit the MRAPS website.

Blocked image

Sponsored by the Madison River Foundation and held annually on the banks of the Madison, this gala evening set for June 25, 2010, features fine wine and dining, its signature "One Day on the Madison" silent art auction featuring paintings created that day by six local artists, a live auction, and more. All proceeds go to support the Foundation's mission and projects. Email the Madison River Foundation for more information.

Madison River Noxious Weed Mapping

On July 27, volunteers from the Madison River Foundation, Trout Unlimited and other groups will split up and float the Madison from Quake Lake to Three Forks noting weed types and locations to create a GPS map of noxious weeds along the river's banks. To participate in the mapping, email the Madison River Foundation.

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If interested in the RFP, please email Lynda Saul at DEQ for an information sheet about submitting a pre-proposal for Montana Wetland Grant Peer Review. Emailed pre-proposals to Lynda Saul are due June 4, 2010. The 4-page pre-proposal should fully describe the project: include summary, project description, tasks and timeline, budget, partners, how the project addresses the State's Strategic Framework and EPA's core elements. Written comments summarizing Grant Review Team input will be emailed by June 16. Final proposals are due July 9, 2010 to EPA Region 8.

The Montana Water Center News welcomes your stories about water and water issues that face Montana. If you have a short story you would like to see published in this newsletter, please send your information to water@montana.edu.

Take special note of upcoming national and local water meetings on the Events Calendar at MONTANA WATER