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HIGHLIGHTS
- On August 15, EPA relaunched its Guidance Portal, a public database compiling guidance documents across its environmental programs.
- On August 19, the Army Corps of Engineers announced its first meeting of the Western Water Cooperative Committee, scheduled virtually for September 4.
- On August 13, EPA issued guidance outlining financial assurance requirements for Good Samaritan permits. The guidance details permit application components, cost estimation, financial mechanisms. The comment deadline is September 12.
- On July 30, USGS released a study assessing hydrologic budgets of six Black Hills aquifers from 1931–2022, finding modern withdrawals exceeded recharge in some areas. The report supports a proposed Missouri River pipeline project to supply water to 47 municipalities in western South Dakota.
- On August 15, Reclamation’s August 2025 24-Month Study projected a Mid-Elevation Release Tier for Lake Powell in 2026 and a Level 1 Shortage Condition for Lake Mead, triggering significant water use reductions. Additional measures, including cold water releases from Lake Powell, aim to address invasive species and protect endangered fish while minimizing hydropower impacts.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The WSWC Fall Meetings will be held in San Pedro, California, at the DoubleTree San Pedro Port of Los Angeles. A room block is being held through August 23. In-person attendees should register by September 5 at https://westernstateswater.org/events/2024-wswc-summer-204th-meetings-in-west-fargo-north-dakota/.
Schedule of Meetings
Tuesday, September 23
8:00 am Full Day Groundwater Workshop
Wednesday, September 24
8:00 am Full Day Field Trip
Thursday, September 25
8:00 am Strategic Directions Report and Wrap-Up
9:30 am WaDE – Members’ Discussion
10:30 am Special Topic: Water Data-State Priorities & Funding
12:00 pm Executive Committee (over lunch – invitation only)
1:30 pm Water Resources Committee Meeting
2:45 pm Water Quality Committee Meeting
4:00 pm Legal Committee Meeting
6:00 pm Reception
Friday, September 26
8:00 am WSWC Full Council (208th) Meeting