The Observer, May 2005

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Council participates in Cordova meeting of water resources group

By LINDA ROBINSON
Community Liaison

John Devens, Tom Kuckertz and I participated in the Alaska Section of the American Water Resources Association annual meeting in Cordova, April 5-6. The meeting was co-sponsored by the Copper River Watershed Project. Kristin Smith, former council board member, is the project’s executive director.

Kuckertz gave a presentation on microbial degradation in the biological treatment tanks at the Valdez Marine Terminal’s Ballast Water Treatment Facility. Other presentations included information on watershed monitoring, various fish habitat assessment issues, and issues specific to the Copper River and Prince William Sound regions. The council also participated in the poster session, displaying posters recently created by staff.

Board members Patience Andersen Faulkner and Nancy Bird attended parts of the meeting. All of the presentations elicited questions and comments, and concern was expressed by one participant that if the pipeline was damaged where it crosses the Gakona, the Copper River Delta would “be toast.” There was general agreement with his statement.

The Association has a secondary and primary education grant program available to purchase watershed monitoring equipment and to award science fair prizes to students doing work on watershed monitoring. Some of the equipment awarded in the past has included water calendars, aquatic collection sets, water quality testing supplies and sensors, and weather instruments. If anyone is interested in more information please contact Linda Robinson at 907-273-6235 or robinson@pwsrcac.org.