WR’s advocacy work involves reviewing major permit applications, providing comments, and occasionally engaging in litigation to ensure that the permit provider and permit holders understand the need to uphold laws that protect the health of the River. Permit providers are often state and federal agencies such as the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental Protection Agency. These permits aim to regulate a number of activities that impact river health including; industrial and municipal discharges, land use development, logging and farming activities, dredging, dock building, environmental clean ups, and dam management.
Another aspect of advocacy is active collaboration with organizations and agencies to help plan and strategize for how best to mitigate current and future impacts on river health and water quality. This often involves participation in committees and planning teams, on both a local and state level, to tackle issues of stormwater management, developing water quality standards and plans, setting legislative priorities, and protecting natural resources that can aid in long-term water quality protection.
In addition WR relies on volunteer participation to bring to our attention concerns about pollution sources and issues. WR then works with individuals to help identify, document, report, and find solutions to these issues of concern. Issues of concern include discolored water, destruction of riverside habitat, harmful or toxic trash debris and illegal discharges. Find out more about these issues and how best to report them through our Observational Monitoring program.
