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PNWA at AAPA
PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu attended the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., this week. He joined PNWA members from the Ports of Portland, Longview, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Everett, Edmonds, Benton, Grays Harbor, Northwest Seaport Alliance and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to participate in AAPA’s targeted advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
The conference featured keynote addresses from Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chair Louis Sola, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy, and other industry and government leaders. Discussions focused on key issues such as the impacts of tariffs and trade policies, including the proposed USTR Section 301 fees. PNWA members worked alongside fellow AAPA representatives to advocate for critical policies and projects that will strengthen the maritime industry as a whole.
PNWA Quoted in Assoicated Press (AP)
Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams could put public safety at risk
Trump Administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn.
[…] But Neil Maunu, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, said it learned more than 150 Army Corps workers in Portland, Oregon, were told they would be terminated and they expect to lose about 600 more in the Pacific Northwest.
The firings include “district chiefs down to operators on vessels” and people critical to safe river navigation, he said.
Their last day is not known. The Corps was told to provide a plan to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management by March 14, Maunu said.
PNWA Staff Tours McNary Navigation Lock & Dam
Many thanks to the Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers including: District Commander, LTC Katie Werback; District District Engineer, Julie Balten; Navigation Business Line Manager, Kenny Koebberling, and many other Corps staff for providing an in-depth tour of McNary Dam on St. Patrick’s Day! Congressional staff from the offices of Senators Maria Cantwell (WA), Ron Wyden (OR), Jeff Merkley (OR), Mike Crapo (ID), and Jim Risch (ID) and from the offices of Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Cliff Bentz (OR-2) joined PNWA and representatives of Tidewater Terminals and Shaver Transportation for the tour. The tour included an inside look at the powerhouse and turbines, electrical control room, fish ladder, spillway, cranes, and the dewatered navigation lock.
The Corps provided an overview of their mission to “keep the lights on, the grain moving, the fish swimming, and the people safe.” Kenny Koebberling provided an overview of the powerhouse and improvements made to the turbines and other systems to make them more fish friendly and achieving 98% survival for the juvenile salmon. He also provided information regarding the systems and components that have been completed as well as the ongoing work to be done during the maintenance outage and future maintenance needs.
With the passage of the FY2025 funding on March 14, the routine maintenance can be completed, however some of the larger items remain outstanding. The Corps is working to develop the design plans and specifications for the gate replacement. That work must be completed soon in order to hit the 2030 window target for gate replacement.
Northwest River Partners Dam! Podcast
Fight for the System:
The Columbia-Snake river system, that is. Neil Maunu, Executive Director at the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, gives us the rundown on the integrated system of infrastructure that makes the Columbia and Snake rivers navigable. From locks and dams to dredging and jetties, it’s an all hands on deck operation that provides critical services well-beyond just the Northwest, and on this episode we cover it all.
At the end of February, the Trump Administration published an interim final rule in the Federal Register which removes from the Code of Federal Regulations the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations on Federal Agencies on how to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Public comments are due on March 27, 2025 and the interim rule will go into effect on April 11, 2025. Comments can be provided via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or faxed to 202-456-6546. Comments can also be mailed to Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), 730 Jackson Place NW, Washington, DC 20503.
While the agencies sort out the directives and work on revisions, it is anticipated there could be some delay in the NEPA review process. Van Ness Feldman provided an alert titled “The Future of NEPA Implementation Without CEQ Regulations.” The alert provides an overview of NEPA, the interim final rule, guidance, and potential implications to projects going forward. It also provides links to previous Trump and Biden Administration changes to NEPA implementation rules.
On March 4, the Supreme Court ruled on a case originating in San Francisco, California with implications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permitting. The Supreme Court ruled the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exceeded its legislative mandate under the Clean Water Act (CWA). As a result, the EPA may set effluent limitations that must be met under the NPDES permit, however the EPA does not have authority to include “end-result” provisions for receiving waters in NPDES permits. To read the court’s decision, click here.
Invasive mussel interception
WDFW’s aquatic invasive species watercraft inspectors intercepted mussel fouled vessel # 3 of this calendar in March which was a Lake Havasu sailboat destined for Idaho. Inspectors received no alert from other states. The vessel was decontaminated and released, with notification to the State of Idaho.
Read More . . . Invasive mussel interception demonstrates crucial need.
Mission to Washington
Mission to Washington
Thank You to our Sponsors!!
Taste The Northwest
Thank you to our Sponsors
Spirit Lake Outflow Safety Improvement
Seeking public input for a long-term Spirit Lake outflow solution
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest continues to conduct stakeholder engagement while working on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for a long-term Spirit Lake outflow solution. The lake has the potential to affect tens of thousands of people in the downstream communities within the Toutle, Cowlitz, and Columbia River systems. Safely managing the water level of Spirit Lake is paramount, as over 50,000 people live downstream of the tunnel outflow. Identifying a solution that maintains safe water levels of Spirit Lake while addressing the unique resources and values present in the Mount St. Helens area are all part of this unique project.
A third virtual public meeting is scheduled on March 26, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 pm. The meeting will cover relative risk and the multi-criteria decision-making analysis tool. Those interested in attending the Microsoft Teams Webinar can click the following link to register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3c05ccd1-cee8-44b7-9d78-749c5909ee6b@525c8de0-656c-4283-96a7-92569c4e867f
New Members
Port of Port Angeles
The Port of Port Angeles enjoys a unique location equidistant between the Pacific Ocean and the Puget Sound region. This makes the Port an advantageous place for marine trades and water-born commerce of all kinds. With three industrial terminals and a newly-developed Marine Trades Industrial Park, the Port is among the top ports in the Northwest for doing business.
Promotions
Tidewater Welcomes Chris Mack as Vice President of Marine Operations
Tidewater has appointed Chris Mack as Vice President of Marine Operations. With over 20 years of maritime experience, he holds a Bachelor's in Maritime Transportation from California Maritime Academy and a Master’s in Marine Transportation and Engineering Management from CSU Maritime Academy. Starting as an Able Seaman, he advanced to Captain in the Ocean Towing Fleet. At Foss Maritime, he held various shoreside roles, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing marine operations. Chris brings strong leadership and industry expertise to Tidewater.
Port of Grays Harbor names Alissa Shay Deputy Director
Alissa Shay, General Manager of Satsop Business Park, has been named Deputy Director of the Port of Grays Harbor. Since 2013, she has led operations and business development, attracting 15+ tenants, filling 350,000 SF of space, and creating 350+ jobs. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s in Planning and Environmental Policy, and a Port Professional Manager Certification. In her new role, Shay will oversee the Industrial Property and Marine Terminal Divisions, in addition to managing Satsop Business Park and Friends Landing.