Winter 2012 Newsletter

RIVER CURRENTS | WINTER NEWSLETTER 2012
EVERYDAY TOXINS: IN OUR RIVER & YOUR HOME
HANFORD | PLUTONIUM & K BASIN CLEANUP
OR LNG: CITIZENS KEEP PRESSURE ON IN SALEM
THE ECONOMICS OF COAL & LNG EXPORT
Riverkeeper works extensively in Longview to reduce toxic discharge
and stop a new coal export terminal (proposed at bottom left).
| PHOTO BY BRETT VANDENHEUVEL
COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012
LIV BRUMFIELD
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Our Team
BRETT VANDENHEUVEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LAUREN GOLDBERG, STAFF ATTORNEY
DAN SERRES, CONSERVATION DIRECTOR
LORRI EPSTEIN, WATER QUALITY DIRECTOR
KELLY NOKES, PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Our Board
Carter Case, PRESIDENT
Laura Guimond, VICE PRESIDENT
Captain Peter Wilcox, SECRETARY
Cheryl Meyers, TREASURER
Dan Belica | Colleen Coleman | Se-ah-dom
Edmo | Kris Gann | Chuck Johnson | Gayle
Kiser | Jason Salmi Klotz | Thane Tienson
Karen Trusty
About the Cover
Photos by Brett VandenHeuvel |
Riverkeeper works extensively in
Longview to reduce toxic discharge and
stop a new coal export terminal (front).
Winter sunshine on the Deschutes (back).
WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG
Our Mission
Columbia Riverkeeper’s mission is to
protect and restore the water quality of the
Columbia River and all life connected to it,
from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean.
Our strategy for protecting the Columbia includes
working in river communities and protecting the people,
fish and wildlife that depend on the Columbia River.
Our Vision for the Columbia
Riverkeeper’s vision is to restore a Columbia Basin with clean,
clear waters flowing cold from the headwaters to the Pacific
Ocean. Our vision is for a Columbia with healthy salmon runs
that can support traditional harvest by Native Americans and non
-native fishermen. In our vision, a broad range of diverse interests
will bring back a Columbia River that parents can let their children play in without fear of toxic exposure. The Columbia River
we work to bring back is bordered by vibrant bands of riparian
habitat and home to a rich diversity of native fish and wildlife. In
short, our vision is for a Columbia River Basin that the people of
the United States and Canada can be proud of.
Riverkeeper uses a range of activities to protect and restore
the Columbia, including public education, grassroots organizing,
enforcement of environmental laws and on-the-river monitoring.
Clean Water. We’ll Fight for It.
RIVER NOTES
A Letter from the Director
SAM DREVO
We received many wonderful cards, notes, and kind words
during the holiday season.
“I’m proud to support Columbia Riverkeeper.”
“I’m grateful for the vision, dedication, and hard work.”
“Thanks for tackling so many big issues on the Columbia today.”
Your encouragement and financial support mean a lot to me, our staff, board, and our many volunteers. You told us that you appreciate the on-the-ground, substantive nature of Riverkeeper’s work. From
pushing for new rules that reduce toxic pollution, to collecting samples, to protecting special places, we work
to identify the most important threats and opportunities.
Thank you all for your continued support of Columbia Riverkeeper as we ramp up our 2012 action. The
Clean Water Act - a critical protection for our river that we use everyday - turns 40 years old. We will continue to make sure the law is enforced and celebrate the Act’s accomplishments with events in many communities along the river. Stay tuned on our website and e-news to find out when we are coming
to a town near you. Hope to see you soon.
Riverkeeper Executive Director, Brett VandenHeuvel
JOIN OUR
WATER QUALITY
MONITORING
TEAM THIS
HOW TO APPLY: SEND COVER LETTER + RESUME TO LORRI@COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG. SUMMER!
| RIVERKEEPER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNTIES:
Riverkeeper is looking for Intern Water Quality Technicians to help with our
2012 Water Quality Monitoring programs this summer. We have position openings in Hood River, Gresham, Portland, and Longview. Each position includes a
stipend and hours are flexible. Please visit our website for more information and
share with folks you know who might be interested! Application deadline 2/29.
| Gain valuable work experience
| Learn how to use the latest
water monitoring technology
| Spend time outdoors!
| Meet a network of citizens +
professionals working to
protect the Columbia River
LEARN MORE ONLINE
WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG
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 Everyday TOXIns
You probably aren’t surprised to hear that there are toxic chemicals in the Columbia River, but you
might be surprised to hear some of the same toxics that pollute our river are also polluting our
homes. They escape consumer products, mix with dust, and cling to our skin, clothes, and even food.
As they leave our homes, many of them pass through wastewater treatment plants unaffected and
are released into our waterways. The following is a guide to some of the toxic chemicals found in your
home and what you can do to reduce your exposure and your impact on the environment.
 BPA | Bisphenol A
Reduce your exposure: Purchase plastics marked “BPA-free” or use glass
bottles and containers. Avoid storing or microwaving food or beverages in plastic containers. Limit your intake of canned foods and
buy BPA-free when available (Eden Foods offers some choices).
www.thekitchn.com
Effects: Studies have shown that BPA accumulates in the tissues of
humans and animals. It can damage the endocrine system (which
controls development) and is linked to obesity, diabetes, cancer,
reduced fertility, Attention Deficit Disorder, and altered brain development. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than
92% of Americans have BPA in their urine.
www.allwellness.wordpresscom
Sources: BPA is found in plastic bottles and containers, and in the
lining of food and beverage cans.
 PBDEs | Polybrominated diphenyl ethers + chlorinated tris
Sources: PBDEs are used as flame retardants in electronics, furniture, foam
products (including baby items), and mattresses. The chemicals escape from
the foam, mix with dust, and are inhaled or ingested.
Reduce your exposure: Avoid products containing PBDEs. Repair rips or tears in
upholstery and consider replacing products that are breaking down or have
loose or exposed foam. Use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter designed to
trap small particles.
www.pollutionpeople.org
Effects: PBDEs accumulate in the environment and in animals, including humans. They damage reproductive, development, and neurological systems,
increase the risk of cancer, and disrupt hormone functions.
REDUCING TOXIC CHEMICALS IN YOUR HOME
 PFCs | Perflourinated compounds
www.momgoesgreen.com
Sources: PFC’s are used to make materials stain resistant and stick resistant. They
are found in clothing, carpet, furniture, and grease-resistant food packaging (such
as pizza boxes and fast food containers). They can also be found in cleaners,
paints, hardwood floor protectant, cosmetics and even shampoo. Teflon™ products contain PFCs, and Scotchguard ® was made with PFCs until 2002.
www.cleanandhealthyme.org
Effects: PFC’s are extremely persistent and are linked to cancer. Animal studies
link PFCs to liver and kidney damage and reproductive problems.
Reduce your exposure: Avoid greasy or oily packaged foods since containers, such as
microwave popcorn bags, french-fry boxes, and pizza boxes, may contain PFCs.
Choose furniture, clothing, and carpets that are not marketed as “stain-resistant”.
Avoid personal care products with ingredients that include the words “flouro” or
“perflouro”. Avoid Teflon or non-stick cookware, and if you do use them, discard when the coatings show sign of wear.
 Phthalates | “Plasticizers”
Sources: A fragrance carrier and plasticizer, phthalates are used to make plastics soft and pliable. They are found in a
wide array of products (especially those containing polyvinyl chloride or PVC), including vinyl shower curtains, detergents, soaps, adhesives, food packaging, inflatable toys, garden hoses, nail polish, lotions, and shampoo.
Effects: Animal studies show that Phthalates damage endocrine and reproductive systems, cause the feminization of
male genitals, and alter brain development. Initial human studies show phthalates altering DNA in sperm.
Reduce your exposure: Avoid products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient. This usually means phthalates are present.
Avoid artificial air fresheners. Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Avoid PVC in plastic toys, shower curtains, floor coverings, and building materials.
 Triclosan | “Antimicrobials”
Sources: Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial found in liquid hand
soaps, toothpastes, toys, and garments.
www.ewg.org
Effects: Triclosan persists in the environment and accumulates in wildlife
and humans. Studies show endocrine disruption even at very low doses.
Its use is restricted in Japan and Canada.
Reduce your exposure: Avoid triclosan-laden products. Wash hands with plain
soap and warm water, which has been shown to work just as well at preventing the spread of infections and reducing bacteria on the skin.
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IMPORTANCE OF CITIZEN ENFORCEMENT
HIGHLIGHTED BY EPA AUDIT
Audit shows abysmal enforcement by states
“Law without enforcement is just good advice”
Abraham Lincoln
public health and environmental laws when industry,
cities, or others discharge pollution or fail to properly
manage hazardous waste. EPA has backstop authority to
take action and stop polluters from breaking the law but,
as the audit points out, rarely exercises this authority.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of
Inspector General recently released an audit of EPA’s
oversight of state enforcement of three environmental
laws, including the Clean Water Act. The audit harshly
The audit’s key findings include:
critiques the agency’s failure to oversee enforcement of

EPA does not administer a consistent national
the nation’s cornerstone environmental laws. In a year
enforcement program;
when presidential candidates and members of Congress

State enforcement programs frequently do not
labeled EPA as a “job killing” agency, the audit is a stark
meet national goals and states do not always take
reminder that EPA and the states are shirking their duty
the necessary enforcement actions;
to protect human health and the environment. Although

EPA data indicate that noncompliance is high
not directly addressed in the audit, its findings highlight
and the level of enforcement is low.
the critical role of citizen groups who exercise their rights
“The report underscores Columbia Riverkeeper’s
under environmental laws, including the Clean Water
Act, to enforce the law against polluters when the govern- decade of experience exercising citizens’ right to enforce
the Clean Water Act when EPA and the state refuse to
ment turns the other cheek.
act,” explains Riverkeeper’s Staff Attorney Lauren GoldThe audit, bluntly titled, EPA Must Improve Oversight
berg. Notably, the audit found that Oregon and Washof State Enforcement, reviewed the effectiveness of EPA’s
ington rank at the bottom for effective Clean Water Act
oversight of states’ enforcement of three environmental
enforcement programs. “These findings are consistent
laws: the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Resource
with our experience reviewing polluters’ compliance with
Conservation and Recovery Act, which regulate air, waclean water laws—and the infrequent enforcement acter, and hazardous waste, respectively. The Clean Water
tions taken by the states and EPA,” Goldberg stated.
Act, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2012, is the
Riverkeeper works to enforce clean water laws, bringnation’s cornerstone law designed to protect healthy river
ing dozens of industrial and municipal pollution dissystems and other waterbodies throughout the nation.
chargers into compliance with the law. We’re also workYet in many states the law’s strong protections for public
ing hard to fight for more funding for state agencies to
health and healthy river systems is compromised by weak
take the necessary steps to curb pollution and protect waor minimal enforcement.
ter quality in the Columbia River.
Most commonly, the state—not EPA—acts as the
first responder, implementing and enforcing these critical
Check out Riverkeeper’s blog to view the complete audit online.
HANFORD & THE RIVER |
U.S.DOE PLANS TO LEAVE PLUTONIUM IN SOIL + LIMIT RIVER CLEANUP
Plutonium Decision Sets Stage for Inadequate Cleanup
Defying this overwhelming,
unanimous sentiment, DOE decided
to leave large quantities of uranium,
Columbia Riverkeeper has called
on DOE to withdraw this flawed decision, not only because it fails to pro-
What’s Next: Will Agencies Do Better in Hanford’s River Corridor?
Hanford’s K Area and the Columbia River.
another area of the Hanford site. In
the K Area, a swath of land on the
shores of the Columbia River that
once stored leaking spent nuclear
fuel, Riverkeeper is calling on EPA
and DOE to remove pollution
rather than relying on future restrictions on how
the area will be
used. For example, if DOE and
EPA acknowledge
that residents
along the Columbia River could
COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012
www.hanford.gov
Even as the public and the Hanford Advisory Board continue to debate a controversial decision on plutonium cleanup, the DOE and EPA
are approaching a major decision for
tect the Columbia River, but also because it sets a dangerous precedent
for future cleanup decisions. The
Hanford Advisory Board, a broad
regional board that operates on a
consensus basis, has agreed that
DOE’s plutonium decision is unacceptable, as well.
www.hoanw.org
Columbia River.
plutonium, cesium, and other contaminants in Hanford soils. Most
disturbingly, DOE argued that plutonium will remain “stable” in Hanford
soils for the foreseeable future. Because of its long half-life, plutonium
will remain dangerous for over
200,000 years in Hanford’s soils. Yet,
DOE’s decision to curtail its cleanup
of the Central Plateau assumes that –
for those 200,000 years – plutonium
will not move into groundwater and
ultimately into the Columbia River.
DOE reached this conclusion despite
expert testimony that demonstrated
the potential for plutonium to become mobile in Hanford’s soils.
This summer, hundreds of Washington and Oregon residents strongly
urged U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) to excavate as much plutonium as possible from highly contaminated areas of Hanford’s Central
Plateau. In hearings from Portland to
the Tri-Cities, kite-boarders, physicians, and conservationists pressured
DOE to aggressively pursue cleanup
of plutonium. According to DOE
and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the public’s message
was clear and emphatic: plutonium is
forever, and it should not be left in
Hanford’s soils near the
Hanford’s
Central
Plateau
use irrigation in the future, they will
have to dig deeper and remove
more pollution.
As the decision-making process
for cleaning up the K Area and other
lands near the Columbia River unfolds, we will continue to update our
members on opportunities to comment and attend hearings. Your
voice is critical to ensure that the
federal government does not take
shortcuts in the ongoing effort to
protect the Columbia River from
Hanford’s chemical and
radioactive pollution.
LEARN MORE ONLINE
WWW.COLUMBIARIVERKEEPER.ORG
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COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012
OREGON LNG: CITIZENS KEEP
PRESSURE ON IN SALEM
Did the State's letter to
Oregon LNG matter? Here
is what Investors read on the
LNG Law Blog this month
(Yes, there is an industrysponsored "LNG Law Blog"
and, yes, we read it, but try
not to talk about it at
dinnertime):
State takes firm stand on Oregon LNG lease in Warrenton
A delegation of landowners and community activists visited Oregon’s Capitol in December to
urge the State to deny LNG projects. The group attended the State Land Board meeting and
met with the Department of State Lands (DSL). The group is pictured in the Capitol rotunda,
where the State’s 2011 Christmas tree was grown by Oregon Citizens Against the Pipeline
(OCAP) members Dallas and Sharon Boge.
“An editorial carried in the Daily
Astorian argues that Oregon
LNG should cancel its LNG project
in the face of new challenges. The
piece notes that the Oregon Department of State Lands recently
informed project developers that
the lease for the Oregon LNG terminal site permits only LNG imports, not exports, preventing
the company from shifting its
project from LNG regasification
to liquefaction.”
seeks investors for an export terminal,
this letter will not help. In addition,
the State of Oregon also reevaluated
the lease terms to quadruple the yearly
price. Columbia Riverkeeper and
OCAP also asked the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) to
terminate its review of the Oregon
LNG proposed “import” terminal and
In response to our efforts, DSL
informed the Port of Astoria and Ore- pipeline.
To learn more about Riverkeeper’s
gon LNG that they do not have authority to use state lands for LNG ex- work to protect the Columbia Basin
from LNG, contact Dan Serres, RiverThe proposed Oregon LNG termi- port. According to DSL’s letter, the
lease, “while allowing for the import of keeper Conservation Director, at
nal would be located in Warrenton,
Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia natural gas, does not allow for the ex- dan@columbiariverkeeper.org.
River. The terminal and its connected, port of natural gas.” As Oregon LNG
In December, Columbia Riverkeeper convened a delegation of landowners and community members who
live near the Oregon Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) pipeline and terminal to
attend a meeting of Oregon’s State
Land Board and urged the Department of State Lands (DSL) to investigate Oregon LNG. Over 20 landowners from six counties presented their
stories about how LNG pipeline proposals are impacting their lives.
120-mile, new pipeline would have a
dramatic, negative impact on Young’s
Bay and key watersheds that are currently being restored for salmon habitat. Additionally, the pipeline would
carve through family farms, forestland, and other private lands in order to export U.S. natural gas to Asia.
2012 RIVER RALLY | MAY 4-7 | PORTLAND, OR
The largest gathering of water conservation professionals in the world gathers in Portland this Spring
What Is River Rally?
The 2012 River Rally is an international gathering of
the watershed conservation community, and it’s coming
here to the Pacific Northwest this Spring. A merger of the
annual conferences of the River Network and the Waterkeeper Alliance, the combined River Rally conference will
be the largest gathering of water conservationists in the
Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America
www.rivernetwork.org
world. Staff, board members, volunteers, agencies, tribKeynote speakers include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Alexandra Cousteau.
al representatives, and individuals interested in watershed conservation should all consider attending.
Keynotes by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. +
Alexandra Cousteau
Keynote speakers include Waterkeeper Alliance
President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and explorer and
filmmaker Alexandra Cousteau. Mr. Kennedy was the
former attorney for Hudson Riverkeeper and is one of
America’s leading voices for clean water.
Panels + Workshops Galore
Riverkeeper’s Lauren Goldberg and Brett VandenHeuvel with
With over 90 panels and workshops to choose from,
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the 2009 Waterkeeper Alliance Conference.
this weekend of learning, networking, and action has something for everyone interested in water protection and restoration. From intensive workshops focusing on the legal
framework of laws like the Clean Water Act and panels on energy use and climate change, to fields trips showcasing
dam removal success stories in the Gorge, ample opportunities await. Columbia Riverkeeper will play a prominent
role in the national conference. Brett will present a panel on Clean Water Act enforcement, Lauren will present on
our success in reducing toxic levels in Oregon, and Kelly will show off the beautiful Gorge on a field trip hike.
Learn More + Join Us | www.rivernetwork.org/programs/national-river-rally
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ON THE ROAD
COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012
with Riverkeeper
Staying Connected While Working to
Protect the Northwest’s Largest River
One of the most frequent questions we face at Riverkeeper is “How
can you work to protect such an
enormous river?” Fair question. At
over 1,200 miles, the Columbia River
is the largest river in the Pacific
Northwest. From its headwaters in
Canada to its terminus at the Pacific
Ocean, the Columbia is the largest
North American tributary to the Pacific Ocean.
“Our approach is simple: take it
one community—one town hall
meeting, one volunteer sampling
water quality—at a time,” explains
Riverkeeper’s Director, Brett
VandenHeuvel. “Tackling the serious pollution issues and habitat
threats that face the Columbia requires working with local river communities. In turn, our staff—which
are based in the Columbia River
Gorge and Portland—work closely
with volunteers in communities
along the Columbia River. Sometimes this is as simple as arranging a
weekly conference call with our active members in Kelso and Longview
“Our approach is simple: take it
one community—one town hall
meeting or one volunteer sampling water quality—at a time.”
Brett VandenHeuvel,
Riverkeeper Director
who are working to protect the Columbia from
coal export. In many cases, our staff
will personally attend local hearings
and meetings—be it in The Dalles,
Astoria, or Richland. We don’t approach our work by staying glued to
our desks. Instead, we’ve made a
strong commitment to being closely
connected with the communities
that are directly impacted by the issues we’re trying to tackle.”
Riverkeeper’s campaign to protect farms, forests, and salmon from
liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and pipelines is a prime example of this approach. Starting over
six years ago, Riverkeeper worked
with local farmers and foresters in
Yamhill, Forest Grove, and Woodburn to launch regular community
meetings on fighting LNG pipelines.
Riverkeeper also established a
monthly Lower Columbia Estuary
meeting in Wahkiakum County,
Washington.
“We listen closely to our members and volunteers who spend their
days working and recreating on the
Columbia River,” explains Riverkeeper’s Conservation Director, Dan
Serres, who regularly meets with
concerned citizens in the Columbia
River Estuary and along the LNG
pipeline routes. “Folks turn to us for
the latest news from the legislature
or agency decisionmakers, and advice on how they can inject their
voices in what often feels like a
closed-door process. We also look to
local communities for direction and
input on our campaigns—from reducing toxics in Columbia River fish
to stopping dirty coal export terminals.”
Riverkeeper’s Water Quality
Monitoring and Adopt-a-River programs are also examples of how
Riverkeeper stays connected to river
communities, from Wenatchee to
Puget Island. For the last six years,
Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Director has led volunteer water quality
training sessions in Wenatchee,
Hood River, Gresham, Portland, and
Longview. With the help of Riverkeeper’s community-based water
quality technicians, Riverkeeper
works with over a hundred volunteers who collect and analyze samples of river water from their community. “These programs have not
only gathered important information about the health of the Columbia, they’ve introduced Riverkeeper to hundreds of volunteers
who might not otherwise connect
with our work to protect the river,”
explains Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Director, Lorri Epstein.
THE
OF
ECONOMICS
EXPORTING COAL & LNG
Huge corporate profits at the expense of American citizens and critical habitat
By Brett VandenHeuvel| Executive Director
I just returned from a training on coal and natural gas financial issues at New York University Law School. I
joined market analysts, lawyers, professors, and activists to share views on the future of U.S. energy. I was particularly interested in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal exports - what are market drivers for the rapacious projects
threatening the lower Columbia? For the last six years, Columbia Riverkeeper and citizens across the Northwest have fought tooth and nail to protect some of the world’s most productive wild salmon habitat from the destructive forces of energy speculators. My time in New York reinforced how
our organization’s fight to protect the Columbia fits into the multibillion
dollar coal and gas industry’s quest for new global markets.
FOLLOW THE MONEY: GAS & COAL PRICES
In 2008, U.S. natural gas prices dropped dramatically after a new
technology called “fracking” (check out the documentary Gasland)
allowed aggressive gas production.
The U.S. market was flooded with
cheap gas.
The viability of coal-fired power
plants in the United States is directly
tied to natural gas prices. Coal, long
the cheapest and dirtiest source of
electricity, is now outcompeted by
less expensive gas. With tremendous
public pressure to shut down or retrofit old, dirty, coal plants, the prudent choice is often shut down. The
chart to the right shows the significant decrease in electricity from coal
and increase from natural gas.
*While transitioning off coal is positive,
simply replacing coal with natural gas is
not the solution. The black line - renewables - needs far greater growth, along
with, of course, better efficiency.
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THE
ECONOMICSOF EXPORTING COAL & LNG
Rally against coal export in Bellingham, WA.
SELLING TO THE HIGHEST BUYER: NATURAL GAS EXPORT
U.S. manufacturers and homeowners benefit from the world’s cheapest natural gas prices because our gas is
not tied to the world market. The gas companies are drooling, therefore, over the profit margins of shipping LNG
to Asia. The effect on our natural gas price would be significant. A study cited by the U.S. Department of Energy
found that building a proposed LNG terminal at Sabine Pass, Louisiana (roughly the same size as the proposed
Oregon LNG terminal), may increase the regional gas price by 10%. Despite the huge economic risk of higher gas
prices, the U.S. government appears poised to simply
rubber-stamp export permits to ship our gas to Asia.
Is the State of Oregon standing up to LNG export?
The state has sent mixed messages: it has strong concerns about the impacts, but just approved a major
dredging permit for a new LNG and/or coal export terminal in Coos Bay. Actions speak louder than words.
Citizens have been incredibly successful in opposing
LNG so far. This will need to continue - and ramp up as the multinational gas giants seek big profits overseas.
THE PROMISE OF BIG PROFITS OVERSEAS: COAL EXPORT
Successful efforts to reduce coal use in the U.S. (combined with cheaper gas) has greatly reduced the demand
for coal. This creates the perverse effect of coal companies aggressively pursuing an export market. Coal companies like Peabody report profit margins from selling Powder River Basin coal domestically at $1 to $4 per ton.
Peabody estimates that selling the same coal to Asia will produce profit margins of $14 per ton, even after shipping. There are current proposals to export 100 million tons or more per year, resulting in very large profit. Because coal is by far the largest rail user in the United States, some rail companies also support coal export.
THE
ECONOMICSOF EXPORTING COAL & LNG
“. . . resistance from local communities and environmental advocates
Exporting coal, however, faces tremenis formidable and not to be underestimated. Expect contentious litidous challenges. First, siting a coal export
gation and local politics to make or break the Powder River Basin
terminal in Oregon and Washington will be
coal’s ability to access west coast ports.”
extremely difficult due to strong public opposition and the lack of suitable locations,
— Coal Analyst Richard Morse in the October issue of World Coal
which require deep-draft ports, rail access,
and huge storage space for dirty coal. Coal ports and trains
are dirty and harm public health.
Second, the Asian energy market is fickle and few ports
are willing to build infrastructure to bet on coal. Riverkeeper’s Fall 2011 newsletter detailed why most public ports have
rejected coal export and how coal proposals failed at the Port
of Portland and Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s. Third,
citizens of the Northwest are not in the mood to use taxpayer
money to pay millions of dollars for needed infrastructure
and rail upgrades for private profit and dirty coal.
A NEW CHAPTER OF ENERGY SPECULATION ON THE COLUMBIA
In the span of less than one generation, the mighty Columbia was drastically altered in the name of cheap energy: hydropower. Today, the ever-changing global energy market is putting new pressure on the health and recovery of Columbia’s iconic salmon runs. Could the face of the Columbia again change with dirty coal and LNG terminals dominating the lower river, a dramatic spike in mega ocean-going vessels, and the dredging of thousands of
acres of river sediment. At Riverkeeper, we’re working hard to ensure that our regional and national investment in
restoring strong, healthy salmon runs and thriving river communities is not lost to the short term whims of the
global energy market.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SPIRIT OF THE RIVER, HOOD RIVER | THURS. MAY 10th
6-8 PM | Springhouse Cellars . 13 Railroad Street . Hood River
Join us Thursday, May 10th in Hood River as we celebrate the 4th Annual Spirit of the River– Hood River. An
evening of remembrance and celebration of the Columbia’s
everlasting spirit, this year’s event will feature an exhibit of
historic photographs from Celilo Falls. View this collection
of over 40 prints that capture the beauty and culture of a
once wild Columbia River. Performances by local poets,
musicians, and dancers will celebrate the continued vitality
of the great river of the west. This year’s event will be held
in the beautiful facilities of Springhouse Cellars, featuring
an outdoor exhibit and performance stage (dependent on
weather). Join our email list online and watch for more details to come this Spring.
FACES OF RIVERKEEPER
| Meet Board President, Carter Case
An environmentalist since serving as President of his high school’s
Conservation Club in the late 1960’s,
Riverkeeper ‘s current President of
the Board of Directors has been active with the organization since 2006.
in BZ Corners, WA.
Carter’s knack
for event planning
and connections
within the Portland
restaurant community are often at the
Carter Case is a Portland-based
restaurant designer and consultant of forefront of Riverover 30 years experience and has de- keeper’s annual
fundraisers when it
signed such Portland landmarks as
comes to venue sethe Heathman Hotel, the Paragon,
lection, catering, and
Voodoo Doughnuts, and Brasserie
ambiance. His motiMontmarte. His work has also exvation for generously donating his
tended through the Gorge with the
Celilo Inn and the Water’s Edge Bis- time and talents to Riverkeeper is a
tro in The Dalles. Along the now free- simple yet sincere love of the mighty
Columbia River.
flowing White Salmon River, he recently remodeled The Logs Tavern, a
When not focused on a new dehistorically significant and unique log sign project, Carter also spends his
cabin-turned-restaurant soon to open time volunteering with Multnomah
Riverkeeper Board President, Carter Case.
County’s Healthy Retail Initiative
whose goal is to get healthier foods
into small ethnic grocery stores in
Portland. Carter is helping store owners re-design their stores to allow for
the sale of fresh produce.
THANK YOU SUPPORTERS
Foundation Support
Bullitt Foundation
Energy Foundation
Mitzvah Foundation
Tides Foundation
Burning Foundation
Funding Exchange
NW Fund for the Environment
William B Wiener, Jr. Foundation
Changing Horizons Foundation
Jiji Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation
Rockefeller Family Fund
Earth Share Oregon
Jubitz Family Foundation
Templeton Foundation
Wallace Global Fund
Supporters Oct. 2011– Jan. 15, 2012
Robert & Kerstin Adams
Douglas Charters
Cecelia Goodnight
Charles Law
Nancy Christie
John Green
Kristin Lee
Ocean View Cremation
and Burial Service
Carolyn Shepherd
Harriet Anderson
Stephen Arch
Louise Clare
Stephen Grove
J. Kirk Leonard
Edward Osborn
Patricia Sims
Ronald Atwood
Frances Coffield
Lorrie Haight
Heidi Logosz
Rachael Osborn
Julie Smith
Marc Auerbach
David Cruickshank
Lower Columbia Clinic
Thomas Penchoen
Mary Lou Soscia
Aveda Institute Portland
Mary Lou Daily
Hanna, McEldowney, &
Associates
Ken Macdonald
Ilsa Perse
Sha Spady
Betsy Ayers
Kristina Detjen
Rhys Harriman
Gloria Mackenzie
A.S. Patterson
Cummins Speakman
Diane Speakman
Karen Sheridan
Carolyn Azure
Carol Dew
Tom Hartland
Stefan Malecek
Sandy Polishuk
Judith Barbuto
Mark Dix
Arthur Hauge
Elizabeth Mannarino
Jo Pomeroy-Crockett
Ueli Stadler
Susan Bardeen
Carl Dominey
Suzanne Haynes
Harriette Maranze
Melissa Powers
Nicole Good Stefani
Ken Barker
Deborah Donnelly
Willis Heavenrich
Georgia Marincovich
Marilyn Putman
Charles Stephens
Claudia Barnes
Robger Dorband
Jeanne Henderson
Daniel Marvin
Brian Puziss
Merrill Stephens
Elizabeth Bartell
Sam Drevo
Alan C. Hershamn
Robert Marvos
Randall Weisberg
Larry Stryker
Kayrene Beck
Lori Durheim
Mary Hicks
Julianne Matzell
Steven Rander
Susan Svensson
Stewart Bell
Daniel Eggleston
Kelly Hochendoner
Vicki McAfee
Jane Rees
Nancy Sweeney
Jane Betts-Stover
Patricia Ekman
Wendela Howie
Molly McCully Brown
Robert Reid
Karin Temple
Winnie Beu
Judith Emerson
Roger Hull
Hugh McMahan
Dell Rhodes
Kim Thomas
Caren Black
Ashley Erdely
Barbara Hume
Kathleen Merritt
Lewis Richardson
Deborah Thrall
Ruth Blackburn
Janet Essley
Corinne Ilvedson
Johanna Metzger
Caralee Roberts
Thane Tienson
Jeff Blackwood
Robert Ewing
McLaren Innes
Herman Migliore
Rebecca Robinson
Celia Tippit
John Bleakmore
Frans Eykel
Donald Isaacson
Marilyn Miller
Jack Rock
Peggy Toole
Jim Boaz
Megan Faria
Mark Jenkins
Robin Miller
Mont Rock
Janet Torline
Frank Bocarde
Scott Fernandez
Cheryl Johnson
Jim Minick
Roger Rocka
Florence Wagner
Sharon Boge
Mark Fischer
Liz Johnson
Gary Miniszewski
Richard Roy
Adina Walsh
Philip Brady
Christine Fisher
Jessie Jones
Velda Mitchell
Glenda Ryan
Joan Walsh
Larry Brandt
Betty Flick
Kathleen Jones
Edward Moen
Joseph Sacamano
Jennifer West
Peter Bray
Andrea Flint
James Kelly
Charles Montgomery
Daniel Sager
Lynn Weyand
Bobbi Brice
Carol Folk
Joseph Kelsey
Moreland Frameworks
Bill Sauber
Martha White
John Whittlesey
Dave Bronson
Brent Foster
Gayle Kiser
Gary Moucka
Joyce Sauber
Lucile W. Brook
Elizabeth Foster
Morley Knoll
Gary Muehlberg
Joanne Sayles
Peter Wilcox
Donald Brown
Joyce & Robert Foster
Ben Koker
Michael Mullett
John Schmidt
Mary Wilson
Liv Brumfield
Jeff Fryer
Harold Kriesel
Nancy Munn
Theodora Schrier
Rod Windle
Betty Brumm
Kris Gann
Carlene Krueger
Jennifer Munson
Sharon Shrock
Lawrence Woelfer
W.R. Wollenbecker
Becky Brun
Karen Garber
Belinda Kruger
Kevin Murphy
Paul Seamons
Tom Buchele
Steve Gates
Elizabeth Lang
Pauline Nathan
Linda Serres
John Wood
Wendy Busch
Marshall Goldberg
Susan Lanker
Allen Neuringer
Larry Shadbolt
Steven Woolpert
Catherine Butler
Phil Goldsmith
Carolyn Zimmerman-
Laureen Nussbaum
Bonnie Shannon
Kate Young
Lucia Gonzalez
Larson
Joe Oakes
Melody Shapiro
Kathleen Carl
Donate Online Today! www.columbiariverkeeper.org
COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER Winter Newsletter 2012
15
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EVERYDAY TOXINS: IN OUR RIVER & YOUR HOME
HANFORD | PLUTONIUM & K BASIN CLEANUP
OR LNG: CITIZENS KEEP PRESSURE ON IN SALEM
THE ECONOMICS OF COAL & LNG EXPORT
RIVER CURRENTS |
Winter sunshine on the Deschutes. | PHOTO BY BRETT VANDENHEUVEL
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2012