Headwaters Forest Water Quality Issues: Conflict Assessment and Independent Scientific Review, and Facilitated Watershed Working Group (2002-2003)

In 2002 and 2003, CONCUR carried out a series of assignments for the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) in support of resolving longstanding issues related to sediment impairment of water quality in five Humboldt County watersheds that are subject to logging by Pacific Lumber Company (PALCO).

CONCUR served as convenor and facilitator of an Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP). In its two phases of work, the Panel was tasked with examining the relationship between timber harvesting and sedimentation, identifying potential corrective measures, and evaluating the sufficiency of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) as a mechanism to achieve water quality objectives. Members of the ISRP included experts in the disciplines of hydrology, slope stability, silviculture, aquatic ecology, and environmental planning.

A detailed Terms of Reference document was prepared to clearly state the Panel’s assignment, and the process by which they were to prepare their report. Both reports reflect extensive review of existing information, followed by intensive deliberations among panelists. The ISRP issued its Phase I report in January of 2003 (download .PDF document here), and its Phase II report in August of 2003 (download .PDF document here). More information can be found on the Regional Board website.

The Panel’s August 2003 Phase II report was presented in a workshop format, with four panelists briefing Regional Board members, and responding to questions they posed about the Panel’s findings and recommendations. Panelists also responded to a series of questions posed in writing by interested parties.

The NCRWQCB staff then convened additional public workshops, and considered the Panel’s findings and recommendations in developing options for the next steps in the Regional Board’s policies toward managing sediment impairment in the five watersheds.

The ISRP built upon an earlier phase of work in which CONCUR prepared a Situation Assessment and organized a Convening Committee comprised of representatives of the major groups with a stake in the management of the five watersheds. CONCUR worked closely with a group of local stakeholders to frame questions and develop criteria for selecting the panel of experts.