British Columbia/Washington Environmental Cooperation Council
International Task Forces
The following International Task Forces have been established by the ECC to coordinate bilateral efforts on transboundary environmental issues:
Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer
Over the years, the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer has experienced increased levels of nitrates in groundwater exceeding the maximum acceptable health concentration of 10 mg/L. This aquifer is of particular concern as a result of domestic use on both sides of the border. The Task Force's role is twofold: to promote and coordinate mutual efforts to ensure the protection, preservation and enhancement of our shared groundwater resource, and to recommend and develop action plans to address water quality and water resource management issues affecting the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer.
Reports to date:
Contacts:
Flooding of the Nooksack River
The Nooksack River Task Force was established to address concerns about flood damage in both BC and Washington from the Nooksack River in Northern Washington. The Task Force's role is to recommend actions to reduce flood damage and improve preparedness.
Contacts:
Air Quality in Lower Fraser Valley/Pacific Northwest Airshed
BC and Washington share a number of common air quality issues such as urban smog and fine particulate pollution. The jurisdictions exchange information on best practices and coordinate air quality information on the shared airshed in an effort to jointly address air quality issues. At this time, these efforts are being pursued primarily through an International Airshed Planning initiative led by Environment Canada and the US Environmental Protection Agency's Region 10, and which includes the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and the Washington State Department of Ecology, as well as regional air quality agencies and First Nations in both jurisdictions.
Reports to date:
Contacts:
Air and Water Quality Issues in the Columbia River Basin
The Columbia River Basin has been the site of industrial and hydroelectric activity for over 100 years. The Task Force's role has been to integrate monitoring activities between jurisdictions and to facilitate communication about air and water quality issues impacting the basin.
Reports to date:
Contacts:
- Robyn Roome, B.C. Ministry of Environment
- Rene-Marc Mangin, Washington Department of Ecology
BC-Washington Coastal and Ocean Task Force
The Washington-British Columbia Coastal and Ocean Task Force (COTF) was established to provide a mechanism to enhance collaboration between Washington and B.C. on coastal and ocean issues. The geographic area of interest includes Puget Sound, the Georgia Basin, and the outer coasts of Washington and British Columbia. Through the Task Force, B.C. and Washington share information and collaborate on activities that protect and restore coastal and marine habitats; encourage the development of ecosystem management approaches for ocean and coastal resources; and foster sustainable coastal communities and development.
Contacts:
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