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:
Jennifer McGuire - Ministry of Environment
Richard Grout, Department of Ecology
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:
Neil Peters, Ministry of Environment
Richard Grout, Department of Ecology
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:
Shared Waters of Georgia Strait and Puget Sound
In 1992, the Georgia Basin/Puget Sound International Task Force was formed by the Environmental Cooperation Council to promote and coordinate mutual efforts to ensure that protection, preservation and enhancement of this shared environment for the benefit of current and future generations. In 1993, the ECC appointed a Marine Science Panel to make recommendations for management of the shared waters; twelve recommendations were presented to the ECC in August 1994. The ECC directed the Task Force to develop actions to implement these recommendations. The Task Force prioritized the recommendations and during the first five years, has focussed their efforts on addressing four key areas: habitat loss, marine protected areas, protecting marine life and minimizing exotic marine species introductions. The Task Force has recently begun to address the issue of toxic discharges.
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:
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