MEMORANDUM

TO: Pete Sprague, Assembly President

Members, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly

FROM: Milli Martin, Assembly Member

DATE: August 26, 2004

SUBJECT: Resolution 2004-087, opposing regulations authorizing wastewater discharge into salmon-bearing streams

It recently came to my attention that the State Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing changes to the water quality standards that would allow wastewater discharges from sewage treatment and industrial facilities to salmon-bearing streams. Wastewater can not presently be discharged into salmon-bearing streams. Under the proposed regulations, wastewater could be discharged into streams, rivers, or other flowing fresh waters with the capability to support spawning, incubation, or rearing of anadromous or resident fish. The area where treated wastewater mixes with a water body is called a Mixing Zone.

The proposed regulations require that the department approve a Mixing Zone only if it finds that available evidence reasonably demonstrates that the Mixing Zone will not adversely affect the capability of the area to support such incubation and rearing capabilities. However, there is concern that allowing mixing zones in anadromous streams may have unforeseen physical results on the fish as well as negative impacts on the marketability of Alaska's wild seafood. Your support of this resolution opposing these regulations is respectfully requested.